3 Essential Things For The Perfect Practice Session

3 Essential Things For The Perfect Practice Session

I’ve talked to so many different guitarists over the years, and one of the most common issues that I hear from them, is that they don’t feel like they’re getting ahead in their playing.

I’ve talked at length about the power of focused practice. There’s time for noodling on guitar - in fact, I think you can run all your boring drills while doing something like watching TV. If you’re trying to build up hand strength, there’s nothing better than working on hammer ons, pull offs and more, which don’t require your full attention.

But if you really want to get ahead, you need to have a plan when you sit down to practice. You need to know what you’re going to work on, what you worked on the previous day, and how much time you have to spend. Here are a few things that can help you create a meaningful practice session.

The Music Apps I Install On Every Mac

The Music Apps I Install On Every Mac

I recently picked up a new M1 MacBook Air, and the first thing I did when I booted up the laptop for the first time was install my essential music and guitar apps. The apps run the gamut from transcribing software, to streaming services, media players and more.

Most of these apps are for Mac, and some can be installed on Windows as well. These apps have served me well for many years, and would make any musician’s life better.

Six String Sunday (April 25th, 2021)

If last week’s issue was a “short one” at right around 700 or so words…this week’s issue is going to make up for that. I have tons of lessons, new gear, and so much more guitar related stuff to share with you this week! I’m glad to say I’m feeling a lot better than I was feeling last week, and that really pushed me to make a mega-issue of the newsletter.

Six String Sunday (April 4th, 2021)

I’ve spent a lot of time lately going back to blues playing - and not only lead stuff, but really working on new chord shapes I might have missed, or at least never learned the name of. Chords like 13’s and 9’s, and really pushing myself to understand the theory behind each chord, what substitutions work, and how my lead playing can improve my knowing all these important target notes (like the 3rd and 7th).

Six String Sunday (March 28th, 2021)

This week’s issue is filled with great lessons - we have everything from where to get started with hybrid picking, to a eye-opening tone tips video from Joe Bonamassa, and much more. I also have a few links to brand new music you can check out - new Liquid Tension Experiment, John Mayer, and announcements from other guitarists too. There’s also a little bit of gear news, with Norm at Norman’s Rare Guitars possibly finding one of the first ever Telecasters ever made. Let’s jump right in!