Day 63: Monday, May 31st 2021
Practice Time – 10 mins
Last week was a washout – my poorest week yet – so I’m changing my whole approach this week. It’s either that, or I see this experience ending badly.
My plan:
Focus on Process, (not progress). Focus on how I feel, over how much improvement I’m making.
- Drop the pick and start using my thumb again.
- Forget about improvement and time scales.
- Focus on small consistent playing sessions.
- Don’t force anything.
- Play more songs (rather than chord drills).
Today, I follow the plan and play through some songs for 10 minutes, using my thumb.
Letting go of the goal to reach a specific level of playing after 12 weeks feels really liberating. Practising felt good for the first time in a while.
I didn’t feel obligated, I didn’t force myself to practice, and playing songs with my thumb felt way better than it does with a pick.
Day 64: Tuesday, June 1st 2021
Practice Time – 15 mins
Pretty much a replica of yesterday, but for 5 extra minutes.
Day 65: Wednesday, June 2nd 2021
Practice Time: 20 mins
Two small 10-minute sessions today (morning and evening). During both sessions I worked on:
- Redemption Song by Bob Marley. A great one for practicing my C chord.
- Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men. A great one for practicing my F chord.
- Wild Thing by The Troggs. A great one for practicing my A and E chords.
It’s interesting because even though I’m not thinking about progress, I’m still subconsciously choosing to practice songs that help me work on my weaker chords.
It’s not about dismissing the idea of Progress, it’s more about taking care of the process, and letting progress come to me.
I sang and hummed through each song which was fun.
Day 66: Thursday, June 3rd 2021
Practice Time – 15 mins
Again, the same drill as the previous three days. I spent a little bit of time working on Redemption Song, Little Talks, and Wild Thing. I also added Whatever (by Oasis) back into the mix today.
Left-handed guitar playing Lee is in a good place.
Day 67: Friday, June 4th 2021
Practice Time – 20 mins
Again. Same drill as the previous four days. Played, had fun, and put the guitar down as soon as I wanted to.
In terms of progress, I do feel a little, but I’m just letting it happen. I really don’t want to give it too much weight.
My absolute main focus is on how I feel whilst playing, and I’m feeling good. I’m enjoying playing. This is what I’m currently tracking, and this is what seems to be making a difference.
Day 68: Saturday, 5th June 2021
Practice Time – 20 mins
Again, played through all the songs mentioned this week but also included Time Of Your Life by Greenday.
Still feeling good.
Day 67: Sunday, June 6th 2021
Practice Time – 10 mins
Exactly the same drill as every other day this week. I worked on songs, and I enjoyed it.
I also decided to try the pick again today. It lasted about 10 seconds before I immediately put it back down. I really don’t like the tone and how it makes me feel to use it. Back to what feels good.
Weekly Round-Up
Total Days Practiced: 7 (new record)
Monday – 10 mins
Tuesday – 10 mins
Wednesday – 20 mins
Thursday – 15 mins
Friday – 20 mins
Saturday – 20 mins
Sunday – 10 mins
Total Weekly Minutes Practiced:
1 hour and 45
End of Week Thoughts:
My Most Consistent Week
So first of all, I need to point out that this is the first week since I started this experience that I’ve picked the guitar up every single day. The sessions are shorter on average, but this week’s consistency trump all.
I’m Not Trying
Another thing to note is that I don’t really feel as though I’ve been trying this week. It’s a weird but good feeling. Playing the guitar just seems to be something that’s happening without any real effort or discipline. The fact that I’m enjoying my playing clearly plays a big role here. I’m really pleased.
I’m Feeling Good
I’m genuinely feeling really good about my lefthanded guitar playing right now. Playing is fun. I feel progress too, but it’s coming to me, rather than me chasing it.
Let’s see what next week brings.