How can I practice guitar when I don't have my instrument?
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
Brass players can practice using just their mouthpieces, and drummers can practice with just sticks. What can a guitar (or similar instrument) player do to practice when they can't bring along their instrument?
guitar practice
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
Brass players can practice using just their mouthpieces, and drummers can practice with just sticks. What can a guitar (or similar instrument) player do to practice when they can't bring along their instrument?
guitar practice
2
While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
2
Mental practice is great. Before a gig if I had time I'd run the entire set list in my head. Always performed better when I did.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
2
Also any sort of ear training and singing will help you as a musician.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
add a comment |
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
Brass players can practice using just their mouthpieces, and drummers can practice with just sticks. What can a guitar (or similar instrument) player do to practice when they can't bring along their instrument?
guitar practice
Brass players can practice using just their mouthpieces, and drummers can practice with just sticks. What can a guitar (or similar instrument) player do to practice when they can't bring along their instrument?
guitar practice
guitar practice
asked 3 hours ago
Richard
36.2k677153
36.2k677153
2
While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
2
Mental practice is great. Before a gig if I had time I'd run the entire set list in my head. Always performed better when I did.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
2
Also any sort of ear training and singing will help you as a musician.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
add a comment |
2
While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
2
Mental practice is great. Before a gig if I had time I'd run the entire set list in my head. Always performed better when I did.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
2
Also any sort of ear training and singing will help you as a musician.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
2
2
While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
2
2
Mental practice is great. Before a gig if I had time I'd run the entire set list in my head. Always performed better when I did.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
Mental practice is great. Before a gig if I had time I'd run the entire set list in my head. Always performed better when I did.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
2
2
Also any sort of ear training and singing will help you as a musician.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
Also any sort of ear training and singing will help you as a musician.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
It depends on what exactly you want to practice. I feel like I've answered this before so it may be a dup.
If you are a musician you can always practice your craft by singing. It may sound off topic but it really is not. The ability to sing, and process short melodies in your head is critical to playing any instrument. So, no guitar? Practice music rather than chops.
Get your hands of a small travel guitar. I have a Martin Backpacker that I love. I take it on trips, and pretty much everywhere. If I know I will not be able to rehearse for a while on my main set up this is a good substitute. They make other practice devices that are just a small finger board and strings. It keeps you active.
Along the same lines, if you are traveling for work or vacation scope out musics stores in the area. You can walk in and jam for a while on floor models. Most stores don't mind and you may be youtube exposure.
In the worst case scenario where you can't do anything you can try some finger dexterity exercises taping out patterns on the table top. This will at least keep your fingers nimble.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is quite a bit you can do, even if all you have with you is your mind.
Visualization/Memorization
Memorize the fretboard by visualizing it in your mind. You know, of course, how your strings are tuned. Using that, visualize (for example) where every G is on the fretboard. See the fretboard markers in your mind as you do this. This works well with flash cards: You write out all 12 chromatic notes on flash cards, and then as you draw each card, you see in your mind where those notes are.
Similarly, memorize where each chord is on the neck. For example, where is every G? As with individual notes, visualize the fretboard markers--see the fretboard in your mind.
Memorize the circle of 4ths/5ths. This is not specific to guitar, but very useful for any instrument.
Ear training
Practice ear training. There are many ear training courses that are audio-only; these are perfect for listening to while you are driving, or any other time you want. There are also many ear training apps you can run on your phone. This is a good way to use time away from your instrument.
Guitar substitute
Google for "guitar practice neck" and you will see guitar necks, with or without strings, that are meant for practicing fingering. These are pretty inexpensive and small, and might be an alternative to your real instrument.
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Not much I’m afriad. Unless you’re willing to DIY a quick fretboard out of card and a pen, you’re pretty much limited to practicing theory - how to change a chord to make it extended, how to play a Lydian scale compared to aeolian. Practicing strumming rhythms could also be possible.
New contributor
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
It depends on what exactly you want to practice. I feel like I've answered this before so it may be a dup.
If you are a musician you can always practice your craft by singing. It may sound off topic but it really is not. The ability to sing, and process short melodies in your head is critical to playing any instrument. So, no guitar? Practice music rather than chops.
Get your hands of a small travel guitar. I have a Martin Backpacker that I love. I take it on trips, and pretty much everywhere. If I know I will not be able to rehearse for a while on my main set up this is a good substitute. They make other practice devices that are just a small finger board and strings. It keeps you active.
Along the same lines, if you are traveling for work or vacation scope out musics stores in the area. You can walk in and jam for a while on floor models. Most stores don't mind and you may be youtube exposure.
In the worst case scenario where you can't do anything you can try some finger dexterity exercises taping out patterns on the table top. This will at least keep your fingers nimble.
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
It depends on what exactly you want to practice. I feel like I've answered this before so it may be a dup.
If you are a musician you can always practice your craft by singing. It may sound off topic but it really is not. The ability to sing, and process short melodies in your head is critical to playing any instrument. So, no guitar? Practice music rather than chops.
Get your hands of a small travel guitar. I have a Martin Backpacker that I love. I take it on trips, and pretty much everywhere. If I know I will not be able to rehearse for a while on my main set up this is a good substitute. They make other practice devices that are just a small finger board and strings. It keeps you active.
Along the same lines, if you are traveling for work or vacation scope out musics stores in the area. You can walk in and jam for a while on floor models. Most stores don't mind and you may be youtube exposure.
In the worst case scenario where you can't do anything you can try some finger dexterity exercises taping out patterns on the table top. This will at least keep your fingers nimble.
add a comment |
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
It depends on what exactly you want to practice. I feel like I've answered this before so it may be a dup.
If you are a musician you can always practice your craft by singing. It may sound off topic but it really is not. The ability to sing, and process short melodies in your head is critical to playing any instrument. So, no guitar? Practice music rather than chops.
Get your hands of a small travel guitar. I have a Martin Backpacker that I love. I take it on trips, and pretty much everywhere. If I know I will not be able to rehearse for a while on my main set up this is a good substitute. They make other practice devices that are just a small finger board and strings. It keeps you active.
Along the same lines, if you are traveling for work or vacation scope out musics stores in the area. You can walk in and jam for a while on floor models. Most stores don't mind and you may be youtube exposure.
In the worst case scenario where you can't do anything you can try some finger dexterity exercises taping out patterns on the table top. This will at least keep your fingers nimble.
It depends on what exactly you want to practice. I feel like I've answered this before so it may be a dup.
If you are a musician you can always practice your craft by singing. It may sound off topic but it really is not. The ability to sing, and process short melodies in your head is critical to playing any instrument. So, no guitar? Practice music rather than chops.
Get your hands of a small travel guitar. I have a Martin Backpacker that I love. I take it on trips, and pretty much everywhere. If I know I will not be able to rehearse for a while on my main set up this is a good substitute. They make other practice devices that are just a small finger board and strings. It keeps you active.
Along the same lines, if you are traveling for work or vacation scope out musics stores in the area. You can walk in and jam for a while on floor models. Most stores don't mind and you may be youtube exposure.
In the worst case scenario where you can't do anything you can try some finger dexterity exercises taping out patterns on the table top. This will at least keep your fingers nimble.
answered 1 hour ago
ggcg
3,654219
3,654219
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is quite a bit you can do, even if all you have with you is your mind.
Visualization/Memorization
Memorize the fretboard by visualizing it in your mind. You know, of course, how your strings are tuned. Using that, visualize (for example) where every G is on the fretboard. See the fretboard markers in your mind as you do this. This works well with flash cards: You write out all 12 chromatic notes on flash cards, and then as you draw each card, you see in your mind where those notes are.
Similarly, memorize where each chord is on the neck. For example, where is every G? As with individual notes, visualize the fretboard markers--see the fretboard in your mind.
Memorize the circle of 4ths/5ths. This is not specific to guitar, but very useful for any instrument.
Ear training
Practice ear training. There are many ear training courses that are audio-only; these are perfect for listening to while you are driving, or any other time you want. There are also many ear training apps you can run on your phone. This is a good way to use time away from your instrument.
Guitar substitute
Google for "guitar practice neck" and you will see guitar necks, with or without strings, that are meant for practicing fingering. These are pretty inexpensive and small, and might be an alternative to your real instrument.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
There is quite a bit you can do, even if all you have with you is your mind.
Visualization/Memorization
Memorize the fretboard by visualizing it in your mind. You know, of course, how your strings are tuned. Using that, visualize (for example) where every G is on the fretboard. See the fretboard markers in your mind as you do this. This works well with flash cards: You write out all 12 chromatic notes on flash cards, and then as you draw each card, you see in your mind where those notes are.
