Alex's Practice Log 2011

[alcoyot]

Happy New Year!
I'm starting up a practice log, to jot down exactly what I did, and random thoughts of the day guitar related and otherwise. Feel free to chime in.

[alcoyot]

First Log- 1/1/11
Did the 1-4 walking ex super slow with posing at points where I feel I lose control. Got some great feedback from the video I posted recently and will be taking Jamie's advice, going back to the slower tempos. I've already proved to myself that I can play 80bpm without missing any notes, so the way to improve on that is to go back down in speed again.
Then went over several songs, 2 originals and a few others all the way through, practiced chords and singing. Also doing the alt picking exercise. The way I'm doing the no tempo on the walking exercise is very tiring to the muscles which stretch the fingers sideways, I'm not sure if I can do it every day. Also while noodling came up with an idea for a rhythm I'm going to use as a backing track for the rock and blues course first solo.
-In other news talked to my brother on the phone, and met some cool people in a coffee shop today. Had a great discussion about opera singing.

[Stan]

First Log- 1/1/11
The way I'm doing the no tempo on the walking exercise is very tiring to the muscles which stretch the fingers sideways, I'm not sure if I can do it every day.

See, walking exercises develop strength and stretch. So some discomfort is expected - like the kind after a good workout at the gym. The good news is - it gets easier and easier if you practice it on an regular basis.

[alcoyot]

Got a slight strain in my shoulder blade a few days ago so taking it easier. Went over first pentatonic scale today at the 7th fret, that led to a lot of noodling. Did a little bit of walking exercise, and ended by playing through a song. Also played a little bit of the 1st solo from the Rock course.

[alcoyot]

Just went over the walking exercise today no tempo really slowly. More focus this time on the whole body acting as a unit, and the breathing. Working to keep the breathing, steady, good quality and under control, I think this will be key in my reaching the next level, its hard to describe but it really allows for better hand control.
With of course posing done at every string change.
Then went and did the same thing with the alt picking exercise. A quick in and out practice session today, might do some jamming later.

A random thought-
I didn't have any new year resolutions this year as usual, I also think they're ridiculous, and if anything most Americans are trying to juggle too many things. It would be far more productive to cut back on resolutions and goals every year I think. So rather than have any new resolution I am just going to reinforce the resolutions of things that I'm already doing.

[Stan]

Working to keep the breathing, steady, good quality and under control, I think this will be key in my reaching the next level, its hard to describe but it really allows for better hand control.

Breathing is very important (and I have to keep reminding this to myself ) because breathing allows you to RELAX... and that relaxation allows better hand control!

A random thought-
I didn't have any new year resolutions this year as usual, I also think they're ridiculous, and if anything most Americans are trying to juggle too many things. It would be far more productive to cut back on resolutions and goals every year I think. So rather than have any new resolution I am just going to reinforce the resolutions of things that I'm already doing.

Couldn't agree more.

[alcoyot]

@Stan, thanks for the comments.

Feeling sick with flu this thurs, so taking a day off.

edit: went for it anyway and actually did get in a good session even while under the weather.

[alcoyot]

Awesome practice tonight. Back at full health. Everything felt stronger than ever. Went through walking x, super slow, then with half notes. Progress is coming. Then, right hand alt picking exercise focusing on keeping right arm and shoulder maximally un-tense. (un-tensity=intensity) Then did a couple of doors songs again working on picking. Finished up with some practice on stairway to heaven intro.

[alcoyot]

Last couple sessions more of the same, and seeing steady improvements. I realized I applied some things from the Rock course to an ACDC solo I was trying to play a while back and it really worked! And that's from barely delving into it yet. My practice nowadays has changed, or entered into a new phase. I am using a lot of effort, but in a way that causes relaxation of the hand while playing. Or smoother movements and more comfort.

[alcoyot]

Last Few Sessions
Just going away at the same basics things, getting a number of quality repetitions each day. At this rate, I will not become a very advanced guitarist, but that is fine with me, I am really just enjoying the process in itself, practicing and playing.