My name is Michael. I am 74 years old and retired last year. I have been playing (for my own amusement) for a few years. I used Justin’s lessons a few years ago…even purchased the Musopia app. I did not like it as it seemed to not keep a steady rhythm. I chalk that up to me having anemic hardware. I did like the idea of “playing with the band” for many songs. It adds a bit of realism.
I have tried other on-line teachers and have not felt comfortable. Too fast… too technical… too much. My son even bought me some “face to face” lessons. But it moved too slow for me.
I have a number of songs (maybe 10 or 12) that I can play all the way through without referring to the tab. I have a lifetime membership to Ultimate Guitar, so I can get tabs for just about any song I want to play. I have recorded myself playing many songs (though not lately) so I can look back on them to see that, yes, I have made progress. But, I need structure.
I play mostly acoustic although I have a few electric guitars. I feel “closer” to the music when I am play acoustic.
The last time I was doing these lessons I made it to beginner grade 3. I am staring over to solidify my techniques and fix any bad habits I picked up while away. I am able, right now in Basic 1, to blast through a module a day. I am sure that will slow down as I get into more advanced topics.
I have a VERY long term goal. I downloaded the tablature for Classical gas by Mason Williams. When I get that to work, I will say that I am a good guitar player. Yes, I am currently a guitar player, just not so good a one. I hope to get in on the open mic stuff. I have never played in front of people and that would be a great learning experience.
Hi Michael, welcome back to the community and Justin’s lessons. I will also try to learn to play Classical Gas someday. I found that it is found near the back of Justin’s Vintage Songbook. You will need to do a lot of finger picking songs and perhaps a little classical guitar to master that song, but it is good to have a dreamer song.
Great stuff, great progress and welcome back. I’m with you, the acoustic guitar just works for me much more so than the electric. My 17 year old rock and roll self would be appalled at the music I now play. Look forward to hearing more from you.
Good luck with your current “re-start”! Hope it works out well for you!
Classical Gas a a great “Dreamer”! I recently heard a version of Mason Williams playing it sos, just the man & his guitar! It was so cool!
Hello Michael.
Welcome to JustinGuitar and this fantastic community. Please take your time to look around and get to know the wider space. View by Categories.
We are a supportive and encouraging group of students and guitarists from across the world. Essentially, we are all here for music and to improve as players. We truly are a ‘community’. Members help and support one another and a friendly, positive attitude underpins this. We hope that all - young or old, experienced or new players - adopt and foster the pay-it-forward ethos that Justin personifies and embedded all those years ago when he started the website and forum.
Also, please make sure to read the Community Etiquette announcement for some important information and guidance.
If you want to record yourself to show your progress and / or seek feedback there is our ever popular Community Recordings section.
Behind the scenes there is a small and dedicated team who work to make the JustinGuitar experience as good as it can be. Check out the Onboarding sessions provided by Fanny. Justin also has a small group of Approved Teachers he recommends for people wanting 1-to-1 lessons to supplement his courses - of which I am privileged to be one.
That is plenty to be going on with. It is a vast community space so if you need help as you find your way around just ask.
Cheers. Richard
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