In physics, a simple formula can be used to measure the power of something, a car engine for example, by calculating the work or energy it must use to complete a task divided by the time it takes to perform that task.

This equation can be applied to our guitar practice as a way of measuring our effectiveness.

Here is the formula:

In applying this formula, we think of power, not as a measure of physical strength, but as measure of understanding and playing ability. Power is knowledge to paraphrase the old Schoolhouse Rock adage. The more knowledge we accumulate, the more powerful we become in expressing ourselves on our instrument.

Power also represents our actual physical prowess and technical ability on our instrument. Knowledge must be coupled with the ability to apply what we’ve learned, and channel our creativity, otherwise it is wasted. Likewise, our technique should not overshadow understanding. Our technical skills must be adequate enough to serve our creative enterprises. The only way to achieve this sufficient level of power is through work over time.

The work we must put into learning and mastering a new song, exercise, chord, or whatever it may be, entails our overall effort in following through with the entire learning process. It is our commitment to reaching the goal of being able to properly express ourselves on our instrument. You can also think of it as the concentration and focus we place on meeting the challenges posed by the task we’ve undertaken.

Work is measured in qualitative terms, meaning that the quality of our efforts is the key factor. We must be fully focused on the task at hand in order to fully reap the benefits. Half-hearted effort will yield only a fraction of the possible result. Our efforts must fit into the amount of time that we are able to devote to the task.

Time is the amount of practice we put into learning and developing the intended skill. Time can be measured in quantitative terms by gauging the frequency and length of our practice sessions. It is the consistency and dedication we apply to our practice in order to be able to play music with a high level of confidence and proficiency. Obviously, the more time we put in, the more we are likely to improve. However, time must be properly utilized and used to its fullest, otherwise efficiency is lost and productivity decreases.

Time is a limited resource, and as such, becomes extraordinarily valuable. We must set aside a consistent block of time from which we can work to hone our skills. Since our time is typically limited, it is crucial that our input level or work be optimized. In short, we must maximize our effectiveness during our practice. Making the best use of our time significantly enhances our chances of success. In order to produce the desired result, we need to make sure that our effort and time expenditure are synchronized.

Here is an example. Let’s say I want to be able to play the solo to “Stairway to Heaven,” since I already know all the rhythm parts. I set aside 15 minutes a day to work on learning all the licks that comprise the entire solo. If during those 15 minutes of each practice session, I find myself getting distracted or resorting to playing something I am already really good at, my work input is not at the optimal level. After a week or so, I get frustrated because I still can’t play the solo proficiently with the recording, and I complain how I spent all this time practicing it without achieving success. Well, since my practice efforts were not in synch with the time I allotted to the task, my power or output level was destined to be less than 100%.

By using the power equation, it becomes easier to identify and isolate where the problem lies if I do not reach my intended goal. In the above example, I can analyze the ratio of work versus time. I need to scrutinize the level of work I’m putting into the designated time. I may have set aside 15 minutes, but if 8 of those minutes are wasted by getting off track, I can deduce that I need to adjust my focus during that time. If I find my mind wandering, maybe I need to reduce the time spent on practicing this particular thing to accommodate my current level of attention span.

In some cases, you may find that you are working at peak efficiency, but your power or result level is still less than expected. You will need to look at the time you are devoting to practicing. Perhaps, you will need to spend more daily practice time, or enough time hasn’t elapsed yet for you to fully reach your goal.

This principle will also help you to set realistic expectations for yourself. If you want to be as good as Steve Vai, who would perform 10+ hour a day workouts on his guitar, but you only practice a 10 minutes every other day, you will find it extremely difficult to achieve the desired result. Likewise, if you want to be a great jazz guitarist, but you only practice classical etudes during your practice session, your level of power as a jazz player will be far less than great.

Applying the power equation to your guitar practicing will help you to set realistic goals. It will also give you the ability to measure and adjust your practice sessions accordingly to make sure that you achieve those goals. Just as I’ve borrowed this equation from it’s physics application, you can just as easily apply the concept to any task which you decide to commit yourself to learning and executing. Until next time, remember to work hard, and play harder.