Gary Nelson

Hmm...I wonder if a couple of those would fit in my post-retirement budget........

Just Registered! See you there.

Good for you Diane!

I went through the Jazz Chords video several years back and I think it is great "basic training". But like anything, it's "use it or lose it". Incorporate these chord shapes into your regular playing to really get comfortable with them. I'm not really a jazz player so I could probably benefit by going through the workshop again. If you really want to get into jazz, get yourself a copy of the Real Book and start playing those tunes.

Doug - I felt the same way when I went for the first time. But trust me, you will be fine. And I highly recommend Steve's Fingerstyle Course. Hope to see you in the fall.

Steve, Thank you to both you and Paulette for continuing to share your gift of music with us through the in-person gatherings and the Tuesday Live Lessons. Although a bit disappointed, I am sure we all appreciate the need to stand down this year and regroup. Maybe you and Paulette can take a nice vacation in June instead of working around the clock to put on the conference! In the meantime, we will see you on the live lessons and look forward to seeing you in person in the fall.

Amazing stuff. I can't imagine playing and having to keep my head still! Now I'm wondering how they sterilized that Tele!

Done properly, I don't think the pull off is always going to be weaker than a hammer on. I suppose it depends a lot on which finger you are using and what effect you are trying to achieve musically. Here's the link to the live lesson that Steve did a while back on hammer on's and pull offs that should provide some greater insight.

I'm thinking also of those carbon fiber McPherson guitars - they don't sound half bad either. Something we will all have to come to grips with at some point as the traditional tone woods become harder and harder to source. And of course, the guitarist in the video is quite talented - proving what Steve has always told us that the tone is in our fingers.

@Wim VD1 I've dabbled with slide just a bit, but the bug hasn't hit me yet. But trying out different slides gives me another excuse to go the music store!

Let me say first that I am in no way abandoning the guitar. I still have much to learn. But - having said that, I have started dabbling with the mandolin. My wife, who has played violin in the past and presently plays the piano, has always loved the sound of the mandolin and wanted to learn how to play. So as an early Christmas gift, I picked up an inexpensive student model. As this is her first attempt to play a fretted instrument, she is looking for my help. So in order to be able to help her, I have to learn a little about it myself. And you know what? It's fun! It's satisfying to see how guitar knowledge and technique can translate to the mandolin. And I think in the end, it will help me be a more well rounded musician and indirectly a better guitar player. Anyone else have any experiences with learning another instrument? Or trying to teach your spouse to play and still remaining on speaking terms? LOL

Interesting background. I think most everyone simply associates this tune with the old "Popeye" cartoons!

I'd just be sure that if you use an office chair, you don't have arms on it. After I started working from home, I'd pick up a guitar at my desk when I had a break, and the arms really got in the way. I personally l steer clear of stools. My practice room has carpet and stools can often be a bit unsteady. I took a spill one time - luckily the guitar wasn't hurt! Today, I just use a simple straight back chair that I purchased at Target. Probably not the best ergonomic choice, but it gets the job done. I just want to be sure to keep my feet free so I can access my pedal board, so the kneeling option might not work for me.

Hi Jeff and Welcome! Steve did a Live Lesson on arranging a solo finger style composition several weeks ago. He used the basic melody of "Tennessee Waltz" and stepped us through the process of creating a solo arrangement. It might provide a few ideas for you to use.