My Routine to Get Back in Guitar Shape

Getting back to serious guitar practice after a long break can be a challenge. Recently, I’ve felt the need to rebuild certain aspects of my technique, especially when it comes to more complex styles like jazz.

That’s why I decided to share my journey with you, along with some guitar exercises I’m doing to get back in shape: playing Someday My Prince Will Come completely solo, without any accompaniment.

Why Play Solo?

One of the most challenging aspects of jazz is the ability to play solo, covering bass lines, harmony, and melody all at once. This exercise not only improves instrument control but also helps develop a stronger sense of harmony and song structure. Without a backing track or other musicians, it’s crucial to create a solid groove and give the illusion that the music flows naturally.

The Technical Challenges

Playing chord melody on guitar requires a lot of focus. Unlike a pianist, who has two hands to handle bass and harmony separately, a guitarist must integrate everything with a single left hand while using the right hand for articulation and dynamics.

Some of the main challenges I’m facing include:

• Coordinating bass and melody without losing track of the harmonic structure.
• Switching smoothly between pick and fingers. I’ve always loved the crisp attack of a pick, but fingerstyle often allows for better control over chords and dynamics.
• Simplifying when necessary—avoiding unnecessary notes and focusing on the core harmony.

The Hybrid Picking Technique

To improve my transition between flat picking and fingerstyle, I’m experimenting with hybrid picking—using a pick for single-note lines and fingers for chords and bass notes. This technique, used by great guitarists like Martin Taylor, allows for a smoother transition between styles while maintaining clear articulation.

The Value of Practice

This journey isn’t just about technical improvement—it’s about gaining a deeper understanding of music. Jazz challenges guitarists to think more harmonically and rhythmically, and tackling these difficulties brings benefits across all musical styles.

If you're also looking to refine your technique or explore new approaches on guitar, I encourage you to try this type of exercise. Documenting your progress helps identify weak spots and track improvement over time.

Have you ever tried playing chord melody? What are your biggest challenges? Share your experience in the comments!