[Skyman911]

@langerking, changes in humidity usually will change how a guitar tunes up. When things get more humid, the wood naturally expands resulting in sharper notes. Less humidity usually results in flatter notes due to the wood shrinking. Much more prevalent on solid wood guitars. I’m in Utah where the humidity can drop to less than 10% in the winter. So, I see changes in how my guitars tune based on the relative humidity, even when keeping my instruments in a humidity controlled environment.

[Skyman911]

@flyinghorse188gmail-com, what worked best for me to work on fast chord changes is doing the “hover” drill. So, make a chord, whether a C or G or whatever chord and hold the strings down. Then, lift your fingers off the strings ever so slightly and just let them hover over the strings without touching them. You will see your chord shape quickly distort after a few seconds, and maybe right after you lift them. I go as long as 30 seconds or more if can. Do this with each chord you are trying to learn. This builds muscle memory, and before you know it, you’re making the chord shape before you even fret the chord. I would do this while sitting on the couch watching a movie, or anytime I had some spare time. You don’t need to worry about playing, just working on holding the chord shapes. I saw a lot of improvement after only one week of doing this. I still do it when learning more challenging chords such as barre chords and such. I hope this helps.

I also created a chord practice chart, and would change between A – C, A – G, A – D etc, and would work through all the chord transitions, and would time my self with a metronome. When I got back to the A’s again, I could see my improvement as I could switch faster than the last time I worked on my A transitions. I would do this for all the major chords,

[Skyman911]

I really enjoyed that!

[Skyman911]

Just pick up the daily challenges. The past lessons will come around again.

[Skyman911]

@jmead, I’ll chime in here. In my opinion, TAC is teaching you how to play guitar, how to create a consistent routine, changing up the challenges weekly to keep one stimulated, and always trying different things. Not learning songs per se. We learn elements of songs, and pretty much all important items are included in the lessons. I think learning actual songs is up to you. There are a number of sites I go to for learning songs. I would rather not post out of respect for TAC. I would be happy to share if you want to PM me. I do use Chordify quite a bit. It’s free, and you only get one free song a day. You can pay more for all the extras. What I like about Chordify is, the notes play along with the music so you can follow and see the chord changes in real time. Hope this helps. I’m sure other more experienced folks will also reply.

[Skyman911]

Very nice. I just started working on this tricky little tune last week. Albeit a little bit different tuning, however all the same notes. I’m not nearly as far along as you are. I’ve never posted a video of me playing. Maybe if I get the guts, I’ll post a version on what I’m learning. I’ve only gotten the first couple of measures or so thus far. It has been VERY challenging for me. Kudos for tackling this one.

[Skyman911]

Martin makes a small cutaway. GPC-X2e. You can probably find a used one for much cheaper. It is laminate back and sides, however has a solid spruce top. Very durable guitar. 14 fret.

https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/x-series/11GPCX2ECOCO.html?dwvar_11GPCX2ECOCO_color=cocobolo

I had a GS Mini Mahogany. I thought it was OK. I eventually sold it due to the scale length being too small. My replacement was a Martin o-X2e. Same scale as my other martins, and is a great camping guitar.

martinguitar.com

Martin GPC-X2E Cocobolo Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Martin Guitar

Shop GPC-X2E and other Martin Guitar apparel, accessories, and guitar straps!

[Skyman911]

There is also this junior guitar. 24″ scale length. Nice slender neck as well.

https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/000CJR-10E-StreetMaster.html?cgid=guitars

martinguitar.com

Martin 000CJR-10E StreetMaster® Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Martin Guitar

Shop 000CJR-10E StreetMaster® and other Martin Guitar apparel, accessories, and guitar straps!

[Skyman911]

@BarbaraM, if you’re not having fun, you won’t progress. If something isn’t fun, don’t do it. There are plenty of other ways to learn and have fun at the same time. If you don’t want to do a challenge, then by all means, don’t do it. Spend your 10 minutes or more doing something fun. Focus on the challenges that are fun for you. Just curious, what is your favorite thing about playing guitar?

[Skyman911]

@BarbaraM, for me, the hands down absolute game changer for learning and changing chords was “Hovering” exercises. Make a nice chord shape on the fretboard while pressing down the strings. Now lift your fingers just off the chords and keep that shape for a few seconds. Start to increase the amount of time you can hover above the chord, It is hard, but eventually gets easier. You’ll be surprised how fast your fingers distort after removing them from the strings. This builds muscle memory, and forms the ability to have the shape already formed prior to fretting. So, when switching from G to C, you already have the C shape memorized and ready to go. I still do this when learning new strange chord shapes, especially barre chords. The anchoring thing never clicked with me, and doing the above helped me more than anything.

[Skyman911]

I use this G variation often. I still use the standard G shape however. I also sometimes play the A chord with my pinky, ring and middle finger leaving my index finger for chord enhancements.

[Skyman911]

@Robert_Gresham, this is the version I just started learning a week or so ago. Still challenging for me.

[Skyman911]

Be careful. I have 4 Martins now. 🙂 Was a Taylor guy.

[Skyman911]

Correct. What may be fun for one person, may not be for another. I also try to have practice time, and then just time to play. Sometimes if I’m just not wanting to practice, I don’t and just end up playing. And that’s OK too as long as you’re doing something. And even not doing anything is OK. If I’m just not feeling it, I just don’t play. It’s rare, but does happen. I used to feel all guilty if I didn’t play. Guilt playing never seemed fulfilling.

[Skyman911]

Great news! Can’t wait to see you posting songs again.