I’m another mature newbie (61). I spent a few months learning how to buy a guitar and got myself an Evolution by Tanglewood (TW28) on FB marketplace. It passed all my mechanical tests so I got it, 5 strings and all. Restrung it and got off to the races. I’m now 10 weeks in and I’m struggling with the D minor chord, but I have the finger exercise all the way up to the first fret.
I can do most things on their own, but combining is a laugh fest! I am having a blast and I really enjoy the Nitsuj videos.
I picked up guitar to help me listen to music since I’m also a budding audiophile. It has changed how I hear music. It has changed the whole audiophile thing and I expect it will continue to do so as I develop an ear for what notes sound like.
My primary hobby is astronomy, both visual and astrophotography, so next week I’ll be camping at a dark sky park with my guitar. I’ll try to keep it quiet to not bother my neighbors. I’ve taken the approach of many 5 to 10 minute practice sessions every day, no day off unless my schedule is just impossible. I think it has really helped. The guitar is sitting on the unused sofa that I walk by every time I come and go from my office.
Good to hear that you’re building a solid foundation! Follow Justin’s methodology & you can’t go wrong!
As for Dm… as with any chord, it’s going to get easier the more you play it! There’s no substitute for short frequent sessions! You got that one right!!!
Fun is another key ingredient… when you’re smiling & happy whenever you pick up the guitar, you’ll never give up, even in the valleys & plateaus of your Journey!
As for your photography, I haven’t had time to check out your link, but we have a thread here in the Community…
that has some astronomy themed photos you might enjoy. Lots of other fun pics in there too!
I’m wishing you much joy & success with guitar!!!
Good luck!
Yes, you do need a new hobby and yes guitars are a great option. Really great to hear how you are progressing. With your other hobby being an outdoor one, there will be plenty of times when the weather prevents you from enjoying that hobby. Cue the guitar…
I have several other hobbies that are also outdoor and having the guitar as a fallback (originally) for me has been superb. Now it’s my main hobby and the others take a back seat.
Nice photos. A friend who’s into astrophotography visited our rural property, went out with him and he took this photo. That’s Mt Warning / Woolumbin in the distance, it’s the first place in the continent of Australia where sunlight first hits land every morning.
I realise I am not as unique as I might think. I’m called Mark like the OP, live in Australia like Tony, have always had an interest in astronomy, and play guitar. You wouldn’t be archers too, would you?
Welcome Mark! I am about 10-12 weeks in myself and having similar issues with the D minor chord. Can’t seem to get my pinky just on one string:( But U am loving being able to at least fake playing a few songs!
Great to hear from everyone. Indeed the Dm was the first chord that totally perplexed me. I had 4 dead strings. Yep, 4 out of 4! After 2 days I explained to my wife what a good chord looked like and showed her my Dm. She could see what I was doing wrong and within a few minutes I played it for the first time. I can now play it in my own (given 15 seconds or so to get all set up). It will come!
This adventure is a blast.
My next goal: do a duet with a friend from high school. We graduated together and she is learning the keyboard. Neither of us can sing, but we can play. Perhaps by Christmas something worth sharing.
My crazy goal: Play “Black Sheep” by Ben Fuller. Yes with all the picking, not strumming. For my church and deliver my own introspection on the parable of the prodigal son. Probably 2 or 3 years off, but it is a goal.
I’ve taken the approach of many 5 to 10 minute practice sessions every day, no day off unless my schedule is just impossible. I think it has really helped. The guitar is sitting on the unused sofa that I walk by every time I come and go from my office.
