Am I on the right track with my guitar practice?

Question

I started practicing about a month ago and usually spend between 1-2 hours practicing. I am using Frederick Noad's "Solo Guitar Playing, Vol.1" and am on page 57 (getting ready to start "Malaguena"). I've basically been practicing each exercise until I have the notes and timing straight.

I try to focus on tone, but some of the buzz I blame on my cheap guitar which I'm hoping to replace in a few months. There are just some notes that I just can't get to ring without excruciating pain, even though my fingertips are tough, calloused nubs. Some of my musician friends have told me to just get the best sound I can and move on.

Yesterday I bought a foot rest for better form and posture. I also have been using fingerpicks to help with the tone.

Am I on the right track?

Answer 1

Hi Dino

You should put light gauge on your guitar which will more than facilitate your playing.

The buzzing oyu hear may be due to a bad string. After playing 1 to 2 hours daily, the strings will wear down faster and lose their tone as well.

Now would be the good time to change to Light gauge with .010 as the smallest.

Answer 2

Yeah man, keep it up, don't slack off!

Practice scales and learn where all the notes are all over the fretboard. That will help you a lot!

Good luck

Answer 3

I actually have that same book and I like it very much. And I'd say you're right on track. Some of the buzz may very well be due to the cheap guitar and the excruciating pain will get better once the muscles in your hand get accustomed to how you want them to move.

Buying a foot rest was a good move.  I find it puts my arm in a better position that eliminates some of pain involved in making difficult chords.

Anyways, sounds like your on track, so just keep practicing.

Answer 4

don't worry about it not sounding perfect just yet. Once you play more and more your technique will better and better

A thumb picks a good idea too it will give it a clearer sound especial if your guitar strings are getting on in age.

As for the buzz it sounds like it's either your guitar or since your doing large stretches your fingers may be creeping over the fret a little. If this is the case you can try and positioning your your fretting hand's thumb a little lower on the neck by this I mean closer to the high e. If your doing it right your wrist will be bent at almost a 90 degree angle and it should help you reach further.

Hope this helps, keep practicing!