My guitar progress after one year (self-taught using Justin Guitar)

[@justinguitar]

Doing great Rob :) Happy that I could have helped on your journey! Agree with all your comments and hope you stick with it - onward to my new intermediate course starting end of this year :)

[@RobMcGarr]

Ah man, thanks for watching and thanks so much for all the free stuff you put out there - such a huge help to so many people! 🙌 Intermediate course will give me something to aim for! 🤟

[@chyguy3776]

THE SAINT HIMSELF! I started guitar only 2 months ago and I've been enjoying it ever since because of your course. It's gotten to the point where I've been spending hours on the darn thing and I simply can't get enough! Thanks so much!

[@TonyObermeit]

So much free stuff. I remember buying Justin's song books just to be sure I gave something back. Wish I could get my hands on a copy of his Australian song book.

[@11bravo79]

So did you just use Justin’s KZbin channel, or did you use his website also? You sound pretty good by the way.

[@brudbbb1]

Justin was my primary source for guitar lessons and he is by far the best on YT in my opinion.

[@gunsmoke5580]

Man really said, “Anyway here’s wonderwall.”😂😂 Mad lad

[@synergypersonaldevelopment2377]

"Comparison is the thief of joy" - brilliant!

[@sauravbasu8805]

Yeah, there is a French proverb ( and I don't know French) - "Comparison ne pas reason" which translated into English (in which I am weak) becomes: Comparison is no reason

[@billpalmisano]

I am an older beginner. My 17 year old daughter died in a car crash 11 years ago and left me a little acoustic Fender Squire. It sat for many years and one day I picked it up, turned on KZbin. I quickly realized I had no talent, but stuck with it even though like you said, I sounded awful. Now I am a decent campfire strummer and can play with family and friends. The trick is to stay with it. I will never be Eric Clapton, but I have fun playing songs I like.

[@RobMcGarr]

So sorry to hear about your daughter, Bill. Being good enough to play with family and friends sounds pretty good to me!

[@dalal2492]

im so sorry :( im sure shes in a better place now

[@Antyoboy]

Leaning guitar at first was a distraction after l lost my 20 year old son Mathew. But now I just love getting lost in music and reminiscing

[@brokent163]

My deepest condolences Bill. Happy to hear she left you something very special. Keep jamming bro.

[@annunacky4463]

Send those sounds out to the heavens...she and others hear.

[@KKLCNo1]

my girlfriend asked me to stop playing wonderwall all the time.... I SAID MAYYYBEEEEE

[@RobMcGarr]

You should Acquiesce if you want to be Married with Children.

[@KKLCNo1]

@@RobMcGarr on another note: came here a longe time for the golf content and am really enjoying the guitar stuff aswell. as i am both, a terribble guitar player and even worse golfer! cheers, keep it up

[@raysofsun5]

to the song or your gf? :D

[@PudgyPastures]

Now THAT is funny!! I get that reference... ;)

[@gutenbird]

Tell her it’s you or wonderwall. It’s her choice.

[@Mikey-wg2xu]

My number one tip that helped me improve: play the guitar a little every day. One trick to this is make your guitar super accessible....put it on a stand so it’s easy pick up. If you tell yourself I’m gonna play for five minutes you will play 15 minutes 9 out of ten times. Put together a few songs and rotate through these a little at a time...don’t set a deadline on learning a new song. If a song is too hard now, come back to it in a few months...it may be easier, which is super rewarding. I’m finally breaking down the solo to Hotel California, it will probably take three months to get it to 75% for me...but thats ok. A year from now it might be ok.

[@RobMcGarr]

100% agree with that. I had it by my desk so would pick it up whenever I got bored, now I've moved house it's on a stand in the lounge and I've found I'm slightly less likely to grab it without thinking.

[@suzuki12334]

@@RobMcGarr yeah yep, what video did you put around 0:58? Im trying to find that song 😝

[@RobMcGarr]

@@suzuki12334 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nV7JpWefmtiWotU

[@Mikey-wg2xu]

@@suzuki12334 sounds like a bit of Freebird with some overlaying of other notes...

[@ojsojs6004]

@@RobMcGarr I am just curious, when you do open chordd transition, do your fingers land all at the same time on the string? Like from from G to C or C to G?

[@iandism]

I am 56 and music has been my life. After being diagnosed with cancer and given two months to live if I didn't have chemotherapy (which I obviously did as I'm still here nearly two years later) I decided to get myself a guitar and amp and have been playing most days since. No TV, just KZbin lessons since my recovery. It has kept me motivated and inspired. Everything you say is true. It's a hard instrument to learn, but keep going and it comes together in the end. I'm by no means good, but I am now playing my own music. This is a great video upload, as it's nice to see somebody else who like me, still struggles but continues as he enjoys it. I am never gonna be a great player, but I've never set out to be. Be the best you can and never be put down by those who think themselves great. It might be frustrating seeing others make it look so easy, but I'm happy with the progress I've made in my own time and capability. It's kept my mind off my illness and given me something to aim at. All the best to all you other newer players 🎸🎶

[@RobMcGarr]

Top man, keep it up mate 👍

[@neiladdison4457]

Great video! A proper British self-deprecating sense of humour! Love it.

