Top 10 Motivation Tricks for Guitar Practice
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Introduction
Guitar playing is a truly remarkable and enriching pursuit, whether it's pursued as a delightful hobby or as a promising career avenue. The allure of the guitar lies in its ability to produce a vast range of sounds, from the gentle strumming of an acoustic ballad to the electrifying riffs of a hard - rock anthem. However, as with any art form or skill, regular and dedicated practice is the cornerstone of improvement. And yet, maintaining the motivation to practice consistently can often feel like an uphill battle.
For beginners embarking on their guitar - playing odyssey, the initial excitement might be high, but as the initial novelty wears off and the challenges of learning chords, scales, and techniques mount, motivation can wane. Intermediate players, too, are not immune. They may find themselves stuck at a plateau, unable to break through to the next level of proficiency. In such situations, having effective motivation tricks becomes not just beneficial but essential. These top 10 motivation tricks are like a toolkit, designed to help guitarists of all levels stay inspired and on the right path in their guitar practice.
Trick 1: Set Clear Goals
Goals are like the guiding stars in the vast sky of guitar practice. They provide a distinct sense of purpose and direction. Consider the example of a guitarist who wishes to learn a specific song within a week. This seemingly simple goal has a profound impact on the practice sessions. It acts as a focal point, channeling the guitarist's efforts in a particular direction.
In the world of rock music, take the iconic "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple. Its riff is instantly recognizable and has been a favorite among guitarists for decades. If a guitarist sets a goal to master this riff, it can be broken down into smaller, more manageable sub - goals. For instance, first learning the intro riff, which is characterized by its distinct pattern of notes. This might involve hours of focused practice, getting the timing and fingering just right.
Then, moving on to the chord progression. The chords in the song need to be played with the right rhythm and transition smoothly from one to another. This requires an understanding of chord theory and the ability to switch between chords quickly. Finally, tackling the solo, which demands a higher level of technical skill and an understanding of scales and melodic patterns.
By writing these goals down in a notebook or using a goal - setting app on a smartphone, the guitarist can visually track their progress. It's like creating a roadmap of their guitar - learning journey. Each time a sub - goal is achieved, there's a tangible sense of accomplishment. This feeling of achievement not only boosts motivation but also encourages the guitarist to set new and more challenging goals.
According to Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University, individuals who write down their goals are significantly more likely to achieve them. In a study she conducted, participants who wrote down their goals, action commitments, and shared this information with a friend were on average 33% more successful in achieving their goals than those who merely formulated goals in their heads. This shows the power of having clear, written - down goals in the context of guitar practice as well.
Trick 2: Join a Community
The guitar - playing community is a vast and diverse ecosystem, both in the digital realm and in the physical world. Online platforms have revolutionized the way guitarists connect with one another. Reddit's r/guitar, for example, is a bustling hub where guitar enthusiasts from all corners of the globe gather. It's a place where novices can ask basic questions like "How do I hold a pick properly?" and receive a plethora of helpful responses from experienced players.
Dedicated guitar forums are another great option. These forums often have sections dedicated to different aspects of guitar playing, such as technique, gear reviews, and music theory. Here, guitarists can share their own experiences, which can be both cathartic and inspiring. For instance, a guitarist might share how they overcame stage fright by practicing in front of a small group of friends first.
Offline, local guitar clubs and meet - up groups offer a more personal and hands - on experience. There's a story of a young guitarist named Jake who was feeling a bit isolated in his practice. He joined a local guitar club and was amazed at the wealth of knowledge and camaraderie he found there. One member, an older gentleman named Tom, had been playing for decades and shared some unique fingerpicking techniques that Jake had never seen before.
Playing with others in these communities not only adds an element of fun to practice but also broadens one's musical horizons. In a jam session, different players bring their own styles and interpretations. A blues guitarist might be inspired by the way a jazz guitarist approaches chord voicings, and vice versa. This cross - pollination of ideas and techniques can invigorate one's own practice routine and keep motivation high.
Trick 3: Record Yourself
Recording oneself while playing the guitar can be a nerve - wracking experience at first. However, it's an incredibly powerful tool for self - assessment and motivation. When we play, we often have an internal perception of how we sound. But when we record and listen back, it's like seeing ourselves in a mirror for the first time.
Let's consider a practical example. Suppose a guitarist records themselves playing a simple melody on a Monday. At that time, they might be aware of some minor flaws but overall feel satisfied with their performance. Then, a month later, after consistent practice, they record the same melody again. The difference can be astonishing.
The areas that needed improvement, such as a slightly off - key note or a hesitation in the rhythm, might have been completely rectified. This not only shows the progress made but also highlights the areas that still need work. It's like having a personal coach right at your fingertips.
In the professional music world, many musicians use recording as a way to track their growth. Take the case of John Mayer. He has often talked about how he records his practice sessions and songwriting ideas. By listening back, he can analyze his playing, from the nuances of his bends to the flow of his chord progressions. This kind of self - analysis has been crucial in his development as a world - renowned guitarist.
