Hello, pretty new here. I’ve picked up the guitar after about 30 years and started the lessons. I “tested out” of grade one and am now up to Grade 2 middle of module 10. Things are going great but I need focus in my practice and study. I see all these other parts of the program I want to jump into like ear training, theory, blues, etc…
What should I be focusing on besides the basic lesson path? Any advice?
Things are coming back quickly and new things have been learned. I’m loving and enjoying the ride. Thanks for anything help.
Hi Wes, I struggle with focus as well, and it started in Grade 2. I agree with John (and many others here) that playing songs — in service of the skills you’re trying to learn — is key. There are some skills and styles presented in Grade 2 that I’m not especially interested in (currently). I practiced them well enough to “pass”, and moved on. I expect I’ll be inspired at some point to revisit these things, probably when I need them for a song I want to learn! But I’ll wait until that inspiration arises before worrying about it.
Regarding ear training: I think you can’t start that too early! Same with theory. But don’t let either get in the way with playing songs on your guitar.
I started with JG 15 months ago after a +20 year break and like you found focus and knowing what to do tricky. I resolved this by utilising the Practice Routines which came with each Grade. I would also add aspect from earlier that I was struggling with, and also created a warmup routine. As Justin suggest I started a song collection and put this in my daily routine.
I then followed this daily, and tried to play at least 2 songs a day from my collection, as I progressed I added to and remove items. I am now doing BLIM and find this approach invaluable, also I have create da practice diary to help me focus on what is good and why needs work, many others have done the same same. Learning guitar is a ever changing process and having your own road map for daily, weekly and monthly practice I have come to realise is important or you can just drift about.
I was going to say pretty much the same
Fun is the most important thing!
I was often trying a bit difficult or advanced things to see if I was ready for it yet or how much inner resistance (brain or fingers) there was against this subject. Well, I rate theory improtant, so I learn it even if I don’t enjoy throughout every moment, but some here say even, that Justin’s theory lessons are fun as opposed to what they experienced before on the subject!
Here with Justin, there were quite a few lessons on the subject, like “general guitar playing”, “your journey” or “musicianship” which I found helpful, Don’t remember about Grade 2, but I remember this one from grade 3 which possibly (hopefully) helps you a bit. https://www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/6-guitar-areas-you-should-practice-bg-1501
PS. Oh I forgot - like Adrian above mentions, a practice routine - either on paper or using Justin’s “practice assistant” is a good thing if you don’t have one yet.
