[Skyman911]

I don’t use any fingernails when fingerpicking. As a matter of fact, many famous players don’t use their fingernails either and mostly just use the fleshy part of the fingers. Some players like Tommy Emmanuel use a thumb pick. I’ve tried them, and don’t care for them at this stage of my journey. Some players just grow out their thumbnail.

[Skyman911]

@BarbaraM, I know you can play and have heard you. I think Jumpinjeff and Loraine have both offered great advice. I think many of us go through these phases. I know sometimes for me, I’ll grab my guitar, and then just really don’t know what to play. I end up just doing some familiar fingerpicking and maybe strum a few chords. If I’m just not into it, I’ll put the guitar down and walk away. Taking a little break isn’t bad in my opinion. I know I get into some mental funks that don’t align with playing. I’ve tried to let go of the guilt of not playing when I get into these funks.

I know you can do this. Please don’t give up.

[Skyman911]

@crabbyblue11, when I first started, I struggled with the pick, and actually quit using one due to strumming issues. Single note picking wasn’t really an issue for me, just getting nice clean strums. I started using one again almost a year ago. I’m still not where I want to be, but still persist. Finding the right pick is key in my opinion. @Loraine gave some great advice. Pick up a variety pack and try different materials and different thicknesses. What has really helped me the most, is having very little of the pick end exposed. 1/8th to 1/4 inch of exposed tip is where I try to be. Too much of the pick exposed may lead to a “floppy” sound, and hitting single notes will also be more difficult. I’m currently using a Blue Chip TD35. I have a hard time using other picks now as they just don’t perform as well.

[Skyman911]

What is it you’re not enjoying? I can get enjoyment out of every challenge if I let myself. What gets in my way is setting my expectations too high. Are you not enjoying because you’re having difficulty trying to perfect the daily challenges? This is a great learning program.

[Skyman911]

Thank you for the positive vibes!

[Skyman911]

You can also download tabs with Ultimate guitar tabs.

[Skyman911]

@Ron-a, I use Chordify all the time. You can get two free songs a day. Or if you sign up, you have unlimited songs, and also other features like slowing down or speeding up. The songs are based on the original tuning, speed and chords.

[Skyman911]

That was fun to geek out on.

[Skyman911]

Great job on those quick chord changes.

[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]

Oh so true.

[Skyman911]

Thanks. My wife has an iPad. Maybe I’ll try that and my phone to see what works best. I’m a decent public speaker, I don’t know why posting a video playing is so daunting.

[Skyman911]

Yeah, Apple is certainly better with media. I’ve been enjoying your recordings. You are certainly a skilled player.