[the-old-coach]

Mike, Jeff, Owen, Moochas–

I can’t offer enough thanks for these in-depth, caring, thought-out responses. This stuff- helping others when they need it- is the HEART and soul of TAC.

You have helped me hit the reset button in my head- especially along the lines of “keeping my eyes on the prize” as far as where I want to “end up”- (although I know there is always “more”, and I won’t quit even when I finally do “end up” there). I will certainly continue all the Dailies like always- but try to pick them apart a little more, and take out and emphasize any parts and pieces I really like.

Taking a few steps back, to get a bigger perspective, that’s probably what Tony wants us ALL to do- because we’re all/each at a different point in the journey, and have different like, dislikes, skills, and eventual goals. You guys have just unlocked the door for me. I know what I want to do- and now you have pointed the way, and told me what to watch out for– and what to just “let go”.

Hey– I’m Scandinavian and it sometimes takes me a bit longer to “catch on”😉

Between you (all), you have written the basis for a book that may be titled something like “Ups & Downs of Learning to Play Guitar– the First Year”

Here are a few of my favorite phrase/nuggets you all have thrown out there- (just in this thread)–

“Find a way to enjoy the lesson- or don’t do the lesson”

“Lose yourself in the sound”

“Enjoy my sound…. don’t just practice/learn”

“My future does not create my present- but my present creates my future”

“Revel in the bliss of the new sound a 1000 or so times”

Love this stuff! Thanks again for kickin’ this wayward rock back toward the pile.

Any more thoughts?- throw ’em out there.

In appreciation-

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

Wow– Thank you all for those great responses!

So I re-read my original post, and I’m sorry if it sounded kind-of “all-over-the-place”, without a defined, clear, purpose– just sort-of whining. That’s about 180 from what I intended in my head.

I’ll try to go thru each reply and cherry-pick– and respond to– your phrases (they are great, by the way!)- and ideas, as I think them thru- and as time allows.

I’d love to be able to re-write my original post- clarifying things better.

I’m sort-of a “mechanical” player. I get thru 98% of the Dailies without too much problem overall- some do take a couple more, 10 minute sessions though.

I’m sorry if it sounded otherwise, but I really like Barre chords- they are cool and versatile- and I find them relatively easy!

I realize “ya don’t know what ya don’t know”, and one thing I DON’T know is why I need to learn those chords— or find these notes—- 5-7-9-12 frets up the neck. (Another- sort of similar example- the “Fundamentals of Fretboard Navigation” course in the Skills Courses. I’ve completed it just fine and found it interesting for sure. But the question to me is– WHY do I need to find that C note at 8 or 10 different spots up the fretboard. Again- it wasn’t a matter of DOING it- (it’s cool stuff!- and I was pretty good at finding those notes easily using the patterns)- but more so, it’s a matter of “why”?

I’m not generally a “take the easy way out” person- more like the opposite of that. But I feel like I’m collecting a huge toolbox full of tools- quite a few of them I’ll never use- (I actually have that).

Is it better to have a few less tools– but know how to use the ones I do have- extremely well?

I’m not really interested in comparing myself to any other players- (but I do LOVE—- really love—- to read their perspectives of “all-things-guitar”).

Boiling it all down– I think that all I really want to end up with is the ability to be able to pick up a guitar and be able to competently “play along” quickly and easily, by ear. Maybe be able to transfer the music I hear in my head instantly to my guitar- that’d be a cool skill too. Maybe dabble in writing my own songs?

MJ

[the-old-coach]

Punder-

I had lightweight rotator-cuff issues myself about 25 years ago, and there is one thing I remember. The pain. “Inside”-feeling. Always there- and seemed WAY worse at night trying to sleep.

Really REALLY glad you’re gettin’ thru it– and are still able to play.

No small win, my friend……BIG win.

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

Don–

HUGE congrats, man!

Thank you for sharing this great accomplishment, along with chiming-in when you read one of us “newer” guitar-geeks has a question or problem.

Thanks again👏

[the-old-coach]

Mike-

Great job. Gluing that middle finger down on the 3rd fret of the B string seemed to work a little better for me also— seems to kind-of keep it “out of the way”.

