My wife once showed me a quote by Ernest Newman stating, “The great composer does not set to work because he is inspired, but becomes inspired because he is working. Beethoven, Wagner, Bach and Mozart settled down day after day to the job in hand with as much regularity as an accountant settles down each day to his figures. They didn’t waste time waiting for inspiration.”

I often find this to be true in guitar practice as well. Sometimes it takes a little discipline to sit down with the instrument; but once I do, the music takes over and I find myself inspired to create music. Professional guitarists cannot be ruled only by inspiration, because we are often called upon to learn a piece for a specific venue, or to practice the same piece that we have played hundreds of times before. Likewise, students sometimes need to practice things that are a bit of a struggle. That soon gives way, however, to fun, creativity, and inspiration. The same goes for most of life’s rewarding pursuits, whether it be golf, tennis, chess, or painting. Let the dedication and work inspire you, as you devote time to practice the guitar. You will find it well worth the effort!