My Guitar Practice Routine

Today I go through my guitar practice routine (how I've made progress on guitar) and give some ideas for what a more structured guitar practice routine could include!
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[@JassyPabst]

Some people really underestimate stretching! It's so important to not damage your muscles! =D

[@PsychoticLeprachaun]

I never realised people had practice routines. I just pick up my guitar whenever I feel like it and learn/practice songs I like or just fuck around a bit until I get bored. It's something I like to do, don't wanna make it feel like work

[@Jazzadrin]

It doesn’t have to feel like work having a practice routine lol, and everyone has a different temperament, some people practice differently.

[@paulkline3011]

Sounds like what I do. I love playing but hate "practice" I've never had a routine. Practicing techniques for me is boring. I've been in alot of bands both Metal and Acoustic bands. I've been playing for 30 years. I actually do most of my Practicing while I'm at work everyday. I practice in my head. Might sound weird but it works for me.

[@Mopsspoof]

@@paulkline3011 But of course, practice is good for improving on skills. I don’t know how guitarists manage riffs and stuff-but I’ve been longing to play a riff for so long, even tho I’ve just started.

[@TaxingIsThieving]

Yeah, the idea puts me off.

[@nuc]

Have you thought of a "top thing I wish I knew before learning to play guitar" vid? Would def watch!

[@RachelfGuitar]

For sure! That is on the list of videos I'm planning on making :)

[@dajoler]

My current practice routine: - Warm up with Ben Eller's guitar exercises - Learn a scale shape or position -- 30 minutes - Improvise using that scale shape -- 30 minutes - Learn a solo, preferably one that uses the same scale I just practiced; Chris Zoupa does some great tutorials - Learn a song verse and the chorus; Marty Schwartz, Carl Brown or Justin Sandercoe all do full song tutorials All this will take me about 2 hours. If you'll notice, everything is very specific because that makes it more achievable. If I want to practice specific skills like sweeping or tapping, I spend around 30 minutes slowly practicing that skill at a comfortable speed before increasing it. Everything practiced to a metronome or a backing track. Guitar Pro is a great practice tool.

[@gavenc673]

Lmao, I do the exact same thing. But instead of using Marty to learn songs, I use songsterr

[@samlemus2037]

your smile kills my depression :)

[@abradolfhonkler9287]

IKR? Her videos always leave me with a smile on my face, and I'm pretty much the definition of a cynical curmudgeon.

[@samlemus2037]

Yes bro, she’s awesome jaja

[@MumblerapSucksTrump]

Sam Lemus she kinda smiles like Wayne from Wayne’s world. (No hate btw)

[@samlemus2037]

Mumble rap Sucks Trump 2020 LoL 🤣🤣🤣🤣 but She is beautiful haha

[@icemanire5467]

I know man. I feel better instantly. Her positivity is infectious.

[@finogoge]

nice...u r my inspiration

[@RachelfGuitar]

Aw, thanks so much!

[@finogoge]

@@RachelfGuitar 🙏🙏

[@finogoge]

@@RachelfGuitar if you don't mind... 🙏 would you check....🙏 Thank you so much.. i really appreciate..

[@175epi]

Thanks! Your video reminded me that all of my favorite guitarists learned to play by copying riffs, licks, and tunes directly from recordings; and their practice consisted of getting those tunes down well enough to perform them for other people. Everything they wrote or improvised on their own came from this foundation. Since I'm someone who falls easily into a dead-end practice routine of drills and exercises, your video was a helpful reminder for me to get back to what I enjoy most about playing guitar -- trying to imitate those whose playing I admire, and attempting to use their stuff to come up with ideas of my own.

[@aravind787]

I had given up on my learning a long time ago, I watched you guitar leaning progress video and picked up a guitar again. You inspire me! Thank you for making these videos and keep smiling!

[@nandy9285]

She forgot to talk about her practicing to smile technique! She's always in a good mood while playing and that's awesome

[@alevazquez9869]

Being in a good mood while playing it's something quite difficult to achieve.

