I’ve been lurking here a few weeks, a bit nervous about raising my head above the parapet. But you seem like a lovely bunch, so here goes
I had a few lessons and an inexpensive but fab electric guitar when I was a teenager but through a combination of poor tuition and lack of confidence I didn’t get very far.
I’ve come back to it with a proper cheap acoustic and following Justin’s course and I’ve already progressed beyond what I did all those years ago. Or perhaps I learned more previously than I’d realised due to the lack of confidence… who knows?
I’m introducing myself now because I’ve hit a small bump in the road. My finger pain stopped a few days ago but now the hardened skin has torn away on my third finger and it’s agony to play so I’m currently concentrating on strumming patterns (muted fret board), ear training and music theory (I’m learning the triads on the first three strings).
Hopefully my finger will heal quickly because I don’t want to lose momentum!
Good to hear that you’re beginning your guitar Journey again… sorry about the callouses… finger pain is not a lot of fun! Don’t worry though, it’ll get better with time… as will your playing if you stick with Justin!!!
I’m curious about your username… Wee Tor as in small hill, maybe?
Head over here
Aww dont be afraid. Lots of great kind and friendly people here. All types of music and ages as well. Feel free to ask questions and none are too wierd or basic, people will answer and give good advice.
I am glad you battle the demon and posted, well done.
I have a little nail clipper kit with my guitar stuff and it has a metal nail file in it but I started keeping some various grits of sandpaper in there because I was swipping my wifes spongey nail boards to help knock off ridges and snags. Like what was said you dont want to be tearing any flesh.
I’ve mentioned this before; I find a glass nail file better than emery boards or sand paper. It has a finer abrasive surface, so it leaves the calluses smoother, and there’s no sand falling off.
no need to, you will have noticed that we are a very friendly and supportive community.
Give your fingers time to heal - learning to play the guitar is not a race. All the best and have fun!
Hi WeeTors
Nice to meet you, good to have you here
It’s been said but I’ll say it again, this community is really friendly, supportive and encouraging
Also, giving your calouses a quick soak in some warm water a bit before practice to soften them helps too, if you have the time/patience for it.
Hope your finger feels better soon, it’s great that you’re spending time focusing on different areas instead of stopping.
Wishing you a lot of fun on your guitar journey
Hello WeeTors.
Hello Davey.
You’re a vintage fellow - come say hello to the ‘Old Dogs’ and perhaps join a Vintage Club session.
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.
It’s been a hectic couple of weeks as I’ve been moving into my new house, which is a bit of a project, and arranging builders etc. at this time of year is… fun.
I’ve missed quite a bit but yesterday managed to pack in a good 90 minute session, playing and singing and feeling awesome!
Then… today… wow. My fingers would not move, my 3rd finger kept bending the wrong way (which apart from sounding bad, it gives me the ick) and I was out of time and… urgh. Managed to finish the session by strumming a few good chords and checking all the strings rang out cleanly. But so deflated.
so I’m currently concentrating on strumming patterns (muted fret board), ear training and music theory (I’m learning the triads on the first three strings).
