In this article I will cover one particular practice point out of many that will help you immensely as a new musician. There are many things to learn as a new musician – especially about practicing – and practicing is a major key component of it all. Optimizing your practicing is one of the greatest force multipliers in your journey to become a great musician, so practicing how to practice is a skill just like learning to play guitar, piano, or any other instrument.
Today we will discuss the importance of repetition and proper practice which is crucially important to your progress as a musician.
Who do you think would progress further and faster in this scenario:
A) Someone who practices something a few times while engaged in another activity like thinking about dinner, talking on the phone, listening to music (!), or
B) Someone who practices an item over and over again while consistently focusing on making each repetition better than the last
My money is on person B.
“Practice makes permanent… Perfect practice makes perfect” is a great one-liner that perfectly outlines how to approach practicing in music. When you are practicing anything related to music it is important to get in as many repetitions as you can without cramming things together which would ruin the exercise.
To put it succinctly, “Optimize your repetitions while focusing on improving each and every rep.”
The first part of this tip essentially states that in order to progress really fast in music, you must maximize the amount of times you go through a particular exercise. This means to not dawdle, doodle, or noodle when you are practicing and instead focus on the task at hand.
If you are practicing a song or a particular part of it to get it down make sure that once you have finished the exercise you take 2-5 seconds of a break to reset your mind and then dive right back into practicing.
The second part of this tip involves focus; making sure you are focusing on what you are practicing and not just aimlessly letting your fingers move around on a piece of wood. Focus on memorizing that one bar you keep forgetting about. Focus on using your third finger instead of just your first finger for that jump up the neck for a smoother transition. Focus on relaxing. Focus on that one chord change that is bothering you and make sure all of your fingers are going where they need to be. Focus on your posture. Focus on playing it right 9 times out of 10. Whatever you are practicing to get better at, make sure you are focusing on it and not just letting your mind wander on what you’re going to eat later or what the cashier at the store said to you.
When you’re focusing on what you’re trying to improve AND you’re making sure you get in as many repetitions as possible you will make much more progress than you ever imagined.
About The Author:
Bryce Gorman is a professional guitar teacher and musician living in Lethbridge Alberta with a passion for helping his students learn to play guitar they way they want to. If you are looking for lead guitar lessons In Lethbridge then get in touch with Bryce right away!