Hey everybody
Just got home from the Athens Cabin Camp 2025 & am very inspired/motivated. Had a great time and met so many great, like minded folks. I talked to Ben about using this forum to document my guitar journey to keep me accountable, solicit feedback and track my progress.
A few things about me -
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I’m 55 and live in Boone, NC
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Been playing guitar off/on since I was teenager
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Started out with rock/metal, got into the Grateful Dead in college, which led me to Old & In the Way. Got into alt-country and then about 15 years ago, really got onto bluegrass. Doc is my hero!
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Been a regular closet picker for the past 10-15 years. My 2 deaf Great Danes are my biggest & only fans.
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I struggle with stage fright, but have been to numerous camps/workshops that have slowly been helping me. I still struggle playing in front of folks but am much better now than I have been in the past.
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About a year ago I did about 40 “Fiddle Tunes of the Week” that I posted on social media & YouTube. Helped up my tempo a bit & even though it always took multiple takes before I would post, I think it helped with my stage fright.
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I also take private lessons
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Goal #1 - I’m addicted to tab and want to break away from using tab as a crutch.
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Goal #2 - join a local jam and attend at least once a month, if not weekly.
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Goal #3 - get better at improvisation instead of relying on memorized breaks
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Goal # 4 - improve speed. I can play rhythm at most speeds but for breaks I’m most comfortable at around 85-90 bpm.
I consider myself an intermediate player, but I’m gonna start with the beginner track.
Jonathan Ward