Hey Friend,
Wrapping up another week. I hope you have fun stuff planned for the weekend. I know we'll be running around trying to spruce up the place before the family shows up next week...
The following week I start traveling for the new job, so I'll be writing to you from a hotel room for a while. That'll mean no access to my guitars. I guess it'll be a good time to talk a lot of theory and philosophy, LOL!
Here's another reason why it's better to focus your efforts on playing guitar than spending a bunch of time learning how to put in floors and bathrooms. It is my fault. I set the precedent with my wife. After I proved I COULD do the work, she was done looking for contractors. Of course, when we see their estimates, I cave and agree to do it - 'cause I'm cheap labor...
Still...
Here's Number 7...
10. Less Offensive Visually 9. More Mobile 8. Less Tools Needed 7. Less Physically Painful 6. More Fun Socially 5. More Impressive 4. Sexier 3. More Envy 2. Less Expensive 1. More Respect
I have never been in pain from playing guitar. Sure there's been soreness from time to time, but actual physical pain? Nope, never. If you're in pain while playing guitar, you're doing it wrong!
When you first start learning to play, your body has to go through some adjustments. Our fingertips aren't used to pressing thin pieces of metal or nylon against a board for periods of time, so they get sore. After a couple weeks, that soreness goes away because you develop calluses on the tips.
Most teachers don't put an emphasis on working your pinky finger, but I usually make sure my students get used to using the pinky in their playing. It makes you more versatile and strengthens and trains the finger.
You might also get some soreness in your hand and forearm, but again, after a couple weeks of practicing, your muscles get used to this new challenge and they adjust.
Another occupational hazard of playing guitar is a sore shoulder when using a guitar strap. Guitars don't seem too heavy when you pick them up, but when they've been hanging around your neck for an hour or so, you start to realize you should have spent some time working out.
Yes, soreness is a little annoying and we might complain about it, but it's not PAIN.
I can't say the same after working on home improvement projects.
This last round of flooring installation had my feet hurting so badly I couldn't sleep. You know that's messed up! It's a good thing I had pain reliever available... but I still had to double up on dosage.
Better living through chemistry, right?
When you're learning guitar chords, you can minimize soreness in your hands by using power chords. Power chords set you up to play full barre chords - they're played in the same position and the fingering lines up the same.
Because you use the same fingers and positions for power chords as you would for barre chords, you're getting some stretching and strength exercise benefits. In Easy Power Chords, I show you how to play them with different shapes in every position on the guitar neck. Here's the link to check out Easy Power Chords today.
Rock on!
Peace~
Dave | 
