Overview • "GOOD Habits To ADOPT" Flashcards
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s the benefit of practicing a piece in smaller sections?
Learning an entire song at once is like trying to drink from a waterfall. Break it into manageable streams (sections) so you can absorb each part fully and calmly.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you practice improvising?
Improvisation is like learning to freestyle in conversation. It trains your musical instincts to think and respond creatively on the spot.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How does playing in front of an audience help?
It’s like stepping into the arena—you grow confidence and learn to perform under pressure, transforming practice into artistry.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s a bad habit when trying to learn tricky chord transitions?
It’s like trying to run across a rickety bridge without looking down. Rushing makes it collapse. Slow down, step carefully, and rebuild it plank by plank (movement by movement).
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you learn to play by ear?
Playing by ear is like training your inner compass. It guides you to discover melodies on your own, making you less reliant on written maps (tabs and sheet music).
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is slowing down an effective habit in practice?
Speed without control is like a runaway horse. Slow practice reins in your technique, so when you’re ready, you can gallop with precision and grace.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s the value of learning the notes on the fretboard?
It’s like learning the geography of your home and neighborhood. When you know the terrain (the notes), you can navigate effortlessly and discover new pathways for solos and chords.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you resist the urge to “power through” frustrating practice sessions?
Powering through is like trying to smash a rock with your bare hands—it’s exhausting and ineffective. A wiser adventurer uses tools (like breaks and mindful practice) to chip away patiently and purposefully.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s the benefit of transcribing songs?
Transcribing is like solving a musical riddle. Each note you figure out sharpens your ears and builds a deep connection to the music you’re playing.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you practice with dynamics in mind?
Dynamics turn a flat road into a rollercoaster ride—full of peaks and valleys that keep listeners hooked on your every move.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s a good example of an “incubation” activity while practicing guitar?
Picture this: You’re stuck in a foggy forest (your problem). Doing a simple task, like folding laundry, is like gathering firewood. While you’re busy, the sun rises, and suddenly, you can see the path forward. That’s the power of incubation.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s the value of practicing dynamics and phrasing early?
Without dynamics, music is like a story told in monotone—boring and flat. Expressive playing brings the narrative of the song to life, captivating your audience.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What is “incubation,” and how can it help with guitar practice?
Think of your brain as a campfire. Staring too hard at it won’t spark inspiration, but if you step back and let the embers simmer, they’ll ignite on their own. Incubation is your time to let creative sparks catch fire after you’ve stepped away from the problem.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s the benefit of jamming with others?
Jamming is like joining a campfire storytelling circle. It’s where your ideas mingle with others, sparking collaboration and inspiration.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is mind-wandering during breaks a positive habit for guitar learners?
Your mind is like a kite—when it’s untethered, it soars higher and sees farther. Letting it wander during breaks can reveal solutions hidden beyond the horizon of your focused thoughts.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you play along with recordings?
It’s like training with a partner in martial arts. Playing alongside the recording sharpens your timing, feel, and ability to blend with others.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you explore different musical genres?
Each genre is like a new culture. Exploring them broadens your understanding, adding new spices and flavors to your playing.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you schedule regular breaks during practice sessions?
A tired mind is like a dull blade—it doesn’t cut well. Sharpen your focus by stepping away, and you’ll slice through challenges more easily when you return.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is consistent daily practice better than occasional long sessions?
Daily practice is like watering a plant—it grows steadily with care. Sporadic long sessions flood the soil but don’t let roots develop properly.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you focus on quality over quantity in practice?
One carefully polished gem shines brighter than a handful of rough stones. Focused practice yields lasting results.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is it important to plan practice sessions?
Imagine setting out on a quest with no map—you’d wander aimlessly. A practice plan is your map, guiding you to your destination efficiently and effectively.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How can switching to a new song or exercise help you progress?
It’s like traveling to a new town—you learn fresh skills and perspectives that you can bring back to familiar terrain. Variety keeps your playing vibrant.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is it helpful to practice standing up sometimes?
Playing standing is like practicing swordplay in armor. It’s the real-world condition of live performance, preparing you for gigs and jams.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you celebrate small wins in your practice?
Small wins are the stepping stones across a wide river. Celebrate each step—they remind you how far you’ve come and give you courage for the next.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you experiment with percussive guitar techniques?
