THE *BEST* GUITAR PRACTICE ROUTINE (2024)

[@GregMerritt-ws8tq]

On your last point, don't be so certain. I thought the same thing roughly 15 yrs ago, and then the last couple of years happened to me. I've found myself shocked at the rate I've improved to the point I've found myself shedding tears of gratitude a few times over. It's literally saved my life.

[@islamicsalami7208]

Dude plays the guitar like a maniac, looks tough as fuck, but wow. He's so thorough and sounds like a really nice guy. Loving this content

[@TheRealxVincent]

I like to start my session by playing a few songs I like to warm up, then move into trying to create or work on theory. I feel like it helps elevate my mood, and gets the blood flowing. Definitely all a mental thing, but like you said, the mental is just as important.

[@PeregrineFallgrove-dl7ub]

Your new album is the soundtrack to me playing video games, great stuff!!!

[@allenmitchell09]

Ray! The way you played through the modes back to back was great. I don’t think I’ve really noticed anybody just going through them back to back like that. It shows you quickly the flavors.

[@thomascoolberth2648]

I've stumbled along the same method from some top teachers I've had. As an intermediate player, I'm struggling to find a song to practice to. It seems like everything that is a favorite is way beyond my skill level and I don't really want to set myself up for frustration.

[@Smallsguitarshop]

I feel you 100% on the fret board memorization. It’s gotten me out of the “box”. On a side note 2 non Metallica songs that have helped me with down picking is COB Needled 24/7 and Tornado of Souls.

[@joeformayor]

Thank you for being so genuine during these videos. It is why I respect you and your opinions on different aspects of music and the guitar. It’s why I have watched you and Andertons everyday for the past 4 years. Your honesty is your strength… keep rocking and slaying your dream!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

I appreciate that!

[@rastamon5969]

Why are his arms black?

[@constantinranis]

A tip that skyrocket my skills is to play the modes in triads.. go up and down the scales in chords.. horizontal and vertical

[@BlueSkiesBlackDeath]

All jokes aside, I needed this video. I've been trying to up my skill set, but not really knowing where/how to start. Thanks bro!

[@Raijinx13]

Hitting the books for sure I definitely have had to sit down and focus on the theory of what I'm writing

[@michaelv2495]

Bro you just got a subscriber. I watched some of your vids on gear and stuff but this one in particular is very useful. I used to know “some” theory 20 years ago but got frustrated and gave up. I re-started learning more than ‘campfire’ level playing this February…I just finished pentatonic patterns, learned not mastered yet, and was going to start major / minors then other modes…the modes always confused me badly, I barely had Gr. 2 music theory. Now I understand it’s all the same scale just start / end different note. I understand alt major / minors am in process of memorizing the standard tune fret board. I knew all the ionian patterns up / down fretboard in the past but without understanding the modes it was bland and boring to practice. Your modes practice technique is such…I never saw that before…it’s such an interesting way to get the patterns and modes and change it up randomly to stay interested. I do know my scale intervals for majors and minors…tone / tone / semi-tone….etc….and I know the chord patterns for major and just go 6 notes up in that for minor…maj / min / min / maj / maj / min / diminished….so I’m not starting from scratch but I really want to learn BUT stay interested….this vid…I’m not even done watching (gotta go to work!) but it’s already a keeper just for the modes scale practice. Cheers :-).

[@S1LVERGUITAR]

Definitely one of my favorite youtubers. Bro always keeps it real

[@remy333]

Such a small world. I toured with those guys back in 2008 with The Warriors back when I was in The Banner. Been watching your videos for a bit now and had no idea.

[@D91Mart]

I would add ear training too, I think its way more useful then theory in my opinion.

[@AxeCraft-Creations]

That's the first time I saw you when you did that crazy riff and I now watch your channel

[@schwab21121]

Really good points. This video, imo, has been one of your most informative of any you have made. I really appreciate you taking the time to make this one. Thanks.

[@Left_Hand_Path]

Thanks for the vid bro, awesome stuff. Do you have any recommendations for theory/scale/general guitar books????

[@ernestkronberg]

Loved the ascending and descending mode practice! Will def incorporate that into my routine! Thanks, Ray!

