Guitarists! A couple questions for you?

Question:I'm an average guitarist who really wants to improve. I need some tips on how to improve. The obvious answer to this is to practice more, I know, but sometimes even when I practice I'm at a loss as to what to do to make the most benefit of my practice time. Should I practice scales? Chord progressions? Jam with a backing track? I need to know what tips you might have to open some doors. Should I hire a private teacher? Share some of your expertise please.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I'm an average guitarist who really wants to improve. I need some tips on how to improve. The obvious answer to this is to practice more, I know, but sometimes even when I practice I'm at a loss as to what to do to make the most benefit of my practice time. Should I practice scales? Chord progressions? Jam with a backing track? I need to know what tips you might have to open some doors. Should I hire a private teacher? Share some of your expertise please.

Fastest, best progress = hire a teacher. Ask for referrals at the music department of a local college, or go to the best music store in your town.

Rehearsal techniques: yes, play scales and arpeggios religiously! Also work on "speed studies". If you're into pop music, subscribe to Guitar Player magazine (or Acoustic Guitar Player)--they have great tutorials.

Mix up your rehearsals--

Always try to include some sight reading--get simple pieces and go at them with a "let's have fun" attitude, certainly note any mistakes but don't beat yourself up about them.

Practice specific pieces, and jam with a recording if you like. When practicing a piece, try messing around with it--play the rhythms 'wrong', damp all notes to make them as short as possible, etc.

All of the above. You're practice sessions should include Chord work, scales and just free form jamming. Try learning a different style of music too. You may not like the style, but exposing yourself to new things only makes you a better, more rounded player. Also, yes, definitely hire a private teacher.

Learning chords, scales, and such will allow you to make your own music, and you can pretty much jam freely if you know your chords and scales.
If you want to learn songs, best way it's to listen to the song while
looking at the music sheet. (or Tabs if you don't know how to read sheets like me)

Scales, chromatics, lessons. And jam with people not just a recording.