| I just had to send this out. I got an email today | | | | but I don't have time/talent/inclination.They have |
| from a beginner | | | | absolutely no idea of the commitment it takes to |
| (we'll call him Peter) who had this to say.....Hi | | | | play |
| there, I downloaded your first tuition video | | | | well, they just 'wish' they could do it!For me |
| yesterday and I am having a | | | | there was never any question about whether it |
| little trouble trying to get my left fingers into | | | | was worth the effort.So there you go Peter. |
| position. | | | | That's my long winded way of saying....... |
| Are there any exercises to make my left hand | | | | Just keep practicing. |
| more flexible?? | | | | Just keep practicing. |
| I seem to be touching other strings with my | | | | JUST KEEP PRACTICING. |
| middle finger or not | | | | There are no shortcuts, just plain old fashioned |
| holding the string tight enough. I have had my | | | | determination and grit. |
| guitar for about three | | | | It will come, little by little, step by step. |
| years so I think it's about time I actually start to | | | | The fingers will get strong,the skin will thicken, |
| learn to play it. | | | | the strings will stop buzzing and listeners |
| Cheers, PeterConsidering my reply made me | | | | will start saying 'Oh...I wish I could play the |
| think about what it takes to learn to play this | | | | guitar' and you will smile smugly 'cos you know |
| device of torture.Here is my reply......Hi Peter, | | | | what it takes.Keep at it Peter and let me know |
| Yes I agree it is about time you started to | | | | how you get on.Mike HerbertsI'm sure that this |
| learn.Here's a question for you Peter: How many | | | | beginners plight will ring a few bells.Let me |
| people do you know who | | | | reassure you that this is a great time to learn the |
| can play the guitar really well? | | | | guitar. |
| The answer I guess is, not many.Here's another | | | | There are many super quality instruments out |
| question: How many people do you know who | | | | there to get you |
| bought one, tried it, | | | | started. Tons of resources on the internet. |
| dreamed about it, wished they could play, envied | | | | Newsletters. Tabs |
| people who could play and then | | | | (Dare I say it) My Videos BUT............Your ultimate |
| just stopped? | | | | success will depend on how much you want to do |
| The answer, and I'm just guessing again. | | | | it and |
| Loads!Peter, let me tell you about playing the | | | | how much effort you are prepared to put in. |
| guitar. | | | | Someone famous once said . . . . . |
| It Hurts. Yep it's true. I never read that in the | | | | 'Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration' |
| books I bought as a beginner | | | | She must have been a budding guitarist.Mike |
| and it came as something of a shock when I | | | | Herberts runs a rather special, dare we say |
| realised it.A few other things I didn't realise were | | | | unique? Web based, Guitar Tuition Video business. |
| that It's awkward, frustrating, annoying, | | | | where subscribers are supplied with free |
| painful,tedious,time consuming.So there is a big | | | | downloadable videos, taking them from raw |
| decision to make before you even start to think | | | | beginners to competent players in a very short |
| about playing.Do you REALLY want to commit to | | | | time indeed. No scales I'm afraid, or theory, or |
| all that pain and torment?Even after 30 years of | | | | excercises just good old tunes and songs. There |
| playing regularly I still feel | | | | is also a selection of 'Guitar All Time Classics' for |
| the pain and have to struggle with new pieces. I | | | | those beyond absolute beginner status. |
| will sometimes | | | | Select from Eric Clapton, Ralph McTell, Mike |
| spend weeks (yes weeks) of practice just to | | | | Chapman, Blind Willie McTell, Robert Johnson, |
| learn a single phrase | | | | Lynyrd Skynyrd, Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, |
| in order to play smoothly and make it look | | | | Bob Dylan, Elton John, Don McClean, John Fahey, |
| effortless.Casual listeners will say 'Oh I wish I | | | | to name just a few. |
| could play the guitar' | | | | |