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HOW I TAC
1.) How many days per week do you play?
I play 6-7 days a week. During the week I do a warm up with a couple of previous TAC challenges; do the daily challenge; and then play a song or practice a skill I have learned. I have at times worked through various skill courses a little at a time after the challenge. On the weekend I will warm up with TAC challenges, work on songs or skills, and just experiment. Sundays we have two great grand kids most of the day and so about half of my Sundays I don’t play, but half I do.
2.) What time of day do you play?
I play mid-afternoon. We have a pretty hectic schedule taking care of my wife’s mom, providing some transportation for others, and other responsibilities that are important. I have found that early in the day I can take time to get up and ready; next take care of those things that are people important in the morning and early afternoon; leaving mid-afternoon free for us to have time for our choices. Then I am able to be consistent and not be interrupted. This consistency has paid off.
3.) Where do you play?
I play in our bedroom/music room/office. I used to use a spare bedroom. With the spare bedrooms full of family, we had to reconfigure our room. This has worked well; and my wife is very understanding and cooperative (most of the time 😁).
4.) What was your guitar life like before having a guitar routine & how has implementing a consistent guitar routine helped you? (if possible name 3 ways).
Before I was going day to day without a plan or direction. This nebulous path was slow going and discouraging. “Well, what do I do today?” Having the daily challenges channeled my guitar time into a specific direction. I now know what I am doing; what direction I am going in, what I am going to practice. This also encourages me to keep playing as one thing builds upon another. Having a plan, a goal, has brought about consistent progress.
Previously I was not understanding all that playing the guitar may involve. With the challenges I am learning by playing licks, chords (even the dreaded bar chords), learning both flat and finger picking, understanding scales (and how to use them), and seeing how it all fits together. Since each week follows this pattern, it is like seeds being planted that grow with each exercise, week by week.
I am not young (turning 69 in June); and so my finger flexibility and strength are not at their prime. Though it has taken time; the consistency of playing daily has increased dexterity, muscle memory, strength, and the ability to play things I wouldn’t have thought I could.
Having a routine with purpose, understanding more the way the course is laid out, and seeing progress, has made it more fun and enjoyable. I can follow this system, and grow at my own pace.5.) Bonus Question: What is one non-guitar item that is a must have in your guitar routine?
Water! I am a hiker, and have learned the benefits of hydration. It gives me a pause to refresh, and then continue on without distraction.
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