Why do we practice?

“Well, duh, to get better…”  

Which is very true, but, to get better at what?

In order to measure improvement we need markers or milestones to chart our progress.  Without them there’s a tendency to flounder about aimlessly, get sidetracked or fail to see any improvement and get frustrated with our playing.

An individual’s goals can vary wildly from person to person, from someone who wants to learn a few chords to strum the favourite songs to someone who wishes to be a session musician. Each is as valid as the other just as we each have unique desires and dreams in life.

Begin by identifying your ultimate overriding goal, which could be something like ‘Become a KICK ASS Rock player’ or ‘Nail that Guthrie Govan tune’. Then break that down into smaller sub goals like “Be able to improvise freely” or “Get the intro to the song down” etc. Then break these down into even smaller goals and so on.

This classic ‘Divide and Conquer’ approach will take any imposing, off-putting task and break it down into smaller manageable chunks that can be tackled in turn. Additionally as you tick each one off you will feel a sense of achievement which will inspire you to continue, ultimately reaching your overall milestone.

It can be tricky choosing your goals when just starting out on this journey, this is where a Teacher can help and direct you, but it makes sense to try and pick realistic goals. 

For example do I really need to learn some ‘Jazz’ chords if I’m aiming to be a Metal player? You may think ‘Yes, I do’ but then your goal may well then be ‘To become a well rounded player’ rather than being a top Metal player.

Of course as you achieve each goal a new goal will probably take its place, so maybe after feeling you have become an awesome Metal player you will want to look at some Jazz :)

Again though this comes back to everyone having their own unique goals, which will change over time.

So, in closing, before getting into any practice regime ensure that you have your goals clearly identified. That way your practice will have meaning and direction which will make you a much happier and accomplished player in the long term :)

It helps to try, if you can, to create a seperate space for practicing to help you to focus. This doesn’t have to be a studio or room but somewhere where you won’t get distracted and can really get into the mindset for practicing.

Ideally you also want to be away from the computer, I dunno about you but in this day and age having facebook, twitter, google+, eMail youtube etc. within reach is just too distracting ;)

If you need to use your computer then shut down any distracting apps/programs.

Wearing headphones can be another way to try and shut out any wordly distractions as well as shutting off that mobile. This is your quality practice time.

Recently I’ve got back into a regular practice regime and now move away from my desktop computer, using my iPad as a practice tool. As well as displaying any TAB, notes etc. I can also control iTunes from the iPad too, if I need to pop on any backing tracks etc.

I’ve found that this has helped me to concentrate more and digest the practice material better.

Ultimately we need a free physical space and a free mental space, this way we can get the best out of whatever practice time we can spare.