What does slowing down actually look like? Do you just slow down the metronome? Our unofficial motto inside this group is "Slow is smooth and smooth is Fast," But how do we slow down and why does it even matter? Matters because while we may be able to hear in our brain what we want to play and explain what we're trying to get our fingers to do, we have to move slowly enough that our fingers can actually do it. To build the muscle memory we're trying to build. To ultimately play quickly. Let’s take a solo as an example.... Instead of trying to play it at full speed right away, which often results in frustration. Slow it way down, we’re talking slow motion type of speed. No metronome, no counting, just “stupid slow” Focus on the precision of each note, the accuracy of your finger placements, and the transitions. Only when you can play it consistently at the slower tempo should you gradually increase the speed. By slowing down, you're giving yourself the space to identify and correct imperfections, introduce proper technique, and truly internalize the music. So this week, slow it down, way down, and focus on the mechanics.

Where are you from? What's the weather like? And what are your thermostat at? I was just talking with a friend about this yesterday. We live in Arizona where it gets really hot, and I know people that keep their air conditioner set above 80. I don't think I would make it with it being 82 inside and 116 outside. Ours is usually at 76, sometimes cooler at night. How about you?

I get this question…A LOT. For professional musicians it’s easy, its how they make a living. So it’s not hard to make it a priority. But what about everyone else?? I’m sure everyone of you would love nothing more than to have all the time in the word, zero distractions, and perfect practice sessions. But that is not reality is it? So what can you do? Let’s break it down. 1️⃣ Time. Finding time is crucial often times the best time is early before the day steals away your time. You don't need an hour. 15 or 20 minutes is plenty. And even in seasons when you're extremely busy, taking just two or three minutes here and there as you pass your guitar during the day is going to keep you making progress or maintaining your gains instead of forgetting a lot of what you've learned. 2️⃣ Planning As the saying goes “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail” just picking a time the night before can drastically increase the odds you’ll practice. And if you know exactly what you're going to play when you practice, even if it's just noodling for fun or trying something new, you're going to be able to hit the ground running the second you have a moment to pick up your guitar. 3️⃣ Enjoyment There is a time for drilling and exercising but the focus should always be fun. If it’s not, time to change things up. "If it's not fun, you're doing it wrong" - ancient Guitar Gym Pro proverb 4️⃣ Little and often Just 15 minutes 4 times a week is better than a Saturday marathon. And just 5 minutes a day is better than 40 once a week. The most important thing is that you commit to yourself that you are a guitar player. If you take the guitar out of the case and you play it, then you are a guitar player. The path may be different than you think. It may be windier, it may be longer, but you are a guitar player.

Let's pretend... For some ungodly reason you're only allowed to listen to 1 song for the rest of your life. What would it be? I'm going the classic answer is "Bohemian Rhapsody" Because it's long and has so many sections, solos, vocals are all great. How about you?