Here are two more interesting emails I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Email #1
“Hi Dan,
I’m working on your 7-day beginner course right now and really taking it slow so I can observe all you are explaining.
Even as a senior with no intention of sharing my guitar playing with anyone else other than my wife of course. I’m quite happy to listen to all your teachings and tips on your blog pages.
I have had the guitar for 5 years I bought as a retirement project to keep me occupied but like many other people I tried to learn online with no success till you came along on Facebook and that got my interest again.
Thank you for your interest in my progress it makes me feel like I’m not just another online customer who bought the lesson, Hope your Archie is back with you again from holidays.”
James
Glad to hear this from James.
Learning the guitar can be a challenging and lonely journey, but it certainly sounds like James is heading in the right direction.
I’m glad he knows he is not just someone who has bought my course, but that he is a valued student.
I always like to make sure that I am there for students who put their faith in me.
I especially love to do this in the comments section of my site where I host my courses.
I take a little time each day to answer comments and interact with students there, so if you have any questions and you have an online course of mine, don’t forget to head there and fire away with any questions.
Not only that, but the more you log in and access and use any courses, the better.
That goes for brand new beginners, those who are new to my lessons like James, or anyone who has been using my courses for many years.
Each time you login in and use the lessons, you will get many key reminders which are essential for progress, you’ll see others’ comments (there are over 5000 comments on the site), and each time you watch a lesson you will likely pick up on one or two new things.
If you have a course of mine, you can access them all HERE.
Email #2
In regard to his recent purchase of my Fingerstyle 101 book, this is what Eugene said:
“Hi Dan. I’m enjoying the book very much. However, I’m stuck on page 26. It says to perform this exercise at 100 bpm. Can’t seem to change chords that quickly. Should I stay here and work my way up to 100? When is it okay to move on? Self-assessment is the most difficult part of this journey. Some words on this topic would be helpful. Thanks. Over and out.”
Eugene
Pleased to hear Eugene is enjoying the book.
If there is an audio track you cannot play along with, slow it down.
All the audio in the book comes with full-speed and slower-speed versions.
It’s essential to practise with the slower tempos most of the time and build up good habits…
…but it’s also good to try the full-speed tracks every now and then.
(I like to say, practise at slower tempos 90% of the time and faster tempos about 10% of the time – I call this “brake/blast”).
In terms of self-assessment and moving on to the next thing, you have to be careful not to rush.
Over the years, I’ve found most people tend to move on to something new too quickly.
I’d much rather someone truly master one thing before moving on to the next thing.
Don’t get me wrong, when you get a new book or course, it’s a good idea to spend a little time going through it, browsing, checking out the content, and maybe trying a few pieces so you know what it’s all about…
…But then it’s time to knuckle down and really make progress.
Your guitar-playing journey is like creating a wonderful sculpture.
You chip away at the marble one bit at a time.
Do this by focusing on each section/exercise with complete dedication.
If you want to, you can check out the Fingerstyle 101 book, PDF, and video course below:
Fingerstyle 101 – a step-by-step guide to beautiful fingerpicking guitar playing
Have a great Wednesday
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
P.S. This post was originally taken from Dan Thorpe’s private email list. To get blog posts like this sent to you which are full of great tips to make fingerpicking, strumming, and learning guitar more enjoyable (especially if you are over 40) join Dan’s list. It’s 100% free, HERE.
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