Hi all,
Now i know this is a pretty common topic but basically i need some help.
First things first, I'm still a beginner (7 months since i started) and am learning both acoustic and electric, i desire nothing more than to be a well-rounded player who can not only transcribe/cover the works of my favourite artists but also be able to create my own jams.
I've progressed a great deal since i came to GMC but I feel i'm not progressing as well as i should be and that this is due to mostly inappropriate allocation of my time and a lack of clear direction/goals.
Dedication isn't a problem, i just don't want my increased resolve to go to waste so i'd much appreciate some guidance.
I'm willing and able to commit 4 hours a day, every day, to my practice. But the main problem i encounter is that there is so much for me to learn that i feel like my brain is "scattered" - Theory, Scales, Chords, Improvisation, Learning songs, Transcribing, Aural training, the innumerable amount of techniques - it's all important to me. But how do i create structure/balance within my schedule so as to include everything and make gains in those areas?
Practice routines are a very individual and personal thing, so i'm not asking for anyone to make one for me, rather i'd like to know what you would do if (or when) you were in my shoes. I appreciate any input as i feel overwhelmed sometimes!
I know how you feel. I have been playing for quite awhile and have bits and piece, but haven't dedicated enough time to getting really good at one thing before moving onto something else, and it has limited me, so I am stepping back the problem is that there are so many lessons and you see one of interest and want ot jump right on it.
You need to remember that you should only choose one or 2 lessons and just work on those for 2 or 3 weeks. Kris has laid out a beginner lesson Plan(called beginner kick off, which is 6 foundational lessons) - I would recommed you start with that and make sure you know it all inside and out. Imagine the video lessons like a 30 minute session with a live instructor - You would normally go to a live lesson once a week, and the rest of the time would be practicing that content till your next meeting. Once you get the beginner kick off done - there are 6 lessons I think, use Kris advice and choose 2 new lessons for your next 2-3 weeks, but keep using tsome of the beginner content for warm up(I use Guitar Exercises, and Scales as a warm up). For your new lessons - search by difficulty level(such as 2). I would recommend something alng the lines of pentatonic lessons).
If you still have difficulty, you can PM me, and I'll share my plan with you which may be similar to where I was at a few weeks back, but you need to start with the beginner kick off and get really good at it so its second nature
Michael