[the-old-coach]

Nils-

Right on! You maybe came back even stronger than before.

It’s likely happened before, and will likely happen again.

I’m going thru some sort of funk last couple of weeks myself. Kind-of “too-busy” feeling, and that seems to make my guitar-sessions feel hurried and un-enjoyable. Hard to explain.

Glad you are “back”- (that’s a great feeling!)

theoldcoach

[the-old-coach]

Chord matrices are the coolest! Combine those with a bit of Circle of Fifths info and you’ve got a LOT of good stuff there!

• This reply was modified 2 years, 5 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[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.

[the-old-coach]

Congrats—- this is a BIG win!

[the-old-coach]

This sounds like an interesting style or technique! I have heard it, but never really even thought about it– but it’s pretty cool!

If I understand your post correctly—- I also find it difficult to maintain an even and consistent volume-level when I’m playing—- maybe especially when recording/video-ing a song.

I also seem to always find myself creeping “up” in volume; I don’t even notice it or pay any attention to it during recording…. (too focused on other things— like actually playing and singing)…. but then I can sometimes hear it clearly when playing the video/audio BACK.

And I don’t have the recording-equipment-knowledge to “level” that out thru some sort of digital-audio-workstation setup.

This is a great and useful thread you have started here, Jeff, and I hope that I “took it the right way” in that being consistent in playing at the same volume-level is important.

mark- (theoldcoach)

[the-old-coach]

I give up.

[the-old-coach]

See– Look at that—- the one at 726PM made it thru just fine…. just 3 minutes after the latest Pink Screen of Death…. What the hell is up?

[the-old-coach]

I also have noticed that there are a few “easier” daily challenges showing up lately, but I, for one, don’t mind at all.

Certainly not saying that I’m a really experienced guitar-player, but I realize that there newer-to-guitar-than-I folks joining every day, and that is COOL!

My own thought is that I have to extract what suits me “where I’m at” in my own guitar-learning. If an “easy” daily comes along– I usually either find another for that same week or month- (maybe more challenging one)- and work on that instead…… Or, dig into any number the Skills Courses…… Or, go back and re-visit a Daily from the past that I may have “favoritized”.

Or— dig into- (or back into?)- Fretboard Wizard- (awesome stuff in there).

There are certainly enough ways to keep myself challenged, but any “easy” lessons keep less-experienced players engaged– and I personally LOVE that they are amongst us! The best guitar-players in the world were once beginners struggling-along.

This is a great thread you have started– thanks!

[the-old-coach]

I get it.

We all get it…. somewhat.

If your fingers are sore, you are on the right track! They’ll callous and get tougher! Doing things with your fingers- (like all the “reaches”, and stretches, and really sore fingers, means that you are doing exactly what you should be doing!

[the-old-coach]

WOW— I can’t touch that….

Congrats on your tough, stick-to-it-iveness. Pretty amazing………

Thanks for sharing……. people are watching!!!!

[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

[the-old-coach]

J-A–

Congrats– you are on the right track!

You must already have some other chords playable(?), ‘cuz there are easier chords starting-out, than the F- (in either form).

My two-cents:

1. Do your fretting hand stretching exercises. You may not need to do 5-10 minutes of them- but do SOME… they help! And not just your fingers– also wrist and even forearm.

2. Repetition…… repetition…… repetition……

3. Practice transitioning both “to” and “from” your mini F to/from any of your other chords. (Actually from ANY chord to/from ANY other chord (again, see #2))…..

4. Try to work INTO — (over time)— purposefully NOT looking at your fretting hand. Expect a bit of frustration doing this at the start. Try doing it with your eyes closed— your mind will be more focused on the task. Embrace doing it wrong and chuckle at your mistakes! Remember– you only learn by doing something wrong….. and then figuring out how or why. That “figuring-out how or why” is what leaves tracks in your brain……

In a short amount of time— it’ll be second nature!

theoldcoach

[the-old-coach]

Same damn thing……… PINK-SCREEN…….. AGAIN.

I had a ANOTHER thought-out answer and viewpoint to add- (took ~10 mins to write it).

POOF………. SHIT……..

I’m out…….. Maybe try again tomorrow

[the-old-coach]

JumpinJeff

Well, I had a nice response all thought-out, and typed out, and POOOOOF…… the pink screen of death!

So, I waited a few minutes, I had a nice response all thought-out, and typed out, and AGAIN……… yes……… AGAIN……… POOOOOOF………. pink screen of death……..

How frustrating.

Anyway- even at the time I write this (third) response– I do not know if it will make it thru….

How damn frustrating…..

yer ol’ pal–

mark- (theoldcoach)

• This reply was modified 2 years, 6 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Thank you for your kind….. true….. words!

mark