How to apply my knowledge of theory to guitar with limited practice?

Question

Okay, here's the deal. 

I've played guitar for 18 years. Just recently, over the last 5 years or so, I finally began to take it more seriously. I now know more about music theory and how it works with guitar music than at any previous point in my life. 

The problem is: I only know all of that on paper. I have trouble applying what I know to my playing. 

The further problem: I also have a busier schedule now than I ever have and my available time to practice is extremely limited. I can manage a half hour to 45 minutes a day, and I can play for more than an hour a couple times a week at most. 

I can sorta read music. By which I mean I can't sight-read, but if you give me a piece of music and some time to work on it, I can learn it. 

So, my question is: What can I do to help me apply my knowledge to my playing better with my limited time available to practice? I don't want to quit playing, but practicing more really isn't an option for me (I work 2 jobs and have a 2 year old son that needs to have his dad around). Getting kind of frustrated with the fact that I know so much more about playing guitar than I used to, and so little time to apply it to my actual playing.

Russell E · Accepted Answer

If you find out how, let me know too, my friend!!

I am in a similar position, however, I've got all the time I want to practice. I can sorta read music, too. But sight reading has always eluded me. I did play trumpet in elementary school, so I had to sight read back then. But then, I learned the trumpet by reading the notes on the music. 
But for guitar, I find it difficult.  I didn't learn it that way. I learned basic chords, then barre chords, then power chords and finally  a few all purpose guitar solo scales. I took limited lessons and the rest on my own with a couple of Mel Bay books and hours of jamming to Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Santana almost every day.
I've always been more Monkey see, Monkey do when it comes to music. I can formulate guitar improv well and all the good stuff, but for the life of me can't write or read sheet music.

Anything on sheet music involving more than half notes whole notes and quarter notes, I'm screwed. I can never figure out how to incorporate, linked quarter/eighth/sixteenths with 1/8 rests or stuff like that. No freakin' clue.

Playing keyboard for me was a little easier with sheet music(as long as I knew the song, since note durations on music are not my thing) probably because the keyboard is laid out nice and easy and linear.

I guess the real answer for both of us (like we all tell the noobs) is to take lessons from a real guitar  teacher, to actually demonstrate in person what we are trying to understand.

In both our cases, I don't think "Physician, Heal thyself" will work......

Anonymous · Answer

It takes long and consuming hours of time, Get a program like Ableton or FL studio and there are various tutorials on youtube also, you'll need series of equipment once you start producing music. this includes; Turntables and maybe a beat pad or a scything to make producing more simple. start simple first then work the process up from there. its not an overnight deal, it takes time.

How to apply my knowledge of theory to guitar with limited practice?

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