14 IDEAS FOR IMPROVING IN 2014 by Rich and Gail Severson If becoming a better guitar player is one of your New Year’s resolutions, here are some great ideas to help you accomplish that goal. Winter is here; the days are short and the nights are long. Now is the perfect time of the year to get away from the TV and spend some extra time improving your playing. 1. Take private lessons. Either by Skype or in person will make you accountable to practice and motivated to improve. It’s always good to have a qualified teacher watch and hear you play; they can not only teach you, but also troubleshoot your playing and set you on the right path. There is usually too much information to remember, so record your lesson so you can go back to it and work on all the points covered. Set up your next lesson date while taking a lesson so you have a deadline. Give yourself sufficient time to learn all the material; 2 - 4 weeks is usually plenty. Don’t give yourself too long or you’ll procrastinate and never take another lesson. For more information about Skype lessons go to http://www.guitarcollege. net/1on1lessons.html 2. Attend a workshop or conference. Our workshop alumni come back over and over again. Not only is it a fun and affordable vacation, but it also keeps them motivated to improve. Sharing ideas and insights with other students is also very helpful. There are local music stores or church clinics, workshops, or conferences that you can attend. We hold an annual jazz workshop in Yosemite http:// www.guitarcollege.net/workshop.htm . You’ll master some jazz standards, and then play them live with a rhythm section. We have students at many levels, so jump in and enjoy the fun! 3. Get a gig. Even if it’s free, start somewhere! You can find open mic nights or jams sessions at local coffee houses, restaurants, bookstores, bars, or libraries. Consider doing special music at your church or entertaining at a hospital, convalescent home, or school. If you would prefer to perform with others, your community center or local college often will have a band you can join. 4. Get a music buddy, group, or band. Playing alone all the time can get lonely and boring. Playing with others makes you accountable to someone else and will encourage you to practice. Meet weekly or monthly, and strive to learn some new tunes together. Find another guitarist, a bass player, keyboard player, a vocalist, or all of the above with musical interests similar to
yours. Start a guitar club at your church or in your community. If you don’t know anyone, Craigslist and music store bulletin boards have ads for musicians and bands. You can either answer an ad or post one. 5. Practice something new. Learn something that you’ve always wanted to learn. Most players practice the same old licks, solos, and songs for years and wonder why they haven’t improved. Find some learning material compatible with both your musical taste and skill level. www.99centGuitarLessons.com might have just what you need. It’s better to err on the side of material being too simple at first. You will master the piece more rapidly, and can then move up in difficulty. Even 20 minutes a day working on something new will help your playing. 6. Teach, or share what you know. There is no better way to learn than to teach. Share your knowledge with others and it will motivate you to learn more, even if it’s just to stay one step ahead your students! You can even make some extra cash while being a positive, constructive influence in someone else’s life. Teach privately, or start group lessons at church or in your community. Teach alone, or with other musicians, rotating instructors weekly. You can even start a guitar club and just have the group share ideas and information and jam. 7. Buy a new guitar. Nothing makes you more motivated to play than a new guitar. Maybe you can sell some of the old guitars in the closet and get a new one. Be sure it is set up properly so it’s easy to play. Even new strings and a good set up on your old guitar can make it play like new! 8. Go see a live performance. Seeing someone playing in person in a style you like is very stimulating. Watch a local performer (or a pro performing in your area) that you admire; sit up close and take it all in. Figure out what it is you like about their playing and try to incorporate that characteristic into your playing. Ask if they offer private lessons or workshops. Influences from many players help you create your own unique style. 9. Record yourself. Recording yourself is like looking in the mirror, the recorder doesn’t lie. You will hear exactly where you need to improve. Beware; it can also be discouraging, so guard your attitude. Recording yourself is also a great way to chart your progress. You can go back and listen to earlier recordings and hear how far you’ve
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come. Make a CD to play for others; this will motivate you to practice. If you know someone else will be listening, you’ll work hard to play your very best. 10. Listen to lots of players. When you want to learn a new song, do some research and listen to how your favorite players interpret it to inspire your creative ideas. It is so easy to download an mp3 or look on YouTube to hear a variety of arrangements of the song you want to master. Again, influences from many players help you create your own unique style. 11. Practice daily. Pick up your guitar and play some scales and exercises daily. Even while you watch TV... play your guitar. You can maintain finger memory and improve your skill. Find 10 ways to practice more efficiently at http://www.guitarcollege. net/20minutes.html 12. Take a music class. You will find classes in your area at local music stores, colleges, and adult education centers, or go online if necessary. Learn more about music. It can be about guitar, theory, piano, music ensemble, jazz, music appreciation, or whatever else is available. The more you learn, the more motivated you will be to practice and you will become a better, more well rounded musician. 13. Subscribe to a music magazine. There are so many music magazines, you can be sure to find one that suites your musical tastes. It’s inspiring to read about musicians, learn a new lick or song, and see all the new gear. Many magazines even offer free online editions; check their websites for details. Why not start with this magazine! 14. Attend a guitar show. Guitar shows are held all year long all around the country. This is a great opportunity to see and hear all the different new and used guitars you might be interested in. Often you can bring your old guitars and gear and sell them or trade them in there as well. Our favorite shows are the 4 Amigos Guitar Shows www. texasguitarshows.com but there are many more to choose from. I can guarantee you’ll go right home and practice! Maybe we’ll even see you there some time. Hope you have a great 2014 and make great strides in your playing. Keep Pickin’, Rich and Gail Severson www.guitarcollege.com