[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, 5 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]

Cool stuff

[the-old-coach]

Lisa — I agree with Mike all the way on this.

Months ago I bought a book titled “First, Learn to Practice”, by Tom Heany.

It leans toward focusing on the MOVEMENT BETWEEN CHORDS as the most important thing.

Learning the finger positions on all the individual chords is important, yes, but a chord just sitting there alone isn’t worth much. Playing one single chord over and over isn’t gonna be much of a song……

Can’t speak for anyone else, but I try to concentrate on efficient and accurate movement BETWEEN them.

And like Mike says– try to learn those slowly, smoothly, and correctly!

Take it from me!- it is hard to un-learn bad patterns and correct them. Do it right the first time.

Keep goin’, keep it fun, do the stretches, and don’t play long enough to hurt your hands.

Just my two bits.

Mark

[the-old-coach]

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses to my goofy-ass stories.

It was indeed an experience that I will never forget as long as live- it was so damn much FUN!

I felt like a kid again while walking back across the street home- and it’s been years since I had an excitement-kind-of-smile like that.

MOST importantly- it wasn’t how “good” I did- it was that I did it- period!

Kinda anxious/nervous today- but man I wanna do that again!

Thanks again, you-all, for all the responses and help–

Mark

[the-old-coach]

Oh, yeah. I think it’s normal, but then again, it happens to me, too….

[the-old-coach]

Cheryl-

Here’s something I’ve tried when decades-old hand issues come to haunt me. Maybe it also helps my brain “catch up” or “keep up”.

I know not everybody has the time- but…..

Maybe try this– limit the TIME you practice in one session– but have 2-3 shorter practice sessions in a day. I used to- (OK, sometimes I still do)- pound away for maybe an hour and a half in one practice session. My hands and brain were both pretty tired at the end- even when I was “in the zone”. I nowadays find that my brain— and playing-accuracy— is much better during the earlier segments of my daily practice(s). Hands, too. Maybe they- (brain and hands both)- just plain kind of get “tired” from extended periods of hard brain-concentration(?). Shorter sessions work great for me, anyway.

However, to contradict my own point🙄, I’ve read that “just beyond the point where you are comfortable is where to learn the most”.

Remember– the words “work” and “fun” don’t have any of the same letters. Keep it fun.

Anyway- maybe try something like this? I’ll go back under my rock now.

Go get ’em–

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

THAT is too funny!

[the-old-coach]

👍

[the-old-coach]

👍

[the-old-coach]

It remains my favorite.

Thought about writing it on my forehead- ((sdrawkcab))- so I could read it in the mirror each morning, but I think my wife would fail to see the humor in it.

Among others here, jumpinjeff is surely in the “Oh, Wise One” circle of honor, whereas I dwell in the “What the hell is he thinking” group😜

Mark

[the-old-coach]

“Focus on play as my practice– rather than practice to play”

Jeff- You- (along with many others!)- have given us plenty of simple yet insightful and brilliant thoughts to chew on since I’ve “known” you here on the Forum- (over my ~10 months in TAC).

This is one of the best.

Mark J

[the-old-coach]

You hit it right on the head……..👍

• This reply was modified 4 years, 6 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

👍

[the-old-coach]

Mike-

I’m one of those who have had— and sort-of-played— and sort-of-learned— some things- (or at least we thought)- because we could play along with the guitar tabs to a couple of Creedence songs. Oh the memories….

As bad as that sounds- it was damn FUN!- and we were really somethin’ cool- especially when there were buddies, and their guitars, and maybe beer involved. And actually, we were LEARNING guitar stuff- (basic chords, transitions, and maybe even a sense of rhythm).

For quite a few of us- (me for sure)- it’s now “fast-forward” to today- (30-40 years later)—– and TAC. Like you said, Tony’s method and philosophy- (to me anyway)- steadily and subconsciously teaches us NOT how to play — “A” — song, but rather, gives us the tools to play ANY song- (of course with some song-specific practice).

Not to mention teaching me how to RE-LEARN things I learned WRONG- (and there were a few of them!)

My two cents—- This program– and this Community– are great…… period.

Mark