Starting Over
Three years ago, I decided to start practicing guitar again.
A week later, a jiu jitsu roll gone wrong turned my left hand into something resembling an overcooked noodle.
I haven't so much as glanced at my guitar since it became a glorified dust collector. But last week, my buddy Jake and I made this pact:
We'd practice guitar on Zoom for 15 measly minutes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It doesn't sound like a lot because, honestly, it isn't. My old music conservatory self would be laughing into the bell of his saxophone over such a pitifully short practice.
But you know what? Screw it. I've decided to tackle "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Elliott Smith. Why? Because it's a damn good song and brings me back to my Boston days, freezing on the T platform in my Timberland boots, channeling my inner Matt Damon from 'Good Will Hunting.'
Anyway, after our first practice last Thursday, my fingertips were screaming for mercy, and I was half-convinced I'd forget everything by the next session. But, lo and behold, when Tuesday rolled around, my fingers stumbled less, and I was actually playing something halfway decent — slowly, but it was something.
So, yeah, I'm getting there. And it's hitting me — when you’re not tossing a whole kitchen sink of stuff to practice at yourself and just zero in on one thing, it's helluva lot easier to see the progress. It's not like I've discovered gravity or something, but for someone who used to laugh at practicing unless it was a six-hour brain-and-finger-busting session, this is a big wake-up call.
And if you, too, need this reminder, here it is:
When it comes to practicing, something is always better than nothing – especially when you stay focused, consistent, and have a plan.
And if you're in that rut of not knowing what to practice in order to reach your musical goals, I invite you to check out my flagship courses:
If you're struggling with improvising solos and feel like you're just aimlessly noodling through chord changes, check out The Soloing System.
If you're tired of playing the same old boring chords and progressions on the keys and want to get that soulful, jazzy sound you've been after, check out Chord Theory for R&B Piano.
Alright, time for me to get in my 15 minutes. I suggest you do the same!
Happy shedding,
Jeff