of taking private lessons, I feel like I'm pretty much past "Dude, you really suck at this." and graduated to "Dude, you still suck at this, but not as bad."

I'm still rather weak on rhythm, but getting better. I can't quite sing along though to my playing. When I do that, I have a tendency to go from the Rhythm to trying to strum the melody. It seems some songs (8 days a week), you kind of strum the melody, while others (Me & Bobby McGee) you don't, so that confuses me.

My instructor keeps trying to get me to sing along while I play, but I haven't been able to. I could do it, no problem, if I got drunk first. :-) I think if I was able to, he'd be able to help me with where I'm going wrong.

So is there any advice on how to get good at singing and playing at the same time, or am I still just too green?

Also, what are some skills I should have after one year. I've learned all the open chords, but still struggle switching between them. I've learned bends, he's began working with me on the I-IV-V method of learning to play by ear, but I've not yet touched things such as barre chords, pull-ups, or a lot of that type of thing.

In my mind, I just feel like I'm progressing slowly, my fingers still pretty mechanical and stiff when they move across the fretboard.