How to Stop Pointless Guitar Noodling

This is how I like to noodle on the guitar when I have some extra time. Noodling is an essential part of every guitar player's life, but it doesn't have to be pointless. Instead of automatically dialing in that tasty lead tone and ripping your favorite licks, try to flip the script on what you'd normally do when you pick up the guitar. It doesn't have to be tedious practice, but it should be something fairly uncommon for you. If you're a shredder, play some clean chords and come up with a cool progression. If you're a songwriter, try your hand at a solo – anything to get outside your comfort zone.