Rob, I know what you mean about manual labor. I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands in 2002-2003, about four years before I even started playing. Luckily the surgery went well and I haven't had any major problems since. Good luck, and keep on pickin'.

Roger

<t>I know Bear, he went blind before he was one year old. I'm struggling to learn to play being able to see what I'm doing, and he did it sightless.<br/> <br/> I agree about crosspicking being helpful too, I have learned a few simple arrangements. It is extremely challenging for a beginner/intermedi...

Thanks Gary, and yes, TG has helped a lot. I've tried some other online pay-for-lessons sites but this is the best I've found by far. Neil goes into detail on some great music, and his technical pointers have helped me correct mistakes and learn faster.

Roger

<t>I don't know about his being the best but he's one of my favorites. He helped develop bluegrass-style flatpicking into a fine art, and was an excellent if idiosyncratic figerpicker too. His speed and tone are amazing, and he's 86 years old and still playing shows.<br/> <br/> This site isn't reall...

<t>Kenny, I can relate to your frustration. I started 3 years ago at age 46 after taking my grandson to lessons and sitting in. My progress has been slow but I enjoy myself, which is the main reason I play, and my family tells me I'm starting to sound pretty good sometimes.<br/> <br/> I don't know i...