It's Better to Practice...

...than to spend the time writing on here!

Today I busted out the guitar around 5pm, and went through my exercise routine. Practice is making perfect (though 'perfect' is still pretty far off). I came online to find some simple Christmas tunes to learn, but most of them are still over my head skill-wise. However, I did spend a bit of time working out America's "Horse With No Name" all by myself. Now if only I could sing (haha)...

Real School notes: the latest songs Erik has introduced into my lessons and homework rotation are Mojave 3's "Who Do You Love" (16th notes - YIKES!), "Summer Breeze" by Seals & Crofts, and "Everything (Between Us)" by Liz Phair. I only have three classes left this semester (which makes me sad). I hope I can come up with the money for the spring.

And on a "What is he listening to these days?" note: I have Owl City on the brain. Which is odd, because one of the main points of learning how to play guitar is low-tech music (and not 'super-synthed' pop). What can I say? A good song is a good song, no matter what instruments are used to create it. ☺

Currently listening to:

Tidal Wave - Owl City

Catching Up

It's been a few weeks since I've logged anything.

Quick sum-up: while I haven't been practicing every single day since my last post (I've been drawing a lot lately, and began cooking recently, though I practice every other day, for at least an hour), on certain days I just can't seem to put my guitar down, so it all balances out. Which is good, because this undertaking should never feel like a chore (otherwise, what's the point?).

Anyway, I've got most of the open position chords memorized, and am able to do switches with increasing precision. I have simple versions of "Happy Birthday", "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Wild Thing" down. And I've been slowly learning (at various paces) the following songs:

• "Who Can Save Your Soul" by Jewel
• "Mrs. Robinson" by Paul Simon
• "Fallin' For You" by Colbie Caillat (whoo-hoo!)
• "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals (trying to be smooth/even throughout by using a metronome).
• "Heart of Gold" by Neil Young (whose voice I've never liked, but the song is a fun learning tool).

Today in class I worked on "Last Train to Clarksville" by The Monkees. Very interesting stuff! I am immersing myself in the band's 4-disc "Listen to the Band" as I write this (my earliest recollection of playing records was when my mom let me and my brother play her Monkees albums on a fold-out turntable). I think it'll be amazing to play this song for my parents around Christmas when the semester ends, and I finally let my family know I've been taking lessons...

Since I missed last week's lesson (I wasn't feeling up to the long drive) I have two lessons in a row next week (Wed & Thu), which should allow for some real progress. I am having a blast with this undertaking!

Currently listening to (and learning to play):

Last Train To Clarksville - Th...

Getting Better, One ♫ at a Time

I practiced today from just after 6 'til just before 8 pm. After a rough start, wherein I was wondering "how the HELL does anyone get songs out of this annoying thing of wood and metal?", I finally got into a groove, and was able to recognize "Mrs. Robinson" coming out of my guitar! Not that anyone else might, but I could, and that's something. Hmmm... There must be something to this 'practice makes perfect' thing that many people speak of... Anyway, I am glad that my time is showing something, for all of it that has been spent to date.

Currently listening to:

A Colloquial Dream - Charles M...

Minor Battle Scars

I practiced for an hour and a half today during the BC-VA Tech game (BC got pounded 48-14). My fingers are sore, but I am proud of it. I worked on speeding up my chord changes, with some success, and focused on my homework songs. It's slowly coming together. I won't be playing any local venues anytime soon, but visible (audible?) progress is always a good thing. Hopefully by my lesson this Thursday I'll have enough stuff down for more positive feedback from Erik...

Practice Makes Perf- er, Better.

I woke up today knowing I wanted to put in some good time practicing, but I got side-tracked by several things (new Lego blocks I was itching to build an "alien cantina" with, college football, finishing a book, etc...). But from 4 pm to 5 pm I wore my fingers down in front of the muted BC - Florida State game, doing my exercises and song-learning (2 Jewel tunes and "Mrs. Robinson") to a modicum of proficiency. At least they are somewhat recognizable now! ☺

Also, on a side note, I was on my walk yesterday, and a song just popped into my head (well, lyrics at least, no music yet). Coming soon: "The Chestnut War" (or something similar...). I'm getting better at cementing ideas in my head when I am nowhere near a pad or a computer.


Currently listening to:

Speak In Words - Vanessa Kafka