Their persistence and pluck pay off

The words rang in my head and made me a little shakier than I was already feeling. Nils Lofgren was saying that my attempt at a rudimentary chord was tolerable.

Lofgren, the incredibly gracious and patient guitarist for the E Street Band, had mind-bogglingly agreed to give me an in-person lesson to demonstrate how his burgeoning online guitar school (www.nilslofgren.com) works. In about 20 minutes he had me strumming away on basic chords and even playing a one note solo.

The idea of online lessons was appealing for many reasons: I could embarrass myself without any witnesses. I wouldn’t be trying anyone’s patience but my own. Heck, I could even sing along! (If I ever actually reached a point where what I was playing resembled a song as opposed to a set of lurching swipes.)

Unsurprisingly, trying to master an instrument as an adult can be like going on a diet while trying to learn a new language. It requires discipline, practice, and a high tolerance for self-loathing.

After the live session with Lofgren I was on a high and committed to making it happen.

I downloaded his first beginner lesson and practiced between three and five times a week for 20 to 90 minutes in the first two weeks. (A brief vacation helped.) One night I was enjoying trying to force my left hand to stretch for a G chord so much that I actually considered postponing dinner with a friend.

Lofgren’s instructions were as promised: easy to follow, deliberately paced, and fun with a lot of demonstration and a bit of theory. Best of all he offers one-finger versions of chords that you can play right away. I had no delusions of Steve Vai flights, but moving fluidly between chords was much harder than I expected. I was, however, encouraged that my sense of rhythm was pretty good.

Even as I enjoyed the online lesson perks - no wasted gas! a dress code of sweats! - the negatives of not having an in-the-flesh teacher also became apparent.

Over the next month, there was no instructor to frustrate, but there wasn’t anyone to motivate either. I tried to keep an imaginary Lofgren on my shoulder, repeating those magical words: “That sounds pretty good actually.’’ But he began to fade, as did my inclination to practice, since I was only accountable to myself. It was partially the common, sometimes valid, excuses for putting anything off: lack of time and energy and a full DVR. (The guitar would sit in the corner mocking me as I chose “30 Rock’’ over trying to rock). Plus, I had the added impediment of living with two accomplished musicians, one a Berklee alum, whom I lived in terror of overhearing my neophyte fumblings.

I haven’t given up though, practicing now about two to three times a week for shorter periods. I think the online component helps here. The lessons live in my laptop, so I can go back to them without any extra expense or tsk-tsking over what I might have forgotten.

Country songwriting legend Harlan Howard talked about a good song being three chords and the truth. At the moment, I have three chords (G, A, and E minor), but the sad truth is that I’m still a ways off from turning them into anything. But my virtual teacher has me excited about the possibilities - only being a click away.

Sarah Rodman can be reached at srodman@globe.com.