Percussive techniques are like adding drums to your melody. They give your playing rhythm, texture, and a whole new layer of excitement.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How can practicing scales benefit your playing?
Scales are the skeleton key to your fretboard. Mastering them unlocks melodic freedom, giving you the ability to improvise and craft solos like a musical locksmith.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is rest as important as practice?
Rest is the silence between notes that makes the music work. It’s when your muscles recover, your brain processes, and creativity blooms.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s the importance of finger independence exercises?
These exercises are like stretching before a climb—they loosen up your fingers, giving them the agility and strength to scale the peaks of tricky riffs and chords.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What does the phrase “practicing is problem-solving” mean?
Think of your guitar as a puzzle. Every riff, every chord is a piece waiting to fit. Practicing is where you gather and test those pieces, slowly revealing the bigger picture.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How can singing along while playing help?
Singing is like putting words to your story. It connects you emotionally to the music and helps you internalize melodies and rhythms more deeply.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you develop a strong sense of rhythm?
Rhythm is the heartbeat of music. Without it, even the most beautiful notes fall flat, like a song with no pulse.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How can slow-motion practice improve speed?
Slow-motion practice is like walking a balance beam—it trains precision. Once you’re steady, you can run across with confidence.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How does recording yourself improve practice?
It’s like holding up a mirror to your playing. Recordings show the flaws and strengths you might not notice in real-time, giving you the insight to improve.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you take time to tune your guitar properly?
Playing an untuned guitar is like painting with muddy colors. Tuning ensures your canvas is clean, so your music shines.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why shouldn’t you just keep playing a difficult section over and over again?
Repetition without purpose is like walking in circles through a maze. You won’t find the exit unless you pause, study the map, and choose a new route. Practicing thoughtfully is your compass out of frustration.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you warm up before every practice session?
Skipping warm-ups is like starting a car in the dead of winter without letting the engine run. Gentle exercises prepare your hands, ensuring they’re ready for the twists and turns of your musical drive.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How does learning to read sheet music or tabs help?
It’s like learning to read a treasure map. It reveals where the gold lies and shows you how to navigate toward musical mastery.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How can visualizing your practice help?
Visualization is like rehearsing a speech in your mind before speaking. Seeing the movements in your head primes your brain, making them easier when your fingers follow.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How does practicing in different dynamics (soft vs. loud) help?
Dynamics are the colors on your musical palette. Practicing them lets you paint vivid landscapes, from gentle whispers to thunderous roars.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is it important to work on fingerpicking?
Fingerpicking is like weaving a tapestry of sound. Each finger is a thread, and together, they create intricate, beautiful patterns in your music.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How can reframing challenges as opportunities for exploration help?
Imagine a locked treasure chest. Every problem you face is another key to try. Expecting the first key to fail makes every attempt feel like progress, not failure. The treasure? Your breakthrough moment.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s the value of learning different strumming patterns?
Strumming patterns are your rhythm toolkit. Each one brings new textures to your playing, adding variety and richness to your music.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you experiment with alternate tunings?
Alternate tunings are secret portals—each one leads to a new world of sounds and ideas you can’t reach in standard tuning. Explore them to expand your creative horizons.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: What’s the importance of learning fingerstyle patterns?
Fingerstyle patterns are your sculpting tools. They let you carve detailed textures and bring songs to life with depth and nuance.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you revisit older songs you’ve learned?
Revisiting old songs is like flipping through a photo album. It reminds you of how far you’ve come and reveals details you might have missed the first time.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: How can you prevent procrastination when facing difficult practice sections?
Procrastination is the dragon guarding your progress. Instead of slaying it outright, start by poking it gently—attempt the problem, knowing it’s just the first round of your battle. Future-you will deliver the final blow.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is practicing with a metronome crucial?
A metronome is your trusty guide through the winding roads of rhythm. It keeps you on track, ensuring you don’t stumble or stray off beat in your journey.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you learn to mute strings properly?
String muting is like using punctuation in writing. It cleans up your sound, separating the noise from the notes so your playing communicates clearly.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why should you end practice sessions with something you enjoy?
It’s the musical equivalent of dessert after a meal. Ending with joy leaves a sweet taste, making you eager for the next session.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
GOOD Habits To Adopt: Why is learning music theory helpful?
Music theory is like learning the language of sound. It gives you the vocabulary to understand, express, and create ideas more fluently.
Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician
