Randy120

Inspired by the Eric Clapton version.

Yes Steve is that good. Decades of experience gave him those skills. He knows the scales and the note positions on the neck so the exercise is fairly simple for him. I learned the scales a long time ago, but I did stumble when it came to the thirds exercise and 1231. It is just a variation. I am back to tackling these exercises again and this time I am more successful with a long way to go still. This stuff isn't automatic. Give yourself credit for trying. Did you ever image you would be worrying about playing scales in thirds? I know I did not. I thought I would strum some chords, but thanks to Steve I am learning the entire neck and know my scales.

I think it is just for flavoring and variety. The listener thinks they will hear the same chord, but there is a twist just to keep things interesting. One of my favorite things is using hammer-on and pull-off to make sweet sounds. All the chords you are learning are easily changed with these techniques. Switch an A major to A7 to Am7 to A2 to Asus to Amaj7. The same with Barre chords. You hear these changes in many songs. When you practice this way you get some great fingering exercises that actually make nice rich additions to just about any chord. You also learn how easily you can change the sound by moving one or two fingers. Try it, you'll like it.

I have a similar issue, but I don't let it bother me. Not many people would ever notice you muted that note. There are several ways to play G, but you should learn the form Steve taught you because it is very useful if you can't perfect it so be it. You use the form that makes it easy to move from one chord to the next. Many self taught players use the first 3 fingers which is ok, but makes transitions awkward. There is the 4 finger version too. You will also learn G2 which mutes the A string. You have to consciously roll your hand a little to give the A string clearance. Don't worry about it, and definitely do not let it slow down your progress. I use all of these forms, but I use the standard form most of the time mute A string or not.

I am 57 and have been at it for 9 years now. I try to play everyday. My skills are constantly improving. It might not seem so, but every once in a while something big happens and my playing is never that same after that. Am I the greatest guitar player in the world? No, but I am a guitar player without a doubt. In fact I am way beyond any guitar player that I imagined myself to be. You will be a guitar player long before you finish the Learn & Master course. You will have to put in the effort if you want to improve. The course has everything you need to go a long way down the road on your musical journey. If you want to play with others then you will have to take the steps to make it happen. Most of just have fun with it! If you aren't having fun then you are doing it wrong.

John Petrucci has some great insights. Check out the whole series.

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/guitar-lesson-with-paul-gilbert/?id=LBpVAFAIB1EPTggIUwpURQcJClYBAA0&utm_content=video2-image&utm_source=insync&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180317

She is very good. It took a lot of planning to do what she made look easy.

I would say the NYXL tone is not different from the standard 10's. As for Jazz I would think a flat-wound might be a better choice. I usually look at what the manufacturer uses then buy a string based on that. I've had good experience with D'Addario strings so I keep using them.

I have used D'Addario NYXL 10's on my Gibson Les Paul for the last few months. I am really impressed with these strings. I played this set daily all winter long. The strings are still shiny and slick. The Les Paul still comes out of the case in tune, and I do a lot of bends. The NYXL definitely lasts much longer than the standard D'Addario 10's which I used for years.

You should record it for us so we can hear it.

Very nice!

I was wondering if George Gruhn would show up.

Thank you. This is a fun trip through guitar history.

You can always use painters tape to protect your finish.

They definitely dry out. I have seen humidity at 18% during the winter in NH. The average annual humidity in the Sahara desert is 25%. I use a whole house humidifier in the same room with the guitars to keep things closer to 50% humidity.

I use Nut Sauce every time I change the strings. I agree with Blue Dog, you should tighten everything and check occasionally.

They recommend every 3 months or so, but mine has lasted much longer. They should be replaced occasionally to avoid breakage. I use the Humidipack with my Taylor nylon string. Humidipack sure beats the sponge systems. I have the Planet Waves and you have to rewet the sponge every 3-4 days this time of year.

Thank you Grog. Really interesting.

Must practice slow to play fast.