You’re Ready to Move On
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Closing Thought – The Thrill Is Gone
(^) The stage of initial excitement when starting to learn guitar is usually short-lived. By this time in the course
you are beginning to realize that learning to play practicing and effort. Yes, guitar playing is going to take some effort. Most worthwhile things in lithe guitar is a long process that is going to require consistent fe generally
do. Don’t believe the lie that you can have great these simple songs for others – for friends or famiskill without effort. Here is a way to keep you moly. This is one of the keys to sticking with it. Often the tivated. Play
excitement and pride of performing your newly acquiinvolved in learning how to play. red talents will give some perspective to balance the effort
Tips for Successful Learning
- Go Back Through Earlier Exercises. Going through earlier exercises back from Sessions 1 & 2 as a
warm-up builds confidence and speed. Each time thrmuscle memory coordination which are vital to avoid being overwhelmed when more notes are added. ough these earlier exercises builds note recognition and - Use as Many Resources as Possible. There are many great resources for you to consider at this
stage to take the skills that you have learned hereMelodies” Series by Hal Leonard. There are several and apply them to songs. One of the best is the “ songbooks in this series filled with simple contemEasy Pop porary songs
that will be familiar to you. - Play with the Jam-Along CDs.and rewarding than just playing by yourself. Songs Playing songs along with the CD is much more musica are arranged in Slow, Medium and Fast versions so,lly interesting as you
learn the song better, the arrangements will still avoid hesitating while playing. keep them challenging. Also, playing along with the CD helps you - Keep Your Eyes on the Music, Not Your Hands.your hands as more and more notes are added. Try to let your fingers “feel” where they need to go wit Continue to wean yourself off of looking at hout
glancing down. - The Eighth Note Exercises (pg. 17 of the lesson book) can be played without
hesitation at 60 bpm. - The Third and Fourth String Exercises can be played steadily at 60 bpm.
- “Yankee Doodle” and “Aura Lee” can be consistently played at 90 bpm.
- “When the Saints Go Marchin’ In” can be played accurately and evenly without
hesitation at 120 bpm.