[Marky]

1.) How many days per week do you play?

I have committed to playing 7 days per week and have been able to accomplish that goal since March 2020. I will continue to practice/play daily because the progress I am making concrete. Also, I just love to play.

2.) What time of day do you play?

I start my sessions in the early mornings, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 am. I usually play several times again throughout the day. The evenings are my creative time, usually 2 hours of learning a new song, strumming pattern, scales, arpeggios etc.

3.) Where do you play?

I have a dedicated corner of my listening room set up for everything guitar.

4.) How has implementing a consistent guitar routine helped you? (if possible name 3 ways).

– daily practice equals daily progress, the more I practice the better I get, it’s a no brainer win win situation. It also makes me realize that I can accomplish anything I set out to do if I put in the time.

– being consistent with my routine allows me to gauge my progress and inspires me to keep playing.

– I know what I am trying to accomplish each day. Here’s my schedule:

Mon-warm up, daily challenge and scales

Tue-warm up, daily challenge and arpeggios

Wed-warm up, daily challenge and finger picking

Thur-warm up, daily challenge and soloing

Fri-warm up, daily challenge and chord transitions, keys

Sat-Sun new techniques and week in review.

5.) Bonus Question: What is one non-guitar item that is a must have in your guitar routine?

Coffee is my go to beverage and my lucky thumb ring🙂

[Marky]

Thanks Jeff you old timer! I haven’t missed a single day for the past 5 years not because of a “routine” necessarily but I really just dig playing and I have the time to pursue my passion. I’ve kinda progressed beyond Tony these days (as you probably) but will keep active with TAC to keep me honest. Play on brother!

[Marky]

Thanks, I have played everyday for the last 5 years and intend to keep on playing until I can’t. Tony is just a warm up and check the box sort of thing for me anymore that keeps track of my sessions. That being said, I still learn something or realize I need work on a particular technique with the exercises. In reality I’m just really enjoying the journey and getting a wee bit better every day.

Keep on playing!

[Marky]

Thanks, I didn’t think too much of it at first but my wife said I should post it to my fellow TACER’s. Now looking back from the beginning until today I’m kinda shocked myself😳. I think my mind set from the get go was to become a better guitar player period (with some chops!) and had a singular focus to that end. Playing music just became a part of my daily life which in turn kept me on track. My wife says I have OCD and G.A.S and complains a bit but in reality is 100% supportive. Really I’m just enjoying the crap outta myself and have no plans to slow down anytime soon. I’ve been digging into blues/jazz and improv lately but still trying to find the style of music I want to focus my energy on. I love to flat pick bluegrass and fingerpick but leaning heavily towards blues/jazz/ragtime kinda thing because it’s so much fun to play.

Keep at it! ~M~

[Marky]

Thanks Albert, I would say the technique and scale exercises are what I get the most from. I have been independently studying theory for the last year or so and now focusing on blues, jazz and improv and making good progress. I have a long way to go yet and it can be frustrating at times but when you finally get that that riff, odd chord shape or song under your fingers and start sounding like a guitar player, well that inspires me to continue on. My wife is understanding but thinks I have OCD because I play at a minimum 2 hours a day but that being said, I really just enjoy playing and learning and am fortunate enough to have the time to do it. Have a great new year and Keep at it

[Marky]

Thanks much, the goal for me was a bit ambitious for sure but after a few hundred hours the routine became more of a lifestyle. The more I learned the more I wanted to play, the more I played the more I wanted to learn. It’s a viscous cycle 😊but I love it. My wife thinks I have OCD but that’s alright, that particular ailment goes quite well with my G.A.S. problem

Keep on playing…it’s good for the soul ~M~

[Marky]

Thanks, being retired helps a bit but really the guitar is just part of my daily life now so it’s a no-brainer for me. My dilemma is how long can set aside each day but usually a minimum of two hours. It looks like you are cruising right along as well. So congrats back at you and keep at it my friend. Have great New Year

Ps: my wife thinks I have OCD and she knows I have G.A.S.😳