[the-old-coach]

Rob503–

An often-overlooked thought is that there is only one TAC “program”. Everyone enters TAC starting with the same lessons/whatever. Trouble is– there are certainly HUGE differences in our own abilities “going in”. It would be impossible for the TAC program to accommodate all new members with a starting-lesson-plan tailored to each person’s unique abilities at the time. So– with “one plan”, it is easy to see that the “starting-point” here in TAC can be “easy” for some but maybe difficult for another… especially at the start. You can easily see how this can create problems, and maybe make some think- “I’m not getting it“, or “I’m slower that the others at this“, or even “I can’t do this“…..

Don’t be bummed, and don’t EVER compare “where you are” with “where you think you should be”. A quote from the Great Master Jumpin Jeff- “Expectation is where fun goes to die”.

My added personal opinion only- if you are “just starting out” on learning guitar… do NOT worry about “playing a song” or “being able to play a song” for now. Do the “learning-part” and the “getting-your-hands-and-wrists-in shape” parts for now. Ramp up to the “playing part”…….. and be patient.

Focus on:

Playing slowly at the start.

Playing accurately at the start.

Be kind to yourself at the start- guitar is NOT easy,

Give yourself some credit– always.

Recognize every little thing you accomplish and improve on. (Small wins!)

Realize that this is a lifelong trip– a marathon/ not a sprint.

Focus on the TRIP, not the destination. You’ll get there……..

Expect difficulty and frustration…. and EMBRACE it. Overcoming the hard parts is what will give you THE most “quiet pride” of self-accomplishment.

Lastly– (sometimes the hardest)- is- focus on the FUN of the journey.

There ya go– Sorry if I have likely bored the sh*t out of you……

theoldcoach

[the-old-coach]

You know, Loraine— Your original post here is PERFECT.

You have always had a soft- (yet solid), encouraging, way of thinking and expressing in your posts. I love reading them- and I enjoy how they are always– always– of a helpful nature to others. Keep doin’ exactly what you’re doin’. We need your “little nudges” of encouragement to get back in the game from time to time.

y-o-p

• This reply was modified 2 years, 1 month ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Congrats on TAC-V anniversary!

At least as important as that……… this tune was really, really- (did I say really?)- great!

I’m guessin’ you really get into St Patty’s Day- (nothin’ gets by me.…)

The first Black & Tan is on me………

[the-old-coach]

IMHO- It doesn’t really matter if you master anything in either the Daily Challenges, or the 30-days to Play, or any of it.

The point is that you show up, get into it for a bit, improve a little bit each day, and have fun with it. Some people “finish” the 30 days to Play in a week or two– because they were somewhat experienced when they joined- to them it was easy. Others may take longer than the 30 days- if they were absolute beginner’s. And in both cases– this is GREAT! It doesn’t matter- because there is no “one size fits all”– we are all different in where we start our guitar-journey.

This thought also washes over into the Daily Challenges. There is only ONE Daily Challenge- there isn’t a “beginner series” and an “advanced series” of Daily Challenges. We all see the very same Challenge- absolute beginners and seasoned guitar players alike. Some just breeze thru it like nobody’s business- others struggle. But TAC has to keep is challenging for ALL levels…….

The key, then, is to remember “where you” are in the grander scheme of things. If a tough Daily comes along- (and they will)- just go with it as best you can, and move along. As I mentioned before- NEVER compare “where you are” with “where you think you should be”.

Enjoy the ride, expect – (and embrace!)- the difficulty, and focus on the sounds that YOU are making, and also the FUN!

(Offering unsolicited advice is just another of the services I offer free of charge!)

[the-old-coach]

Pick– and Brandon—

Beatrice, Moose, and Loraine’s posts……… read them again…….. and then, again.

Focus on the fun- (yes, it is hard to see the fun at times). Do NOT— ever— compare “where you are” with “where you think you should be”. That’s a no-win.

Here’s where maybe I differ slightly from them. I have never practiced- even a single time- for 10 minutes and then called it a day. Never. I think you have to practice until you feel like you have accomplished something– anything. Finish each day on a “high”- no matter how small. Don’t ever walk away with a bunch of frustration.

Beyond that– expect it to be tough going- especially at the start. But that’s what you want, right? You want to be able to be proud of yourself for what you have accomplished at every small step forward. And that only comes from hard work.

What you are feeling is right on track! Doesn’t feel like it right now, maybe– but you are right where you need to be.

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Here’s the way I always thought about your point of “learning a whole song”, when held up next to TAC-learning. Years ago someone posted in here- (can’t remember who)- but had a question/comment maybe similar to what you are asking. He used visual descriptions and said- “I’m tired of always just doing “cone drills”– I went to get in the game”. Certainly, in reference to TAC’s Skills Courses and Daily Challenges that are GREAT, but sometimes can maybe feel like they don’t seem to “take you anywhere” when looked at individually.

