Learning Development

I've got a question about my learning development. I've been playing along with Lisa McCormick's lessons for a few months now. I'm not as fast as I'd like to be so typically I tend to lag a little bit in the lesson schedule due to the fact that I simply a little slow. I understand the concepts and mentally I'm following the chord progressions, but physically my fingers can't keep up.

So, my question is...should I continue moving forward with the tutorials OR repeat the old ones until I physically can catch up at Lisa's pace? In other words, I don't want to get too far behind schedule just because my fingers can't keep up. I'm afraid because of my slowness I'll miss out on new tutorials and therefore not be able to take full advantage of the breadth of resources at Guitar Tricks. Does that make sense? Let me know. Thanks, Steve

One of the good things about GT is you can go at your own pace.

Don't worry about missing tutorials. I don't think they're removed after a time, although some seem to get updated with improved versions.

Songs are sometimes removed, but that's only because of licence renewal issues.

I think moving on is good as long as you include practicing the things you're still struggling to play at speed. You'll probably know if you've gone too far because things in the lesson will seem impossible because you can't do a simpler version or similar technique that was in an earlier lesson. Another way of knowing is if you suddenly feel bombarded with new things.

As for increasing speed, try using a metronome at the speed you feel comfortable at, then try increasing it a little, such as anywhere between 2 and 5 BPM faster. Keep doing this until it's too fast, then go back to slightly slower than your fastest comfortable speed. Make a note of that, then try starting at that speed the next time you practice whatever that is. If you find it's too fast, then try a slower speed. It takes time to build up speed.

Another thing to try is make the movements very slowly and look at the amount of movement each finger makes. For example, changing chords - could you make the same change but not lift your fingers so far from the fretboard. You might find some of your changes are being slowed down simply because your fingers are moving farther than necessary away from the fretboard.

Hi Steve

Very important to find a balance between what keeps you interested in continuing to practice and developing skills. There is no time line as we are all different.

And there is no harm in reverting back to a lesson if you just can't get it and your frustration level is building. This is not about a test of will power. Its about enjoying yourself and your time with the guitar.

In terms of hand speed, we all have limits. With experience you will find songs and tempos that are comfortable and fun to play. For instance, in my case I don't want to go much faster than "get off my cloud" by the stones. So that and anything slower are more fun for me.

Keep practicing and keep it fun. Things will work out.

Hi Steve

Dont rush it! Work at your own pace and be realistic in your goals. If your just starting out go back over lessons as many times as it takes to build that beginner foundation and minimize bad habits. The beauty of the on-demand platform is you won't miss out; it'll always be there. Find some songs that tie into the lessons (though I'll admit one criticism I do have of GT is I would love to see the GT staff make song recommendations in the lessons). But a google search of best songs using whatever chords or techniques will almost certainly return a list of something that may interest you. If it's just a lick or opening riff find out what that is and learn. Then take it a step further and find out what it is about that riff or lick you like and where it came from and learn that next.

I had the same issue and once I got the concept and was able to play albiet at a slower pace I moved on. On a few lessons I went back to revisit and found that it wasn't as daunting the second time around.

As far as the GF1 and 2. I can see me going back and revisiting some of those in the future just because some of those concepts are eye opening. Those are good assets and it's great to have them as a reference

Thank you all for your suggestions. Using the metronome sounds like good advice and moving at a steady pace sounds good, too. I think the bottom line is...it just takes practice. Thanks again for everyone's reply!