So you're thinking about learning to play guitar, or maybe you have just recently started playing. You went out and bought your guitar, signed up for lessons, and you have even told your buddies that you are going to be the next guitar god. You have found only one problem - learning to play isn't as easy as it looks. If you only had a formula for successful learning. Well let's take a look at the 3 P's of guitar. Now I can't guarantee that you will be on the next cover of your favorite guitar magazine, but if you follow these 3 points, you definitely will speed up the learning process.

PRACTICE

Practice, practice, practice. You have probably heard this a thousand times over, but it is essential in learning to play the guitar. If you are just getting started, I would recommend you spend at least 20 to 30 minutes every day going over the previous lesson your instructor has given you. After you have advanced a bit, and you have learned the basic techniques of playing, your practice time should be a minimum of 30 minutes long. Try to set aside the same time each day to do this. Don't sit in front of the TV while practicing - Why? You will probably end up watching your favorite show, rather than concentrating on what you're doing. By focusing on what you're doing, there is less chance of you developing bad habits and poor technique.

Spend the first 10 minutes just doing finger exercises to warm up. Playing the guitar is a very strenuous physical activity for your hands so don't ignore this point. The next thing you should do in your practice session is go over your assignment for the week. Repetition of the lessons is essential. Finally end off your routine with a short review of previous material, or spend some time on a technique or chord that is giving you problems.

PATIENCE

One thing to keep in mind while learning the guitar is that you are asking your fingers and hands to do a number of very unnatural tasks. There will be times that no matter what you do; your fingers just will not do what you want them to. This is where patience is the key. You are training your fingers to play, and this takes time. This ties in with the next "P"

PERSEVERANCE

Keep at it. If you can't play that chord, note, or exercise today, you might tomorrow. Remember that every bit of effort that you put into it will pay off. You will succeed.

So there you have it the 3 P's of learning the guitar. If you want to have a fourth "P" it would be without question, passion.

Keep these points in the back of your mind when learning the guitar and you will be playing your favorite songs sooner than you think. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to email me at gtrman@compusmart.ab.ca

1999(c) Arctic Delta Music

Kelly Douglas has been teaching Guitar for over 12 years and is currently publishing his first instructional books "Getting Started - Level 1", "Getting Started - Level 2", and "Basic Slide Guitar". He can be reached at gtrman@compusmart.ab.ca or visit him at Arctic Delta Music's website located at http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/strynchu