Why Do You Hate to Practice?

Finding out why you can't get yourself to practice more.

Let's say this right up front, there are times when everyone feels that way. Read that again! It can be anything from a bad mood, a discouraging session the last time, to just not feeling motivated. The first thing to do is stop and think about why you're feeling like you do. Is it the songs? Does it just seem too hard? Are you too busy?

The choice of songs can certainly make you not want to practice.

I'll have students who will work on a song for a few weeks before finally telling me they just don't like the song. If you don't tell me, I don't know. Most guitar teachers choose a particular song to teach you a technique or skill, but there are definitely more songs like that one. A beginning guitar student sometimes just bites the bullet and doesn't say anything. So, tell your teacher you don't like the song and in most cases you can learn a different one that teaches you the same skills or techniques.

Knowing that a song is too hard.

Not seeing any progress when you're putting in the time may mean that the song is just too hard for you right now. Again, tell your teacher how you feel and see if there's an alternative. He or she may suggest an easier piece or may be able to break it down into smaller parts. There are also times when you'll think a song is too hard but there's really some other reason.

Got too many things you need to get done?

We here it over and over again how a student didn't have time to practice. Yes, there are times when it's not possible, but more often it's because they didn't make time. Scheduling practice at a specific time each day will help you stay on track. Missing a practice day once in a while is fine, but just like doing exercise, the more often you miss the easier it becomes to make an excuse. We usually recommend that our students practice at least 5 days out of 7. Scheduling a day off can be as important as scheduling the days and times you practice.