Today’s guitar practice involved only a few basic chords that most beginners like me learn early on (G, C, Dm and Em), in this easy version of “No Longer Slaves” by Bethel Music. Playing a song with familiar chords means that I can focus on other skills, these two for example:
1) practicing what I call “playing a chord through”, meaning that I need to land solidly on each string, with my fingers making the complete correct chord shapes, and with my pick hitting the right stings without skipping any – this will take much more practice and experience than my level right now, but I’m working on it!
2) experimenting with various tempos, changes, bridges, etc. – when the song has a lot of room for trying new things, and the song itself has many dynamics built into it also.
It’s good to take breaks from learning new chords and try to improve the techniques of the chords already memorized, along with concentrating on the nuances of strumming, and trying to hit the strings at the right time and place without sloppiness, missed notes, and other frustrating novice mistakes. I’m getting better at noticing my missed notes and I’m disappointed when I don’t hear the full chord because my playing was too rushed, too sloppy, I made the wrong chord shape, I hit the strings in the wrong place, or I skipped a string altogether. These things will come together in time if I never give up.
Practice, practice, practice! The more I improve, the more I enjoy playing! So, if you’ve been on this guitar journey with me, keep going, it’s worth it! What a joyful experience! BTW: I’ll be painting on another guitar soon, stay tuned! (pun unintentional, but I’ll keep it, LOL) Many blessings to you and yours – I hope all is well in your place in this world. xoxo