[@ernestkronberg]

Also would be super cool to hear more about your creative process, like do you record even the "bad" ideas/riffs you come up with? If so, do you ever come back to them and try to make them work or you're just always onto the next one? What's your writing process - do you have any template for writing etc. Cheers! And thanks again for the useful video! Big fan for years 🫶

[@ledthrax]

Another great training/lesson video! Keep it up dude!

[@bthompson1229]

Thanks for the great lesson! Appreciate it 👍

[@ericlandry4849]

I like practicing by playing Ewon Dobsons song called "Time 2" on my electric and do the main riff on all strings accross but i also practice all modes to keep my taste buds fresh and not stuck on a single "sound"

[@scottb8540]

dang it man. i'm stationed at fort knox so the louisville show would be sick but i have knee surgery the week prior

[@GregMerritt-ws8tq]

I'd definitely classify that riff as a money riff without question. Top shelf creativity in multiple contexts. 😙👌

[@adamstrachn]

Great video brother! Hope you have a great week ahead ✌🏼

[@user-wi1776]

Bud, it shows that you're doing your homework. I need to do the same. Been playing since '86 but I need to bust outta the rut lol! Your songwriting has gotten very good. You've become a really good player and I've enjoyed your channel!!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Ahh thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words

[@patrickhybl3668]

Great Info

[@philzo]

Thanks bro, this is very useful information 🤙

[@xanderraymondcharles]

No problem 👍

[@jimgillespie6717]

So I’ve been a metal drummer for years, after disbanding and taking time off I’ve decided to pick up the guitar myself. What’s your thoughts on being a beginner but having experience being a drummer already.

[@layzer_fn9882]

yow thaks mans this help alot im kinda lost about what should i practice everyday

[@layzer_fn9882]

but im still confuse how the modes work

[@MashaT22]

Thanks for the insights - very helpful! Also stoked to hear that the bangin’ riff so many of us loved will get made into a full song! It quite literally was a banger!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

I appreciate you so much!

[@gregleatherman3786]

Very well said! Cheers

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Thank you kindly!

[@julianandrews145]

Dig your style. You have great discipline. All I need is nu-metal, almost no practice and lots of fun playing along. The Dad life.

[@Bat_Dad_116]

I’d love to come to a show! But you aren’t anywhere near me. West coast tour sometime!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Ahh next time! We were on the west coast last fall

[@tatocta]

In my opinion another good thing to practice is just to put some random metal drums or some backing track in whatever key and start improvising.

[@noahstrasmann1557]

3 note per string scales are sick

[@jalapinya]

Are there any theory books/resources that you could recommend? I just started playing a couple months ago. Thanks bro, dig your music and your channel!

[@RobertJohnson-xr4gy]

Time on the fretboard is time on the fretboard.... Make the shirt Xander

[@GappyDanZ]

How do you get over the swinging pinky, I just for the life of me can’t get mine to stop swinging out

[@BlueSkiesBlackDeath]

These are great and all, but you don't talk about having a lead singer for your band. Well today is your lucky day! I just happen to be a frontman and would be perfect for you! I sang in 3rd grade in a play we had about a police investigation. I forgot some of the words, but I think if I practiced for a couple weeks, we'd be an epic duo. I can't chew gum while I sing though. But that's okay. And I don't mind someone else singing when the show starts while I get warmed up in the back. But yeah, just think about it man. I think a buddy of mine knows you personally, so he probably could vouch for me. PEACE!

[@robertmckeon7953]

Can anyone recommend books for learning theory? Or any online sources?

[@abbasahmedlp]

Day 1 of asking where you get ur tees

[@the12gage37]

Writing is kinda like mining. How much slag do those mines produce for how much of whatever they're mining? Exactly

[@ericlandry4849]

"Marbin has entered the chat"

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Idk who or what that is but I appreciate you stopping by

[@ericlandry4849]

Its a fusion jazz band that said "playing with a backing track isnt practice"

[@ericlandry4849]

Btw @xanderraymondcharles im also buying the Dean ML 7 string Kahler how do you like your Exile?

[@ericlandry4849]

I also love your spotify i check it out all the time. I love your music and new album. Everything guitar in one location! Learn about tone, gear music, casual music conversations? Hell yeah

[@mustuddd]

had a similar thought haha

[@BinarySecond]

And sometimes when creating you'll find something cool then realise Killswitch Engage already did it 😬😬