Becoming Good On Guitar Is EASY! (8 Simple Steps)

[@wimplesaur]

Good tips. The biggest difference I found was having my guitar on a stand plugged into my microcube just ready to go. Now I pick it up every day. When your gear is in a cupboard it’s too easy to make excuses not to set it up.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Absolutely.

[@_Uh_Oh_]

Same here, I grabbed a Katana mini and i'm playing so much more now cause it's all just there and ready instead of my GT8 and Marshall amp staring sadly at me in the corner

[@JoeFic9997]

I now keep at least one guitar in my home office so when I get a break I pick it up. I now try to drive instead of flying for work travel and bring a guitar with me!

[@rayeckert9425]

I bought a Spark mini amp and it and my guitar sit on my couch beside me. I play every night now to blues backing tracks from KZbin, it’s great.

[@nathantardrew7068]

I'll have my guitar on a stand next to an amp with no cable plugged in, and I won't practice for days/weeks at a time. Then I'll plug it in finally and play everyday for weeks. Its wild how big small frictions can hold you back. Keep that guitar out and plugged in!

[@gregschneiderii7326]

“If you have kids, good luck”😅 I felt that in my soul.

[@TheFunktipus1]

Same. I have 2 young kids. It can be hard

[@rafalpaliga1775]

I got four kids under 7 years old ;P and I picked up my guitar last fall forst time in 7 years. I dont get to play it every day but probably every other day at night I play at least 15 minutes, and sometimes up to 3 hours.. it's hard to let go of the guitar haha.. I might be falling asleep but I still try to noodle .. I hope to relearn everything I knew and beyond! Maybe by the time my kids will not want to have much to do with me, I will be good enough for a band again :P

[@gregschneiderii7326]

Mine is 12 now so I can play more. We got this 😂

[@KFitzG35competitor]

Mine just turned 3, it's very difficult. On the bright side, she is showing interest also, so I might get her a Squier mini and see just how interested she is. If she isn't as interested as she seems right now, maybe she will be later and we can learn together.

[@shanewalton8888]

Practice everyday, and binge watch Elmo’s videos.

[@MrPolevaulter]

😂👍

[@gitahvairis9956]

Just enjoy that you've chose to play the guitar. Little steps and dont take it too seriously. Time is the beauty because if you enjoy playing you'll play a lifetime. That's where the true gold really is.

[@dasninjastix]

You're 1st point is huge, it's made all the difference for me. I'm about 8 months into guitar, I have done online learning which I actually like, but definitely hit a wall at about the 5 month point where I didn't know what to play and I didn't know how to practice (for me, I knew stuff I could do) and wasn't getting any inspiration from finger dexterity, chord switching, or rhythm exercises. I pivoted to just learning songs I thought were cool, and suddenly I got better at consistent strumming, I finally figured out pull offs, I learned how to do a pinch harmonic, figured out how to add some vibrato, got better at changing chords and navigating the neck with my left hand. Adding context to my practicing was everything. I was already practicing a couple hours a day but it wasn't very fruitful till I was able to hear actual music in my playing. The degrees to which I can't play something or can't quite get it to sound how it does on a recording, now inform my practicing a given technique. It is pretty simple. I don't know if it's efficient, and I don't really care either, but it's at least productive.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool bananas 😊

[@youngsuccess6330]

I just stumbled on this channel I started playing about 14 months ago, and i've become obsessed, I had an acoustic as a 15 year old and realizing that If I had made a switch to electric I'd be way farther in my Journey. So know I'm putting in a lot of time I practice daily 4+ hours and I think time is a huge key and maybe how much 1 play will push me where I would like to be. If it wasn't for my girlfriend I would'nt of bought my first electric last year. And I certainly wouldn't be playing live with my drummer/ best friend since childhood.

[@BerserkersBattle-816]

Train your ear is really important too. Me and four of my best friends all started playing guitar as kids i was 12 and we all taught each other by jamming out together. Playing along to your favorite bands mine were Metallica, Megadeth, king diamond ect... We all were playing the majority of those bands songs riffs and solos by the time we were 15, 16... Today we are all still great friends in our late 40s still jamming out and playing bars here in Seattle. Its a love.

[@megaman786]

Is that you Dave (Grohl)?

