| What can you do to stay motivated as you practice | | | | One reason for having a repertoire with guitar pieces |
| on your guitar? How can you increase and maintain | | | | thoroughly rehearsed is that you can feel that you |
| the joy of playing? Here are some tips on how to | | | | perform at the top of your ability when asked to |
| keep that joy that made you start playing the guitar | | | | play. |
| in the first place! | | | | Remember, it should be guitar pieces you like to play. |
| What can you do before setting goals? | | | | If you do not like what you play you run the risk of |
| The reason why we don't keep our guitar playing | | | | memorizing these feelings together with the material |
| goals might be that we haven't been honest with | | | | you play. |
| ourselves before the goal setting process. | | | | When you practice a guitar piece you will memorize |
| Before actually setting goals you have to decide why | | | | much more than the melody. At least these things will |
| you want to play guitar or want to be a better | | | | be memorized: |
| player. Make an honest survey of your assets and | | | | 1. Hopefully the melody |
| wishes in the area of guitar playing. | | | | 2. Your attitude |
| Your inner wishes will probably conquer your goals if | | | | 3. Your level of body tension as you play |
| they are not the same. | | | | 4. Your posture |
| How to set goals | | | | 5. The pressure you apply when pressing down the |
| In order to set goals that you will actually work | | | | strings or holding your pick |
| towards you might ask yourself: | | | | If you like what you practice this joy will probably be |
| Do I really want to accomplish these goals? | | | | transmitted to the audience when you perform. |
| Will I really feel good when I reach my goals? | | | | In order to keep your motivation to practice on top |
| I guess you will agree with me that the only goals | | | | and be able to stick with your guitar playing goals I |
| that are really meaningful are the ones that will take | | | | suggest that you consider the following tips: |
| you in that direction that leads to a place you want | | | | 1. Ask yourself these questions to evaluate your |
| to be at! | | | | future ability to stick with your goals: |
| I think that a part of your guitar playing goals should | | | | Why do I want to be a better guitar player? |
| be focused practicing melodies you want to play in | | | | Is it because I like to play guitar? |
| front of other people. | | | | Is it because I am "forced to"? |
| One common reason for starting to play the guitar is | | | | Is it because I want to impress my friends? |
| to be able to play the pieces of music you like. | | | | What things do I like to play on the guitar? |
| This means that as you learn to play guitar, a goal | | | | 2. Set goals that take into consideration what |
| might be to learn a number of songs or melodies by | | | | motivated you to play in the first place. If you like |
| heart so you can play them in any setting. | | | | strumming chords and sing your favorite songs your |
| These songs or melodies are to be learned so well | | | | goals should probably be in that area. |
| that you don't have to worry if you are asked to | | | | 3. Learn pieces that you feel good about and let |
| play. | | | | other people listen to them and feel good too. |