So I read through a few of these posts and I wanted to chime in with some thoughts. Keeping practicing inspiring is a constant battle but there are ways. First of all, it's not just about sitting in your room playing with the metronome. Look at all of the players mentioned and find common threads. One, they play in bands. Are you getting out and playing with people? This is a huge way to improve. Remember that this is about music not chops. Think in terms of building your vocabulary. Technique and theory are means to be able to say what you want to say. As a side note about theory, on paper and with guitar it can be confusing. Be patient! As you practically apply the concepts they will make more sense. Back to the previous topic. Don't forget to be creative! Write music! Slash's technique and practice brought him to a place to write the riffs that you remember but it's the riffs you remember. Remember that. Another way I get inspired is by listening. That's where it all began right? You hear something you love, you figure it out then not only have you learned how to make you instrument sound a particular way but inadvertently you have developed a new technique. Finally, there is no time limit on getting better. You never cap out unless you give up. One of the greatest things about music is that it is infinite and timeless. You can spend 12 hours a day practicing, and I have , and there will always be more to learn. That's what makes us musicians.

Lawrence Katz