[@FrankId]

Enjoy, Elmo, you hit the nail on the head. Make it fun and you'll keep doing it. Metaphor for life. Lol

[@lepenseur8191]

"If you have kids, good luck" - that made my day 😄💯 Ours are 3 years and 6 months old... I'm happy if I can practice 15-20 minutes per day without interruptions. But I'm sure it'll get better when they're a bit older... Anyways, good video as always and helpful tips mate 👍🏻

[@jody7214]

Great video! A lot of the times we make things more difficult than we should…🤘

[@walterschock1270]

I have tried for 52 years - persistently!

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Don’t stop. 😎👍

[@tumpy1]

Don't give up,take live lessons.Thats what I am doing,it helps.

[@Michael-jv2cn]

I believe in keeping my guitar close to my desk chair. I find I'll pick it up more often than if it's on the other side of them room (Lazy? lol) but it works. That was not only good guitar advice but life advice as well Elmo (If you get frustrated walk away for a bit and come back to it with a clear mind) I've used that on my job as well, it works.

[@G-L-O-R-I-A]

Three years in at 63, I know I’ll never be great. But apparently with age comes wisdom, because I practice every one of these points instinctively. So one day I may be “good.” Or not. Who cares, as long as I’m having fun! Thanks for the validation and inspiration.

[@cyrilcrn]

You're a good teacher Elmo and those rules are great and transferable to a lot of (if not all) skills. (for ex: language-learning) I started learning the instrument in April 2023. I'm no virtuoso and far from a genius but I was consistent and organized and used help from wherever I could (Elmo's channel, paid online course, etc). For "how to practice", I could share what worked for me. First, I feel like my state of mind is super important. I want to get better, but guitar is a hobby and has to remain fun. When something is hard and frustrating, I try to figure out how I could approach it, maybe slow down, or divide the material into smaller segments. Also, I like to do a quick analysis of the progression of the song I'm learning, sometimes apply it to another key, with another groove and/or tempo. And I write most of the stuff I want to memorize. (chords, scales, facts, etc). I try to find new material that's challenging, and sometimes come back to the stuff I've previously studied.

[@jamesdobrovnik]

It’s a good roadmap. I suffered GAS when I decided to get back into this. Bought 2 100 watt tube amps for my early 90s ART multiverb alpha to run both amps in stereo. Learning morning and evening colors. USMC. Our national anthem and America the beautiful. I need to practice for the compounding effect though. Working hard for early retirement. Other than that, theory, chords and scales which I retain more than new songs and aids in playing the music I hear in my head. Great presentation. It helped me. I’ll look deeper when time permits. Thank you sir.

[@autonomouspirate]

3:17 fantastic Jens Kidman impression.

[@seancook2264]

This is great. I am relearning after 30 years. The learning tools these days are amazing and I am really enjoying taking the time out and just playing 10,15-20mins at least 4 times a week.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@commonsensedefense]

Great advice for all. Of all the channels that do reviews, I consider yours the best. Unbiased, comprehensive and honest. Your contributions are very much appreciated. Thanks

[@ND._o]

You're 100% right. Another thing that I've found as a self taught player (who's still learning), it's that it's perfectly fine to take a break if it seems like you're putting in 100% of the effort yet still getting nowhere. Many times I would attempt to learn a riff and for some reason I just couldn't perfect it. My finger would slip, I'd mess up the timing, I'd accidentally mute a string I wasn't supposed to, etc. I'd take a break (up to a week) and focus on other things as I'm a college student. And surprise surprise, after a week of not touching the guitar whatsoever I'm able to play that riff perfectly first try. I found that just like with anything else, knowledge takes time to "settle" if that makes sense. We should absolutely strive for consistent practice but personally I think that when progress isn't coming naturally, it's better to just take a break than try and brute force said progress. It leads to nothing but frustration from my experience.

[@PhilFeedback]

Good information! It’s helpful 👍

[@dreamspheree]

Golden tips ! I am 4 years learning started at 37 and the first teacher I had was jazz for one year I played stuff I didnt like but I did practice it and now i got an amazing teacher and she actually follow your tips ! Golden

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@dreamspheree]

@@MrPolevaulter love your channel btw!

[@lilleaton]

I will need to bookmark this video

[@MrPolevaulter]

👍

[@robertholtom9345]

Yes Elmo, thanks for your knowledge and inspiration!