[@AlecWyld]

The way you practice, by learning songs and then focusing on the techniques you struggle with within that song, is the most enjoyable way to learn. Great work. :)

[@stevend9124]

Definitely going to practice more thank you 🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@psychlyeslg]

That's what they all say

[@johnafagerquist8235]

I've been playing for 45 years and I have never gotten around to structuring my own practice sessions. It's not that I don't see the need or benefit, it's just that I haven't done it. I'm sure I'd be much better than I am if I had structured my practice long ago. I'm still stuck on, "Whatever you play, make sure it's clean. Speed will follow." Your videos are awesome! Thank you for making them.

[@andrewyoung9516]

I like that you smile when you discuss anything related to guitars. It shows you really enjoy playing.

[@kim_0339]

My practice literally has no structure at all.

[@AlexandrBorschchev]

sad

[@morganmanesh5142]

@@AlexandrBorschchev truth

[@davidryan1215]

Me too

[@icannotcomeupwithanything4609]

Same. I pratice for 3 days straight then I don't play for a week.

[@Mopsspoof]

@@icannotcomeupwithanything4609 yeah-

[@realrebelli0n]

I'm a bass player and this really inspired me! I will implement your tips to become more precise, clean and tight in my play and I'm already looking forward to the results.

[@Chrisorocks]

Rachael, this is exactly how I have been doing things, 90% learning songs because at the end of the day, that’s why I picked up my first guitar. I am 2 years in but can’t get enough guitar in my life, it just makes me smile. Keep up the great work and love your videos and attitude ❤️

[@2nsane2005]

same with me man. I wanted to play songs!

[@tsunderry7398]

As someone who's been playing for a month, I practice for 25 minutes a day working on 4 out of the 7 chords(D, E, C, G) and the spider exercise and are working on single string strumming

[@kaetmcgee5258]

Me too it has really been a quarantine highlight

[@guitarrepairandmaintenance4741]

Most important for me is to experiment and explore. allowing my creativity to take over at the end of my routine is the most satisfying part of practice.

[@kyleiq1912]

i saw your 4 year progress video a few days ago, and i was really inspired by it. it’s cool to know that we actually have a similar practice routine, it makes me feel like i’m doing something right! haha since ive just been teaching myself i often wonder if i’m doing things right. thanks for the stretching and extra tips :)

[@abradolfhonkler9287]

Yup. Taking advice from someone who I'm guessing wasn't even born when I started playing. I'm beginning to get the feeling I probably should have approached things differently back then. Thanks for the tips, Rach, they'll definitely help.

[@ianrutter8422]

Abradolf Honkler I'm in the same boat. I've been playing for 30 years and no where near as good as this young lady. It's humbling for sure!

[@ianrutter8422]

Jaime Chagoya I guess I'm a horrible guitarist then because she is better than me. It's hard to admit it because she is such a young player...so thanks for kicking while I'm done. Appreciate it.

[@abradolfhonkler9287]

@@kitten-whisperer Hey bruh. I'm working on a thesis and would appreciate your input: Are you under five feet seven inches / 170 cm tall?

[@ianrutter8422]

I think it would actually be really cool to have a cutting head style contest between me and Rachelf. 30 years playing versus about 3 years. Would make an awesome video!!!

[@superblondeDotOrg]

@@kitten-whisperer Truth

[@beatrizjatoba3961]

When I was 10, I wanted to have a guitar, but my father didn't let me... He believe them to be 'noisy', so he bought me an acoustic one instead, but I never learned anything properly. I'm now 22 and just bought my dreamed first eletric guitar! I didn't had any hope of playing it awesomely cause of my age, but you gave me hope to be as good as you in 4 years!!

[@edenbarrera7599]

I’m 55 tomorrow and picked up guitar 10 weeks ago. You have plenty of time

[@tanyafullerton8168]

Eden Barrera are are you doing with y’alls guitars?

[@edenbarrera7599]

@@tanyafullerton8168, not 10 guitars. 10 weeks.

[@CutiePie232]

Omg saaaame i started at 22 because of Rachel

[@annymus4502]

How's it going?

[@brandonlong6180]

This is definitely giving me motivation cause I haven’t been practicing as much as I used to , thanks!🤘🏻

[@sahamal_savu]

That wrist stretch is great, I'll be using that for sure, thanks!

