Speed and precision are two of the things I struggle with on my guitar. It seemed like I play and play and play and I never get faster. Mind you, I am not saying that fast guitar playing is good. But to me, speed was one of, if not the very biggest, elements missing from my guitar playing. When I'm playing I hear music in my head -- plus, I have this firy passion bottled up inside me -- that really requires fast playing to be able to express/execute it.

Well, I think I finally understood what my problem was. I was trying too hard.

As with all music and sports, people who are masters make it look easy, even when playing something very advanced. I knew that. But when I practiced, I practiced too fast. I was making too many mistakes. I had too much tension in my hands.

Instead, I need to practice playing effortlessly.

I need to play lightly and precisely, and at a speed where I can effortlessly play it. Without any mistakes. Then repeat. No tension. Amazingly fast improvements.

It's like finally finding the right door to knock on after years of banging on wrong doors.

And yet another realization that I was trying too hard.