ActionMan said:

I am no longer able to access any lessons - I get a Invalid slice if I access this way - https://forums.synner.com/lessons/caged-system-the-a-shape-lesson-25.25/, and failed to transform query result if I try to access this way - https://www.synner.com/courses/19d5...d6/units/ee35c5ed-9b57-426b-87e3-e5515929f391 after I click button gain access.

Click to expand...

The first link should be dead - the lessons are not kept in that area and haven't been for a few years. The second link you posted does work, so it's a "you" problem. Most likely culprit here, I've noticed, is using incognito or private mode, or using a privacy focused browser like Opera GX.

Our vendor, SoundSlice, won't work with those, and there's nothing we can do about it. You need to use a normal browser in normal mode and try that way. Let me know.

Most of the action is over in the Discord, but it's apparent there is still some real activity here, and I need to be more aware of that. I apologize.

Mark Stein said:

Hello.
I am not new to guitar, but my learning was unorthodox.
I learned mostly by myself, as teachers tended to keep me "stuck".
Once I found a good teacher he sadly quit after a year.
I started learning via tabs mostly, and watching videos of "how to" on techniques.
However, after many years of playing, I hate to admit I'm not where I want to be with my playing.
Most metal solos and complicated rhythms (complex string skipping for example) I am unable to play.
I tried following many online guitar teachers (Bernth, Paul Davids etc) and tried practicing more "hardcore" style.
I however noticed even months of grinding different exercises 3-4 hours a day using a metronome, my speed didn't go anywhere after a week.
I tried different exercises, different styles, taking a break once in a while.
How do you get past the plateau ?
Any suggestion would be much appreciated.
Sorry for the long post.

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Hi Mark, I am your people. I've been playing since the early to mid 1980s, and while I found a cheater method that has gotten me a lot of gigs and compliments, any time I would hunker down to really get my synchronization in order, build proper speed, learn proper sweeping, etc, I always hit a wall very quickly.

I too heard the "slow down" mantra, and it never seemed to work, and I could never quite figure out why. Then a few years ago, a bizarre latent brain injury started contracting muscles, specifically in the upperr arm, shoulder and neck area. It made my playing a million times worse, but eventually I got it under control.

I tell you this because of what I learned from it.

The "slow down" is multi-purpose. First, yes, it's about syncing up movements, but second, more important, and the bit I never could get? It's about relaxation.

Both hands, up to the elbows, up to the shoulders, and into the neck. Until you can play that scale or pattern at tempo X without the slightest hint of muscle contraction, you can't increase the speed. I mean, a bit, yeah, but the goal is not just about the synchronization, it's also about getting each movement of pick and finger relaxed and fluid.

Try it.

Hi Mark! It’s nice to meet you! I am someone who definitely understands these struggles. I was going to say metronome and working your speed up is usually the best way to go, etc, but I see you have already mentioned trying that.

So, I’ll share something I’ve been doing. I’ve been doing exercises called “spiders” to increase my finger strengths and encourage independence between my fingers. I know you mentioned exercises…but I’m not sure if you meant these, etc. I’m only beginner-intermediate, I guess. Don’t be afraid to start back at basics if you have to and work back up! It’s more than ok. I’ve found it beneficial to do so myself. Especially, for example, my finger positioning. Especially my thumb. I think in your case, it may be beneficial to be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged! Some things just honestly also take a little time, no matter how hard we try! I know you’ll get it! And I am sure you’re already awesome!