Originally Posted by: Polera

what have you guys beleive is the most effective way to spend 4 or 3 or 5 or whatever hours a day with the guitar?

An hour of scales? You must have the patience of a saint. Just 'feel' will do, you'll find your own way through a session. Also, don't go for a set time, when you've had enough, all you do after is a waste of time, cos your hearts not in it. I never spent more than 5 minutes playing scales in my entire life, and I did OK.