Using a smartphone to record audio or video is a convenient and accessible option for most guitarists. For those who want a more professional setup, there are advanced recording equipment and software available. For example, audio interfaces like the Focusrite Scarlett series can capture high - quality audio, while software like Logic Pro X or Ableton Live offers a wide range of tools for editing and analyzing recordings.
Trick 4: Vary Your Practice Routine
The human mind craves variety, and the same holds true for guitar practice. When we do the same thing day in and day out, it's like eating the same meal every day – it quickly becomes dull and unappetizing. By varying the practice routine, we keep our minds engaged and our fingers excited.
Scales and arpeggios are the building blocks of guitar playing. Spending a day focusing solely on them can help improve finger dexterity and familiarize oneself with different keys. For example, practicing the major scale in different positions across the fretboard can enhance one's understanding of the guitar's layout and improve overall technique.
On another day, shifting the focus to chord progressions and songwriting can be equally rewarding. Learning how to create interesting chord progressions can add depth and emotion to one's playing. A guitarist might start with simple progressions like the I - IV - V in the key of C and then experiment with more complex ones, such as adding secondary dominants or using modal interchange.
Playing techniques also offer a rich area for variety. Fingerpicking and strumming are two fundamental techniques. If a guitarist usually plays with a pick, trying a fingerpicking - only session can open up a whole new world of sounds. Fingerpicking allows for more nuanced control of individual strings, creating a softer and more intimate sound.
Conversely, if one mainly plays acoustic guitar, picking up an electric guitar can be a refreshing change. The electric guitar offers different tonal possibilities, from the warm, clean tones of a tube amplifier to the distorted, high - gain sounds of a heavy - metal genre. This variety not only keeps practice interesting but also helps in developing a well - rounded guitar - playing skill set.
Trick 5: Reward Yourself
The concept of rewards in the context of guitar practice is based on the principles of positive reinforcement. When we set up a system of rewards for achieving our practice goals, we create an incentive structure that encourages us to stay on track.
For example, if a guitarist sets a goal of practicing for a certain number of hours in a week, say 10 hours, and they reach that goal, they can treat themselves to something guitar - related. A new set of strings can make a world of difference in the sound of a guitar. High - quality strings can enhance the tone, improve sustain, and make playing more enjoyable.
Guitar pedals are another popular reward choice. A distortion pedal can add a gritty, rock - and - roll edge to the clean sound of an electric guitar. A delay pedal can create ambient, echo - like effects, adding a sense of space and depth to the music.
If a guitarist isn't into gear, there are other options. A music - related book, such as a biography of a famous guitarist or a book on music theory, can be both educational and inspiring. Or, a concert ticket to see a favorite artist live can be a great motivator. The experience of seeing a professional guitarist perform on stage can reignite the passion for playing and provide new ideas and inspiration.
In a study on motivation in learning, it was found that rewards can significantly increase the likelihood of individuals persisting in a task. When the reward is something that is highly desired and directly related to the activity, like guitar - related rewards for guitar practice, the motivation - enhancing effect is even stronger.
Trick 6: Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful psychological tool that has been used by athletes, artists, and performers alike. In the context of guitar playing, taking a few minutes each day to close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself playing like a pro can have a profound impact on motivation.
Imagine yourself on a grand stage, with bright lights shining down and an enthusiastic audience cheering. You're in the middle of nailing a difficult solo, your fingers gliding effortlessly across the fretboard, and the notes ringing out with perfect clarity. This mental image can boost your confidence and create a positive self - image as a skilled guitarist.
The story of Jimi Hendrix is a testament to the power of visualization, in a way. Hendrix was known for his wild and innovative guitar playing. He had a vision of creating a new kind of music with the guitar, and he was able to bring that vision to life through his playing. While we may not all be Hendrix - level guitarists, we can still use visualization to see ourselves achieving our own guitar - playing goals.
Creating a vision board is another practical way to visualize success. Cut out pictures of your guitar heroes, like Eddie Van Halen with his iconic red - and - white striped guitar. Include pictures of concert stages, like the massive arenas where rock bands perform. And don't forget to add a picture of the type of guitar you aspire to own, whether it's a vintage Gibson Les Paul or a custom - made acoustic. Place this vision board where you can see it during your practice sessions. Every time you look at it, it will remind you of your goals and keep that vision of success alive in your mind.
Trick 7: Listen to Inspiring Music
Immersing oneself in great guitar music is like filling a well of inspiration. Different guitarists from various genres offer a wealth of musical ideas and playing styles that can inspire us to reach for new heights in our own playing.
In the blues genre, B.B. King is a legend. His smooth and soulful playing, with his signature vibrato, has influenced generations of guitarists. Stevie Ray Vaughan brought a new level of energy and technical proficiency to the blues, with his blistering solos and unique use of tone controls. Eric Clapton, often referred to as "Slowhand," has a diverse body of work that spans from blues - rock to pure blues, with his melodic and tasteful playing.
In the metal genre, Metallica's Kirk Hammett is known for his fast - paced and aggressive solos. His use of alternate picking and his ability to create complex and memorable riffs has made him a guitar hero for many metal fans. Iron Maiden's Dave Murray has a distinctively melodic style of playing, with his long, flowing solos that are an integral part of Iron Maiden's epic sound.
