How often do you practice?

msteurbaut · April 7th, 2005, 12:10 PM

Sice I have a regular job, I don't have the time I would like to spend with my guitars.

I try to practice at least one hour a day.

I was wondering how much time the other members have disposable spend with their guitar.

Marc

tiktok · April 7th, 2005, 12:19 PM

I have two hours of structured practice with a metronome that I do each day (I also keep a guitar or two at work to practice during lunch in the parking garage stairwell), and then there's a couple of hours of material review or songwriting, or a gig, so I'm playing four or five hours a day. That's about all I can manage with a day job.

TJNY · April 7th, 2005, 12:22 PM

I have the same kinds situation. Firstly, I didn't pick up the guitar until I turned 36! With work and two young sons, it's hard to find the time on a daily basis. I do try to hit it every day but sometimes I just can't. I think I try more when I get to one of those physical/mental stumbling blocks where I feel I need to learn something new or re-apply the basics because I have become stale playing wise. At least I have finally recieved some comfort from friends who say I should & could play outside the basement so those baby steps are finally paying off a bit. Still, the road goes on forever! Never done..........

RevMike · April 7th, 2005, 12:30 PM

I try to get in a good hour. Usually after work, after the kids are in bed. I've tried the guitar at work thing, but it doesn't work for me. No place to go without being bothered. I'm not a professional musician, so an hour is not so bad. More would be great, but its all I can manage for now. Its hard to learn anything new though.

Essex Boy · April 7th, 2005, 12:31 PM

Holy **** man 4-5 hrs a day!! I'm lucky if I play a half hr a day!

tiktok · April 7th, 2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Essex Boy

Holy censored man 4-5 hrs a day!! I'm lucky if I play a half hr a day!

I bike 15 minutes to work and don't have a family, so that helps keep time available. Oh, and my yard doesn't look so great...

TheGoodTexan · April 7th, 2005, 12:41 PM

Have you ever heard of that study that was done a few years back, where they took 100 basketball players, let 50 of them practice free-throws for an hour every day for a set period of time, and instructed the other 50 to laydown, relax, and for an hour a day, concentrate on succesfully shooting free-throws.

Guess what? In the end, both groups improved their free throw percentage by the same amount.

What does that mean to me? I spend a lot of time thinking about and concentrating on music, and guitar techniques. I can work out new ideas in my head all day long, and only spend a few minutes on that idea in the evening when I actually pick up my guitar, and determine very quickly if it's going to work or not.

So even if you're not able to have the guitar in your hand as much as you'd like, for practice time, you can still practice your skill.

Essex Boy · April 7th, 2005, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiktok

Quote:

Originally Posted by Essex Boy

Holy censored man 4-5 hrs a day!! I'm lucky if I play a half hr a day!

I bike 15 minutes to work and don't have a family, so that helps keep time available. Oh, and my yard doesn't look so great...

fair enough. I have a 1 hr commute to work on the subway, my yard looks great (as it's my parents) and I live with my family.

stantheman · April 7th, 2005, 12:55 PM

I agree 100% with everything The Good Texan has said.
I'm ALWAYS playing with or without my instrument.

Dana · April 7th, 2005, 01:06 PM

I play about 1. 5 hours in the morning. Used to be 2 but the cat and other errands have moved in (eating breakfast)

Sometimes I jam with a friend at noon at work. He has an office so it's easy to do. I have a cube. I wish I could find a quiet private place at work to practice, but haven't been able to yet. Perhaps an empty conference room.

At night I usually put in another 1-2 hours, but by them I'm pretty tired, and end up usually just running my fingers up and down the neck.

Finding the time, and the brain energy, is tough.

RevMike · April 7th, 2005, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGoodTexan

What does that mean to me? I spend a lot of time thinking about and concentrating on music, and guitar techniques. I can work out new ideas in my head all day long, and only spend a few minutes on that idea in the evening when I actually pick up my guitar, and determine very quickly if it's going to work or not.

