Overview • "BAD Habits To AVOID"

Question 1

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing mindlessly without reflecting on progress.

Answer 1

Mindless practice is like wandering through a fog. Reflect, refine, and clear the way to steady progress.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 2

BAD Habits To AVOID: Ignoring tension in your hands or body while playing.

Answer 2

A tense hand is like a locked door—your potential stays trapped inside. Stop, shake your hands loose, and let relaxation be the key that unlocks fluidity and freedom in your playing.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 3

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing aimlessly without a goal.

Answer 3

Wandering in a dense forest without a map leaves you lost. Set a destination for every practice session—whether it’s mastering a new lick or improving timing. Goals are your compass.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 4

BAD Habits To AVOID: Trying to fix everything in one practice session.

Answer 4

Trying to solve everything at once is like trying to drink the ocean. Tackle one issue at a time, and over days and weeks, your progress will add up.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 5

BAD Habits To AVOID: Playing too fast too soon.

Answer 5

Playing fast before you’re ready is like building a skyscraper on sand. Slow down, lay a strong foundation with accuracy, and speed will rise naturally like the tallest tower.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 6

BAD Habits To AVOID: Avoiding open tunings because they seem “weird.”

Answer 6

Open tunings are like secret doors in a mansion. They open up rooms full of new sounds and surprises. Don’t fear the unknown—step through and explore.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 7

BAD Habits To AVOID: Focusing on speed over musicality.

Answer 7

Chasing speed alone is like running a race without knowing where the finish line is. Focus on clarity and emotion, and speed will follow naturally.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 8

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing only seated.

Answer 8

If you only practice seated, playing standing feels like walking on stilts. Alternate between sitting and standing to master both and feel balanced in any performance.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 9

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing only what you’re already good at.

Answer 9

A bodybuilder who skips leg day ends up unbalanced. Don’t skip ‘weakness day’ in your practice. Strengthen your weaker skills, and you’ll build a musical body that’s rock solid.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 10

BAD Habits To AVOID: Not listening to recordings of yourself.

Answer 10

Playing without recording is like writing a letter blindfolded. Record yourself, listen back, and catch the details your fingers might have missed.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 11

BAD Habits To AVOID: Playing without ear training.

Answer 11

Playing without training your ear is like speaking without listening—you’ll never understand the conversation. Practice identifying intervals, melodies, and chords to hear music more deeply.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 12

BAD Habit: Neglecting rhythm exercises.

Answer 12

Rhythm is the heartbeat of music. Without it, even the fanciest solo sounds lifeless. Clap rhythms, use a metronome, or jam with backing tracks to strengthen your pulse.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 13

BAD Habits To AVOID: Comparing your progress to others.

Answer 13

Comparison steals joy. Measure your journey by how far you’ve come, not by someone else’s path. Your story is unique, and every note you play adds to it.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 14

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing in a noisy or distracting environment.

Answer 14

Distractions are like storms on the horizon—they cloud your focus. Find a quiet place where your music can shine like sunlight breaking through.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 15

BAD Habits To AVOID: Failing to research songs you’re learning.

Answer 15

Learning a song without its backstory is like visiting a landmark without knowing its history. Dive into the song’s meaning and context to connect more deeply with the music.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 16

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing without breaks.

Answer 16

Overworking is like trying to sprint a marathon—burnout is inevitable. Take short, regular breaks to let your brain and fingers recharge. A rested mind is sharper, and rested fingers are faster.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 17

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing mindlessly without reflecting on progress.

Answer 17

Mindless practice is like wandering in circles. Take a moment after each session to reflect: What went well? What needs work? Each step forward starts with awareness.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 18

BAD Habits To AVOID: Avoiding open tunings because they seem “weird.”

Answer 18

Open tunings are like stepping into a magical forest—at first unfamiliar, but full of hidden wonders. Take the first step, and let curiosity guide you to new sounds.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 19

BAD Habits To AVOID: Playing with poor posture.

Answer 19

Poor posture is like building a house with a crooked frame—it won’t stand strong. Sit upright, hold the guitar close, and let your posture support your playing.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 20

BAD Habits To AVOID: Over-practicing a single exercise without variety.

Answer 20

Imagine eating your favorite food for every meal—soon, it loses its taste. The same goes for practice. Mix in tasty new riffs, different genres, and improvisation to keep your sessions fresh and exciting.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 21

BAD Habits To AVOID: Avoiding a metronome because it feels restricting.

Answer 21

A metronome isn’t a prison guard—it’s your dance partner, helping you find perfect rhythm. Practice with it, and soon your timing will flow naturally.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 22

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing without breaks.

Answer 22

Playing without breaks is like trying to row a boat endlessly without resting—eventually, you’ll collapse. Take short breaks to recharge, so your energy stays steady for the long haul.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 23

BAD Habits To AVOID: Relying on tablature instead of your ear.

Answer 23

Tab is like training wheels—it helps, but it’s not the whole journey. Use your ear to figure out melodies and grow your musical intuition.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 24

BAD Habits To AVOID: Neglecting to tune your guitar before practicing.

Answer 24

An untuned guitar is like a blurry photograph—nothing is clear. Tuning is your first step to sharp, beautiful sound. Always start with a fresh canvas.

Sources: Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 25

BAD Habits To AVOID: Avoiding a metronome because it feels restricting.

Answer 25

Think of the metronome as your musical heartbeat. Without it, your rhythm can falter. Practice with it, and soon, that heartbeat becomes second nature. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 26

BAD Habits To AVOID: Not warming up before diving into challenging material.

