By January 30th, my goal was to practice learning the chords and strings. This would entail identifying chords and being able to play them and what strings to play. After having my guitar for a week know I feel comfortable playing each chords for my two songs I am learning, Brown Eyed Girl and Riptide. The chords are, G, C, D, and Em for Brown Eyed Girl and Am, G, C, and F for Riptide. I feel comfortable playing each chord but am getting used to the strumming and switching between chords.
I have been using the app GuitarTuna, and it has been very useful. GuitarTuna has the features of practice that allows you to practice the chords, transitions, strumming patterns and playing along with the instructor. I have also been practice with my friend who has been playing the guitar for more than ten years. It is useful to practice in person with someone who knows how to play because they can make the hand adjustments and observe where things are going wrong or what is working well for me.
I feel confident and encouraged by the sounds that I am making with the guitar. It makes me excited that I can hear it coming together. I am discouraged by the pain I am feeling in my hand, but thinking it will feel more comfortable and natural over time.