[@tobortine]

I've been playing a long time but I wouldn't be brave enough to play in front of a camera for thousands of total strangers. You're doing really well and I've subscribed because I want to follow your progress. The only person to compare yourself to is yourself, if you're improving against where you were yesterday, last week or last month you're still moving in the right direction. Good luck, keep on practising.

[@RobMcGarr]

Haha, if I'd known this many people were going to watch I might have given myself a second take at a few songs!

[@ericscaillet2232]

@@RobMcGarr Rob good on you, your philosophy is spot on -since you are using a capo ,try putting it in different places to find the right key for your voice,best would be to learn alternate voicing of same chords and play the songs without trying to 'sound' exactly like the original.you are on the right track.

[@matthewoneill5354]

You seem like a proper decent guy. Good on you mate, your attitude is absolutely spot on.

[@agecmorgan73]

As someone who’s wanted to play since the 80’s and who just took up lessons at 47 and still breaking in my finger tips this video is very inspiring. Thank you. 🙏

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks for sharing! I just started his course and am loving it

[@RobMcGarr]

If this video gets 900 trillion likes I promise never to sing again.

[@mounteve387]

😂

[@chelofrufru]

hahahah 😂

[@Max-trek]

You swear ?

[@NotBenCoultry]

Man all you gotta do is get into a (really) private spot and sing with your everything on a song you really know. Keep doing that and you'll get there.

[@Joevital1]

You're doing great. Rock on!

[@natty_b]

"comparison is the thief of joy" :o so true.... I just started playing a couple months ago and it's so much easier practicing songs you enjoy

[@carlacowling1789]

I think this might be THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL guitar lesson video I've seen. THANK you for putting this out there!

[@RobMcGarr]

Not sure about that but thank you!

[@BillyNoon]

I got back on the horse due to Covid, best boost is by far by playing a recognisable tune.

[@johndowney8007]

You need to stop believing in the lies spread the word

[@adamlockett7122]

@@johndowney8007 are you saying covid is a lie?

[@yv3652]

@@johndowney8007 hope yor not saying covid is lie.If u are(and I'm saying u are)but if u are keep that "stuff" to yourself.

[@unaperrson]

The trouble with the internet age is, there is always someone who just wants to pee on your parade just for their own mean sense of gratification. I started at age fifteen and wasn't very good to begin with, it took me years to get to a decent standard and now I am over fifty, and still play - not brilliantly but I enjoy it and that is the main thing.

[@Blueridge1961]

Sounds exactly like my story.... I started at 14, I'm now 58. I love my guitars and I play every day at least one song. My latest success is to play and sing "Don't look back in anger"... Does it sound professional? I'm afraid that not ;-) Does it sound like the original? No, not really. Do people recognize, which song it is? Yeah, and they like my version. Making music, playing guitar and singing ist not always about perfection. It is about fun and happiness... So just enjoy! B.t.w. I'm a Justin fan for many years and always get so much help and support from his videos.

[@philipchau6019]

@@Blueridge1961 one of my favorite oasis songs. I’m 16 and started playing almost a year ago. I’m getting ready to play in my school talent show with a bunch of my buddies who are way more talented then me. We r playing gravity by John Mayer (live in la version) and I’m doing the second solo my friend is doing the first and last solo

[@Blueridge1961]

@@philipchau6019 Hey, good luck for the show, and most important: Have fun and enjoy what you are doing... :-)

[@xLove-no7uh]

I'm 16 and I have no idea why but I fear not being successful at playing guitar really well. I wanna make my own songs and stuff but I'm afraid ill never be able to because of a lack of skill and stuff. That fear makes me think that if I'm not good I won't have fun and enjoy it. I feel like won't be happy with the guitar if I fail... I don't know how to enjoy it with not being good...

[@philipchau6019]

@@xLove-no7uh I had this problem too bc I kept comparing myself to my friends who have been playing for 7+ years. I got so caught up in comparing myself I had lost track of how good I’ve become. I think that you should stop comparing yourself to other people and just compare yourself to how good you were when you started or a couple months ago. I find it rlly encouraging when you see that you are better than you were last month. I progressed so much quicker when I didn’t get caught up on other people and just focused on myself playing. Good luck bro

[@DesireG756]

Really enjoyed this, your level of honesty is refreshing

[@thecaveofthedead]

I'm a bad guitar player. It's taken me a really long time to get where I've got to. I think that's given me an insight into what wasted so much time. And it's these two simple things: (1) It took me years and years to finally accept the universal advice about playing stuff very slowly and perfectly to a metronome. It was boring. It didn't seem to help whenever I did it for a half hour or so. Eventually I started doing it consistently. Turns out you can play pretty much anything if you play it slowly enough in perfect time. Turns out it's then _really_ easy to play it faster. Combine that with... (2) When you can't play something, focus on the bits you're doing wrong. Don't play the whole song over again to practise that tiny bit. Slowly, with the metronome, play _just that bit_ over and over and over and over, until it's perfect. Then go to the next problem spot. Not doing those two things slowed down my progress more than anything else.

