Some of you know...I'm officially disabled now according to the Government, so that means I can no longer work in any real capacity.

I was very upset/depressed when this occured, and having PTSD doesn't help...but I thought about what I wanted and what I wanted to do positively for myself instead of wallowing in self pity "woe is me" crap...so I decided to do the one thing I love, is to play guitar.

I used to be really good I think, but life was much simpler then...I had the time to devote to it and really had no other worries or cares in the world...but we all know with life in general this is almost impossible for most people...so I guess I'm fortunate in this regard.

After not really "practicing" for many years...just random jamming and figuring out songs...I evaluated myself honestly where I was, and in retrospect I was disgusted with myself...for 1, ever getting to that point, and 2) having literally 10's of thousands in guitars, amps, accessories, racks, cabinets, books/magizines...you get the idea.

So, how to put it all together to maximise my time and to logically organize and get the most out of my practice time you ask??

I spent a few bucks on general office type supplies...3-ring binder, dividers, colored tabs etc. and organized my folder like this, yours may be different but these are the areas I want to improve on now...this will change and the great thing about this is you aren't limited to the number of binders you can/could have...

So, here's mine...and I've used excerpts from several resources, such as: Speed Mechanics of Lead Guitar by Troy Stetina, Intelli-shred by our very own Kevin Dillard, Ultimate Guitar Technique by the Musicians Institute, and finally Intense Rock II by Paul Gilbert..and these are also supplemented by a bunch of stuff that interested me online and are free resources to utilize.

Binder Contents:
1) Fixing Mistakes and Improving Problem Areas by David Carr (motivation and logic lol!!)

2) Inside / Outside picking exercises

3) The "Spider" as referenced in the MI Technique Book

4) chromatic madness ala 1-2-3-4 ad nauseum

5) 3-Octave Em linear scale

6) Diatonic Arpeggios in the key of D up and down

7) Arpeggio technique (3,4,5,6 string) by various authors

8) Misc Section of stuff I will review daily and noodle with

Frank Gambale's Chops Builder ideas for economy-picking and sweep picking...invaluable stuff in DVD along with Speed Picking.

I found these practice logs online and I love them..if you're honest and put the time in with it, it will help you..it has me...

http://slowgold.com/PracticeLog/Wood...Tab%20Only.htm

I am using the DigiTech GNX4 as my "brain" as it has a built in drum machine/metronome, offers good sounds, and it doesn't cave my chest in through the powered studio monitors I have on my desk...it's my "all-in-one" practice area...if I wanna blow my hair back I have my Rivera

So..this is just an idea for you..it's worked for me...

Embarrisingly, when I started out about 1.5 months ago, I was at about 80 BPM for 16th notes...now I'm upwards of 140-150 depending..still working on the mechanics of crossing and inside/outside..but it's coming along.

I've always, in the past, had a difficult time with sextuplets..why, I don't know...but I have them worked up now to almost the same speed as the end picking lick in No More Tears by Ozzy....and killing myself on the end-section of Bark at the Moon by Ozzy/Jake...still a long ways to go, but it's a goal I've set for myself.

Just an idea for you to organize your time and hopefully have fun doing it at the same time.

Only dedication like I see that you have will bring you to success. When did you decide to get really serious on you guitar, it sounds like it was recently? I think you will do well.

Well, when I first left work...the first week was cool...but then I started to go nuts...I've worked since I was 15 and being idle is not the norm for me.

I have PTSD and the associated depression and anxiety...which sucks, even with medication...one of which they prescribed and I got suicidal...

So...I had a choice...wallow in self pity and "woe is me" and be a useless piece of shit or actually do something constructive...I love guitar, I have several of them....I used to be good I think...so, time to focus my energies into something positive in a negative situation.

I'm pretty organized...and I've done the endless hours of practice when I was younger to get where I was, so I knew the drill...and honestly, the younger dudes won't understand this, but there was VERY little instructional material in the late 70s and early 80s. I still have the very first issue of Guitar For the Practicing Musician with Steve Howe of Yes on the cover framed lol....

So, I decided to get really good again...I have an abundance of time, I had the guitars and other gear....time to do something with them again.

I started by scouring the internet, and ordered some instructional stuff to help me out...give me direction, and proven techniques to build endurance and speed/clarity. I got a weekly lesson to kinda keep me focused and ideas I wouldn't normally have....that helps out.

My ultimate goal is to get really good again, do some recording and jam with backing tracks to start with...my ultimate goal in about a year or so is to start something with my teacher together to have a kick ass guitar band...and start playing bars and clubs.

I have the major components of my live rig....I will have to get some sort of effects...thinking about the G System by TC Electronics throug the Rivera...I have a couple cabs...and I plan on getting a Jem for live work....possibly a PRS CE 24 also.....I make decent $$ with my retirement and VA compensation....so I have the $$ to buy my toys...not a issue.

That's about it...guitar is my saving grace right now....if I didn't have it, I'd probably be dead....

Dude I'm sort of in the same boat as you. I've been ill for a long time and have been on disability for 4 years now. I can barely play the guitar at the moment but they remain my inspiration. I got one as an xmas gift and I'm buying a new one in 2 weeks time. They give me hope and something to aim for. :)

I know exactly how you feel dude..trust me.

I started playing again seriously in about August of 08, and was pretty disappointed and horrified at how bad I had become lol...but aside from picking one up here and there over the last 14 years or so, you lose a LOT lol...

Guitar is my passion...I love collecting Charvel's, playing, turning up the amp and feel my hair move...just love it.

It's given me something to put my energies into...no, my life isn't as simple as it was when I was still living at home with Mom and Dad...but I've been blessed with a incredible wife and kid....she's the one who really encouraged me to get back into it...and she's hot too lol....

I have no illusions or dreams to become anything other than the best player I can be..have a slamming band and do the music I love loud and well in front of people....it's not about the $$...I could care less....I'll never make back what I have into my equipment...but that's OK...some dudes cheat, some dudes play golf, some gamble....I do none of those....I'm a guitarist...have been since I was 7....it's what I am....

Being disabled sucks....in my case, I'm getting hammered from both physical and mental disabilities....but I'm alive...for what reason I don't honestly know...so many times in the Marine's I could have and should have been killed....but I'm extremely lucky that the Marine's really took care of me...instead of just putting me out with severance pay, they retired me....which is a BIG difference.

When I was really down and depressed...thinking of ending it all in a few moments of selfish abandon..I thought of Jason Becker, Django Reinhardt, Jeff Healey.....they gave me hope, and helped me to pick myself up, dust off, and move ahead.

Well said my friend. Even if I could never play again I will always have and collect guitars. They are pieces of Art IMO and have been the major interest in my life for about 25 years now. :)

This truly is an Inspirational thread itself. makes me think of Jason Becker.

Reading this is kinda sad but I'm glad you found the courage and will power to get your chops up again. also, it makes me realize how young I am. jeez, I am only 16, been playin for 4 years.

you guys inspire me, I love the guitar. it's an amazing instrument.