As part of my Grade 1 consolidation I’m trying to commit some songs to memory. Here are some recordings I did on Sunday evening. I want to get 5 songs in my internal songbook before I shuffle on to Grade 2.
Wagon Wheel - this took 6 attempts to get past the first verse as I kept singing “strumming” instead of “thumbing my way”.
Knocking on Heaven’s Door - managed to get this in one take. I’ve only just started listening to Dylan’s original after previously being more familiar with the GnR version.
These are both just shot on my phone as I don’t have any recording equipment just yet. Hope you enjoy and any feedback gratefully received. Cheers, Michael
Thanks Michael! Very generous of you to say that. To be honest, when I started Justin’s lessons I could probably play all of those chords after having learned them way back when. However, I feel like I’ve learned so much in Grade 1 which has enabled to do something more constructive than just playing random chords. I couldn’t play a song 6 months ago, strum consistently, hold a pick, etc. I’m excited to see what Grade 2 has in store and look forward to Grade 4+ when the time arrives
Hi Michael - Your more than ready for G2. Keep on doing what your doing as it’s working wonders for you. Totally with you on sticking to G1 goals to ensure you’ve applied everything that you’ve learned from a musical perspective. Your building solid foundations that way. Playing, singing and not focusing on the hands is a big accomplishment for G1.
Wow, for Grade 1 passing this is really great, Michael!
Singing and playing, solid rhythm, throwing in little licks here and there - yep, you’re ready for Grade 2! You build a solid foundation already and throwing in those extra bits. But I get why you want to stick to the goals - it’s also a good motivation to finally get these songs ingrained to memory.
Keep on doing what you’re doing. You are well on your way.
well done Michael, I really enjoyed both songs. Your playing has a solid groove, you have a good singing voice, and you perform with confidence. I particularly liked how you had a little glitch towards the end of Wagon Wheel, but you basically ignored it and just got straight back in the groove like a seasoned pro. I’d say you’re not only ready for grade 2, but you’re also ready to perform live in the community Open Mic. Hope to see you there soon!
I listened to your rendition of Knocking, Michael. It’s great, well beyond grade 1 level IMHO. Great feel, the extra strums, embellishments. Crack on with GR2 and keep working on the songs from grade 1.
Excellent Michael. Super confident strumming, chords and embellishments.
Like you it’s the lyrics I forget. After a couple of goes I can usually remember the chords to a song I haven’t played for a while.
Well done.
Hi Michael,
Your strumming is really even across the strings, rhythmic, snappy where it neds to be, and very enjoyable to listen to.
Excellent work.
And importantly - you are properly learning the songs by memory - stick with this approach, it’s crucial for a multitude of reasons. There are many people never wean themselves off the sheet.
Thank you everyone for your very kind words and feedback. I really appreciate all your comments and feedback and that you took the time to watch my videos. I’m blown away by the support of this community and I hope I can contribute similarly to others. Hope everyone is doing well. Cheers, Michael
You build a solid foundation already and throwing in those extra bits. But I get why you want to stick to the goals - it’s also a good motivation to finally get these songs ingrained to memory. 
