[islandguitar]

Lots of great thoughts and advice here!

One item I would add, and I know a few here I highly respect who practice taking time to really listen to other artists and styles of guitar music. In some respects this could be seen as a part of the "muscle memory" we all talk about with practice.....but on another level with ear training for your brain and creative thoughts and approach. When I do this I will hear a note or phrase, a hammer on, or slide, a chord, a key change or bridge that I wasn't anticipating and begin to explore doing that in some things I'm working on. On one hand you pick apart the smallest "stuff" and on the other you appreciate the entire soundscape of the piece you're listening to and how it comes together.

Hopefully this all keeps it fun, as others have stated....then you want more...and more.....and....!!