Hi All, I’m finally getting around to “introducing” myself. (I wanted to make sure that I was going to stick with the guitar before posting). Joined this site in May of this year and have been enjoying it immensely (although I do apologize occasionally to my wife about missed chords when practicing a new song). Am currently working through Grade 2 - lesson 8.
I am in my late 50s. I purchased an acoustic guitar when I was ~16 years old. Went to a month’s worth of lessons at a music store(Schmidt Music ?) at the local mall and after completing a 4 week intro series of lessons, the guitar sat in its case for the next 40 years. Jump ahead 40 years, I retired, made a big move overseas and decided that it was time to finally become a rock star. Ok, maybe not a rock star, but learn to (competently) play guitar. Did a little research, decided that I wasn’t going to go crazy purchasing expensive equipment that I might not use, and ended up buying a Yamaha 112v Pacifica and Boss Katana-mini amp.
Overall, happy with my progress. Struggling with a few things, am really happy with my progress learning to play Gary Jules version of Mad World, but not looking forward to learning the F chord. I did a sneak peak at the lesson. I can barely play the C chord with the muted E string. Not sure how I am going to manage the F chord. Oh well, will worry about that chord when I get to that lesson.
haha, wanted to tell you the same but Rogier was quicker!
You might work on it really hard, or otherwise be patient and just work a tiny bit regularly and it’ll get easier and easier.
Hello Kyle & Welcome!!!
I’m sure that as long as you stick to the lessons, you’ll be making fewer & fewer mistakes!!!
It’s definitely a marathon but if you love to play guitar, the Journey is worth the effort!!!
Good luck & have fun!!!
Welcome aboard. Welcome to the community. Lots of resources and a tons of support and friendly people to answer questions. Dont worry about missing chords. Haha we all do it. Soon when you miss a chord your wife probobly wont even notice.
Portugal is a cool place, are you near Nazare’? The waves are seriously amazing. Well I probobly dont have to tell you. I have an ex who is still a very good friend who lives there, she is a photographer. Her work is amazing. She is still pretty ballsy out there just getting photos.
Any way glad you found the community, have a great evening.
Hi Kyle, welcome to the community forum. I’ve heard the Yamaha Pacifica is a nice electric guitar and should give you lots of fun as you learn to rock. The Katana Amp is good also.
Hang in there with the full F barre chord. It’s worth the effort. It took me some months before it sounded clean, it’s a gateway drug to lots of barre chord goodness.
Hi Kyle
Nice to meet you
I think you’ll make great progress if you stick with Justin’s lessons and keep going
And this community is very friendly and helpful too
Hi Kyle and a warm welcome to our Community! If this is some consolation to you I still struggle sometimes to play my C chord properly muting the E string after many years …but overall we take more care of the details along the way and things fall into place eventually
Hello Kyle.
Welcome to JustinGuitar and this fantastic community. Please take your time to look around and get to know the wider space. View by Categories.
We are a supportive and encouraging group of students and guitarists from across the world. Essentially, we are all here for music and to improve as players. We truly are a ‘community’. Members help and support one another and a friendly, positive attitude underpins this. We hope that all - young or old, experienced or new players - adopt and foster the pay-it-forward ethos that Justin personifies and embedded all those years ago when he started the website and forum.
Also, please make sure to read the Community Etiquette announcement for some important information and guidance.
If you want to record yourself to show your progress and / or seek feedback there is our ever popular Community Recordings section.
Behind the scenes there is a small and dedicated team who work to make the JustinGuitar experience as good as it can be. Check out the Onboarding sessions provided by Fanny.
Justin also has a small group of Approved Teachers he recommends for people wanting 1-to-1 lessons to supplement his courses - of which I am privileged to be one.
and before you know it you’ll be playing the F as if it were an A 
…but overall we take more care of the details along the way and things fall into place eventually 