[@candice3464]

Ghost album in the background 👍

[@nandy9285]

Ghost POP in the background lol

[@MumblerapSucksTrump]

nandy9285 lmao

[@DavidNwokoye]

Me: "I'm gonna practice guitar" Also me: *Tries to sweep pick* *Gets frustrated* *Tries to improvise* *Gets bored* *Watches KZbin*

[@byates59]

Sadly, me too! lol

[@shawn_bullock]

The dreaded sweeps! I put up video a year ago when I practiced sweeps for about 20 mins a day and made great progress in 30 days. I should do a 1 year follow-up. Sweeps were only difficult for me until I had an a-ha moment. Once it clicks, everything clicks. At least in my case. Improving, that's another story.. grrrr

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

@@shawn_bullock you're improving even though you don't realize it. what was your "aha" moment?

[@shawn_bullock]

@@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power I "felt" what the pick felt like o the strings during a smooth sweep. I practiced only downs at first. Then ups. Then both. I think in the video I can see the progress between day 3 and 5, and again between day 12 and 15. Also, relaxing the left hand. And now that I play to a clicker, they are buttery smooth. Over the course of the year I think I practiced about an average of 30 mins a day or so, about 70 total days. That's enough to play Friedman solos on Rust in Peace, in my case.

[@MarkProffitt]

@@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power Sweeping is just really choppy strumming. Made a chord then slowly strum through each string. To help break it up into series of notes instead of a chord harmony gently finger the strings when you pick release that string so it doesn't ring. Try it a few times slow to get the feeling then speed it up.

[@diegoalejandrocortesbernal5341]

Those happy eyes and smile make my day. Thanks for the inspiration

[@cej3940]

Omg that first wrist stretch was amazing, my wrists are screwed up from mechanic work and being cranked in aikido and this stretch is one of the few stretches that actually "stretch" the particular area

[@andrekarpov3017]

You didn't mention it in your video, possibly because you're not aware that you're already doing it but it is incredibly helpful for improving musicians to regularly record and hear their own playing.

[@gunlokman]

Apart from always giving very useful advice and very entertaining to watch . . . . I'll have whatever this girl is drinking - she's always so cheerful!

[@billspruce8368]

Wow... you are going places, young lady! Your smile and enthusiasm is infectious!! AND... you know your short-comings regrading guitar knowledge and are heading towards addressing them... this is awesome. I wish you much success! I subscribed :)

[@r4v3nner]

my warm up is: -Crazy Train Intro for minutes -Welcome to the Jungle Intro riff -Sweet Child O Mine Main Solo -Em noodling for some minutes -1 2 3 4 exercise

[@playstationracer67-acc]

I have a video on my channel with my warm-up exercise, it is so vital in my personal opinion. Running up and down the fret board is a useful exercise. I might incorporate that into mine.

[@benamos6384]

I have seen your video and it is pretty comprehensive. Running up and down the fret board would be good to add though.

[@playstationracer67-acc]

Ben Amos thanks Ben.

[@byates59]

Sypher ... I just checked out your channel, I am also learning the guitar and I enjoy model railroading (O-gauge), so we have those in common! I subbed!

[@playstationracer67-acc]

@@byates59 Many thanks Bill. I have subbed to your also and thank you for supporting my channel.

[@Beatlesfan1993]

I subscribed to you because you're an inspiration. I started playing about 2 months but I'm getting more serious with it. I cant wait to see what other videos you'll do. Thanks.

[@littlewarcovers]

I do exactly the same apart from warming up lol I have started stretching my fingers tho because my thumb on the fretting hand sometimes gets unconfortable... great video.

[@williampeckham9838]

Thanks, I do a similar routine with 1 to 4 hours a day. Also I use apps, youtube and I have guitar teacher aswell.

[@sunburstbasser]

I think you've got a great grasp on practicing and routines. Just for fun, you can use a drum machine instead of a metronome. It serves the same function, it's just a little more interesting than a simple "click, click, click."

[@loveandbaconbrian1901]

Thanks for the videos! Bought my first guitar today! You helped me a lot already in deciding to jump in!

