[Skyman911]

I live in Utah, and the winters can be very dry, sometimes in the single digits with less than 5% humidity. Quality solid wood instruments will start to crack with sustained exposure to humidity under 35% or so. I have three Martin solid wood guitars that I keep in a humidity controlled “tent”. Very easy to keep constant humidity. Humidipacks in the case can help, but you really need to stay on top of your humidity if it gets too low. I would recommend picking up some hygrometers, calibrate them, and keep one in the case with the instrument, and one in the room.

[Skyman911]

I think it is worth every penny. You get this for life, and can come back to it many times.

[Skyman911]

Hey Jen, I can feel for you. Most of what you are experiencing is normal. I find that my playing ability diminishes based on the day I’ve had. On those days that I’m just not in the groove, I just keep playing, and try to accept it knowing the next day may be better.

It’s funny, I always say that I just play for me, and I don’t really care what others think. However if that was really the case, I wouldn’t be afraid to play in front of others. I’m anxious like you. So, there must be something deeper, like feeling like I need to be good enough to play for others, and can’t make mistakes. I think that your Nana is right, and no one really notices the mistakes, muted string, missed notes, etc.. And I really think no one cares. So, why am I still afraid to play in front of others? Hell, I’m still afraid to post a video here! I still try though, and sometimes will play in front of family or friends. I usually set them up, letting them know that I am nervous playing in front of others, and what they get, is what they’re going to get. For me personally, I need to find others to play with. I think that could be a big step in improving my confidence.

[Skyman911]

The curling finger is pretty typical for new players. Mine still curls a bit, but not nearly as bad as when I first started. I’m 5 years in. The one big thing that helped me, was a shorter scale guitar. Most are 25.5 inches. I’ve been playing Martin short scale guitars for a couple of years now. All mine are 24.9 inches. It doesn’t seem like much, but it makes a huge difference. Also, practice will still be your best bet. Your fingers will eventually change.

[Skyman911]

I’m not into classical guitar, however I prefer to play fingerstyle. I have a love hate relationship with picks. Mostly hate. However as not to limit myself while still in the beginner/intermediate stage, I decided to be more diligent using a pick. I usually start out my playing using a pick, and end with fingerstyle tunes. I’m trying to get 30% to 40% of my playing using the pick. I’ve been doing this for about a year now. I’m improving…Slowly. Now that opens up a whole new Pandora’s box. What pick to use. They all vary in tone and playability.

[Skyman911]

Looks like you were having fun. Thanks for sharing.

[Skyman911]

One of my teachers was all about comfort, and wanted me to play in a comfortable way for me. Everyone has a different shape, different arm lengths, fingers, etc.. He was a classical guy, so he really wanted me to hold the classical way with the guitar on my left knee, and the guitar pointing almost straight up, legs spread. That wasn’t working for me, and that was just fine with him. My only suggestion is not to fall into the mindset that there is one way to hold a guitar. Try some different positions. It certainly won’t hurt. For me personally, I use a strap almost exclusively, mostly to stop bending forward and hunching while playing. Keeping the strap close to tight keeps me in a good posture. I also like to stand and play sometimes, and I’m surprised how much more difficult it is.

[Skyman911]

My warmups are pretty simple, and mostly involve doing various scales to loosen my fingers up. I do stretch before playing as well. Tony’s warmup routine has some great stretching exercises. That’s pretty much enough to get me playing.

[Skyman911]

You’re lucky to have the best therapy ever. Your guitar. It’s inspiring to see you persevere.

[Skyman911]

My only advice is, don’t force it. Last thing you need is an injury. Just keep trying the best you can. You could always throw a capo on and move up the fretboard where the frets are a bit closer together. Practice there for a bit and then remove the capo. My pinky also curves towards my ring finger as well.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by  Skyman911.

[Skyman911]

Tricky song. Nice job with it. I turned 64 this year!

[Skyman911]

I think your small win is the fact that you can recognize this, and still keep guitar in your mind. Next week WILL be better. Just keep showing up. Life can get crazy busy sometimes and this is probably a big reason a lot of people quit. I think most people can realistically find 10 minutes to play. Even if it’s not doing one of the daily challenges. Just picking up the guitar and playing a few notes or chords is all really. Getting in the habit of trying to play everyday is the key.

[Skyman911]

Well regarding the arm pain, yes and no. You shouldn’t get pain while playing. Fatigue yes. Pain suggests something else possibly. The first thing I would look at is your guitar. Does it fit you well? Many factors can come into play. Neck shape, thickness, scale, body size and shape. When I first started I thought most guitars were the same. Started out with a large dreadnought with a chunky neck. It was hard to play, and did cause pain in my lower forearm. Fast forward to today, and I’ve found what neck shapes and sizes work for me. Apologies if you’ve already been down this road.

[Skyman911]

You must be retired. 🙂

[Skyman911]

@petelanger, well, you’ve got more guts than me. I’m still too hesitant to post anything of me playing.