The 2 Kinds Of Practice

Very useful info.
Thanks.
ANDREW.

Griff,
Never thought of it that way.
Your so right.
Thanks ,
Larry

It's totally true, and great to think about it in these terms. As Edward De Bono describes, our brains are self-organising systems which only work by making certain tasks automated in order to free up space for us to learn new things and be creative. So the finger learning is about forming a habit so we no longer need to think about what our hand is doing, then you have the space and capacity to work on the next concept, idea, or pattern.

Thank you for the information. I really enjoy your e-mails. Again thank you.

Thanks Griff, you always come up with the great licks and were we should be playing on the neck
of the Guitar can't wait to see more.

Hello Griff,
This is a first time for comments. I never look at it the way you just presented
finger and brain memory. I did what your saying but did not realize that others had this
same situation. Thank you for making it clear.
Moha

I try to practice with a metronome and running a linux distro I plug in to a usb port with an Edirol UA-25 and plug my axe into an input on the Edirol and monitor the output with headphones. It's nice cause only I can hear how bad I am. FYI, I have to convert the mp3's to wav files for the Ardour/Harrison Mixbus project but then import the wav files and then I can set marks to queue up my timing and even record when I'm getting close to getting it. I posted a question in the article on blues tricks, slurs, tweedlies, etc., on what timing to use with the metronome to subdivide beats for practicing triplets, sextuplets and other faster riff's to get it right technically and check my brains interpretation of what the fingers are doing and my ears are hearing. Any tips on subdividing a 12/8 to practice the faster triplets, sextuplets, or any faster slurs, phrases, etc. Most metronomes allow you to set an emphasis on the beat and if I knew the timing, tempo, bpm, of a faster riff with triplets, sextuplets, slur, tweedlie, etc., it would help the technical part, which helps the fingers learn I would think... I can get close by ear and maybe the blues doesn't lend itself well to metronome practice given it's inclination to start/stop a bar on other than beat 1 or even on a typical upstroke...Any advice or pointer to resources, Murnahan's lesson on metronome deals mostly with speed but it's helped.

Keep it coming, your work is simply awesome. Starting on the supplement course now, I think I get the Major/Minor sound for box 1, box 2 and can't wait to find out how to use boxes 3-5 and stop 'thinking in the box' as the course describes.
-bc

Thanks for the great tip Griff. I've always found it easier to learn two new songs at a time... Now I know why...

Griff,

I am having a big problem with listening to the backing track(s) and trying to be in time with the chord changes during my practices. I'm an advanced beginner and having a ball with guitar but this is bumming me out. Any suggestions on how to improve that skill set. I'm willing to start from scratch if that is what it takes...

A-Gee

That's so right Griff. Same thing in learning a sport - i coach tennis ; muscle memory is such a big factor in honing a players technique. Perfect repetition of a stroke produces good technique which the body employs automatically in a match without the brain having to think about how to perform it. Great tuition by the way. Thanks alot.

Great concept, never thought of it that way before but it does work.

Thanks again,

Hi Griff,
a couple years ago, I bought your coarse before BGU when it was playing through the blues. It completely re-invented the way I play blues. I knew all the pent patterns but now I know how to use them and it just sounds great. I used to wish I could play like this and now I do. Just wanted to say THANK YOU and keep the great tips and tricks coming.
Shawn.

Griff;

I just ordered your course and hope it will help with the brain part. Being in my 50's, the brain just doesn't retain like it used to. I already know the 5 minor pentatonic positions w/"blue notes" inside out, upside down and backward. My fingers are defiantly fast enough so that's not an issue. My biggest problem is, when improvising, EVERYTHING I play sounds like I'm only playing scales.. (OK- Almost everything)((hehehe)) After a while I just get bored listening to myself and just play rhythm and some nice open chord songs from the old days.

