Music is a form of expression. Assuming that you have something to say, you can't get your point across clearly unless you have a good vocabulary. And knowing a lot of good words is not enough, unless you also know how to put them together well.

This is where technique comes in. The fastest way to gain the necessary finger dexterity is to practice exercises that are developed specifically for that purpose. Practice based on the various scales gives you a degree of familiarity that makes it much easier to chose the right notes and chords for the music you want to play.

The creative side needs exercise too. Just bashing away is somtimes the best route to new discoveries. :D

You need [u]both[/u]! Go with your mood. The discipline learned through regular practice sessions is a good life skill that can be applied to any activity. But music is an outlet for your creativity. Indulge yourself just as often as you impose structure.

Guitarists that are worth listening to usually combine exemplary technical skill with sparkling inovation. :cool: They have something to say, [u]and[/u] they know how to say it.