JK's learning log

[jkahn]

Is this old thread still here? At over a year since my last log, I figured I’d do an update.

I’m a few years into playing guitar now, and don’t see myself stopping. I’m back to playing most days, but not every day. I go through periods where I just play (the most fun) and other times when I’m learning something new (watching videos and repeat, repeat, repeat - not as fun).

At some stage I definitely crossed the line from “learner” to “guitarist”. If a song is chords and a strumming rhythm, or a straightforward-ish riff, I can usually play it fine straight away. Where the hard part was often the learning of the song, now it’s the grind of memorising the parts. A different challenge. Plenty of lead stuff or harder riffs - e.g. complicated (relatively) arpeggiations - take longer to learn. Plenty is still beyond me at my intermediate level.

I enjoy playing, but definitely go through periods where I play more and others when I play less. It usually depends on what else is going on in life and my energy levels.

Singing. I ditched the singing lessons a long time ago. I improved, but very slowly, and with a lot of effort. It just wasn’t as enjoyable for me as guitar, either - definitely because I am not a natural at it. I still struggle to hold a tune. And it’s clear to me that almost all popular songs are too high for me to sing well. I still sing a bit, but there’s no way I’ll ever be good at it. As my wife said: “you’ve improved, but nobody would pay to hear you sing”. (I’m not looking for compliments here - this is true - also, I stopped singing lessons but I won’t stop singing).

Why do I still play guitar?

When I started guitar, it was to see if I could learn it. And I did! I’ve become better than I expected I ever would be. At some stage after that I thought that perhaps I could join a band or play at a real life open mic. But… I don’t really go and see bands. I stay at home at night, or catch up with other families on the weekend. Grassroots bands aren’t very popular anymore either. Open mics… well, there are struggling musicians with pro level skills everywhere - why would anyone IRL be that interested in listening to my intermediate skills? Really, the only community I know of that’s interested in listening to learners is this one, so that’s where I’ll stay. Or if a mate asks for a jam, I’d do that too.

So I play guitar… to play guitar. To enjoy it. And that’s why I’m not too fussed about being too fussy with how much I practice these days.

I’m planning on performing at the next JGC OM… and to tell the truth, haven’t been practising that much this week! Although I did hook my microphone up again.

[roger_holland]

Hi Jk,
Clear and honest review. Good to read that you play the guitar regularly

Greetings from the other side

[jkahn]

The other side of the world, or of disciplined practice?

Thanks Rog

[sclay]

Good read JK. Solid and honest. Good to hear you’re still playing regularly.

Cheers, Shane

[roger_holland]

Ha ha, nice that you picked that up , it was indeed meangt in a double meaning … only instead of the disciplined practice that I exchange for 'every day if my body allows it and then usually at least 1 hour until … well mostly I pick up that thing at leat 6 times a day ( i guess) ’ But then I fumble through the day and criss-cross lessons/practice ols songs and exercises etc etc…

I just always remember what Justin says

“the hardest part about learning guitar is getting your butt on that chair”…

Well that’s not a problem here

Greetings

[Socio]

@jkahn

Is this old thread still here? At over a year since my last log, I figured I’d do an update.

The system must have asked you several times whether you were sure you wanted to resurrect the topic Good to hear that you are still playing regularly and most importantly enjoying it.

[Boris1565]

@jkahn

why would anyone IRL be that interested in listening to my intermediate skills?

I think you are too harsh on yourself. I heard planty open mic performances at different venues and I am sure people wouldn’t be disappointed with your playing.

Good to hear you still play on a regular basis.

[Lisa_S]

@jkahn

So I play guitar… to play guitar

Well, that sums and is kind of spot on. Sometimes playing guitar is just that - and that’s good. I enjoyed your update and echo what others already said: solid and honest. And by the way: You are playing the guitar really, really well.

It’s great to read you’re playing more or less regularly again. I always enjoyed your contributions (with or without singing) so I’m looking forward to the next OM.

[TheMadman_tobyjenner]

JK you made some good progress real quick and were really focused on development and continued in that way but I think the house moves put a little dent in that and made that initial effort harder to maintain. And to be honest you are working, have a family and other commitments and keeping the level of intensity in your practice becomes harder to achieve and just like the work/life balance, there is the gtr/life balance and family will always win the day. Reference my wilderness years and that I only started to move forward by a) retiring and b) finding Justin. So don’t be hard on yourself.

