Help!

[Helldogg]

Ok I need even more help! I need some advice on how to practice. I know it sounds really silly, but I have no idea how to make the most of my time.

I have tons of books, like the Guitar Grimiore, A college theory book which is layed out so you don't really need a teacher, A metronome etc...

But the problem is how to put it all together I'm willing to put in a lot of hours to working on it, but just getting it together is really killing it.

Any advice or schedules would be great.

I have been playing for a while and I do understand the difference between scales and modes, but I want to really open up to getting serious.

Around here their aren't many decent teachers so I figured since most of you know more than I do you might be of help.

Thank you all in advance..

[Helldogg]

I forgot to mention I would like to use book study and playing practice in the same schedule.

I was thinking about 2 to 3 hours a day.. I'm really serious!! http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Thanks!

[Helldogg]

Ooopps! To clarify, teachers here in my neck of the woods, are few and VERY FAR between.

So everyone I did not mean teachers here meaning this site..

Ok I'm a dope I'm going to quit while I'm still sort of ahead!! http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

[ghodaddyyo]

I usually dedicate one day to study scales with a metronome, and after I feel comfortable with all of the positions, I jam along to my drum machine, or a tape I've put together. I always keep a tape player in the same room I'm jamming, so that I can play it back for criticism.

I then dedicate another day to learning popular songs, so that I have a repertoir of songs to pull out when someone says "Hey do you know how to play _______ by _______?" I learn these by finding tablature (the fast way) or the old fashioned way, by ear.

I also dedicate days toward trying to write songs. This is my most difficult day, as I always become brain dead. I just stare blankly at my 4-track and mumble to my guitar, "create damn you!, create!" I am constantly scraping material after thinking it sounds so good one day, only to think it sucks the next.http://www.zentao.com/ubb/smilies/frown.gif

In between all of this I try to read theory books, or "how to read standard notation", watch guitar videos, learn to play classical or jazz chord melody standards, prep for my guitar lesson on Thursdays, or participate in one of my many other hobbies.

If you wonder how I have time for all of this, I don't. I stay up late, have an understanding family, and I do much of my practicing while half-heartedly watching TV.

However, if I find someone to jam with, I end up dropping everything. There's no better way to get better than jamming!

[StoneDragon]

Designing a practice routine begins with having clear goals. You have to have a very good idea of what you are trying to accomplish. Other than that, you'll just be wandering aimlessly.

Once you know your goals, then it's a matter of looking at what musical tools you will need to aquire in order to accomplish those goals.

Design your personal routine around drills and exercises that pinpoint your weaknesses in the areas of theory, technique (right and left hand) and application as dictated by your goals.

Then divide your practice time up into sections that concentrate on these three areas.... and don't forget to leave time at the beginning of your routine for a properly warming up your hands.

The problem that most people run into as far as practicing goes is they tend to concentrate on playing things they already know. Always look for things that you can't do well... concentrate on those things, rather than noodling. Constantly challenge yourself to move forward.

Another thing is application. All that technique and theory practice means absolutely nothing if you don't also learn how to apply it. You have to turn all those chords and scales into music.

One of the best ways to learn how to apply this stuff is to learn songs... but you have to break those songs down and ask the qestions, "What chords are they using? Why do these chords work well together? What scales are they using? Why do these scales work with these chords?"

Another good way to learn to apply the theory is to use it to compose your own music. Take every new scale you learn and see if you can make up a cool sounding riff using the notes of that scale. Do the same thing with the chords that you learn.

Use the technique that you develop to give life and personality to the music.

One of the things that I have always done is to make up riffs and chord progressions that I can't play. Then I work on developing the technique required to play it.