From your introduction I can say, I like your straight forward no bull teaching style. At my age, I'm not looking to "wow the crowds". I just want my ole tele to make me smile like it did 40 years ago when I learned the open "G" chord... (yup, I still have the same guitar I got for Christmas when I was 12.) I wish I had the Teisco Del Ray I got when I was 10 but that's long gone.....

-Paul

Hi Griff, i had a stroke two years ago. I can't strum anymore but I can play if i let my fingers do the walking. a grate tip and one that is so true. I can't remember lyrics and play full chords but picking single strings just plain defeats me so i stick to down strums and whatever comes out that's it for me. funny thing, still sounds like music. must be the guitar. jf

Makes sense, and takes some pressure off trying force the brain.

I just had this happen to me on a solo where I got frustrated keeping my strumming hand going and doing a syncopated solo. You are so right, I just said "I'll come back to this later". To try to keep going would of only made it worse.

Brain and fingers..fingers and brains..for sure it takes lots of concentrated practice to remember necessary fingerings ...muscle memory kicks in once the brain breaks it all down...I find it best to work on small pieces at first without tempo just to get the notes down. Repeated movements are the key with "watching the fingers"..my brain goes into cruise mode once the saturation point is reached . That's when I go back to familiar classical licks otherwise any more time spent is just wasted time. A prime example is working on the major and pentatonic scales....work on memorizing the patterns instead of the frets to play for each scale...it seems to work for me until I get a brain freeze!

Yeh Griff, that sure enough is true, if only I had enough brain memory to remember the lyrics of the songs that I play ain't that sayin' it. The hands and fingers know where to go and do their stuff but if I have to sing along, I get as far as half way through the first verse than it's hummin' all the rest of the way. Keep up with the basics, too many are forgotten along the way.

Great article as usual Griff. People always complain they dont have enough time to practice but then you find them staring at the tv watching the same commercials over and over. Time efficiency!

it's a long time I'm just coming into my own

This made me feel better about practicing in front of the TV....now if I can only get my wife to buy in...later.

cowboy

Griff

Thanks for the reminder.

Roger

I already knew this from a book i studied a long time ago but had forgotten the concept. Thanks for the reminder.

Intresting way of breaking it down although I find technique is very useful You can play notes all day its where you bend them and give some vibratoe with a few pull offs that gives the feel. I am just a harmonica player, but I picked up the guitar a few years back and found you can integrate memory you can practice technique I can't wait to finally put the two together. Thanks for all the tips

Thanks griff, I have been having a hard time finding ways to improve. I will try it and let you know. Thanks again

Cool. To is good to know that the exact things I am experiencing is what others do as well. Yes, I have mindlessly sat if front of the TV running scales and wondered if I was doing any good. Thanks for the encouragement to continue to do so. Now, if I could figure out a way to read a book and run the scales, I would be in fat city. It is the turning of the pages that get in the way. I have a big issue with time and it appears no amount of practice carries until the next practice. Is it possible that I just can't count and strum at the same time, much like walking and chewing gum ? Am I missing something here?

I was moving smartly through the "unleashed" course when I realized I was just not getting the time thing. So I stopped and began trying to play everything I've learned (all the back to Hideaway Blues, Little Mary's Lamband some strum accompanyments for stuff like Sitting on the Eyed gDock of the Bay, Political Science, Brown Girl and the like) perfectly against the metronome. This seems to be the hardes thing for me and I am not there yet. I have some ideas for a set time etudes that I'll share with you later.

I was movig smartly through the "unleashed" course when I realized I was just not getting the time thing. So I stopped and began trying to play everything I've learned (all the back to Hideaway Blues, Little Mary's Lamband some strum accompanyments for stuff like Sitting on the Eyed gDock of the Bay, Political Science, Brown Girl and the like) perfectly against the metronome. This seems to be the hardes thing for me and I am not there yet. I have some ideas for a set time etudes that I'll share with you later.

Griff,

Replied the other day and thanks again. How about showing us a little Memphis Train kind of lick.

