I started learning the mandolin two months ago yesterday. I played guitar (chords only) in high school about 100 years ok. I love to practice but some days I want to just cry. My fingers don't behave!
Sometimes I can do a few lines of a tab just right but mostly (if I'm not intently watching) I am either a little off the fret and it buzzes, or I'm on the wrong fret entirely, and then if I manage to HIT it just right..... my right hands wanders off and plays the wrong string. Sheesh. I have found going slower and slower helps a bit but feels more awkward.
I don't practice every day and I know I should but my fingers still get sore. Maybe I should do just ten minutes of scales on the off days? I try to do scales, arpeggios, picking drills and then play some tablature or practice double stops. When I get totally frustrated I resort to strumming songs and singing along cuz that makes me happy.
I do love the instrument but I'm anxious to get better. I go to a local jam every week (mostly just strum chords) and I definitely notice at the end of two hours my chord fingering gets sloppy as heck.
Anyway - advice welcome.
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