How can I practice guitar when I don't have my instrument?











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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?










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    While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
    – Dekkadeci
    2 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















up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1












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?










share|improve this question


















  • 2




    While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
    – Dekkadeci
    2 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













up vote
5
down vote

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1









up vote
5
down vote

favorite
1






1





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?










share|improve this question













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






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asked 3 hours ago









Richard

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36.2k677153








  • 2




    While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
    – Dekkadeci
    2 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




    While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
    – Dekkadeci
    2 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
2 hours ago




While I don't really recommend this as a practice regimen for other reasons, there's always air guitar.
– Dekkadeci
2 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










3 Answers
3






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up vote
4
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It depends on what exactly you want to practice. I feel like I've answered this before so it may be a dup.




  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.







share|improve this answer




























    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.






    share|improve this answer




























      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.






      share|improve this answer








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        3 Answers
        3






        active

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        3 Answers
        3






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        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.




        1. 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.


        2. 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.


        3. 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.


        4. 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.







        share|improve this answer

























          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.




          1. 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.


          2. 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.


          3. 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.


          4. 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.







          share|improve this answer























            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.




            1. 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.


            2. 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.


            3. 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.


            4. 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.







            share|improve this answer












            It depends on what exactly you want to practice. I feel like I've answered this before so it may be a dup.




            1. 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.


            2. 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.


            3. 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.


            4. 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.








            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered 1 hour ago









            ggcg

            3,654219




            3,654219






















                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.






                share|improve this answer

























                  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.






                  share|improve this answer























                    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.






                    share|improve this answer












                    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.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered 1 hour ago









                    Wayne Conrad

                    43149




                    43149






















                        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.






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        Mandy R is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                          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.






                          share|improve this answer








                          New contributor




                          Mandy R is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.




















                            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.






                            share|improve this answer








                            New contributor




                            Mandy R is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                            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.







                            share|improve this answer








                            New contributor




                            Mandy R is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer






                            New contributor




                            Mandy R is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.









                            answered 1 hour ago









                            Mandy R

                            1




                            1




                            New contributor




                            Mandy R is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.





                            New contributor





                            Mandy R is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






                            Mandy R is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                            Check out our Code of Conduct.






























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