[@JohnDoeGuitar]

Really cool tips ! Having fun is one of the most important thing you are right. Personnally I got on ampless rig to play more often (easier to setup), and now i'm learning full songs that I love, instead of multiple riffs. I find it to be better to improve my guitar skills. My goal is to record cover regularly to keep motivation

[@robmiller3464]

Elmo, great advice. I think most players already know-this content, but fail to execute with discipline and practice. You know, I don’t have any trouble with your advice because it is so true. However, most players, not all players simply don’t have the perseverance and discipline to put the work in to get better. Thanks for reminding everyone Elmo.

[@willywumps1]

Thanks Elmo for your tips. I am a mature player and have adopted a lot of the methods you just discussed and guess what I am getting better!! I try and play every day, usually early morning as I am at my freshest - it is working. I would add, to your list, sign up for a guitar course teaching what is your interest, blues, rock etc. For learners alone in their basement, you don't always know, what you don't know. A good course helps direction and focus. Thanks again for your vids, I like your no nonsense approach.

[@youngsuccess6330]

What you said I felt that. If I hadn’t of put down my acoustic guitar at 15 now at 24 I’d be playin at least as fast as I want sometimes everything happens for a reason but I was intimidated by my heroes and it only made me start later in life. The earlier the better all I can do now is practice as much as I do I put my everything into it and it’s been 14 months now since I picked up my first electric guitar and my drummer/childhood best friend are gigging now (original music)

[@jameswilliford5478]

Excellent video! Focus, frustration and gas are definitely a problem for me personally. I can definitely see where identifying your guitar practice shortcomings might help you change things for the better. I'm a older beginner and just trying to get to a point where I can play or learn to play any song that my family and I like, and will only be playing guitar at home mainly. My main focus is acoustic guitar fingerstyle although I also occasionally play electric as well.

[@kittywinks]

I swear Mr Elmo knows when I’m getting discouraged with my practice. Him and Steve Vai are the best speakers that just make you want to pick up a guitar and have another go when you struggle. Thanks for the motivation sir. ❤

[@MrPolevaulter]

Glad to be of help 😊

[@Krnhlm]

great reminders my friend. as a beginner, even if i know, these things are truly hard to keep in mind. one o the most important things i have noticed, is the easy access adn most of all, to be and feel most comfortable while playing. and that is what i still struggle with, just when you almost got scale on one string somewhat fluidly, one part or another of your body starts to stiffen and or hurt and it takes away all the joy of what you just almost learned 8( thank you for all your effort and keep going.

[@thiagoborges892]

That surely goes for any instrument!! Great tips!!

[@danbowers20]

Great ideas. I find that knowing what new stuff I should learn to combat falling into ruts is the tricky thing. However, great ideas. Liking every part of the journey is a great mindset to cultivate too.

[@VictorGonzalez-gk1nr]

In my opinion, finding the right teacher/tutor that not only knows how to play but also how to guide you according to your personal needs and aspirations can also make you or break you. I agree with all of your points, by the way.

[@hilltroneye]

Hello and Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱. Thank you for your work here

[@MrPolevaulter]

And thank you!

[@dalehicks6112]

Brilliant advice! Thank you for sharing these simple but important steps.

[@crespo1965]

Learning to practice in of itself is a skill. I've found that writing down my objective for a 15-30 minute practice session keeps me focus. I include time for rhythm, scales, and harmony in a 30 minute session and ideally 10 minute increments ( or 5 minute increments is I have 15 minutes). That works for me. I don't suffer from G.A.S. but rather YT guitar lessons and teachers. I tend to float from one channel that intrigues me to another channel....and so here I am at this YT channel :). Nice video --very encouraging.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! 👍

[@terencebearpark4875]

All very good advice 👍

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

He's right. I've been playing for just as long if not longer and I'm just as good as he is. I never had a teacher. You just got to keep playing. Practice everyday and learn as much as you can. Some things like playing fast and being good at alternate picking, you're going to have to put some work into. There's no secret. The more you do it, the better you'll get. Listen to a lot of music. It helps develop your ear. You might be a heavy metal fan right now as a beginner but you want to learn more and more and you'll start listening to stuff like jazz as time goes on. Don't compare yourself to others. We all progress at different speeds. I've been at it for right at 30 years and the main reason I see people not get any better is because they play the same stuff over and over again and never take a step towards learning anything new. They get comfortable. You can always learn new stuff. Everyday. I went for years and was not good at tapping. I sat down, put on the Van Halen one album and learned everything I could off that album. Now, I can tap like crazy. If you get frustrated, put the guitar down for a couple of days. Keep practicing and enjoy the process. It's a whole lot more fun when you're learning because everything is new. Once you get good, things are not such a mystery anymore.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Spot on.

