My name is Joe Walker. I recently started practicing guitar full time, putting in 8-10 hours every day. Upon searching the interwebs for advice on how to utilize this much practice time, I came up short aside from a couple Guitar World articles from Steve Vai (worth checking out if you can find them). So I thought it might be interesting for other guitarists to see how I spend my time. I figure most guitarists who practice this much end up with successful careers, leaving little time for blogging. I left a career as a computer nerd for music, so I couldn't help myself.

I occasionally get bright ideas about music and learning along the way, which I record primarily for my own benefit, but again, maybe someone will find them worthwhile. Please feel free to send me feedback on anything you find here.

My Story

I started playing in 1998, fooling around with rock and blues. I loved playing and especially learning new songs, techniques, and concepts. I began taking my practice time seriously in college when I committed to 2 hours minimum per day (no small feat, as I was studying computer science instead of music). I played in a couple college jazz bands (one with Bobby Bradford) and co-founded Blue Judy, an LA-based indie rock band. After college, I worked a day job while playing with Blue Judy for 2 more years.

In July 2007, I decided to disapparate from LA, leaving the job and the band so I could focus on practicing guitar for a year in hopes of making a career out of it. I've been keeping a private journal of my activities, and I publish the good stuff here.

I have some specific and some open-ended goals in mind. My top priorities are sight reading, ear training (relative and absolute), and a strong foundation in jazz. I'm also on a mission to learn to play every Stevie Ray Vaughan recording I can find. Aside from that, I'll be learning theory, multiple different styles, and transcribing solos from my favorite players (not just guitarists).

Other Junk

Influences

Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steve Vai, Al Di Meola, and Charlie Parker are the toppers. I'm also into Frank Zappa, Nels Cline, John Coltrane, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Dream Theater, The Bad Plus, Jimi Hendrix, Thelonious Monk, and others.

Listening Habits

According to my Last.fm profile, here's what I've been listening to, sorted by tracks played:

Gear

I primarily play a Fender American Lone Star Strat with HSS Seymour Duncan and Texas Special pickups. I have a standard Mexican Strat as a backup. Once it gets some fretwork, I might set it up with giant SRV strings for maximum finger punishment. I also have stomp boxes and amps, but I'm not using them right now, so you don't get to hear about them. Take that.