Hopefully this is the right way to do this, as I’m still learning how to use this site.
This seemed to be a good place to lay out some goals, document practice, measure progress and share with others.
Consider this, 1/11/2026, my starting point where I’m going to try to be a little more intentional, but still keep things fun.
Here are my first set of learning goals:
Complete grades 1-3 on the Justin Guitar app ( currently on grade 1 module 6 )
Start a song book where i can learn at least 3 simple songs I can play and sing well enough from memory with the confidence to play for a few family members and friends even though my primary reason to play is for my own enjoyment.
I want to build up to about 2 hours per day on average, splitting my time between progressing with Justin’s lessons in a structured way and working on those 3 songs in my songbook.
Thank you - I’m not sure if it’s better to document daily practice or maybe weekly milestones, this initial part may be a little all over the place until I find the right grove, but this place looks good and I wanted to plant the flag to start!
Hey Rob!
No “ right or wrong” with learning logs… it’s totally your space. As you’ll find in other LLs, lots of variations - which is cool! Lot of people use them to post video of themselves practicing and playing songs… early & later versions of their “work in progress” songs to show improvement or ask advice. It’s your personal fun spot!!!
Have lots of fun!!!
2 hours a day is great commitment, make sure you’re “digesting” what you learn and that you are focused enough and enjoying it…if you see you start going round in circles it won’t be much effective; you’ll be able to self-assess by yourself
This is a personal choice, I update my LL monthly, sometimes I do exceptions if there’s something special going on. On the other hand I also have a Daily Learning Diary for learning Dee (I post it here in chunks, when a milestone has been achieved); I do it because Dee is advanced for me and writing down my observations and thoughts is helping me hugely.
Have a look at the other members’ LL, each one of us has his/her own way.
Rob, I apologise: while tagging your post as we usually do with LL, I moved it to the Introduce yourself section without realising. Many thanks to Steve @SteveL_G99 who made me realise with a message.
Log for day 1:
Wrapped up module 6 on the Justin guitar app and now 1/2 way through module 7. Bear in mind I had some a mid level pass of these first 7 modules over the last few weeks, And now are reviewing each of them with my new Taylor gs mini. I was previously using a Yamaha silent guitar which I felt was very comfortable to hold, but I felt like playing it in silent mode (which was most of the time) hid a lot of sloppy chords. I had all decided after a using the Yamaha, I wanted a more natural, electronic feee unplugged experience.
So I have gone through each module and ran through all the songs for each one in the app.
For today I got in 90 minutes of hands on playing time, going through the exercises and songs broken into two 45 minute blocks.
I have been trying to focus on holding the guitar vertically an not looking at the fretboard while making my chord changes. That and of course trying to keep proper timing while strumming. Overall I can see a small improvement in these areas since last week. I think tomorrow I’ll try shooting a little video and maybe posting it here to capture my ‘current state’.
I have decided to post a video here, just to put a face and voice with this account as well as share my current state with my guitar. It’s my first go of it, so please keep that in mind if you choose to watch it.
Hey Rob. Great that you’ve started your LL and included a video. Can I suggest you post future videos in landscape format. That way both your strumming and fretting hands can be seen and you’ll get better advice if required.
It sounds to me that you’re doing extremely well for where you are in Justin’s lessons!!! Good sounding chords with no discernible fret buzz or dead sounding notes! I’m impressed!
Keep going, continue to work on learning songs & you’ll go far!!!
Good luck!!!
You are very generous- thank you! I’m currently at my nephews school of rock event - it takes a lot for folks to get up on stage and perform! Speaking of which, I’m looking forward to watching the open mic event next weekend!
