Tags: music theory guitar mastery perfectionism routine ritual

I am studying standard notation using A Modern Method for Guitar. It’s a slow and deliberate process, as learning to play the guitar is a physical skill that takes time and cannot be rushed. The focus is on practicing each exercise slowly, keeping a steady tempo without skipping steps. However, there’s no need to perfect every lesson before moving on (Leavitt, 2020).

Developing technique is cumulative—you’ll notice that material becomes easier each time you revisit it. Consistent, patient practice and regular review will naturally lead to greater speed and accuracy. — Leavitt

Guidelines

I’m also focusing on the sound my instrument makes and how it feels, following The Art of Practicing (Bruser & Menuhin, 1999):

• Stay relaxed—tension is your enemy.
• Listen to the music you’re playing.
• Be gentle with yourself.
• Short, focused practice is better than long, exhausting sessions.

And don’t be a perfectionist, it’s a deadly weakness. (Denk, 2022)

References