Aug 14: Callouses
I just realized that my fingertips haven’t been hurting for a while. At least, not once I stop playing. That’s really comforting.
I played the chord song in my app today (Am/D/C). I shifted my phone closer to the body of the guitar and it registered the sound much better, which was a relief. I was getting very frustrated.
I played my song again. I’m really liking the Fmaj7 chord in place of the F chord. I changed one of them to a Dm chord. We’ll see how I like it tomorrow.
I also should play it for my music mentor and see what he says. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe next week.
Aug 15: Good Day
I played the chord song I was going to start yesterday but my time got cut off. I passed eventually. It had some quick changes between Em/C/D. I found it exhilarating. I then played the next song once. Same chords, different order; Em/D/C and slightly faster.
I then played my song. I took less time to switch between chords, which was really nice to note. I decided I liked the Dm chord that I put in yesterday. I updated the master song and let my music mentor know.
And then I played my song for my family! It was really nerve wracking. I need to get over my anxiety about playing for others.
Aug 16: I Played Songs!
I didn’t pass the lesson today. According to the app I did, but not according to me. I was getting very frustrated.
I played my song several times. My music mentor suggested that I was doing a key change in the bridge, so I tried that out and he’s totally right, so I changed that.
Then I tried a bunch of different songs in an app I have. Dust in the Wind, You’ll be in my Heart, At Last I see the Light, and Part of Your World. I didn’t know all the chords (I don’t know B at all yet), but I did very well, according to myself.
I played for way too long today. My fingers are tingling!
But it was so fun to play songs that I can recognize!
Aug 17: Break
I took a break from playing guitar today because my middle left finger has a tiny blister and I don’t want to make it worse.
So instead, I picked up the soprano ukulele that we bought and I played a bunch of songs, including my new favourite Unsaid Emily from Julie and the Phantoms. It was super easy to play and made me feel really accomplished.
Hopefully I’ll be healed tomorrow and can continue my guitar lessons.
Aug 18: Feeling Better
My finger looks and feels better today. I’m glad I took yesterday off from the metal strings of my guitar.
Today, I played the chord song from two days ago and got it. That was nice.
Then I played the next chord song. My fingers are getting faster at switching between the chords, which is really nice to see, but my fingers were clumsy today and I kept not being on my fingertips, which was causing dull notes all over the place. I did not pass, thanks to that. 🙁
I played my song. I still love it. I don’t think I have a good strumming pattern down at all, but at least my fingers are getting used to the chord changes. Other than the bridge. I’ll get there. The Dm is slowing me down.
I didn’t play very long today. Don’t want to aggravate my finger again.
Aug 19: Frustrations and Fun
I did not pass the lesson in my app (according to my restrictions. The app passed me.) I’m getting very frustrated.
I played my song. I still love it. I’m getting faster with the chords, even the bridge.
Then I played a few songs from an app I have. That was a LOT of fun!