[@TheLukejitsu]

I can echo this, I used to cover up mistakes by playing faster - the problem then is those mistakes become entrenched habits that won't get away for the longer you play. You're just delaying the inevitable of at some point needing to go back and fix something under the much harder conditions of now having developed muscle memory around it.

[@citrus4419]

thank you for encouraging me to use a metronome i have been putting it off for so long. I’ll let you know how it goes!

[@gooddeedsbeatbad2625]

And there you found the secret of learning anything. If everyone practised golf with a wedge, then 9 up they, d be a lot better than they are. Snooker or football from close in etc. "Bit by bit* is my motto for sport & fitness. Well done!!

[@adifor]

Absolutely. I played with a friend who got me into playing about six months after i started. He immediately told me to slow down. After a weekend playing with him I knew I had to 'relearn' things, like a golfer changing his swing. Good advice.

[@esatakan3076]

Epic comment

[@itzJoyBoy]

This is really motivational honestly. I've just started to play guitar just a month ago and I have the same feeling and attitude towards learning like you do. No rush, it isn't a race. Its a good hobby and I'm not striving to be the best, i just want to learn. Also props to Justing Guitar course, the course is really good for beginners like us. Cheer dude.

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks. Yeah the course is so good, amazing that it's free! 🙌

[@ARM317]

I appreciate your video and honesty. I'm about 5 months in and recently finished Justin Guitar after trying a few other courses. I'm really impressed you can play and sing! Keep up the good work. I'm still struggling with faster chord changes but this course has helped a lot.

[@RobMcGarr]

Hope you're enjoying it! 🎸🤘

[@patp1822]

You’re doing great! I’m a 10 year beginner. Keep your guitar close… pick it & just “noodle” around every chance you get. It’s my best advice. Love to see how U progress further. Don’t give up.. Keep at it. Rock On ✌️

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks Pat, that's great advice 😄

[@Paarthurnaxdova]

I’ve been playing for six weeks now. Still trying to switch between chords smoothly, still ignoring barre chords, and in no way could I sing and play at the same time. Still trying to find my rhythm. You sound really good! 🎋

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

congratulations! Welcome to the club! Singing and playing my original songs is the best feeling, and I know you’re gonna get it! Keep at it, and don’t get discouraged! 🐰🇺🇸🎸🎶✌️

[@mistermyron9174]

I have been for 3 years and just learned my first solo!!! keep goingg!!

[@thedeathcake]

Barre Chords never get easy to play!

[@gazwrigley4284]

I’m at the same stage. About 7 weeks in. Just trying to change chords smoothly, not even tried to learn a song yet and at any point I try singing I stop strumming. Patting your head while rubbing your belly kind of skill. I’ll get there I’m determined.

[@chelsiejoyvalerio9077]

@@gazwrigley4284 try learning a simple song you’re super familiar with! I’ve been playing for a little over three years and my first song was four chords (G, D, EM, C). I suggest forgetting all the strumming madness and just stick to one strum on beat (which you’ll know if you’re already familiar with the song). This way you can practice chord switches, singing, and strumming! Smooth chord switches come in time- just keep practicing and learn songs you enjoy :)

[@kierenotton9722]

Great video! I sent this to my sister in law ( a brand new player) as encouragement and motivation. and your playing is solid!

[@dennist3478]

Great video Rob. I'm 65 and have been taking Justin's course for a year too. My practice habits have been inconsistent. We seem to be in the same ballpark as far as progress. Your honesty about the journey really hit me and has given me inspiration that I needed right now. I can't thank you enough for showing me that maybe I still have a chance. I wish you the very best and Thanks again.

[@alantay9409]

You are inspiring, motivated and focused! You make Justin proud! Keep up the great work.

[@RobMcGarr]

I hope so, was worried he'd ask me to take the video down as it's not a good advert for the course!

[@alantay9409]

@@RobMcGarr you are being humble. Keep up the good work.

[@danpugh8505]

Thank you for your insight of how things should go for a beginner and stop putting more pressure on yourself and enjoy the journey

[@realgoodbear7149]

I absolutely love this video. I have just over 2 months of following Justin's Beginner Course and I decided when I started that I wasn't in a race. I am 57yo and this is all about me having some fun and finding some joy. I think you sound great!

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks, and enjoy the process!

[@maxanderson4795]

I love how this video is not only guitar advice but also a life lesson

[@rodobrien2283]

Don't put yourself down, you are doing remarkably well, keep going.

