Stoner's Top 6 Tips for Becoming a Better Guitarist

These are tips that every guitar player of any skill level can take to heart. They really do work.

1. Rehearse how you are going to perform.

I spent a good year and a half basically sitting most of the time when I would play. I had to completely retrain myself to play standing up. Save yourself some time and stand the hell up!

2. Learn entire songs, not just riffs.

It's great to learn riffs from your favorite bands/popular songs, but in order to fully draw every last bit of inspiration from looking over the songs of others you should learn every last note. And don't be afraid to tackle a song that's a little bit above your ability!

3. Change strings regularly/wash your hands.

There is no better sound in the world than a saturated tube amp and a sweet axe with fresh strings. Dead strings sound bad, so change those bitches at least once every 2 weeks. Dead strings also affect what the singer hears (don't ever forget those guys)!

EVERY TIME you play, make sure you wash your hands first. This will at least double string life and make it much easier for your fingers to glide across the strings.

4. Enjoy yourself.

The minute you stop having fun is the minute the music suffers. There is nothing greater than coming home from a great band practice and jamming out to some Green Day or Nirvana. When you are enjoying yourself it will shine through in your playing.

5. Diversify.

Something can be learned from all genres, even the ones you hate.
I'm about as typical a rock guy as you'll meet. But I recognize the amazing ability of players like John McLaughlin, Al Di Meola, Joe Pass, etc. Rock music is basically an orgy of styles so don't be afraid to branch out.

6. Read Guitar Magazines!

I cannot explain how much reading Premier Guitar, Guitar World, Guitar One and all their affiliates (and occasionally Guitar Player) has helped me. They have lessons galore on any facet of guitar playing you'd like to learn as well as interviews, reviews, etc.

The internet is also an amazing place for knowledge. It's quite literally unending. Most guitar magazines now feature loads of online content, not to mention the internet-only guys like Ultimate-Guitar.

Read these. Soak up the information. You will be a better informed guitarist. It's great to learn, cause knowledge is power.