Musical experts say that it takes at least 10,000 hours of rehearsal to master the instrument that you are trying to learn, and while that sounds like an UNATTAINABLE number, if you sit and do the math, you'd be surprised just how quickly 20-30 minutes of rehearsal per day adds up!
Along those lines, I wanted to talk a bit about some other ways you can rehearse, even when you're not physically at home with your instrument. For example, you might work a lot of hours, or spend time on a bus or school bus, or maybe you're on vacation, and couldn't pack the guitar--but you can do these exercises:
VISUALIZATION
That's right--just visualizing notes, or chord charts, or scales uses the same nerve paths in your brain that you would use if the instrument was in your hands. If you are on your lunch break, for example, just picture a few chord charts in your head, and picture which fingers you would use on each string. You will be amazed at just how much you do retain, and how much easier the fingerings are when you do get back to your instrument.
LISTENING
There is music all around us--in elevators, grocery stores, and while you're on hold on the telephone. Listen to the music, and again, visualize the melody you are hearing, or the chord change that is taking place. Listen for the "pulse" of the rhythm, and count the measures out in your head.
LOOKING
Make yourself a small copy of the chords or scales you are working on, and carry it with you in your purse or wallet. Again, when you have some time at work or during your commute, pull those "flash cards" out and study them. Once you get back to your instrument, you can put into practice what you have studied!
Here's a video where I talk a little more about visualization;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnv1vehidOk
Enjoy--and Happy Pickin' (and Practicin') !
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