Your friend...Gary

griff ive picked up some pretty cool tips from you my friend ,smiles god bless ya ,,,your definitly ,,the easiest person ,ive ,ever listened to and i appreciate the fact your really teaching and not showing every 1 how great you are ,smiles like most ppl do,,ive several bad habits ,never had a lesson ,,cant read music ,,but i feel it ,,and once in a while ,the lord smiles at me ,and allows me to let it fly ,,,smiles ,,,but to tell you the truth there are only a few licks i,m really interested in learning,,,and since i cant read music i guess its going to just have to show itself to me in time ,,,thanks for all you do ,,,i have every lesson you have ever sent me ,,and i appreciate it ,,alot ,,wonderful week to ya bro

Griff, you are one of the best blues players and instructors that I know of, keep up the good work, good luck with all of your endeavors.

soooo, true,, as I watch your lesson videos,, my fingers are already mimicking your play,, and my brain is focusing on what you are saying,,,, I usually hear while watching that the notes are matching what I am watching.. when I then watch my fingers,,, I screw up and have to start over, several times,,, after the practice,, I see the fretboard in my "mind's eye" and see fingers playing the notes,,, everybody isssss different... the next day practice again starts with my left hand already going to position to play this again... cool !! Keep up the good work,, I have decided to buy your dvd package very soon,,, SOLD !!!

It struck me funny to playing in front of the TV, right up until I tried it. All that bad news on the tube and me playing scales, both major, and penetonic scales will the pres gave us bad news and my finders just gliding over the fret board.It is like playing with your eyes closed in a darkened room. As for the mental gymnastics I use the fried brain technic. When I am building a boat I pull back and STOP when I notice my fine cuts are not or when I need to walk a way and smell the flowers again. Same Same with Guitar Technic pull back breath and maybe walk away for a time of play songs that sooth by brain. I am a beginner student but the day of my first lesson I was told to breath it was like my first martial arts class. Thanks for reminding me of that the head and fingers are connected and moth have to be exercised.

I had kind of stumbled onto this brain fade thing already, and would finish my practice just playing something I already had down, but was new enough to still be interesting AND feeling lame about my perceived lack of commitment. Maybe this can be structured a bit, and more productive than I had thought.

great idea for a new course... how to target notes to nail chord changes, put me down to buy one now.

I understand the thought process...I just don't agree with practicing while watching TV ! I mean really...when you're playing a gig...is someone talking to you about the weather...or did that really happen?...No...if you pick up your instrument you should focus your energy there and not the TV

It should be the Tele or whatever your favorite slab of wood may be.

Interesting comments on the left/right brain thing and learning/playing sober or not. I'm sure you've all experienced trying to re-learn a song/part you used to play, but now just can't remember. Then next time you try it, your fingers play it without you! Similarly, take a song/part you know quite well and play regularly. Try to sit down and write the Tab for it without having a guitar in your hands. Can't do it, right? Amazing stuff. Thanks, Griff.

Griff, your lessons are very well designed.
However, when I get to your solos, I find that the
rhythm is very complex for me and as a result I
do not work on the solos. Can you provide
some solos which have an easier rhythm.
Thanks,

With me it take 3 days for the brain to get it and I'm always surprised when it happens-the magic moment. Here are some tips that I have discovered through the years.
I find some songs that I like and then find one that is within my ability (with some stretching). I will either find it on youtube or purchase the DVD lesson and tabs. Eventhough I have the tabs,(1) I find if I write out the tabs my brain absorbs quicker. I also learn the licks in (2) small sections, bar by bar and if I get stuck I just move on because no need to get frustrated--I call it the "give up point". After I have gone through the entire piece I will go back and work on the licks that are the most difficult. I use to start at the beginning and play until I hit the roadblock lick and then go back to the beginning which meant I had an unbalance learning technique. (3) Nail the hard parts first and the others will come along at the same time. If you play the piece and it sounds messy, shelve it for awhile and work on something else but come back to it at regular intervals. You should be able to (4) play the same lick 10 times without a flaw (in front of the TV) and a complete song 3 times without a mistake--you are ready to perform. To be good at anything, it takes 10,000 hours or ten years of practice--you don't have time to play computer games--play music.

