Comments on: Frustrating Sound

By: Gerry

Gerry — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:21:37 +0000

Great idea for a blog! I for one would be really interested in hearing about how other learners are getting on. If you start posting again, I’ll be reading. Hope your frustation hasn’t got the better of you.

By: Alan Learn And Master Guitar Guy

Alan Learn And Master Guitar Guy — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 01:57:47 +0000

First, let me say I wish you a speedy recovery. I understand the frustration.

There are low impact exercises that you can do to build up some of the muscle groups involved in playing guitar.

For example, lightweight dumb bells are a great way to strengthen the lower arm and wrist muscles. Also, hand tension exercise devices can help with finger strength.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:26:16 +0000

Yeah, sometimes life really does get in the way, but that’s awesome you learned “Hideaway”! Great choice…

Looking forward to more posts,
Kyle

By: Ariel

Ariel — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:19:10 +0000

Hey, I feel your pain (literally – wrists and all: bike accident mangled both wrists semi-permanently). Your work here – with the site, with your playing, with being honest about it – inspires. I wonder if \Hideaway\ is a popular starter song? An instructor of mine assigned it, and something like four years later I still have to watch myself during some of the tricky bits. Interestingly, I have the opposite catch as you: I’m in the habit of trying to motor thru with *alternate picking* in every occasion, even when \economy picking\ (a relatively new concept for me) is clearly a better choice. My tactic is to recall what my best instructors have all said, that \real\ guitar playing isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about economy of movement, and a little like playing pool, in that with each phrase my movements should set me up favorably for the next phrase. It is anything but instinctive for me so I’m glad when people (like instructors, like you) share your experiences and insight. I do hope you’ll continue doing so.

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:49:48 +0000

As a beginning guitarist, I really enjoy reading about your struggles and successes. Sometimes I run into roadblocks too, and it helps to move laterally. For instance, if you are following some lesson books, and not enjoying it, put a bookmark in the book, and move on to another book or another author. Then come back to your first lesson when you are ready.

Keep up the good work!

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:31:25 +0000

I am forever picking songs to learn that are way above my skill level. I actually think that’s not the worst thing in the world, but Steve Howe’s double hammer ons in the beginning of Roundabout feel like something I will never, ever master. I’m playing this at like, 1/4th speed. Very frustrating. But I will keep going! I hope you do too, and tell us about it!

By: Brad Fravel

Brad Fravel — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:35:50 +0000

I have days when I think I am getting better only to have the next day prove me wrong. I am sticking with it, though, and I hope you do too. No virtuosity in my future either; just fun.

By: Gordon McGregor

Gordon McGregor — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:50:28 +0000

Looking forward to more posts from you. I’m somewhere behind you in learning this fascinating, frustrating instrument and I enjoy hearing about your highs and lows.
Gordon McGregor´s last blog ..iPhone photography