Listening to these great guitarists can have a direct impact on our own practice. For example, a guitarist who is struggling with creating interesting solos might listen to the way Stevie Ray Vaughan builds tension and releases it in his solos. They can then try to incorporate similar techniques into their own playing.
By creating playlists on music apps like Spotify or Apple Music, guitarists can have a curated collection of inspiring music at their fingertips. They can listen to these playlists while commuting, during breaks in their practice sessions, or even while doing other tasks. This constant exposure to great guitar music keeps the inspiration flowing and can motivate the guitarist to strive for similar levels of skill.
Trick 8: Track Your Progress
Keeping a practice journal is like writing a story of your guitar - learning journey. It's a record of your efforts, your achievements, and the challenges you've faced along the way.
When you note down what you practiced, whether it was a new chord progression, a scale in a different key, or a song you were trying to learn, you create a historical record. You can also write down how long you practiced. This information can be eye - opening. For example, you might realize that you spent more time on a particular technique than you thought, or that you haven't been practicing certain aspects as much as you should.
The improvements and challenges you faced are also important to document. If you noticed that your fingerpicking speed increased after a week of focused practice, that's a great achievement to note. On the other hand, if you're having trouble with a particular chord transition, writing it down can help you come up with a plan to address it.
There are also apps available that can automate the process of tracking your practice time and progress. Some of these apps, like GuitarTuna or Fretello, offer analytics based on your data. For example, they might show you that you've been spending a disproportionate amount of time on scales compared to chord progressions. This can prompt you to adjust your practice routine accordingly.
In a study on self - regulated learning, it was found that students who tracked their progress were more likely to be successful in achieving their learning goals. The act of tracking provides a sense of self - awareness and allows for more informed decision - making in terms of practice strategies.
Trick 9: Take Lessons
Even for those who have been playing the guitar for a while, taking lessons from a professional guitarist can be a game - changer. A professional teacher brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
They can quickly identify areas where you need improvement. For example, if your picking technique is a bit sloppy, a teacher can offer specific exercises to correct it. They can also provide personalized feedback on your playing. If you played a song for them, they could point out areas where your rhythm was off or where you could add more emotion to your playing.
A teacher can introduce you to new techniques that you may not have known about. For instance, they might teach you a unique way of muting strings during a riff to create a more percussive sound. They can also introduce you to musical concepts like harmony, counterpoint, and modulation, which can add a new dimension to your playing.
There are many ways to find guitar teachers. In your local area, you can look for music schools or private instructors. There are also online platforms that offer guitar lessons. Skype lessons, for example, allow you to have one - on - one instruction with a teacher from anywhere in the world. Dedicated guitar lesson websites like TrueFire or JamPlay offer a wide range of courses taught by experienced instructors.
The story of a guitarist named Sarah is a good example. Sarah had been playing on her own for a few years but felt stuck. She decided to take online lessons from a well - known guitarist. Through these lessons, she learned new chord voicings and a more efficient fingerpicking technique. This new knowledge not only improved her playing but also reignited her passion for the guitar.
Trick 10: Share Your Music
Sharing your guitar playing with others can be a nerve - wracking yet extremely rewarding experience. In today's digital age, there are numerous platforms available for sharing music.
YouTube is a popular choice. You can create a channel and post videos of yourself playing. There are countless stories of guitarists who started by posting simple covers or original compositions on YouTube and gradually built a following. For example, a young guitarist named Justin Bieber (yes, he started as a guitarist before his singing career took off) used YouTube to share his music and gain initial exposure.
Sharing recordings on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter can also be a great way to get feedback. You can post a short clip of yourself playing a new riff or a song you wrote. The positive feedback and support you receive from your friends, family, and even strangers can be a huge motivation boost.
Playing for your friends and family in person is also a wonderful option. There's a certain intimacy in performing for those close to you. They may not be music experts, but their genuine appreciation and encouragement can mean a lot. For example, a guitarist named Tom played a song for his grandmother, who had always supported his musical pursuits. Her proud smile and kind words gave Tom the motivation to keep practicing and improving.
Even if you're not at an advanced level, there are always people who will enjoy your music. Sharing your music not only gives you a sense of validation but also creates a connection with others through the universal language of music.
Conclusion
Motivation is the lifeblood of guitar practice. Without it, the journey of learning and improving on the guitar can become stagnant. By implementing these top 10 motivation tricks, guitarists can keep their enthusiasm for the instrument alive and thriving.
Whether it's through the clarity of setting goals, the sense of community in joining a guitar group, the self - awareness gained from recording oneself, the novelty of varying the practice routine, the incentive of rewards, the power of visualization, the inspiration from listening to great music, the self - knowledge from tracking progress, the new perspectives from taking lessons, or the validation from sharing music, there are numerous paths to stay motivated.
Each small step in guitar practice is a building block towards becoming the guitarist one aspires to be. It's a continuous journey of growth and discovery, and with the right motivation, the possibilities are endless.
