Here are two more interesting emails I have got lately.
I hope you find the emails and my thoughts useful…
Today we are talking about how cool it is when you feel like a ‘real’ guitar player, and the passion that adults have for the guitar (that many youngsters don’t quite have yet…)
Email #1
“Thanks Dan, Break through lesson. Been practicing daily for six years and after getting the licks down then applying them to a backing track, I feel like a real guitar player. Feels like all the time is paying off. Thank again.”
– Robert
I’m super pleased for Robert.
The lessons Robert was talking about were the blues licks I taught in the Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy (don’t worry if you missed those, October’s upcoming lessons on the blues are going to be so cool!)
The point here though, is that sometimes learning guitar can feel like trying to run up a never-ending moving staircase that is travelling in the wrong direction.
…But you have to believe that it will all ‘click’ if you stick with it.
Because when it does click, you will feel like a real guitar player and that is one of the best feelings in the world…
I want to say a huge well done to Robert for getting to this stage.
…And if you’re not there yet, keep at it, do your best to enjoy the journey, and you will get there.
Email #2
“I’m Melissa, originally from the States and now living in Europe. I’m not exactly part of the “target” audience for the DTAA, but I’m happy to be here. I’m 35 and have 4 young kids.
My boys wanted to learn to play guitar, but we don’t have money for lessons, so I figured I (having played piano and French horn for years) could learn some basics and teach them. I got a guitar and Dan’s beginner course for Christmas, and while my boys have lost interest for the moment, I’ve fallen in love.
Fingerstyle has come pretty naturally for me, but strumming well seems to be a challenge for me. I love to be able to sing along when I play. So thankful I found your teaching at the beginning of my guitar journey, Dan.”
– Melissa
It’s so good to hear how Melissa has fallen in love with fingerstyle and guitar playing in general.
I often say my lessons are for adult guitarists who are generally 40+ (but in reality, most of my students are 50 or 60+).
Why do I specifically teach those over 40, you may wonder…
Well, ever since I started teaching guitar, most of my students have tended to be learning a little later on in life.
It’s not that teaching children, teenagers, or young adults was not fun…
It’s more that my methods, styles, techniques, and song choices resonated with slightly older adults.
…And the fact that I got, and still do get, massive satisfaction from teaching adults – many of whom have struggled with the guitar for years and often decades…
Some were brand new to the guitar and lacked confidence or felt the need to play with good technique (which is essential, especially if physical issues such as arthritis are a problem).
Plus, I find adult learners are generally that bit more passionate about music (as is shown in Melissa’s experience with her kids), and that makes teaching them way more fun.
…But saying that, there are some members of the academy who are younger, and the academy really is open to all ages.
The key thing is… If you do want to join, just be aware that we focus on classic songs, proper technique, and more vintage styles such as fingerpicking, Travis picking, blues, and fun, simple strumming. There’s no focus on super modern pop, metal, jazz or anything like that.
Anyway, if the academy sounds like your cup of tea, you can find out more about it below…
The Dan Thorpe Acoustic Academy
Have a great day of 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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