Comments on: Enjoying the Trip http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/enjoying-the-trip/ online to onstage Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:28:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Todd Hurst http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-42 Todd Hurst Tue, 16 Oct 2007 11:22:21 +0000 http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/2007/09/23/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-42 David ty for your site ive been trying to learn for 3 years now and "wish you were here"is my best piece thanks to you.......im 42 years old.....Todd David
ty for your site ive been trying to learn for 3 years now and “wish you were here”is my best piece thanks to you…….im 42 years old…..Todd

]]> By: woody http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-43 woody Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:18:58 +0000 http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/2007/09/23/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-43 David, Thank you so much for the incredible body of work you've provided here on Guitarnoise. Your lessons have made a huge difference in getting me over the 'beginner' hump. I was 48 when I bought my first guitar, and after a couple of months I got frustrated and put it away for over a year .... But I took it back out, and the second tome 'round things were different. It's been 6 or 8 months of learning now, and I'm having a blast just being able to strum and sing -- and thanks to your lessons, I have several 'complete with small riffs' songs and dozens of playable strum-and-sing songs. So far I've only played for family and dates ... and I must say as a single guy, the ladies do like an "artistic" man who can make it through a few songs without falling apart. (I did record myself a few times first, and worked out some kinks!) For people who have performance anxiety I'd like to suggest the 'Toastmasters' educational public speaking club --- it might be overkill for some, but they helped teach me to make the butterflies-in-your-stomach fly in formation. I just have so much fun with it: All my life I've memorized funny poems, and with a few guitar chords, why, I've found some are turning into playable songs! I felt a little stuck last month, but started a 'project' to re-learn some of my repertoire as 'degrees' to be able to play in different keys ... and again feel like I'm progressing. Thanks again for providing such high quality material, Mr. Hodge: Your thoughtful approach to these free lessons makes a huge difference to people like me. David, Thank you so much for the incredible body of work you’ve provided here on Guitarnoise. Your lessons have made a huge difference in getting me over the ‘beginner’ hump. I was 48 when I bought my first guitar, and after a couple of months I got frustrated and put it away for over a year …. But I took it back out, and the second tome ’round things were different. It’s been 6 or 8 months of learning now, and I’m having a blast just being able to strum and sing — and thanks to your lessons, I have several ‘complete with small riffs’ songs and dozens of playable strum-and-sing songs. So far I’ve only played for family and dates … and I must say as a single guy, the ladies do like an “artistic” man who can make it through a few songs without falling apart. (I did record myself a few times first, and worked out some kinks!) For people who have performance anxiety I’d like to suggest the ‘Toastmasters’ educational public speaking club — it might be overkill for some, but they helped teach me to make the butterflies-in-your-stomach fly in formation.

I just have so much fun with it: All my life I’ve memorized funny poems, and with a few guitar chords, why, I’ve found some are turning into playable songs! I felt a little stuck last month, but started a ‘project’ to re-learn some of my repertoire as ‘degrees’ to be able to play in different keys … and again feel like I’m progressing. Thanks again for providing such high quality material, Mr. Hodge: Your thoughtful approach to these free lessons makes a huge difference to people like me.

]]> By: David Hodge http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-46 David Hodge Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:07:37 +0000 http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/2007/09/23/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-46 Hi Paula and Tony And thank you for those good tips, too! Having fun, by learning new riffs or playing something you're already pretty good at (always room for improvement, no?) can help you get through the bouts of frustration. And listening is one of those skills that everyone can work at, with or without a guitar in hand. It's amazing how much more you can hear sometimes, even in songs you've listened to thousands of times, when you're working on getting better at your guitar skills. Tony, I got my Seagull in the fall of 2003 or 2004 (I'm getting too old to remember these things!) and it's my workhorse. It goes to all the lessons and whenever I'm playing outside shows. As you can see, there's a lot of dings and other "character traits" on it nowadays. But I do love its warm sound. Peace Hi Paula and Tony

And thank you for those good tips, too! Having fun, by learning new riffs or playing something you’re already pretty good at (always room for improvement, no?) can help you get through the bouts of frustration.

And listening is one of those skills that everyone can work at, with or without a guitar in hand. It’s amazing how much more you can hear sometimes, even in songs you’ve listened to thousands of times, when you’re working on getting better at your guitar skills.

Tony, I got my Seagull in the fall of 2003 or 2004 (I’m getting too old to remember these things!) and it’s my workhorse. It goes to all the lessons and whenever I’m playing outside shows. As you can see, there’s a lot of dings and other “character traits” on it nowadays. But I do love its warm sound.

Peace

]]> By: Tony http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-45 Tony Wed, 03 Oct 2007 11:33:12 +0000 http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/2007/09/23/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-45 Some random comments that have helped me "enjoy the journey": 1. Your guitar idol is a pro; would you expect to play any sport at a pro level as a part-timer? Don't compare yourself to your idol (or anyone for that matter) but compare your progress month to month. I just bought Guitar Pro and I can now quantify my progress by tracking my speed. Everytime I increase the pace by 10 beats per minute I experience progress and that motivates me. 2. Take running - is the pleasure in the finish line or just running? Just pick up your guitar and take the time to practice the basics (chord changes, bass runs, hammer-ons etc.) and find enjoyment in that. As every mile you run is made up of steps, so every song that you'll learn is made up of chord changes practiced etc. 3. Listen to the radio and you'll begin to hear more of what you're practicing in the music you hear. 4. Learn a riff when progress is slow. A short riff learned is like instant gratification. I started to learn guitar 4 years ago at 51 and I'm enjoying my musical journey, thanks in large part to you David and all the contributors on the guitarnoise website. By chance my guitar is a Seagull S6 so it interesting to see a picture of you on an earlier blog with your Seagull. Some random comments that have helped me “enjoy the journey”:
1. Your guitar idol is a pro; would you expect to play any sport at a pro level as a part-timer? Don’t compare yourself to your idol (or anyone for that matter) but compare your progress month to month. I just bought Guitar Pro and I can now quantify my progress by tracking my speed. Everytime I increase the pace by 10 beats per minute I experience progress and that motivates me.
2. Take running – is the pleasure in the finish line or just running? Just pick up your guitar and take the time to practice the basics (chord changes, bass runs, hammer-ons etc.) and find enjoyment in that. As every mile you run is made up of steps, so every song that you’ll learn is made up of chord changes practiced etc.
3. Listen to the radio and you’ll begin to hear more of what you’re practicing in the music you hear.
4. Learn a riff when progress is slow. A short riff learned is like instant gratification.

