Practice Routine Tips! Setting Goals, Choosing Songs, and Warm-Up Exercises

Lesson #486 • Apr 26, 2023

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

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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.

From lesson #467, on the topic of practicing scales. I explain why they are and aren’t helpful, depending on your guitar goals.

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