Originally Posted by: compart1Congratulations Kasperow. Keep up the good work. Hope you keep on progressing.[/QUOTE]
Thanks. I too hope I'll keep moving forward.

[QUOTE=haghj500]Kasperow,

Great post above, lots of positive thought and acknowledging the little steps that got you there. Now that you have a good base under you, it will be interesting to see where you're at in 6 months from now.

Small progress is still progress. And I'll really rather be able to play a selection of songs perfectly than a whole lot of songs half-heartedly. I honestly don't know where I'll be in half a year, but I know where I won't be (unless a miracle occurs). I won't be standing on a stage playing concerts for an arena full of fans (I don't even think I have more than a handful anyway, and they're all friends and extended family...). I probably won't even be standing on a stage and playing at a music festival, since I doubt I can find a band, write a bunch of songs and rehearse them with the band in just 6 months. If I have to guess where I'll be in half a year, and where I'd like to be, I say I'll be able to play a few songs perfectly, possibly have enough songs for what amounts to an album (10-15 or so), and preferably have a band.

I probably won't be a famous rockstar like Slash, Joe Perry or Brian May in just a half year from now, but again, small progress is still progress. And even if it takes me a decade to get to where I want to be, I'll rather just live in the present and enjoy the journey. I know what styles of music I like and which ones I don't like. I have a bunch of idols from different genres who influence my playing. There's still room for more influences (there always is), but they will come with time.

At the moment, I can't see where I am going to be in 6 months. I know where I'd like to be, though, and if I do the right things, I should be able to reach my goals for the next 6 months. Writing enough songs for an album should be possible in 6 months. I have little problems coming up with melodies I like. I have a few random song ideas in a .txt-file on my phone. Learning to play a few of the songs on my list of songs to learn should be easy enough in 6 months now that I know how to do it right. I might even, provided I have enough material by then, be able to find a band to rehearse a full set with. I don't expect to become ready to play a gig, though. Can't say for sure yet, though.

There are, of course, a few things I need to learn before I get there. Switching from Open Chords to Barre Chords is a bit problematic for me right now. Releasing after a bend without muting the string is also something I need to work on. And then there are Arpeggios. I always have trouble with playing those. So I've got a few things to work on to keep me occupied. And should I need any help with this stuff (or advice on how to improve my technique), I'll just ask around and hopefully get a response :)