@jkahn

To enjoy it

That is the only reason, so that box has been ticked for sure.

@jkahn

I’m planning on performing at the next JGC OM…

Good to hear that. Not looked at the CFI due to the other distractions but really pleased to see a Brisbane Bounce Back to the OMs, you’ve been missed.

And don’t diss your vocals. You have a low voice and decent range, so you need to make the songs you want to perform meet the capabilities of that instrument. And not stretch that instrument to meet those songs. Find your comfortable vocal Key and transpose the song you want to play to match. Many ways to skin a cat, if I can still say that in this day and age. It might take a capo of a while new set of chords but don’t go for a mirror image of the original, make it yours,

Anyway enough blathering, good to see you and the mojo back !

Rock on

[jkahn]

Thanks for the read @sclay

@Socio

The system must have asked you several times whether you were sure you wanted to resurrect the topic

It totally did… another zombie thread is alive

@Boris1565

I think you are too harsh on yourself.

Nah, I’m not being harsh. More a comment on the state of live music where I live vs my playing (which I am OK with).

@Lisa_S

Sometimes playing guitar is just that - and that’s good.

Totally is Lisa, it’s why I started playing and why I keep going. Same as you, I think?

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

I think the house moves put a little dent in that and made that initial effort harder to maintain

They did Toby - I actually look back at the situation I had (time, house layout, young kids in bed early) and I think that contributed a lot to how often I was able to practice. Now the kids are older and situations changed I’m not sure how easily that could repeat. I am quite happy with how things are now - I don’t have goals of being Joe Satriani and practicing for hours each day.

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

Not looked at the CFI due to the other distractions but really pleased to see a Brisbane Bounce Back to the OMs, you’ve been missed.

Thanks Toby - and yes I will be singing. The next OM is a bit of a sweet spot for timing for me. Shortly after that the kid’s Sunday morning sport starts up - nippers, the kids program at the local surf club - so I’m not sure how consistent with attendance I’ll be able to be.

[Lisa_S]

@jkahn

Same as you, I think?

Totally, yes. I’m lucky whenever I get a few minutes time to play during the day and just play and enjoy.

[KimR]

First of all, well done on still playing! I am sure you are well aware of the famous statistic that quotes a Fender survey that 90% of people who try to learn give up in the first year (or first 3 months depending on what source you read the statistic from).

That puts you in the top 10% just for sticking with it.

I started playing four years ago to protect my brain and my mental health 10 days after my Mum died with dementia. I have picked up my guitar up every single day of those four years except for 2 days, even if I literally play for 2 minutes only.
My singing is weak and most popular songs are meaningless and repetitive without the sung tune, so I switched to Classical guitar after I finished Justin’s Beginner course and I am close to completing grade four in the Trinity College syllabus.
I still can’t play in front of another human being without it turning to worms (so I won’t be taking the exams in the foreseeable future).
I still can only rarely get to the end of a tune without fluffing something.
But:

• I have learnt the skill of learning new things as an adult.
• I am hopefully protecting my brain from dementia in later life.
• Dr Michael Moseley in his new series ‘secret of the super agers’ says that I am protecting my future hearing too.
• I have a tool to help manage stressful times

So have you. You can also play in front of an audience so you are well ahead of me!

[Prof_Thunder]

Nice to read your update. Great that you get to play most days and ultimately enjoyment is what it’s about. You set out to see whether you were able to learn guitar and surpassed your expectations. Now you can enjoy the fruits of your labour playing songs to a good level.

I can’t imagine being able to learn the guitar while doing a full time job and with little kids to look after. I used to regularly fall asleep while reading a bedtime story to my little kids and would never have had the energy to then go and pick up a guitar. My kids are now adults and as they get older you find you have more and more time to do other things and then there’s more time for guitar. My guitar learning started when my kids started university and these days I’m not selling my soul for my day job and taking it easier. Then there’s more time for these things.

Are you going to do the OM with that fantastic Guild or is it an acoustic performance?

Ian

[jkahn]

@KimR

I have picked up my guitar up every single day of those four years except for 2 days, even if I literally play for 2 minutes only.

