Develop a Guitar Practice Schedule

By: Kathy Unruh

Now is as good a time as any to develop a Guitar Practice
Schedule. Let's face it, if we want to be better guitar players,
then we need to play! Notice that the key word here is play, not
work. But, if you're anything like me, then you know how easy it
is to let other demands on your time get in the way of
practicing your guitar. Time management is always a challenge,
but I find it helps when I write things down and can visualize
my priorities.

Today I would like to help you develop a practice schedule so
you'll be able to reach some of your goals as a guitar
player.Every guitarist's practice schedule will differ due to
personal lifestyle, job & home demands, hobbies, social life,
etc. Being a beginner, intermediate or advanced guitar player
will also effect how and what you practice.

As a beginner, your main goal is to develop the calluses,
strength and coordination skills needed to play the guitar.
Practicing 15-20 minutes a day should be enough time to
accomplish this. Once you gain some proficiency on the guitar
you can adjust your practice schedule according to your
particular needs and desires.

It's a good idea to set aside a specific time each day when you
will be able to focus on playing your guitar. Mark down this
time on a calendar and keep it some place where you can see it
as a reminder of your committment. Tell your family about it
too. Let them know that their support is important and will help
you reach your goals.

Next, take a sheet of paper and create a basic outline of what
you will need to work on each day. Make sure you incorporate
chords, various guitar techniques, plus tab and/or note reading
skills into your practice schedule, as these are the common
areas that every guitarist can use to develop their skills.

Here is an example of what your Guitar Practice Schedule might
look like:

MONDAY

• Reading Music - Use standard notation &/or
  tablature to learn a song, or play a single line melody.
  
  
• Goal : To improve sight reading skills in order to learn
  new songs and guitar techniques.

TUESDAY

• Chords - Practice strumming various chords
  progressions and songs in different keys.
  
  
• Goal: To change easily & smoothly between chords. Long term
  goal being to learn the fundamental chords for all 12 keys.
  

WEDNESDAY

• Performing - Memorize a song you have learned.
  Play it in front of someone, or record yourself.
  
  
• Goal: To gain confidence and get feedback in order to
  improve guitar playing abilities.

THURSDAY

• Theory & Technique - study scales &/or chord
  structure. Incorporate slides, hammers, pull-offs, arpeggios,
  finger-picking and other techniques.
  
  
• Goal: To increase understanding of music and improve finger
  dexterity on the guitar.

FRIDAY

• Fretboard - Memorize &/or review the notes on
  the fretboard.
  
  
• Goal: To improve fretboard awareness in order to facilitate
  a broader range of playing options.

SATURDAY

• Review - Take time to go over any trouble spots.
  Concentrate on one specific area. Write down any thoughts or
  steps needed to improve performance &/or understanding.
  
  
• Goal: To play the guitar in such a way that it produces
  music with a clean, clear, quality sound.

SUNDAY

• Free Time - Take time off or experiment. Play
  around with different sounds using your ear. Make up a chord,
  song or melody line. Create a repertoire so you can play the
  pieces you enjoy. Have some fun.
  
  
• Goal: To become a creative guitarist and
  musician.

About the author:
Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of href="http://www.abclearnguitar.com/free-guitar-lesson.html"targe
t="_blank">ABC Learn Guitar. She has been writing
songs and providing guitar lessons to students of all ages for
over 25 years.

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