[Skyman911]

Your chord shapes will come with time. I wouldn’t spend time trying to “get” the D shape before moving on. Keep progressing forward. It will come, I promise. The D shape was a challenge for me as well. I just couldn’t get my middle finger to fret the high E string clearly. The D7 chord was a bit easier, and I would substitute that shape sometimes. My other challenging chord was the C chord. Good luck on your journey and keep reaching out to the group with any questions.

[Skyman911]

I would experiment with different pick material and pick thickness. I think thinner picks, that are easier to use tend to grab the strings more than a thicker pick. Also, like you mentioned, try to have as little of the pick exposed. 1/4″ to 1/8″ of the tip exposed. Your knuckles may still hit the strings a bit until your technique improves. I also don’t like real pointy picks, and prefer a smoother, more rounded tip.

I struggled a lot with strumming. A Blue Chip pick was a game changer for me. They are pricey though at $35 a piece.

[Skyman911]

Nice and slow. I have a real hard time with trying to play this one slow. Great job!

[Skyman911]

My only advice on the mini F is to try and use the outside part of your index finger when barring the B and high E strings. Not the fleshy part of your finger. Curving your elbow outward going away from your guitar will help a little with getting the correct angle. I would also advise embracing barre chords as soon as you can. Don’t try to avoid them. They are amazingly valuable, and if you also do the Fretboard Wizard course, you will see why. I try to play some type of barre chord(s) everyday. I still play them poorly most of the time, but improving.

[Skyman911]

Pick your guitar up everyday and hold it. I guarantee you will play something. How long you play is up to you. But pick it up EVERYDAY. You may only have the motivation to play a couple of notes, or something clicks, and you keep playing longer. This is the key. Long gaps in playing is the kiss of death. Consistency is where the magic happens.

[Skyman911]

I’ve been wondering the same thing. It seems like we haven’t had any new content for a while. To be honest, I would like some new content, as I’m getting a bit bored doing the same challenges over and over. I do understand the purpose of the benchmark songs so you can track you progress, but a couple of years doing all the same songs is getting a bit old for me.

[Skyman911]

I really enjoyed that. It looks like you were both having so much fun together. How do you like your GS Mini?

[Skyman911]

Excellent. Great job with your strumming. very smooth. I struggle with that.

[Skyman911]

@GaryRKarr I can guarantee you can squeeze out a few more minutes of play if you really prioritize. There has to be breaks in your day, or lifestyle changes that could be made if playing a bit more was a goal. You’ll also see some of these challenges again, and then you won’t need to spend as much time watching the lesson, and go right to the play along. This will also give you more time to play, and less time watching the video.

I often don’t even practice. Just play. 90% of my time is spent playing, and maybe 10% practicing. This was the best advise I ever got from one of my teachers. It doesn’t matter your skill level either. Find a couple of songs within your ability and just play. There are thousands of easy songs out there.

• This reply was modified 1 year ago by  Skyman911.

[Skyman911]

I quit TAC the first time after a few months due to the same issues you are having. All I can say is stick with it. It does get easier. Also some of the challenges are easier than others. My advice is, just do the best you can on every challenge. When they come around again it will be more familiar, and you will do better the second time.

Also, reach out to the group with any questions. There are some great folks here with a ton of knowledge and support.

[Skyman911]

@E-Z, I’m hoping others will also chime in here. TAC is a system to help you learn how to play the guitar. Not specific songs however. TAC teaches principals and techniques that can be taken into learning any song. You will find however most lessons contain many elements of a song, and there are many. Hotel California, Wonderful Tonight, Angel from Montgomery, etc, etc. I think that learning actual songs is mostly up to you. There are many websites one can go to learn free songs. Those platforms however only teach the songs, assuming one already knows the chords, techniques etc. My advice is, give the program a chance, reach out for advice, and enjoy the ride. You will see progress if you stick with it.

[Skyman911]

That’s good advice. I’m working on stumming softer these days. I’ll try this. I seem to have no issues stumming loudly.

[Skyman911]

It makes me wonder what the stats are, and how many people actually stick with it. I think many people start out wanting to play, and then get discouraged because it can be so difficult to learn.

[Skyman911]

I believe these are some of the challenges learning from an online platform. One can struggle for a long time. Personal instruction shortens this process greatly. When you have someone that can physically show you then you don’t build bad habits that are difficult to change.

[Skyman911]

Nice!!