There was a legend that when ninjas were growing up they would plant a tree. Every day they would leap over that tree, and as it grew they’d increase their leap over time. Once it grew too high to jump over, then they’d plant another one and start over.

Great story, Mr Miyagi, but what does that have to do with learning the guitar?

Glad you asked.

Wouldn’t it be cool if we could download a program to our brain like the Matrix and instantly learn kung-fu or how to shred like Jimi Hendrix? But until then I guess we’ll have to do it the old fashioned way, practice every day.

“Yeah, let’s do it, I’m gonna practice 3 hours a day and SHRED!” Okay, hold on there Yngwie. There will some days you might be discouraged when you’re not shredding like you want to.

So here’s a way of thinking that might help. Instead of looking at the result, think of the practice itself as the reward. Huh? You going mystical on me Instructor Josh? Nope, just showing you what works. Slow it down, take your time and learn the skill with excellence. We’re not in any hurry here. This is your craft. It’s quality we’re after, not quantity.

You go to work on schedule. You go to class on schedule. Think like a ninja and come to practice on schedule. Amateurs practice when they feel like it. Ninjas train like pros consistently and get fulfillment that they’re taking the right path every day.

All this develops your character. Keeps you humble.

Yeah, yeah, I know, who cares about character, you want to shred. Well, you’ll thank me later on. Taking music can help you be productive in other parts of life as you develop discipline and creativity.

So just remember, if you want to shred like a ninja, you gotta train like a ninja!