NeilES335

@zeve. Welcome to The Forum and to the learn and master guitar program.. While many people get by with just using tabalature ("tab") in the long run you will find being able to read or at least basically understand notation, a valuable skill. Tab is not always correct or complete and does not convey things like the key the song is in or time signature and much more. Even if you're content to just learn simple 3 chord songs, its still well worth the effort and will make so much more available to you.

Well, after being on Session 18 for quite a while, I ran through the exercises etc. a few times recently, and I believe I've completed this Session. Actually, I've moved on to other areas to focus on learning Jazz Standards songs. (including improvisation, walking bass lines, "comping" etc.)( I'm planning on recording some when they are polished enough...) It feels pretty good to get this far, even though it's taken me about 6 years or is it 7 (?)... (off and on... mostly off for the past year or so) My buddy @Eracer_Team-DougH has heard and seen me play several times.... he maintains that I've finished the LMG course really... I've worked my way through all the sessions and completed them.. (ok, confession time; I never quite "got" Pacabell's Canon in "D" very well.. another time. 😉 maybe an excuse to buy a nylon string guitar!) I also completed all of the Fretboard Workout Series of lessons... (which are great... you should too if you haven't ) Soloing is most of Session 19 and I'm reasonably good at playing a melody "by ear" as well as basic improvising. Session 20 is some more chord knowledge, most of what I know already... so, With no real "final exam" it's up to the individual to decide... Can I play everything perfectly? Well, honestly not perfectly... (and surely not as well as our friend @Wim VD1 ) But I do feel the need for something new. I know I'll be referring back to the LMG course often for review, but I think I'll basically give myself permission to consider the course "Completed". In some ways, it feels like the beginning... there's still so much to learn! Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement! (I'll still be around!) Regards; Neil

... or "Jazz"😊

“I never practice my guitar — from time to time I just open the case and throw in a piece of raw meat” - Wes Montgomery

@DianeB Great story Diane... I see a book of "guitar tales' in your future :[) .

Welcome back @sleepingangel Maria! Very nice to hear from you.. My sincere condolences on your fathers passing... Music is great therapy at these times..so getting back to learning and playing is great idea👍 I hope we'll continue to read of your progress. Don' t forget to join us on Live Lessons too. All the Best; Neil

who needs a dining room anyway? :[)

@Texaspackerfan Oh I "hear" you Danny... when I recorded my first real effort (was that almost a year ago already?) Moon River, I must have done at least 20 takes and when I go it "right" I didnt want to mess with it. Funny thing is, I havent played it since!

@Texaspackerfan Really well played Danny! Clear chords, good timing, rythym very good. One small suggestion (and not from an expert by any means).. if you plan to remix the track at all, maybe you could lower the level of the rythym track or raise the level of the lead track... it deserves to be hear more. Good job.

Surely its the condition that counts most, not the age per se. 3 of my guitars where bought "pre-owned" all in excellent virtually unplayed condition (1 was still in the box with a price tag on it) So dont overlook this option when looking for "new" gear...you can save a lot $$$.

@Old GuyId have to agree... As long as you stick to a relatively well know brand there isnt a lot of really "bad " gear out there today. You can, as you say, get some pretty decent guitars for not a lot of money vs. when I was a kid, the choice was excellent and expensive or cheap and garbage.

@Triple-o Since you've played a bit...maybe you could advise me.... I bought a new Honer "Blues Harp" harmonica in A a while back. I found that the "draw" took quite a bit of effort; much more than I remember than the harmonicas I played campfire songs on in Boy Scouts as a kid. Is there some way of adjusting these to play easier? ( I havent really played it much at all as a result)

I 2nd that👍.

Many thanks to our intrepid on scene reporter @DianeBfor your coverage and insights. It sounds like a memorable timd was had by all. (Did anyone take any video? It would be nice to see/ hear some of the sessions and performances on the GG Channel)

While I may not get to see Joe Robinson at Guitar Gathering, DougH and I will be seeing him in concert with Tommy Emanuel in Mississauga Ontario (outside Toronto) in March/20. Looking forward to that🎸😁.

Thanks Greg; Now if I can just find the time to play them! Only 3 times since the amp arrived... 😞

@rkl31 Very nice... Something like this one my list to round out my little collection. I reaĺly amazes me that these nylon classicals can sound so good and usually for a relatively affordable price too. Enjoy👍 (btw we'll expect your recording of Canon Dmaj shortly😉)

At $7,000 for an original ES345 with PAF's and tuners, wiring and is good shape with this provenance, it's a tempting buy.. (I just have to remember it''s in USD...ouch) I've seen them sell at $20-30K

I recently found this very interesting and helpful. "Pay Guitar" podcast by professional guitarist and author Lee Wayne Anderson, on Spotify music streaming service. Every week he posts some very interesting topics, and answers questions specifically related to guitar players, beginners up to professionals. There are many weeks of past broadcasts that you can listen to. Check it out. A Spotify account is free ( with commercials) or commercial free for a small fee. Spotify is a great place to find terrific music of all sorts.

I havent been bitten by the "pedal bug"😉. My "old" Fender G-dec amp had about 99 different amp simulations and dozens of combined "FX"s built into a rather complicated digital menu. I rarely ever used any of them except the clean channel with a bit of reverb called "Jazzmaster" . With my new Princeton having a great reverb and tremolo on foot switch, and manipulating the pickups, tone/volume/eq knobs, you can get lots of different tones.So a Ditto x2 looper is all i have and will likely ever have/need.

@matonanjin Congrats on your progress Ron! You're moving into the "Master" part of "Learn & Master". Be prepared to be more on your own with your studies; using "outside" resources is more of an option,

Well done @WATSON43 Kevin🎸

Welcome Wayne! Glad you chose to be part of our Guitar Gathering family🎸👍.

This Poll is now OPEN once again . Share with us how you're doing with the LMG course!

I think I'll have to do the same ie additional learning resources to become passibly proficient on arpegios. It does require more time and effort than I can give at the moment. Hopefully in a few months when business quiets down a bit.