Answer 26

Jumping into tough material cold is like running a race without stretching—you’ll stumble. Start with gentle warm-ups to prepare your muscles and mind for the challenge. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 27

BAD Habits To AVOID: Not listening to recordings of yourself.

Answer 27

Hearing yourself play is like looking in a mirror. Without it, you’ll never notice the spinach in your teeth—or the flaws in your technique. Record, review, refine. That’s the path to improvement. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 28

BAD Habits To AVOID: Only focusing on technical skills.

Answer 28

Technical mastery without expression is like building a robot—it works, but it has no soul. Balance drills with exploring the emotion and storytelling behind your music. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 29

BAD Habits To AVOID: Skipping finger independence exercises.

Answer 29

Your fingers are like a team of acrobats—they need to learn to work together. Practice independence drills to make every finger strong and precise. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 30

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing only seated.

Answer 30

Only practicing seated is like learning to swim in a kiddie pool—you’re unprepared for the deep end. Alternate between sitting and standing to feel confident in any performance setting. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 31

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing too loud all the time.

Answer 31

Blasting the volume hides the details. Practicing softly, like whispering, forces you to refine every note and uncover nuances you might otherwise miss. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 32

BAD Habits To AVOID: Stopping every time you make a mistake.

Answer 32

Stopping constantly is like hitting the brakes in the middle of a road trip. Play through the mistakes, and smooth them out later. Keep your journey moving forward. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 33

BAD Habits To AVOID: Not stretching your hands before playing.

Answer 33

Starting without stretching is like driving a car with cold tires—it’s risky and stiff. Warm up your fingers with gentle stretches to get them ready to glide across the fretboard. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 34

BAD Habits To AVOID: Playing too fast too soon.

Answer 34

Speeding is dangerous on the road and on your fretboard. Slow down. Feel the road beneath your fingers, savor the journey, and only then shift gears. Speed will come when clarity paves the way. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 35

BAD Habits To AVOID: Not practicing dynamics (soft/loud playing).

Answer 35

Music without dynamics is like reading a story without punctuation—flat and lifeless. Experiment with playing softly and loudly to bring your music to life. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 36

BAD Habits To AVOID: Not warming up before diving into challenging material.

Answer 36

Diving into tough material without warming up is like sprinting without stretching—an injury waiting to happen. Start with gentle exercises to wake up your hands and mind. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 37

BAD Habits To AVOID: Neglecting to tune your guitar before practicing.

Answer 37

Playing an out-of-tune guitar is like painting with muddy water. Always tune up. Let your sound ring clear and true—it’s your canvas, your voice, your story. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 38

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing in a noisy or distracting environment.

Answer 38

Learning guitar in chaos is like writing poetry in a thunderstorm. Find your quiet, your calm. Create a sanctuary where every note can resonate. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 39

BAD Habits To AVOID: Avoiding tough passages because they’re frustrating.

Answer 39

Picture yourself climbing a mountain. Avoiding the steep part won’t get you to the summit. Break that tough section into footholds, one step at a time, and celebrate each small victory until you conquer the peak. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 40

BAD Habits To AVOID: Ignoring tension in your hands or body while playing.

Answer 40

A tense body is like a car stuck in first gear—burning energy but going nowhere fast. Pause, breathe, and shake out the tension. Smooth movement is your express lane to progress. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 41

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing aimlessly without a goal.

Answer 41

Wandering without a map leads to nowhere. Instead, create a clear goal for each practice session, like 'perfecting my hammer-ons.' Every goal is a landmark guiding you closer to mastery. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 42

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing only what you’re already good at.

Answer 42

Focusing only on strengths is like polishing one side of a sword. Work on your weaker areas, like barre chords or tricky rhythms, to sharpen your skills into a balanced weapon. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 43

BAD Habits To AVOID: Avoiding tough passages because they’re frustrating.

Answer 43

Picture the tough sections as dragons guarding treasure. Avoiding them means you’ll never reach the gold. Face them head-on, break them into smaller battles, and claim your reward. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 44

BAD Habits To AVOID: Over-practicing a single exercise without variety.

Answer 44

Imagine listening to the same song on repeat—it gets stale. Switch things up! Alternate between exercises, songs, and improvisation to keep your practice sessions vibrant and exciting. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 45

BAD Habits To AVOID: Skipping finger independence exercises.

Answer 45

Your fingers are like teammates—they need practice working together. Do exercises like the 'spider walk' to make each finger strong and agile, ready to play in perfect harmony. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 46

BAD Habits To AVOID: Comparing your progress to others.

Answer 46

Comparing yourself is like planting a seed and worrying it’s not growing as fast as your neighbor’s. Focus on watering your own garden—your progress is unique and worth celebrating.

Question 47

BAD Habits To AVOID: Practicing the same mistake repeatedly.

Answer 47

Think of your brain as a clay sculpture. Every repetition carves grooves into the clay. Repeat mistakes, and you carve a crooked statue. Instead, slow down, correct the mistake, and let your hands mold perfection one deliberate movement at a time. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 48

BAD Habits To AVOID: Trying to fix everything in one practice session.

Answer 48

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are great guitar skills. Chip away at one problem at a time, and over time, your empire of sound will rise. ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician

Question 49

BAD Habits To AVOID: What’s a bad habit when **trying to learn tricky chord transitions?**

Answer 49

Reckless Running. 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). ## Footnote Sources: **[Stumped by a Problem in the Practice Room? Try an “Incubation” Break](https://bulletproofmusician.com/the-unheralded-benefits-of-mindlessness-mind-wandering-and-daydreaming/)** ©2025 Noa Kageyama, PhD * The Bulletproof Musician