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

@@MrPolevaulter thank you my friend. You're the one actually making the videos and having an impact. I'm just commenting lol. But I appreciate your kind words.

[@UmVtCg]

True, however still not easy. Your summarization amounts to a huge commitment and a butload of effort. Sure, playing the guitar well is easy for you now.

[@jckelley10]

Thank you, I appreciate your input and encouragement.

[@larylhuntington5398]

3 W's. Wise Words of Wisdom. These words make a lot of sense and should work with everyone. My biggest problem is that i get really motivated and practice for weeks. Then something comes up and i don't touch my guitar for months. Then when i get back to it, I have to learn all over again. I hate it. I am going to set my gear up in my living room now as a daily reminder. Great video. Great advice.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers! Try doing at least 5 minutes if nothing else.

[@larylhuntington5398]

@@MrPolevaulter Thanks bro.

[@senseiruss]

Excellent list! I couldn't agree more! Valuable advice, especially for beginners!

[@gavindickson-tw2ts]

Thanks!

[@dariostabletopbastelecke4846]

Thank you for this ONE!

[@MrPolevaulter]

My pleasure!

[@Fallen-el7lp]

I’m a 40 something just starting on this acoustic. My goal is to play some old classics that use finger picking. In less than a month, playing what I want, and putting time in every single day, I’ve done more than I imagined I would in 6 months. Your words are wise ones.

[@mine_all_the_time0793]

I'm a 45 year old beginner , I tried a couple times in the past to pick it up but failed(I just fell out of a practice routine) I started again but decided to structure things, so I thought the most important factors of playing songs(my goal) is knowing and changing chords, and solos. So I spend practices just changing chords and practicing scales. As that foundation learning came easier , learning a couple simple songs came much easier than in my prior experience. Progress makes practice more fun. So I find myself looking forward to daily practice now.

[@hl5910]

Excellent advice. 👍👍👍

[@RickMichaelis63]

Thanks for sharing Elmo J. 🙏✌️❤️😎🎸🎶🎼🎵

[@MrPolevaulter]

My pleasure!

[@sonebg91]

Surprisingly motivating, I mostly come to hear you take a piss at stuff but this is a very helpful video. I will come back to comment on my comment in 2-3 years to see if it had results.

[@lazvt8469]

...also...spider drills greatly improve brain-hand connectivity (muscle memory)...teaches fingers to be more independent minded. Jazz chords are also challenging and fun to learn. More drills. Massive amounts of short repetitious practice of 'hard parts' or techniques (i.e., Travis picking, intro to "I Know a Little" by L. Skynyd) you wish to master. Thanks Elmo!

[@progrob27]

Haha that lick around 3:16 was sick!

[@TheGlato]

Nice video, 100% truth on every point. Those who struggle to play every day, try to force yourself to at least pick up your guitar. After playing daily for a month or so you'll develop a habit of playing every day. It's not necessary to practice daily, at least play something for 10-15minutes minimum. The key here is to preserve and improve your finger dexterity/ muscle memory. And listen to Elmo, he's a great teacher.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thank you :)

[@christiantaylor4027]

When Elmo speaks .... ..we should listen.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers!

[@patpolowyk6434]

Great Advice.

[@JDStone20]

Great advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@hgostos]

1000th like.... congratulations

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cheers! 😊

[@BenderIsGreat3464]

The biggest thing that helped me is when im practicing on the weekends (when i have all day) i play for an hour, then take an hour break. Then play for another hour and just keep the cycle going. You dont burn yourself out, and give your brain time to soak anything new in

[@memyselfandi3202]

Number 7 is my biggest foe.. always thinking that I need a certain gear to finally unlock my inner SRV. I need to remind myself that no amount of gear will fix my lack of skill and practice. *But* you do need something that you want to play. I figured out a while ago that my budget strat, regardless of how much I did not want to like it, was the only guitar I was really playing as it 'just fit' and welcomed me to play it. So I decided to, instead of searching for 'that one perfect guitar' I will focus on getting better with my bullet.

