the spider exercise is NOT easy. That's why it is effective.[br][br]When start to learn something new, like learning an ambitious solo, I use what I call the "chip away" approach.If its new and tricky i work on it for about 5-10 minutes, then move on to some other aspect of playing. I may play the 5-10 minutes a few times spread over a day. As the exercise BEGINS to fall under under my fingers, I increase the time. Once I can actually do the exercise i increase the time spent on it. [br][br]I believe one should have SEVERAL different "exercises" (scales chords drills new riffs) in "rotation" so as to rest fingers from difficult moves and to keep your attention span. Learning guitar is a lifelong endeavor, and it comes easily to NO ONE. I worked for YEARS developing a pleasing vibrato, for instance. Also, no matter how good you get, there is always someone better; so compare your self only to yourself, but listen to, be inspired by and learn from the greats.