My Guitar Goal

What I'm Focused On Now

Goal 1 : Attending the quarterly 90 day progress workshops.…..January ’21, April ’21 under my belt….looking forward to July ’21 already… have the ‘next one’ on the horizon keeps me pointed in the right direction. That little bit helps.

Goal 2: Establishing the routine. Making adjustments as required, immediately. Relating it to other routine habits I already have, ‘helped immensely’ ..tip from Tony. i.e. making my bed, brushing teeth, morning coffee,..“a work in progress”

Goal 3: To adopt “journal writing” along with the “calendar tracking”..immediately and adjust accordingly as/when required.

Goal 4: Making a commitment to myself to do what I enjoy as often as possible: playing guitar. It has moved to the top of the list, and there to remain in perpetuity. Of note are my other favourite pastimes – gardening, golf, cooking, painting, going fishing, going out to dinner, grass cutting and snow blowing with appropriate equipment, grooming the “yard” as well as myself.

Goal 5: Make and submit a video to Tony et al as soon as possible.

Goal 6: Think of my playing in terms of these 8 areas : 1)ACCURACY; 2)FINGER STRENGTH; 3)SPEED; 4)FREQUENCY OF PLAYING WITH OTHERS; 5)GUITAR ROUTINE EFFECTIVENESS; 6)SONG 7)REERTOIRE; 8) FRETBOARD KNOWLEDGE

My Guitar Routine

This is How I TAC

HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK DO YOU PLAY? I practise with a timer (my phone) set for 15 minutes..always runs into more. I have found over the last 3 months that I am playing daily, enjoying it more, celebrating little wins.
WHEN DO YOU PLAY? Every chance I can …when the mood strikes me also….often during commercials on TV, or between periods during hockey games…glad someone else does that! …if a find a new song I like print out the words and chords.. add it to my collection
WHERE WILL YOU PLAY? I have my space in the family room..includes music stand, chair, “Peavey Amp”, two guitar stands one for acoustic, one for electric, light, rug on the floor, humidifier..when weather permits love to play outside…
TRACK MY PROGRESS: on the calendar… have adopted “journal writing” as well…Remember to save what I type… of note my wife has noticed how much more I am playing….
PLANNING FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE AND “WHATEVER LIFE BRINGS”: I will include my guitar playing as an action/activity to be established as “routine behaviour” like morning coffee, brushing teeth, making your bed when you get up, taking my ‘meds’. Focus on the playing for a specific length of time. Understanding that life will bring challenges that need to be addressed.

About Me

First Name	Fred
Nickname	Deki
Why I'm Here	WHY do you want to learn guitar? Unfinished business – “I really want to complete the guitar journey that I started over 60 years ago when I traded in my violin for an acoustic guitar. In my opinion, I have only dabbled in playing the guitar. Knowing what I know now about myself and why all the stuff I tried didn’t workout so well, will help me succeed as I move forward. I have conquered several shortcomings and roadblocks and want to continue on this Guitar Journey. I am prepared to push myself out of my comfort zone. “I’ve returned to the guitar, once again, after my teacher/friend passed away from cancer. He became a consort and close friend over the last five years. We also worked together as educators and retired at the same time. His enthusiasm and encouragement motivated me to keep playing, the songs I enjoyed. I’d pick a song and we’d play together- learn the chords, the difficult spots, the rhythm, harmony. We had fun. After he died, every time I played, I cried..I took a break. One week led to two..two to four…one month , then three then a year then…I stopped.” UPDATE: JULY8 In order “To become consistent in all that I do re: daily guitar” . Tweeked it by creating and acronym HAMLET = fill Humififier,Area where I play, Metronome, Laptop, Ear buds, Timer WHAT have I struggled/weak/unsatisfied with mostly? Barre chords, rhythm, playing by ear and picking…and myself, mostly. I love music primarily for the following reasons: the sound of the guitar is exciting, ever changing, unique…it helps me put order in my life and makes me feel good, grounded and comfortably relaxed. playing guitar and singing is awesome – solo, duets, groups large or small; around the fire” people who play the guitar are unique, interesting and generally like minded people who understand and “get along” well with others. What a great concept – Guitar Geeks Unite The Guitar is compatable with any/all occasions Thinking back about playing the guitar I have fond memories of events associated with specific songs/music The acronym TEAM translation: Together Everyone Achieves More…you’re not alone; seeking ‘help of’ and ‘learning from others’; ideas/techniques you haven’t thought of; the feedback from the comment sections are terrific…. Mostly I find order in my life. The challenge excites me and provides a forum for feedback. Measuring one’s success and focussing on all of the little steps/wins works. UPDATE JUL8/21: Work on Transition and clean chords – F & B minor, walking up the fret board learn that Wagon Wheel Song ( Bob Dylan) and Crystal Chandelier ( Charlie Pride) research CAPO’s and Finger Picks continue writing in the journal, small wins I’m grateful for discovering Tony’s Acoustic Challenge and having occasion to meet so many like minded people. In such a short time you’ve augmented my strength and conviction causing me to put a shine on the old pair of shoes that I really like – they really fit and I feel good. Looking forward to going on the Guitar Journey with you all. Cheers, Deki PS – “Funny how it feels I’m just getting to my best years yet, the older I get.” The Older I get by Alan Jackson
City	Pontypool
State	Ontario
Country	Canada

Deki