How to get better at guitar, faster

We have all heard it before. The only way to get better is to practice. Although this statement is true, it is not how much you practice but rather the quality of your practice. The quality factor of practicing is what makes an impact in your progress while learning the instrument. Unfocused noodling will not produce  results. This is not a form of practicing. True practice consists of a focused session that has a specific goal you want to achieve. It requires your full and undivided attention. Changing your practice regimen  can make a huge impact  on the results you get from your guitar practice time along with the goals you are working towards to achieve.

Have a Plan

The first step in getting your guitar playing to where you want it to be is by developing a plan and schedule.  They both must cover all the areas of improvement that you strive  to have. A Begin by writing  down  assigned time limits to the subject you are practicing and the length of time to spend on it. For example, if you have 30 minutes to practice today, spend 10 minutes on 3 different areas you want to improve; like rhythm, phrasing and legato. A schedule doesn't necessarily mean that you need to set up a specific time and stick to it. Life  can be hectic and our  schedules can change on a daily basis.. I am suggest that the next time you decide to  sit down to practice you have a plan in place of what you're going to achieve with your guitar in that time period.

Do not disturb

Having a proper environment to practice in is essential. Being able to totally focus without distractions is a major key in improving   your guitar playing. Set yourself up in a quiet room with your practice materials (sheet music, chord charts, scale patterns etc.) on hand to minimize looking for them during your practice time. Shut off your phone, put your pets in another room and asking others not to enter the room while practicing  all create an environment for you to achieve  faster results.

Find the time

Practice time can come from various places and points throughout your day. You don't always have to practice all in one time slot. You can practice 10 minutes in the, morning 10 minutes in the afternoon and 10 minutes in the evening. For some people it's easier to find 10 minute slots  throughout the day as opposed to one long practice session. As long as those few minutes are solely focused on your playing and in a proper environment you will have an effective practice  from those short sessions.

Shut your eyes

Shut your eyes and visualize how it feels when a technique is being executed correctly. It is sometimes easier to recreate a feeling than to try and remember the 5 actions you must take to properly play something that is new to you. When your eyes are shut, you are shutting down one of your senses of touch and your hearing will be magnified. Although this may sound unorthodox, use  it to your advantage.

Mirrors, Audio and Video

Practicing in front of a mirror will give you the ability to make observations  in real time of your hand positioning while learning a new technique. This is critical when learning something new or trying to expunge an old bad habit. Recording yourself with audio and video will provide you with  the opportunity to completely  focus on what you see or hear without the mental distraction of physically playing. Applying  these concepts alone can transform your playing to a whole new level.

As you can see, practicing the guitar is more than just jumping from various exercises  or passages with various distractions. . By setting up a secluded  practice environment and following your new plan  during your practice time will cause the areas you have been  struggling on to become easier and  plausible..  Next time you decide to practice, set aside  some time, properly set up your environment and enjoy the results you have been striving for. .

Mark Turko is the owner and head instructor at a guitar education school in Connecticut. Mark provides electric and acoustic guitar lessons in North Haven CT.