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Feb time of playing the guitar
Last month I put in an average of 1 hour 47 minutes a day playing the guitar. I had a list of songs to stick and with the challenges an impressive amount of time for the month. I know that amount of time isn’t for everyone. But, I am going to try to stick to it.
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8 Replies
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Wow. Please take care and stretch your hands and wrists and shoulders. With that amount of time they will need the attention to be sustainable. But what fun.
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I’ve been doing it for a couple of months now and no issues. As long as I can get at least 1/2 hour in , starting in the morning. I usually don’t have a problem getting the rest in before evening. Having songs all ready picked, sheet music printed is a big help. I can jump right in. I have a couple of warm up songs that I usually start off with.
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@Cadgirl Me thinks you’re crazy, but then again if it works for you and is sustainable without injury, then who am I to think anything. Maybe I’m crazy for not jumping on that bandwagon. (all said in jest). In all seriousness though, I think it’s great that it is working for you, and that you’re seeing improvement. I get bored after 10 minutes of playing and put the guitar down for a short time, and then I pick it back up and do the same thing. Vicious cycle.
Question: How are you learning songs? Just by sheet music or are you taking some classes/lessons, etc.,? I’m always curious to know how others are approaching actual songs. How do you decide picking or strum patterns.
On a final note, I want to echo @albert_d and his suggestion regarding taking it easy and keeping warmed up and stretched out before and after playing. I went nearly 1 1/4 years with no injury, and then I ended up with tennis elbow and tendinitis in the forearm in my fretting arm this past November/December, and I wasn’t able to play the guitar for nearly 3 months. After a lot of frustration, pain, time and money for the acupuncturist and the orthopedic doctor, I’m finally able to try playing, but I’m extremely fearful of the tendinitis/tennis elbow symptoms again. I don’t think all the symptoms are gone, but it is better than it was. I’m more cautious now. I’m not saying this will happen to you, but just be careful.
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@Loraine you are so funny. I got a good laugh with your answer. But, seriously, I understand the issues that can happen from playing too much. But, as of right now, I just would rather play and learn than just sit back because I’m afraid of a medical issue (glad you mentioned tennis elbow and tendinitis thou). I know I have some issues with my fretting arm so I’ll watch out and I warm up. But, the issues were with me before I picked up the guitar.
I was using a site called Jerrysguitarbar before joining TAC (I still use it). They have a lot of free songs. If you go to My Profile page, then the “About Me” section. I have listed sites that I use. If I find a song I like, I print it and have the music sheet in a loose leaf folder. I have a heck of a time with strumming. So I usually look for a song that is finger picked. Strumming only looks easy, but, its hard for me.
I want to be an inspiration to my grandchild and great grandchildren and maybe the kids across the street. You know, I want them to think…. If that gray haired granny can do it, I can 😉
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😁
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Great Job @Cadgirl, I think an hour a day for me would be great, I think I might be up to about half an hour a day. You are inspirational, I’ll gradually up my game from your example.
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@Duane58 It’s actually pretty easy once you get into the habit. I don’t think 10 minutes a day will do it. 10 minutes only gets you started, then even if you are just on the couch playing with riffs. Or adding to Tony’s daily challenges you are still working those muscles. Have you taken Fretboard wizard yet? That’s an eye opener. I haven’t master it at all, but each time I watch it I’ll remember a little more. Good Luck.
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