What to Practice - for beginners - Left Handed
50 techniques to improve your guitar playing
Now available in paperback across Europe, Asia, Australia and North America
Take the guesswork out of guitar practice! What To Practice is a fun, easy-to-digest book packed with 50 short exercises that introduce you to a wide variety of guitar techniques. Each exercise comes with tips on how to get the most from your playing and at least three downloadable audio tracks at different tempos — giving you over 300 audio tracks to play along with.
Whether you dip in at random or work through the techniques one by one, you’ll stay motivated, keep improving, and enjoy your practice sessions like never before. Perfect for beginners ready to explore new sounds — and a brilliant gift for any guitarist.
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What This Book Will Teach You
1. How to bend notes with control and confidence.
2. Sliding techniques for smooth transitions.
3. Playing in alternate tunings for fresh sounds.
4. Fingerstyle basics to create rich textures.
5. Using hammer-ons and pull-offs effectively.
6. Muting techniques for clarity and groove.
7. Creating riffs from scratch.
8. Sweep picking made approachable.
9. Adding harmonics for extra colour.
10. Getting started with tapping.
What people are saying
‘This book shows everything you need to play any chords and show the placement as well with notes on each string great for old times players and a new player as well.’ - Piper
‘I was a bit apprehensive when I first purchased this book especially on the kindle addition but the kindle version works perfectly and what an amazing book, all I'll ever need to know about chords and chord shapes. I can't wait for the next book!’ - Mr. M. C. Norris
‘Loving this book! I’ve learned so much and can’t wait to learn more!’ - Samantha Nuanes
‘The best guitar chord book you can get! This is a brilliant book and it does exactly what it says on its cover! I highly recommend it for every guitarist. It's well worth the money and it shows you how to play every chord.’ - Jan Hromek
‘Comprehensive list of chord shapes, beautiful photos, works well with kindle, now hoping to understand it all one day. One chord shape at a time 🤘’ - Ann Belz
‘It is what it says! Handy chord reference book. I bought the hardback. Feels lovely to hold. Really nicely laid out. Really encouraging words throughout. Worthwhile investment!’ James White
About the Author
James Ashbury
James Ashbury is a guitarist, author, and teacher whose books and courses have helped thousands of players transform their music.
A professional musician, James toured the UK and USA as a founding member of the folk-pop band Wildflowers, co-writing and recording their debut album On The Inside and sharing stages with renowned artists including Robert Plant. He is also the creator of the popular music books Every Chord Shape You Will Ever Need and The Sliding Scale, a thriving YouTube channel, and a range of online courses designed to help players of all levels grow their skills and love for music.
Over 15 years ago, James set up a music school that has since grown into GuitarPush, his educational platform dedicated to pushing guitarists to new heights. Through books, lessons, and innovative resources, he teaches chords, arpeggios, scales, harmony, rhythm, the CAGED system, and effective practicing—helping players truly understand the instrument and make real music with confidence.
Stuck Wondering What to Practice Next?
Most guitarists struggle with what to practice and how to make it fun. What To Practice takes away the confusion by giving you a structured yet flexible set of bite-sized exercises — each with audio support — so you can build real skills while keeping practice enjoyable.
Instead of playing the same old riffs or aimlessly running through scales, you’ll discover a whole world of techniques that push your playing forward, no matter your style or taste.
With this book, you’ll:
Stay motivated with fresh, varied exercises
Learn techniques that apply across every genre
Build a toolkit you’ll return to again and again
50 Fun Exercises – bite-sized practice that introduces essential and advanced techniques.
Over 300 Downloadable Audio Tracks – build confidence step by step with multiple tempos.
Wide Range of Styles – from blues, funk, and reggae to country, metal, and beyond.
Flexible Practice – pick exercises at random or follow them consecutively.
Tips with Every Exercise – keep your practice focused and effective.
Portable Format – an engaging, fun-sized book that fits any practice routine.
This book gives you 50 techniques, 300+ audio tracks, and endless inspiration to make practice fun, musical, and rewarding. What To Practice is perfect for beginners who want to explore new sounds, expand their skills, and enjoy every step of their guitar journey.
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