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.