Dave White

You can manage just fine in session 10 without fingernails. Not everyone who plays fingerstyle uses fingernails to create their tone. Personally, I hate having long nails - when I let them grow them out even a tiny bit - they always break. I have never tried to use finger picks - however, do use a thumb pick. Good luck in session 10!

Some of those exercises require fretting fairly advanced chords as well as new picking patterns. Stick with it, and with patience and time, you will get there. You are doing well to focus on tension. The important thing is to learn how to relax (usually by really slowing things down and being attentive to where the tension starts) and then playing without - or with less, tension. Best wishes

Curtis - You won't regret it - you will have a blast. Pick out a seat up front, learn as much as you can, and meet as many fellow players as you can. The folks on this forum are even nicer in person! Looking forward to seeing you in June!

Welcome! Enjoy your guitar journey!

Very nice @Old Guy - thanks for posting!

Good stuff - thanks for posting!

Welcome back!

It is pretty amazing Doug, considering that Gruhn's is one of the premier (if not the premier) guitar store in the world. I spoke briefly with George Gruhn yesterday and he seemed to be quite happy with the arrangement. I always find your posts of Gruhn inventory items to be very enlightening.

On Tuesday, I made a quick trip to Nashville to visit with Collin Hill and his family, tour a few guitar stores, and attend a Live Lesson. Below are a few photos. First stop - Carter's Vintage Guitars: The mural on the side of the building (nice rendition of Mother Maybelle); a couple George Harrison-related items (that's not the real Rocky - but a nice replica none the less); Carter's back room (actually, come to think of it, it is in the front) - anyway, that is where they keep the really expensive stuff. While I was there, they were taking photographs of items from Ed King's (Lynyrd Skynyrd) estate. Great store, nice folks. I met Collin and his family at Cotten Music and had a nice chat with the store owner Kim Sherman. Cotten is a wonderful smaller shop that is very close to Carter's and Gruhn's. Then we were off to Gruhn's to get ready for Live Lessons. The rest of the photos were taken just prior to and during the live lesson. Special thanks to Tuesday's Live Lessons crew (Steve and Dave) - without them, there wouldn't be any Live Lessons! I also was able to spend some time with Greg Voros, got to speak with George Gruhn, and met with Joshua MacLeod and the Instruments of Joy staff. And all that took place in 24 hours!

Learning chord triad inversions is another great way to learn the notes on the fretboard.

+1 for Soundseats - and not just because they are a good North Carolina company ? My Soundseat is one of the best practice-related things I have purchased.

Barb - I believe Neil is correct - shared rooms (and bathrooms) ? I used Hilton points last year and got my room cost down to $80 a night, so that made my decision easy. I have not decided where to stay this year.

Maybe most of them are shy ?

Great interview - thanks for posting!

I really miss Steve's lessons on the old Gibson site. I bet I watched the 'Canon in D' lesson 100 times!

Love your photo ? I have a Carr Mercury (that is fabulous).

Me too, Dan.

I use this stuff (maybe once a year) on the fretboard and bridge. I have had the bottle for years and have maybe used about 30 drops of it. It looks to be a lifetime supply.

Ian, You might also be able to team up and share a ride with another conference attendee who is planning to visit Memphis (either before or after the conference). Just about every year, there are individuals who take a side trip to Memphis along with the conference.

Congratulations Dan!

Looks awesome - congrats!

Congrats!

My method: I just hand the guitar to Collin Hill and sit back and listen. ?

Welcome back Dan - great to hear from you!

And get it this weekend on sale!