[@methatlovescats3602]

Practice makes almost/ perfect Just like anything else like crochet or knitting or sewing ECT

[@cptntwang]

I practiced the solo of highway star for a while. All the sudden my bluesnoodling got better.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Cool 👍

[@KaptainCanuck]

I have been trying to learn the same three or four songs for almost two years now. They are Tennessee Flat Top Box, Ami, Horse With No Name (preferably not just the two-chord version) and Don't Fear The Reaper for the electric. Now that I upgraded from a small low-end Zoom FX box to the ME-25, things are a bit better sounding for Reaper (I still have not tweaked the best sound I can). My problem is that I get to a point and stall myself. I can play a good number of the parts but I do not get the feel of the accents and such down after learning the notes/chords. These songs are all level one or two difficulty for me but I do not take the time to put the pieces together better. I avoid most youtube tutorials by unknown people. Stine, Anders, Davids, and other well-known I do watch. I avoid the majority of others.

[@Greg-rd8qr]

Great advice!!!

[@stevanrose7439]

I had my guitars 🎸 in my living room where I could play them and I did everyday. Until I got yelled at for cluttering up the place. So I bought wall hangers for them and put them in my room. Now I can get them anytime I want and do.

[@DamianS1893]

Playing an instrument is a Musical Journey

[@StefanReiner-q3u]

Yes. One more thing I have experienced. The function of the brain while practicing. Starting to practice seems often easy in the beginning because the brain is filled with new information and giving new information to the brain is a motivating thing. But after practicing the same things it's becoming more difficult, the mistakes while playing become more and more. This is the phase while the brain is writing the information on the hard drive and is not very good at multitasking with additional practicing (don´t know how to explain it better). I have experienced having a short break, take a deep breath, focus on something different can be helpful then. And restart the practice at a later point.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Might be something in that.

[@fishyglue]

Thank you for the tips! Very useful as usual. 🎸

[@BertfromBelgium]

if there is one piece of gear that will make you play more, its a looper, i have the boss rc5 , its a great tool to give your playing more context, i use it to play a 12 bar blues progression, to practice phrasing and triads over

[@Aries_Alpha]

Excelent advice as usual man I've played for 25ish years I would say I'm an advanced intermediate at last lol I eventually got rid of my stubbornness and dived in to music theory before I was just really copying players by using tabs. After I understood what was going on then I was actually playing the thing. I have some weird guitar heroes, Nuno Bettencourt, Steve Craddock, Simon Neil and Josh Homme my point being vareiity is a good thing all kinds of styles can be implemented in to your own playing. Play all kinds of stuff and practice whenever you have a spare 15 mins and also keep a guitar in the room you spend the most time in. All we had was chord books and tab books in the late 90's. I agree with Elmo recording and looping is a great way to measure progress.

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

Interesting my friend. I learned music theory as well but I don't think it helped me that much. It did help me from the sense that I could put a name to things I was already playing but it didn't make me that much better of a player. I can still play the same chords the only difference is I can tell you a little bit about how they're put together now. I can still play the same modes I just know the names of them.

[@Aries_Alpha]

@@HAMMERHEAD-g3hit helped me massively when improvising. When I say music theory I mean learning all the major/minor scales and modes. All the triads all the notes on the fretboard. Understanding how and why it all connects was a huge game changer, the circle of 5ths is also helpful. Technical ability is just down to physical practice theory won't help with technical deficiency.

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

@@Aries_Alpha I understand. It's just so funny how we had such a different experience. And don't get me wrong, people should learn theory because it puts things into perspective. I had played for over 20 years before I decided to learn it and I think for me, I had already learned major scales, minor scales etc. I just didn't know what they were called.

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

@@Aries_Alpha funny story just for conversational purpose. I actually learned triads from learning all of Eddie Van Halen's stuff. He used them continuously. I didn't even know they were called triads I just knew they sounded good and you could use them all up and down the fretboard. Obviously, I later learned what they were but I didn't know that for a long time really. But you have to understand, I learn to play the guitar in the '90s when we didn't have all this information available. I just thought it was part of playing guitar. I didn't even know music theory was a thing until the internet came along.

