Get Rid of Distractions

What's keeping you from focusing on your practice?

I've had students tell me they have the radio on in the background, they practice sitting on the bed with the music opened on the floor, on the couch with the music on the coffee table, geez Louise, how do you expect to get anywhere like that?  Let's look at some ways to improve your environment which in turn will improve your ability to focus.

The room itself.

For playing guitar you need: a quiet space, one free of tempting objects that will steal your attention. The practice room should have door you can close, a way to record yourself, a computer or mp3 player so you can listen to recordings of what you're learning, and most importantly a music stand.

Essential learning tools.

I've said it many times, but it still falls on deaf ears......practice with a metronome or drum machine. Music is made up of 3 elements, melody, harmony and RHYTHM.  I know it's hard, I know the metronome can be more annoying than fun, but it's going to take your playing to the next level. There isn't much worse than playing music with someone who can't count.

An electronic tuner is the second tool. You can buy a good, chromatic tuner for under $30, and it's money well spent. The last thing you want to do is get used to your guitar being out of tune. That's probably the second worse thing if you're playing with others.

Something to write with. Write down your goals, write down what you need to work on, write down how and what you've practiced. Mark places that need work, circle notes you keep playing wrong.

Picks, replacement strings, and a capo. Do you have pick handy? I have guitar students that are proud of themselves for having one pick. Go crazy, buy yourself a dozen the next time you're at a music store, they're cheap! Try different sizes, shapes and thicknesses. You just might be surprised at how different they can be. Do you have an extra set of strings? Guitar strings are also cheap. You can buy a set for $10-20, and it's a good idea to have some handy. Strings can break for any number of reasons including operator error, being too old, playing too hard, or sometimes just because they have a weak spot. A capo, the little device that goes across the strings and replaces the nut, is used by lots of guitarists in lots of different kinds of music. Listen to Hotel California or Here Comes the Sun to hear a couple of examples of guitars with capos on them.

Other handy items.

A computer can be used to find songs, record and play back  your practice sessions, and to do research. You can find lessons, videos, and much more, just be sure to use the computer for its intended purpose, not just to play games! One of the most valuable items we use in the Studio is software that can slow songs down. I use Riffmaster Pro, (affiliate link), which is easy to use and understand. The best feature is that you can create, slow down and save a loop. This enables you to go back and practice or try to figure out a section of a song.