[@LQUIDR6]

I love how you’ve come out and shown your progress because many would just given up or been embarrassed of they’re progress after a year. Great video man playing guitar is a beautiful instrument and learning is just the journey to being able to enjoy what your playing and sounding good 👍🏻

[@mattfischer3853]

Keep going man, don’t let anyone stop your journey! You’re doing great.

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks, that's the plan!

[@halix264]

Not doing bad for a 1 year old, Rob. I started playing when I was 8 (Green, green grass of home). I'm now 64 and still learning. And I watch Justin all the time. Rock on.

[@LazloArcadia]

As one beginner to another I really love your observation about how learning guitar is not a race. Take your time, you do you, and enjoy your journey!

[@escalera601]

Rob, started Justin’s program 18 months ago and still at it, despite a few road blocks. Thank you for baring your soul to the world on your progress. You give me inspiration to keep going. Justin is by far the best program out there. One day when the pandemic is over I hope to meet him and take one his in person courses.

[@TheEvaluna1975]

Hey there! I'm also a guitar apprentice who started about a year ago... you're brave to put yourself out there to the world showing your progress and being humble! I think you're doing great so keep going! I've been thinking about opening a channel to do the same but I still feel I'm not ready to face such a wide audience (KZbinrs can be pretty harsh sometimes) well I may do that sooner than later! I love Justin as a teacher too!

[@RobMcGarr]

You should go for it - I wish I'd made more videos so I could see the stages of progress!

[@dalonergan]

Hi Rob, I really appreciated the video. I picked up acoustic guitar 6 months ago as a “lets try to make a positive out of all this time sheltering in place”, and its really helped me keep my sanity. I’ve also been working with Justin Guitar, and I’ve really liked his process or exposing you to different styles as things progress. All your comments resonated with me, working on F barre now... its truly a bear. Thanks for the post.

[@RobMcGarr]

We're in safe hands!

[@ardendolas]

Thank you so much Rob for making that video! I'm a 44yo guy who's always dreamed of playing guitar, but kept thinking "I'll never be good enough, what's the point". Till this past November, when I finally broke down and decided to jump on it. I'm following the Justin Guitar classes as well, and after a few weeks, yeah, my fingers still hurt, but it's becoming fun! Good to see the kind of progress I could also have a year from now! Love & respect!

[@RobMcGarr]

No probs! I honestly think if you stick with Justin and practise consistently you could be way better than me in a year's time. Enjoy it!

[@Scytheuk]

Good for you Rob, that was really inspirational! I'm about to pick up a guitar for the first time.........Thanks for making this video, it has helped! :)

[@RobMcGarr]

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

[@guitary]

Wonderwall. You are beyond it. You made got the disinterested head turn and face thing down for beginner songs that guitarists will notice and an audience won’t. Bravo

[@footballbharat]

I am 25 and learning to play guitar by myself watching justin guitar begginer course and this was a great motivational video for me. Wish me luck brother.

[@RobMcGarr]

You don't need luck, just enjoy and you can't go wrong! 🤙

[@arturogotti3790]

How are you doing

[@footballbharat]

@@arturogotti3790 Pretty Good if you ask me. 😊 Hopefully you will also enjoy your journey.

[@chelofrufru]

I recently started with Justin Guitar, haven't made it through the first Lesson yet, but I loved Justin's method of teaching and I'm so excited to continue. I'm so happy for your progress :)

[@RobMcGarr]

Justin is great, you're in good hands!

[@johnnorth9355]

Don't normally give advice on guitar playing - I'm still learning after 50 years of trying ! - but try relaxing your right wrist more and getting the rhythm right and you will sound so much better to yourself and others almost immediately. Congratulations on the progress so far and keep at it and you will never be bored or stuck to your phone :) .

[@gypsygear4102]

Thank You for your video, I'm 60 , just picked up a guitar about a month ago, and Thank God I found Justin Guitar and now you. I'm inspired by your progress and hope to be where your'e at a year from now. Congratulations to ya Rob

[@RobMcGarr]

Thank you! Stick with Justin and I expect you'll be way ahead of me in a year's time :)

[@jonathanlambert7004]

Hi Rob Loved your video . I completely get what your saying . I am 57 and took up guitar when I was 12 and I remember all the pitfalls of trying to run before I could walk. I learnt just enough to get by and kinda left it at that for the next 43 years. My major hurdles were my right hand I never had a problem with the chords ,for me it was rhythm. Strumming was something beyond me . I think your progress in a year is commendable. You should be proud .. I also think it is so easy to get to a certain stage in a song and then go onto something else . You end up with a heap of songs that you can sort of play but none that are finished. I was guilty of this for so long . How you practice is so important . When you first start anything new if you try and play it full speed to quickly , the mistakes you make very quickly become muscle memory . Trying to unlearn something is harder than learning . In my experience learning how to fit the words into a song while trying to strum is a recipe for disaster . Even if you have all the chord changes perfect .Its best to start with one strum per bar and get the feel how the chords fit in with the melody and gradually build it up from there . I want to wish you all the best .Don't beat yourself up but its good to be self critical it shows you care . The 81 people who gave you thumbs down probably gave up the guitar after finding it a bit to hard ...

