Balancing Guitar Practice: Exercises vs. Songs
When it comes to learning guitar, there are two main approaches: practicing exercises and learning songs.
While both are important, finding the right balance between them can be crucial for making progress and avoiding frustration.
The Importance of Exercises
When I first started learning guitar, I was primarily interested in learning songs I liked. I didn't see the value in practicing exercises or learning music theory.
However, I soon realized that my progress was slow and I was developing bad habits. It wasn't until I found a good teacher who emphasized the importance of exercises that I began to see significant improvement.
Exercises help build skills step by step, ensuring that you're not overstraining or developing bad habits. By focusing on specific issues, you can work on them efficiently and effectively.
For example, if you're struggling with a particular chord, an exercise that isolates that chord can help you master it much faster than playing a song that includes that chord.
The Limitations of Learning Songs
Learning songs can be a slow and inefficient way to improve your guitar skills. It's often difficult to choose a song that's at the right level for you, and even when you do, you may not be working on specific issues enough.
Songs can be long and complex, making it hard to focus on the areas where you need improvement.
Finding the Right Balance
So, how do you balance exercises and songs in your practice routine? The key is to select exercises and songs that are appropriate for your level, with an emphasis on exercises that build up step by step.
It's okay to stretch yourself and try things beyond your level, but don't get stuck on something that's too difficult. Instead, take the time to work on the specific skills you need to improve, and then come back to the challenging material.
By finding the right balance between exercises and songs, you can make progress quickly and efficiently, with minimal frustration. Remember to keep your practice routine focused and structured, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled guitarist.
Hi. You’ve really struck a nerve with where I am in my journey. I am enjoying your videos, and would like to get better, of course. I subscribe to your channel, have your player’s checklist, but am not sure how to proceed getting further from your site or blog. A little more direction would be helpful.
By the way, in this video, I am doing exactly what you describe as not good to do. Since beginning watching you, I have increased my practice time and it has helped. Looking for more.
I read your lesson quite a bit they keep me grounded i bounce back and forth to much i really enjoy bluegrass gosples and try to learn them but they are hard i also enjoy trying to bar chord i think that bar chording must of a song would be kool im 67 years of age and its been my life time dream to play guiteriv been playing for a year a d a half
hi Tomas, it really is better to work on exercises to improve technique such as scales and arpeggios. Of course learning songs one loves is also important, a little of both keeps a person interested in not giving up playing guitar, or any other instrument.
Hey Tomas, you’re da man!
Thanks for helping out us numpties who have been struggling to learn to play the guitar properly, on and off, for years.
What do you think about having a guitar “set up” to help beginners? I mean like having the bridge lowered (sanded down) so you don’t have to press too hard on the strings. My problem is always getting sore fingers so would this help?
Keep doing what you’re doing man.
As always Tomas..Nail on the head… I came out of the gate with songs..now I am understanding that if I really want to go forward I need to know more..the balance between the two is the key… Thanks so much JoAnn
Hi Tomas,
I’be been playing for about 2 1/2 years now and this video really hits the nail on how i need to practice. Break down the weak elements and and build from there. Are you available for a private lesson?
Hi Steve,
Awareness of the issue is the first step to getting better.
I don’t give private lessons to the public any longer but I do extend opportunities for 1 on 1 guitar coaching to members of my Real Guitar Success Academy for an extra fee. The Academy itself is a lot of tools and I answer questions and give feedback for no extra charge. Check it out.
https://realguitarsuccess.com
There’s a special offer that ends tonight for a considerable discount. Otherwise, you can always get in later for trial.
Excellent advice! Thank you. It was exactly what I needed to hear.
I'm a true beginner and all my life all I wanted to do was learn how to play one song just one song LOL chords only. I still can't do it
Wise words! After practicing for some time and not making the progress I expected, I have started working in this way, the effect is that parts are getting bettter and I now realise that you can't improve on all fronts at the same time.
Great tip at a much needed time. Thanks
I enjoyed the video Tomas as usual. Wise advice with cheerful presentation.
The guitar has been a neglected "Hobby" for me since I had a guitar for a birthday present in the mid 1960's Surrey, England after we moved from North East Scotland.
See the web link below for my main musical instrument.
Many thanks for your YouTube videos and keep up the good work.
Thanks Tomas I learn a lot from you and it is a big help
Hi Tomas,
I really enjoy your videos. They have thus far been a big help for me. I've been playing guitar now for about four months and have recently started practicing chords and playing a couple of easy songs. I am having an issue strumming the correct strings such as the D chord without hitting the 5th or even the 6th string without having to look at which strings I am strumming. Since I am also learning how to play and change chords by looking at my fret hand, I obviously cannot look at both hands at the same time.
Is there an exercise or do you have any advice on how I can avoid strumming incorrect strings without having to always look at my strumming hand?
Thank you.
What is the cost for your course? Beginner or Advance Beginner?
Hi William, There are a few options. Monthly, yearly, and a 14-day trial. If you just want pricing you can skip to the bottom of this page: https://realguitarsuccess.com
Thanks Tomas, that made good sense, I never know what to practice so i end up doing lots of chords and scales,
but not many songs. do you think i should try playing more songs,
Happy to know and participate this free guitar class, because there are many want to learn but then they are not able to pay any fee… Thanks for your help.. God bless you.