Kevin Herrera on Practice, Fitness & Becoming a Better Guitar Player

What does it really take to become a professional guitarist? In this episode of the Guitar Underground Podcast, Neil Santos sits down with full-time musician Kevin Herrera to talk about discipline, practice, performance, fitness, and the realities of making a living through music.Kevin shares stories from his musical journey, including studying at Musicians Institute, learning songs note-for-note in tribute bands, developing consistency as a player, and how mindset and discipline helped shape both his guitar playing and personal life. This conversation is packed with insight for intermediate guitarists looking to improve their playing, motivation, and long-term growth.What You’ll Learn:• How Kevin became a full-time musician• The importance of learning songs note-for-note• Practice habits that accelerate growth• Why discipline matters more than talent• How fitness and music influence each other• Mindset tips for serious guitar players🎸Take the Pentatonic Personality Quiz:Head over to https://pentatonicway.com/personality to find your personality type and get your immediate next steps in a FREE 5-day course!👉 Subscribe to the Guitar Underground so you never miss a lesson on mastering the neck!FOLLOW KEVIN HERERRA ONLINE:Website: https://www.kevinalexanderherrera.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuitarzanHerrera/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinalexanderherrera91/NEIL'S BOOKS:The Guitar Simplified - https://amzn.to/3Mz7KupThe Lefty Guitarist's Survival Handbook - https://amzn.to/4tZHolYSTUFF NEIL USES:Fender 57’ Reissue Stratocaster - https://amzn.to/4tL5MYlVega Trem VT1 Special Standard Tremolo Bridge for Strat-Style Guitars - https://amzn.to/4awaYYFMichael Kelly Patriot Decree Electric Guitar - https://amzn.to/4aOdQyQLine 6 HX Stomp XL - https://amzn.to/3MEsIbcHeadRush FRFR108 MKII - 2000W Guitar Amp - https://amzn.to/4tZpwYqTC Electronic DITTO+ LOOPER - https://amzn.to/3MtnNtDTech 21 Richie Kotzen RK5 Signature Fly Rig v3 Multi-effects Pedal - https://amzn.to/4kMdZaAGravity Guitar Picks - https://amzn.to/4cFUG0DObsidianWire Custom '5-Way' Solderless Wiring Harness - https://amzn.to/46lKJScCanon EOS M50 Mirrorless Camera - https://amzn.to/4rAmBD7Shure MV7X XLR Dynamic Microphone - https://amzn.to/4aU6A5TBehringer UMC202HD Audiophile USB Audio Interface - https://amzn.to/4crblFfBehringer XENYX 802S Analog 8-Input Mixer - https://amzn.to/4ryJLtLChapters00:00 – Intro & Guest Introduction01:15 – Meeting Through New Hampshire Guitars03:50 – Kevin’s Early Musical Influences08:05 – Discovering Guitar & Van Halen13:25 – Musicians Institute Experience17:40 – Life After Music School21:20 – Family, Guitar & Early Inspiration25:15 – First Bands & Performing Live31:45 – Expanding Beyond Metal Music37:30 – Tribute Bands & Professional Playing43:00 – Learning Songs Deeply & Musicianship48:00 – Great Performers & Stage Presence53:10 – Favorite Players & Musical Influences58:45 – Learning by Ear & Transcribing01:04:00 – Teaching, Practice & Growth01:09:00 – Local Music Scene & Networking01:14:00 – The Importance of Relationships01:18:45 – Marathon Running & Fitness01:23:20 – Discipline, Health & Mindset01:28:40 – Nutrition, Consistency & Balance01:33:20 – Music as a Physical Craft01:38:20 – Final Reflections & Advice01:42:30 – Outro & Closing Thoughts#GuitarPodcast #GuitarPlayer #GuitarLessons #MusiciansLife #GuitarUnderground