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This is getting to the core of how TAC’s model is different from other systems. You nailed it @langerking . I am pretty sure I could go on for a volume or two on this subject. There are two thing particular to consider. One is: “we all want to play songs.” Why? What is the real reason? Fun? sure but why? I had to first get honest, explore the answer and then find something meaningful to shoot for. It is when I abandoned performative and adopted communicative as my modus operandi. This though is very specific to me. Each finds their own way. Second is Finger Choreography vs Becoming a player. This relates to how I was hampered initially by learning songs. My early attempts were that of learning choreography. I had no idea how the puzzle fit, I was just trying to make one little picture. I became super focused on a result without giving equal focus to how the result I desired was achieved. Do it over and over until you get it right and then continue doing it until you cant get it wrong. That was my mentality. It was too many bits of random info. This old brain could not keep it all straight without context. Another problem was inadequate physical preparation and not having the kinesthetic awareness so that no matter how many times I did it I would not be able to do it. It was like learning how to run a marathon by running a marathon. Sure it is possible but man the next day is a bummer and do you want to do it again any time soon. I had to hunker down and build chops doing chunks of things, put in some miles as it were, in order for me to play what I wanted to play . All the while right in front of me in the form of daily challenges,the workouts were laid out, beautifully plain. It is true I could have taken any one of my intentions songs and broken it into chunks and in fact I did with Stormy Monday, Allman Bros tune, with a teacher, one on one. It was costly dollarwise and I didn’t really know what to do with it…yet. So Tony does all the breaking down and I don’t have to think about it….over time I learned that what I initially questioned, Tony got spot on. Is it my favorite song, Europa? No but it is music that is perfect for teaching. That was my path to get to Europa as I am ready. How do I know?…it is measured by enjoyment. When the dopamine is flowing I know! Final analysis: perhaps my own overemphasis on learning songs hampered my learning. I can see there is a beneficial balance. Could have gotten to where I am today more quickly without my imbalance? probably. I did not adjust fast enough. Eventually I got it.
Fall in love with the process. Let the outcome be what it will be. Control how you play in the future by how you play today. Play without tension, make eliminating tension your ongoing goal. Never chase speed. You will never catch it. You can sneak up on it though a few bpms at a time! This is the path to happy playing. You are finding it, as up your enjoyment it will continue. Play the guitar and the songs will just pour out and you will never have to play another song. Okay now I have to go play my silverstringed wooden box.
Thanks for asking. Wish I could condense it to a shorter version : )