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Q: Just wondering if practicing 16 hours a day is a requirement for virtuoso technique…if I practice perfectly for 2-4 hours a day is it still possible to reach insane levels of technique?

A: The short answer to your question is yes! Practicing 16 hours a day is definitely not a requirement to get virtuoso level technique, although, if done correctly that amount of practicing can definitely help. Every guitar player is different and there is no such thing as the perfect amount of time to practice. We each progress at our own rate and some guitarists need more practice time than others. What is really important is that you make your guitar practicing time high quality. By establishing a goal of what things you would like to accomplish in each practice session, you can get yourself on the fast track to insane guitar technique. Make each minute of guitar practice really count! By blocking out distractions and other interruptions, like cell phones, a lot more can be accomplished in a given time.

I would also recommend spending some time practicing soloing over actual music each day. You can either play over jam tracks, or try playing along to some of your favorite CDs. This will allow you to take the guitar techniques that you worked on in practice and use them in a real setting. You will become more fluid with your technique, improve your rhythm, and this will help you develop stylistically. Practicing things that cover a lot of ground is a great way to progress fast.

You might also want to check out Tom Hess’s article on getting the most out of a short practice time. You can find it in the archives. He has some fantastic advice! Good luck.