I do this too.

lenny · April 7th, 2005, 01:18 PM

i don't really "practice " in a focus'ed way a lot lately. when i do , it is technical stuff, mainly learning to use a thumbpick and hybrid picking, for 15 minutes here, half hour there. i play for an hour or two a day, usually playing/learning new tunes. i just play whatever is fun.
in the past, i have gone through a phase where i spent 2 hrs of focus'ed practicing, and other time playing with other people frequently, for a few years. it was while i was in college (music college). i knew guys who practiced a lot more than me there, as well as less i guess too.

maestrovert · April 7th, 2005, 01:31 PM

a very wise older musician told me when i was 13..."Son, don't "practice" playin'..... PLAY !! yes, you need to know your fingerboard and scales and whatnot, but in the end, you try to forget 'em and PLAY from your heart...."
the BEST thing 'bout being a musician ? when i'm playin' i'm workin' and when i'm workin', i'm playin' !
and YES i do STILL practice daily....amount varies according to my schedule, and YES thinking about playing and VISUALISING my hands on the strings absolutely helps !

msteurbaut · April 7th, 2005, 02:00 PM

"Son, don't "practice" playin'..... PLAY !!

Nice!

VISUALISING my hands on the strings absolutely helps

That's a good idea: using visualisation to practice mentally.

Marc

J-man · April 7th, 2005, 02:09 PM

I've never practiced in my life, I just jam when I feel like it...

Dana · April 7th, 2005, 02:14 PM

While I can understand the 'just play' suggestion, I do feel it's important to practice and have a basic understanding of music. It's sort of like telling a kid "Son, don't go to school, just go out and live life and you'll learn all you need to know."

Just my opinion. YMMV. Blah blah.

ye olde fretmonkey · April 7th, 2005, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dana

Finding the time, and the brain energy, is tough.

I hate that.

Picking the thing up and you're so brain dead all you can do is fumble with it.

I try to get in 30 min-hr a day, which isn't really enough, but I gig pretty regularly too.

My biggest problem is trying to work in new techniques, passing chords, etc etc in a live setting, instead of just 'coasting' on the stuff I already know.

TheGoodTexan · April 7th, 2005, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maestrovert

"Son, don't "practice" playin'..... PLAY !!..."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homer Simpson

I'm tired of being a wanna-be bowler. I wanna be a bowler!

noodle_world · April 7th, 2005, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJNY

I have the same kinds situation. Firstly, I didn't pick up the guitar until I turned 36! With work and two young sons, it's hard to find the time on a daily basis. I do try to hit it every day but sometimes I just can't. I think I try more when I get to one of those physical/mental stumbling blocks where I feel I need to learn something new or re-apply the basics because I have become stale playing wise. At least I have finally recieved some comfort from friends who say I should & could play outside the basement so those baby steps are finally paying off a bit. Still, the road goes on forever! Never done..........

no worries, wes montegomery started as late as you and he had 9 mouths to feed. rock on.

TG · April 7th, 2005, 03:28 PM

If you define practice as consciously going over licks, runs, scales, chords, etc... then probably about half an hour a day.
But if you include mindless noodling and just 'playing' then it's anything from an hour to 4 hours (it depends on the weather and what's on TV).

I often have a guitar on my lap as I sit in front of the computer. I do now, in fact. I noodle as I read.

Fatmanstratman · April 7th, 2005, 04:29 PM

I've always been told that if you want to improve, you need to practice at least one hour every day. But you need some structured practice, otherwise you just play the same old licks that you are 'comfortable' with.

However, ANY time spent strumming on your guitar is good time, as TG rightly says. That improves your 'feel'. Playing along to a CD is good for time keeping, jamming with a friend(s) is even better.

My good friend Smokin' Al is at the wrong end of his 50s, but he still practices at least 1 hour daily - he's been playing pro on and off all his life, and he knows the business inside out, but he still insists that practice is essential. If he's got a gig coming up, he rehearses until he can play his set in his sleep.

I just wish I had the time....

Bandit · April 7th, 2005, 06:36 PM

Wow, I'd love to find 2 musicians that want to practise 4-5 hrs a day. I think there's a difference between practising and learning songs. You PRACTISE THEORY and PLAY SONGS.

4-5hrs of practise?
Scales: diatonic, pentatonic, minor

Chord forms scales: arpeggios, thirds, fifths, sixths

Songs: steel licks, intros, breaks

I practice for 2 or more hours a day. I am constantly reading the net and thinking about my fret board theory. Playing at work, now that's a brilliant idea.

msteurbaut · April 7th, 2005, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fatmanstratman

I've always been told that if you want to improve, you need to practice at least one hour every day. But you need some structured practice, otherwise you just play the same old licks that you are 'comfortable' with.

I agree. I'm basically an acoustic (fingerstyle) player. Since a few months I'm also playing electric with a pick.

I do it very structured, I even write down what I practiced, and I don't rush it. And I'm amazed about my daily progress. It's as if the mind digest at night what the fingers have learned during the practice session. And I set myself a weekly goal.

