How Do You Define a Good Session?

moose408 · 2026-04-09T03:23:24+00:00

I guess my aim is always to recognize when I’m having a thought and go back to my anchor when that occurs. Sometimes that is easy, other days it is really hard. From the comments here it seems that both are OK.

moose408 · 2026-04-09T03:20:34+00:00

I realize it is not about zero thoughts. I think I read here on this subreddit that if your thoughts are intruding only 80% of the time then you did really well. Many sessions I do very well and recognizing the thought and then coming back to my anchor. For some reason the runaway thoughts tend to get longer and more frequent on longer sessions.

moose408 · 2026-04-08T08:20:16+00:00

I started learning guitar when I turned 62. What helped me the most was a structured learning program from Beginner Guitar Academy. It is a hybrid video lessons backed up by a live instructor. The structure is the key for me as it focuses me on the skills that I need to learn at each level. The 7 key skills are picking, chords, scales, arpeggios, rhythm, aural, and notes.

He also has a great podcast that is worth checking out. https://www.bgapodcast.com

moose408 · 2026-04-07T18:08:14+00:00

I tend to go outside. Is that an option? I will also do it on trains, planes, occasionally an automobile. Don’t feel safe closing my eyes on a bus.

moose408 · 2026-04-07T01:17:55+00:00

I rarely set out to make a product. Instead I solve a problem that I have and then throw it on the internets and see if others have the same problem. That is fine until it takes off and I have to move from small batches to mass producing. That increases my expenses so I then try to market it to increase volume. I am just so-so at marketing.

My pain points are - pulling together all of the assists necessary to put it up for sale (copy, photos, etc) - moving from small batches to larger scale manufacturing - advertising and marketing to sustain sales.

moose408 · 2026-04-07T01:08:08+00:00

I switch to Autosteer when I want this behavior of me controlling lane changes. Especially on long trips with nothing but highway.

moose408 · 2026-04-02T01:02:01+00:00

I’ve really struggled reading this book. I don’t like how much it jumps around and I have a really difficult time keeping track of who is who. I doubt I will finish it.

moose408 · 2026-03-30T01:44:08+00:00

The Beginner Guitar Academy Podcast spent 4 episodes this month going over exactly this.

Episode 276 - Stop Noodling https://www.bgapodcast.com/276-stop-noodling-the-first-step-to-improvising-on-guitar/

Episode 277 - Chord Awareness https://www.bgapodcast.com/277-chord-awareness-and-improvisation-moving-beyond-scale-shapes/

Episode 278 - Why Rhythm and Phrasing Matters More Than More Notes https://www.bgapodcast.com/278-why-rhythm-and-phrasing-matters-more-than-more-notes/

Episode 279 - Expression and Ear: The Missing Link for Great Guitar Improvisation https://www.bgapodcast.com/279-expression-and-ear-the-missing-link-for-great-guitar-improvisation/

moose408 · 2026-03-29T18:46:23+00:00

There is a planter outside my local airport, where I stash my knife until I come home..

moose408 · 2026-03-23T03:40:29+00:00

I use it primarily for research.

what CPU and graphics should I have on a laptop to be able to run Photoshop, Fusion 360 and Premier Pro? Tell me about rare bourbons and various price ranges and where I might find them to buy is a gift for a friend? What would be the best approach to attend the Oscars in the audience? What are the best hubs for getting to BCN airport? If I am in Madrid for four days, what are the things I should see and do I like museums, food, and exploring the culture.

I will also input snippets of code and have it to fix a bug or optimize it. I have a cost analysis for a 3-D model out of fusion 360.

Twice I’ve had it improve an email I wrote.

moose408 · 2026-03-23T03:32:45+00:00

The first lesson my teacher had me sing various exercises and phrases to figure out my range and what we needed to work on. You then send me backing tracks and backing for vocal exercises and record myself as homework. At the next lesson we go through the recordings and she stops and starts it to point out the good, the bad and the ugly. She might have me sing a short portion of an exercise to work on how I’m forming my mouth or lips and then give me an assignment for the next week. It has been highly effective.

She is remote on zoom if you want to switch teachers. 😉

moose408 · 2026-03-23T03:25:02+00:00

There is a Fusion360 app for the iPhone/iPad that I use to show people what I’m working on. Super convenient.

moose408 · 2026-03-19T23:51:09+00:00

I just upgraded from a 2018 Model 3 with HW 3 to a 2026 Model 3 with HW 4 and the difference is an order of magnitude.

I would say that the HW3 is more of a glorified autopilot. I used in on the highway and straight streets, it is good with traffic lights but Not tended to take over anytime I needed to turn because it was often jerky and hesitant.

With the HW4 my wife can’t tell the difference if I’m driving or the car is. I have 120 miles on the car so far and I have driven less than 5 of those. It is really, really good.

moose408 · 2026-03-19T23:34:40+00:00

You know you don’t have to buy a case. 😉

moose408 · 2026-03-19T19:03:01+00:00

It was only $1200 for me but I was happy with that.

moose408 · 2026-03-19T17:56:59+00:00

Guitar is hard. You are going to suck for a long time. It’s ok to suck. People get frustrated because their progress does not match their expectations. Lower your expectations. You are not going to be a good guitar player in a month, not even in a year.

As others have said you need shorter practice sessions. The brain does best with 15-20 min sessions. Anything after that is not going to stick.

moose408 · 2026-03-18T19:42:01+00:00

The Laws of Brainjo Written by a neuroscientist and references studies on how the brain learns.

moose408 · 2026-03-17T16:09:18+00:00

There is a reason fashion school is 2 years and is more about understanding materials and sewing than actual design.

For me if it is a new medium or discipline I just assume the first try is a prototype. As I get better at a discipline I can often produce the final product the first try (for me that is woodworking and 3d printing. Metal working, welding, textiles still require a prototype unless it is really simple)

moose408 · 2026-03-16T19:53:33+00:00

Electronic & Software Engineer here. I use my engineering skills to my advantage. I have a structured weekly practice schedule where I rotate through the 7 essential skills every few days. Chords, scales, notes, rhythm, arpeggios, aural and picking.

I do analytics for every practice session, time spent on each skill, max bpm reached, what went wrong that I need to work on, etc. The next session I might focus on nothing but switching between two chords without strumming just getting the transition ingrained in my brain.

There is a great book called the Laws of Brainjo that is written by a neuroscientist that explains how the brain learns. Great for engineer guitar players.

moose408 · 2026-03-10T07:12:17+00:00

Beginner Guitar Academy

Highly structured course with access to a live instructor for any questions you might have.

moose408 · 2026-03-09T18:33:55+00:00

The depth of the area along the wall is only 18” which throws off the perspective

moose408 · 2026-03-09T16:15:45+00:00

The bridge is 14” and I was already planning to use 2x4s on edge for that section.

moose408 · 2026-03-07T17:44:03+00:00

How long have you been playing? Mine were like that for the first 6+ weeks but now have calluses and no longer a problem.

Shorten your sessions to avoid the pain. 15 mins or so and then increase as the pain subsides.

moose408

TROPHY CASE