[@RobMcGarr]

I think you're absolutely right about it being harder to unlearn something than learn it - I used to play a lot of golf and that was definitely the case there!

[@brenthoward8261]

I so appreciate you I have picked up and put down picked up and put down as well and have seen others progress so much faster than myself. I think continuing even with the sporadic to yes it's great ! thank you for sharing some great life lessons and attitudes. I can relate and appreciate. I'm now a new subscriber. I appreciate you lad..

[@CELTIC-CROSS]

NEVER SAY DIE ROB!!! it becomes a drug of sort's,always that song niggling in your head with improvements along the way. i have been playing guitar a long time. you will improve immensely. no pain,no gain it will come right for you,never give up

[@elgatodiaz]

I love this video. And I don't think you are fully aware that playing and singing (even badly, but being there somehow) is a HUGE result. I wish I could do the same in some months. I hope you want to update again your progress any day soon. Greetings from Italy :)

[@RobMcGarr]

Thank you, that makes me feel better!

[@daveuf96]

Great job! You’ve actually given me a lot of motivation to keep at it. I’m 50 and just started trying to teach myself guitar a little over two weeks ago. I’ve managed to learn several beginner chords and just need to get much better at switching between them faster. Still have to really look at where I’m placing each finger. But honestly if I could play like you are right now after 1 year, I’d be very happy!

[@RobMcGarr]

Stick with it and there's no reason you can't be way better than this in a year! Justin's 60-second chord changes exercise will help your speed.

[@agentscarlett8341]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for uploading this. I have been playing a year and making slow progress myself. I went to group class which was a bad idea as so many people were ahead of me. I have now stopped the classes and am getting a 1-2-1 tutor to help me plus I am using Justin Guitar app which is actually brilliant. Thanks again!!

[@RobMcGarr]

No worries. Keep enjoying it!

[@kip_san]

What are you talking about, music classes at school have come in so handy. I have lost count the amount of times I have resolved a difficult situation with a quick blast of 3 blind mice on the recorder.

[@BraveHart]

Hahahaha

[@budte]

Hahaha. I'm going to try that with the wife next time she's angry with me.

[@michael_s_c43]

I'm all about that hot cross buns.

[@bigwavemedia658]

Like

[@LuZse]

You have good mentality brother. Everyone learns their own progress at their own time. It really doesn't matter if it keeps you happy. Practise makes perfect.

[@jessemurray1852]

I've been teaching myself from KZbin for about a little over a year and we seem to be around the same level of skill. I sometimes feel like I'm not progressing. just wanted to Thank you for your courage to show your skills, it gives me Hope.

[@KnockManJo]

That's great progress man, you're inspiring a lot of people; finally being able to play even a couple songs and chord progressions is such a huge milestone on the guitar journey.

[@LeeH688]

Rob, I have to say that your videos are a great help to people’s mental health. In a culture where a lot of people are trying to show off the most attractive moments of their lives on social media, having someone who makes down to earth and self-deprecating videos where they expose themselves a little is really helpful. Thanks for the effort you put in to this video and I hope you are well.

[@RobMcGarr]

Thank you mate, means a lot to read that 🤜🤛 Hope you're doing well 👍

[@LeeH688]

Rob McGarr Hope you’re well too Rob. You’re a true gent.

[@danwhite1983]

Great comment. Nothing depresses me more that some bright eyed kid on youtube with a look how amazing I am at guitar/singing/keyboard after just a few months, more of the real world please

[@DeliciaTrini]

You made amazing progress! Love the way you play!

[@RobMcGarr]

Thank you!

[@iancain8028]

Like many others I stumbled across your video and could so identify your story with myself. My brother surprised me to a guitar for my 50th birthday 18 months ago. I've never played an instrument and don't have a musical ear. His inspiration for buying the gift was to challenge me to playing a live gig. Cut a long story short he overcome terminal cancer 6 years ago and decided to learn the drums. When I was 50 he was 47 and when he presented me with the guitar his only wish was that I try and learn three songs and would then join him by playing with a live band to celebrate his 50th birthday. I took up the challenge but wont lie when I say I found it initially overwhelming. However as you say, by practicing everyday on songs that you like and not putting myself under too much pressure I started enjoying it and it started sounding better and slowly got easier. I've also plucked up enough courage to start posting the odd videos to friends during lockdown mainly just to give them a laugh and try and lighten the mood. A kind of name that tune although people rarely guessed them the loved them and it really encouraged me to do more. I'm still am long way from having the confidence to play to an audience but I really do believe with another 18 months under my belt we'll be able to pull it off. Its so refreshing to hear we're not on our own and so importantly to not keep comparing ones progress and instead just be happyto be on the ride. Keep up the great work. Cheers. 👍

