How can I improve my guitar playing when the amount of time to practice is limited?

Question

I started learning guitar in 1994. I moved house a couple of times and changed jobs in the past few years and at one stage during this time went a whole year without playing. I've been trying to get back playing in the past few months but my working hours and other duties mean I only have time to practice at weekends. Any suggestions for how I can become a better guitar player.

Answer 1

Even 10 minutes a day is much better than a couple of hours at weekends.

Learning something doesn't just happen while you are doing it. An enormous amount happens in your head, unconsciously, while you are doing other things, so a little daily reminder of the things your fingers and brain should be doing is much more effective than just long sessions at weekends.

Try to make room for those 10-15 minute sessions. Structure the practice so you work on a particular thing for those few minutes and your weekend practice sessions will be much better.

Answer 2

Isnt that a bit like asking how can I earn a lot of money without working?? I think the answer is practice practice practice. If it has to be only weekends you have to accept you will never be great but may b that is ok as well. The truth is, there is always time! Take the guitar to work with you and play it at break time! Come on, look again at your schedule.!!!!!!

Answer 3

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Answer 4

it is better to practice for a few minutes everyday than to practice for hours once or twice a week. try to find 15 or 20 minutes as often as possible and spend time with your guitar. it also gives your brain time to process all that you have learned. you can only retain a certain amount of information at a time. good luck.

Answer 5

Don't just sit around trying to play songs-learn technique and ways to do riffs. check out guitar magazines. they usually have great ways of learn new technique. But that is the main key-technique, with it you can usually play anything. and when you are in your car don't just listen to the music-actually "listen" to it, deeply, concentrate on the different parts-learn to pick out the different parts, rhythms, and structures. learn to practice without a guitar in your hand. you can learn so much from just listening even without playing.

Answer 6

You can now buy guitar tutorials on ebay, and play like
slash from guns and roses, other than that, it's just
learning strange chords seems impossible,
but if you stick with it, you'll become more flexible with your fingers, and even start to pick up, solo leads just by improvising,
go for it!!!

Answer 7

Play the guitar instead of watching tv.

Answer 8

Try buying a a video or dvd that teaches you a bit about guitar. there may be a pc game that teaches you about guitars too, I've got one for the piano.

Answer 9

Have a look at these Guitar vids.You need the latest flash player.

Answer 10

use music to get back in rythem(sorry misspelled) Deep Purple smoke on the water,,,slow guitar like santana's europa,,,,just keep to your hand and neck basics it will get better,,i play a Bass and a fender 12 string now that is how i got better