I realized recently that I never posted my 6-month update back when I finished the immersion.
Since a lot of new Blimmers are joining or starting their consolidation year, I figured it could be interesting to show what things looked like for me after 0, 6 and 18 months.
This might be helpful if you’re about to start the next BLIM class like @GrumpyMac, or heading into your 1-year consolidation like @domi7 — and you’re wondering what really happens if you continue working on BLIM after the 6 months immersion.
Spoiler: it’s worth it.
Before BLIM
Before BLIM, I had learned a few licks from the free Blues Lead course in Grade 4, but progress was slow and I felt pretty stuck, even after putting in many hours of practice.
After BLIM— 6 months into blues
I wasn’t the same guy anymore. I’d learned a ton — still rough around the edges, but definitely leveling up. This is one of the song that Justin teach us in BLIM.
After BLIM - 18 months into blues
The 1 year consolidation period is where things really clicked. The consolidation period felt like everything settling into place.
Original song I composed:
This is my original song, 63rd Street Blues. At this point, I’m finally able to compose my own blues tunes. I actually understand what I’m doing now, and the result sounds much smoother and fuller than in that very first video.
A solo learned in a week
Also, when I learn songs from YouTube now, I can get results in days/weeks instead of months.
Wow, thanks Mathieu for showing these videos!
You came a long way and made big progress!
I am impressed by how many licks you knew even before BLIM!
But the way you play them is so much nicer now and it’s such a nice achievement when you say that you can learn solos much quicker and more easily now!
And the 63rd Street Blues is a nice witness of how much you learned! - still quite a way to go for me.
Yes, now as the “old” BLIM forums will have a common space, I’ll finally start reactivating “old” friends and revisiting it all and make some more progress (hopefully )
Mathieu, what an inspirational post. I hope that many, many future BLIM students find this, and potential BLIM students too to give them a sense of what it can lead to.
Thanks for taking so much time to put this together, Mathieu. Truly is an amazing advert for BLIM and a testament to what is possible with focused practice.
And you leave me wishing . . . one day when I am ready, I too shall become a BLIMmer
Hi Mathieu. Great progress, you improved a lot!
There is significantly greater fluency in your latest two videos. You look less tense and play more meaningful phrases, all together coming out nicely.
I miss vibrato mostly in your playing. You did play it in few places and attempted on top of the bands, but it is not fully effective. Hand/fingers need to do the majority of the work; a small neck shake occurs as a consequence. It is easier said than done, but you should have it in your head and aim to improve this in your practice. I got the same advice, and it helped me - still a long way to go.
