Every year, YouTube and social media platforms are flooded with videos claiming to have “the exercise that will transform your playing.” While these promises are enticing, they often lead guitarists down an unproductive path. The truth is, random exercises don’t solve your problems. You solve your problems.
When you’re struggling with a specific aspect of your playing—be it nailing the fast section of a famous solo, mastering a tricky chord progression, or improving your improvisation—random exercises are unlikely to help. Instead, learning how to create exercises tailored to your specific challenges will move you closer to your goals. Let’s break this concept down.
Why Random Exercises Don’t Work
Random exercises might offer temporary hope, but they often fail to address the root of your challenges. For instance, imagine you’re trying to learn a solo note for note, but you’re stuck on a faster passage at the end. Will practicing an unrelated speed exercise you found online improve your ability to play that part? Probably not.
Here’s why:
- Lack of Relevance: Practicing a different set of notes or patterns doesn’t directly address the technical or musical demands of the solo you’re working on.
- Time Drain: If you only have an hour to practice, cramming in unrelated exercises takes time away from your actual goals.
- Motivational Impact: Constantly practicing material that doesn’t feel connected to your aspirations can make practice feel like a chore. This, in turn, reduces your likelihood of picking up the guitar consistently.
The Alternative: Purpose-Driven Practice
Instead of looking for external solutions, focus on creating exercises out of the material you’re trying to master. This approach not only makes practice more efficient but also ensures that every minute spent with your guitar is purposeful. Here’s how to do it:
1. Identify the Problem
Take a close look at the section or skill you’re struggling with. Is it a matter of finger speed, string transitions, rhythm, or something else? Understanding why it feels challenging is the first step toward improvement.
2. Break It Down
Once you’ve identified the issue, isolate the specific part of the material that’s giving you trouble. For example, if it’s the fast passage at the end of a solo, focus on just those few measures.
3. Create an Exercise
Turn the challenging section into an exercise. Slow it down, loop it, and experiment with variations. For instance:
- Play it at 50% of the original speed with a metronome.
- Change the rhythm to better understand the phrasing.
- Try playing it with one hand at a time to identify where the problem lies. Playing a section with only the picking hand is something guitar players rarely do, but it is incredibly useful. Most guitarists spend all their time looking at their fretting hand because there seems to be more motion happening there. Shifting your focus to the picking hand will often give you new insights into what techniques you need to fix.
4. Focus on the Goal
By working on exercises derived from the material you’re trying to master, you’ll make progress toward your specific goals instead of taking detours.
The Negative Snowball Effect of Randomness
When you rely on random exercises, a negative snowball effect can occur:
- Distraction: Each new exercise feels like a shiny object that pulls you further away from your goals.
- Frustration: The lack of progress leads to frustration and a diminished desire to practice.
- Burnout: Overloading your practice routine with irrelevant material can make playing the guitar feel like a grind.
In contrast, a focused approach that aligns with your goals creates a positive snowball effect. Each small win builds momentum, keeping you motivated and excited about your progress.
Beyond Technical Mastery: Applying What You Learn
Another common trap is practicing licks or scales without understanding how to use them in real musical contexts. For example, if you’ve learned a cool lick, take the time to:
- Create Variations: Change the rhythm, phrasing, or key to make it your own.
- Apply It in Context: Use it in your improvisations or integrate it into your songwriting.
This approach ensures that what you practice has real-world applications, making your playing more versatile and expressive.
A Smarter Practice Routine
Here’s a simple framework to make the most of your practice time:
- Set Clear Goals: Decide what you want to achieve in the short and long term.
- Prioritize: Focus on the skills and material that directly contribute to those goals.
- Practice Strategically: Create exercises based on your goals, and spend the majority of your practice time on these tailored exercises.
- Reflect and Adjust: Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your approach as needed.
Closing Thoughts
Random exercises promise quick fixes but rarely deliver meaningful results. By shifting your focus to purpose-driven practice, you’ll not only save time but also make consistent, satisfying progress. Remember: the key to improvement lies in understanding your challenges, breaking them down, and addressing them directly.
As you embark on your practice journey this year, let every exercise, lick, and routine serve a clear purpose. Your future self—and your playing—will thank you for it.
About The Author
Brian Fish is a professional guitarist who has been dedicated to helping other guitar players in Northeast Ohio pursue their musical dreams since 1994. He’s passionate about guiding others on their musical journey! He is the Guitar Playing Transformation Specialist, instructor, mentor, trainer, and coach at
Guitar Lessons Geauga.
Brian has also assisted people from around the globe in developing a solid sense of timing and enhancing their creativity through the fantastic rhythm course, “Ultimate Rhythm Mastery,” available at MusicTheoryForGuitar.com.
If you live in Geauga County / North East Ohio, Guitar Lessons Geauga can help you become the player you’ve always wanted to be.
