Life sucks.

I don't think one should put too much faith in that, considering Holdsworth didn't start playing guitar until he was in his late teens. It really just depends on how focused you are, and how much time you spend honing your chops, learning more and more about the instrument.

Speaking of which, what does everyone think of the Ibanez Artcore? I got it, hearing that it was a good beginner's guitar and I like it well enough, especially for how long it's kept its tune (I have a tendency to break strings when tuning guitars).

just keep practicing, you'll learn in time. If you're trying to teach yourself the only way you're going to learn is through repetition and trial and error, like with most things that are self-taught. I didn't start playing until I was about 18 and it took me until this past year to get comfortable playing bar chords, and they still give me trouble every now and then. I'm 22 now and while starting at a younger age probably would've made things easier it's not a reason to get discouraged because I still have the passion to learn and improve regardless of any dexterous disadvatages. I hope you can start to feel the same way, just watch some youtube videos on playing bar-chords and keep practicing. It will come in time.

This is true, it does take time, but also finding the right way to learn. Most of my playing comes from me trying and failing on my own, and gradually improving. Some things I never did learn properly, so I decided to consult a guitar teacher to see if he might be able to help me out. Something as simple as moving the chords around while playing rhythm, I just couldn't nail it using tabs, or by listening to records. Frustrating for sure, especially since I've been playing for so many years.

Well, I am improving on my chords. I've learned how to switch from E-major to E-minor.

switching from E to a-minor is easy also

Had a play around with my new rig today and it sounds sweet as fuck. My decision to buy in a Digitech DigiDelay rather than the much more expensive Malekko Lo-Fi Ekko has payed off, as I get an insane amount of versatility between that and my Boss DD-3. I'm also extremely impressed with my Moen Holy Choir chorus. It's an extremely subtle pedal but it makes my clean tone sound all the better.

The only thing I really desire now is a more extreme fuzz than my Electro-Harmonix Little Big Muff. I have my eye on the Devi Ever Noise Floor at the moment, as from what I've seen of it it can make some really insane noise.

Fuck I love playing in a post-rock band.

You lifted your index finger?

You really can't go wrong with a Fuzz Factory. I have one, and it's way too extreme for my use. Still love it.

I bought a birthday present for myself:

Installed!

Nice

That pic was posted on my Facebook wall by the guy who installed it, I'm heading over there now to pick it up. I can't wait to finally try it out with sound! The whole thing has been built according to my instructions, and I've never once heard it or tried it out, it's all based on my own ideas about what this guitar needs to sound as good as possible.

Sound clips, and hopefully video clips, will be posted.

Underwhelmed.