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4 contributions to Bluegrass Guitar Dads
The pinky blues . . .
I watched @Trevor Clendenin's video in the Classroom and I see he does the spider walk across the four frets. My hand will not stretch that far because it's just not made right. I wish my index and pinky were like his, but they are not. I'm going to have to find another way. And I watched as he explained the beats - quarter, eigths, sixteenths, tripletts. I don't like using a pick. I may need to do some rethinking! Ha ha! I'm such a nube! One thing I'm awed at is Trevor's excellent instruction. He really breaks it down so anyone can learn.
1 like • 2d
@Philip Smith Hi Phil! Yes, us Phil Smiths are awesome! 😁 And you did better than I did - you live in Colorado, but I live in Kansas.
0 likes • 13h
@Philip Smith Yes! Pretty close!
When the Garage Is Too Cold and the House Is Too Loud
It’s snowing in Savannah today, which means my usual garage practice spot is officially off limits. Too cold to play. Too cold to think. Like many, I don’t always have the option to practice freely inside the house. Repetition that feels productive to us can sound like psychological warfare to spouses, partners, kids, or pets. Especially fiddle tunes at half speed. Especially the same four measures. Again. This has always been one of the hidden challenges of learning music as an adult. We’re not short on motivation. We’re short on space, time, and forgiveness from the people we love most. I’m curious how everyone here is making it work right now. Where do you practice? What’s your biggest obstacle to making noise?
1 like • 5d
I think the roadblocks you mentioned are pretty much universal.
How Are You Actually Counting Time?
Quick check-in after the time & stamina video. When you’re playing a tune (or even just running an exercise), what are you actually counting in your head? Some honest possibilities: - “1 2 3 4” with the beat - “1 and 2 and…” or “1 e and a…” - The melody itself, without numbers - I’m not counting at all, just trying to keep up All of these are completely normal, especially at different stages of learning. There’s no right answer here. I’m curious where everyone is starting from, because how you count shapes everything that comes next: timing, feel, stamina, and confidence. Drop a quick comment with what’s true for you right now. One sentence is perfect.
1 like • 16d
I do the “1 and 2 and…” or “1 e and a…”, and if I know a song really well, I may just go with the melody.
Start here!
Welcome to Bluegrass Guitar Dads. Glad you’re here. To get things rolling (and help me shape useful content for the group), please take a minute to introduce yourself in the comments below: 1. Instrument(s) What are you playing these days? 2. One bluegrass player you love Could be a legend or a current inspiration. 3. What you want to improve right now Timing, rhythm, flatpicking, backup, repertoire, confidence, etc. This doesn’t need to be polished, just honest. We’re all balancing music, work, and family, and this is a supportive space to keep the music moving. Looking forward to picking with you. Trevor
1 like • 18d
@Trevor Clendenin I can't say I enjoy Ryan. Another thing he does is just say, "hit this note, then this note" etc and doesn't explain why and how it relates to music.
2 likes • 18d
@Trevor Clendenin I think that over time I'll find my place, especially with the help of wonderful people like you.
1-4 of 4
Phil Smith
2
6points to level up
@phil-smith-1431
As a retired individual residing in Kansas, USA, I aspire to learn songs from artists such as Neil Diamond, classic Country songs, and improvisation.

Active 2h ago
Joined Jan 17, 2026
USA