For me - having an instructor cover scales and music theory extensively. For example, I have one scale that covers the full guitar neck. We have been covering that scale for about 4 months now. Variations, etc.

It is amazing how much that detail has helped my playing and improvisation.

I was outside with my guitar last evening. A kid came by and he asked me what I was playing. I responded with "to be honest, it isn't a song. I was just playing." He said that was really good.

...Deb