I think we all find ourselves in a position where our guitar skills are not progressing. We get this attitude as if we’ve “learned enough” or some people feel like they know it all. Then you watch someone else play that can just rip it up, and then you give yourself a smack on the head. “It’s time to start practicing again!”
Here’s a few tips you can use when you feel like you’re kind of stuck. Feel free to leave your own tips in a comment!
- Seek out new songs and learn them - Why play the same songs over and over? Start looking for some new music and artists that can inspire you. You can discover new licks and then turn them around. Don’t let those fingers get used to going to the same fretboard positions. Then all your solos will start sounding the same. Find new music!
- Find yourself a new tone - Lets face it, when we’re not happy with our guitar tone, we’re not that excited about picking it up and playing. Try finding a new guitar or amp. Or maybe treat yourself with some new effects pedals. This can encourage you to pick up your instrument more often. At least for a little while, then it’s time to buy something else. muhaha : )
- Jam with fellow musicians – This is important. If you continue to be a “bedroom player”, then that just means you’re missing out on learning from other musicians. Get together with some players and exchange licks and ideas.
- Record yourself – This is definitely something you can have a good time with. buy some cheap recording gear and start recording your ideas and playing them back. Get creative.
- PRACTICE – There’s chords out there that you do not know of. Learn them. Work on your speed and accuracy by doing exercises. I have a speed exercise coming up in a new post that you may want to check out.
That’s about all I got for now. What do you like to do when you feel like you’re slacking?
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