The reason why I did and did not want to start this thread is Commitment. I feel like this makes it all real, not only documenting my progress but a committing to making more progress and not packing it in when I encounter hurdles. There is a sense of accountability not only to myself but to a community of folks whose journeys may either parallel mine or may have something to learn from it.
With that being said: I have some musings after completing Beginner Grade 1. This is also somewhat of a completion of the last lesson, Feedback.
One advantage that I believe I did have when starting the lessons was that I did know the eight basic chord shapes and a few additional ones. I knew my major and pentatonic scales and some basic guitar theory. That is not to say that I could efficiently execute any of it. Going through the lessons and the practice sessions helped me to make a great deal of progress in the execution.
I found the structure that the lessons provided gave me something that was missing in my previous attempts to learn. I had a defined path with verifiable and measurable goals. I work well with that type of structure.
The practice of one minute changes was a gamechanger for me. I used this tool in a number of different ways. I tried to do as many as possible. I tried setting a metronome and pacing myself. I also tried doing as many Chord Perfect changes in the sixty seconds. I also tried just doing a hundred changes without a clock. All of these methods have helped me. Just a note, I am nowhere near where I need to be. So I don’t want to tout success that I haven’t yet experienced. But I know where I need improvement and I have a path to get there.
One additional note on chord changes that I found interesting. I snuck a peak at Grade 2 and I found two lessons that have introduced me to a whole new level of learning:
Alternate Picking…Improv: Feeling the Frets
Get a Pro Upgrade: Playing w/out looking.
I have to agree with the points that Jason is making in these lessons. Especially the one about looking cool. It’s training the mind and the hand to feel the chord shape and their position on the fretboard. This experience was invaluable to me. I can’t speak for anyone else but I believe this should be a part of the Grade 1 learning.
A few final notes. Playing songs is a must for me. This is something else I neglected the importance of in the past. It brings everything together and its the reason I want to make progress and improve my skills…so I can play a few tunes!!!
Things that I need to work on. Getting comfortable with the C chord. Learning the G chord with the first three fingers and changing from that position to other chords. I normally play it with the second, third and pinky because it makes the change to C easier. Learning the A chord transition. I normally play that with the last three fingers as well. Strumming and rhythm. and last but not least learning 10 beginner songs.
So I have some work left to do on Beginner Grade 1 before I move on. I will post when I have made more progress
. Thanks