Advanced Guitarist: Tips for Continued Growth and Mastery
As a guitar player progresses to a fairly good level, it is important to adopt a structured and disciplined approach to continue improving. Whether you are a hobbyist or on the path to becoming a professional, there are several excellent ways to enhance your playing skills. This article provides practical advice for guitarists, drawing from various techniques and methods to aid your growth.
1. Mastery of Movable Chord Forms and Fretboard Knowledge
Beyond basic chords, expanding your knowledge of movable chord forms is invaluable. For instance, you can transform the E chord form to play a Bb chord by barring your finger at the 6th fret. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the notes on the fretboard. Knowing these notes will enable you to navigate musical scales and positions with ease. Begin by learning all major scales in all keys as a foundation, then progress to minor scales and the various modes of each key. Remember, the depth of musical knowledge can seem infinite, but the effort to learn is rewarding.
2. Focused Technique Practice
One of the most effective ways to advance is by focusing on areas that pose challenges. For example, if alternate picking seems problematic, set aside a dedicated hour daily to hone this skill. This technique applies to any aspect of your playing, whether it be rhythm, hybrid picking, or other guitar techniques. The key is consistency and focus.
3. Listening and Playing Along
Playing alongside recordings or jamming with friends not only enhances your rhythm and timing but also exposes you to different styles and playing techniques. Find jam tracks on YouTube or other platforms and practice playing solos using pentatonic scales. Starting with the first position and gradually moving to the second and beyond will expand your soloing capabilities.
Playing fun songs that challenge you, rather than practising the same songs over and over, will keep your motivation high and your skills sharp. Try to incorporate barre chords into your practice, as this is an essential skill that any serious guitarist must master.
4. Daily Practice and Consistent Progress Tracking
Consistent practice is crucial for any musician. Aim for 15-20 minutes of practice each day, rather than longer sessions once a week. This method allows for continuous improvement. Keeping a practice log can be incredibly helpful. Write down details such as “I was able to play the first two verses of this song today.” This will help you track your progress and build confidence in your skills.
5. Exploring New Resources and Style Jumps
Continually expanding your knowledge by trying something new every week can be very beneficial. This could involve learning a new chord strumming pattern, finger picking pattern, or even a new song. For example, once you have the ability to play three or four chords, start playing with others, either in a band, a duo, or through community platforms like Meetup. Don’t be afraid to attend local jam sessions as this social interaction can greatly improve your skills.
Choosing songs that challenge you is key to growth. Try selecting a new song with some barre chords or other complex elements to challenge yourself and enhance your playing. This not only improves your skills but also keeps the learning process engaging.
6. Seeking Professional Guidance
While self-education is highly valuable, seeking professional help can provide a boost in your musicianship. Consider taking lessons from a seasoned instructor, learning from guitar books, blogs, or following YouTube channels dedicated to guitar education. This combination of different learning methods can help you tackle a wide range of techniques and theories.
Conclusion
As a guitarist, continuous learning and practice are key to achieving excellence. Whether you aim to become a professional or simply enjoy playing, the above techniques can help you elevate your skills and stay motivated. Remember, the journey to becoming a better guitarist is a lifelong endeavor, and each step taken is a step towards mastery. Enjoy the process and have fun with your music!