How often should you practice guitar?
The frequency of practicing guitar depends on your goals, schedule, and personal preferences. However, it is generally recommended to practice guitar regularly to make progress and build your skills effectively.
My general starting point is to try pick up the guitar once a day whether it be for 30 minutes or 30 seconds. Even if you are just strumming one chord you might have learnt recently, consistency is the key.
As with all things the more time you put in the more you will improve and see progress. The most technical music requires the most practice. When I was in year 11 I remember practicing for 4-5hours a day on weekends trying to replicate my favourite guitar solos of absolute shredders like Eddie Van Halen and Yngwie Malmsteen. Sure enough after a while I was able to play these songs without a mistake. Of course, this kind of dedication and borderline obsession however is not needed if you are just looking to strum a few songs around the campfire. Nowadays I practice those kind of lightening fast solos less and less as they are not commonplace in my live performance. In some areas I bet 16 year old Palle could give me a run for my money.
For beginners, it's advisable to aim for at least 15-30 minutes of practice every day or two. This helps develop muscle memory, finger strength, and coordination. As you advance and become more comfortable with the instrument, you can gradually increase your practice time.
Ideally, setting aside dedicated practice sessions of 30 minutes to an hour, three to five times per week, can yield noticeable improvements. However, quality of practice is more important than quantity. It's better to have focused and productive practice sessions rather than long, unfocused ones. it’s easy to find yourself playing the same thing over and over again. There will come a point with every song, scale, chord progression or technique where you will need to try new things to improve. For me, there is a difference between picking up the guitar for a general play and actively trying to practice.
Remember to balance your practice routine by including various elements such as technique exercises, scales, chords, music theory, and learning songs. Additionally, make sure to warm up before practicing to prevent injuries and maintain good playing habits.
Ultimately, finding a practice routine that works best for you and aligns with your goals and commitments is crucial. Listen to your body and give yourself enough rest to avoid burnout. Consistent and mindful practice over time will help you progress and reach your guitar-playing goals
