I recieved a message today stating that I’m officially a “member” of the community. So, I suppose it’s time for me to start my learning log.
Here is my introduction if you are interested in how I got here.
Gear
Squier Classic Vibe '70s Telecaster Custom
Blackstar Debut 15e
I had a Fender Mustang Micro, but I made the mistake of leaving it sitting on my amp and the pooch claimed it as a chew toy 
Polytune Clip
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Short Term Goal
Right now I just want to learn the fundamentals and see where it takes me.
Long Term Goal
I didn’t really have any long term goals when I started this journey. As I’ve progressed through Grade 1, I find myself more interested in learning techniques than memorizing songs. I believe I would ultimately like to focus on improvisation. We’ll see how my goals might change as I make my way through the courses.
Grade 1 Progress
- Module 1 — Completed
- Module 2 — Completed
- Module 3 — Completed
- Module 4 — Completed
- Module 5 — Completed
- Module 6 — Completed
- Module 7 — Completed
Passing Grade 1
#1 You should be able to tune your guitar with a tuner.
I was actually doing this before starting the course.
#2 Memorize and play the 8 essential beginner chords on the guitar.
I believe I am doing well with chord perfect on all 8 chords and I can do them in any order.
#3 Play 30 chord changes in 1 minute.
I am able to 40 -50 on most combinations, and 60 on a few such as E to D.
#4 Play The Old Faithful strumming pattern consistently at 80 beats per minute.
80 bpm is not problem. I typically practice at 112 because that is the tempo of my chosen performance song. I occasionally go offbeat, but I feel I’m doing fairly well at this tempo. Doing it with chord changes is where I begin to fumble.
#5 Memorize 5 easy songs.
This is where I currently stand:
-
Song #1: Tide is High by Blondie
Memorized and can play with very few mistakes. -
Song #2: Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix
I can play this song with a backing track and not looking at the app. I am using D D DUD (1 2 3&4) as my strumming pattern. -
Song #3: Louie, Louie by The Kingsmen
I can play this from memory at a tempo of 100bpm. I make too many mistake at the song’s normal 125bpm. My strumming pattern is DUD D D (1&2 3 4). -
Song #4: Chocolate Jesus by Tom Waits
My most difficult choice. I chose this song because it includes Am and Dm to round out all the chords I’ve learned. I can play it fairly well with basic straight strums while using the app, but I’m having a difficult time memorizing it. -
Song #5: Last Kiss by Pearl Jam
I chose this as my performance song because it’s fun to play and was pretty easy to learn.I can play it okay with a backing track, not using the app, but I’m still making too many mistakes to post it as my AVOYP. Hoping to do this by end of this year — next week.
Updated December 28, 2022
I’ve posted my first AVOYP and will be moving on from Grade 1 while continuing to work on my trouble areas.
Last Kiss by Pearl Jam, Grade 1 AVOYP
January 01, 2023
I’ve decided not to move on to Grade 2 just yet. Instead, I will spend several weeks on the following:
- Continue my Grade 1 practice routine with modifications based on the generous advice from @Richard_close2u
- Supplement my learning with additional courses
- Music Theory Grade 1 — Completed
- Ear Training Grade 1 — Completed
- Getting Into Garage Band — Completed
- Strumming SOS Grade 1 | Foundations — Completed
- In-person lessons to help identify problems and improve technique — Completed
