Frustrated

[jumpinjeff]

Hi @Wandalee , what to tackle next?: Daily Challenges. Start on those. They are the gymnasium for your fingers and brain. They will seem like a lot at first but take the time to work out a measure or two. Play for precision first then accuracy then speed.

Addressing the hand hurting issue: get some extra light strings, less tension means less force needed to produce a fretted note. Also you can tune down and put a capo on to reduce string tension even more. This should give your hand a chance to catch up on the strength curve. Last thing is make sure your guitar is set up properly meaning your strings are not so high above the fret board as to cause you to exert additional force to fret notes. A luthier can help you with set up (fee based usually) or if you are mechanically minded you can do it yourself with a bit of research.

[Carol-3M-Stillhand]

Hi @Wandalee and congratulations on completing your 30 Days to Play!!

Might I suggest you check out the Skill Courses section, right below the Daily Challenge link on the side bar. It’s chock full of self study skill courses with a variety of topics that should suit most people. I’d say it’s almost like having private lessons with Tony P.

Best wishes on your guitar journey!!!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 8 months ago by  Carol-3M-Stillhand. Reason: sentence structure correction

[Loraine]

Hi @Wandalee – Congratulations on completing the 39 days to play course. Have you taken the Next Six Chords that came right after that. Agree w/ @jumpinjeff to give the daily challenges a try. There’s a different focus for each day of the week. Some are easier than others, but just giving them a minimum of 10 minutes per day will result in progress. The skills section mentioned by @Carol-3M-Stillhand has some great courses. Possibly start with whatever you’re interested in. I began with the Jumpstart courses, which I loved, and they’re all self paced.

With regard to barre chords, they are difficult and take a lot of finger strength, which is built up over time. I know seasoned players that still shy away from them. There is a place, however, for barre chords, so I suggest you keep trying. One day you won’t be able to play a clear barre chord and then, all of a sudden, you find the sweet spot and it rings out. That’s truly an exciting moment.