I second what Moe says. That's my other Big Tip -- play along with recordings of songs that you LOVE and really connect with. And if you can -- and I think this is key even though maybe it sounds a bit silly -- play the LIVE/in concert versions rather than the studio versions, and do so while doing a bit of fantasizing that you're onstage with your idol.

Like I said, it might sound silly, but it sure makes it more fun and it tricks the brain into upping its game. After all, you have 30,000 fans screaming for more! ;-)

John of MT -- that's how I've always played the A. I like having my index finger free to reach for the E or down to the D. So you are not alone!

Snojones -- I'm still struggling with quickly reaching for the 5th string Am barre chord form, because I learned Am with the index, middle and ring fingers, and my muscle memory is not happy with changing that over... sigh...

I love this forum.