This is Nora, your mentor from “Be Creative Guitar Mastery”.
Here are some of the tips get more out of your practice time. I will use example of learning triad voicings . But this process can be applied to any new techniques or materials you’re learning.
STEP 1
Set a goal for week ( example – Master Dm triads around the fretboard )
STEP 2
Set a realistic plan for your practice ( how long will you practice each day? Do you have 1h each day ? Or maybe 2h ? You can start with 45min and increase time every day as you have more things to work on each day. )
STEP 3
Implement practice diary ( how long will you practice each thing , how fast ( metronome tempo ) . Be realistic and honest with yourself. Can you play clean chords at 130bpm changing on every beat ? Or maybe you have to start with a much slower tempo? )
STEP 4
Start day one ( example: practice time 10am – 30min , learn Dm triads on first string set. Try playing it as an arpeggio at a specific speed. Write down what speed you are comfortable at. (15min ) , Start learning 2nd string set – make sure all notes sounds clean. If changing is difficult, spend more time on just changing 2 voicings at the time ) – 15min.
Next practice time – 7pm – 30min – revise what you did in the morning, try to increase speed.
Be honest with yourself. Keep repeating only 2 voicings at the time if any more aren’t clean. Pay attention to any problem parts . Are the fingering the most economical way to play voicings. What about your right hand ( if you’re right handed) , is your picking technique correct and smooth. Do you need to adapt anything there?
Keep playing 2 string sets until you can change all chord at a certain speed ( starting speed can 60bpm playing each chord 2 beats ( depending on your current level) . Goal would be to change chords at 60bpm playing each chord on every beat ( same as 120bpm tempo for each chord being 2 beats )
Do it gradually. Increase 3-5bpm each time . If starting speed is too fast, you can also start with 80bpm playing each chord 4 beats . Gradually increase tempo)
STEP 5
Day 2 – repeat previous days voicings, gradually increase the speed . Learn one or 2 new string sets )
STEP 6
Day 3 – Increase tempo gradually for each of the string sets , learn new string sets …
Day 4 – learn one position on top of repeating previous tasks . ( you may have to increase how long you practice as your task list is longer . But be realistic ! Plan your time out! ) …
Day 5 …. – repeat. Hopefully you have learned all positions and string sets by now.
STEP 7
Last 2 days . Gradually Increase speed for all voicings and positions. Implement some rhythmical variations. Try writing an Etude .
Try improvising.
Try playing in groove – just a few voicings at the time . Think of a song you like and try implementing some of the voicings you have learned into the song ( This would apply if you know more than just Dm voicing )
– have some fun! Record something ( audio or video).
Document your progress in practice diary .
Let me know your thoughts!
( another set of practice tips)
You can also purchase all the pdf’s separately without the course here .
You can also look into mentoring options .
Oh! And check out a blog post about ‘Why is it important to know guitar triad inversions?”
And overall , have fun !