So I had my third guitar lesson tonight, with the multi-talented, very patient Joe Weinberg. A few things I've learned about myself and the guitar:
- Before a music lesson, I still have the same panic-y feeling I had before music lessons when I was a kid (hold yourself back, ladies: viola and organ, and I was very overweight) — that I hadn't practiced enough and I was going to be seen as a failure. Luckily, pharmaceuticals and a few calming words from Juliet talk me off of that ledge.
- I had to play "Buffalo Gal" tonight. I can kind of play it alone. I absolutely could not play it with Joe (at least the first 11 times). I love that song due to its inclusion in "It's a Wonderful Life." I hate that song since I can't play it. Yet. That song will be mine. I will own it.
- My ring finger really likes smooshing two strings at a time rather than simply holding down the string at a fret. I'm thinking of amputating it. I tried taking off my wedding ring ("Hey, it comes right off!" I kid, Juliet) but it didn't help.
- I'm getting some cool calluses on my fingers.
- After discussing some cool power chords and '80s metal bands with Joe (who struck me as more of a jazz guy) there is a 100 percent chance I am downloading some Stryper tonight.
That said, I plan to get up at 5 tomorrow and practice. I am going to master that f***ing "Buffalo Gal" if it kills me and makes me hate my all-time favorite movie (and even that alluring harlot, Violet Palmer).
