Here is me playing my favourite song “Insane” by Damien Rice
This is my first time, recording myself and one of my first times playing a song while standing up. I just started module 14 of grade 2. Just starting into my 10th month of very committed guitar learning/practice.
Please be gentle with me. I’ve never shared something like this in video form. And I’m still figuring out how I want to sing it.
I enjoyed that. You sing well. Thanks for posting.
Nicely played and sung (indeed, it’s a beautiful song). What I particularly liked was the change of strumming and voice dynamics throughout the song. Well done, James.
Well done, James! 
That was amazing for grade 2, a first share and just 10 months in. Your commitment shows!
And it’s no easy feat playing and singing and standing up all at the same time 
I love your dynamics and also great voice!
An enjoyable listen, thanks for sharing 
Superb stuff James!
I’d make 3 observations …
The transition from fingers to pick is a lovely dynamic touch - however with this song I think you can afford to take your time after the lyric ‘should I go…’. I’d let it breathe at that point and give yourself a beat to start the pick strumming.
It’s hard to say for sure, but it looks like you are showing a lot of pick, your strumming sounds great, but you might want to look at how you are holding the pick - you might find you get better control with a smaller amount of pick poking out.
Get yourself to an Open Mic now (assuming you’re interested in performing). You are more than ready - that was an awesome rendition. The guitar, dynamics, vocals it’s the whole package. Get yourself out there!
Love the song choice, and very impressive vocals. Nice job with the guitar as well. Impressive progress for nine months of practice - you’re definitely beyond the “cowboy chords”!
Very well done James on your first hitout.
You did very well mate, and especially after a very short period. Bet it feels good to break the ice.
One thing I always look for with new performers is their rhythm, and their natural feel for the ‘music’; and you’ve got it.
Other things you’ll learn and develop along the way, but if you’ve got ‘rhythm’ in you, it’s a massive bonus.
Looking forward to some more mate.
All the best.
Cheers, Shane.
Very good James, Lots of variation in vocal and guitar making an excellent performance.
James
Excellent! Varied, dynamic strumming that adds another voice to the song: and your singing is very good too. Very enjoyable.
Brian
That is excellent James. Great grove, dynamics and vocals, especially for such short time. I agree with Paul, you should try open mic performance soon, you will enjoy it for sure. Good starting point might be JG online open mic, very nice and supportive audience. 
Yes! Actually this was unintentional. I find some times when I really get into a song it starts to slide out my grip and I can’t figure out how to re-grip it without stopping the song. I’m getting better at the pick grip but still haven’t figured this issue out when it happens.
Thank you everyone for your supportive comments and feedback. Maybe I’ll do another one sometime
Ah, yes! Manipulating the pick while you are playing is something that will develop over time, you will probably find it happens naturally as you spend more hours with a pick. I’m constantly making micro adjustments to my pick as a play, but it’s (for the most part) an unconscious movement.
Great stuff James. I’m a huge Damien Rice fan and your version sure captures the feel and dynamics of a Damien Rice song. His songs are challenging to learn. Congratulations.