There is no short cut to becoming a good player. Being constant in your practice is perhaps the main secret. This reminds me of Aesop’s fable about the Tortoise and the Hare. Some talented young players did not reach their potential as guitarists because they were getting by on talent and didn’t put in the daily work. Others have surprised us and reached much farther than we would have expected because they have put in the continued work.
So the only short cut is to practice every day, be constant. With tenacity and perseverance you will be able to make beautiful music on the guitar.
– From David Russell’s Tips for Guitarists
Great find. “…be constant.” – I need to do that: be constant. Thanks for finding and sharing. Articles like this, is what keeps me focused on my lessons and reminds me that I need to continue my guitar studies.
I agree, its the ‘constant’ part of this statement which i struggle with so much. Sometimes its me, sometimes its work commitments but there always seems to be something stopping me practice.
Something needs to be done about this i feel.
Great post however, very apt!
Sounds like you did some more thinking about our discussion on certain books!
Good find, I enjoy David Russell’s tips. Douglas neight also releases a monthly technique tip.
It’s like when people ask me how to get better at reading notation. Simple: do it more. Careful thinking about the what you’re doing combined with conscious, thoughtful repetition is the path the mastery.
Great teachers can help in this regard, though. They’ve been there and can give you shortcuts around mistakes they’ve made. That’s about the only shortcut I can think of. Also for me, weekly lessons keep me very much motivated to practice and play. Otherwise lessons are a waste of my and my teacher’s time.
-CD
Hey,
I agree that one needs to be consistent and practice everyday. In fact I think I face the same problem….but hey i thought I could share this website i came across its http://www.iperform3d.com.
they ave a pretty neat gaming sort of website for beginner as well as intermediate guitarists. I tried the 5 day trial and have now bought one of the packages..(its pretty affordable). So theres this 3d animated guy with whom one plays and learns and there are these instructors (3d animated) who would give feedback to the way am performing. Its pretty neat…one should definitely try it out. I think i feel motivated to practice everyday bcz of the interactive nature of this iperform thingy and also its fun to learn in a game like environment….