207

Yes 207...  which happens to be the number of days I have left to get into musical shape.

So last night I continued my guitar training, with some Rocksmith 2014, which I highly recommend not only for the "Guitar Hero" type of learning songs, but for Session Mode, Lessons, and Guitarcade. (I will be doing a post solely on RS 2014 because it is truly beyond AWESOME on my iMac (felt laggy on my pc))

After that I was on a Video Chat called "Camfrog" which I is primarily a dating site but it has a few rooms dedicated to playing music. (My favourite room was recently closed "Midnight Musicians Cafe" so I tried another called "II MusicAlley Inclined II" which had a very positive/friendly vibe) I played a couple songs, well I tried but (not to my surprise) my breathing was shallow(at best), hands were shaking and overall I felt as though an Ethereal being was attempting to hinder my playing. On a positive note, at the end of my session I felt less nervous and one (tiny) step closer to being capable on stage.

So my goal for tonight is nearly the same as yesterday's with one added part, which is to tape some of my training on "II MusicAlley Inclined II" so you can see for yourself.

-Billy Tough

It's a long way to the top...

...if you want to Rock'n Roll


28 years old, living in Canada, and dreaming of being (one day) a master guitarist. I have played on and off for ages, but over the last year at least an hour a day, most times significantly more.

This upcoming June 21st will be my first time playing in front of a crowd (for a friends wedding) and its a song for her walk down the aisle, and another song for the bridesmaids (so that's 2 if you're keeping track). To some it wouldn't be a big deal, but it really means the world to me and I plan to make the bride really happy she asked me.

So before I get to call myself a master, or play at this wedding, I know the first obstacle I'll need to overcome is stage nerves, not that I am shy. I've always loved audiences, but cannot deny that I get some level of shakiness from having to perform in front of masses( nothing I couldn't overcome), thus part 1 of my plan begins...

Open Mic

Sometime in the next couple days I will be heading about an hour West to Ottawa and will go try and perform at one of its many venues that have Open Mic nights, I may crash and burn or I may simply just struggle through a song which I play effortlessly at home. I know this because when playing in front of people, even just a few, I make more mistakes and feel my nerves much more.

Since I'll be alone this time I am going to bring my steel string Larivee, my guts, and I'll play 1 or 2 songs until then....



-Billy Tough