[@RobMcGarr]

Amazing stuff mate, and please can I come to your live gig?! 🙌

[@nostalgiacademy7378]

One of the most helpful things for people around your skill level to hear, which is what deterred me from quitting, is once you learn quite a few songs you'll begin to feel like you're hitting a plateau and no longer learning at the pace you were learning beforehand. Most people either slow down the learning or give up altogether, but in mine and many others experiences as you'll come to find is that you reach a breakthrough and learn things at breakneck speeds like never before. Pushing past that plateau is what allows you to say "I'm a guitarist" and is a kind of right of passage. I came out of my plateau around a half of a year ago and am playing hendrix, eric clapton, soloing, and doing intermediate to even advanced things like nobody's business. You just gotta keep pushing even when you feel stagnated

[@RobMcGarr]

That is actually really interesting to hear, as I do feel I'm kind of at that stage at the moment. Any advice on how to make that breakthrough, or just keep at it and it'll come?

[@saundersd1962]

Great to get an honest account of your progress. I’m four months in just practicing chords and chord changing hope I’m as good as you after a year, well done 👍🏻

[@aceventura7038]

I'm a couple of months into learning now, not as far along as I'd hoped but thanks for video! Very honest and accurate. I've got to pick the guitar up more often, perseverance!!!!

[@RobMcGarr]

Put it somewhere handy and you're way more likely to pick it up every day. Sounds silly but it works!

[@L.H_edits]

As someone who's only 14 and been playing guitar for over 5 years now it's really cool to see people learn how to play when they get older because it's actually really cool instrument to learn.

[@protic4]

You are lucky to be young in such a great time! There are so many great resources to help you improve, and it's much easier at a younger age :)

[@CateB66]

57 and bought my first guitar 2 weeks back. Have been using JustinGuitar from day one. Finger tips equipped with callouses and loving it. I’m shite….but loving it.

[@nickj6138]

I wish I could sing like you. And this is the most honest 1-year progress video on KZbin. Thank you!

[@zingleraster9124]

Great stuff. I’m 9 months in as a beginner after finishing Fender Play & now completing Justin’s beginner course. Next is Justin’s intermediate course. Very impressed you can sing & play at the same time!!!

[@RobMcGarr]

I'm impressed you've finished both of those already!

[@44johnson44]

i so, so, love this video and your message. As a 64 year old guy, there have been times that I thought about selling my guitar after seeing a ten year old at the guitar store playing rings around me. I kept playing and now I have a hobby that I can still do that brings me immense joy and pleasure. I sit for hours and I don't bother anyone or cause anyone any problems. I can't imagine the void I would have in my life if I didn't have guitar playing. I purchased Justin's guitar course back when you had to get dvds and hard copies and he sent it all the way over to North Carolina, United States. I have never met the guy but somehow I feel like we are connected. If I do meet him, I will give him a big hug and thank him for all he has done for me. He has been so generous with his time and talents! Good job, Rob, I promise you that you will never be sorry for taking this journey you have started. You have already learned the best secret which is to learn to play to please yourself and bring personal satisfaction. And I bet you wind up blessing others along the way!

[@bubunaASMR]

im so glad i checked out this video ( im one month into playing the guitar and learning from justinguitar too and im literally having a great time) im enjoying and thats what matters :) also your video is much more motivational than other videos that show a huge progress over a year, your video is like a pat on the shoulders saying everything's fine as long as you enjoy it.

[@RobMcGarr]

I watched a few videos where people made incredible progress over the year and was in awe of them but also made me feel quite inadequate! At least you know you'll probably be better than me in a year's time 😉👍

[@2cqql1]

Thanks for making the video, Rob. It is ecouragement for me to start. I've had a Fender accoustic sitting in the corner for five years. Never really had the time to make a concerted effort. But, now I am retired and at an older time in life, I will begin. This is inspiration.

[@RobMcGarr]

Enjoy it mate!

[@cornflake3671]

Inspiring sounds great, Been real hard on myself with the guitar lately, this gave me new motivation! Thanks for sharing your journey rob🙏🏼

[@RobMcGarr]

No probs, just enjoy it!

[@mjrtude]

Thanks Rob, you hv inspired me to get back onto to the business of pivking my guitar back up. It's nice to find someone equally vocal challenged as I am. Takes a brave man to put that out there.

[@RobMcGarr]

Haha, glad my inadequacies have helped motivate you! ;)

[@jswear2077]

I've been playing for over 25 years; you are better than I was after my first year. Keep it up, man. You are killing it.

