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Jackie Ralston's avatar

Great stories and very wise words, Geoff! Much appreciated today.

I practiced karate for 8+ years, and found it much the same. Especially as an older woman in a male-heavy dojo (and later the only woman in the dojo), there were always many people with more strength and physical endurance than I had. But I was fiercely tenacious, and I worked my ass off to show everyone else that I was *not* to be taken lightly. According to my son (who trained there too, and got to hear all the locker-room talk before and after class), I succeeded. A good reminder for me in my job search.

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Kevin Robbins's avatar

Taking up guitar in my middle 60’s requires me to have an interest in how to learn how to play. Highly recommend the book “The Little Book of Talent” by Daniel Coyle. It has 52 great tips on learning. Mostly all applicable. His “Talent Code” is a wonderful book, too. He goes around the world to these breeding grounds for talented individuals: soccer in Brazil, tennis in Russia, and on.

I’m taking online lessons with Tomas Michaud who is the most beautiful and gracious man. He recommended “Mastery” by George Leonard to me. That’s a fantastic book about just getting on the path to being a master and loving the plateaus and embracing being the fool.

I don’t mind that I’ll never be equal to Chet Atkins or Tommy Emmanuel. I’m just enjoying my own journey.

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Jackie Ralston's avatar

Have you come across Rick Beato on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@RickBeato)? He offers courses, which I don't know anything about since I've never played a string instrument; I watch a lot of his videos just because his love of rock music and *good* music shines so brightly.

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Kevin Robbins's avatar

I’ll check him out. Two people I do love on YouTube are Ivor Sorefingers and Justin Sandercoe. Ivor is extra special because he has a couple of Bengal kitties who chime in now and then.

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Geoff Anderson's avatar

Also check out Robert Baker. He is a gifted teacher too.

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Kevin Robbins's avatar

I will do that. Thanks

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Geoff Anderson's avatar

Oh, and Levi Clay has some really good workbooks to build knowledge of the fretboard.

There is so much great stuff there

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Jackie Ralston's avatar

Bengals are too cute! I'll have a look just to get some kitty porn, as I'm very allergic and can't get close to a cat.

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