[@Aries_Alpha]

@@HAMMERHEAD-g3h True, I also started playing in 97 as a teen so we had the same issues there wasn't anywhere near the information you have now at the touch of a screen lol! I'm very much a visual learner with anything so when KZbin took off in about 2006 I was like a kid in a candy shop but for guitar theory.

[@rodnyg7952]

becoming good at guitar, or anything, is a process of practice. In the first two years it may be easier for some more than others, but that's mostly a question of dedication. I've been playing more than 40yrs, in bands, at venues, in studio, etc.... and always have more to learn. Becoming good on guitar has always been a personal lifelong process of learning for me

[@christophersheeler4380]

Great Video, Elmo

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks man :)

[@elbanner1]

Sorry for my comment under this one. ⬇. Ya know i'm 64 almost , and always did it without that "smart phone" but tomorrow i get one to , because i need a bank app to do all finacial stuff. You are a great gitarist . Do not ever dare think like that. But i know we always have to practice. YES!!! music we must play what we like and have fun too etc..I love to see and hear you play !!!Much love.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks!

[@user-mn3vt2sl1m]

What a Skullet

[@waynegram8907]

ELMO, make a Uli Roth scale licks and arpeggio licks video lesson

[@dw7704]

Good stuff, fun,

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks 👍

[@mine_all_the_time0793]

As a beginner just starting I found an electric I liked for a great price(paranormal esquire) now I'm researching for an amp to make the best decision . In the meantime I practice acoustically or with a super cheap amp I have daily.

[@tymanngruter1808]

Compound interest..... i was born with it but the problem is..... i have over 20 guitars now!

[@DookyShoes1]

"I deal with it by cursing a lot." My go-to problem solver

[@juniorkong9587]

I saw the first two steps in the first ten seconds of the intro, plug it in, turn it on I’d say three would be crank it up.

[@meteor1237]

Great advice! Keep guitar easy to get to. 30 minutes daily. Chip away. Leonardo didn’t paint the Mona Lisa in one sitting.

[@tylerdurden6352]

Hi Elmo and thanks for the video. Looking to buy a guitar, and it came down to Ibanez grg121 and a Jet JS400. If you had to choose one, which one would it be?

[@cryptotharg7400]

Great Shredding face! 😆

[@MrPolevaulter]

😊

[@ghfdt368]

I've been playing almost 10 years and the most important thing i learned is to be patient with yourself. Everything new is difficult like any other skill in anything else. If you asked a Michelin star chef to make a sushi dish and they have never done it before is it going to be amazing? No. If you asked a mechanic who is a genius on sports cars to suddenly start working on a bus is he going to be great at it right away? No.Often ego is the biggest issue, People want to be seen as the best guitar player in the room and don't want to look like they can't play or do something so avoid it. But if you let that go and be willing to get humbled and accept that everyone from a 6 year old learning their first chord to a virtuoso like Guthrie Govan are always learning something they can't do or do well,you will eventually get there.

[@youreallygotmenow4855]

Getting good at playing the guitar has been easy (please note: getting good, not excellent!) since the mid-2000s. Why? Well, obviously thanks to this very place: KZbin! Even in the late '90s and early 2000s it was harder, even if you already had the Internet and, therefore, the possibility of consulting tablatures and, in general, looking for information. Now, being good in the '60s/'70s/'80s and early '90s was really, really hard! I think those players were on another level in terms of talent and commitment to their instrument, and that's why, in part, the music was of a higher quality compared to that of the last 20 years.

[@randysmith1630]

I was pretty decent back in the early 70's. We learned to play by playing along with our record albums. Wish I would've kept it up...

[@combatgarrett8939]

I first thought it read “Get Bood” which is more my speed.

[@The_Macaroon]

I need a focused 20 minutes a day training routine - as I just end up playing acdc and bad hair metal lol. Any tips for a focused 20 mins a day technique practice routine?

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

I can probably help you here. I'm a very good player. Just as good as the guy on the video. Been at it for about 30 years. Do some alternate picking exercises for about 5 minutes just to warm your fingers up. It'll help your hands synchronize and make you a lot faster. Work on a piece that challenges you. Doesn't matter how simple. Set down and work it out. You always feel good when you learn something that you couldn't previously play. As long as I've been playing, one of my greatest challenges was learning the intro to hot for teacher years ago. Knew nothing about tapping but loved that intro riff. Took me weeks to get it down but I'll never forget sitting down and learning it. Also, turn on a backing track and just mess around. Even if you sound bad, don't get frustrated. The more you do that, you will learn how to improvise like a madman. Play wrong notes, try crazy things. If it sounds good to you, it is good.

