Master Your Guitar Faster: Essential Beginner's Guide to Practice Techniques

[@stankruger6823]

Hey Mark. This really may be your best video. It's definitely your BEST LESSON VIDEO. Simple stuff but too easy to forget. I agree that these simple steps can be game changers, especially if newer players can adopt the mindset you speak of. Really well done. I could watch this one 10 times there's so much good stuff in 5 minutes. Thanks for doing this!@

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Stan. I hope everybody watches it a few times. I really think there's so much important stuff here.

[@darrengibson135]

I’m totally with Stan. Great lesson and, more importantly, actually USEFUL!

[@ffggddss]

@@8MinuteAxe And not only was it good advice, it was delivered slowly, accurately, and IN TIME! I'm betting you practiced well for this video. ;-) Fred

[@michaelirby1747]

Simple message, but great words of wisdom contained in them. Thank you Mark for once again sharing what you have learned. This really is the answer to how to improve my guitar playing.

[@topkat48]

Great information, Mark. Thanks for sharing.

[@rocl420]

Great tips. Number 2 is a biggie for me: know what you're going to practice before you begin AND FOLLOW THROUGH. Frequently I'll plan to sit down and work though a chord course that I purchased, but end up trying to figure out a riff by ear or developing some line or rhythm that manifested during warm-up. Productive to be sure and yes the chops are increasing, but not my chord knowledge isn't developing at the speed I want, and I have myself to blame for that. It's a guitar channel, yall know how easy it is to get lost riding the noodle. Being honest with yourself is important if you want to attain your goals!

[@marthakadas2130]

Sound advice!

[@ToddS.]

Great lesson with broader life implications 👍

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks dude. I'm really happy with this one for sure. Don't even care about the numbers!

[@flylippfantom8425]

Thanks Mark

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thank you AGAIN Phillip. Enjoy your weekend!!

[@tomg8888]

Great video, tons of great information in a 5 minute video.

[@randyrowell8048]

Great video Mark. All great points. Knowing what you are going to work on is huge. I still forget that from time to time when I’m struggling. When I can focus I’m able to get through those times. Playing guitar is a lifelong ride for most of us and I’ll never be as good as I want to be. I’ve always played slow and worked up to tempo. I saw Tommy Emmanuel once and he broke down the beginning of his version of Lady Madonna. He said all it is is small skills. Learn two bars and play it slowly and do it over and over. Then move on. Muscle memory takes over. But you can’t play something fast if you can’t play it slow. One of my favorite videos. Simple and concise and right on the money. Excellent!

[@cowtowncustoms2110]

I played music when I was younger and life and family took priority as I got a little older.. When I was only 48 I had a heart attack and lost my short term memory. I decided to buy a new acoustic guitar and start taking lessons. That really helped me regain my my short term memory. I am retired and build and repair guitars for friends now, but my playing sucks so this is great motivation for me to spend more time playing!

[@malcolmbrewer]

Great story... life and voice 8sd7es took me away from my 18 year career as a singer guitarist ... retired now and playing much better now than ever before thanks to YT teachers... sadly nodules and vocal dysphagia stop me from singing. Loving playing guitar though

[@briannelms158]

Great video Mark! Definitely got to put in the work! Great information brother!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Brian. Thanks so much. I'm so glad you got something out of it. Again, I'm really proud of how this came out. Have a great weekend. -Mark

[@briannelms158]

You to brother! And thanks again!

[@clemlabelle8740]

This is one of those videos where it's a shame that I can only give one thumbs up! Invaluable information is an understatement. Superbly done my friend!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Wow. I really appreciate that. Thanks so much for the amazing comment. I hope you have a great weekend.

[@seandunoon]

Mark really gives every comment his own heartfelt unique reply, the man cares about his community!

[@cantodojason]

Video is not "airing" (oops, does that tell how old I am?) yet I'm already seeing someone asking "Hey, Mark, how long does it take to craft such a great video? A week?" And you would say "Man, this one took me 25 years". Welcome back! Cheers

[@cantodojason]

It's like, I knew it would be great. Thank you for sharing all this worth. Best!