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks mate, that's encouraging! 👍

[@karlsherman5715]

I started at 56, a year ago. I am at about the same level as you. I am afraid as I get better I will loose my power to clear a room and play in solitude. There has been times I vowed to quit but I say to myself I will play to myself. I will not quit unless someone smashes my guitars, haha.

[@blainetrain2299]

I think you are blowing my mind Rob. I have been playing for years and years and years and still cannot even hold a simple yes or no conversation. That you can play and sing after just 1 year is just bananas.

[@RobMcGarr]

Ha, a few people have said they really struggle with it but it's never been a major problem for me. I did it right from the start (it was the only way to recognise the song I was playing as the guitar wasn't giving many clues) so I guess that helped.

[@TFShaw]

Nice job. Keep it up. I'm 7 months in and have improved significantly thanks to Justin.

[@RobMcGarr]

Must be sweet knowing you've taught thousands (millions?) or people to play the guitar!

[@georgemcnally4473]

Great video Rob, lovely touches of humility, humour and insight. It may be because I am only six weeks into Justin's course, but I for one am impressed with your guitar playing abilities!

[@RobMcGarr]

Thank you, that's very kind! I'm pretty sure if you stick with it you'll be way better than this in a year!

[@nquazar]

Kudos to you mate. I feel everything in this video on a deep level! I was in the same boat always wanted to learn, but never did in school and got told by a music teacher I shouldn't continue with music because I couldn't nail the theme to the Flintstones haha. I've owned a guitar for years now, and could never find an online course that kept me on track until I stumbled across Justin Guitar 2 months ago. It keeps me sticking to it and I keep myself accountable with his course. It's nice to see others achieving through his guidance! Keep it up, I look forward to the two year video!

[@RobMcGarr]

I struggled with the Rugrats theme tune on keyboard in school! Good luck with it!

[@rhysrowlands2888]

Well done mate! Keep going. Guitar is all about being able to express yourself and enjoying! So just do what makes you happy while playing the instrument

[@johnkatterhenry4294]

Thanks so much for the post you are doing great... it takes a lot of moxie to film and put it out there for all. I started at the age of 59 that was 5 years ago finishing the beginners course, some of the intermediate and tons of the songs. My only regret is that I didn't start earlier. My tip is to begin playing with others as soon as you get the basic chords under your hands. It helps so much with the singing and the confidence. The bigger the group the better. Note that after 5 years of justinguitar I took a few in person lessons and the teacher asked me to join his band! Justinguitar rocks!

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks for teaching me the word "moxie"! That's awesome - I take it you said yes?!

[@johnkatterhenry4294]

@@RobMcGarr I have not joined his group yet but perhaps I can when I retire in July. I currently play with a buddy of mine on Sundays at church. Also, I helped start a local chapter of Songfarmers we had a blast for a year or so and unfortunately the demands of the job I had pulled me away from the group.What was great about the in person lessons was that they validated what I was doing on justinguitar the teacher was impressed with my rhythm. I will never be a lead guitarist as I have shaky hands but I am continuing to improve and I think it has really enhanced my overall contentedness if that's even a word. Where do you live Rob?

[@killingthedream999]

I have played for 20 years and I'm still learning. The best part about playing guitar is it a lot like golf. Always something new to learn. Great vid. Really enjoying your stuff lately

[@RobMcGarr]

Thanks mate, that’s good to hear 🙂

[@killingthedream999]

@@RobMcGarr As you have the chords down for wonderwall. Have a go at a song called "Play crack the sky"by Brand New and "Body in a Box" by City and Colour.

[@RobMcGarr]

@@killingthedream999 I love City and Colour so will defo give that a try - cheers bud!

[@philipduttonlescorlett]

I have played most of my life but I will always remember a very valuable lesson from a friend many years ago. Always remember light and shade when it comes to playing. How hard or soft you play at given times within a track, really makes a massinve difference. I hope you are still at it!

[@metalheads-golf]

Being busy with music is soohhh good. For me golf was new where music was and still is there. I'm the guitarist of the metal band MaroziA for 2 decades. Keep on rocking and it will get there. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@martys9041]

Good on ya mate. Sounding good after a year. Keep moving forward. Guitar is awesome.

[@RobMcGarr]

Cheers buddy :)

[@jimferguson7503]

"Good onya mate." Justin is a great teacher and like you say, the main thing is to play for yourself and set realistic goals. I've been playing for over thirty years and still feel pretty average. It's a great instrument but also challenging. 99 percent of players will never be Eric Clapton or Eddy Van Halen but "hey-ho" just have fun. Your dog looks happy now but reminds me of what my wife used to do when I was practicing (ha-ha).

[@dizzydad4708]

I think you are better than you think, my friend. The insight you give is pretty spot on too.

[@devinwright131]

Hey Rob, I' m a music teacher (and 2 handicap golfer from the old days of your YT channel). I think you are already on this page, metaphorically, but I want to encourage you to continue with reckless abandon into music. You may have consciously realized this by now, but if there's a little demon in your head that is self conscious while you're playing music it prevents you from being emotionally present in the moment. I sincerely hope you are experiencing or will experience the euphoria of being truly lost in playing music. It's such a beautiful thing and has even put me in tears at one or two moments in my life. Much love.

