Don't waste your time in the practice room. Before you even play a note, think about your list of goals, then plan out each practice session in advance. It's also good to create an itemized list (mental lists are okay too, provided you have a keen memory) together with a timetable. The following details a mock one-hour practice session.

• Review C, F, and G minor scales in various positions. (10 minutes)

• Begin learning the bass part to “Good Times, Bad Times” by Led Zeppelin. (35 minutes)

• Practice soloing over a C major blues. (15 minutes)

Notice how there is variety included in the above practice list. If you practice just one item, or just one exercise, your mind could wander. Mix it up to avoid monotony. Most of all, if you schedule your practice time in advance you will spend less time wasting time.

How long should you practice? This is up to you to determine. Some musicians practice four hours a day; others practice only thrity or forty-five minutes. Again, it all depends on your goals. If your goal is just have some fun with music you might only practice a half hour a day. If you want to be the next Stanley Clarke you will need to practice many hours a day. But unless you're a six-year-old child, you should not practice less than half an hour a day; a half hour really is the bare minimum.