Sounding Good

Playing guitar as a hobby is great. There is really no pressure. So when we practice or play at this level we just have fun. Let’s talk a little about the process. Practice is working on what you can’t do and hope to do. Play is sounding out what you already know and can do.

I often hear complaints from students like “It doesn’t sound good” or “It doesn’t sound right.” The reason for this is that what the guitarist is doing is not known to them and they can’t do it. So this falls under material for practice. Try not to expect to sound good right away. Gradually work to make the material sound better day by day.

If you do have something that you can play and does sound pretty good then play a little. Give yourself the reward of playing something and getting it out there. This is fun and really what playing guitar is about ultimately. Play for someone, a group or just yourself.

Play or perform material that sounds good and practice material that doesn’t sounds good. Try alternating between practice and playing so that you are making improvement with practice and having some fun playing. Though the more time spent practicing, the larger your repertoire will get and the better you will sound overall.