I am an almost completely retired 70 y/o who works now and then when I feel like it. I am all self taught on the guitar and have been what I call, "playing at it" for many years now. I have finally decided to bite the bullet and take guitar lessons since I am now in an area where I can do so. I have all the books, CDs, DVDs, etc. for another lifetime, but still have not advanced much above the third fret until now. My teacher is a very knowledgeable 26 y/o who is willing to teach me what I want to learn, which is to play more above the third fret, chord/melody with bass lines, so I can play some of the old classic standards without using a capo. I believe that paying for lessons will motivate me to take practicing seriously, which I have not been doing, and allow me to learn and advance since I will have a lesson to complete every week, so I now have accountability. I do understand the two types of practices outlined here, and now find it fun to sit on the couch in front of the TV with my unamplified Tele and just finger practice what I've been given for my lesson. Altho I play primarily acoustic guitar, I believe that if I can learn on the Tele which is much easier to play, I should be able to transfer my finger knowledge to my acoustic with just a little more effort and/or finger pressure. I know everyone is different in how they learn and what works best for them, but I really think that having a teacher to help correct some of the bad habits I've made over the years, and having a weekly assignment which I am responsible for is the best way for me to learn and advance in my guitar playing...for whatever it's worth......

I don't know what to practice, or how to begin practice. Never paid any attention, until now when I'm tired of not knowing how to play. Your remarks have moved me to just begin - and to remember to include both types of practice.

Thanks Griff: That explains a lot for me because it is exactly what I have experienced.... my conclusion was that I had reached the "end of my learning ability" I am a senior but have never given up on being able to play the blues. I purchased your system and find it very helpful and relevant to my type of learning. My problem is I don't always get consistent practise and play time. We are grandparents with four children grown and it seems I am always either with my grandchildren or helping a son build a shed or fix a plumbing problem LOL. Maybe winter will see more time. But this article has removed a lot of my frustration now that I know what is happening I can move on to something else without feeling I failed or lacked commitment.
Thanks
Wib

I could not agree more Griff! I am analytical, science-trained kinda guy for my "real" job - tooth carpentry! So when I try to apply my study habits to guitar, I sometimes get frustrated because, like you said, your brain says, "Hey you, enough already! I could use a beer!" That's when I'll do exactly what you said: Play a "friendly" lick/scale/idea over and over again to keep the fingers going! GOOD WORK as always Griff.

hi griff--yea good stuff eventhough some ot it is common sense.I lookin for good intro tab to Dylan s classic--Mr tambourine Man as done by the Byrds

Trying to be consistent when play the songs that I do

Trying to be consistent when Iolay the songs that I do

Seems funny to see it put in words like this.... since that's the way it's always worked for me. Nice to know it's not just a cop-out to take a break & come back to the "brain-stuff" later. I too like to jam to a few backing tracks for a break..... puts the fun back into learning/practising & reminds me what it's all about, especially when some of the newly learned stuff creeps into the improvisation & you think... "Wow that sounds a bit cool" ). Thx.

as a dancer we refer to what you call finger memory as muscle memory
another way to think of it is when your driving you dont think when you go to change gear or to apply the brakes your brain says do it but your muscles actually store the knowledge of how to

Great comments! They help a lot!!!

Kind of agree Manhatten Mark, but, have you watched and listened to Gerry Reed on stage, shall we say "a bit worse for wear"on quite a few occasions, plays better "sober" but not as much fun!!!