So, this reminds me of an old pal of mine who wanted to “learn guitar”- this was years ago. He started taking in-person, weekly, lessons from a local guy here- (the guy had been in local bands for years and was pretty good in that regard). Well, after about 6 months of weekly lessons and I don’t know how much money, he announced that he had learned a song that he played for us- (I don’t remember the song). He was so proud. He could play that one song, and- to his credit- really pretty well.

But wait—- I believe the TAC-method is MUCH better! It may “take longer”, because it builds foundational skills from the ground up. Takes a while to “see” this, and it can seem kind-of “drawn-out” or “vague”…..but TAC- (along with this wonderful group right here in the TAC Forum!!!)- are together building you a broad-based BOATLOAD of skills.

Rather than being able to play ONE song great– you are quietly and methodically learning how to play ANY song– because you’re learning the REAL skills…… the RIGHT way…….. Stay the course!

Just my two-cents…….. You are definitely on the right track– here in TAC…. (hey, that rhymes!)

theoldcoach

[the-old-coach]

Rob-

Loraine’s answer and suggestions are spot on. Whether you have never played at all– or haven’t played in years)- if you are having some frustration, you are right where you need to be. I know it doesn’t seem to make much sense— but EMBRACE that frustration. EXPECT it- (you can’t stop it anyway). WANT it!

Because…… without it, you will never enjoy the inner satisfaction of the small wins, aha moments, and pure joy of, say, playing right along with your favorite songs as you hear them. Or finally moving thru a tough Daily Challenge mistake-free.

Now– go back and read Loraine’s post……. again.

Just my 2-cents–

theoldcoach

[the-old-coach]

This great news! Speaking only for myself, it’s funny how hard we all work to learn stuff —- that we may not really even know what it is when we’re learning at the time. Doesn’t mean we weren’t learning it, though.

And then………. like with you………. the lightbulb comes on!

And that’s a great feeling– and a BIG win!

Sometimes it takes years to have it all come together!!!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 2 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

This is yet another great post you have made here.

There is a lot to digest there, partly because as I read thru it, I have to take quite a few time-outs to see that I’m quite similar– (yeah- scary).

I think I’m missing the TAC program a bit, because- (mainly unlike you?)- I feel like I do better/learn better when I have a clear plan given to me….. a task in front of me….. a boulder to push up the mountain.

For me it seems that once a person gets a little bit beyond “beginner”, maybe takes a few courses or classes– expanding their knowledge by a good amount, and also maybe writes a few tunes…….. things “change”. You begin to experiment with new things and also with things you already know. There is now a whole new world out there!!!!!

But all of this “new” can lead to too many choices, and possibly then, no clear path. So, another “practice” of random, unsatisfying, unproductive, noodling-around. Blah.

Which, to me anyway, is far worse than having a clear set of “assignments” that TAC gave me. Thinkin’ I shoulda stayed on…….

[the-old-coach]

I love how this thread just keeps popping up! When I see a new post on this thread– I sometimes go back and re-listen to your performance of this song, and get reminded of just how well you do it.

Since I first saw your video, I have monkeyed around with that song– it is easy-sounding, but tough- at least for me! There is a LOT to remember………

You know, you could treat us to an even newer update😀– just sayin’!

mark

[the-old-coach]

And don’t forget this……….. You are not only always helpful and encouraging……… You are TOUGH— (and that is an equally admirable trait).

Are you a Tom Petty fan?— Listen (again, I’m sure) to one of my old favorites— “I Won’t Back Down”.

y-o-p

mark

[the-old-coach]

Moonhare– Thanks for your comments and encouragement! You are in the group I have always looked up to.

theoldcoach

[the-old-coach]

RR-

Don’t be afraid to just “see what’s easiest”. There are different ways finger chords. Example– some people play an open A with three fingers “in line”, while others play it in “triangle” form. Also, some play it using index/middle/ring, others play it middle/ring/pinkie- (which makes it “Barre-able” and therefore moveable).

Also, some sites or teachers will emphasize using whatever fingering allows for the easiest, most efficient movement to whatever the “next chord” is.

Bottom line- there’s not necessarily a “you always have to do it this way” thing……

[the-old-coach]

Mike–

This is a great post you have done here! I just found out I still have access to the TAC Forum- (I passed on renewing on my Jan 12 date)- so that is great! But I’m like a fart in a skillet sometimes- (you can tell in my posts)- and think I’ll likely re-join at some point—- for the same reasons Fred and you mention.

Anyway– great to hear from you, Fred!

[the-old-coach]

Thanks for the kind words, when, in fact, you have been an inspiration to myself and many others…….. all along. More than you know.