[Skyman911]

Moose408 is correct. This is kind of a progressive program where elements are repeated. As we go along, it is easy to track your performance as you can compare yourself to prior challenges. A lot of the challenges repeat, however there are new challenges introduced. The better I get, the more I get out of TAC. I can see why so many experienced players still hang out here.

[Skyman911]

I don’t think you ever stop looking at the strings or fretboard. I play 1 – 2 hours a day, and have been playing for almost 4 years. I’m not always looking at my strings or fretboard, however I still do often when doing unfamiliar notes or changes. When I was first learning, I would close my eyes and make chord changes to see how accurate I could be without looking. It was a train wreck in the beginning. Not so bad now.

[Skyman911]

I travel a lot for work, and this is a challenge. I do have a small Martin 0x2e that I take occasionally when not flying. I have a playlist of songs I know and are learning that I listen to. This helps a little. It still takes me a couple of days to get back into playing form after being out for a week. It is getting better though. I’m thinking of picking up a small Martin Backpacker to take while flying. I don’t think they sound that great, but at least I could press my fingers on some chorded frets and play a little.

On a side note, the joy I have picking up the guitar after being gone for a week is exhilarating. I just got back from Miami last night, and can’t wait to play later today when I’m off work.

[Skyman911]

@jumpinjeff , @Loraine , thanks for your perspectives. That’s kind of what I like about TAC, is I can get my 10% of practice in everyday, and then spend 90% playing and trying to put it all together. Like Loraine said, a good balance. And jumpinjeff is absolutely correct, playing is practice.

[Skyman911]

@justblaze2788yahoo-com I’ve been playing for about 4 years and totally understand. I just started using a pick again about a year ago. I almost throw it out the window everytime I play with it. However the frustration level is getting less. In the beginning the pick was so hard for me, I just quit using it, and strummed with my thumb or index finger to avoid that frustration. I’m trying to embrace the pick more, as I don’t want to limit myself. Finding the right pick does help. Thinner ones are easier for beginners. Also, I always had too much of the pick exposed. I’ve been trying to only have about 1/4 to 1/8th inch of the tip of the pick exposed when strumming.

I also work on some drills. Mostly strumming to a metronome, going slow and making random chord transitions while I am strumming.

Hope this helps a little.

[Skyman911]

I was taught four different variations of the G chord depending on the song and chord transitions. Trying to remember what variation to use gets challenging.

[Skyman911]

I could see the joy on your face. So good to see you playing again. I’m sure you still have a long road ahead of you, but at least you can play.

[Skyman911]

Also Rob Fennah, and Guitar Hero 2 Zero.

[Skyman911]

That’s freaking awesome. I quite TAC the first time I joined after about 6 months. I was pretty green, and most of the challenges were so difficult for me, I got frustrated. Then I did two years of private lessons. Well, I rejoined TAC just over a year ago. There really is so much here for the value, and you can take the lessons as far as you want. I don’t do private lessons anymore, but also check out other ways of learning. There is so much out there. A lot of crap as well. Keep on jammin!

[Skyman911]

Nice. Is that a GS Mini Hog you’re playing?

[Skyman911]

I had one of those. It did make for a great travel guitar. I also loved the beer salute!

[Skyman911]

Practice, practice, practice. Palm muting skill don’t happen overnight. Just keep on trying.

[Skyman911]

For me, trying to find someone to play with. I’m 4 years into my journey, and play by myself 100% of the time. I think I’m almost good enough to start playing simple songs with others, however trying to find them is challenging. None of my friends or family plays.

[Skyman911]

I’m going to turn 64 this year, so we’re pretty close. I’m also a late beginner. You’ve got a nice solid routine there. You are correct about TAC just being a tool. I try to have a number of tools in my toolbox.

[Skyman911]

I checked out (meetup.com) groups in the Salt Lake City, Utah area, and found no active groups within range as well.

@BarbaraM, do you want to work on a song together via Zoom?