Lesson 4 :
Have A Game Plan 🎸
Ever went on a road trip without a map or GPS?
Yeah, its possible. You might get to your destination eventually, however you should expect getting lost maybe 50 times and end up couple times in Afganistan. 😅
Is the same with your guitar practice. We need a map, a GPS.
Planning your practice sessions isn't just about sticking to a schedule—it's about making your guitar journey direct, enjoyable, and efficient so focus on setting clear goals and manage your practice time smartly to turn each session into a step forward on your guitar goals.
Hey, no all planning have to feel like this 🙂
Step by Step For Setting Practice Goals (and not end up like the kittens above)
1) Identify the Skills to Improve:
Kick off each practice by focusing on specific skills you want to polish. Maybe today it’s about smooth chord transitions or clearing the sound of that new chord you just learned . Choose your target clearly to make your practice count.
2) Set Specific Objectives:
Transform your broad goals into tangible, measurable targets. Instead of just aiming to get better at chord transitions, decide to "nail the G to C chord transition 10 times flawlessly." This precision not only sets a clear benchmark but also taps into the brain’s goal-setting mechanisms, ramping up your learning efficiency.
3) Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Goals:
See your daily practice as building blocks. Today's goal might be mastering a particular part of a song, and the bigger long term goal could be to perform it flawlessly at an upcoming gig. Align your daily objectives with your long-term musical aspirations, building your skills progressively and purposefully.
4) Break Down Skills To Deconstruct Complexity
A common mistake of many players is that when they find something difficult they try the whole thing and repeat it over and over when instead, when a song, technique or pattern feels overwhelming, you gotta break it down. If a solo is giving you trouble, tackle it measure by measure, or even note by note.
This approach not only simplifies complex tasks but is also supported by insights on neuroscience—that focused, short bursts of practice enhance skill acquisition much more effectively than prolonged, unfocused sessions.
Practical Example :
Let's say that you are trying to learn a new complex strumming pattern of a song at 100 bpm and cant seem to get it.
Step 1)
Before adding chords, isolate the strumming hand by muting the chords so you can focus on only the rhtym.
Step 2)
Can you play the whole pattern at a slower velocity consistently and cleanly? If yes, then work your way up by 7-10 bpm until you nail the speed and then add the chords one by one until you get it. If not, then :
Step 3)
Break down the pattern and learn half of it at a slower tempo. Then once you can play it, learn the other half. Once you learn the whole pattern, play it at a slower tempo flawlessly and work your way up to the tempo of the song. Once you get it, unmute the left hand and add the chords. First add one chord, then another until you get the chord progression smoothly with the strumming pattern.
Helpful Tips for time Management in Your Practice Sessions
1) “Master” Your Minutes:
Adopt "density training" from neuroscience into your practice habits. Rather than strumming aimlessly for hours, structure your practice into focused 25-minute blocks followed by a 5-minute break. This method, inspired by the Pomodoro Technique, helps keep your brain fresh and focused, maximizing both learning and retention.
https://pomofocus.io/
2) Use a Timer:
Employ tools like Toggl Track to manage your practice segments strictly. Monitoring your time helps ensure that each minute is used effectively, preventing burnout and promoting consistent progress.
https://toggl.com/
With A Game Plan, this can be you soon 🙂
Step by Step To Create an Effective Practice Schedule
1) Determine Your Practice Length:
Adjust your daily practice duration according to your skill level. Beginners might start with 20-30 minutes, while more advanced players may need longer sessions to tackle complex techniques. Remember that consistency is key! It's better to practice 10-20 minutes everyday than 1 hour in a day - once a week. You will absorb what you practice better, and more importantly you will develop over time the Identity of a guitar player.
2) Divide and Conquer:
Segment your practice time into focused blocks. You could spend 15 minutes on scales, another 15 on chord transitions, and the rest on a new song you're learning or just playing along with your favorite song to end the session with something fun! This approach keeps your practice varied and engaging, helping you maintain focus and motivation.
3) Schedule Breaks:
Incorporate short breaks into your sessions to rest your fingers and mind. These pauses aren't just downtime—they're vital for letting your brain process and retain what you've learned, cementing your new skills. We will go deeper into this in the next module “During practice” .
4) Daily Goals and Reflections:
Set specific, attainable goals for each session segment. At the end of the week, reflect on what you've achieved and what still needs work. This continuous evaluation and adjustment keep your practice sessions aligned with your overall musical goals.
By taking in consideration and applying these structured, scientifically-backed strategies into your practice, you transform aimless strumming into a purposeful, efficient pathway to get better at playing.
Let's go! 🎸