[Tomas]

Hi John,

It’s good to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time to tell me about what’s going on for you.

First the short answer… Yes, absolutely. Many people have learned to play guitar with similar issues, and other with what could be considered even more insurmountable issues.

I also realize this doesn’t make what you’re going through any less frustrating.

Know that you are not alone in this.

I’ll recommend you watch this lesson (if you haven’t already).

https://realguitarsuccess.com/courses/guitar-tips-for-fat-fingers/

Watch all the way to the end. The techniques I teach are NOT the most important point.

Also, it would benefit you greatly to go step by step through the Beginner’s Journey roadmap.

https://realguitarsuccess.com/courses/starting-new/

Take your time and do the steps one at a time. Ask questions (you did good!).

In the end it will come down to your ability to take things one step at a time, and at least somewhat to enjoy the process while acknowledging your small wins. It’s not easy, especially in a society that is geared towards instant gratification. But there are benefits that you will find far beyond just playing a few songs.

Tomas

Guitar Tips for Fat Fingers

[Tomas]

Hi Bill,

Welcome! I’ve recorded a video just for you with some coaching based on what I know about you so far (beginner, taking private lessons, website moving a little too fast, etc.)

https://www.useloom.com/share/c919506178e04cf7a22af56998db5199

I’ve love to provide more feedback and guidance… let me know how it’s going in the Community Help Forum.

Bye for now,

Tomas

[Tomas]

Hi JoAnn,

This is common. I still squeak a little… it’s most noticeable when I recording.

The way to stop or reduce this is to practice lifting your left hand enough when moving to the next chord, but not too much.

It’s usually something I don’t have students work on until they are very comfortable with bar chords.

Here’s how another guitarist put it…

“String squeak is pretty natural and unavoidable…mostly I’d say make sure you aren’t putting much pressure on the strings when sliding your barre chord shape.”

and another…

“There are a few string lubricants out there that declare they can make all string noise go away. I never used one, since I’ve always kind of enjoyed the squeaking a little. To me, the small squeaks here and there make it sound much more authentic and real. If the squeak was gone, I’d just as quickly assume it was digitally processed.

Although you could try out coated strings, such as Elixir or D’Addario EXP. The coating on them tends to at least lessen the squeaking. But its almost impossible to COMPLETELY get rid of it.”

Here’s a link to a popular lubricant if you’re interested: https://www.amazon.com/Fingerease-2074-Guitar-String-Lubricant/dp/B0002GW3Y8/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1521668261&sr=1-1&keywords=string+lubricant

I’ve tried it but do not currently use it.

Tomas

[Tomas]

Welcome, David. Thanks for jumping right in there. I made you a short video…

https://www.useloom.com/share/a4d6368bbeb842abb269135173677239

Tomas

[Tomas]

Yes, please do.

[Tomas]

Hi Jack,

I didn’t quite understand that last message.

Tomas

[Tomas]

Great idea Jack. I just added it to the footer of the RGS website (bottom right).

Let me know if that’s what you had in mind.

Tomas

[Tomas]

Hi Yasha,

Welcome aboard. I’m happy to have you here.

Wow… you sound like your really into music. I’m looking forward to helping you add beautiful guitar playing to your skills.

I’ve just created something new that I believe will help you get going.

I’ll ask you a couple of questions and then make some lesson recommendations.

I just launched this … in fact, you’ll be the first to use it.

Give it a try here: https://realguitarsuccess.com/rgs-entrance-quiz/

Let me know what you think and any other way I can help you.

Talk soon Yasha.

Tomas

RGS Entrance Quiz

[Tomas]

Hi Ken,

Welcome aboard. Glad to have you here.

I’ve just created something new that I believe will help you get going.

I’ll ask you a couple of questions and then make some lesson recommendations.

I just launched this … in fact, you’ll be the first to use it.

Give it a try here: https://realguitarsuccess.com/rgs-entrance-quiz/

Let me know what you think and any other way I can help you.

Talk soon Ken.

Tomas

 

RGS Entrance Quiz

[Tomas]

You’re welcome Fatih.

Tomas

[Tomas]

Good choice!

A step-by-step path is the best way to do this. That’s why I created Beginner’s Journey.
You see, most of us start off with a variety of learning experiences. Watch a few YouTube videos. Take a couple of private lessons. Learn a few riffs from a friend.
This creates an education with gaps. Often BIG gaps. You could say it’s a bit like Swiss cheese. By filling in some of the “holes”, and tightening up some of the basic skills, it’s much easier to move forward.
But fear not. You now have the power of a system that I’ve created from years of experience. By following the system you know you’re not missing something critical.
You’ll have a working checklist of the important guitar playing skills. Those that you’ve covered, and those you need to work on.
Get started now with beginner’s journey…
>>Go to Beginner’s Journey<<

Tomas

P.S. Because of your interest in fingerpicking I’ll recommend the Fingerpicking Magic 101 Course Module once you’ve completed the Beginner’s Journey. We can also re-evaluate. Feel free to ask questions anytime.

[Tomas]

Hi Fatid,

Welcome.

How you feel about what you’ve learned up to this point (choose one)?
1. I’d like to review the foundation skills and while doing so fill in some gaps.
2. I’m confident in my skills and are ready to move forward.

Tomas

[Tomas]

Hi Julia!

Welcome.

Can you think of any questions to ask me or any way I can help you?

Tomas

[Tomas]

Hi Fatid,

Welcome to the community. I’m happy to have you here.

I’d like to help you. Is learning guitar brand new for you or have you been learning already?

Tomas

[Tomas]

Hi Sisi,

I’ve listened to some of your videos on YouTube… awesome!

What a voice!

I appreciate your willingness to go through the basics. The Beginner’s Journey is for beginners. If you find it’s going a little too slow you might want to check out the Rapid Learning System 101 and 102 in the Course Modules.

There’s also an entire course module on Bar Chords… and more advanced chords as well.

If you’d like some more recommendations just let me know.

I can relate to being impatient… story of my life 🙂

Tomas

[Author]

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