Your First Month of Guitar Practice

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Starting a new instrument can be a daunting and challenging task. Many people are extremely excited to learn initially but their enthusiasm is tempered a few weeks after they start. Other priorities like work, school, and relationships jump ahead of practicing, but these excuses come into play once motivation has dropped. Think about Kobe Bryant playing basketball or Neil Pert playing the drums. Do you think there was any outside influences that would ever stop them from pursuing their passion when they first started? Here are some tips that will get you going in your first month of guitar practice.

I’m too busy

Being too busy to practice is indicating that outside influences in your life are causing too much stress. School, relationships, and work can be mentally draining. A lot of times instead of actually doing work or schoolwork you are just thinking and worrying about doing work and schoolwork during your downtime. Instead you need to refocus and clear your head so you can practice the guitar. It’s important to create a practice space that works for you. Your practice space should be private, clean, and allow you to create the mood you want to be in while practicing. If your practice space is cluttered and allows for others to walk in you will not have a good practice session.

It’s also important to eliminate any distractions. Eliminate distractions caused by technology such as text messages or instant messages by turning your cell phone and computer off. If you do keep these devices on you will be prone to answering phone calls, texts, and IM’s which will deter you from practicing. Other things that can get you in the right frame of mind is to exercise. You can do this by hitting the gym, going for a run, doing some yoga or doing some breathing exercises. Having an adult beverage once in a while if you are of age doesn’t hurt to get you in a positive mood.

Problems with your fingers hurting

When you first start playing your fingers are going to hurt! The force from pressing down on steel guitar strings will cause some discomfort especially when playing the acoustic guitar. The best way to get through this is to practice every day for the first month. Through repetition your fingers will become calloused and the pain will go away. In the first month it’s best to remember the no pain, no gain motto.

I don’t want to practice

Sometimes you may fall out of love with practicing and your first urge may be to give up. Instead of giving up find some inspiration to play by listening to some music you enjoy, attend some live concerts, or watch some videos of your favorite bands. Doing this will remind you of why you wanted to play guitar in the first place. If this does not get you going think of other things that are inspiring to you and use that to drive you to practice.