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In some songs the first strum emphasizes the root note (bass note) of the chord, so it will be important to learn how to catch just that particular string.  The thing that I find helpful is sort of strum that initial strum more in and out rather than up and down with regard to the face of the guitar.  Hope that makes some sense.

If they're so good you can't stack up what fun would it be?  They're on audition too, so relax.  I figure you have an idea what song(s) they play and can ask them to play one you like (excel).  Like Zurf says it's mostly meet and greet.  I remember we auditioned three different guys and all had good enough talent.  It's more about how your taste meshes.

Detman you might need a break so maybe try fingerpicking a SINGLE chord until your right hand (picking hand) learns the "dance" on its own.  Try Travis picking (thumb, 1, thumb, 2) where your thumb picks bass note index finger (1) picks next, thumb picks bass note, and middle finger (2) picks a note.  Just don't give up.  It will make you hear differently.   After a couple days do the same with anothre chord.  In a few more, try to move between those chords while continuing the pattern.  You should start hearing music patterns differently.  Good luck but don't fret.

When people hear your name they are going to think what kind of music you play.  If they're wrong the right audience may stay home. 

That said, think what it sounds like on the marquee or when you introduce yourself... Tonight: (Your band's name)

Tonight: "Fourplay"
Tonight: "Free Beer"

Or Hi folks, we're: "Not From Around Here"

Welcome Maryliz6 I think you've found the best tab site there is.  Suggest you get a capo and use Chordie to transpose songs that may be more difficult to chords you can play.  That's one tip.  Learn G,D, Am, and C and you can SLOW strum Knockin' on Heaven's Door.  It's a good one to play because it's not hard to sing and other people will be able to play along.  Then maybe learn to play chord A and Em.  Those are easy and open up a lot of songs for you.  Good luck and welcome to a very rewarding passion.

http://www.chordie.com/chord.pere/www.u … p;id=66607

That was a good tuba... thanks.

I like a lot of videos, but we haven't heard the last of this little guy and you'll be an instant fan if you aren't already.  I can only console myself in knowing he probably can't ride a bike and I bet he's no good at Pythagorean's Theorem.  Then again he's probably this good at everything he does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yauNUxfQaHk

Ozy, I was taught by Duncan Wood who showed me finger picking in a number of patterns, and some (little) classical, and strumming over 7 years every 2 weeks and I never thought my hectic schedule would allow it.  But it forced me to give that time to MYSELF.  I'm thanking him here publicly for giving the gift of music.  I'm on my own now but plenty left to learn on my own now having started at ripe old 40.
If your old time string band is interested see if you can get them to play "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show.  That would be a hoot and it has harmonies and multiple pieces for everyone to get a go.

Another thing about lighter strings is they tend to be a bit quieter.  If your guitar is harsh it can tone it down.  But SouthPaw is right the strings will give more so you'll tend to bend notes.  I use Elixer custom light nano's....they're .011 sort of a compromise, but lots of places don't carry them.

Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind.  It's synchopated...thumb, 1, 2, thumb,1, 3.  But I think you'll have it down mostly in about 2 or 3 weeks.  Don't work on chord changes too much at first to get the pick pattern down.

Kim, daddycool is right...

Try this:  The emphasis is on 1 (1&2&3&... don't hit the strings on 4 but go ahead and swing your pick like you are going to hit it.  She say's "I was" before you hit that first D chord.  When she says "ridin" you strum the D emphasizing the down stroke.   It goes DOWN, down, up, down, down...then go on to the Em DOWN, down, up, down, down, etc.  Just hum where the words are gonna be until you're comfortable in the strum.

I was  (D)riding shotgun with my  (Em)hair undone in the (G)front seat of his (A)car...

Hope it helps.  Neat song.

I did enjoy.  And I take it you had to change to accommodate your injury.  My good friend had a gun injury rendering a similar change.