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Here is my second attempt. A slow 'Dust in the Wind'. I'm still struggling with performance anxiety - big time.




I had to slow this right down to keep it together. I find that once I get in front of the camera the following happens:
- both of my hands tense up and don't move properly (my right hand falters and my left one goes into a vice grip)
- my hands get sweaty - mind you it is 40oC here today (104oF)
- my mind goes blank and I forget where I'm up to
- my jaw tightens and smiling goes out the window
- the tricky bits that I thought I'd nailed fall apart - the G to Dm7 change is a classic here.

This is an angst ridden performance, I'm by no means happy with it. It's a work in progress. I'm working on:
- relaxing (not doing too well here)
- smiling (yep - you guessed it - a work in progress) - but I'll post another video to show you that I can smile - I just can't smile and play in front of the camera
- reducing the pressure in my hands - especially my left - to get good tone and easy movement - without buzzing
- angling my right hand so my nails hit the strings at a 90 -ish degree angle
- getting even/consistent tone - and even volume
- increasing the volume of my bass notes (I think I'll eventually need to get a thumb pick)

I'm working on heaps more, but you get the general idea.

It's strange - you were all so sweet to me last time. I'm hoping this is an experience thing. In the meantime - I'm going with the Nike approach.

Once it loads, here is proof that I can smile - a session with my 'expression coach'




A little indulgent - but amusing I think.

Hi Michelle, there is no access to your video. Maybe you did not select the view by world and left it to private before uploading it as it says it is a private video.

Marc

Thanks Marc - that was the problem - I forgot about that step.

Michele, cheeeeeeeese...

There is a coach, in smiling town
they call the smiling sun
And its been the smiling of
many lovely girls and i know i gonna be one...

LOVELY Video ....keep smiling...

FOR ''DUST IN THE WIND'' YOU!! did great,really you are good on your way!!!! and woman can do two things together , but you was thinking and playing(thats two) smiling is third,,, keep the progress coming.. thanks

Hello Michele.

Nice to see this video,with expression.
Glasses off,is a nice look of your face,can you see than what you do?.
This video is verr good for your convidence.
I here the tune House of rising sun?.

Thanks fore sharing this expression video.


Greetz from the Netherlands Anton

Hi Michele,

That was a marathon song to get through- with very few mistakes I might add! I loved the look of relief you had at the end.. priceless! The 2nd (blooper) video was pretty funny too!!

Your guitar and hand position seems really good and comfortable for you.. right hand angled downward, left hand wrist arched around. You look ready to hit ANY note on the fret board with your long fingers.

I also noticed that you're following Neil's advice about selectively placing your fingers on notes, instead of trying to land the whole chord with all your fingers at once.

Great job and great post.

Karma!

Thanks Willem and Anton. Yes the expression video is 'House of the rising sun' - it was a warm up - exercise. I aim to play it - with singing - still practicing in the shower...

Smiling town...very cute lyrics.

Thanks Al! Yep - a huge relief.... You should have seen some of the expressions it the versions that I didn't include.

Yes - Neil's advice regarding a finger at a time has been a god send.

THanks for the Karma too.

Hello Michele.
Dust in the wind,realy nice song,you doing a good job.
First play it slowly,and later you can speed it up.
This song is above my guitar play.

Thanks fore share this nice video.

Greetz Anton