Hi

Will "< one of the best ways to improve - sit with good performers, listen to and look at what they do, and take in as much as you can. >"

I agree entirely. I originally, after a few lessons learned to play by myself. I learned from books, radio ( no TV then- for me anyway).

Then I met up with some guys who could really play and it opened my eyes. Luckily for me some of them were both helpful and patient. My playing came on in leaps and bounds. One of the best bits of help I got was how to practice properly.

This made me much more confident and with confidence my peformance improve also. This encouraged me to play in pubs,clubs etc as often as I could and of course this is how you learn to perform.

Cheers

Mike