The trouble you describe is, kid you not, one of the foundations for the technique Wes Montgomery developed of brushing with his thumb. I can genuinely say tha

The trouble you describe is, kid you not, one of the foundations for the technique Wes Montgomery developed of brushing with his thumb. I can genuinely say that for about $100 a person can get a PC or Mac sound card that enables 1/4" guitar line-in, probably comes with ProSumer level amp modeling and a DAW license, a set of headphones, and explore a world of tone and recording and jamming along. I also completely agree that doing so is very, very different than filling a room with the din of a jangly tune or distorted growl. Finding a practice space though is as old as I can remember, because between parents, room mates, neighbors...police...people tend to like listening to music but not the practicing part it takes to get good haha.