My Guitar Learning Notes for One Week
This is another weekly KaizenGuitarist journal entry. I hope that someone finds this on the Internet and finds it useful.
I think that over time I may discontinue this journal and just focus on the guitar learning nuggets on my guitar journey.
But for now, I will continue this weekly Kaizen Guitarist journal.
Thursday: 2/15/2024: Recovering from Cataract Surgery
Today I spent most of the day going easy, recovering from surgery.
I did practice guitar, perhaps 60 minutes.
Learn: It’s Hard Playing Guitar when You have a Vision Problem
I had hoped for a vision miracle after surgery on my left eye for cataracts. My vision was adjusted to see nearby.
I still haven’t figured out to see my guitar fret board and music notes clearly. Looking for a vision improvement.
Friday: 2/16/2024: Recovering from Cataract Surgery, Again
Today I took a 5 dollar “reader” glasses, poked out the left lense, and then discovered I can see much better.
Learn: My Near Vision is Improving
- I took an expendble $5 dollar pair of reader glasses set at 2x for reading.
- I poked out the left lens only.
- Now I can see my guitar fret board, music notes, and even my computer screen very clearly. Hurray.
Learn: Choosing a Travel Guitar for a Two Week Vacation
Today I tried several of my acoustic guitars to see which one I would take on vacation to Florida.
- Sears Roebuck 1969 Student Guitar. No thanks. Love it and its happy sound. It’s just a bit too hard to play my songs due to its high action.
- Bristol BM-16. I do love this easy playing guitar that is slightly smaller than a dreadnought guitar. I think it’s a 000 guitar. Is that called a concert guitar.
- Chose against it because it’s 40 inches long and has a flimsy bag.
- Journey travel guitar. Even though it’s action is a bit high, it does sound nicely. It’s only 36 inches long with a great travel gig bag that’s well padded.
I chose the Journey guitar. It’s going to Florida on our two week vacation.
Saturday: 2/17/2024: Drove 500 Miles to Tennessee and Practiced
We drove 500 miles to Tennessee. And yes, I did practice 45 minutes in our motel room on my Journey guitar.
Sunday: 2/18/2024: Drove 500 Miles to Florida and Practiced
This time, we drove 500 miles to Florida. And yes, I did practice 45 minutes in our motel room on my Journey guitar.
Just thankful my wife doesn’t mind me practicing acoustic guitar while she reads in our motel room.
Monday: 2/19/2024: Drove 350 Miles to Orlando and Played for Relatives
This was a shorter day. We just drove 300 to 350 miles to Orlando, FL.
Then my in-laws were kind enough to listen to me play my few songs.
Tuesday: 2/20/2024: Near Orlando, FL and Practiced
While my in-laws went on chores I practiced guitar for 60 minutes.
I had to re-learn the Em6 chord and a new chord.
I think the most important thing I do on these vacation days is practice my 30 known chords with my guitar neck learning tool.
Wednesday: 2/21/2024: Near Orlando, FL and Practiced 45 Minutes
Again, while my in-laws went on chores I practiced guitar for 45 minutes.
Today I focused a bit on my Justin Guitar lessons and learned a new song.
Thursday: 2/22/2024: Near Orlando, FL and Practiced 45 Minutes
Again, while my in-laws went on chores I practiced guitar for 45 minutes.
Friday: 2/23/2024: Near Orlando, FL and Practiced 45 Minutes
I practiced 45-60 minutes today at my in-laws home in central Florida.
Learn: Do the Hard Stuff; Not the Easy Stuff
I am at a point where I could just plink and mess around on a guitar. And, I would never get better. So I am aware that I need to practice the hard stuff (picking with a pick for example) not the easy stuff.
Saturday: 2/24/2024: Visiting Renninger’s Open Market near Mount Dora, FL
There is a flew market and antique market named Renninger’s in Mount Dora, FL. Today we visited it.
My wife and sister-in law were shopping at a vendor’s stall, I said, “I’ll move along to the next one.”
I think I can almost smell little guitar shops 🙂
I was delighted to meet Ken Epperson at his Great Guitar Company stall at Renninger’s market. Used guitars and great conversation.
I found a 1980’s beige Harmony Electric H80T that I thought was for sale. I strummed it without speakers, loved it’s smooth neck with probably a 9.5 inch radius. I also enjoyed the Squier Bullet Strat for its balance and its neck.
Too bad I misunderstood. The beige Harmony wasn’t for sale. It was in for repairs.
But visit the Great Guitar Company at Renninger’s to perhaps find a local used/repaired guitar. Ken Epperson is a nice guy.
Learn: Do the Hard Stuff; Not the Easy Stuff
I am at a point where I could just plink and mess around on a guitar. And, I would never get better. So I am aware that I need to practice the hard stuff (picking with a pick for example) not the easy stuff.
Summary: My Guitar Learning Notes for One Week
So this week we travelled about 1200-1500 miles, stayed in motels, and then with in-laws. And still, I practiced or played for fun.
Learn: On Vacation; Keep Practicing
It’s easy to not practice when on vacation. But if you love the guitar, take it with you. Just 15 minutes a day is all you need to stay close to your skills.
Learn: Medium Action Guitars aren’t So Bad
When I purchased my used Journey guitar on Facebook, the seller had strung it with new strings. They were OK. But I thought the action was a bit too high. Playable but high action (too high above the fret board).
But after 7 days on the road and playing the Journey guitar each day, I’m used to its “medium action”. I think as you play more guitar your fingers become stronger in your fret hand. Some of my guitars have, let’s call it, “medium” action. Not super low, and not horribly high. My 1969 Harmony is like that also.
So it’s nice to know that my vacation is helping me get acquainted with my Journey guitar.
Learn: Stay Kaizen and Keep Practicing Your Guitar
Thanks for visiting KaizenGuitarist today.
Best wishes and keep on improving 1% every day.
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