I think that your all thinking to much. Just play and have a good time, because the more you play the better you get. the gonz

that is good info, i was doing good on guitar but my left shoulder got herting i laid it dound,but i have pick it back up i have your starter blues&blues unleashed.
my timing has never been good thank you

Good article Griff! I am a player returning to guitar and banjo after many years of barely picking one up. Reviewing techniques and theory I knew many years ago is definitely retraining the brain.
Now when I have been working on something for a while and begin to feel the "space out" you mention I switch up to simply picking a well known tune. I usually go for something very basic, a hymn, a campfire song, something my brain simply knows the melody of. I play it for a few rounds on the guitar, then switch over to the banjo or maybe mando for a few verses. I have been trying to let the brain simply hear the melody and try not to think about where the fingers go, just let them find their way. This seems to have really helped my progress, now when my mind thinks of simple adaptations of the basic melody my fingers seem to follow without having to construct specific steps. I should mention that I play folk, american roots, and folk rock primarily. I started claw-hammer banjo a little over a year back and just picked up a mando to noodle around on as well. Thanks for your articles, I have picked up much from them.

Chris Cooper, Comerce Michigan

Having just read through the other comments .... Here's something to think about....
(Triggered by Anthony Ingoglia's comments)
There may be rebutle comments following who knows BUT....
As long as we're talking about the ...Brain.. Something to ponder....
I had heard once that you learn things better and recall them better sober. If you learn something in a sober mode you will remember and recall it better in a sober mode. If you learn something in an intoxicated mode you will recall it better in an intoxicated mode. (BUT.. NOT AS WELL...) If you love music and play out you'll already know it's best to be intoxicated by the music it's its own intoxicant. And.. although you may think it sounds better in an intoxicated mode... (Well just listen critically.. and sober... to a recording of something you've done live or on stage...) Everyone is different .. I understand that... but this bitty of information leaves us all with food for thought... Thanks Anthony .. Zzzzzzzz.....

Great info Griff, if you then add variations of an "idiots list" to you practice routines, it sometimes makes life easier on the brain memory.

Practice in my mind, practice on the fretboard. I find myself after a new ditty or progression that my brain after a while will "see" the notes" on one hand, and also my pick hand. Your'e right, give it a rest, and let your motor skills get in synch with your head. As for mindlessly exersizing while the tube is on, isn't it cool how you can pick up all those little phrases and can work on your timing with those silly commercials?

Never thought of it broken apart that way Griff.... I have found the TV thing helpful though.. Thanks

Great idea... Thank's, that helps to not get frustrated and less pressure on what to do when practicing.

Re: "Watching TV and practicing at the same time is NOT good advice"

This article refers to brain memory not the "finger" memory that Griff talks about in blog. Gonna give TV practicing a shot. Thanks Griff.

Those in their sixties feeling old or discouraged may recall the learning resources available when we were young: the radio; a chord book; sheet music if you could afford it, and when you got it you could understand only the basic chord symbols and the words to the song; guitar lessons – forget it.

Now we have best guitar tutor in the world virtually living at home. We’re in guitar heaven - stick at it and you’ll be playing better than ever.

"you can improvise with the major blues scale over the I chord of a blues, and the minor blues scale over the IV and V of a blues." ...... thanks...... I was just trying to work out what box to play in order to move from minor to major...... and I think it's wrapped up in that quote from your article...... I'll try it out and see....

Thanks Griff I was wondering if that was normal. because befor pratice or some times after pratice! I like to play some stuff I already know songs and some scales, Still learning every note on the neck some times I zone out normal Iguess so thanks for that info

Sure you right Griff! I find I can teach myself more than I can play, or put another way, learn more than I can execute. What you're saying here helps me to recognize the bipolarization of learning almost ANY instrument. I plan to listen more to my hands and fingers from now on.

I think my fingers have alzheimer's and another part of my anatomy is telling my brain what to do! Any advice?

Thanks Griff. Explains a lot. Time to work on that finger memory.

