[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]

@Jeffk, I think it is healthy to have more than one system of learning. I understand your frustrations regarding the repeating lessons. I did a couple of years with a couple of teachers. My last teacher knew I was also doing TAC. I showed him a couple of the lessons. He thought they were pretty advanced, and contained a lot of material. Certainly something here for all levels of skill. For the price, I don’t think you can get anything that packs this much in. Three months of private instruction pays for TAC. I try to log in everyday and get the most out of the challenges.

BTW, I did quit TAC the first time I joined. It took a while to realize the value provided. And you get great people like Moose408 and Jumpinjeff to offer encouraging words of wisdom. I hope you can find something that works for you.

[Skyman911]

I’m about 4 years in, and the C chord is still probably the one I still struggle with the most. (other than barre chords) The C chord is one of my favorite chords however, and the very first chord I fret when I pick up my guitar. So many variations, and so many songs start in the key of C. I did move to shorter scale Martins, with a 24.9 scale length apposed to the standard 25.5 scale length. This has made the stretch less. Depending on your hand size, guitar size and neck shape, some of your issues may come down to your guitar. Just keep at it. You’ll get there.

[Skyman911]

@Strangeoldgal , something I did when first learning was to just kind of be with my guitar. For example, when sitting watching a show or TV, I would just sit and hold chord shapes while pressing on the strings. Not playing or strumming, just holding. Short intervals doing this during the day or evening, will help in creating finger strength, muscle memory, and help build up the fingertips. My tips really hurt when first learning. Doing this, even for a couple of minutes throughout the day really helped me. Of course, if you can pick or strum even better. It takes a while, so be patient.

[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.