K/W Guitar tip #1 – All levels

“When your focus is only on the stones along the way you miss the magnificent beauty.” ~ Homer Mann

What is the very first thing you do before you play your guitar?

Warm up?  Scales?  Tune?  Play long tones?

All of those answers are correct, but there is one more thing: where is your mind at?

Seriously!  Are you rushing to practice?  Is your mind preoccupied with other things: school, family, work?  I have always thought that the very first thing a student of the guitar should learn…

is to how to mindfully approach their instrument.

Your perspective is the most important aspect of your learning.  So the next time you grab your guitar, do so with the mindset that you are going to have fun and it is going to be relaxing.  That every note you play, every chord you strum, will sound wonderful.

And if it doesn’t?

Then take on the perspective that you are going to work on it and learn it, without criticizing yourself or others, or the instrument!

For me, I want to resonate with the music I am playing and I can’t do that if I am tense or trying to force myself.   Take away the tension, clear your mind and you can improve at a faster and more enjoyable pace.  Soon, your brain will get the point,  that every time you play your guitar, it will be a focused and awarding experience.

BTW, this takes time to achieve.  Tension can feel normal and relaxation can feel wrong.  So, the next time you feel stuck, or frustrated, ask yourself, “What message am I sending to my musical brain? Is it positive or negative?

At that point, BREATHE, and remind yourself of your love for guitar music, and simply start again.

Stay tuned for more tips,

Stephen Zurakowsky

Artistic Director,  K/W Guitar Society