TerriG
Forum Replies Created
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First, you’re not alone…Second, I definitely understand where you’re coming from. Maybe because we started around the same time and we are at the same level of learning, I understand the frustrations you’re feeling.
One of my biggest mistakes that I learned recently is that I rely on the TAB as a crutch instead of listening to what notes that are being played. I am playing visually (if that makes any sense). So my brain is trying to coordinate the TAB, my eyes, my fingers and the guitar strings all at the same time and I am failing miserably since I’m not listening on what I’m doing. So I decided to step back and try to listen. It’s hard in the beginning and my memory is not the greatest, but I’m learning what notes come next not by eye, but by ear.
I don’t know if the above will help you, but it is baby steps in learning to play by ear. I will say that creating the neural networks in the brain will take time since you’re training the subconscious mind to take over. I am having better success in remembering songs melodies. I hope this helps you and no, you are not alone.
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Hi Tommy,
Welcome to a fantastic group of guitar musicians. As Albert mentioned, your next step will be the Daily Challenges. This week’s challenge is John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery”. I would recommend trying the lick & scales (Tues/Wed). Monday’s technique is challenging due to the stretch between the ring finger and pinky. It is doable and give it a try, but don’t get frustrated if you can’t do it since it does require additional finger dexterity that might be out of the range of a beginner.
Anyway, the Daily Challenges are your next step. Next week is a benchmark week with “Ain’t No Sunshine” and a great point to jump in. If you have any questions, you’ll learn a lot of the guitarists hang out at the Daily Challenge forums, so ask away if you need help. Again welcome and enjoy the journey!
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Excellent story and congratulations on an awesome milestone!
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Congratulations on your 1st year anniversary! Just to be able to say, “I can play that pretty well” is an awesome accomplishment! Here’s to 2025 and the journey continues with new milestones ahead! Kudos and congratulations!
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Congratulations Barbara on your 1st year anniversary. What a great accomplishment and terrific goals that you set upon yourself for the next year. My anniversary is coming up soon and being with people like yourself makes the journey so much enjoyable. Celebrate and have some bubbly cheer too – you deserve it!
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Congratulations on your 2nd year anniversary! Wow! Thank you for summing up what it means to be on this guitar journey. There’s so much. I’m about 3 weeks away from my 1st anniversary and I’ve only scratched the surface. I’ve became a “lifer” as well because I realize early on that I needed to reexamine these lessons to obtain the hidden gems of wisdom in them. First time through is not enough. So again, congratulations on your guitar journey and many, many more anniversaries to come. Never stop learning!
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I reflected upon your question when I read it a few days ago.
Great question and something many should asked themselves to keep their momentum going. Last year, I started TAC around this time. My first year was a year of “introductions” – chords, strumming patterns, techniques (bending, slides, hammer ons/pull offs, etc.), licks, alternate tuning, and so much more. It was definitely a year of “firsts”.
This year I will expand my initial knowledge to understand the “why’s”. The notes, the melodies, the harmonies, along with the history of how the individual artists developed the song. I will listen more to hear the chords and their transitions. I will concentrate my time on the rhythm guitar portion to get the timing right since the chords are becoming easier to play correctly (except Barres – work in progress). Eventually, my goal is to create my own song; but to do so, I needed the basic understanding of everything.
I’m looking forward to this year as I move from a very basic beginner to a novice. And my one goal is to learn to play “The Weight” by The Band and maybe some of their other songs as well. Again, great question and thank you for posting it!
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Why not! And maybe your mind will tell your body to heal quicker now you have this beauty waiting for you…LOL! I have a Yamaha (student grade) and it is my travel guitar currently. My hubby laughed at me when I first got it for the TAC lessons, but he likes to tinker with it compare to the bigger guitars he owns. I like mine so may your new Yamaha bring you loads of happiness in the months ahead – a very nice find! Happy Holidays and here to a better New Year to you!
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Hi John,
Welcome to TAC. What a great goal to set and your wife will be thrilled.
Everything is possible once you put your mind to it. It will depend on how much you practice, your finger dexterity, and the enjoyment/frustration level you have playing. TAC is setup as a learning based system of techniques, licks, solos/scales, rhythm guitar & chord transitions. To learn the entire song, you might have to search other sites for the complete chorus/verse sequence. Over time you’ll have the skills to play whatever you want.
I’m about 10 months into TAC and I can play simple songs and the numerous of licks that Tony provided. The rhythm guitar portion takes time. Unless you’re very good in nailing the chords and transitioning fast, this might not be where your expectations might not meet reality — yet. Search for simple songs. For example, I can play Blowing in the Wind, Hey Jude, Stand By Me. Also, Tony’s benchmark songs – Wagon Wheel and Ain’t No Sunshine are doable IMHO. Keep at it and I know your wife will be thrilled that you learn the songs for her. Good luck to you and again welcome to the group!
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It is patience and practice as you mentioned. The struggle is real, so don’t think you’re the only one. If you find something that works for you, please post. I bet many would be grateful for any tips in this journey. I do remember someone posting awhile back that they would blindfold themselves so they could get a feel of the strings/sound without looking to build muscle memory skills. I haven’t tried it yet, but maybe an option. Good luck and keep us posted!
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Good luck with your upcoming surgery. And definitely look into Red Light Therapy. How I found out about it was from an episode on Danny Jones (Youtube) when he interviewed Dr. Jack Kruse (Episode: Exiled Brain Surgeon). The surgeon had a story on how the Red Light Therapy helped one of his patients avoid multiple surgeries when he fell off a ladder/roof. The guy was pretty messed up, but yet he was able to heal quickly after he gave the light therapy a try. Hunt for the story since the interview was around 4 hours long, but definitely listen to that segment. I’m going to try it myself since I have a bad knee that I have been nursing it and I don’t want surgery. I’ll report back to let you know my findings.
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Thanks so much for sharing…I just checked it out and she does a fantastic job in breaking it down especially with and without the Capo. I appreciate it a lot!
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Thanks for the tip…I’ll definitely give the metronome a try in transitioning. I’m surprise Tony never did this song. This would make for a great Benchmark song considering all the elements in it – simple and yet when you dive into it, it has so many elements. Plus, it sounds fantastic …one of my favorites from The Band.
Also, how is your hand coming along? Hopefully you are improving nicely. Have you tried “Red Light Therapy”? That might be the ticket to get you to pick up the guitar sooner than expected. Again, thanks for replying and I’ll definitely try your & Moose’s advice.
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Thanks! It helps and I can make the transition a little bit easier. I’ll still practice the Barre chord, but now I have an alternate method that doesn’t “thud” when playing.
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Thanks…I was trying the beginner version with the Bminor and it is tough with the transition and getting the right sound. The others were no problem. Just need practice…I was hoping Tony did a lesson on this great song.