[GerryB56]

It’s so inspiring to hear stories like this, Kitman! I am learning to find that feeling, and push back the frustrations of not being able to play the way I want to play. I’m finally accepting that I ain’t gonna’ be Eric Clapton in this lifetime, so enjoy the journey for whatever successes it brings😀

[GerryB56]

I think you’ve nailed it, Mrfred. I always feel I’m so “wooden” when I sing, standing there expressionless and not knowing how to move, etc. (referring to karaoke here, as I am not quite ready to sing and play guitar). But I’ve been told my voice is definitely capturing the emotion of the song, so I guess subconsciously I’m feeling the “soul” of the music, as you put it. And I know I sing better on songs that I really love the most.

[GerryB56]

Very nicely done! John Prine has long been one of my heroes. Sure wish I could have seen him perform.

[GerryB56]

Absolutely the key ingredient, Mrfred! It got me through the past 2 or 3 weeks of the “not making fast enough progress” blues. I know I’m going to face those downer days, but I’m determined to stay the course, all systems go🎸🎤🎼😁

[GerryB56]

From my perspective, I’m envious that you are this organized and can happily devote 2 hours to practicing when the time allows. My trouble is getting distracted and not working on any one thing consistently enough. There are just so many areas to cover! But I’d say if you are enjoying each of those paths then why not pursue them all? Maybe you could follow Tony’s lead and devote different days to different skills / styles / songs.

[GerryB56]

Great milestone! Thanks for inspiring us all to keep at it😀

[GerryB56]

Wow! That’s awesome! Stories like yours are a great motivator for us newbies, knowing that persistence will pay off with great results eventually. Keep on strumming🎸😀

[GerryB56]

Very nice job! Such a lovely piece of music, too. I was especially impressed with how you emphasized the bass line and gave the melody notes a lighter touch. Is that easier to do on a classical guitar? Congrats on making your first post – I’m hoping to get brave enough follow your example before too long.

[GerryB56]

Very impressive, alright! I’d have to agree that you can stop saying you’re a novice – I’d be pretty happy just to play one song, by myself, in front of people. Now that you’ve “broken the ice” the sky is the limit!

[GerryB56]

I second that opinion, Kitman! The forums are one of the best features of TAC – though I do need to make sure I still pick up a guitar when I log in! The motivation and encouragement of fellow geeks is very helpful. I hope you never feel hesitant to post your thoughts, Mrfred, you can be sure some of us are eager to hear them and respond.

[GerryB56]

Way to go! Celebrating our wins, small or big, is one of the great features of TAC. And yeah, I agree it’s so much fun acquiring all the “gadgets” to help with our progress. Some of mine haven’t really been put to full use yet, but they will eventually. Because Tony has convinced me that I’m on this journey for the long haul🙂

[GerryB56]

Have to agree wholeheartedly with bugmeist, that sounded like a dreamy lazy summer afternoon! I’m always so impressed with the improvs you and other TACers come up with – they don’t look super complex to this inexperienced eye, but they sound awesome and seem to fit so well with the backing track. Afraid I still look at improv as some combination of mysticism, magic, and particle physics! One day I’ll get brave enough to try it.

[GerryB56]

Yep, I’m at the same point, Mrfred! But thanks to Bill and some other TAC folks, I’m actually starting to believe I’ll get there someday. Nice job, BillBrown! You and Marty are inspiring me to have faith in the journey!

[GerryB56]

Saw your impressive guitarsenal featured on Tony’s show recently, Kitman – wow, I have some way to go! Not that it’s a competition, of course. That hubcap resonator is sure one cool looking instrument- mighty sweet sounding, too. But I’m not quite ready to invest thousands in a single guitar yet! Someday, though, it would be awesome to commission a custom guitar from one of the many talented luthiers I keep discovering on YouTube and elsewhere.

[GerryB56]

Funny, no one here at TAC has told me NOT to buy more guitars😆 Good thing, too, Tony might revoke their membership! I’m in Canada, we don’t have Guitar Center, but there is a large chain store Long & McQuade near me, and they have a rental program so I might be able to try that route. But I’m pretty sure I’ll be adding a resonator to my guitarsenal soon🙂