Splitting your guitar practice into 80% difficult material and 20% easier material is a smart way to grow faster while staying motivated. Spending most of your time on challenging things—like tricky chord changes, fast picking, or complex riffs—pushes your skills and builds muscle memory more effectively. But focusing only on hard stuff can be tiring and frustrating, which is why mixing in about 20% of easier material gives your brain a break and helps you stay confident and motivated. Playing something familiar or fun reminds you of your progress and keeps practice enjoyable. This balance helps you improve steadily without burning out, making it more likely that you’ll stick with your practice long-term.