In this episode of Real Guitar Live , we explored how to Practice Smarter, Not Longer with the 5-Minute Rule —a powerful way to improve efficiency and progress. I answered key questions on practice routines, guitar maintenance, the CAGED system , hybrid picking, harmonics, and more. Whether you’re refining fundamentals or expanding your skills, there’s something valuable in this session.
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Let’s do it again next month:
Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 12pm PT/3pm ET.
Want to submit an early guitar question before the next RGS Live? You can do that here, and I will be sure to cover your topic next time!
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In this video:
00:00:51 - Is it better to practice a new skill in short, focused bursts (around five minutes), let it soak in, and then switch to something else for the rest of the session?
00:05:56 - I heard that low humidity can damage guitars. At what level is there a danger of damage, and how much time does the guitar need to be exposed for damage to occur? What precautions can be taken to prevent damage?
00:07:42 - What is a slide used for? Is it something that every guitar player should have, or is it just a specialty item?
00:09:29 - What is the circle of fifths used for?
00:13:17 - How much practice is too much? I am loving playing the guitar and working on the proper way to sit so my back doesn’t get sore.
00:17:42 - How often should we replace the steel strings on an acoustic guitar? Mine are two and a half years old.
00:19:55 - I'm trying to relearn guitar after a 40-plus year absence. My initial motivation was to use the guitar as exercise for my hands and fingers to combat joint stiffness and dexterity loss. Are there any things I can do besides just playing the guitar?
00:23:17 - How do you build a chord progression using Roman numerals?
00:27:58 - Once you build a chord progression, can you start it from another chord besides the root?
00:28:22 - Can you give an example of how you would strum a simple chord progression and how you would fingerpick it?
00:29:34 - I prefer Baroque/classical guitar and own both a Strat and a nylon-string guitar. I find the Strat easier to play and quieter. Any concerns with using PIMA fingerstyle on an electric?
00:31:55 - The CAGED system—Is my understanding correct that to play a D chord on the seventh fret, you would form the A shape?
00:34:01 - How do I practice harmonics on guitar? I'm trying to play Harvest Moon.
00:36:12 - Is there a practice technique that would help with learning to hybrid pick? I'm trying to keep a steady rhythm on the low E and pluck the E and B strings, but I keep pausing on the rhythm.