[Bayvu2]

Good Morning TAC Family, and thanks for checking up on me. So 3 years ago I slipped on the ice and completely torn my right rotator cuff. I was still working. I had only been at the job for less than a year so I had no sick time and was not eligible for FMLA time. But my employer held my job for 6 months until I could return. That was a hard recovery and many ups and downs and painful times. And even though I went back at 6 months, I definitely was not 100%.

This time, it was a partial tear that has been giving me constant pain since November. so it was time to get it fixed. I am happy to report that I am very pleased with my progress one week in. Started PT yesterday. Pain is down, gaining movement. Still hard to sleep on my back with a sling.

I have put away my Martin (for now) and pulled out my Taylor Urban Ash. Nice Guitar and very light. A started just with some strumming and picking practice. On Monday, I could only reach around the 9th fret. But on Tuesday, I could make it all the way to the 1st fret. So I am back playing (a little). It is good exercise and therapy!

Didn’t expect it this early, but I believe my recovery is ahead of schedule.

Thanks for all your thoughts. Steve

[Bayvu2]

Thanks for taking the time to post. Spring is coming really slow this year in Northern Michigan, so no hurry for spring projects. My guitar journey will continue.

[Bayvu2]

Thanks. Never thought about Drop D. I will try it.

[Bayvu2]

No you don’t have to. The challenges repeat every year and some every four months. Just jump in to the current week. I would suggest to start on Monday.

The challenge will only stay available for about a month and a half so if you want to revisit the challenge be sure to save it by clicking on the heart.

Good luck!!

• This reply was modified 8 months, 2 weeks ago by  Bayvu2.
• This reply was modified 8 months, 2 weeks ago by  Bayvu2.

[Bayvu2]

Been there! I think Old Man is back in April. I learned the hard way, If you come across a Challenge that you want to spend more time on, Save, Save, Save!

[Bayvu2]

For me Mave, I found it helpful to print out the lesson, then I keep them. I can then go back to them when I want and repeat if necessary. It also gives me a place to write notes on where I am at.

Also, if it is a week I really enjoyed, I save the challenge. (Click on the heart). If you don’t save it, after 4-6 weeks, you won’t be able to pull it up until the next time, which could be a year.

[Bayvu2]

Know the challenges come around every year and the benchmarks every 3 months. So you will have plenty of time to practice. If it is a challenge you like and want to try again just save it and then you can repeat it whenever you have time.

Good luck and keep strumming.

[Bayvu2]

Thanks. Since I started this Discussion and been listen to fellow TACers, I have pulled out some medium picks and have been committing to them.

[Bayvu2]

Good to know. Thanks

[Bayvu2]

Thanks

[Bayvu2]

Thanks.

[Bayvu2]

Yes, Print the tab. Sorry. I print, take notes, and practice. If I have to re watch the video, I do. Make sure you save it. I don’t let myself get bogged down on a challenge. It will come around again. If I like the song, I may spend more time on it, if not, I move on. There is no test at the end, and you do what you want, when you want.

I have been doing this for almost two years, and I have never ended a week by saying, “That was easy.” “I got all five of those challenges down.”

You will find what is right for you.

[Bayvu2]

Agree

[Bayvu2]

Gary, your story is similar to mine. wanted to play guitar all my life and about 35 years ago bought a guitar, took lessons, then, life got in the way. in and out of the case a couple times a year. Fast forward to 2024. I fully retired, at 62 years old and decided i was going to fulfill my life long dream, playing guitar.

I play everyday, even if it is just a quick 5-10 minutes. My goal is to improve, at my own pace. Where I am at is where I am at! I have had those thought on whether my ship has sailed, and in some ways, it has! I wont be joining a band any time soon, but I get enjoyment from what I can do and where I am.

Tony says the F stands for Favorite Chord! haha. Make that a goal. In 3 months, I will be playing the F Chord!

Good Luck!

[Bayvu2]

I hear you Pete, but I am a little old fashion and still like my hard copies. lol. Maybe because I live in a land of trees and not worried I am going to run out. Also I am not a music guy, so sometimes I need to write notes on the tab so I understand the music. I will usually write the strum pattern right on the notes.