I find that doing these scales just using your left hand to hammer the notes on, rather than picking the string, it really hurts after a while, and it takes a while to do it without the sound getting all shaky, but seriously, I am starting to get a man-hand from it, so its worked for me!

I can pretty much play songs entirely comprised of barre chords on an acoustic now with only slight pain... now I can crush a raw potato in my left hand. Olympics here I come!

Spend most of your time playing the music you want to play. That way you'll learn the techniques that are necessary for you to do what you want to do. Specific technique practice for 10-20 minutes is good to refine movements your body is already capable of making. Playing the instrument should not be physically challenging for the most part (some stretches or chord "grips" may be exceptions).

I've had some serious muscle issues that prevented me playing for most of a year, and have to use my practice time judiciously. My chops have actually improved by practicing technique less and making music more.

One thing I found interesting/useful to think about. Grab the index finger of your left hand with your right hand. Now rotate your left arm. Your index finger is essentially the point of rotation (if you grab any other finger with your right hand, it's much harder to rotate your left arm). I found this useful for efficiently moving my left hand for hammer ons and pull offs.

Best of luck to you!

My advice, if you really want to be a good player, start with some of the excersices on the first page(very good guys, I learned with alot of those) Drop your social life and practice nonstop, you dont need a teacher. My sophmore year I didnt really talk to anyone, all I did was think about playing all day then came home and played 3 hours a day minimun, and sure I turned into a socially awkward recluse, but worth every second, I will have this for the rest of my life

Personally, I did the same exact thing as thelostpizza, except I started by jamming with my band then continued after practice for around 7 hours like 4 times a week, some of the best time I ever spent. The best advice I can give is to play music you like that challenges you but without making you feel hopelessly lost. That way you develop rhythmical skills, chord shaping skills, and lead skills. After a while, you start developing a feel for how all the notes work together so you can just sit down and play stuff that flows well without even thinking. The next best thing is to play with other people, especially people that have played longer because they usually give great tips and help push you to try harder things. Also, its true that everyone can play guitar, but playing music with others is much different.

Hi,I have been playing guitar from quite a long time.I dint learn to play guitar from any teacher or friend.I got to know how to play guitar via web.Yes,once while browsing I came across AAfter search.Out there,was an amazing video with full instructions to play guitar.There was an option too of an online tutor,that helped me a lot.If you are really interested to learn guitar you can visit AAfter Search.

luckily, i have a bunch, and i mean a lot, of friends into music as well.

I've been playing the guitar for a week... :laughing:
From the beginning I've been doing these exercises. They're really helpful in learning chords. My Friend consider that I learn very quickly.. I think it's because I'm doing these exercises. Thanks them, fingers became faster in really short time ;D

Sorry if I commited some mistakes in writing -,-