Originally Posted by: ladybug29

Hi Everyone,

I'm a 65 year old beginner. I needed a hobby since I have retired and always wanted to play guitar. The problem I'm having is I can read the tabs and even play through them with a little practice but as soon as Lisa counts me in and the band begins to play I'm suddenly all thumbs and I'm a mess. If I turn off the computer and play the piece I have little trouble remembering and playing the piece.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

And rest assured that because you're having that happen now, doesn't mean that it doesn't happen to folks with a lot of experience too.

I seem to always want to give an example, so here I go; I'm learning Jingle Bell Rock for our church's Christmas service. Not an overly complex song but the iconic opening rockabilly riff is harder than it would seem. I mean, broken down, not really. However, timing on the little riff when you drop further down the neck a few frets is slightly tricky to do up to speed.

I've been playing forever and can tackle most anything I want to play but, playing anything up to speed takes a few spins through it even for most great guitar players.

Yes, learn to play more slowly. Always helps to get it down. You should expect that when you start playing something up to speed that you feel a little left behind. Keep going even if you get a little lost and behind. Eventually you'll 'catch up'.

It is the number one mistake of any guitar player makes; feeling like you can't play it awesome right away. All guitar players do it. All.

Make mistakes, checkle when they happen and keep plugging away.