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
12 Likes
welcome 
1 Like
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
1 Like
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.
1 Like
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
1 Like
Welcome to the forum Thomas
1 Like
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
1 Like
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. 
1 Like
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.
2 Likes
Hi Thomas, welcome to the community forum.
1 Like
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.
1 Like
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!
1 Like
Hi Thomas
Welcome here and I wish you a lot of fun 
Greetings,Rogier
1 Like
Hi Thomas and that F Chord will soon be as easy as any other cheers HEC UK
1 Like
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