Indeed the community is a great place and I’ve been very surprised by the positive and encouraging response from people. I started about 7 weeks ago and I’m up to Module 5 of Grade 1. I’m practising every day but taking it relatively slowly. Despite the urge to move on in the course and learn more chords, after advice from another guitar player in the Community, I have really been focussing on timing and basic strumming patterns before trying to go further. So far so good. I certainly feel as though I am improving, although i have some bad days too. Chord changes are getting faster and more fluent.
At present, I can play along in a basic way to number of songs using either 2 or 3 chords (out of E, Em, A, Am, D and Dm) and with the 1st strumming pattern taught in Justin’s course. I feel that i am improving but i can see that keeping in time is something I am always going to have to work on (i’m definitely not a natural!). I tried some other songs that have more complicated strumming patterns but have not managed to master them yet - I find it difficult switching to another strumming pattern.
My other problem at present is that I’m pressing too hard on the strings with my fret hand, and if I try to strum some chords harder, I automatically press down on the strings much harder with my fret hand, which clearly isn’t actually necessary.
p.s. It also helps that I really like the guitar I bought. Squier Affinity Telecaster Sunburst. It was an impulse buy (as was the decision to start leaning guitar). Without knowing anything about guitars, it seems I chose well, as I love the sound and feel of this instrument. I know that it’s at the lower end of the range, but I am amazed at the sound, and the range of different sounds it makes and the quality for not a lot of money. Has already given me hours of fun, and looks good too!
Hello Ian & welcome! I’m not going to add any advice, the tips & comments above are good for this stage of your journey.
In regards to the pressing too hard issue, I agree that when your strumming becomes more “automatic”, you’ll be able to focus more on the fretting hand. Do you practice strumming while muting all the strings as Justin demonstrates in many of his videos? I find this really helpful in practicing strumming patterns without worrying about anything else except for trying to keep in time. After you get the strumming to the point that it feels more natural & comfortable, you can work more on the other hand.
Belated welcome to the community Ian!
That’s a beautiful sunburst telecaster you got there
Wishing you many happy days ahead learning and playing your guitar