Davy

Hi Griff,

Just like everybody's got their own way of practice. I close my eyes and picture a target I am shooting at and I just keep on doing that on each box until I learn the box. And then I will apply my fingers to the guitar. It's working alright, but I seems to be a slow process. But it is coming along. In otherwise, my memory isn't that good and this helps me. Maybe it will help someone else.

PS. I got that while I was in Service. Thanks for the lessons. I appreciate all that I get.

LARRY

re:TV Practice. I re-started my guitar work/playing, a couple years ago when I'd bought Dan Denley's course, then found myself working of Griff's freebees, I bought Griff's Blues Guitar Unleashed. Both guys are very gifted, so I can't say which one I prefer, tho I do get alot more use out of the BGU forums.

Not long after my guitar playing rebirth, I went and picked up a "banger guitar" that I have kept in a stand next to my TV lazy boy chair ever since. I just read Keith Richard's autobiography, a real walk down memory lane, and after he talked about his Open G tuning being the secret to the Stone's sound, I retuned that guitar and am working on some new stuff. I found the opening chord to "Sister Morphine", a chord that has always eluded me. I have my Epi Special ll on the same rack, w/a small Fender practice amp. It comes as NO surprise, how much practice at scales, major and minor, one can get into a couple hours of commercial TV. The good thing is, I can watch a lesson on DVD, the spend many a commercial practicing it. The doget into my fingers. My brain? Ya gotta have one...

Funny you should send this out today,because just yesterday I discovered something about my guitar playing.I guess I've really known it all along,but this article got me thinking.While I'm playing I'm often thinking too much,trying too hard.My musical ear isn't as good as I'd like it to be,so I use a lot of tab.I sweat and often get frustrated and give up.Later I'll pick up the guitar and just start playing what I had learned from the tab without really even thinking about it.I guess this is my finger memory at work.Thanks for the heads up Griff!Yesterday I got a G-Dec to use for a while.I was alone in the house so all was quiet.I picked out a beat I liked and started playing some lead to it,without much success. I kept it up,and before long I was in my own little world,playing things I did not know I was capable of.I had spaced out,my fingers had taken over.Next time I'll record it so I can hear what I played while I was in the zone.Thank you Griff for your E-mails,I've learned a lot from you.

yeah MY BRAIN IS ALWAYS TELLING MY FINGERS WHAT TO DO .BUT DO THEY LISTEN? SOME TIMES. HAHA . YES YOUNG GRASS HOPPER TOTAL CONCENTRATESION THANKS GRIFF GOOD BLOG IS THIS RIGHT?

Gee That makes a ton of sense. looking back two years ago when I started playing, way to much thinking with fingers on steriods,100 miles and hour on a long road to nowhere. Now every chord progression or juiced up scales I want to play at any given time, I will practice for ten minutes twice a day until I can do it in my sleep. Patience is my friend, lack of, is suffering. I learned everything from the internet, but most of that was from Griff. I feel like I have a secret imaginary friend always dropping a special something to learn or practice off on my door step. I did buy Griffs Beginning blues guitar DVD package when I first started, I was in over my head, but now I'm really enjoying the disks. First my fingers and brain had to learn to work out there differences without arguing. I know so many people that tried guitar for a month then it became a yard ornament or closet fixture. Thanks Griff Hamlin for the subtle encouragement you gave me when i was ready to through in the towel. At age 55 my grand boys age 9&4 are enjoying listening to grandpa belt it out, They each have a little learning guitar now. Your an incredible guitar teacher and inspiration to all that need the little missing parts of the puzzle. You have friends you don't even know ~ Sincerely Mike

Don, I'm 67 and have had similar thoughts - I don't think I'll have the time to be a terrific guitar player but, I really enjoy learning to play. I do it for myself because I enjoy the doing of it. Griff makes it easy and fun since I'm learning things I want to play...not Twinkle Twinkle...

Makes sense to me. I have noticed alot when I am in deep thought that my fingers are playing on their own. And to be honest, it sounds more sweeter when I am not fully concentrating on what i am playing. Good article. Very good!

