I remember when I started learning guitar over a decade ago, I had to go to my local music shop every Wednesday. I knew when I got there that whatever else I had going on at the time could wait, it was time I had earmarked for learning how to play one of my then-favourite songs on guitar. I never even really gave learning online a thought.

Now, however, learning guitar online is much more popular and has made it as accessible as ever to make genuine progress towards your musical goals.

If you’ve chosen to go the online route, there’s a few things you need to do to help you have as seamless an experience as possible.

GUITAR TIP 1: DEDICATE A SPACE

Eventually, after years of learning guitar in-person, I made the move online. When I made that transition, I found the lack of a dedicated space and time difficult.

I soon realized that if I didn’t set up a space dedicated to learning and practicing guitar, I wouldn’t learn anything at all.

When you set up your workspace, make sure you have everything you need—from capos, guitar picks, tuners, extra packs of strings, music theory books and enough room on your desk for your device.

Keep it organized, make a routine out of practicing there and it’ll make the sometimes arduous routine of practicing a little easier and significantly more manageable over the long term.

GUITAR TIP 2: DEDICATE A TIME

Now that you have a dedicated space for practicing the guitar, the next thing to do is dedicate a specific time. Whether you have half an hour or two hours, make note in a digital or physical calendar so you know exactly what time you will be setting aside.

The more you play at this time, the easier it’ll be in the future to sit down and get to work. Your brain will learn that at whatever time of the week you choose, it’s time that will be spent learning the guitar.

GUITAR TIP 3: HAVE A PLAN

This is probably the most important thing you need to do if you’ll be learning and practicing guitar online. A lack of a plan only leads to frustration, disappointment and a sense that you aren’t improving. Believe me, I’ve been there before.

Just like you’ve dedicated a space and time to learn the guitar, you now need to write down exactly what you’ll be practicing on those dates. Be clear, specific and reasonable. It isn’t likely that you’ll be able to learn a Tommy Emmanuel or Eric Clapton song perfectly in half an hour, but maybe you can make progress going between a G Major and C Major chord.

Once you’ve decided on an achievable goal for the time you’ve allotted, write it down and create a plan as to how you’ll reach it.

GUITAR TIP 4: TAKE A BREAK

Practicing for hours on end until your fingers are bleeding and you’re going crazy from frustration only hinders your progress as a guitarist. When you’re practicing, make sure you take breaks to talk to family and friends or maybe go on a walk and listen to music.

You could even try the Pomodoro technique, a time management system that can help you break out your work into more manageable chunks. For example, after working for twenty-five minutes, you take a five-minute break.