[Loraine]

Hey Stevie, I’m so sorry about your back and now your guitars. I hope youre on the mend physically. I have chronic pinched nerves in my lower back, and I have to have epidurals to help maintain a semblance of a functional life.

What happened to the guitars? Just think of it as bean a temporary setback. Unfortunately, these do happen because life happens, and it could be very disappointing, which I completely understand but there is always something you can do, even if you don’t have an instrument, you could fret board wizard. Or read up on theory or an autobiography of a player you admire; some other manner on theory; practice your finger style; wjust with your right hand; you can listen to music that you want to play and save it. I do that all the time. So I have a whole folder. Basically, songs that I wanna learn. You can organize your Music area. I just did that in my guitar room. I haven’t been able to play since the beginning of October because of a broken wrist and PTSD trauma to my hand from a fall and I’ve had 2 surgeries, and now the threat of a 3rd. I guarantee I an staying immersed in one way or another, and I’m fighting the disappoint, fear, and the little voice telling me I’m not going to be a good player, so just hang my hat up. But, I love playing and singing, and who cares how good I am. I play for me and a few select friends, and I will be playing again soon. It is my motivation to get better to

Stevie, just know that you’re not aloĥe. There are many of us who can feel for what you’re going through. I know that not being able to play guitar must be very disappointing and torturous to you, because you like to maintain a daily relationship with your guitars. Just hang in there, and remember this is just temporary. You have a great attitude, so I’m sure that will help you get through this good luck.

[Loraine]

Welcome to TAC!! You’re off and running as they say (please don’t ask who “they” are. – lol.

I also recorded early for benchmarks. I decided very early on that I couldn’t let insecurity stop me from doing so. I have been very transparent in my journey, and I’ve posted the good, the bad, and the ugly. Each tine I grew and improved because of it.

Your playing was steady in most spots and yes, melodic and easily recognizable. Much better than I was a week into it. Keep up the great work!

[Loraine]

Original case in great shape

[Loraine]

More photos

[Loraine]

You are perfectly fine using electrics for the lessons. They are easier to play than acoustic, and I often use mine for practice. As for an acoustic, it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money need for a good one. There are the Taylor GS Minis, Orangewood vhas some excellent guitars and are extremely reasonablly priced Yamaha, Ibanez, and many others that have lower cost options for some great guitars. I’ve also bought cc a action for cfraction of the cost. This is a highly competitive route. There are some great finds kn Facebook Marketplace. There is Reverb, which has a lot of used and new. Ebay another option. Don’t get hung up on the the cost defining whether its a better choice. I’ve bought online often and have been very happy overall with the guitars. But I learned during Covid and it wasn’t viable to physically play many guitars. I relied a lot on videos and recommendations found online from the forums. Nowadays, it is easier to find a guitar locally and at least try it out before buying. Good luck!

[Loraine]

That is one awesome guitar. Congratulations! A semi hollow us considered a form of acoustic/electric. I’ve posted videos playing on mine. I actually practice a lot on it.

[Loraine]

Hi Erika, What was the 1st video? Are you referring to Start here, the 30 day challenge, the daily challenge? You can still go back and do the lessons, even if they’re marked complete. The only ones that you may have difficulty with would be the daily challenge if the month has closed out (even then you might have the opportunity still). If you absolutely want it unchecked as complete, you can contact Victoria at TAC. Click on the Help button and chat. If she’s not available, she’ll get back with you fairly quickly.

[Loraine]

Haha, I wouldn’t discount you writing a song on “The Freakin F chord”! Maybe you already have, since you have such an uncanny ability to write friggen ass songs within minutes. Thats the ‘old Terry I know.

[Loraine]

Thanks so much. I had photos ahead of going to see the guitar (private seller). I am a member of several guitar forums, and I sent everything to the Yamaha guru and asked his opinion on the guitar in general. The missing original pickguard (didn’t know of the slight imperfection at the top back of neck. I also asked about the neck and the slight (and yes, ever so slight belly. He said it looked good, and he’s never seen an FG300 that needed a neck reset. The slight belly is actually normal for something this old, and it rarely affects playability .

I negotiated down by a buck and a quarter, because of the small imperfection on the top of the neck, and not having the original pickguard. So, I got a really good deal.

[Loraine]

This is the equivalent of the Gibson Hummingbird, but a hell of a lot less money. I don’t know why, but I really prefer larger guitars. I like dreadnoughts for their tonal quality, but my favorite is the OM size, and they have nice tone too

. I am so impulsive and have such an addictive personality. It comes on strong when I’m stressed. I need to start selling some that I really don’t play much.

[Loraine]

Sherry, I am so sorry to hear of your own difficult challenges. I have always enjoyed our interactions, and you also are a great example of perseverance! Thank you so much for your message of hope, determination, and perseverance. That will definitely help drive me forward. I know this is temporary, and I am doing several things to remain connected. Most recently, I’m taking some vocal lessons to train my brain on matching notes and pitch. It is very similar to ear training for guitar. I look forward to posting more songs, often at a price for all listening, but I love playing and singing regardless.

[Loraine]

Thank you so much @Comfy ! I did have an earlier set back at the end of my 2nd year with tendonitis and tennis elbow, and that caused me not to be able to play for several months. I thought that was the worst, but this actually has caused me more fear, just due to the pain in the fingers, top of hand, thumb and forearm, but I do know that I’m not willing to push the limits. I am trusting the process, even though I’m disappointed. I still am doing many things to keep on top of things. I’ve been working on my vocals and pitch training , for one. I’ve also been practicing fingerstyle patterns. That is difficult, because of essential tremors in my hands, but I am prevailing. I just have to keep moving forward and remind myself this is temporary. Again, thank you for reaching out!

[Loraine]

Thank you. I’ll be in Ocean Isle Beach.. My brother retired down there. I’ll actually be looking at real estate when I’m down there; Albeit not in Ocean Isle Beach. I am the poor family member that has a federal job. But I won’t have enough years in to get a good pension. I worked government contracts my entire career in the public sector. I’m only starting my 14th year on the government side. My brother on the other hand worked pharmaceutical. After working for 2 of the largest pharmaceuticals, he took a gamble on a smaller fairly new start up. That company was Moderna. His team actually worked the Covid vaccine. Suffice to say, he’s living very large in retirement. They just sold 2 houses, built a larger house in NC, bought a working farm, and they’re working on drawings for another house in the Poconos. My head spins thinking about it all.

I just want to live in a shack with a wrap around porch, but I want a large barn that I can convert into a woodworking workshop, art studio, Music room, and maybe even a portion of it for some horses and Alpacas and whatnot. I always thought I’d be in the mountains overlooking a valley with no direct neighbors. But realistically, my body won’t allow me to live so isolated. I need to be closer to where people can keep an eye on me.

On a side note, I did not know NC was known as the Tar Heel State or Wolf Pack. I’m not sure what a Tar Heel is or why it’s called the Wolf Pack. I’ll have to Google them. My nickname is WolfSpirit.

[Loraine]

Yeah, I thought so too. Funny story. I must have influenced the surgeon with my talk of getting to guitar. He told me he played some years ago, and he bought a new guitar this past week. He had found another site. I told him about TAC. The only thing I really had time to tell him was that this is where I learned to play, and agony’s a great teacher. Maybe he’ll join up here. I think he would like the forums. He’s got a great personality and likes to talk. Very down to earth for a surgeon.

[Loraine]

Thanks Jack. I’m. trying to stay busy and preoccupied with other things. That’s helping. I are was just shocked when I saw and heard everything. Thanks for the encouragement.