April 27th, 2024
Been practicing and learning everyday with my guitar and I’m making progress. So, I wanted to start this log to help me chart my progress.
I’m currently at the Anchor Fingers lesson in Module I learning how to transfer smoothly between the A and D chords. But I’ve had to take a break from that for a bit as I developed a blister on my index finger which is healing up and should be good to go in a few more days. The benefit is I’ll have a nice callous and tougher index finger. So, to keep to my goal of playing my guitar everyday, I’ve been following the lesson on learning to play A Horse With No Name since it only uses the middle and ring fingers. I’m able to switch between the two chords now without looking at the fretboard and I’m getting the hang of strumming a little at a time.
That’s about it for now. More to come as I continue this journey!
Hi Tony, you’re doing well to start your learning log early. you can see your progress from the beginning. Good work adapting your practice routine to let you play with a blister on the finger. Once your calluses develop, that shouldn’t be a problem. Have fun as you finally get back to guitar after putting it down for several years.
Thanks for your feedback. I appreciate it. I wanted to start my log early to document my journey but also to refer back as I hopefully progress and get better. It will be a good morale booster to see where I might have struggled at one time but eventually progressed further.
I’m hoping my blister will be completely healed by the end of this week but having to switch things up and use my 2nd and 3rd fingers has actually helped to toughen them up a lot which will be nice once I resume the lessons.
I do keep my guitar on a stand in my living room where I spend most of my time. I’ve practiced daily with it and will continue to do so as I’m determined to learn and have fun!
That is a great idea. If you can play a little each day, you will also develop your calluses a bit faster. If you have fun you will continue to play and learn more.
I’ve always loved the song too so I’m excited about learning to play it. I pretty much have the 2 chords down so now I just have to learn/work on my strumming.
May 2nd, 2024
Just a quick update. The blister on my index finger finally healed well enough to resume my journey through Grade 1, Module 1. Starting last nite, I reviewed learning the A and D chords along with the Anchor Fingers lesson. I felt comfortable with those lessons so I started the One Minute Chord Change lesson and the companion exercise. I did subscribe to Justin’s lesson app and I’m really enjoy having it and it’s also a way to show my appreciation for all he does by bringing us this great learning platform. Anyway, I used the One Minute Exercise on the app to time me and my first results were 15-18 chord changes from A to D and vice versa. I just finished the same excessive earlier today and I’m around 26-28 chord changes. I’m so close to the minimum 30 chord changes in a minute that Justin recommends! No doubt I’ll hit that mark later today but I set myself a personal goal of the ideal number of 60 changes a minute before moving on to the next lesson.
I can’t remember a time that I’ve had so much fun learning something new and I look forward to all that lies ahead in my goal to not only learn but to play the guitar!
May 10th 2024
I finished Module 1 in Grade 1 a few days ago and met/exceeded the goals set out before moving to Module 2, today. I’m comfortable with the A and D chords in both remembering them and the exercises. I’m able to hit 60 chord changes a minute but my average is around 45 changes. I’m also able to play them consistently clear. I have been using Justin’s practice routine for Module 1 to continue to improve and as a way to warm up as I start Module 2 today.
I’ve picked up the E chord lesson quite quickly. But that’s because of the previous work in not only learning A and D but learning to play the Em chord while early on as it’s just the addition of adding my index finger in the mix to play E.
Anyways, I just wanted to update my log with my progress so far. I’m still having fun, still learning and looking forward to what’s ahead!
May 11th, 2024
I’m currently at Grade 1, Module 2… Strumming Mechanics! A lesson that I’ve very much been looking forward to as that is where my current shortcomings and struggles are.Getting my strumming down along with the rhythm is my biggest obstacle at this early point in my journey but I know that with patience, practice and perseverance I will continue to learn, meet this challenge and progress onward and upward!
In addition to the lessons, practice and everything I also love having the app to check out songs that I could play based on the chords I’ve learned so far. Not only is this an added incentive to keep striving to learn the strumming pattern to go along with those chords but it also keeps it interesting and fun for me as I already have a favorites list of songs based on the chords I’ve learned. Now just to to get my strumming and rhythm up to par.
Hi Tony, it seems like I started just a week or two after you. I’ve been keeping a log albeit using a journal and writing down my practice sessions with notes on where I’m struggling and what I’m pleased with too. I’ve just finished Grade 1 Mod 2 A&D and have loved it so far. I’ll be interested to see how your getting on in this log.
Wow you hit 60 then, looking at your posts did it take around a week to get there?
I’m in 28 ish.
I’ve been having a little trouble getting consistently good A chords, mainly due to finger 1 being too far from the fret ( I think) and sometimes trapping e but I’m happy with my progress. Just got to keep training these fingers to behave
Great to meet you and thanks for your comments. I’m looking forward to seeing how you progress along your own journey.
My best is 60 changes but I can’t do that many consistently. I hit 49 changes during yesterdays practice on A&D and the same on D&A exercises. You’re right there at the 30 that Justin recommends with 28 changes. But as he suggests, if you’re that close, like you are, don’t let it keep you from moving on to the next lesson. You’ll get there and beyond I’m sure.
And, like I keep telling myself, I wanna learn to play but I want the process to be enjoyable. When it’s fun like that it makes the time, patience and effort more than worth it! Even when my fingers still ignore what my mind is trying to teach them!
I wish you the best and keep us updated on your journey!
A couple of my friends who have been playing for years said I’ve progressed much faster than they ever did. They also said they wish they would have learnt like this all those years ago to help prevent bad habits forming so that’s encouraging to hear
That’s awesome and has to be a great confidence boost! I know I still have a long way to go but I couldn’t be happier with how far I’ve progressed in just under 4 weeks with Justin!
The first exercise has you starting on A the second exercise has you starting on D. Might not seem like a difference one you actually get going but it’s a different feeling where you start. That’s my take on it. But it is laid out as two separate exercises by Justin in the recommended practice.
I agree, it does seem odd and once you get going it is the same. But I’m still a beginner, just starting Module 3 of Grade 1 so I don’t mind the “extra” one starting on D.
And so am I even though I’ve been doing it a few years There is always something new to keep the brain, hands & fingers busy. You don’t stop learning!!
But that’s one of the good things about this forum there is always someone that can help if you have any questions. As someone said to me some time ago there isn’t a daft question.
There is always something new to keep the brain, hands & fingers busy. You don’t stop learning!!