[@RobMcGarr]

Totally get that mate. There have been a few moments where I've felt fully "present" in it, not thinking about anything else at all - love those moments and want more of them!

[@monjournalmyjourney]

Way to go Rob ! Having fun, enjoying the ride and making progress towards personal goals,

[@gtsipejr]

Rob, I had to give you a thumbs up just for playing and singing Wonderwall. I only started playing in '17 after being retired a whole year. My teachers have also been Justin, bought his beginners book, Marty Schwartz, Joe Murphy, Kirbyscovers, and several others to a lesser extent. I think my progress in year one was close to yours(then I missed several months with shoulder surgery), and couldn't wait to get back to it. It's only in this past year, that my playing has kind of reached a tipping point. Kirby Swinegar's lessons on rythmn playing was a light bulb moment in my case. Keep at it. I like that you're singing with your playing.

[@alanbooker1955]

Great video. Im doing Justins course myself and am enjoying it immensley, I was worrying about my progress but after watching your video I realise as long as im enjoying it then it does not matter, thank you for sharing this.

[@RobMcGarr]

Cheers Alan. Exactly, no one else cares how fast or slow I'm progressing so why should I worry about it?!

[@j.dtruths5577]

You are doing Great, Not to worry , you have to start somewhere! KEEP GOING!!!!!! God Bless! J...

[@kevinreynolds7125]

Hey thanks for your video! I just picked up my guitar again and have just started Justin's beginner course and starting from scratch after breaking my freting hand in four places in 2017. Seeing your improvement is great and I am happy I chose Justin Guitar to help me along my journey too!

[@eugenenorton3624]

well done mate i started 2&half years ago am 58 bad joints couldnt even strum so i learned to finger pick keep it up it gets better

[@RobMcGarr]

I really want to learn finger picking soon.

[@ericscaillet2232]

@@RobMcGarr it is a natural progression.

[@anthonywilson4873]

Well done Rob on the same journey. Enjoy it takes as long as it takes. Head down keep going onwards and upwards.

[@joshstanley5950]

I’ve been playing about a couple of weeks now so absolutely terrible. But the main thing that impresses me is that you are able to sing and strum, for me that breakthrough will be massive. Keep it up 👍🏼

[@RobMcGarr]

A few people have said that. I tried singing along right from the start and it came (fairly) easily, so maybe try that if it's something you want to be able to do. Good luck!

[@DavidSmith-wd4wg]

I just started with the Justin app. One week in and im about where you were at at your one week mark. Im pretty slow on the chord changes and have to play most of the songs on slow or very slow but Im hooked. Justin is a great teacher! About 30-45 minutes daily is all my fingers can take!

[@RobMcGarr]

The fingers do stop hurting after a couple of weeks but if you can manage 30 mins a day every day you'll make great progress anyway!

[@roamingadventures9839]

Thank you for this! Comparison is the thief of joy.... I love it!

[@pepsivanilla93]

I started with Justin guitar 8 years ago. Stuck with it and it's the best gift I've ever given myself, congrats on your progress and keep going!

[@RobMcGarr]

Ah that's great to hear, good on you!

[@alec6465]

Have to say spot on, really enjoyed this as it applies to myself who started guitar in lockdown April. Top chap, and thank god that ‘guitar wizard’ on the electric wasn’t you as I’d have thrown my guitar in the bin. 👍

[@RobMcGarr]

Or maybe it *was* me and it was a double-bluff...

[@adelsburg12]

Great job man! Keep it up and do it because YOU enjoy it. I struggle with a lot with the same issues and I've been playing for 15 years.

[@Stephenpettitt198]

You’ve made loads of progress Rob, I picked up a guitar for the first time not far off 20 years ago and, like you with my main goal being to be able to play wonderwall. I feel like I’ve only just got it right, I know people always say it’s an easy song to play but it’s hard to get the rhythm and feel of the song right (if that makes sense). The only advice I would give is work hard on your rhythm until you can comfortably play along to the actual track (don’t just stop when you think it sounds right in your head) it’s very hard to begin with but having that ability will really improve your sound. All the best

[@RobMcGarr]

Great shout, I should definitely start playing along with the recordings 👍

[@MrLosabrigos]

Thanks for sharing rob well done, ive done the same and followed Justins course and videos he is no doubt the best online guitar teacher in the world and so inovative with his nitsuj series keep up the good work

[@weps2097]

Keep at it, I can see good progress from what you've posted thus far. I wish I could've recorded myself but Atari just developed Pong when I started learning guitar.

[@TheJazieyone]

🤣

[@Lambik79]

That's right my man! You do you. As long as you still have fun playing the guitar then you already succeeded!