[@MrPolevaulter]

It depends on what you want to work on. At the moment I'm working on picking and sweeping, doing 15-30 minutes of each. I've also been thinking of varying my schedules by which day it is, maybe having two rotating schedules.

[@The_Macaroon]

@@HAMMERHEAD-g3h thanks. But I've done just random playing for years. I feel like I need structured exercises broken down into small sections to practice daily

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

@@The_Macaroon well, sitting down and learning a challenging piece is structured. You take it a little bit at a time and you learn a little bit more everyday. That's where you want to end up right? To be able to play the things you want to play. Don't overcomplicate your playing my friend. There is no secret. Whatever it is you're not good at, that's what you need to work on. Truth be told, you don't even really need somebody to tell you that. You can do it on your own. If you want to get faster, you have to work up to it. If you want to be better at fingerpicking versus flat picking, you going to have to spend a fair bit of time finger picking. The biggest problem I see with guitar players nowadays is that they don't sit down and try to learn music on their own anymore. They try to learn something off a video. There's nothing wrong with that. However, you come across so many things when you do it yourself. It's much more rewarding in my opinion. Even though we have thousands of KZbin videos, I still sit down and learn albums by ear.

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

@@The_Macaroon I'll tell you this and then I'll shut up. This guy gives some good advice but there's a lot of bad advice on KZbin. People trying to sell you a product or tell you nonsense. There is no secret. If you ever see a video that tells you it's the secret to getting good quickly, don't watch it. You get good by sitting down, bearing down and putting in the hard effort. I know so many people over the years that have picked up the guitar and the number one reason most of them don't get better is because they do not put forth the practice they need to put forth. Even if you have a guitar teacher, you've got to do most things on your own. The teacher can only give you ideas. You have to put the effort in yourself. I want the guitar to become popular again. I spent most of my life playing to guitar and I love getting people interested in it and giving them good advice. I've seen a lot of people quit and not get very good. They way overcomplicate simple things.

[@daniellarson3068]

What will Elmo tell us today? Eight steps to help play the guitar. Sadly, I've been distracted by the fine Summer and have strayed from the guitar. The "dog days of August" approach and that may make playing the guitar harder. The hot humid days should have been here already. Maybe the steps will help get me on track. I will paraphrase: 1) Playing what you don't want to will help ensure you give up. Play what's fun. 2) Some people worry about what they should play. How you practice may be a better concern. 3) Set goals. Make them realistic. Baby steps get you to the destination. 4) Just like Euros slowly compound in the bank so will your daily practice will compound. You will slowly improve. Improvement comes better from some effort every day rather than a big effort once a week. Make the practice easy by having it set up and ready to go. 5) Focus - Avoid distractions. Put the phone in airplane mode. Find a quiet time and peaceful place to practice in. 6) Notice your improvements - Measure your progress. Record your efforts so that you hear your improvements. Try new things as well. 7) Don't be trapped by GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome.) The KISS (Keep It Simple) principle may apply. An old acoustic guitar is good enough to learn many things on the guitar. 8) Don't let frustration overwhelm you - Take a break and maybe take a walk or a run. Frustration is stress. Too much stress can be bad. Take it easy and learn how to practice. Elmo says, "We cannot all become the best." I guess if we did there would be no "best." Maybe these wise comments will sink in this time. Thanks Elmo.

[@MrPolevaulter]

And thank you :)

[@PreMalone69]

Thank you Liam Neeson

[@MrPolevaulter]

🤣

[@OpkiB_reTb.]