Marc

chipl · April 7th, 2005, 08:08 PM

Between electrics and acoustics, I average about an hour a day. Some days I'm busy doing other stuff--like now I'm pumping out the great April 2 Northeastern flood outta my basement.

But I try to practice at least 45 minutes a day, but once I get going, it's tough to stop. More than a few occasions, I'll actually get lost in my playing and end up playing for a couple of hours, just mixing up scales and songs and such. Then again I no longer have domestic/famly responsibilities...and I have a lotta guitars and a lotta amps, and a lot of lessons to learn so what can a poor boy do, 'cept to keep practicing and playing.

My project this week is mastering the chords to Deacon Blues by Steely Dan. I always find that a song is one of the best vehicles for practice between chord changes and lead lines. The more I practice the better I sound...I think.

kingalingus · April 7th, 2005, 08:55 PM

<

April 7th, 2005, 12:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
msteurbaut Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 608	How often do you practice? Sice I have a regular job, I don't have the time I would like to spend with my guitars. I try to practice at least one hour a day. I was wondering how much time the other members have disposable spend with their guitar. Marc

April 7th, 2005, 12:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
tiktok Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 3,953	I have two hours of structured practice with a metronome that I do each day (I also keep a guitar or two at work to practice during lunch in the parking garage stairwell), and then there's a couple of hours of material review or songwriting, or a gig, so I'm playing four or five hours a day. That's about all I can manage with a day job. __________________ It takes two people to paint a perfect painting: one to paint it, and the other to shoot him when it's done. http://www.myspace.com/travishartnett http://www.myspace.com/sugarcanemutiny http://www.myspace.com/davidbavas

April 7th, 2005, 12:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
TJNY Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Orange County, NY Posts: 1,182	It's tough I have the same kinds situation. Firstly, I didn't pick up the guitar until I turned 36! With work and two young sons, it's hard to find the time on a daily basis. I do try to hit it every day but sometimes I just can't. I think I try more when I get to one of those physical/mental stumbling blocks where I feel I need to learn something new or re-apply the basics because I have become stale playing wise. At least I have finally recieved some comfort from friends who say I should & could play outside the basement so those baby steps are finally paying off a bit. Still, the road goes on forever! Never done..........

April 7th, 2005, 12:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
stantheman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: White Mountains Posts: 5,021	I agree 100% with everything The Good Texan has said. I'm ALWAYS playing with or without my instrument. __________________ Somebody Loan Me A Dime

April 7th, 2005, 01:06 PM	#10 (permalink)
Dana Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ashland, Ma Posts: 1,695 11 Photos	I play about 1. 5 hours in the morning. Used to be 2 but the cat and other errands have moved in (eating breakfast) Sometimes I jam with a friend at noon at work. He has an office so it's easy to do. I have a cube. I wish I could find a quiet private place at work to practice, but haven't been able to yet. Perhaps an empty conference room. At night I usually put in another 1-2 hours, but by them I'm pretty tired, and end up usually just running my fingers up and down the neck. Finding the time, and the brain energy, is tough. __________________ www.good-ear.com www.miles.be Study music and not the musicians who play it. - Lincoln Goines

April 7th, 2005, 12:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
RevMike Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Staten Island NY Posts: 1,059	I try to get in a good hour. Usually after work, after the kids are in bed. I've tried the guitar at work thing, but it doesn't work for me. No place to go without being bothered. I'm not a professional musician, so an hour is not so bad. More would be great, but its all I can manage for now. Its hard to learn anything new though.

April 7th, 2005, 12:31 PM	#5 (permalink)
Essex Boy Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: London, England Posts: 679	Holy **** man 4-5 hrs a day!! I'm lucky if I play a half hr a day!

April 7th, 2005, 01:18 PM	#12 (permalink)
lenny Banned Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Haven, CT. USA Posts: 3,219	i'm a bad "practicer" i don't really "practice " in a focus'ed way a lot lately. when i do , it is technical stuff, mainly learning to use a thumbpick and hybrid picking, for 15 minutes here, half hour there. i play for an hour or two a day, usually playing/learning new tunes. i just play whatever is fun. in the past, i have gone through a phase where i spent 2 hrs of focus'ed practicing, and other time playing with other people frequently, for a few years. it was while i was in college (music college). i knew guys who practiced a lot more than me there, as well as less i guess too.

