If you only had 20 minutes to practice, what would you work on?

[ndemattheis]

In other words, what is the most produtive way to spend a short block of practice time?

[DrSax]

make a margarita

[Scott Whigham]

I had this yesterday - I had 20 minutes all day. I chose to do timing exercises: picking, working with a metronome, moving up and down the fretboard. I wasn't playing music per se but I was keeping my chops up!

[sjaustin]

Wait, some people practice more than 20 minutes a day?

(Subscribed.)

[Melodic Dreamer]

Playing through my chords in most keys. Both Maj and min, Maj7, min7, Dim and Aug in each of their inversions. Picking each, strumming each and plucking each.

[adamquek]

If I only had 20 mins a day, I'd mix it up every day and cycle back once a week. Something like

Day 1 - Picking (alternate, economy) with a metronome
Day 2 - Transcribing some rhythm guitar
Day 3 - Transcribe some lead guitar
Day 4 - Metal rhythm guitar madness (Play through a couple of classic songs, Master of Puppets etc)
Day 5 - Fake Book - learn the head and changes for a standard
Day 6 - Improv (any genre)
Day 7 - Play some music

[Ooogie]

Usually when I find myself in this position things are kind of hectic and so a quick assessment of my state of mind helps me use the time most effectively. Sometimes I know I'm not going to be able to focus fully or maybe I'm stressed so I'll just start a little blues comping thing to the metronome and try to relax and get in the groove. It really helps with timing and usually I feel much better when I'm finished. Other times I might work on fingerpicking or some kind of right hand technique.

If I'm actively working on some goal (learning a piece of music or something) then that might drive the practice. I guess "it depends" is the best answer but I really think you need to be flexible and go with what feels right unless you have some commitment to meet.

Mark

[RobRowland]

If I only had 20 minutes, whatever I did I'd make sure I did it on my cheap acoustic - 20 minutes on that is like doing 2 hours on an electric.

[stephenwz968]

I always try to warm up for at least 5 min, so then I'd take the next 15 and work on something different every 5 min - scale runs, alternate picking, string skipping, etc...not music per say, but technique building.

[KRosser]

The hardest thing on my nearest upcoming gig/rehearsal

[Tomo]

Originally Posted by DrSax

make a margarita

before or after?

Tomo

[Neer]

If I only had 20 minutes, I'd work on my time management skills (meaning I'd shut off the computer and extend my time).

[Johnny LaRue]

Originally Posted by RobRowland

If I only had 20 minutes, whatever I did I'd make sure I did it on my cheap acoustic - 20 minutes on that is like doing 2 hours on an electric.

This. My acoustic is a beast to play! Gets the fingers warmed up in a hurry!

[hubbstar]

Are there certain fundamental areas that need work? If so, figure out what they are, put down some goals to measure progress and get to it. For example, I'm realizing my feel for time is way underdeveloped. So 20 minutes a day with a metronome just simply feeling the beat and practicing simple picking/strumming on the down and upbeats is time well spent for me. And it's almost a prerequisite for efficient use of time on other exercises and practice routines. If my internalization of time is not where it needs to be, it will adversely impact a variety of other practice areas.

Once I feel comfortable with my progress in this area, I will move onto another area that builds upon it (finger exercises on top of a beat, for example).

Wash, rinse, repeat.

[Jim Collins]

My short game.