Similarly, memorize where each chord is on the neck. For example, where is every G? As with individual notes, visualize the fretboard markers--see the fretboard in your mind.
Memorize the circle of 4ths/5ths. This is not specific to guitar, but very useful for any instrument.
Ear training
Practice ear training. There are many ear training courses that are audio-only; these are perfect for listening to while you are driving, or any other time you want. There are also many ear training apps you can run on your phone. This is a good way to use time away from your instrument.
Guitar substitute
Google for "guitar practice neck" and you will see guitar necks, with or without strings, that are meant for practicing fingering. These are pretty inexpensive and small, and might be an alternative to your real instrument.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
There is quite a bit you can do, even if all you have with you is your mind.
Visualization/Memorization
Memorize the fretboard by visualizing it in your mind. You know, of course, how your strings are tuned. Using that, visualize (for example) where every G is on the fretboard. See the fretboard markers in your mind as you do this. This works well with flash cards: You write out all 12 chromatic notes on flash cards, and then as you draw each card, you see in your mind where those notes are.
Similarly, memorize where each chord is on the neck. For example, where is every G? As with individual notes, visualize the fretboard markers--see the fretboard in your mind.
Memorize the circle of 4ths/5ths. This is not specific to guitar, but very useful for any instrument.
Ear training
Practice ear training. There are many ear training courses that are audio-only; these are perfect for listening to while you are driving, or any other time you want. There are also many ear training apps you can run on your phone. This is a good way to use time away from your instrument.
Guitar substitute
Google for "guitar practice neck" and you will see guitar necks, with or without strings, that are meant for practicing fingering. These are pretty inexpensive and small, and might be an alternative to your real instrument.
There is quite a bit you can do, even if all you have with you is your mind.
Visualization/Memorization
Memorize the fretboard by visualizing it in your mind. You know, of course, how your strings are tuned. Using that, visualize (for example) where every G is on the fretboard. See the fretboard markers in your mind as you do this. This works well with flash cards: You write out all 12 chromatic notes on flash cards, and then as you draw each card, you see in your mind where those notes are.
Similarly, memorize where each chord is on the neck. For example, where is every G? As with individual notes, visualize the fretboard markers--see the fretboard in your mind.
Memorize the circle of 4ths/5ths. This is not specific to guitar, but very useful for any instrument.
Ear training
Practice ear training. There are many ear training courses that are audio-only; these are perfect for listening to while you are driving, or any other time you want. There are also many ear training apps you can run on your phone. This is a good way to use time away from your instrument.
Guitar substitute
Google for "guitar practice neck" and you will see guitar necks, with or without strings, that are meant for practicing fingering. These are pretty inexpensive and small, and might be an alternative to your real instrument.
answered 1 hour ago
Wayne Conrad
43149
43149
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Not much I’m afriad. Unless you’re willing to DIY a quick fretboard out of card and a pen, you’re pretty much limited to practicing theory - how to change a chord to make it extended, how to play a Lydian scale compared to aeolian. Practicing strumming rhythms could also be possible.
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
Not much I’m afriad. Unless you’re willing to DIY a quick fretboard out of card and a pen, you’re pretty much limited to practicing theory - how to change a chord to make it extended, how to play a Lydian scale compared to aeolian. Practicing strumming rhythms could also be possible.
New contributor
add a comment |
up vote
-1
down vote
up vote
-1
down vote
Not much I’m afriad. Unless you’re willing to DIY a quick fretboard out of card and a pen, you’re pretty much limited to practicing theory - how to change a chord to make it extended, how to play a Lydian scale compared to aeolian. Practicing strumming rhythms could also be possible.
New contributor
Not much I’m afriad. Unless you’re willing to DIY a quick fretboard out of card and a pen, you’re pretty much limited to practicing theory - how to change a chord to make it extended, how to play a Lydian scale compared to aeolian. Practicing strumming rhythms could also be possible.
New contributor
New contributor
answered 1 hour ago
Mandy R
1
1
New contributor
New contributor
add a comment |
add a comment |
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2
While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
– Dekkadeci
3 hours ago
2
Mental practice is great. Before a gig if I had time I'd run the entire set list in my head. Always performed better when I did.
– b3ko
2 hours ago
2
Also any sort of ear training and singing will help you as a musician.
– b3ko
2 hours ago