Hi!
Music has always been a part of me and I have ended up trying to play basically any instrument that ends up in the same room as me or that opportunities allow (learnt viola in primary school then self tought myself some piano in secondary school since I had to get to school early and my form room was a music room so nice way to pass the time) but guitar was always the instrument that stood out to me. So after an absolutely horrible final year of my master’s at uni for my graduation I picked myself up my dream guitar and started learning after finding this site recommended. Currently about 2 months in and loving every second of it. Although the mini F chord is my absolute nemesis
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welcome 
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Hello Thomas & Welcome!!!
Congratulations on graduating!!! What’s your degree in? Also, what’s your “dream guitar”?
Learning guitar can be a bit of a challenge but the rewards make the Journey worthwhile!!! To me, the 2 most basics elements are to play often & keep things fun!
I recommend buying a stand or wall hanger - have your guitar ready to pick ip & play at a moment’s notice… then, when you have 5-10 minutes while you’re waiting for something (for me it’s while the coffee’s brewing in the AM) you can sneak in a few minutes of practice!
Also, sometimes practicing something that’s not “happening” can be a downer… when that occurs, do something you love! Play a song that’s fun… work on finger dexterity with one of Justin’s finger exercises, doesn’t matter what, just noodle about a bit & enjoy yourself! Just keep the “Desire Fire” burning & you’ll never stop playing - by the way, it’s called “PLAYING” guitar for a reason!!! 
Good luck my friend!!!
Tod from New Mexico USA
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Hi!
My degree was masters in mechanical engineering and my dream guitar is a strat in blue.
And absolutely, I like a good challenge and it wouldn’t be fun if it wasn’t challenging. I already have it on a stand so basically any free time I get I can pick it up and play through a song or riff or practice chords.
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That’s cool!!
A strat is a great tool for creating some awesome tones! Did you already pick up an amp also? Remember to keep practice lots of fun & you’re going to be fine!
Tod
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Welcome to the forum Thomas
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Thank you! Yep, I got an amp with the guitar, been playing for 2 months now and I’m already fairly comfortable with the F barre chord and strumming feels nice and natural
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Welcome Thomas!
Isn’t it odd how that mini-F chord seems more difficult than the full barre chord? Don’t worry, the difficulty will pass. 
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Welcome to the community. It’s a great place. As a university professor really I hope the final year of your MSc wasn’t that bad.
Don’t worry, an MSc in mech eng is difficult but only takes 2 years. You will be learning guitar the rest of your life. 
But it’s probably more fun.
I’m 2 years in and found the F barre a doddle but I still can’t master the mini F.
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Hi Thomas, welcome to the community forum.
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Hello Thomas,
welcome and enjoy your journey.
About mini F… it was really hard for me too, even so much, that I learned full bare F and dont use mini F at all. 
On your journey you will bump into songs where is better use of mini F or bare F. So its good to learn both. I am sure its in your shedule. Justin recommend first the mini one.
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Hi Thomas,
welcome!
With a degree in mechanical engineering, you’ll easily understand how to fix guitar issues, string gauge vs. string tension, all the technical audio stuff - great!
Wishing you lots of fun!
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Hi Thomas
Welcome here and I wish you a lot of fun 
Greetings,Rogier
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Hi Thomas and that F Chord will soon be as easy as any other cheers HEC UK
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Thanks folks! Very much enjoying my guitar journey so far.
Mini F is getting more consistent but I’m still trying to find a way to play it where I’m not straining my index finger or wrist
Hello Thomas
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.
That is plenty to be going on with. It is a vast community space so if you need help as you find your way around just ask.
Cheers. Richard
| Approved Teacher, Official Guide & Community Moderator |
Welcome Thomas! Fellow viola player here.