I’m Hugo from Lisbon, Portugal, 42 years old. Back in my teens, I learned the basic chords from a friend who was (and still is) an amazing guitarist. We used to play a few songs together and spend some really fun afternoons jamming. I’ve always found rhythm trickier than chord changes (though basic strumming is fine), and I never really got into barre chords (except for F) or more intermediate/advanced techniques. I also used to “dabble” on the organ a bit to accompany my friend. Everything super basic!
Fast forward 30 years, after a long break from playing any instrument, I decided to pick up the guitar again. I’ve always loved music, but I wouldn’t call myself naturally musical — I can’t figure out songs by ear and don’t really know them off the top of my head. Still, the itch was always there, and I just wanted to be able to play for friends and family. Having known Justin’s videos for years, I decided to start again from scratch in my spare time (which, unfortunately, isn’t much).
I’m currently on Grade 2 – Module 10, and so far it’s going really well. Muscle memory has been a huge help. Fingers crossed I don’t hit any roadblocks! On the plus side, my motivation is sky-high right now!
Hi, Hugo. I’m 48, from The States, and you and I are at the same mark in the lessons. I think the last Justin lesson I took was the fingerpicking for Happy Birthday. I’ve been sidetracked for about the last week with life’s speed bumps but hope to get back into it this weekend.
Excellent looking forward to see how is the progression
I am also on the grade 1 and keeping to keep up with everyone and everything
Music theory never heard about it until now but is intriguing amazing. I have no idea when I started four months ago what I’m getting into but wow what amazing journey? The jargon still jargon but at least amazing jargon. Here we go my first question to you if I may what do you mean in muscle memory is some lessons on this?
Enjoy your road in the musical world and thank you for the introduction.
It’s like your fingers have a secret diary—they remember where to go on the fretboard even if your brain has forgotten the theory. At first, they might be a little rusty (like they just woke up from a long nap), but with a bit of practice they quickly get back into shape.
So, “muscle memory” is basically your hands doing you a favor and saving your brain some extra work.
Hi Hugo!
Welcome! I’m Lorena, 38, from Spain. I’m still in Grade 1, and, as you I barely have spare time to practise but I try my best. As you I’ve never been able to obtein the chords of a song by ear. Hopefully, we will in a while. I also play the piano.
Hi Hugo, welcome to the community forum. I knew all the basic chords when I started learning from Justin. I have learned the most about rhythm and strumming from watching and playing along to a lot of Justin’s song lesson videos. He introduces several different levels of strumming in every lesson.
Yeah, that’s been my approach too. Back in my teens I was fine just sticking with one strumming pattern and a handful of songs, but these days, besides following Justin’s course, I try to mix things up a lot more with the songs I’m learning. The song grade system on the site is super helpful!
