[the-old-coach]

Willy-

My advice– be cool.

I’ve read every word in every post in this thread– twice…. From a lot of great people– there is indeed a lot of great advice and suggestions given in the responses here- (and I’m not talking about my post, that’s for sure)- and I CERTAINLY don’t have any advice better than those.

It’s YOUR posts that catch my interest. I think that what you are/were experiencing is CLASSIC.

Being bogged-down/ bummed out/ bored/ “lost”…….. If you’re NOT feeling that way, then you’re not doin’ it right.

It was- (and still is)- in ALL of us here at some time (and)/or another. I say it like that, because it comes around again and again. If it **doesn’t** happen to you- then I’d start worrying- because then it’s all “too easy”.

Learning to play a guitar is TOUGH…. Enjoy that….. If it’s too easy- you won’t get to experience the satisfaction. Expect tough. “Through” that, you’ll realize that the key is the FUN that Mike talks about. None of us are likely to be the next George Harrison…… Realizing just **that** takes “the pressure” off.

I can tell by YOUR posts that “it” is within you. You know what to do- and how to do it.

Small bites– enjoy the TRIP– forget about the destination…..

Be cool.

The Old Coach

[the-old-coach]

Explainer–

Really sorry about all the CAPITAL letters, and asterisks, when I want to emphasize something😃.

It’s NOT that I’m trying to yell to make a point!

When I try to put something in italics, or underline something using the buttons- (here in the lower left corner)– sometimes it shows up ***in the post*** with all sorts of weird symbols before and after the words I want to emphasize.

Please forgive.

MORE IMPORTANTLY– Let’s keep Willy’s thread going strong- (this affects EVERY single TAC member at one time and/or another!)🤔

the old coach

• This reply was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Mike-

Wow- thanks for sharing that!

It reminds me- (and it should)- how much I don’t know.

Your video/post has a great “one-to-one” feeling about it– the kind of stuff that **really** gets the point(s) across, but in a laid-back sort-of style.

(You may be onto somethin’ there🤔).

I’m gonna watch-thru it again– with guitar in hand.

Thanks again

mark

[the-old-coach]

MrFred-

This is a great point of view in my opinion.

Sometimes I’ll start off some really brilliant🤨 thing I’m about to say with something like- “A really smart man once told me……..”

So, sort of along the lines of your viewpoint- (again🤨)——–

A REALLY experienced musician I know actually did once tell me- “You are ONLY going to be successful playing along with– or in front of– others…….. when “you fully accept the fact that it’s OK to make a complete fool of yourself.”

Smooth water never made for a good sailor— failing is good.

Great post and point of view– thanks for sharing.

the old coach

[the-old-coach]

All–

I am really amazed and appreciative and thankful at the responses you all have put forward here.

You all are some of my “heavy hitters” here in the Forum- your words, advice, and encouragement mean a LOT. (And not just to me- and not just this thread…. maybe there are others “reading along” and wondering about this subject, too- and that’s awesome!).

I think I’m vaguely on the right track with how I want to work toward, and eventually accomplish this playing-and-singing thing….. And, as Jeff would say, you have lighted the path.

I have read all your answer-posts– (and even my original post)- at least 3 times over– both the words, and also if there is anything “between” the lines.

Thank you all– again– for your insight, experience, and generosity- (and that’s not just in ***this*** thread🙂)

the old coach

• This reply was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Fred-

Don’t forget— to a certain extent, we all get “lifted up” just a little everytime one of us shares a win, or has a question, or just has an idea about something.

We either think back about how we went thru the same thing– or think forward about how we’ll do it when we get there- (but now we have others’ advice and info to help).

We all gain by reading each others’ posts, and even by reading our own again.

S’ all good.😀.

the old coach

[the-old-coach]

Sportster-

That is no SMALL win.

Think about that for a second. You thought it through, had an idea and thought-process of what might improve it- on the spot- on the fly- and gave it a go. And it worked.🙂

May not seem like much to you- but I think that’s a ****REALLY**** good ability to have!

There’s a whole lot more went on there than you give yourself credit for.

the old coach

[the-old-coach]

Wow– look at what we’ve started here! This is COOL stuff- how fun!

Thanks for all who have and/or want to play along!!!

TOC

[the-old-coach]

Pinski-

Congratulations- Happy 1st!

“Well played” on your post! Along the lines of what Jeff said- FOCUS is the key for me also.

On an Acoustic Tuesday awhile back, Tony talked about “The Five Best Guitar-playing Mantras”.

Well- as part of my own routine, I write down- (the day before)- what I want to practice each- (next)- day, and always include the word in capital letters- “FOCUS”. Every day. And I read those 5 mantras also. Every day.

Seems like a lot- but it only takes about 15 seconds…….. and it kind-of “sets my brain straight”.

Again- inspiring story, congrats, and thanks for sharing.

Fellow dabblerosis survivor. (But I do suffer an occasional setback😉 just for fun)

the old coach

• This reply was modified 3 years, 11 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Albert–

Great stuff, there! Reading your post and watching the video is very inspiring.

Can’t help but notice you are very comfortable in your “guitar-shoes”, and seem really at-ease in your playing and singing.

That’s the stuff that I want to be able to do- (likely ALL of us want to do!).

Thanks for your post. Thanks for your video.

Again– Great stuff, there.

the old coach

[the-old-coach]

MrFred-

Don’t sweat it- tomorrow is another day🙂

[the-old-coach]

Kitman–

Nice job- fun to watch!

Like MrFred said- that’s ways off for me still. I never have done much if any of the “improv” stuff like that. Don’t know why- just haven’t.

Watching your video post is gonna change that. It looks challenging, nerve wracking, and fun all at the same time! So the music acts as metronome to keep you in time also(?)

Thanks for sharing-

the old coach

[the-old-coach]

Me too- and like Jeff says- thanks for keepin’ it fun!– (recent examples- posts about drinkin’ QUITE a few beers as we goofed around with guitars way back when, and then also- (someone spending some money in Mexico😉🤫).

Wait– did I say “way back when”?

Fun interactions in here have a very important role in our overall journey!

TOC- (love that)

[the-old-coach]

Fred-

Old saying- “There’s a reason the windshield is bigger than the mirror”.

Maybe “go back to revisit” the lessons, sure, I think most everyone does that. But I certainly do it with a less-serious frame of mind as when they came out.

You don’t need to kick those tough lessons’ butts, your overall progress will automatically move your overall abilities right on by them.

Please forgive yet another old (coaching) saying– “Focus on forward”.

the old coach

PS general message to all- If there is anyone who needs “old” Dailies, I have, in printed form, every one of the Daily Challenges from Jan 2021- (when I joined TAC), to today. I can scan and send any of those off, in email form, to you. PM me if interested.

[the-old-coach]

Kitman- Speaking only for myself- I’m good.

I have deleted about a million takes of my own to get the 3 or 4 videos I’ve posted here in TAC.

I “feel ya'” brother.

TOC