I just got back from my second cabin camp in Athens, Georgia. What a great experience! Last year I came back fired up but the fire died after a few weeks. This year I’m determined to do better. I’m not really good enough to participate in cabin camp so I have my first goal. One year from now I want to be back in Athens, but I want to be able to play in jams and I want to be able to perform if I decide to. I don’t want my skill level to be what holds me back. Ben suggested starting a thread so here it goes. I’m working through the basic beginner guitar checklist. Working on old Joe Clark now. I’ve seen some improvement this week and it’s encouraging. One question I’ve had is should I master a lesson before moving onto the next or how quickly should I try to move through the lessons? In the past, I think I have tried to move too fast and became overwhelmed. It’s hard to know what pace I should move through the lessons. What are your thoughts?
Fired up after Cabin Camp
So glad you came, my brother! That’s a common question about the speed of progression. I don’t think you should have to master it, no. I think you should have a mental and physical grip on it. Do you understand it…can you play it through, even if slow, with no pauses…those kinds of things
Do you have anyone close to you to work with in person? Nothing beats in person interaction.
Mr g
I do have folks locally. . . Time to get together with them, not so much. I do hope to get with some family and friends and play together.
If you would like to, I would be happy to be an accountability partner via ZOOM a couple times a month. You and I can share what we are working on. Let me know if you would be up for that.
mr g
That’s awesome Paige! An accountability partner is a great idea. Also, regular interactions help folks mitigate the fear of playing in front of others.
You are too kind Paige! I’m hopeful that posting and staying engaged here will do the trick. I don’t know that I’m ready to commit to standing monthly commitments. My job right now is crazy. I worked from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm yesterday. I do have a guitar at the office so I got in a few minutes of practice at lunch. I can’t tell you guys how much I appreciate the support and encouragement! Thank you!
That’s a great goal, Luke! Any effort you put toward that goal will be rewarded.
I can tell you from experience that finding and going to a jam group will get you there 10 times faster than trying on your own. I avoided jams for years because I just didn’t think I was good enough. I finally broke down and started going on the regular. My playing has never improved faster.
If you haven’t already, I’d recommend really mastering this lesson.
https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/intro-to-alternate-picking-guitar-guitar-beginner
Pick direction is the key to playing faster and cleaner. If you can train your hand to pick in the right direction every time, other lessons will be easier for you.
Good luck!
Thanks Mark! Working on that now. It’s sad to say but one of the struggles I’m having is counting and picking at the same time🤣 I’ve noticed a good bit of improvement this week, so I’m hopeful that continues!
Don’t feel bad for feeling like you’re stuck on something. I’ve literally been working on “Diatonic triad pairs” for a month now. That’s just a fancy way of saying the 1 and 2m chords. For example, G and Am all the way up and down the neck. Then go to the 4 © and find C and Dm, then the 5, so D and Em.
When you say it, it sounds super simple, but seriously… a month. You’ll get it. 