Here are two more interesting emails I have gotten lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Email #1
“Hi Dan
Over the last 8 months, I’ve been playing with a fellow guitar player.
We reached the point where we are going to perform at a local open mic soon. I’d appreciate any tips you can share that will be helpful.
Thanks”
– Stephen
That’s super exciting!
A few pointers that may help Stephen (and you if you want to play live) are these.
If you haven’t yet been, go check out the open mic to get the lay of the land.
Do a rehearsal to get used to playing with amps and a PA system in a rehearsal studio.
Beware of standing or sitting. No idea what they would have at the open mic, but it might be worth having a look at what they have for you to sit on. (Maybe you might want to take your own stool). The first time I was in a studio, I tried standing when playing and it was bad!
Get a checklist of things you want to take – tuner, batteries, capo, picks, sheet music, etc.
Record yourself playing your setlist at home.
Play your setlist in a different environment (e.g. another room in the house, or the garden, or just anywhere different).
…And doing a small performance in front of a friend or two can help as it won’t be such a big jump playing live and can help you get used to playing in front of people if you haven’t done this yet.
All these things should help.
Good luck to Stephen!
Email #2
“Hi Dan
I’m really happy to have found you as a teacher.
I ordered a G7th Performance Capo – when it came unfortunately it wasn’t big enough for my classical guitar. I found the new model for Classic guitars – this arrived yesterday, along with a ‘flare up’ of an annoying cough and cold that I’ve had for weeks now…
I’d actually signed up with someone else – Google has a habit of sending you ‘related stuff’ according to what you’ve been looking at/searching for – fortunately for once because when I watched some of your videos, I decided that yours is the best method for me – I cancelled the other course – and here I am!
Be patient with the ‘old lady’ (76) – I am quite determined so I’ll be successful this time round!
Many thanks”
– Yvonne 😀
It’s nice to read these words.
…And I’m glad Yvonne now has the ideal capo for her guitar. I love the G7th performance II for my acoustics and have never needed to change (it’s a million miles better than those cheap Amazon capos).
As for the internet, it is often like the Wild West out there when searching for lessons, tutors, or a mentor.
I’m glad Yvonne has joined us.
In terms of patience, that is of course one of the most important things when learning the guitar.
Patience, focus, good technique, and determination to succeed.
Keep those things in mind and remember, when the wheels start turning, progress usually gets more noticeable and more enjoyable too, of course.
Keep up the practice, because if you do, exciting times are ahead.
If you want to join Stephen and Yvonne in the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy, you can do so here…
The Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy
Have a great Wednesday and happy practice!
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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