My basic problem is one that has to do with age. I am 60 years old and I feel that I have lost the best years for learning the guitar and the motivation. I started playing when I was 15 and this was before Many of the well known players in guitar history. At this age I am to old to join a rock band or all of those dreams of the road. I set the guitar aside for many years and decided at my retirement to start again because I have a very deep love for music and all things. In short at what age should you just admit that there is not enough time left to learn all that you need, when you see some kid in his twenties just blowing the roof off? In the end the heart of a blues man never dies.

It's simple concept and I just never put it together.

I'm an old man and have been involved in music in one way or another for over 60 years. Memory, brain or finger, is a lot like building muscle or finishing cement. You can only take either to a certain point until a period of 'leave-it-lone and let it be' is necessary before damage is done. I can't count the number of time I would work myself into a sweat trying to learn a piece from a sheet of music, memorize a long sonata or preparing for a gig. Most of the time I would quit out of fatique and desperation. Maybe not even try again til the next day or sometimes even a week later. When I would pick up my instrument again, things that had seemed almost impossible to me, just fell into place. Even the piece of sheet music that was hard to read suddenly had notes as large as nickles. Everything needs a rest or regeneration period before its 'cured' and ready to use. If we listen to griff we will all learn to play. Even tho he doesn't emphasize theory, its in every explination and in every video he makes. I'm going to put a littlt plug in for the other guy I like, Marty Schwartz. Colleges do not have any more to offer than these two. Good on both of you. I have learned more in 9 month listening to you and taking your courses than I did in 40 years of ""structured music lessons"". The double quates are for emphasis. I never learned theory so if I was in the middle of a 15 page receital I had memorized, and lost my place, I was lost with nowhere to turn. I had never heard the word pentatonic in all my years. Trust me when I say what Griff is telling you in all things is the gospel truth and is meant for one thing, and thats to make a better guitar player out of you. But not just guitarists. I wish I had of had these things available to me when I was playing accordion and sousaphone.

Thanks! That makes sence. I can wait till this becomes easy.

Thanks Griff. We all need a reminder to organise and get the best out of our time. Cheers. Les.

I think even pros practice too, thats how they get that perfect sound theyre looking for, and If they are doing it for the money, well that seems to be a hinderance, you have to do it cause you love it and then you can love money, women and everything else the come with fame. I talk like I know but I dont know what its like to be famous but I always love when people dance and have a good time, to me thats a great reward.

Oh so true Jimmie Carroll: "In other words-Amatuers practice until they get it right-Professionals pratice until they can’t do it wrong."

Im sorry I cant directly reply to someof you guys. If you dont mind a tip from a middle aged man with enough confidence to play in front of any crowd, I would get into a groove in E to A the throw in a G or B7, and make it sound like U2's "Desire", but it is difficult to sing to. Maybe E,A,D and sing, "What I like about you" you can always throw a nasty solo in either mimicing the harp, you know, Rock on Christian soldiers!!!

In other words-Amatuers practice until they get it right-Professionals pratice until they can't do it wrong.

One more thing to add. Don't ever tell anyone that you are a bad or mediocre player! Because you are really telling yourself and your mind and body are listening! Self talk should always be positive! If someone asks you if you're any good just say "I'm working on it". Never say "no I'm not very good!". Positive thinking and self-talk is very helpful in building confidence and skill.

Good luck to all,

Walt

You see, I was close, if you got my 1st messege I guessed what the 2nd form of practice would be and i said rythme. (Brain memory) with a 1,4,5 progression. It is so neglected these days, you must have a groove the play a lead over, kids dont get it now a days. Peace,
PS not all kids of course, I see some real talent with song playing on some youngsters.

For me, I struggle with the what should I play thing? But Griff you are so right, the fingers learn something by doing it over and over and over again. Wish my brain worked as well as my fingers!

