Double Stop Stomp 2nd attempt

nursedad,

The second link doesn't work, doesn't take me back to the previous post. Comparing this to the Version 2 Strat on Soundcloud, I'd say a HUGE improvement. You've got some really good tone happening on this recording, I like it a lot. The timing is still off, but not nearly as bad as the last version. Are you practicing along with the recorded track? Do you have any kind of "slow downer" software - playing along with the recorded track at a slowed down speed will help improve the timing. The 50% version on the CD is too slow, but if you could slow this to 85-90% of speed and play along with the recording at that pace, I bet it would help improve the timing a lot. It's kind of a cliche for bluesmen, but stompin' your foot also helps.

Your practice and improvement are definitely showing! Thanks for sharing with us.

Bruce

Man, Nursedad, I've got a very long post in my head with some ideas that might help you, but I don't have time right now. I will say one thing - you have to stop saying that you don't have any natural rhythm or talent for music. You are dooming yourself to failure by repeating that and turning it into a self-fulfilling prophecy. You need to look at it like this - I have a problem in this particular area. Now, what steps do I have to take to solve that problem. You will never break through and have that 'Aha!' moment until you change your attitude.

You fix the attitude and people here will offer suggestions on how to fix the timing problem.

Phil

nursedad, I am new here, and just coming back to playing after years of wishing I did. Just wanted to offer one suggestion. The first thing that hit me when listening to your recording was that you came in a little late on the beat and (I say this because I do it all the time) were trying to catch up the rest of the time.
I have had to train myself to get that pickup measure right to start off with or, for me, everything else just never quite sounds right.
Keep with it.....music is not an easy hobby, but it is a rewarding one. It is my Zen.....

I think there's a lot wisdom right there...

My take at practicing - with the reservation that I haven't been at it very long - is that if I can't play something simple reasonably well, then time spend practicing more complicated things is to some extent wasted.

I read somewhere that John G.'s students spend 1-2 weeks on average pr. lesson - I've spend a lot longer on the early lesson, since I felt I didn't have a good grasp on them.  I also practiced other things in parallel to improve my technique (basic picking, chord progressions, scales, etc., etc.),  but now I feel it's paying off, since the upcoming lessons are not a brick-wall to be climbed anymore...

On the other hand, I cannot make perfect recordings of the early studies with my current guitar skills, so I have to settle for something in between, hoping that the last bits and pieces will fall into place by themselves as my playing matures.