Thanks for stopping by Kim. Picking the guitar up every day for four years is fantastic - I certainly have had periods where I don’t touch the guitar for a few days. Good work! Good to hear guitar has become integral to your life.

@KimR

I still can only rarely get to the end of a tune without fluffing something.

Perfection is overrated.

@Prof_Thunder

Now you can enjoy the fruits of your labour playing songs to a good level.

Haha. Depends on the song Ian. Some are good, some are “okay-ish” On the kids and guitar thing - what’s happening with the kids is definitely a factor for how much I do or don’t play. The new roadblock is my oldest has just started high school, and when I play it distracts her from doing her homework! The kids are both playing more piano now too, and their practice time quite-rightly takes precedent over mine.

@Prof_Thunder

Are you going to do the OM with that fantastic Guild or is it an acoustic performance?

I’ve been umming and ahhing over that, trying to choose the songs. I think I’ll probably do electric, and use the guild. Might end up changing my mind, though! Thanks for chat Ian.

[Eccleshall]

Hi JK,
Glad you are enjoying your music !
I know you are all over the playing side of things , and being on the Justin site means you’ll always have the nudge of new songs ( whether contemporary or 100 years old) and skills to take a look at.
Re the singing, Yay, Keep at it! Little and often, no biggy, makes all the difference.
The vast majority of home hobbyists never make any attempt to improve their singing,( big mistake) so you should be pleased that you took the plunge previously even if you didn’t get much out of the lessons.
I’ve been following a new YouTube teacher called Alice for a while now. She was a trained singer but suffered at the hands of vile teachers who sucked all the joy out of it. Now she is teaching how she wishes she had been taught. She has a lovely attitude. Puts up brand new content every week. It’s really helped me a lot adding a few singing sessions to my practice time every week.
Here’s the un-auto corrected Music is My channel!
The link is https://youtu.be/eiJvXnSpFtE?si=2080HCuiHyO0lseW

See you at the OM ,
Ruaridh

[TheMadman_tobyjenner]

Think that may be the wrong YT channel Ruaridh. Easy on the eye but I don’t see singing lessons. But it could spark a new interest in Yoga "!

[Eccleshall]

Hi Toby,
thanks for the heads up, how weird,
When I cut and paste her try channels home page it goes to some weird yoga channel with a similar name
Here is the link to one the Music is My vids and you can click through from there!
Unless you’re stuck in downward dog and can’t move!

A full vocal warm up routine with singing tips for strong VOWEL PLACEMENT | MusicForMy... VOICE

[Silvia80]

Hi Jk, I read your update a few days ago, then I thought…

…well first thing is playing guitar just to play guitar and enjoying it much resonated with me…I wouldn’t ask for more than just enjoying what I do in the context of an adult life, job, family and all that comes with that. Guitar just makes my days brighter!

…I thought about that nice original song you once posted and that I would take the time to listen to it before replying to your update, but I couldn’t find it in your YouTube Channel. It was about a woman who wouldn’t sleep, while her man on the other side of the bed could sleep soundly. I remember I much liked it…and the singing it was your thing and sounding good…please tell me it’s your song and I’m not confusing with @Socio as he also has originals that I much like…but I’m pretty sure this one was from you, I remember I thought your voice was low and unique…any chance to share the link again?

[Jenndye429]

Nice to see your update, JK. I relate to a lot of what you’ve written here. I believe that you and I started playing at about roughly the same time.

I think your point about playing because you enjoy it is spot on. I feel similarly these days. Yes, I still like to try to and learn new skills, but it’s slower and at my own pace. I also realized that my enjoyment is in the songwriting space. I think I get more out of this instrument getting to really hone in on my creative side of writing and performing what I love than trying to become a virtuoso on the instrument And I’ve come to realize that that’s ok!

Looking forward to catching your performance at the next OM

[jvlynch]

jkahn, I’m looking forward to seeing you at the next OM. Can’t wait. Everyone gets ‘good days’ and ‘bad days’ where they either play well or don’t feel like it. Sometimes life just gets in the way of all the fun. I hate when that happens. I’d say go for the singing at OM. Unless you’re super flat/off key, I think it’ll be brilliant. People sit and listen to people singing and generally admire them, unless they’re just plain awful, which I doubt very much in your case. Practice singing and playing beforehand, and see what you feel. Can’t wait.