Retirement has advantages. I don't play for money any more. I can't. I thought I would lose interest over time if I didn't have to but the coolest thing happened. I Got Sonar. All I want to do is play. I build my day around it. A guitar for every style and a way to study it! I Am a Guitarologist! Coffee Becan  Sonar MUSIC
 

Right On Brother Bill!!
Sum of us envy you and yet very happy for you. When can we hear some gnu swamp music?

I record everyday for my lesson plan. Set up the rhythm. That in itself is a blast for me. Usually 3 rhythms and work with them till the lesson is learned. IF I want a song I can take one of the rhythms. Now I have about 20 I use for review. I use the practice tracks and build from it to suit the song. Dummy tracks and template. 
 
I have 3 as WIP now    weather and doctors permitting I will have one this summer
I feel pretty good today Mesh 

I've always like your playing, style, and songs......every once in awhile, I'll go and listen to your soundclick page. Looking forward to this "summer"!! :))

Wow thanks Mesh!!  I record for myself family and you guys!  I've always wanted to record a Boogie tune "bayoustyle" so I could use both Fenders 
 

Bill,
 
If your hands allow, the classical repertoire is really great and worth spending time on.  Start with the segovia scales and you'll be hooked.

eph221
Bill,
 
If your hands allow, the classical repertoire is really great and worth spending time on.  Start with the segovia scales and you'll be hooked.

I have about an hour repertoire though I don't practice it like I did before I got sick. 
 
I recorded Spanish Serenade and the Christmas Song when I lived in Shreveport
 
They are the only 2 I recorded in Sonar  Spanish Serenade

It's good you don't play for money anymore, because it's pretty much impossible to profit from it anyway. Musicians' wages are about the same as they were in 1980, only with one-tenth as many venues in which to play.
 
I've got a gig tonight, for which we'll earn 10% of the till, split 5 ways. They also buy us a meal...nothing like a big greasy bar burger right before a gig! My net profit might be twenty bucks after filling the gas tank.
 
Still, I recommend playing out in a band - even for free if necessary. It's not the same as composing and recording (I do miss that!) but nothing's better for keeping your chops up and your vocal chords loose. Good exercise, too.

Coming from someone who was so hesitant to play out, it sounds like you made the right decision Dave! 

I physically can't play live in a band. I'm just not healthy enough. I do miss it very much but I have my practice regiment. If I stick to it I get 4 hours of specialized technique practice to keep my chops up. The problem I have is being ill and unable to play for a week at a time. I try to play smarter these days. I have so much to learn and work on that I have to remind myself to record something. I have to tools