I used to hang around with a bunch of musicians and various noisemakers but the ones that are left on the earth are thousands of miles away on the west coast and parts in between.

I'm in my 50's and have picked up the guitar a few times but never really applied myself. I've always wanted to play. About 6 months ago I was talking to a dear old friend out in California and I fondly remembered sitting around outside listening to him plink around on the guitar and I decided I needed to re-add that element to my life.

So I picked up an old Fender dreadnaught that I had sitting neglected in the corner and threw some light strings on it and began messing around online.

The Internet has really allowed us to access so many wonderful teachers and tablatures. But in spite of that, I am struggling.

I don't have the groove. My ear is tin. My fingers are idiots. I'm determined to power through and learn to play some chill songs.

While I love complex music, prog rock, Rush, flamenco, Joe Satriani et.al, , I'm just looking to pick up some fun songs like early Beatles tunes, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley.

All I want is to sit on a bench under the stars and annoy the heck out of my neighbors. :P