Дякую пане Елмо за чудові поради! Я займаюсь по чотири години вже 8 років, звісно ще не Енді Джеймз, але я прагну до рівня Батіо!😂 Хоча я професійний оперний співак і маю повний діапазон з верхнім ля, що для баритона більше ніж достатньо, але гітара - це життя! З вигоранням борюсь терпінням і роботою, працюю над чистотою звуковидобування на електрогітарі і вже не женусь за швидкістю. Поки живий буду грати кожен день, навіть під час коли нас бомблять, я займаюсь навіть у бомбосховищі і коли люди навколо бояться, я заспокоюсь, одягаю навушники і граю, а далі як буде!😊

[@mistynightsatnoon]

He said ”turn off your phone” while I’m watching this video and doodling the song I’m learning at the same time TT

[@MrPolevaulter]

😊

[@gthofalcon3546]

Is your fret board scollaped out between the frets?

[@MrPolevaulter]

Yeah.

[@gasparepellecchia]

Focus & Consistency : the secret

[@joshuagodinez5867]

After watching hundreds of videos the last few years I've learned the guitar hack: practice consistently. Most of everything else is to enable that hack. The grey area is how to self-evaluate and learn what adjustments to make in order to have your practice be most effective. My frustration comes from seeming to get stuck and not knowing why I can't seem to get better at some simple task. My guitar teacher says to just keep playing and having fun and you won't be able to prevent getting better. Faith in the process is the hardest thing.

[@KaptainCanuck]

Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practiced does. If you do not know what errors need correcting then your practice is not best.

[@joshuagodinez5867]

@@KaptainCanuck Yeah, that's what makes it so hard. I can slow down to grass growing speed and I still can't get my fingers to go where they are supposed to. So, how do I practice perfectly? That's what I don't know how to solve.

[@Bob-r8p8s]

Eh Elmo a few months ago you mentioned something about doing a course on The Blues have you anything in the pipeline.

[@MrPolevaulter]

Do you mean a beginner course? I don't think I've mentioned a blues course.

[@Bob-r8p8s]

@@MrPolevaulter Ah I’m not sure now Elmo I could be mistaken, thanks for your reply.

[@zuperfire1111]

Thanks. Practice everyday IS important. But have fun ! No matter you're destroying Purple Haze or Smell Like Teen Spirit or Metallica 😊

[@Michel-r6m]

Aguy at high school was totally into Gary Moore. About 35 years later I understand 😂

[@MrPolevaulter]

👍

[@Dannigonzalez]

Play every moment you need for fun and you'll find yourself. In my case, while playing i find some new language in my music to add to my skils almost every day. Every minute of playing counts and Joy of it grows and push me to try more complex goals. Play for fun and enjoy the Journey!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Absolutely.

[@hihihaha3169]

Does gear really don’t matter much? I’ve been playing for 8 months on my squier strat now and I’ve been thinking of getting myself a Gibson Les Paul after saving up some money for a while, and I think if gear wouldn’t matter then why does so many players play with the high end guitars and tube amps and not the cheaper stuff? I know I won’t become 10 times better just because I buy an expensive guitar and amp but it should make some difference right?😄

[@nedcramdon1306]

What happened to your fret board? First one I've ever seen. I've tried for 13 years to learn to play. Never got anywhere, just went in circles. Now, after 18 years and very light touch of MJ, I feel that I've improved. Never, ever had an in person lesson or practice buddy though.

[@nedcramdon1306]

Liked and subbed!

[@MrPolevaulter]

Thanks! It's scalloped.

[@davidjones6218]

Good advice elmo, I've followed you for ages, and your advice is always grateful. Any advice on erectile disfunction my friend.?😂😂

[@shanewalton8888]

I hope Elmo replies to this one. 😊

[@MrPolevaulter]

Haha 😂

[@davidjones6218]

@@shanewalton8888 🤣🤣 Just a bit of banter🤣

[@byromtaylor6482]

ok i was good ish ....i had mini stroke after car accident now my muscle memory has gone and was going to give up and sold my stuff but the therapist says it is good to keep going and trying to play again ...i pray the feeling will come back in my fingers but its been over a year now and there has been very little improvment i just want to be able to play cowboy chords rhythm guitar again at leaast have you any advice on how to make my hand stronger and fingers more nimble ?

[@hamerray]

Other meanings for being frustrated. Writers call it a writers block and baseball players call it a hitting slump.

[@HAMMERHEAD-g3h]

Oh yeah, you'll have that happen no matter what you do. If it's something challenging, you'll eventually get to a point to where you get frustrated with it. No big deal though. If you try hard enough, you will push past it.

[@hamerray]

@@HAMMERHEAD-g3h Or take a break for couple days or more.