Every guitar player can improve. Even those who play professionally for a living must practice regularly to improve their existing skills and master new ones. What key practices will allow anyone to take their guitar playing to the next level?
Consistent Practice
You must be consistent when practicing if you play electric guitar or an acoustic model. A player needs to put it on the schedule to ensure practice doesn’t get overlooked. Practice sessions don’t need to be long. Fifteen or 20 minutes will suffice; each session should be devoted to a specific technique or piece.
Music Theory
Guitar players who understand music theory will improve their playing. Studying theory helps them learn how chords, scales, and arpeggios work together to create beautiful sounds. Start with basic concepts before moving to more advanced ones.
Try Different Genres
A person might focus on one genre and miss out on fantastic music. Experiment with different styles to find your sound. Branching out makes it easier to see how the different parts of music work together.
Play By Ear
Every musician should learn to play by ear. Begin by listening to music and trying to identify different parts. Next, try playing the parts on the guitar to see if you are right.
Technique
Technique is important when playing a guitar. Using the proper hand positions and build speed and precision. Try different techniques to alter the sound of notes.
Dynamics
Altering the volume and tone of a piece adds emotion. Try different techniques to get the right dynamics. Listen closely and keep trying until the technique produces the desired emotion.
Tuning
Many guitar players stick with standard tuning. Explore new ones to see how they change the music. Open tunings, for example, are ideal for fingerstyle playing.
Improvise
Create music rather than play it. Add personal touches to an existing song or experiment with chord progressions. Doing so will make the music your own.
Study Other Guitar Players
Pay attention to other guitar players. Listen to music or visit local bands. Studying their techniques and styles can make you a better player when you incorporate their ideas and techniques into your playing.
Train the Ear
Sing while playing to train the ear. Listen to different music styles and try playing them. Pay attention to when the music speeds up and slows or builds in volume before calming.
Find a Mentor
Find an experienced guitar player to learn from. Collaboration is great for building skills. Your mentor will guide you in playing and keep you inspired to practice.
Learn About Guitars
Many people purchase a guitar without exploring the many options. You may enjoy playing a friend’s guitar, so you buy the same model. Before doing so, see what else is on the market and the benefits of each type. You may find another style that suits you better.
Jam With Others
New guitar players may be hesitant to make music with others. They often feel their skill level can’t match that of other players. Jam with others as frequently as possible to improve your existing skills and learn new ones while having fun.
The most important thing to remember is to play the guitar as often as possible. Practice does make perfect, and it will lead to muscle memory. Once one skill is mastered, the focus can turn to learning the next. Before you know it, you’ll be a skilled player, and others will ask you for help.
