With Regard to Playing guitar, What's the Best Single Piece of Advice You Ever Receiv

[generalliamsayn]

Originally Posted by MThomson

Learn it slowly first and then build up speed.

This.

Absolutely this.

And only once you can play it cleanly at a slow tempo should you speed it up.

[lowrider]

timing timing timing timing timing timing timing timing timing timing timing

[Mark Stone]

Learn some basics and skills from others, but use those to teach yourself how to play.

[BadWithNames]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

If you cant play in time to a metronome then you are not listening to your guitar.

Problem is, I’m either listening to the guitar or the metronome.

[srick]

Remember to breathe. Then move your body to the beat.

[Ray175]

Treat mistakes as opportunities. Often, what you have played « wrong » can sound fantastic in another context... just find that context :-)

[mcduffnw]

Practice and play for fun with your eyes closed, and learn to feel and listen your way around the guitar, your playing technique, and the song you are playing.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[NormanKliman]

The most useful input came from someone who said he didn’t like my playing because I slowed the tempo at times. I'd been unconsciously slowing down just a little during the more difficult parts of whatever I was playing.

The most effective piece of advice came from someone who said my right-hand fingers should sort of brush up against each other when playing arpeggios. I’d been unconsciously spreading them.

[TBman]

When practicing-practice the rough spots

When recording-breathe through your mouth.

I learned both here on the AGF.

[M Sarad]

“ You’re not good enough to be a professional. Let it be your hobby and you will get more enjoyment.”

He, the PhD in music with a million dollar violin told me the struggles he had as a lifelong classical player.

Excellent advice.

[Rev Roy]

Have fun...

[Benjo]

Originally Posted by 6L6

That's an easy one for me:

"Never put your guitar in its case unless you're taking it somewhere. Leave it on stand in an area you frequent and NEVER walk by it without playing it, even if you only have a minute. It's all about muscle memory."

Yup.

That advice came from my virtuoso college roommate back in 1964 when I was starting out. Many years later I read an article where Bob Taylor said the same thing.

I've followed this philosophy ever since and my guitars have survived two daughters, five grandkids, and five dogs without a single scratch.

What's the best single piece of advice you ever got with regard to playing the guitar?

Yep.I own two guitars and NEVER put them in their case unless I am traveling with them. I play them all the time, and I think having them out helps with that.

[brencat]

“You will get out of this exactly what you put into it.”

[Kyle215]

Originally Posted by srick

Remember to breathe. Then move your body to the beat.

Yeah, breathing is huge. And sing your scales as you play them. And get comfortable with a metronome... if it feels uncomfortable to play with one, do it until it is comfortable (I’m not all the way there yet, but close. And it has helped so much)

[zmf]

From an instructor/recording and performing artist:

"Stop playing note salad."