I started to learn guitar 4 years ago at 51 and I’m enjoying my musical journey, thanks in large part to you David and all the contributors on the guitarnoise website. By chance my guitar is a Seagull S6 so it interesting to see a picture of you on an earlier blog with your Seagull.

]]> By: Paula http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-44 Paula Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:03:24 +0000 http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/2007/09/23/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-44 When I think about the fact that I first started playing the guitar 32 years ago, it seems astonishing. Astonishing that I'm not better at it than I am! But like you said, you don't play the whole time. Matter of fact, I rarely picked up my guitar for about 13 years. Now here I am re-learning what was old hat to me years ago, building back the muscle memory, learning new songs, and practicing to make perfect. Getting back out in front of people, even just at my church, was a big motivation for me, helped me re-charge. My tip to beat hitting the wall? When I'm frustrated, and I just can't get what I'm trying to learn or re-learn, I just stop and play something I'm a wiz at for fun. Builds confidence back up, relaxes me, puts things in perspective. I'm not a bad musician after all. Thanks for reminding me that even "seasoned" musicians feel like I do. When I think about the fact that I first started playing the guitar 32 years ago, it seems astonishing. Astonishing that I’m not better at it than I am! But like you said, you don’t play the whole time. Matter of fact, I rarely picked up my guitar for about 13 years. Now here I am re-learning what was old hat to me years ago, building back the muscle memory, learning new songs, and practicing to make perfect. Getting back out in front of people, even just at my church, was a big motivation for me, helped me re-charge. My tip to beat hitting the wall? When I’m frustrated, and I just can’t get what I’m trying to learn or re-learn, I just stop and play something I’m a wiz at for fun. Builds confidence back up, relaxes me, puts things in perspective. I’m not a bad musician after all. Thanks for reminding me that even “seasoned” musicians feel like I do.

]]> By: David Hodge http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-41 David Hodge Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:17:16 +0000 http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/2007/09/23/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-41 Hi Mike Thanks for your kind words. I can remember the first time I played the solo from "Mother" and can also remember wondering if I'd ever get it to sound like music! It does take time and effort. One thing that I find helps a lot of my students get to the point of playing in front of others is sticking them in friendly jamming situations where they play with others as well as playing in front of them. Getting together with a group of two or three other people could probably do a lot to boost your confidence level, not to mention help you to learn a lot. And it's also incredible fun. Check with people you know in your neighborhood. You'll probably find a lot of "hidden" guitarists and musicians of all sorts who'd love the chance to play. Looking forward to hearing how things are going with you. Peace Hi Mike

Thanks for your kind words. I can remember the first time I played the solo from “Mother” and can also remember wondering if I’d ever get it to sound like music! It does take time and effort.

One thing that I find helps a lot of my students get to the point of playing in front of others is sticking them in friendly jamming situations where they play with others as well as playing in front of them. Getting together with a group of two or three other people could probably do a lot to boost your confidence level, not to mention help you to learn a lot. And it’s also incredible fun. Check with people you know in your neighborhood. You’ll probably find a lot of “hidden” guitarists and musicians of all sorts who’d love the chance to play.

Looking forward to hearing how things are going with you.

Peace

]]> By: Mike http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-40 Mike Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:25:41 +0000 http://www.guitarnoise.com/blog/2007/09/23/enjoying-the-trip/#comment-40 Thanks for the thoughtful and encouraging post. A journey is a great way to look at it. I picked up the guitar at age 42 and I've been at it for three years now. You're absolutely right, it has been frustrating and there have been several times whether I wonder if I'm just kidding myself that I will ever be good enough to play in front of anyone else. Maybe I will, maybe I won't but I have a new lifelong hobby that I enjoy and I know that I have come a long way from strumming that first G chord to where I am today. Just the other day, I played the "Mother" solo and it didn't sound too bad. I dreamed about playing that solo since the first time I heard it at 18 years old. Anyway, thanks again for the words of encouragement. I'm sure there's a lot of people out there like me that need to hear them. Thanks for the thoughtful and encouraging post. A journey is a great way to look at it. I picked up the guitar at age 42 and I’ve been at it for three years now. You’re absolutely right, it has been frustrating and there have been several times whether I wonder if I’m just kidding myself that I will ever be good enough to play in front of anyone else. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t but I have a new lifelong hobby that I enjoy and I know that I have come a long way from strumming that first G chord to where I am today. Just the other day, I played the “Mother” solo and it didn’t sound too bad. I dreamed about playing that solo since the first time I heard it at 18 years old. Anyway, thanks again for the words of encouragement. I’m sure there’s a lot of people out there like me that need to hear them.

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