Learning a skill by repeatedly rehearsing it.
10
votes
2answers
6k views
How many hours of practice total are typical for different piano grades?
Malcolm Gladwell's book, "Outliers", stated a hypothesis: becoming good at something takes about 10,000 hours of practice.
I've recently been wondering how long a typical piano student has practiced ...
9
votes
4answers
1k views
How to learn many musical instruments?
It's absolutely possible for one to know how to play more than one instrument and even be good at or master some.
I currently know how to play guitar, keyboard and drum. Planning to start learning ...
9
votes
4answers
303 views
Breathing practice for harmonica
What are some good breathing practices for playing the harmonica? I have been learning the harmonica for a while now, I can play small time rhymes and some songs.
But when I try to get into high ...
32
votes
18answers
4k views
How to play a song without making mistakes?
I have played keyboard quite a while and now I'm starting to practice some classical musics like Fur Elise. When I see a live performance of any musical instrument, there seems to be no error at all. ...
5
votes
2answers
454 views
How can I develop a high register on a brass instrument without creating tension?
Lately I've been reading about how trombonists (or any other brass instrumentalists) tend to develop tention in their neck or torso when playing in the higher register. In working to decrease ...
4
votes
2answers
633 views
Are tools to help improve finger dexterity, strength and speed really useful?
I don't have access to a piano every day of the week, but want to keep my flexibility. Searching on the Internet, I found many kinds of contraptions and devices that claim that they help keep and ...
9
votes
5answers
641 views
How do you get into “deep practice” mode?
I read the book The Talent Code from Daniel Coyle a couple of years ago. It defines talent as the combination of three main concepts: Deep Practice, Ignition and Master Coaching.
The first concept, ...
9
votes
3answers
639 views
Is it harmful to use an electronic tuner to check intonation while practicing ?
Is it a bad habit to use an electronic tuner while practicing an instrument in which the notes are not fixed after tuning (e.g. violin, trombone)?
I'm asking because I've heard a lot of people say ...
5
votes
4answers
194 views
Is visualization a useful method of practice?
Sometimes when I am not at practice, I will visualize playing scales or a particular piece on my instrument.
I know that visualization is often used by athletes, but is it often used among ...
8
votes
3answers
799 views
What can I do to minimize damage to my picking hand wrist as I practice guitar?
My right hand (picking hand) is showing signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, and is slowly, but surely, degrading. I continue to practice guitar, but it's beginning to be difficult to do so.
What can I ...
7
votes
5answers
855 views
Fingering for octaves on the piano
Another question about playing octaves (as in Schubert's Erlkonig, Chopin's A-flat Polonaise, etc.):
I practice Hanon exercises, and Hanon recommends using the first and fifth finger on white keys ...
2
votes
4answers
327 views
Do you count mental practice when counting total practice time for the day?
My guitar instructor insists that, as part of my training, I set a fixed minimum amount of time each day for practice and make sure that I practice at least that much, with a fixed upper limit of 4x45 ...
1
vote
0answers
74 views
Which tools should I look for, that might help me analyze digitally recorded music, so I can better learn how to play it? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Software that slows down music to help in transcribing.
I'm looking to study specific soloes and improvisations from recordings of live performances - my ear, however, ...
0
votes
2answers
77 views
I've heard of advanced performers taking Dalcrose Eurhythmics classes- would such classes be appropriate for a beginner too?
Should a musician which is just starting to learn how to play his instrument specifically look for classes which call out Dalcrose Eurhythmics concepts as part of their curriculum?
24
votes
6answers
1k views
How do I use a metronome?
I am currently a beginner at the piano. I know using the metronome is important, but I I'm feeling reluctant to use it often, as it is difficult for me to get the music coordinated with the clicks.
...
5
votes
2answers
98 views
Links and tips for Learning and using scales
Tips and links on learning and using different types of scales will be helpful.
If possible List of scales with songs in which they are used and (artists/types of bands) who uses certain scales to a ...
12
votes
4answers
993 views
Fast octaves on the piano
I'm working on the piano accompaniment to Schubert's "Trockne Blumen" variations for flute and piano. Variation 2 is all sixteenth-note octaves in the left hand. I began by practicing very slowly ...
7
votes
2answers
952 views
What are the best techniques to play overtones in the saxophone?
I play Alto Saxophone, and I've been wondering this for quite a while now.
I've not played one single overtone yet, so what are your suggestions?
19
votes
4answers
749 views
How can I be sure that I am singing effortlessly in my natural voice ?
By now , I have years of vocalization practice but I still start straining while singing—especially if I am not vigilant. It happens imperceptibly and is a hard habit to break.
Is there a reliable ...
15
votes
7answers
317 views
Keeping track of problems during rehearsals
As a mostly untrained conductor, one problem I've always had is keeping track of problems with a piece as we work through it. Something will stick out and I'll want to go back, but all I could ...
9
votes
6answers
1k views
My fingers ache after practice. What can I do about it?
I have played the guitar since 2006 and I had no trouble all that time. Recently I noticed that my fingers ache after practice. What can I do with that?
7
votes
5answers
2k views
How do I develop a good vibrato?
A crucial element for phrasing is vibrato, but while you can notate a great number of things, you can't really notate vibrato. I know it's important. I know B.B. King's butterfly vibrato is a big ...
4
votes
1answer
218 views
Are there exercises similar to the 'Buddha rope' for endurance on bass guitar?
The "Buddha rope" technique described by Bill 'The Buddha' Dickens in his training DVD basically entails putting a rope between strings and then using the increased tension for building muscles in ...
