Too many lines

So so so many line. Finally started working on the low E string (which is of course the top string). And man is that a lot of lines below the staff. I understand not wanting to learn both the treble and the bass clef when you don't have to, but man is that low E a long way below the bottom. Its also a little confusing doing patterns starting on the low E but only playing so far in the key of C. I want to play in the key of E so things resolve, but not at that point yet.

Still need to work on the new chords from my last lesson. 6th chords with those crazy mad stretches. Hope my fingers don't fall off.

Once I start learning songs I'll have to start recording them so I can keep an audio log as well as my written log.

I am still amazed at how quickly 30 minutes flies by once I start practicing. Although, I still need to get into better habit of playing every day. I've been trying to keep up but some days I just can't seem to do it. I try to make up so that I am practicing 3 hours a week (plus 30 minute class) but I really should be able to practice every day. Also would like to spend some time and work on my scale chart tool I made (Scale Fingerings) and try to get some new stuff written. But there is only so much time in the day.

Getting better

No picture today ;)

Well, I just tried to push through the problems I was having yesterday and things went a little better than I expected. I think that while working on each string individually is good, that the more I work on all the string as a whole the better I got. I still have some problems with the d string, but I found that after I moved to the a string, the d string notes became easier.

Alternate picking the 8th notes also seems to help. Although I am having some problems when I run into 3 8th notes and an 8th rest and then getting the right right down stroke for the 3rd quarter note. But things are improving. Not saying I could sight read a new song at this point, but I am picking things up ok.

Gonnna bring a couple of songs along next time. I am thinking I will bring "And it stoned me" from Van Morrison. I have that song in a magazine with the solo tabed out and in a book. I'd also like to bring "How can one woman be so mean" from buddy guy but that might be a little advanced.

Also am very excited about going out dancing last night (kind of off the guitar topic but you'll see). Went with Angela and friends Dale and Amanda to the Eagles in Minneapolis to hear their friends band play. Had a good time dancing and was excited to see that they have an open jam on Mondays. Might have to go and listen next week and then consider going some time.

Block!!!!

Man, can you say mental block. I just can't see to get the bottom 3 string and their notes fixed into my head. the G-B-E are there and pretty good between the fingering on the fretboard and their appropriate notes on the musical staff, but I can't for th elife of me get the D down... Not to mention the A.At least I have the comfort of knowing that if I can get the 4th and 5th strings down the 6th string is just another E and I alread know that one. Except that it in a different place on the musical notation. The lower I get the harder it is for me to pick out which line it is one quickly. I wonder if it is a vision problem... Maybe I should go get new glasses?? Maybe that is just an excuse. I know the notes on the strings ok, but I just can't translate them to the music staff.

Practicing without playing

Homework!!!  I am to old for homework. But since I don't have time today to actually practice my guitar I guess I will have to do some other practice work. Namely scales. Not on the guitar, but on paper. I have to say that those people who put that whole modern musical scale together were genius. The circle of fourths (and fifths) is amazing. Major scales get one more sharp as you go around one way and one more flat as you go the other.

Just when I thought...

So I had class again today and I felt really bad because despite having to cancel last weeks session (at my instructors request) I had only managed to practice a few time probably not even a weeks worth.

So feeling quite contrite about the whole thing, I showed up at my lesson ready to make amends and get back on the wagon. Only to discover that my instructor is taking the next 2 weeks off!! Not that I blame the guy. You've gotta take care of yourself, but come on!?!?!?

So taking all things in stride, I plan to crack down.. Make sure I practice AT LEAST 30 minutes a day between now and my next lesson on August. And WOW the socks off him next time...

I still need to come up with some songs to learn in class. I'd like to bring in some blues stuff, my favorite Buddy Guy song or some Stevie Ray but I don't want to seem too over confident. But then again I don't want to bring in songs I already kinda sorta know... What a dilemma.