Well, I've gotten to where I can get through Disarm by Smashing Pumpkins at a fairly decent tempo, with just a very few minor little flubs fretting chords or with pauses that are a little longer than they should be between fingering different chords. 

It was one of those songs that when I first bit it off, I didn't think I was ever going to be able to play. Remembering all the weird little parts and how they fit together seemed impossible. I still sometimes get it wrong... but I just played it the best I've ever played so far, I think. 

Every Rose Has its Thorn was one like that for me, too... and I'm still not playing it QUITE right. I need to spend some time and get the *strum knock* parts down, as they're really the part that people want from that song, and I just skip that part. 

Maggie Mae was also a huge challenge for me. 

The nice thing, as I learn these more complex songs, is that a lot of other songs, earlier songs, fall into place quicker and things that were challenging about them seem easier now. 

I need to figure out what my next step is. Start learning scales or something... 

Not sure where to go from here. 

Learn some blues scales. Best payoff where scales are concerned. Easy to improvise, works over most genres. 

I haven't done anything with scales. People keep suggesting it is what I should be looking at next. 

I bought a guitar at the family reunion auction for $20, it was decent, but I ended up giving it to my cousin Rick who needed it more than I do.  He's got some mental problems and having an instrument to focus on helps.  I'd rather have a piano, but those ain't cheap lol

I've got a piano, and nobody to play it. 
And 3 guitars - and I've been feeling guilty for not practicing. 

I keep asking - are you still in Phoenix? 

It sounds like... kinda like - fate, or God - or providence or something... 

Keeps suggesting that you should drop by. 

I know Wangiss would love it. 

Fri Jan 15 2021 18:50:24 MST from TheDave

I bought a guitar at the family reunion auction for $20, it was decent, but I ended up giving it to my cousin Rick who needed it more than I do.  He's got some mental problems and having an instrument to focus on helps.  I'd rather have a piano, but those ain't cheap lol

Fri Jan 15 2021 19:47:49 MST from ParanoidDelusions

I've got a piano, and nobody to play it. 
And 3 guitars - and I've been feeling guilty for not practicing. 

I keep asking - are you still in Phoenix? 

It sounds like... kinda like - fate, or God - or providence or something... 

Keeps suggesting that you should drop by. 

I know Wangiss would love it. 

 

Fri Jan 15 2021 18:50:24 MST from TheDave

I bought a guitar at the family reunion auction for $20, it was decent, but I ended up giving it to my cousin Rick who needed it more than I do.  He's got some mental problems and having an instrument to focus on helps.  I'd rather have a piano, but those ain't cheap lol

 

Hanging out sounds hella fun.  I keep answering, I'm in Mesa.  Happy to come over whenever.  I've got a job that barely asks me to do anything so I'm getting a salary I'm not really earning and I can take off whenever to do anything I want.

Shoot me your address and when you'd like some company and I'll head over.

It is on its way. 

I play a Godin A6 Ultra with the cognac burst finish which is just gorgeous.  I bought it at a time when I needed to play acoustic and electric during the same set.  It's a hollow body electric with piezo pickups under the saddle and a humbucker on the bridge.  With the flick of a switch and the right effects it can sound like a rich acoustic or a crunchy electric.  I like it a lot and I don't get to play much anymore  :(