[douglas englund]

can any of the teachers tell a student how good they should or could be at playing a guitar in a year. after they have been with that teacher for 6 to 8 weeks? i would think a teacher could see the progress up to that time and give an idea that the student could strive for. this would be a good incentive to practice harder. i know it would be just an educated guess but it would be helpful even if it was wrong. i am 66 years old and on my 2nd heart attack so i am a little impatient. any help will be greatly appreciated. Doug

[X4StringDrive]

Well I'm no teacher{really still a noob} and I only took about 3 lessons {on bass} about 5 yrs ago..so take this for what its worth or not worth.

I think everyone progresses accordingly to the effort put forth, simple enough i guess. I think that as you continue you'll notice that it doesn't take as long to pick up new things as it did in the beginning, therefore that is the key at least in my thinking...if you advance quickly as in "catching on" there's no telling really how far you'll be in a year or even a few months as far as that goes.

Patience is a virtue they say, and each has their own supply of it. If it will help any,... I could be on tour somewhere right now in front of thousands...if only I would practice as much as I type...LOL.

Relax{ I've had a heart-attack myself and know} it will come in due time if "you" want it.



On another note for those of us with limited time left...don't sweat it none, when we get to those pearly gates, theres some great teachers there.... as in Peter, Paul...and yes Mary..LOL sorry couldn't resist......Until then listen to Kirk and all the helpful others in here. .......

[mattz196]

Totally agree with X4StringDrive comments the only thing I would add from my experience is that the learning curve is not a steady rise more like some improvement then a level off period then a liitle more improvment level off ect ect .
Hope the above makes sense .
Be patient and remember its meant to be fun.
Good luck on your everlasting journey.
Matt

[douglas englund]

Mattz and drive thanks alot for your comments i feel like i am in one off those flat spots right now but i love the playing so much that i will never quite trying. i was just hoping my teacher could show me what he thought i could(?) be like in a year or two. just a guess off of what he has seen with my progess up to this point. my lesson is too night and i will ask him. but thanks again a really appriceate it. Doug

[karcey]

G'day Doug,
There are lots of people who think that because you want to learn guitar, you must know exactly what you want to play. In my case I haven't really got a clear picture. I'd like to be able to make nice music, maybe play kids songs for all the grandkids, maybe play Christmas carols, who knows (who cares?) So I'm trying to learn enough to be able to play something recognisable. Is that what you're trying to do? I don't know what I'm capable of, and certainly no-one has given me an appraisal of my potential. I think it's a fair bet that I'll be no threat to any professional musicians though.
Maybe I should find a teacher who could help me map out some sort of personalised course so I'd know how far I'd gone and how long it would be before I could play a handful of tunes.
All the best with your learning.
Karcey

[fireblade]

Great comments guys. I've been playing for about 3 yrs now and on the advice of others recorded myself as a beginner and every now and then as time has passed. It really focuses the mind when trying to play a song all the way through, but also, lets you go back and see how much you've improved.
I appear to be getting worse lol.

[douglas englund]

i went to my lesson last night and i asked my teacher, what i should or could expect in a year or so and he said its hard to tell. he said this fall i will be playing in jam sessions with the other students in my group level and that should help improve my playing ability. i can see improvement but i was hoping to hear him play what i could be sounding like in a year or two. i guess i will just have practice more to speed the process up a notch. its a long slow process but it is fun. i think that is a good idea to record your songs every now and then and go back and listen for improvement if there is any. well keep picking. thanks for all the comments Doug

[redrider37]

Originally Posted by douglas englund

i went to my lesson last night and i asked my teacher, what i should or could expect in a year or so and he said its hard to tell. he said this fall i will be playing in jam sessions with the other students in my group level and that should help improve my playing ability. i can see improvement but i was hoping to hear him play what i could be sounding like in a year or two. i guess i will just have practice more to speed the process up a notch. its a long slow process but it is fun. i think that is a good idea to record your songs every now and then and go back and listen for improvement if there is any. well keep picking. thanks for all the comments Doug

Doug I am 54 and I have been playing for 3 years, I too am an impatient sort of guy but when I play the guitar I find I have more patience than normal, I still get frustrated and feel like throwing the guitar out of the window now and agin but in the main it's about persistance as well as patience.

I found the younger guys (12 - 18 year olds) did things much quicker than me, but I practiced more than them so I kept up (just). so chill out, take your time because this is a very long journey my friend.

Good luck (your in safe hand here)

pete

[douglas englund]

thanks for all the support i need it.

[GotDeeBlues]

Don't let the flat spots get to you. I have so many, I feel like I'm stuck up on the jack instead of cruisin' the fast lane.

[marc bolan]

Originally Posted by redrider37

feel like throwing the guitar out of the window now and agin

im not the only one then

[justinthyme]

Heh heh - its a big boat we're all stuck in together!