Good news! I am getting closer and better at being able to play the Dm and Em chords. Dm is definitely still the more difficult one but the sound of the chord when I strum it is sounding better and better the more that I practice (along with Em as well). I am now realizing that my F chord is sounding off too which is a bit discouraging as the entire “Sign of the Times” song by Harry Styles (that I am learning for October 30) is F, Dm, and C, so 2 out of 3 of the chords that are being played in this song are not sounding correct. I think I know what the issue for the F chord is but I do not know how to fix it. It seems like when my index finger is sitting on the first fret of the second string, part of my index finger is also touching the first fret of the first string, I don’t understand, are my fingers too big? Since the Dm chord also involves the index finger being on the first fret of the second string that’s an issue for that chord as well but the Dm chord has another difficulty along with it, trying to fit both the middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string and the ring finger on the second fret of the third string, I actually do not think my fingers are “flexible” enough to do this. Below I have included a video of somebody explaining how to do each chord in the song “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles. Watch from 0:19 – 0:50.

I also realized that the strumming pattern Down UpUpDown UpUp DownDownUp is a bit too fast paced for the slow and emotional song “Sign of the Times” so I have decided I am going to stick to DownDownDownDown DownUp. In the video I am posting next week I will still show the strumming pattern of Down UpUpDown UpUp DownDownUp because I learnt and know how to do it but I just don’t feel like it fits the vibe of the song.

My fingers are feeling raw and sore from all the practicing I am doing but I will keep at it and I know that I will eventually reach my goal. I am excited but also nervous to start putting together the other two songs that I have chosen to do ““Riptide” by Vance Joy, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

Finally, even though there is seeming to be a lot of difficulties I am still proud of myself for learning all of the chords and the strumming patterns. I am also proud of myself for not giving up and not being too hard on myself. The difficulties are making me that much more determined to continue and to prevail.