My name is Jacob and I am an addict. Hooked on this instrument, and most all things music really. I’ve been playing everyday for around 6 months now. Probably somewhere along the lines of 1.5-2 hrs a day. I tried guitar around 10 years ago, but life quickly got in the way before I had learned more than the basic chords shapes. In that time however I discovered Justin and his lessons. Not knowing how valuable they would become to me. I truly appreciate what he’s created. Bettering humanity through teaching and passing on vast sums of his knowledge completely free.(very refreshing) I also tend to enjoy his philosophy on the instrument and life in general. Thanks big dawg.
Now as far as my progress goes. I finished grade 2 and am working on applying that knowledge to my play. Im working on theory and fingerstyle, but I want to learn everything I can. I am also working on ironing out a lot of the kinks, and bad habits I’ve picked up from learning strictly online. This part has been tough because I am no longer learning huge chunks of stuff. My brain loves learning new things. Not so much polishing up on things it has a basic understanding of already. Also I have no Input outside of the echo-chamber that is my mind. Which I feel has been quite the impediment to my progress. Finding people that are not only willing, but that I’d be comfortable enough playing around is very hard. The progress is also much more subtle which can be discouraging. I’m still having a blast playing and learning though, and I don’t expect that to change. I can see why some people would quit around this time. Personally I am totally enamored with the ability to express myself and create feeling without needing words. Although I do enjoy singing. Those words are different lol. I’ve read a few topics and everyone has seemed very supportive and friendly so far. I look forward to making connections through music and this community.
PS: Pretty sure I gave myself sciatica due to bad playing posture
Welcome here and I wish you a lot of fun and a nice learning curve
You can start by trying to overcome any obstacle to your progress by quickly recording a video of yourself, and if you are in a slump in a month ( 2 5 7?) or so, watch it back… then there is a very good chance that you pat yourself on the back…
Post AVOYP (a video in this section) then you can also get good feedback and prevent very bad habits from creeping in…
Hi Jacob, welcome to the community! Agree totally with your good words about Justin.
I’ve just started Grade 3, and have had a similar experience. I wonder if it’s typical at this stage? I’ve just readjusted how I define “learning” to include improving existing skills - which includes ironing out the kinks. That helps!
Ha ha, I’ve been there and done that … and and and although it’s hard to imagine after seeing a number of videos of mine and the many many posts, I felt completely naked the first time at least after 10 times posting a video and still when I post very personal things … after a while I/you get used to it, but it takes a freaking long time for me … but it also gives a nice kick and that’s funny
Take you`re time but make absolutely recordings for yourself to watch and especially to listen to because the first few times you are afraid to burst because everyone who has become good does that and it will give your learning process a boost … and your ego too if you do something about it. look back later if you feel like you are not making any progress
Grade 1 is 4 to 6 months of training , grade 2 is around a year worth of training
you’ve been doing it in just 6 months … its a tad too fast
If you dont like to do like me and do over and over the exercices , you have to play songs play songs play songs !!!
Play many many songs to put into practice what you’ve learned
I’m sure that with the effort you’ve putting into your Journey, the dedication your post indicates & Justin’s (& this Community’s) help, your dreams of playing well will happen! It takes time & lots of repetition!
Someone asked me recently how many hours I have practiced this year… I truly have no idea but I think that if the question would have been how many “D” chords I’ve played, the answer would have been “Thousands”!!! I have all my open chords DOWN because of the reps I have put in!
Like learning any other physical skill… have you ever watched someone learning to pole vault? It’s a bit comical at first… months later though, they’re clearing that bar!!!
Keep your enthusiasm & excitement for guitar, keep playing & keep it Fun!!!
Good luck!
Welcome Jacob and WOW. I can relate to almost everything you said, including the sciatica (which in my case predates guitar but doesn’t appreciate slumping). Been working with Justin’s team for two years plus, always wanting to try a new lesson or a new song rather than work on technique and timing with the unforgiving metronome. One thing I’ve been trying to do is play standing up. It fixes your posture and makes you play without staring at your fingers. Good luck and good times ahead!
Welcome Jacob!
It sounds like you’re analysing the situation quite well, so that’s a good sign when learning by one’s self.
Oh no - I am recognising myself here!
This has the good effect of always being motivated and having fun!
But try not to make it as much as I do / did - after 4 and 1/2 years, I can play quite nicely for and by myself, but I have very very little to present for any potential listener! Barely any complete song, because I’m no big fan of intros, solos, outros, or little details. And that’s what I’m trying to fix lately…
Hi Jacob, welcome to the community forum. I like to learn new things too and decided to slowly work through grade 3 while I worked on grade 2 consolidation. You can look at my learning log and others learning logs for ideas if interested. I eventually had to alternate weeks between the new grade 3 and the 2 review and consolidation which includes learning a lot of songs. Be sure the look at as many grade 2 and grade 3 song lesson videos as you are able. All the song lessons can include new strumming info and sometimes new chords and riffs. Also when you move to grade 3 a full day of practice lasts 2 hours, which an hour of technical exercises and 1 hour of song practice as advised by Justin. It is OK to work on multiple levels to keep it interesting and when you get to grade 3 you will find a lot of tips for improving your practices and the suggestion to learn songs at multiple levels of difficulty. Have fun.
Yea I see now that although I get this gist of most of the stuff so far. The accuracy with which I apply the info isn’t going improve, until I put some real conscious effort into understanding more than a gist of the info. The Implementation requires a lot of finesse, and patience for one’s self. I think learning guitar has been very therapeutic for me in that way. I can’t just get frustrated with myself every time I hit a little curve.
I’m scared of the metronome. It exposes me every time😂 yea I had to explore that as well. I knew I wasn’t going to give up guitar. I was just gonna give up sitting!
Yeah, I know my musical library is limited, but I can already see myself just picking up the parts of songs that I enjoy. Then saying to hell with the rest. Trying to make myself stick to a song past when the novelty of learning wears off has been tough! I appreciate you responding!
… but it also gives a nice kick and that’s funny 