[@anthonyderosa5181]

Excellent advice. Great video Mark.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Anthony. Great to hear from you. I'm really happy with the way this one came out. I don't even care how many views it gets because I feel so strongly that if people really listen and incorporate these simple ideas into their practice, they will get better faster. And who doesn't want that! LOL. Have a great weekend and thanks again for the amazing support. -Mark

[@anthonyderosa5181]

@@8MinuteAxe Thank you my friend. Peace

[@howardklein9834]

I usually stick to rhythm with a little lead but that's where, at this time I feel the most at ease.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Howard! Thanks so much for weighing in. Most of my students have a lot more learning to do in the rhythm section than they do with basic improv. Becoming a great rhythm player is not an easy thing and is often overlooked. One of my students right now is realizing how tricky it can be to keep a walking shuffle through a 12 bar blues for 4 minutes without lapsing into straight time at all. Everybody can use more timing and metronome work. If that's where your area of expertise is, you'll always be in demand and always get the gig. Kudos to you for focusing on the most important stuff! Have a great weekend. -Mark

[@howardklein9834]

@@8MinuteAxe thanks Mark. I've always said that if lead is the "blood" of music them rhythm is the "guts". ;-)

[@RobinsonRDavid]

Great lesson. We’ll done Mark. Thanks.

[@michaelulbricht9438]

Succinct, yet very comprehensive. Often people don't progress at the rate they desire because they deviate from, or lack a good game plan. This video should be required viewing for anyone wanting to improve their guitar prowess. Eddie Van Halen started out listening to Eric Clapton play Crossroads on a record player, but he set the speed of the record player at 16 rpm, instead of at the normal 33 & 1/3 rpm. How'd that work out for him? I'd say many of the points you made can be adhered to in nearly everything you do in life. Very good lesson, Mark!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Michael. You and I had talked in advance about this one and you know how there was some trepidation in uploading this one and having people view some of this stuff as pretentious. I'm so happy with the final edit, the live chat today was very encouraging, and judging by the comments, people are really embracing it. I feel a real sense of satisfaction in this one that can't be measured by the numbers. As far as numbers go, it's sucking wind a little but I'm ecstatic that almost 500 peeps have checked it out in the first 6 hours. Not bad. Have a great weekend. -Mark

[@michaelulbricht9438]

@@8MinuteAxe Mark, think of this episode like a really good debut album that doesn't sell well, but those who "buy into" what you said will cherish your work. I'm not that into players who can play fast, but lack "feel." By following your process people will be amazed that they can play as quickly as they want, and still play with feel, too. Personally, when I felt that I had plateaued I found an artist whose tempo was slower, yet still provided me with enough gusto so I was satisfied. For me that artist and record was Muddy Waters: Hard Again produced by the legendary Johnny Winter in 1977. Johnny also played on it, however, his playing was slower and steady, and he never let the tempo get too fast. I didn't know it at the time, but basically it forced me to slow down, improved my accuracy while playing in time. Whenever, I ran across another player who felt their playing had become stale I would tell them to "get back to the basics" and recommended the Muddy Waters album. The song Mannish Boy from that album was all done in the key of A, and the drummer would not let the tempo speed up. Basically I was playing slowly, accurately, and in time. After a period of time my playing improved immensely. I know your lesson does work, if a person follows the process which you laid out in a concise and easy to understand manner. Anyone who follows your method will improve and eventually escape their musical rut. Mark, you're a wonderful instructor and I'll recommend you to any guitarist I know. It's ironic that the lesson before this was a song from Big Star's debut #1 Record. It never has gotten the mass following it deserves, but anybody who listens to it is grateful that they "discovered" it. Enjoy your weekend, too my friend!

[@rrip1527]

Good lesson Mark

[@rrip1]

I did myself a great disservice by spending years only learning to play classic rock intros and little riffs and never actually learning much about the guitar at all. I do enjoy your lessons and videos so please keep them coming.

[@rrip1527]

@Jason Voorhees I'm kind of in the same boat as you. I play riffs and intros and that's mainly all I do. It's still fun though.

[@lollipophead5539]

Great advice. Well articulated .. and well worth the 5:30!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

I really appreciate that CA. Thanks for checking it out and I'm glad you found it worthwhile!

[@kaushvaidya7429]

Nice video Mark!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks dude. I'm really happy with how this one came out. Really important stuff and I was able to do it concisely...after 5 edits!

[@colemowry8681]

This!!! I want to share with you this story. I hope Mark doesn’t mind. I have been taking lessons with him via Skype. When i began I thought i had a grasp of rhythm and could strum my way thru a few songs. I was wrong. Mark recognized immediately my issues with playing the guitar. We have over the past couple months barely learned an entire song, and that’s the best thing that’s happened to me. I had a tendency to play too fast. I stumbled at clearly picking and sustaining notes, and still believing that i was doing oaky. I was not. This advice that he notes in this video is what has me encouraged and wanting to achieve more precision and enjoyment in playing guitar. I faithfully follow his instruction and practice as he prescribes. It has put me on a path that will have me playing better, but with more skill than I could have imagined. This works! Believe it. I’m 61 and an old dog can learn new tricks.

