10 Secrets To Learning Guitar Like Crazy (part 2)

You can see part 1 of this article on learning to play guitar here

• Play along with the TV - If you're watching TV and you've already done your 10 minutes a day practice, then try playing along with TV theme tunes. Try to work out the them for The Simpsons on your guitar, simply by trial and error. If there's someone else in the room and you're annoying them, then tell them you'll give them a backstage pass when you play at Glastonbury in return for letting you annoy them.
• Noodle - I know some guitarists who hate this practice. indeed I do find it quite annoying myself but it's also great at building up dexterity and finger strength. Noodling is when you switch off your conscious mind - again sometimes easier when you're watching TV - and you simply play a stream of notes without worrying if it sounds good or bad. Usually it sounds bad but your subconscious will try to make it sounds good - just let it flow. It's a bit like meditating.
• Become a copycat - Copy as many riffs and songs as you can. Pick a favourite guitarist and copy their style. Once you get it down as close as possible, choose another guitarist and do the same. Do this 3 or 4 times and you will combine the styles to something that you can call your own.
• Fake it 'till you make it - Be confident in your playing even if you know you sound crap. This is a psychological trick that will get you to your goal quicker. If you act as if you're a great guitarist, you will start to take on the attributes of a great guitarist. Just remember not to become too big for your boots and deluded. Always take a reality check and be aware of your true abilities.
• NEVER give up - it's a sad fact that most people give up on things just as they are about to succeed. Sometimes it can feel like you are making no progress whatsoever but believe me, you are. If you just keep going, you'll get there. It took Edison 999 attempts at inventing a light bulb before he made one that actually worked. Making mistakes is good for you because by recognising those mistakes and rectifying them is how you get better when you're learning to play guitar.

I hope these 10 tips help you. Even if you just take 2 or 3 and make them part of your daily life, you'll see great improvements in a few weeks. And remember, try not to make it feel like a chore - that's the sure way to failure. If it's not fun, change what you're doing and adjust it. Maybe 5 minutes a day is more suited to your nature than 10. So be it. These 10 secrets aren't set in stone.

Use them as inspiration and enjoy.