Mastering Guitar: 5 Key Steps to Advanced Skills in 7 Years or Less

The Journey to Advanced Guitar Skills: Navigating Years of Practice and the Importance of Guidance

Guitar enthusiasts, welcome aboard! You've taken the courageous step towards dedicating at least two hours dly to your musical eavors. Your goal? To asc the ranks and achieve advanced proficiency on that cherished instrument. As you embark on this journey, one question lingers in your mind: How long until I reach my destination?

Malcolm Gladwell's intriguing theory suggests it takes approximately 10,000 hours of practice to become a master. For those ming for advanced, a level closer but not as lofty as mastery, that figure is roughly halvedaround 5,000 hours or more. Given your diligent two-hour routine, you'd accumulate about 700 hours per year, placing the completion time at around seven to eight years.

However, this calculation assumes ideal conditions: a continuous supply of competent guidance and the common pitfalls during early stages of learning. Alas, many guitarists, even those with years under their belt, might unknowingly bear day 1 mistakes that hinder progress indefinitely. Consider these as hurdles akin to a baby who learned to crawl but never progressed to walking or running.

Let's delve into the key factors contributing to reaching your advanced guitar skills milestone within seven years:

1. Setting Realistic Goals: m for advanced proficiency, not simply to surpass time constrnts. It's crucial that you envision your progress and set achievable milestones along the way.

2. Embracing Guitar as a Lifestyle: This isn't just about playing; it's an integral part of who you are. Committing wholeheartedly transforms practice from a task into a passion.

3. Navigating Guidance with Caution: The journey benefits significantly from expert mentorship, yet choosing the right teacher or learning materials can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

4. Overcoming Common Pitfalls: Identifying and rectifying mistakes early prevents them from turning into entrenched habits that need to be unlearned later.

5. Utilizing Technology: Embracing digital tools enhances your practice by offering everything from instructional videos to customizable exercises tlored to your specific needs.

6. Consistent Practice: Discipline is the key. Establishing a routine ensures continuous improvement, making it easier to meet those 700 hours annually.

Now, let's address a more nuanced question: Do you prefer a high or low guitar action?

Guitarists have diverse tastes when it comes to action height, with some favoring the smooth glide of lower actions and others preferring the responsive feel of higher ones. It all boils down to personal preference, though there are several considerations:

• High Action: Often associated with better playability due to reduced tension on your fingers and strings. This can be especially appealing for advanced techniques requiring precise control.

• Low Action: Known for its ease in transitioning between notes due to minimal effort needed to press the strings down agnst the fretboard. Ideal for those who prioritize speed or have experienced finger fatigue from higher action setups.

In essence, whether you opt for high or low guitar action deps on your individual needs and playing style.

Lastly, let's address the allure of 7-string guitars:

While some see the extra string as a game-changer offering new tonal possibilities, others might find themselves struggling with the learning curve. Consideration should focus on your specific musical goals and whether this added complexity aligns with them:

• Advantages: Exted range allows for playing notes previously unreachable or requiring a series of complex chord changes.

• Disadvantages: More strings mean more adjustments in setup, potentially affecting intonation and overall playability.

In , the path to advanced guitar skills is not merely about time; it's also about choosing wisely. Whether you prefer smooth action, embrace the versatility of a 7-string model, or stick with your standard axe, what matters most is how you navigate the journey ahead. , with dedication, the right guidance, and perhaps a sprinkle of digital innovation, you'll find yourself soaring towards that coveted advanced level in no time.

Happy strumming!
This article is reproduced from: https://medium.com/@ioannisanastassakis/by-practicing-guitar-daily-for-2-hours-how-long-will-it-take-me-to-get-to-an-advanced-level-4bbf95c72c98#:~:text=Malcolm%20Gladwell%2C%20in%20his%20best,about%20700%20hours%20per%20year.

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