Do you know of any websites or books that will give me information on motor skill learning concerning guitar?

Question

I am particularly concerned with improving the efficiency of my guitar practice. I have determined that guitar playing is known as a discrete skill. It's actually a series of discrete skills known as a serial skill. I am interested in learning what the best method of practice is. I would like to know how often I should practice, what exactly I should practice, and how much I should do during practice. I would like to know what the optimal amount of practice time is for learning a new skill. I am not a beginner, I am just looking to improve efficiently. Should I used distributed or massed practice? How many different things should I work on in a session? How long should a session be? How many times should I repeat the same things over again? How long will the kinesthetic memory be retained?
I don't expect you to be able to answer all of these questions, but if you could answer them or at least direct me to some books or websites that might be able to answer them, that'd be cool.

Answer 1

My sources of progressing on the guitar during the 50 years I've been playing were through simple chord books that had music theory included and watching every guitar player that performed to see his style and methods of delivery. Sit down with other talented guitar players and learn what they can show you. They will want the same from you so it's a give and take scenario.

The secret to good practicing is start out slow on whatever you're trying to learn and gradually bring it up to tempo. Have patience in whatever exercise you're working and know that not every guitarist is a Chet Atkins or an Andres Segovia.

Practicing times are no less than 30 minutes and usually no more than two hours at a sitting. Other body parts tend to grow wearisome if you play longer than necessary.

For many years, when my occupations allowed, I played everyday without fail. But missing a day or two is good because the absence can rejuvenate your fingers and abilities. Try it sometime; I think you'll be amazed at what one day of not playing can do for you.

Otherwise, treat the guitar as your very best friend and take care of it. Treat it better than you do your own body. It's more fragile and susceptible to climatic changes than you are.

Answer 2

If you can find it, the April 2004 issue of Guitar World has Steve Vai's new and improved workout. In it he takles you through the exercises that made him the monster he is.