[@jackrichardson3576]

As an inspiring guitarist, watching your videos really gives me confidence in the tedious task of learning. Love your videos, keep it up, love from the UK England :)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thanks so much, I'm so glad to hear that!

[@lm-il8gx]

You are amazing! Thank you so much for your videos, and this one in particular. I’m about to start and had no idea where to start.

[@Johnny2112ful]

I love how you have Ghost in your background!

[@TheFactsMachine]

Yess this is what I wanted to see since I have no idea how to put together a routine

[@dannybugh130]

Just found your channel. I’m in my first week of guitar. Thanks

[@spooks9690]

For me being big the stretching method is a big help. Always got hand and wrist cramps. Thanks for the advice🙂

[@ricksanchezito8972]

The only thing more beautiful than guitar is your attitude. Thanks for the content Rachel

[@gianfrancovives]

I was just about to start my routine and i found this video 😂 i'll definitely take some of those point... Thank u for sharing

[@SmallADVentures1973]

Great tips, I'll be trying some of them (thank you) 😊🤘

[@fewminutesfame]

Good tips Rachel!

[@Washburnplayer1]

Beautiful Ibanez.

[@Briansgate]

Always good seeing a vid from you. It is amazing how much you are inspiring people twice your age! lol

[@firstditcheffort666]

I do practically the same thing! most of what I learned, especially with the speed in which I do certain techniques, has been from learning songs over the years. I keep forgetting to stretch before I play, but back when I was still in school, I used to practice with downpicking and alternate picking up and down the fret board doing four frets like you did. I think I need to actually continue a practice routine every day. I might do that! I don't know any music theory nor do I intend to learn it unless I absolutely need to, but It's nice to hear a name to what ive been doing.

[@lawabidingcitizen5153]

Improvising is absolutely a good exercise, because it helps memorisimg and utilization of scales/staying in tune, helped me a lot mostly with bass in particular but also some guitar, although it would probably be helpful with pretty much every other instrument. And also thanks for the great video, I always love your enthusiasm in these videos! 😀

[@thegaindane]

I still consider myself as a beginner and I've found that for me to want to practice, it has to be fun. Like - playing some sort of solo/melody, or even playing Rocksmith. But, I really should start by doing the chromatic run up and down the neck. Yes, I will do that from now on 😀

[@RachelfGuitar]

Keeping it fun is super important!

[@carloscedillo5081]

Very good tips and I love the fact that the most important thing is to enjoy music, and although structure is needed it should not be to the cost of enjoying while playing the guitar ! ... I am not as good as you playing the guitar but I am happy to see I have a very similar approach to my practicing ❤️

[@scottmatthews9924]

Rachel- Thanks for your inspiration! Has helped me get out of a rut with my playing. Wanted to let you know some other teachers on you tube that helped my playing also. Steve Stine, Robert Baker, Mike Gross and Marty Schwartz. Keep shredding \m/

[@shawn_bullock]

One of the most beneficial aspects of running 1-2-3-4's up and down the neck was to identify which frets my fingers needed more work on (wider stretch, or no stretch). I only added a metronome recently because of my classical guitar lessons but it's made a massive (MASSIVE) difference. At least for me, playing to a beat has caused me to feel the music so much more than just playing to play it. Practice feels more frustrating with a clicker, but more satisfying when performing.

[@hauntedchannel9163]

Mine is usually: 10 mins of hand warmup and exercise with metronome 10 minutes of scale work 20 minutes of improv and lick work Then jus playin / learning songs basically aha

[@Cristian-JustKeepingItReal]

Thanx so much for the new video Rachel :)

[@muckcityog8985]

i just bought a EVH wolfgang Standard and have no clue how to play it! LOL! Thanks for the tips!

[@andresdavidloeraleyva3767]

Smile al the time, you should get an awars for that

[@andresdavidloeraleyva3767]

@FeS FeO2 speak two lenguages this is not my first. Love the hate : D

[@nathanelliott6770]

I just bought a guitar about a month ago, you’ve really inspired me to play! Also you have a beautiful guitar 🎸

[@djentchannel4666]

That Ibanez color tone is my favourite...