April 7th, 2005, 01:31 PM	#13 (permalink)
maestrovert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Branch Mi. Posts: 6,553	Practice ? a very wise older musician told me when i was 13..."Son, don't "practice" playin'..... PLAY !! yes, you need to know your fingerboard and scales and whatnot, but in the end, you try to forget 'em and PLAY from your heart...." the BEST thing 'bout being a musician ? when i'm playin' i'm workin' and when i'm workin', i'm playin' ! and YES i do STILL practice daily....amount varies according to my schedule, and YES thinking about playing and VISUALISING my hands on the strings absolutely helps ! __________________ Sing the Song Bro' Play on Drummer www.godonthe.net

April 7th, 2005, 02:00 PM	#14 (permalink)
msteurbaut Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 608	Re: Practice ? "Son, don't "practice" playin'..... PLAY !! Nice! VISUALISING my hands on the strings absolutely helps That's a good idea: using visualisation to practice mentally. Marc

April 7th, 2005, 02:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
J-man Moderator Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Wales/Scarborough Age: 20 Posts: 6,288 9 Photos	I've never practiced in my life, I just jam when I feel like it... __________________ Write a wise saying and your name will live forever. - Unknown "The large print giveth and the small print taketh away." - Tom Waits

April 7th, 2005, 02:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
Dana Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ashland, Ma Posts: 1,695 11 Photos	While I can understand the 'just play' suggestion, I do feel it's important to practice and have a basic understanding of music. It's sort of like telling a kid "Son, don't go to school, just go out and live life and you'll learn all you need to know." Just my opinion. YMMV. Blah blah. __________________ www.good-ear.com www.miles.be Study music and not the musicians who play it. - Lincoln Goines

April 7th, 2005, 03:28 PM	#20 (permalink)
TG Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Beside a bog in the west of Ireland Age: 47 Posts: 4,500 7 Photos	If you define practice as consciously going over licks, runs, scales, chords, etc... then probably about half an hour a day. But if you include mindless noodling and just 'playing' then it's anything from an hour to 4 hours (it depends on the weather and what's on TV). I often have a guitar on my lap as I sit in front of the computer. I do now, in fact. I noodle as I read.

April 7th, 2005, 04:29 PM	#21 (permalink)
Fatmanstratman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fatmanville, Cambs., UK Posts: 2,933	I'm with TG... I've always been told that if you want to improve, you need to practice at least one hour every day. But you need some structured practice, otherwise you just play the same old licks that you are 'comfortable' with. However, ANY time spent strumming on your guitar is good time, as TG rightly says. That improves your 'feel'. Playing along to a CD is good for time keeping, jamming with a friend(s) is even better. My good friend Smokin' Al is at the wrong end of his 50s, but he still practices at least 1 hour daily - he's been playing pro on and off all his life, and he knows the business inside out, but he still insists that practice is essential. If he's got a gig coming up, he rehearses until he can play his set in his sleep. I just wish I had the time.... __________________ . . . *"Behind every argument is someone's ignorance."*

April 7th, 2005, 06:36 PM	#22 (permalink)
Bandit Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Canada, Ontario Age: 32 Posts: 238	Wow, I'd love to find 2 musicians that want to practise 4-5 hrs a day. I think there's a difference between practising and learning songs. You PRACTISE THEORY and PLAY SONGS. 4-5hrs of practise? Scales: diatonic, pentatonic, minor Chord forms scales: arpeggios, thirds, fifths, sixths Songs: steel licks, intros, breaks I practice for 2 or more hours a day. I am constantly reading the net and thinking about my fret board theory. Playing at work, now that's a brilliant idea.

April 7th, 2005, 08:08 PM	#24 (permalink)
chipl Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 737	It averages out to an hour a day Between electrics and acoustics, I average about an hour a day. Some days I'm busy doing other stuff--like now I'm pumping out the great April 2 Northeastern flood outta my basement. But I try to practice at least 45 minutes a day, but once I get going, it's tough to stop. More than a few occasions, I'll actually get lost in my playing and end up playing for a couple of hours, just mixing up scales and songs and such. Then again I no longer have domestic/famly responsibilities...and I have a lotta guitars and a lotta amps, and a lot of lessons to learn so what can a poor boy do, 'cept to keep practicing and playing. My project this week is mastering the chords to Deacon Blues by Steely Dan. I always find that a song is one of the best vehicles for practice between chord changes and lead lines. The more I practice the better I sound...I think.

April 7th, 2005, 08:55 PM	#25 (permalink)
kingalingus Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Charleston, SC Age: 41 Posts: 313 7 Photos	Segovia <