[the-old-coach]

Try this…… Remember that your fingers are NOT “individual(s)” when finding frets and building a chord on the fretboard…….

Think of it more-like your fingers have “neighbors”- (your other fingers)….. and there is a “location-relationship” between them as you are building a chord on the fretboard. I guess what I’m trying to say is that– once you land the index finger– you really only need to remember the relative-location BETWEEN the index and the middle finger, and then subsequently, BETWEEN the middle and the ring finger. Just remember where they are in relation to one another.

(In the case of an open C chord, once you land your index finger…. it’s “up one fret/up two strings”….. and then….. “up one more fret/ up one more string”).

I know this all sounds confusing, but I like to think of landing these individual notes as “one, then the next, then the next”, kind-of “in order”. NOT focusing on where each one is individually on the fretboard….. but rather focusing on the location relative to the finger you just landed.

Sorry if this all sounds confusing; I tried to explain it as clearly as I could. And it may not work for you. It’s more of a “how to think about it” thing. Hope my ramblings help.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Make sure to do your “stretching/warmup” exercises- (I think they are within the “Skills Course” section). Like Langerking says- “don’t do too much”, “focus on the fun”, and also…… learn to actually LISTEN to the beautiful sounds that YOU are making, get rid of ALL expectations you may have upon yourself, and, lastly, DON’T compare yourself to others.

Now go…….. have fun………

[the-old-coach]

LOVED IT-LOVED IT-LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is some excellent walk-downs and some WILD pinkie-lo-E string-bending goin’ on there!

Just great!– Thanks for giving us this!

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

You have gotten some great advice already in this thread!

Think about this— maybe try to learn the A, E, Am, Em, and maybe the D chord(s)— withOUT using your index finger. The hardest part about barre chords ISN’T the “barre”– it’s learning the fret the other notes with your OTHER fingers. Once you get those “shapes” down– without your index finger– your barre chords may become WAAAAAY easier, because all you have to do is put that index to work- (remember– it’s just sittin’ there doing nothing).

Just my two cents

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

In my completely “non-pro” opinion- (although I have had a few injuries in my day)- you’re on the right track by sticking with what the therapist(s) say. They are the one(s) you will have a lot more dealings with, in the future.

[the-old-coach]

I’ve said it and thought it all along- you have “got this”- (even though I actually hate that saying). Main focus, as you know for sure, is in the long term. And you are “driven” enough, but also smart enough and patient enough, to make long-term recovery a sure thing. Be cool, sis……. “you got this”—- (yuk……).

[the-old-coach]

Loraine– Thanks for the update… but, now, WOW. I know that some time has passed since your original fall, but I/WE want you to know that we are ALL still in your corner and thinking of you!

[the-old-coach]

Paul–

I believe you have correctly hit on a big part of the process. The “5-minutes” part.

For me– 12, 5-minute mini-sessions on a particular topic- (in this case- chord transitions)- works, and is much more “remembered”, than, say, 1, 60-minute session.

But, also, those little 5-minute sessions have to be extremely focused on just one specific thing or action.

Anyway- everyone is different, so what I might say, may not work for you at all.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Loraine– Thank you for the update. We’re all still thinking of you and sending you strength!

[the-old-coach]

You already know the shapes, but playing them with different fingers will be awkward at the start, because they most likely weren’t the way you first learned how to play the open chords. I’m not saying to give up on the way you first learned them, just maybe give some thought to trying this new, different way of seeing and playing these easier chords- E, E, A, Am, and D.

Being able to play those using this additional way—- it’s important to look at this as a second way of playing them—- (with your middle, ring, and pinkie—- with your index just waiting in the wings)….. will pay off BIG TIME in the future.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Awesome!

[the-old-coach]

Hey, kid–

I am amazed at how you are coping and adapting. I know, that’s easy for me to say, being a couple thousand miles away- (and only vaguely familiar with how bad your injuries were)- that it sounds like you are on the mend– and that is fantastic!!! I love it!

Thank you for being an inspiration for all of us, showing us courage and determination in the face of huge adversity!

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Thanks for those kind words. She’s pretty tough and I know she’ll be better soon, but it’s pretty hard to convince her of that right now. In the meantime……. I have gained an enhanced appreciation for those in nursing.

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

It’s been a real tough week. My wife Karla had several vertebrae in her lower back fused on Monday early AM. In the hospital 2 nights/3 full days, so back & forth from home to there– (~ an hour away). Just got her home about an hour ago- (~6PM PST). I haven’t gotten much sleep and that part doesn’t look much better for the next couple days. But right here in TAC is one of my escape/enjoyments.

Again– great tune. Loved it!

• This reply was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  the-old-coach.

[the-old-coach]

Moose—

This is a great tip! Took me some time to get used to “the feel” of it at first, though. I tend to keep the headstock/neck “close” to me somehow– (I dunno why– just the way I’ve always done it).

I’ll keep working on your method.

Thanks!