[@claytong2018]

My practice: Tapping Practicing Eruption Realize I’m not good enough yet Get bored and watch KZbin

[@metronoth]

Mood

[@Warnleuchte]

Its always nice to see a new video from you. :-) Keep on rocking!

[@NEWSUPERCHARGER2001]

I really enjoy this helpful tips you conveyed for the viewers Rachelf, thanks!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you!

[@jalengoode3266]

Rachelf is the GOAT no discussions 😤😤😤😤👍🏾🎉🎇👍🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾👏🏾😤😤

[@nmeeelis]

you are the reaoson that i decided to learn guitar

[@notjohncena6492]

Damn geniuses

[@gohanssj4semathong775]

I encourage you.

[@tgay3674]

Thanks for the tips !

[@Arc61203]

That are gorgeous Ibanez guitars! By the way nice content made me wanna play my guitar more.

[@Victory..I]

I am 2 months away from 2 years of guitar playing.. Thanks for all the tips..

[@analauravd]

you are my inspiration! hope one day I can play well like you!

[@MrDoBo95]

The best routine is 20mins sight reading 20 mins theory into practice like scales or voicing etc. 20 Mins the song you practice in the Moment Repeat. Everything else you need to do is just if you feel to do so.

[@leaihrig7346]

Thank you so much! ^^

[@lala-everyonescrazyaunt]

I think variety is best, too! I like using a metronome because I can challenge myself to faster speeds on some things. 😁 I like pushing the tempo when I practice after I have learned a song, so when I go back to the original speed my playing seems more fluid. 👍✨

[@RachelfGuitar]

I do that as well sometimes when learning! Go to a super fast speed (even if I can't play it perfectly) to make slower speeds seem easier :)

[@lala-everyonescrazyaunt]

Exactly! 👍✨

[@b_lach00]

Today i bought my first guitar, its Washburn X12 B. I bought it by internet, i have not noticed that i have bought version with 7 strings xD I realised that when i opened the box Sorry for my english, many people from Poland have a problem with english

[@gofergofrunio6281]

Dobrze że czterech strun nie ma xD

[@b_lach00]

ee tam na basie łatwiej

[@MarkProffitt]

You can remove the extra string. You can change the nut to 6 strings and have more space on the fretboard.

[@paulsguitarchannel1810]

Very helpful, thanks

[@jamesh972]

Great advice as always Rachel! I always have good intentions to add more structure and the metronome is something I really need to incorporate. I'm often all over the place but as part of warm up, I do play a basic chromatic scale and the minor pentatonic at different positions though I'm sure I should be spending more time on them. I also love the opening riffs from Thunderstruck and play that (nowhere near Angus speed!) as part of my daily practice. Then, I'm usually onto whatever song or songs I'm trying to focus on for the week mixing in some Metallica riffs that are way above and beyond my level but are still fun to play anyway. I've only been playing for about 6 months but what has amazed me is I never get tired of it! Love your video series, keep up the great work...you inspire many guitarists on their journey.

[@Salehalanazi-7]

Great timing Rachel! I'm struggling with C and G switches without screwing up and I'm very slow. I hope practice helps. I never knew about hand stretching thank you!!

[@RachelfGuitar]

You will get it down! Best of luck with your guitar playing!

[@Bman2706]

Great vid girl! Appreciate it! Learned alot

[@KevinMillard68]

try try playing alot with the capo on the 5th fret do what chords you can with in those first 3 frets do that for about 10 min then move back 1 fret at a time every week this will help correct curvature problems i started teaching my self right handed guitar iam a lefty player but right handed i find that curvature is different of course and my wrist and arm were getting really sore even after a few min so now i have been doing this trick and now i can play for hours at a time and no more pain ... so you might have curvature problems that need correcting

[@tcgtherapy6073]

should show what you use as reference and what you use to slow the song down etc as examples :)

[@nicksparks3543]

Nice one Rachel, I am taking time doing my guitar thing, and over the past few weeks my left wrist started aching, as I'm venturing onward with doing more scales'ish along the fret board. Give it a few days rest and it's ok, but crucially like you said the stretches before playing is a must do before that first note. As for structure....emm....usually when I feel the 'urge' is the time to play as long as it's not like 1o'cock in the morning(I have had one complaint last year - at that time!). Gr8 video! :)

[@byates59]

You're AWESOME Rachel! Thanks!

