Premium
VIP
Beta Tester
Hey there, friends! In this video I’d like to answer an audience question on the topic of practice and practice routines. This is one I get emails about fairly often, and until now haven’t ever addressed in a video… until today! I’ll explain my thoughts on what makes for a good practice routine, whether or not you need to work on drills & exercises, how to set realistic goals, suggestions for choosing songs, and much more. I hope you enjoy!
- 0:00 Introduction
- 1:11 Exercises - Are They Necessary?
- 3:12 Consistency Matters!
- 4:40 How Many Things to Learn At Once?
- 6:09 Learning Full Songs vs Parts of Songs?
- 6:47 Setting Realistic Timelines
- 7:55 Record Your Progress
- 9:00 Tips for Choosing Songs
Lesson Discussion
The Question That Inspired This Video
Sent in by Rick G:
I am glad I found you on the internet and signed up on Song Notes – your explanations are always very concise and informative.
I am wondering if you could make a video explaining the best way to practice guitar. I tend to play the same 6 or so songs every time I practice, but never seem to learn a complete song.
Should someone spend a certain amount of time on scales, then on quick chord changes, then concentrate on one song? I just don’t seem to have a good practice routine.
Practice Tips from Justin Sandercoe
My favorite online teacher, Justin Sandercoe, has a bunch of videos breaking down the topic of practice. View all his videos about practice here - they’re all excellently organized by Justin on his website! The first few videos of his series are below (as they’re all on YouTube), but again see his lesson webpage for all the extra details he provides.
Setting Your Guitar Goals
Deciding What to Practice
Keep a Practice Schedule
A Related Lesson I Made…
From lesson #467, on the topic of practicing scales. I explain why they are and aren’t helpful, depending on your guitar goals.
Browse Related Lessons
Click any tag below to view other lessons I've made in that category:
Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!
Most of the lessons on my website are 100% free. If you have the means, please show your support with a tip jar contribution. I put many hours into every lesson — but it only takes you a minute to make a donation. You have my thanks!
Looking for More Song Lessons?
Featured Courses
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Coming soon is Jambox – which shows all the video jam tracks I've made. It's note quite ready for the spotlight, but check it out if you like!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
April 10, 2026
"Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
-
March 23, 2026
"I'm a Little Crazy" by Morgan Wallen
-
March 17, 2026
[Fixed] Minor Pentatonic Cheat Sheet - Download Link Fixed!
-
March 13, 2026
Guitar Tech Tip: Change the Key of Any YouTube Video
-
March 12, 2026
[Updated] Strum & Riff Guide for "About a Girl" by Nirvana
-
March 3, 2026
Strumming Issues? Try the "Pyramid" Rhythm Drill
-
Feb 13-20, 2026
Save Your "Favorite" Lessons, with Custom Collections!
-
February 4, 2026
Sing & Strum "Piano Man" by Billy Joel
-
Jan 26, 2026
Member Q&A: January 2026
