As I mentioned a few days back, I can put a check mark next to my goal of performing at an open mic. My first open mic
My sole focus for about 1 1/2 months was playing the songs I intended to play in the open mic set. Other than some finger stretch exercises and occasional scale work, playing the set day after day way my only practice. I now need to review my list and figure out what I want to focus on so that I can improve and build up my repertoire.
While I “completed” grades 1 and 2 there are some areas that are not at the level I would like such as the Blues, finger style and being able to improv the scales. This is where I struggle - trying to figure out what I want to practice and focus on so I can advance to playing the more complicated songs I enjoy and creating more of my own music. Going back to the list I posted earlier in the year and having a general idea where I want my journey to go, I am going to focus on grade 2 consolidation practice areas while revisiting music theory. So I think the areas are going to be:
- Work on 7th chord practice (the more challenging varieties of E7, A7 and B7
- Scale work with an attempt to improv to backing tracks
- Blues - standard and quick change, shuffle
- Palm muting and percussive strumming (there are many CCR songs I’d like to learn the use this in addition to Blues songs)
- Continue the finger exercises to improve both speed and finger control/placement
- Review theory modules and continue memorization of notes on all strings through the 12th fret.
- Finger style practice
- Add songs to my repertoire so I can continue going to open mics now that I got the first one out the way. Just need to prioritize the songs that have been on my list for a long time while venturing out to find other songs I want to learn.
Now I need to get the squirrels out of my head and make this happen.
Sorry for the ramble. I’m just trying to write this down as a means to hold myself accountable.