[@patrickholland8172]

"Execute every action slowly, accurately and in time." Brilliant advice Mark. I have found myself rushing throughh some exercises in the past and weeks later, find that I am not getting better at that particular exercise.

[@jimkelehan1366]

Thank you for the confidence builder lesson!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Jim. Thanks so much. I'm really proud of this lesson. It took months to figure out exactly what I wanted to say and I feel like it did it pretty well. Take care and have a great weekend. Watch again when you need inspiration!! -Mark

[@TheVitalEdge]

Mark, you are teaching not only guitar skills but, applied to life circumstances, your 5 steps to being a better guitarist are also life skills! And you explain it so well. You are an excellent teacher. I hope all aspiring guitar players get to watch your videos.

[@besalon9931]

Great video. Well put!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Love you too.

[@erretts.nashjr189]

Great advice Mark . We want to play it right

[@8MinuteAxe]

hey Errett. Thanks so much for checking it out. I really appreciate the amazing support. Take care. -Mark

[@MiloMenta]

Agreed! This will be really useful for begginers! Great info and advice, Mark

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Emilio. Thanks so much. I think this advice is even more important for those that have been playing for years and are lost a bit. I really appreciate you checking it out and weighing in. Have a great weekend. -Mark

[@jamesdixon9110]

Solid advice!! Thank you!!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks James. this was a long time coming. I'm glad it got decent views so far. hopefully more people will check it out. i feel like there's a lot of important stuff here. Have a great weekend. -Mark

[@malcolmbrewer]

Really enjoyed this presentation Mark, thanks, Mal

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Mal. This is the video that I'm the most proud of. This video has was marinating in my head for almost a year. I didn't want to come across as pretentious. I also wanted to say what I had to say, quickly and clearly. I really appreciate the kind words and it's great to hear from you again. I thought you had moved on until I got your email last month. I've been meaning to catch up with you. Family vacation last week. I'm going to devote more time to the channel and my friends over the next month. Take care and enjoy your weekend. -Mark

[@davidmatthews9927]

I finally got back home from hospital. I watched the lesson saved! Thanks your helping me to focus on more pleasant things. Thank you

[@alkitzman9179]

Bingo on this one Mark. We are all guilty of playing too fast and sloppy as we try new things. Yes you must crawl then walk before you can run . With practice the speed needed will come . Also so right about the timing . It has to fit whatever groove song etc your trying to play.

[@AndyDion]

We’ve talked about this before. You and Robben Ford are soo right! Everything should be seen as making music.

[@AndyDion]

@📌Pinned by 8 minute Axe must buy Dogecoin!

[@roklok9856]

I'm literally going to watch this video every day before I start my practice session!

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm really happy with the way it came out. -Mark

[@bobhughes9982]

Wish I saw this video 40 years ago! I guess its never to late to get on the right track. thanks for another great video

[@vanillacreem816]

Incredible wisdom for a player at any level. Thanks

[@freesk8]

Wow! Great lesson! Thanks, Mark! :)

[@Charles53412]

Your tips are always spot on !

[@GGBSystems]

Great advice, Mark! Thanks for the reminders.

[@stevenkoehler6018]

Excellent video Mark!

[@rwhit104]

I thank you for all the great videos you are delivering on. I truly enjoy and will work to build the Guitar Motor Sensory section of my brain with slow, accurate, and in time practice. Thanks

[@mrdonsmith]

About teaching... when I first started learning how to play guitar, I was stationed in Germany and slept in a bay with about 40 other guys. The advantage of that was that it likely had a soldier or two who could teach me. I consider myself fortunate that I was taught at the very beginning how to make a shape that I use very often, but a shape I see almost no one else use. It's the C shape at the nut but taken up the neck by using the second-third-fourth fingers to make the C shape and barring the first three strings with your first finger. Deaden the 6th string with your thumb. It's like making the D shape using your first finger over the first three strings and using your second finger to press the second string one fret higher but add the third and fourth fingers to make an almost full fretboard chord. You would deaden the sixth string with your thumb. I don't know if I explained it well, but that shape (call it a Barre-C?) makes you faster because you don't have to travel all the way back to the nut. A 1-4-5 progression up the neck can simply be, for example, the Barre-C four frets up from the nut as the One, and then the full barre shape (the E shape barre-ed) the next fret higher for the Four and the Five chord two frets higher than that. I hope I didn't confuse.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Don. I REALLY appreciate the detailed comment very much. I love the chord voicing you're talking about. Hendrix used it a lot and it's also a great position to solo out of. I don't do a lot of lesson videos and when I do, I try to make them count. If you have a few please check out Here’s 25 FAMOUS 12 STRING RIFFS kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnbXlppqm9aEY6c and here’s a concert I did with the 12 THE ULTIMATE 12 STRING CONCERT kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIm9iqSEhr11r6c&ab_channel=8MinuteAxe. Let me know what you think. Either way, thanks for watching this one. I appreciate your time and comment. Take care and be well. -Mark