Great tip! I'm very glad to read it. I've often wondered about this very subject!

Thanks,

Walt

I think it may be something to do with left and right side of the brain. I am no expert. When we are consciously trying to learn something we are using the right side of the brain - eventually with repetition it will move to the left side of the brain and become automatic. Think of learning to ride a bicycle - at first it is difficult and all you conscious mind is aimed at trying to balance and get the thing moving. When the skill is learned - you don't have to think about it at all - it becomes automatic.

One bad thing is that the brain sometimes substitutes the right notes and sounds when you are playing the wrong ones or playing badly. I find that recording and really critical listening is important to overcome this one. Thanks for you observations - they are useful and stimulating

To add to Griff's accurate analysis of memory, it has been recently discovered that SLEEP helps memory (both brain and fingers). If one were to practice to the level of brain fatigue, rest and then re-practice then get tested. Then again practice to brain fatigue, get tested, sleep through the evening and get tested again, they do better after the sleep then before. It actually works with repetition activities also. They think the brain actually rehearses during sleep making the connections necessary to learn concepts and repetition activity. They actually do BETTER the next day. In other words, continuous practice has its limitation in effect. Wow, that's why that "all-nighter" study methods I used in school stunk. I'm a retired biologist.

@ Avery T. Horton, Jr. aka TheRumpledOn I just read that study about multi-tasking. I think it is more about doing two mentally challenging tasks, NOT tasks involving finger memory. The fingers DON'T care what your mind is doing. What if you multi-task while smoking weed?};-,>

I just wanted to say " Thanks ". The emails you have taken the time to send have given me life. I'm disabled, and can't afford to buy the course, but all the tips and lessons you give for free have been a Godsend. They brought life back into my world! I used to just plink around and pick up once in a blue moon. Now I have something to look forward to every day. Thank you so very much! Peace

Today I had the same questions that you just answered! Inspiring new knowledge you just gave me. THX!

auto-pilot is where I spend most of my playing time , but when the brain decides to join in , well, you all know that feeling . exciting when you leard something new and go back to auto-pilot with a lick or chord or even a nice clean bend to add to your sound . You are a good teacher ,Griff . Thank you

When I played clarinet, I got to the point where I wasn't naming the notes in my head--my fingers just knew what to do. That enabled me to play FAST. Now I've taken up guitar (at the ripe old age of 53), and my fingers don't know what to do yet. This blog entry was helpful in that it reminded me that what is required for one's fingers to just DO is lots and lots of (sometimes mindless) practice. I'm off now to practice scales in front of the TV. ;--)

I have been trying to play for the longest!! I just can't seen to get it , had a instructor once but he wanted me to go to swift! I just need to know the simplist way to learn and yes I do practice.
Can anyone help me? I need to know how to play before march 2012.

Watching TV and practicing at the same time is NOT good advice

http://max.limpag.com/article/multi-tasking-worse-than-marijuana-intoxication/

Hey Griff,
Thanks for all the help. I have been at the guitar for a few years, pretty much chords/country. Always wanted to learn some blues. Your site has helped so much. I spent this past few months with Clapton's Layla and you are so right... the fingers need repitition, slow and steady at first. I now have Layla and others pretty much nailed after tons of hours on those scales and incredible solos! Thanks again for the help here in eastern Canada.

Joseph

Thanks Griff,
The more I spaced out, the harder I tried to concentrate. Now I realize it's better move on to something else and come back to it later. I always thought it was just me. Thanks for the help.

Makes sense to me...thanks!

Griff,

Getting ready to practice with my band at 6:30 p.m. EST. I agree with everything you say and let's take it to another level. If I'm learning a new lead or chord progression I go to sleep at night going over it in my head note by note or chord by chord as if I were really playing and it amazes me how much better I remember it the next day. THANKS GRIFF!!!

Gary

wow very well spoken thanks

Mind- fingers, only one brain?
Sounds complicated.