[@RachelfGuitar]

Thank you! :)

[@kevjosh2596]

You giveee me motivation to play mooooore 25 hours a day isn’t enough bwhahahaa

[@estlupus_Swe]

Thanks Rachel :)

[@RachelfGuitar]

Of course! :)

[@seri1799]

when u pratice, pratice with a clean channel/tone as it will make your general playing more smooth and clean

[@simonkeill857]

My wrist exercises are a wee bit different than yours Rach 😄 You fucking rock, glad I found your channel 👍

[@nihilistictanuki6947]

Thats very interesting, your practice routine is quite the opposite from mine. I focus a lot on technique, tight rhythms and scales for improvisations. My goal for this year is to work more with songs. I know tons of licks and riffs but I have to admit I could only play a handful songs out of my memory and I guess my ear is also quite underdeveloped.

[@coachericstennisstudentvid1208]

Great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@mmccartney6579]

Man visiting New York stops a New Yorker on the street, and asked him how to get to Carnegie Hall. The New Yorker said, "Practice, practice, practice." :)

[@markopolo2224]

your guitars are gorgeous

[@FSDraconis]

Hey Rachel, thank you for another informative video! I will soon be getting my very first guitar. So videos like this are totally helpful! For Christmas I got Rocksmith. So initially I will be using that for practicing along with any youtube sources that look or sound useful. I am not expecting overnight success in the slightest bit. My personal goal will be to practice every single day for the first 90 days. I don't have a camera so I am not sure about how I may document my own journey. But at least with Rocksmith, I could perhaps record a video of that session trying to play a song. Lastly, I really have to thank you. If I hadn't watched your videos here. I don't know when I would of given Ghost a listen. I have totally become addicted.

[@RachelfGuitar]

That is so exciting and sounds like a great plan to start out! So happy you are loving Ghost :)

[@johnarmenis2493]

hey nice video but keep in mind you should always use a metronome during practice that is i what do.It realy helps if you want to build speed

[@tobortine]

Using a metronome is critical for good timing. Listen to any great guitarist and you'll notice it's how they time the notes rather than which notes they play. Enjoyed your video.

[@kaixi3006]

I like that smile 🙂😊

[@AQVILVS]

Hi Rachel ! Can you recommend me a good electro-accoustic guitar (between 400-600€/$) ? I'll definitely try to learn guitar 😄

[@Alfredo78666]

I most everyday figure out some melodies i've always heard, also some riffs I'm listening at the moment

[@joeyclemenza7339]

jeez, you have 10 times more structure than me... i'll just pick up my guitar and screw around on it until i get bored... or try to learn a cool solo i heard earlier, realize how hard it is and that it may take some time... give up and just watch netflix. lol you really are an inspiration, and even to some guitar vets out there.

[@imCurveee]

It's funny how true this is. "Oh that solo/riff/part was cool, I should learn that". Then after realizing its harder than it originally seemed, just give up 😄

[@drewderieux]

A couple things I’d like to share. There is a good conversation here about productively practicing. I’m a 30 year veteran of music with a degree that cross composition, performance and technology. I have to say that it is very important to warm up before you practice. I also must commend you as well that you do stretches to keep your wrist happy and limber. However, the pulling back on your fingers in the manner you showed is not a great practice especially for the audience here you shared it with here. Your hands have very little muscle in them, mostly around the thumb, and you are only hyper extending the ligaments and tendons in the fingers and hands when you pull back on them that way. This can lead to damage in many forms like bursitis, tendinosis/tendinitis and repetitive stress. All of your hand strength, and most of it’s tightness, comes from the forearm. To get the same stretch that you are going for don’t go from the tips of your finger, but rather from the palm. This was my first time seeing your channel and it’s easy to see why you have so many passionate subscribers with your positive attitude. Keep it up.

[@davidryan1215]

Thanks Dr.Phil this really helped me