In most cases when we think of a guitar player as having great technique, we mean that he/she can play pretty fast cleanly.

Technique involves a lot more than just being able to play a minor arpeggio in sixteenth notes at 170 bpm. It also has to do with how slow, in time, and in control you can play. Think about each one of these and if your “technique” is at the level you wish:

Speed
Bending
Legato
Staccato
Rhythm PLaying
Chord Melody
Fingerstyle

Can you think of anymore?

One of the most important things to be mindful about relative to technique is the efficiency of energy expenditure. This means to use exactly the right amount of energy for whatever taks at hand requires. You should not over-use or under-use. Over-use can lead to hand cramping and muscle tension, while under-use can cause sloppiness.

You’ve probably heard this a million times before but always put it off (I know I am guilty of this as well): Use a Metronome when you are practicing. In my opinion, having good time is crucial to becoming a great guitar player and musician. If you can play in time and in the groove, note choices become less important, as your grooving lines will provide movement, tension, and release that naturally sounds good to the human ears.

Using a metronome is also a great way to track your improvement. Keep pushing the tempos while practicing your favorite guitar licks, runs, and patterns. Maybe last week you could play them cleanly at 130 bpm and now this week you have improved to 136. Hey, it’s not much, but every journey begins with one small step.

In the mean time, check out the Recommended Reading page for a few great books on developing your technique and guitar chops.

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