Practice Guidelines for "Old Joe Clark"

Practice Video

Remember to practice using a metronome. At any time, you may visit Metronome Online.

Practice slowly at first, keeping a steady beat.

A metronome setting of 80 bpm might be a good starting point. When you set the metronome at 80 bpm, each quarter note lasts for one click. You may also set the metronome to click once for each eighth note. Each quarter note would then last for two clicks. In this video, Carlos has the metronome set to 160 bpm, with each eighth note lasting one click and each quarter note lasting two clicks. (Text Version)

Consider it a goal (not a requirement) to accurately achieve the 120 bpm tempo in this practice video. (Text Version)

Build Your Skills

Left-Hand Isometric Exercise: This exercise can help you improve your accuracy with both the Guitar 1 and Guitar 2 parts. Practice this exercise with only your left hand. Place each note or chord in position without using left-hand pressure; your fingertips will just barely touch the string. Tap the string(s) down against the frets. When you relax your left hand, the strings will push your fingers back to their original position (with fingertips resting lightly on the strings). Repeat several times with each note or chord.
(Text Version)

Right-Hand Isometric Exercise: This exercise can help you improve your accuracy when you play the melody (Guitar 1 part). Using a pick or your right-hand thumb or fingers, press each string in slightly toward the soundboard. When you relax your right arm, the strings will push your fingers back to their original position (with fingertips resting lightly on the strings). Then play the string. Repeat the exercise with each melody note. (Text Version)

Learn from the Masters!

Pause and Visualize: The best time to eliminate mistakes from your playing is now! When you are first learning to play new music, develop the habit of only making positive motions with your fingers, hands, and arm. After you play a note (or chord), pause (hold still) until you are sure of where you are supposed to go next. Then move slowly and directly to the new note (or chord) and repeat the process. This will help you eliminate unnecessary motion (and feelings of uncertainty) in your playing. The process may seem slow at first, but the results can be rewarding. Instead of looking at your hand, visualize where your hand and fingers need to go next. Practice any new notes or chord shapes separately from the rest of the music. It is easier to visualize when you know where you are going!

Practice Daily

Allocate 30 minutes or more per day for focused practice. Try to maintain a regular practice schedule.

Reserve some of your practice time to review and practice other music you have learned.

Complete an entry in your practice journal each time you practice.