4 Ways to Trick Yourself into Practicing More

As a musician, it's not uncommon to feel unmotivated to practice. As a guitarist, finding ways to trick yourself into practicing more can be a game-changer. In this blog post, I will explore four effective ways to do so that I use myself.

1. Play guitar riffs

   Playing guitar riffs is a great way to practice as it's fun, engaging, and easily digestible. Rock riffs, in particular, are memorable, recognizable, and great for impressing others. As a nylon string guitar player, learning different riffs can help you improve your technique, whether it's strumming or arpeggios. It's also a good idea to start with unfamiliar and harder stuff and work towards easier pieces, as it helps you stay engaged and focused for longer.

2. Improvise

   Improvising is another way to practice more without feeling like you're practicing. Classical guitarists might not be familiar with this technique, but it's easy to learn a few scale shapes and play over backing tracks, making your practice more engaging and fun. There are millions of great backing tracks available on YouTube, and by improvising over chord progressions, you can improve your timing, musicality, and technique.

3. Make your goals smaller

   Many musicians make the mistake of setting lofty goals, such as practicing for hours every day, which can feel overwhelming and unattainable. A better approach is to set smaller, achievable goals, such as practicing for five or ten minutes a day. Once you've got started, you'll often find yourself playing for longer than you initially intended.

4. Have a guitar accessible

   Having your guitar easily accessible is an effective way to trick yourself into practicing more. Keeping it in a case can make it feel like a mental project just to get it out, so having it on display on a wall or sofa can help you feel more inclined to pick it up and play. Whether it's a beater guitar or an expensive one, having it easily accessible can help you stay motivated and inspired to practice.

In conclusion, there are many ways to trick yourself into practicing more. By playing guitar riffs, improvising, setting smaller goals, and having a guitar accessible, you can make your practice sessions more engaging, fun, and effective. Remember, practicing doesn't have to be a chore, and with these tips, you can enjoy playing your instrument and improve your skills at the same time.

Watch my tutorial on how you can put these ideas into action: