Although this article was originally written for guitar, you can make use of all of these ideas no matter which instrument you play.
1. Practice
This may seem obvious, but I can't tell you how many people commit the time and money to having guitar lessons each week but then don't practice between lessons. Most of the improvement you make will come from the work that you do on your own. If you have a teacher, he or she is only a guide. If you take the attitude that you are responsible for your own improvement you will be more motivated to get better and to practice because you are practicing for the sake of getting better instead of just being told what to do.
2. Set Goals
Make a list of things you would like to accomplish on guitar. Maybe you would like to learn a certain song, learn more chords, or play with better tone. Then think about the best ways to accomplish your goals and write them down. That way when you sit down to practice you will have a plan of action to get you to where you want to be instead of just messing around and hoping you get better. Noodling is important too, but you should make focused practice a part of your routine to get better faster.
3. Play Slowly And In Control
Always Play With Focus And Intent. Don't let yourself flub a few notes in a difficult phrase or chord. Pay attention to parts of a song that are hard to play and work only on those parts for a while. Figure out what is difficult about that part and focus on fixing one thing at a time.
5. Play In Front Of Others
Do this as soon and as often as possible. When you play for other people everything seems different. So many of my students tell me "I played this just fine before you got here". It's natural to feel pressure to play better when you are in front of others. As you get better you can take advantage of your nervousness by turning it into positive energy that will add excitement and a human element to your playing.
6. Visualize
Visualize what you are going to play before you really play it. Some of your best practicing can be done without even having a guitar in your hands. By visualizing playing a certain phrase or chord you remove the barrier of having to move your hand. It also forces you to clarify exactly what you need to do, because you are not able to check yourself by hearing what comes out of the instrument.
7. Keep A Practice Log
Log what you practice and for how long. This motivates you to practice more. It feels good to log a bunch of practice time and look back on it to see what you accomplished. It's also difficult to make excuses to yourself about your lack of progress if you look at a nearly blank practice log.
8. Focus
Focus while you have the guitar in your hands. Life is short. If you are practicing, or giving a performance give it 100% of your focus. When you are done playing, you can have all of your everyday thoughts back.
9. Listen
Listen to music that you like - both guitar players and other musicians. Really listen to what they are doing. Try to imagine how they feel when they are playing. Imagine that you are feeling the same way and that it is YOU that's playing that amazing stuff you hear.
10. Play With Musicians Who Are Better Than You
It may be humbling, but it will help you get better. Watch what other guitar players do and learn from them. If you have a question don't be afraid to ask. I've found most musicians are happy to share their knowledge. It's a part of musical tradition. Many musicians will be flattered when you notice something they did and will be more than willing to help you.
11. Play On A Decent Instrument
If you can afford it get yourself a good instrument that is easy to play. If you are a novice, ask a more experienced player to try out an instrument before you buy it. Playing on a cheap instrument makes things more difficult. Make things as easy for yourself as possible.
If you follow these tips you are sure to become a better musician in a shorter amount of time.
Good Luck!
Roy
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