I get that but am wondering just how big that difference might be. Might be interesting for people considering an acoustic purchase, encourage them to be open-minded and try lots of options.
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Chapter 8
It’s the 11th February again and today is my 5th guitaraversary. Another one bites the dust. I’ve just looked back at my post from this date last year and realise I could pretty much cut and paste those comments again this year.
The things I’m working on and the things I want to do in the future remain the same.
Does that mean I haven’t achieved anything this year? I tell myself no, of course not. Guitar is a long term learning project and I’ll be saying the same thing this time next year. I’m travelling the long bumpy road that I mentioned last time but still enjoying the ride. My only regret is that with the passing years the ability to use the excuse of “I’ve only been playing a short while” becomes less viable!
I did pause for thought the other day when I read a piece in Justin’s latest email newsletter where he talks about his martial arts training.
“….and really focus on that - much like a musician with limited time would be best off learning one style well than many badly”.
He can’t be thinking about me! I’ve got lots of time left. 
I’ve said many times that I spread my practise time thinly over too many styles.
In the past year I’ve posted 9 AVoYPs including a couple of fooling around with Layla improvs. I also had some ‘sidebar’ conversations about improv videos with some other members (you know who you are.) All good fun and very informative. I’m certainly not as prolific as some others and in the main I try to post songs that demonstrate a new style, skill, technique or whatever. The AVoYP section is so busy now. I’ll continue with that approach rather than “here’s another song I’ve learned, hope you like it”. Much has been said recently on the site about the AVoYP section and I know things are changing/being reviewed there.
I like the ability to store links to my song videos in my LL and being able to re-read the comments others have made. The ability to look back occasionally at them down the line and (hopefully) see/hear improvement is so useful. And of course receiving feedback, advice and encouragement and giving the same back to others is key. Simply storing song videos on YouTube is too sterile.
Those who read my posts will know that this past year saw me succumb to GAS. A new chair and more importantly a ‘travel sized’ guitar. There are links earlier in my LL about those so I’ll not repeat myself.
Although I bought the PRS parlour acoustic primarily as a guitar to take out and about without worry, it’s sound does suit blues fingerstyle so I’ll try to do a bit more of that this year. There I go spreading myself thinly again. 
I’ve tried not to repeat things here but what I will repeat is a big thank-you to Justin and his team for the terrific lessons and to all the Community members who have listened to and commented on my AVoYPs and who’ve gone out of their way to answer my queries on various subjects with advice/opinions.
2022 was the first full year of the new Community and like the Forum that preceded it, it truly is a uniquely supportive and friendly place.
Thank you all.
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Many happy returns, Gordon.
You could be writing updates for me 
The Community would not be the same without your comments, questions, wit, and of course the songs you share.
Keep playing, keep having fun, and I look forward to another year with you.
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Happy fifth JGversary, Gordon. A very well written and thought out update. Keep doing what your doing and may your sixth year be even more fun and rewarding.
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Good God, Gordon! Have we been whittering away here for half a decade already? 
I’d go back and read what you wrote last year, except I feel I have a pretty good handle on where you’re coming from and where you’re at.
We all know where you’re going
As I have the advantage of immaturity, I shall continue to release all sorts of rubbish as it pops into my head, but sure you’ve noticed that already this morning
On a serious note, Justin is quite correct that if you want to excel at something, it’s best to focus on that single thing. I have found throughout my life that I get the most pleasure out of trying to get as many different experiences as possible and probably prefer being a jack of many trades, mastering none 
Whatever floats your boat.
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Happy guitaraversary Gordon! It’s interesting how we perceive our guitar playing vs how others do. I see you as a really good player who adds some nice little embellishments to make the song interesting, who sings well, and who does a wonderful job of managing any red light recording fever (demonstrated by your many one take recordings). I also see that you’re dabbling in improv. That seems more niche-like than scattered too widely, but regardless as long as you’re having fun than you’re doing great. Enjoy the next year! 
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Happy guitar aneversary Gordon 
I’ll focus on everything a little bit 
Greetings and I wish you an amazings new year …the year that you become 69 (fot the second time )
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Haha thanks Mari. I don’t suffer from red light fever when it’s only me and my phone. Now, if I was to put myself forward for an OM that would be an entirely different matter. 
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Happy guitaraversary Gordon! Really like watching your AVOYP, looking forward to what’s to come in year 6. 
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Thanks Brian. Occasionally I feel I need a bigger horsepower engine on my boat to get me to where I want to be quicker.
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You’ve come a long way in 5 years Gordon and it shows in you’re videos. I really enjoy them so keep them coming.
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Two beautiful guitars there Gordon 
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Good read Gordon and happy Guitarversary! You are smashing it and clearly by amount of likes you receive your recordings are well aliked and enjoyed, so even though you might think you want to dip your toes in too many streams I think you are actually progressing quite consistently and that can be told by anyone who watches your recording for last few years. Hopefully more anniversaries will come! 
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Hi Gordon, happy 5th guitar anniversary. Just follow whatever inspires you. Once basic dexterity is achieved, and you’re well beyond that, the options are endless. So many genres, songs and techniques to go for. I think you can guilt free alternate between progressing in one direction and later in another. There’s no actual road to follow and maybe no actual destination to reach except having fun playing the guitar. Keep us posted.
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That’s a really nice update Gordon, at the end of the day if you’re happy playing then there’s no need to question what you’re learning or if you’re spreading yourself thinly imo. I’ve enjoyed all your AVOYP postings as well as your OM performances.
Wishing you another happy guitar year!
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You’ve given me undue credit there Mark. I haven’t done an OM.
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Well colour me confused!! That’s what going away for a week does to my brain 
Apologies!
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Forgive me Gordon, for being late to the party. Excuses are in my LL 
As I said in your AVoYP posts, you inspire me. 5 years in and you are killing it!
Here’s to continued fun and learning 
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Thought I should add a link to this thread as there is a lot of learning and fun going on. After all, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it. 
Have guitar, will travel, but without Justin’s lessons. Edit : Now in France! 
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Maybe even a wee song recorded in France by the barbecue camp fire on your portable recording equipment that you took with you
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