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BETTER PRACTICE FOR ACOUSTIC GUITARISTS
By Dr. Julie Goldberg
Practicing an instrument can be a joy and other times a chore. Although I enjoy practicing and the results I achieve through consistent work, it's hard to get moving sometimes. If I have a dedicated space in which to practice, and all my practice needs are within reach, it is much easier to sit down and begin.
1: Practice Space
It’s ideal to have a secluded practice room, free from clutter and protected from noise and distraction. However, a reasonably quiet space where you will not be disturbed will do. If necessary, practice facing the wall so that you are not distracted.
2: Good Acoustics
The right acoustics in your practice space will inspire you and make the practice session more enjoyable. Poor acoustics will give you a very realistic view of your playing and may encourage you to pay closer attention to the individual notes you play. For fun, try out the booming acoustics of playing in stairwells and bathrooms. Whenever possible, practice playing your repertoire in recital halls and performance spaces. Hearing your sound amplified by a space with good acoustics is a great confidence builder and will prepare you for future performances.
3: Practice Chair/Bench
Put thought into your practice chair. Make sure it is a good height and comfortable enough for you to sit in for an hour or two.
4: Guitar Support
Practice in the same position that you will perform. If you perform using a footstool, guitar support, or guitar strap, be sure to use them when you practice. Through repetition, you teach your muscles specific movements and spatial relationships. Keep your practice and performance posture consistent, so that you can successfully perform what you have diligently practiced.
5: Music
Even if your piece is memorized, you will occasionally need to check the score for accuracy. Keep your music with you.
6: Music Stand
Keep your neck relaxed by reading your music from a stand or having it propped up on a table.
7: Pencil
You will want to make markings in your music to remind yourself of fingerings and articulations. Avoid writing with a pen, as you may change your mind later.
8: Metronome
Use it!
9: Recording Device
You can use the voice recorder on your phone or a dedicated recorder. Record short sections of a piece and listen back to confirm you are playing what you want to hear. Prior to performing in public, record yourself — it helps with concentration and performance anxiety. Listen back and identify anything you would like to change.
10: Tuner or Tuning Fork
Only play on a tuned instrument. Don’t let your ear get used to hearing an out-of-tune guitar.
11: Guitar Pick
If you play with a pick, be sure to have a few stored in your case. Most guitarists carry one in their wallet or pocket too.
12: Fingernails
Shape them carefully and be sure your fingernails are smooth prior to practicing. Your nail kit should contain the following: Fingernail file Sandpaper or nail buffer Nail clipper for left hand fingers and/or guitar strings.
13: Extra Strings
Don’t let a broken string stop you. Change it, tune it, and start playing. String winders also come in handy when changing strings.
14: Notebook
Write down your goals and daily practice lists to keep track of your progress.
15: Electronics
Many of us are using metronomes and tuners on our phones — and reading music on our tablets. Set your electronic devices to “do not disturb” while you are practicing. It doesn’t seem like it takes much time to read a text or check a post, but once you turn your attention away from your practice and onto your message, it’s easy to get distracted. Unless it is an emergency, the message on your phone will still be there when your practice is complete.
