Originally Posted by: CSchlegelRykoshet really did a great job on that one, huh? :)

You are quite welcome for the help. You are exactly right, that is precisely what the forum is for.

Wow, praise from Caesar.

I think a lot of people would still suggest at least 30 or so minutes of private lessons a week if you can afford it. There's a lot of basic things you may have missed out on, and even if you can play well already it will help to solidify everything before you go on stage.

That said, I've found the primer courses to be amazing. Haven't checked out Country yet, but Rock and Blues are very thorough, and once you've completed all three in each category you'll have learned not only a heck of a lot of theory but also hundreds of hours of practice to solidify your playing.

Remember to practice with a metronome as much as you can and keep count as many ways as you can (tapping your feet, rocking your body, and counting properly). This will make sure you're always aware of the beat.

I never kept time properly or read music before I began taking lessons but my teacher forced it into me. I thought it was a wasted month of lessons, but now not only can I transfer my skills to other instruments (reading music helps a lot with piano, and everything else) but being able to keep time means I can easily follow along with the band, jump in and out whenever, and in general play with the feel of everyone else without sticking out.

Good luck.