BanjoDiva Says:
Saturday, October 25, 2008 @1:26:55 PM

Hey Tim, this one is sounding real strong based on the time that you've been playing.  You are definitely headed in the right direction.  The most obvious "help" I can offer, is what you already know: slow it down.  There are so many subtleties in this music that you have to work on at a much slower pace. HItting the right notes is only part of it, tone comes next.  I would also suggest to get in the habit of using the metronome when you practice.  This will accomplish two things: you will develop strong timing, and it will help you keep from playing too fast at first so that you can focus on the more fundamental aspects.

Also, listen for "eveness" in this recording.  Can you tell which note is played with your thumb?  I can -- it is almost always the loudest.  :-)  Don't worry, your teacher will help you with this.

Good job! You are light years beyond where I was a 3 months.

Richard Dress Says:
Saturday, October 25, 2008 @3:11:33 PM

Hi Tim, If you were my student, I would be happy with your progress. Again, I would agree with everything Diva recommends. Tap your foot: get your body involved with the rhythm.

SandyR Says:
Saturday, October 25, 2008 @3:20:12 PM

Tim, you're doing good—keep after it. The biggest thing I hear from your playing? Enthusiasm! You like this stuff! It's neat that this is communicated through your playing. On the critical side, I agree with the previous comments. Pay attention to tone—the good sound of each note you hit—it will serve you well later on. For timing: If you don't use a metronome, use your body. At the beginning of some phrases, you are jumping ahead to a much faster tempo, then quickly slowing back  down to where you can pick more comfortably. You want to smooth this out...it won't be that difficult...and at that point you'll really be pleased with your progress.

Tom Hanway Says:
Thursday, October 30, 2008 @4:20:14 AM

Tim, you are doing well.  You still need a real teacher to see what you are doing with your hands and fingerpicks.  I notice that your pinches on the first and fifth strings are a bit staggered.  You need to hit both strings at exactly the same time - no delay effect.  Also, I would find a guitarist who can play steady rhythm.  Get your rhythm and timing together before you start working on speed.

I would start practicing with a metronome or band in a box - something to lock you rhythmically.

Diva's comment about the thumb is on the money.