Today’s song “Don’t Try so Hard” by Amy Grant is perfect for this assignment, because this guitar practice is all about learning to relax and stop trying so hard. Once again, our assignment involves easy beginner chords that we should know by now (G, C, Em, D, Am), so we don’t have to focus on the challenge of remembering chord shapes (if you don’t have those chords memorized yet, I suggest saving this song practice for when you do, so that you’ll get more out of the experience). The focus is on trying to stay consistent and smooth, developing an awareness of when strumming is incomplete, jumpy, and irregular.
I love Amy Grant’s music and I’m so excited to be learning her songs! “Don’t Try so Hard” has inspiring lyrics that I sometimes hear in my head when I’m anxious about trying to get something right, when I’m feeling exhausted, and when I feel like I’m not good enough.
I love how music can help us feel as if our human emotions are universal, shared, understood, and accepted. Acceptance feels like love, much like we are loved by God. If you’re learning guitar along with me, keep strummin’. Until next time, xoxo
Amy Grant is one of my favorite female Christian artists, and I have several of her albums mixed in my inventory at Tapley’s at Waters and Montgomery Crossroads. You did a nice rendition of her song. Thanks again Natilie, you are improving always. Keep up the GOOD WORK! Chaplain Al and Lila
Thank you for your ongoing support! Amy Grant is definitely one of my favorites too. I saw her in concert when I was a teen and it was very inspiring! I plan to learn more of her songs and I’ll keep trying to improve my playing!