Learned another tune

Published on September 8, 2005 By dharmagrl In Misc

I've played guitar a lot since the kids went back to school. I've played at least an hour every day...and it shows.

I've finally 'got it', I think. I was having a hell of a time putting together the singing and the playing at the same time...there were some strum patterns that really threw me off and left me feeling very frustrated and discouraged. I had been trying to play 'Danny's Song' (James Taylor version) and was almost in tears because I just couldn't get it.

I decided to try something simpler instead, and went and looked at the chords for Green Day's 'When I Come Around'.

I played the chords through once, then added the lyrics in my head...and then played and sang out loud the whole entire thing without screwing it up.

Yeah, I know Green Day isn't THAT hard...but it's given me a much needed confidence boost. I recorded myself singing and playing, and I have to say that having a cold has given my voice a raspy, edgy tone that i'm really digging. I don't usually play and sing for an audience, but I'm so impressed with myself that I'm thinking about playing and singing for Dave when he comes home for lunch. That's a big step for me.....but that's the kind of confidence boost being able to put it all together has given me.

I'm going to try and tackle 'Danny's Song' again this afternoon, and hopefully I'll get a little further with that too.

Oh, and check this out: Davey asked me to show him how to play some riffs this past weekend. He's got the 'Smoke On The Water' and 'Iron Man' riffs memorized, and we're working on the intro to 'Enter Sandman' - it's a little more difficult because it's played on the 5th a 7th frets and that's a bit of a stretch for his little hands, but he's trying, bless his little heart.

I'm so glad I got another guitar....

Comments

Spc Nobody Special

on Sep 09, 2005

Sweet. I may have one for that post secret one too. Mine's I like to play the Iron Man theme in church sometimes when I'm warming up on bass, and none of the people that would be offended know what it is.

FREEBIRD!!!! FREEBIRD!!!!

ParaTed2k

on Sep 09, 2005

Go You!!!

It's always great to go back to "easier" songs after working your fingers to a frazzle on more intense songs. You're right, it's a real confidence booster, and nothing is better for motivation than a little confindence shot when you're down on yourself for not picking up a new riff or progression.

I do expect an Email of "When I Come Around" when your confidence feels up to it. Believe me, I'm an easy mark for an ego boost! ;~D

dharmagrl

on Sep 09, 2005

I like to play the Iron Man theme in church sometimes when I'm warming up on bass, and none of the people that would be offended know what it is.

hehehehe....that reminds of that 'Simpsons' episode where Bart has the organist play 'In Da garden of Eden' by I. Ron Butterfly....

It's always great to go back to "easier" songs after working your fingers to a frazzle on more intense songs. You're right, it's a real confidence booster, and nothing is better for motivation than a little confindence shot when you're down on yourself for not picking up a new riff or progression.

I do expect an Email of "When I Come Around" when your confidence feels up to it.

It actually felt pretty good, like I wasn't such a total failure at the guitar after all.

Maybe one day I'll send you an MP3 of my attempts at singing and playing.....I'm not promising anything, but I'll try!

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