The Ending is Just the Beginning
- Ronnie James Dio
No matter your age, it's never too late to learn something new, particularly the guitar. All you need is time, energy, and a guitar. With dedication and practice, you can discover the joy and fulfillment that playing the guitar brings, proving that the ending of one chapter can be the beginning of another, full of harmony and creativity.
Learning guitar can be frustrating, whether taking lessons or teaching yourself. The biggest hurdle is developing the finger and hand coordination needed for clean, clear notes and chords. Remember, progress takes time.
Troubleshooting Frustration:
Feeling frustrated? Take a break! Don't worry about how you sound initially. Instead, focus on two key areas:
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Single Note Exercises: These build the finger dexterity and strength you need.
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Chord Structures: Learn basic chords like E Major and C Major. Understanding chord construction is essential.
Focusing on these fundamentals will develop the necessary muscle memory for clear, effortless playing.
99 Excuses Not to Practice (and How to Beat Them)
Life gets in the way. We all have things that pull us away from what we love, including guitar. After your lesson, it's up to you to practice. It can be tough, but even a little practice is better than none.
Boost Your Practice Power:
Consistency is key! Here's the secret:
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Schedule It: Choose specific days and times to practice and stick to them.
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Keep it Short & Sweet: Aim for at least 15 minutes, three times a week. You can always do more if you're feeling it! Even short, regular practice is more effective than long, infrequent sessions.
Tips on Video
How to Hold the Acoustic Guitar
THE VIDEO WILL SHOW BOTH SEATED AND STANDING POSITIONS.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR SAYS:
As I mentioned, knowing what the different chord structures are will help you identify their relationship. Once you see their relationship you will be able to move from chord to chord smoothly without moving so many fingers or adjusting your left hand.
How Much Should You Practice?
THE KEY IS CONSISTENCY. BUILD AN EFFECTIVE PRACTICE ROUTINE.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR SAYS:
If you are not able to practice everyday, try to get at least two days of practice each week. Your once a week lessons do not count as a day of practice.
How to Change Chords Smoothly
IDENTIFY FRETTED NOTES THAT ARE COMMON TO EACH OF THE CHORDS.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR SAYS:
If you are not able to practice everyday, try to get at least two days of practice each week. Your once a week lessons do not count as a day of practice.
How to Pick & Strum Your Guitar
TECHNIQUES FOR HOLD A PICK AND STRUMMING.
YOUR INSTRUCTOR SAYS:
Throughout your guitar lessons, you will learn how to use a pick and how to use alternate finger-picking on the guitar. Alternate the two techniques each day you practice. One day, use a pick. The next day, practice using alternate finger-picking.
E-Learning
Platform
Welcome to your online guitar lesson! To ensure a smooth and productive session, please take a few moments to prepare before we begin. This includes checking your internet connection, audio/video setup in Zoom, and having your guitar tuned and ready. We'll be using Zoom for our lesson, so make sure you have the app installed and are familiar with the basic controls. A quiet space free from distractions will also help you focus and get the most out of our time together. Let's get ready to make some music!
Internet-connected
Audio for Musicians turned "on"
Guitar tuned
Camera turned on
