Newbie!!

[PattyV]

Showing up for oneself is Huge. 🙂 Well done, and Welcome @Tamz77 !

[Tamz77]

Thank you Patty for your kind words 🙏☺️

[Loraine]

@Tamz77 I love your perseverance and attitude. Yes, there may be days of challenging lessons that seem impossible or difficult. But you are so correct in saying that you acknowledge you’re progressing, even though it may not seem like it. The name of the game is Progress, not perfection. You put in your best effort for at least 10 minutes per day, and you’ve just improved and moved forward in your journey. You will now be better than you were before you picked up the guitar that day. You’ll start to realize you’re getting better as time goes by, but especially when the courses rotate back around (approximately every 8-12months), and you’ll all of a sudden realize you can play it netter, faster, etc. You might notice a month from now that you can transition between 2 chords faster.

Keep on plunking, moving forward, and having fun!

[Tamz77]

I appreciate you taking the time to reply – this motivates me on so many levels. I am in awe of this and I am just getting started! I receive your words with gratitude. May your day be bright and cheerful 😘

[albert_d]

I’ve found that it is so important to relax and “play through” your mistakes. This weekend my sisters came to visit me and I played for them. I had mistakes that I certainly noticed but if you confidently stay with your song no one else notices or cares. So celebrate showing up for yourself. I see one of your goals is to play confidently. Confidence isn’t perfection. It comes from confidently knowing you are having fun. Welcome to TAC.

[the-old-coach]

Tamz–

You have some great responses so far– you’re not likely to find any better sources of advice and encouragement than Miss Loraine, and AlbertD!!!! (two of MY heroes!)

I have a couple things to add (maybe?)–

* Find the warm-up/stretching exercises course– (it’s within the Skills course section of TAC). Become familiar with what you’re trying to accomplish with these exercises, but don’t over-do it. They really help– especially if you are just starting out!

* Expect and enjoy your mistakes— you are learning more from THEM than you know!

* Make stopping by here in the Forum and EVERYDAY thing! And remember that NO question is too small or “dumb”… Ask-away even if you think it may sound silly or “dumb” to you— it’s not EITHER— we have all been newbies. This Forum is a GREAT source of help, advice, and encouragement— (if you’re doin’ it right- you will need all three!). Expect, embrace, and chuckle at any “frustration” you come across.

theoldcoach

[Tamz77]

HI There!

Thank you for your encouragement and for taking the time to share with me. It amazes me how incredible the TAC community is…a million times — thank you 🙂

[HowardM]

There is nothing more to add; the motivators of TAC have spoken. Congratulations on a job well done.

[stevieblues]

Welcome to the TAC family! If you remember to have fun playing while you are learning it really helps. May you enjoy your guitar journey here at TAC.

[Moose408]

I relate to the twerk of the mindset. I started trying to learn guitar 18 months ago and quit after 30 days because of frustration. I restarted 6 months ago with the mindset that I’m going to suck for a long time and it’s ok to suck. That simple mind shift has eliminated all frustration and allows me to celebrate the small winds.

I also suck less every day. 😄

[the-old-coach]

On a recent episode of “The Voice” TV show– one of the judges- (Niall Horan)- said something like, “You’re not learnin’ anything if things are goin’ great….. nothing”.

Someone else- (I’ll just call him “Jeff”)- is known for the oft-used, famous, quote “Expectation is where fun goes to die”.

I figure if learning guitar was EASY, it wouldn’t be nearly as satisfying in the long run….

Nobody brags about climbing a small mountain.

Enjoy “the trip”….. what do you really have when you reach the destination except the memories of what you experienced along the way.