I still am not even close to get thru that lesson with ANY smoothness or consistency, but I’m gonna give it about 2 more short efforts to see if there’s any improvement, then move on.

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

Danny 75–

First off- Welcome to the TAC community!- (and it is just that!), and also the TAC Forum!

In my opinion, you have made your FIRST great choice– to go into our Forum and ask a few questions. Remember that if you DON’T have a ton of questions, you’re doin’ it wrong. No question is too small here- there are very knowledgeable advisors in here, and everyone is here to help. Our Forum is a GREAT asset to your- (and all of our)- learning……… no matter what level we’re at. You’ll see!

I agree with anyone who says, “take it easy on yourself when you first start off”.

A world-famous, TAC, Circle-of-Honor member once said, “Expectation is Where Fun goes to Die”.

Remember those words………. Be cool, take it easy– and HAVE FUN playing- (the skill and ability will come!).

Goin’ back under my rock now—

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

Congrats on 1-year anniversary! Great stuff. Thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts about the JOY of playing. I’m mostly there, and beginning to see that that is the real fun in all of this.

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

Thank you for sharing!– Great post/ great story!

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

NewCreation-

Welcome to the TAC family!

I’m also sorry to hear about your mom.

You have gotten some VERY good advice here as you begin your guitar journey, from at least two of the nicest, most thoughtful people I’ve ever known- but never met…. (you know who you are!).

At the risk of repeating what they’ve said- my two cents: Hang around here in this TAC forum- explore it. There is golden advice in here- and for EVERY level of playing ability. We’re all on the same road, and the ones “ahead” are AMAZINGLY generous at sharing and helping- no matter how big or small.

Again- Welcome!

Mark J

• This reply was modified 4 years, 3 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Thanks.

Both of you– along with many, many others– have helped me– (and, again, many others)- thru all the issues, questions, reflections, and all the various problems that come with learning to play guitar– way too many times to count. And you’ve had to put up with my long-winded and/or- “what the hell is he thinkin’ “- posts.😉

Our TAC-family is the best!

Again….. Thank you- (all).

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

Thanks Mike-

For me, I gave it another 10-minute shot yesterday. Ugh. If anything, it was worse.

The rest of the lesson seems to go fine.

Mooovin’ on.

Have a good weekend- MJ

[the-old-coach]

Cadgirl–

You said– “Just can’t justify buying another guitar till I start playing better”…..

That’s where I’m at with the 12-string I mentioned the other day. Upon re-thinking buying it, I reasoned that at my point in my guitar journey, it would almost be a sort-of “distraction” in learning to play the 6-string I have, here in TAC.

I don’t know if there’s a different “learning” – (different techniques, lesson-plans, etc)- with a 12-string, that I would have to search-out, or if the TAC lessons could also apply to a 12.

Anyway- I passed after all. Your reasoning nailed it for me.

Thanks- (and my wife thanks you also😉).

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

Wow, Mike-

Dang– I’m sorry I missed it. We were on a road trip latter part of Sept into Oct- but I had my guitar along and checked into TAC almost every single day- maybe missed 3 days in the 28 we were gone).

Can’t figure how that got past me!

Oh, well, I’ll keep my eyes open for it again.

Happy Holidays!

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

Yes- it’d be an “extra” guitar. I have two now, an old cheap one- (that I love but mostly because I’ve had it for 45 years), and my newer Fender- (not a real expensive guitar, but it also has a real rich sound, and I like it).

As far as cost- I think this 12-string is a screamin’ deal- I could without any doubt sell it for more than I’d have in it- if I changed my mind. I think borrowing it is out of the question.

I’m thinking I could play it to the “same level” as the 6-string, after playing it regularly for some time.

The deeper question for me is “why would I want one in the first place?”. Yes, the full, rich sound of the 12-strings just kind-of melts me. But I’m likely never going to play it for anyone else- it would really only be for my own personal sound-enjoyment.

Wait- did I just answer my own question?🤨

Thank you mightily for taking the time to respond- your advice means a great amount to me.

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

THAT is too funny!