33
votes
11answers
758 views
I need help getting out of my scalar rut.
I'm a well versed and experienced guitarist. I have a decent sense for rhythm and melody, but I have a VERY hard time with soloing. I know you've heard it all before.. I'm one of those guys that got ...
10
votes
4answers
113 views
How can I develop a regular rehearsal programme?
I've been learning scales and chords, and tried a few songs. It sounds nice and by practising, I'm becoming faster and more comfortable. I also use the things I learn to improvise and jam. But I get ...
16
votes
5answers
4k views
Improving fretting hand strength
I've been playing for years now as a hobby guitarist, but my fretting hand strength plateaued - it never really improved much beyond what I could do 2 months after I started playing.
Since then, I'm ...
35
votes
7answers
1k views
Will learning to play another instrument help me to become a better guitarist?
I am a programmer and I do this for living. As a programmer, I've noticed how much difference it makes to learn another language - the quality of your work improves greatly, just because you know how ...
10
votes
3answers
566 views
What is the (Practical) theory behind applying chords for a Song?
I love playing Guitar. I can play the lead for any song by listening to it. But often in our prayer meeting people sing different songs in different keys. I can track the major they sing, but I am ...
9
votes
4answers
1k views
Right hand accuracy
I've realized, that I have a big problem with right hand accuracy, when using a pick, especially, when I play arpeggios and have to skip a string or a couple of stings. Sometimes, I hit the wrong ...
7
votes
7answers
209 views
Are there any books or videos out there that teach you SLOWLY and do not focus on learning TABS?
Are there any books or videos courses that just teach you how to practice acoustic guitar and its not complicated either? I know that there are lots of video course, books, youtube videos out there ...
5
votes
2answers
158 views
Bach's Bourree BWV 996 timing issue
I'm currently learning Bach's Bourree, although I'm into second part of it, I have troubles getting the timing correct. Usually it follows a 3 bar flow (except few places, where it really speeds up), ...
5
votes
3answers
78 views
Permuations or scales for building up speed
I'm currently trying to build up some speed and accuracy in my technique, and I was told a while back that a great way to do this was to play fingering permutations to a metrenome. Has anyone had any ...
8
votes
7answers
104 views
Are there some classical pieces that lend themselves well to guitar?
I would like to practice reading music on something other than notation written for guitar. Are there other pieces written for violin, for instance-or other instruments, that can be transposed easily ...
6
votes
3answers
272 views
What to do? Programming, bass playing and RSI
I am a full time programmer, part time bass player and have recently started suffering from serious repetitive stress injury in my left wrist.
I've adjusted the ergonomics at my work place (and use ...
7
votes
4answers
471 views
How do you prevent injuries from bad posture while playing classical guitar?
I'm tagging this as specific to classical guitar since that's what I am familiar with. The correct posture is very important which playing classical, including the footstool, the position of your ...
7
votes
4answers
339 views
Singing notes while playing scales
I've heard, that singing or humming notes while playing scales or arpeggios is good for you. Is that so? In what way? If I am not a singer, why should I be singing the notes?
10
votes
2answers
183 views
Beginning Slap Bass
Back when I was taking lessons, I had an instructor who did a great job teaching me how to work tapping into my bass lines, but when we tried to expand it into developing slap bass I ended up getting ...
12
votes
6answers
213 views
Varying rhythms on bass
I've gotten into something of a bad habit in which I either play things in a steady rhythm, in triplets, or galloping, but without much variation, and I feel like I'm stagnating. What are some good ...
16
votes
13answers
3k views
How can I practice in an apartment without annoying the neighbours?
I live in an apartment and I find my current amp (a 15W solid-state) to be poorly suited to that. I can't turn it up without upsetting the neighbours, but at low volume it sounds horrible with any ...
41
votes
7answers
629 views
Ten Minute Practice Techniques?
Unfortunately I can't play everyday.
However, I am trying to grab at least 5-10 minutes here and there. What are some good theory or scale techniques/practice methods I should have ready to pull out ...
7
votes
5answers
5k views
is there any free tab viewer for GuitarPro files?
I just want to view not edit tabs and I think paying 60 bucks to listen/edit is too much.
3
votes
7answers
441 views
I am bored with a metronome, should I get a drum machine?
I'm a big fun of using a metronome while practicing, but after a while it just gets boring to hear all this solid ticking. When you play scales and stuff like that, it's ok, but when you are playing a ...
10
votes
5answers
659 views
How do you determine if you're ready to join a band?
I've been pondering joining a band for some time now, but I usually get stalled at deciding whether or not I should spend more time learning to play first. I don't want to go through potential ...
7
votes
5answers
509 views
We got together with another guitarist. What can we play together?
Recently I met a great guy who also plays guitar. We became friends and decided to get together once in a while to jam. When the time came, we realized that we do not know what to do musically at our ...
21
votes
9answers
442 views
What is the best way of learning the notes on the fretboard.
What is the best way to learn the notes on the fretboard. Are there any good tips on how to do this?
9
votes
2answers
817 views
How to begin learning the CAGED Method
What is the best way of approaching the CAGED Method. What are some good resources for beginning to learn this method.
9
votes
1answer
344 views
What kind of guitar exercise is “the caterpillar”?
What does it consist in and how do you practice it?
25
votes
7answers
421 views
Guitar practice: more often but less time or once in a few days but for a few hours?
As many people, who have lots of every day responsibilities, like going to work, family and etc. I find myself struggling for the time to practice. Some days I just feel to tired to pick up a guitar ...