[@GuitarHeroPhenomSux]

Great points that highlight some of the "former" guitarists I've met over the years who gave up because they'd watch a video of Slash or some other famous player, get discouraged and then make an absurd comment like "he was born with the ability to play like that!" Recently, I've made some introspective observations in regards to my learning abilities that parallel some of the points you've made. (I should note that I am approaching thirty and have been playing since I was ten.) It seems like my patience, attention span, and ability to develop an interest in new hobbies has decreased significantly. And instead my focus shifts back to the hobbies I've had since I was a kid. Some personal examples would be trying to learn a new language, trying to finish school work to earn a degree, or even trying to learn an instrument that immensely differs from guitar i.e. sax, harp, flute etc. I have always been keen on learning new things, but my ability to develop anything further from superficially satisfying my initial curiosity has definitely decreased. After having a few conversations with some coworkers who were "shocked" when I told them I played guitar, I realized how much discipline and commitment it takes to learn something new. To me, it's not a big deal that I can play because that is what I am familiar with. But when I see how others react to my abilities, and compare that to my own aforementioned struggles, I can understand how challenging it must appear to them. One coworker told me they paid over $1000 for a guitar hoping to learn it, but couldn't even tell what brand it was because they hadn't pulled it out of it's case in years. Another person - who I felt intimidated by due to their physical attributes - was stunned about my revelation, and began telling me how difficult it is to learn to play, and that he (shockingly) said that he didn't have the finger strength to stick to learning it. Everyone is different. I generally keep my playing to myself because I am my own worst critic and often feel like I would be criticized for providing anything below my incredibly high standards for myself. This is something I want to change though because I now feel like I have an envied skill that I can use to help teach others how to develop. Thank you for your content and don't forget the importance of what you're doing, not just for guitar players, but for folks like me.

[@truthstillmatters59]

Well this video isn't what I wanted to hear, but it is what I needed to hear.

[@seandunoon]

I'm self taught, I still struggle with this, but I feel like I'm on the right path

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Sean. I'm self taught too. When I was a kid there was nothing but learning a bit from the neighbor, some crappy books at the local mom and pop music shop, and a lot of patience to keep playing that cassette over and over until I figured stuff out by ear...most of it wrong. I've embraced the technology as well as allowed myself to kind of reinvent my playing about 10 years ago. I don't have the speed like I used to but my knowledge and phrasing is so much better. My teaching is 100 times better which is the most important thing. Have a great weekend and thanks again for the support. I really appreciate your time! -Mark

[@jeteye97]

Mitch Hedberg had a great line on this. I taught myself how to play guitar, which was a really bad idea. I don’t know how to play guitar, so that didn’t work out. I’m mostly self-taught too, but the internet has greatly expanded the resource “neighborhood” . These are great tips. Thanks for sharing!

[@jah8859]

Slowly, accurately and in time ☮💗

[@thepnkflyd]

Very informative as always! 🎸🤘😎

[@kevinshamey]

Wow great post more please 👍

[@yellowcat1310]

i always can use help teaching my grandkids to play.

[@NDFlyFisher]

I struggle with 2. Too often I just wing it. But going slow, accurately and in time is most important concept IMO.

[@AdamBurseMusic]

Great video Mark, that was awesome man and really good tips here 😀🤘🎵🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@8MinuteAxe]

Thanks Adam. I worked really hard on it and I appreciate that. -Mark

[@keiththurm3885]

I know this probably sounds ignorant but, what does in time mean? With a metronome?

[@bobshomewoodshop7996]

"I became very adept at mediocrity." I am going to print that out along with your tips and hang them up in my man cave where I practice guitar.

[@8MinuteAxe]

I am still very good at mediocrity

[@shaylee2b]

I would definitely like to break out of mediocrity 5. Execute slowly accurately and in time.

[@scottbaker5938]

Mark: Scott, you suck, and that tells me your practice habits suck. Me: It's like you've been watching me.

[@roberthudson9942]

#66

[@kingrobert1st]

C'mon I need 20 mins just to tune up! But your dead onthe nail with there is no too slowly.

[@8MinuteAxe]

Hey Robert. I'm chuckling because I used to be notorious for constantly tuning during shows. The guys in the band finally bought me a Peterson Strobe tuner. I use three tuners (Tommy E does as well so I'm not too crazy). Thanks for all for all of the support. I really do appreciate it so much. Take care and have a great evening. -Mark

[@Charles53412]

Well done ! Great advice Mark !