Mid-Project Update

I encountered a few problems in the middle of my guitar playing project. With required voice and piano practice, participation in two ensembles, and enrollment in 22 credit hours, it was difficult to find time to practice another instrument. I also struggled to coordinate my fingers for the picking patterns and the chords requiring more dexterity.

Watching videos of other guitarists executing the patterns and chords properly was greatly helpful.

The only formal training I have had in guitar was in the bluegrass and old time traditions, so I also struggled to create a sound outside of these styles. Learning new strumming and picking patterns helped. In addition to the patterns, I was able to incorporate several new chords into my playing. I would open one of my music books, choose a song to play, and learn new chords as I came to them in the music. With the help of the internet and my chord reference book, I was able to teach myself the chords as I played along. I picked up new chords such as the G7 and the A minor while improving challenging chords I already knew like B minor and F# major.