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First Lesson and I have the Blues
Today I finally received my new acoustic guitar. I started the 30 day challenge and the first lesson was using the index finger on the 3rd fret top string and the ring finger on the 2nd string from the top on the fifth fret.
I’m very discouraged because my coordination in my left hand isn’t good and I need to know how to work my fingers into shape so I’m not straining. After putting my two fingers in the position as I stated above I find my fingers tend to rest on the lower strings so when I strum it doesn’t sound smooth and clean.
My fingers are straining. My hands are not small, probably medium size for a man, but they my hand is definitely not in the right shape to say I am having fun after the first lesson. It was discouraging.
I am determined to get this as I’ve tried two other times with my electric guitar with lessons, but didn’t stay with it. I also find the thickness of the acoustic guitar more debilitating than the thinner electric guitar.
I hope what I have written makes sense. Any guidance anyone can offer me would be greatly appreciated. I’ve got to get this. and satisfy my life long desire to play guitar and show my kids I can do it because they’re laughing at the idea I’m trying this.
Sincerely,
Brian Weitzmann
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6 Replies
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Now wait a minute. Your first lesson and it’s not perfect?.DUH. Every one on this site knows that frustrating feeling. Maybe check out a few finger stretching exercises.BUT….the main rule is show up.in other words what you will hear here every day is consistency is the number 1 key. Don’t get discouraged.if you try EVERY DAY suddenly the fingers will start hitting the right notes once in awhile and then often and finally consistently. You are on your way!
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Thank you Mr. Fred. I’m determined, and I hear what you and Tony say, but it really was discouraging last night. I will find some hand exercises and keep trying. I appreciate your response. It helps a lot. Thank you again.
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It took me weeks if not months to get where my fingers positioned so they didn’t mute adjacent strings. Just keep trying and you will notice improvement in a week, then more improvement after that.
Frustration is caused by our expectations not meeting reality. You need to lower your expectations and realize that guitar is hard and it’s going to take many repetitions before you will get any of the skills being taught. What helped me was telling myself that I’m going to suck at guitar, I’m going to suck for a long time, and it’s OK to suck as long as I’m improving.
There are going to be a lot of things that Tony teaches that you will struggle with. I’ve been here 11 months and was unable to do all of yesterday’s Daily Challenge. That’s OK, I tried, and will try again the next time it comes around and will get further. The goal is to try and realize you aren’t supposed to get it on the first try. Maybe not even the 20th, but eventually it will come.
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Well acoustic guitars come in a variety of sizes and neck widths so I’ll first ask what guitar you’re playing @bwscv123yahoo-com. Then I’d add that lighter strings can sometimes help with the fretting. Finally, don’t be so hard on yourself. Leave that to your fiercest critics (your family, it’s always the family that casts the most doubt) and just patiently work forward each day and just have fun. It’s going to take a little while until the muscle memory and coordination really kick in so give yourself a break during the starter period. You’ll get there. Most all of us have been through what you describe.
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Have you ever heard of spider walks? This is a great exercise for coordinating your fingers.
Just start at fret 5 on the thickest string and walk down, go index finger on fifth fret, middle finger on sixth, ring finger on seventh, and pinky on the eighth. Then do the same on the next string.
Once you get it move all over the fretboard using the 1 – 4. Also start using alternate picking (down on the 1 & up on the 2 and so on).
This is great for when you are just sitting on the couch. You need muscle memory to help make learning everything else on guitar easier.
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@bwscv123yahoo-com first of all, welcome to the awesome world of guitar! I’m so happy that you are taking the first steps in your guitar geek journey!!
I have to echo the wonderful advice already offered here. Mostly, to be patient with yourself and keep it fun. Guitar is not easy- if it was then everybody would be playing!
I would start keeping a guitar journal/log/practice plan. Get a planner or even just a blank spiral notebook and use it only for your guitar. Make some specific goals for yourself and tag them as long term (12 months out), intermediate term (3-6 months out) and short term (1-3 months out). Your short term goal might be to practice at least 10 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week, or to watch all of Tony’s daily lessons and attempt them for at least 10 minutes… Your intermediate goals might be to learn 4-5 basic chords and be able to transition between them. Your long term goal might be to learn a specific song. Whatever they are, make your goals specific, realistic, and measurable. Also if you make a short video of yourself during one of your practice sessions, then wait a week or a month to view it- you will be amazed at realizing how far you have gone!! (Nobody needs to see the video except you.)
So be patient and ignore any critics- they are just being impatient and want quick results… You might consider inviting your kids to join you in learning to play guitar… They will then realize it’s not so easy and they might enjoy learning/playing together as a family!!! Anywayz, I’d try to just settle in for the long haul and keep at it. That almost guarantees results over time. You are in the right place for results, for sure!!
Let us know how you are doing- I would love to hear what you choose for your very first song goal!!!
Carol
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This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by Carol-3M-Stillhand.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by
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