The word “Kaizen” is a combination of the words “kai” (change) en “zen” (for better), which makes “change for better”. The philosophy behind it is all about the act of continuous improvement.
The term originally comes from the book Kaizen by Masaaki Imai, through which Kaizen was first introduced to the western world.
Kaizen is widely known as a systematic approach for business improvement, but it actually refers to any improvement, one-time or continuous, large or small in all areas of life.
So yes, it can also be applied to guitar practice, to hone, improve, and perfect our skill continuously every day.
The improvement isn’t necessarily focused on large scale changes, and huge wins, but more on smaller, incremental and immediate changes.
So, instead of thinking how to make a big, giant step towards becoming a brilliant guitar player, and start buying expensive guitars, equipment, and executing an extensive practice regimen, you focus on the smallest improvements you can make in your guitar playing right now.
A continuous process that is less intimidating, doable, long lasting and definitely adding up.
There are times when life gets in the way of playing, and practicing is falling short. Real short. Like zero activity.
After a considerable period of time and regular guitar practice you will pass the stage of the beginner and move up to a more intermediate guitar level. You’ve acquired all the basic skills and you’re looking forward to take things to the next step. But what does that actually mean, intermediate level? What should you be practicing now to take it even further?
There are times when practicing is a joy and everything falls into place, but there are also times we need to discipline ourselves to practice or we need the right motivation to start practicing in the first place. This is normal, we are only human beings. Don’t beat yourself up about it.