What Do Seasoned Guitarists Practice in Their Daily Routine?

Being a professional guitarist involves a lot more than just honing instrumental skills. While dedication and regular practice are critical, the decision on what to focus on ultimately depends on your goals. Are you striving to become an excellent guitarist, or is global musicality more significant to you? Do you prioritize instrumental skills or composition? Understanding your motivations will guide your practice effectively. However, starting with essential elements such as chromatic scales, interval training, basic chords, and arpeggios is invaluable.

The Foundation of Great Guitar Playing

The foundation of great guitar playing starts with fundamental skills. Chromatic scales, interval training, and basic chords like major and minor shapes and arpeggios are crucial. Once you establish these basics, you can move on to more complex chords and phrases. Ear training is also vital. Developing the ability to play by ear enhances your proficiency and provides a significant competitive edge.

Additionally, I commit to spending at least 30 minutes a day with my guitar. This commitment is akin to daily exercise. Consistency is key, and dedicating even a half-hour to practice each day can lead to notable progress. Keep in mind that structured practice sessions are beneficial, but the duration is also important.

Proven Strategies for Guitar Practice

One of the most effective strategies I follow is to play something old and something new daily. I revisit old material to ensure it remains fresh in my repertoire while also engaging with new content. This dual approach helps maintain my skills and keeps my playing dynamic. Consistency is critical, and finding inspiration in what you play is essential to keeping your practice sessions engaging.

Tommy Emmanuel, a renowned guitarist, provided me with excellent advice: practice songs. This advice was not only about building a repertoire but also about applying all the individual techniques you learn in a cohesive manner. For instance, when learning a new song, you can explore different chord voicings used by the songwriter and experiment with them. This approach not only diversifies your skills but also deepens your understanding of music.

The Importance of Ear Training

Ear training is a critical component of becoming a great guitarist. It involves developing your ability to hear and reproduce melodies, chords, and rhythms accurately. By practicing your ability to play by ear, you can develop a more intuitive understanding of music, which greatly enhances your overall playing. Whether you're learning melodies by ear, transposing songs, or simply developing your aural skills, ear training is a lifelong pursuit that greatly benefits guitarists.

Conclusion

In the end, what seasoned guitarists practice in their daily routine varies greatly. The key is to establish a consistent practice schedule and focus on both technique and musicality. Whether it's learning new songs, troubleshooting your technique, or simply enjoying the process, the most important aspect is to keep playing. Guitar playing should be a journey of continuous improvement and enjoyment.