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April 2007
Posts: 318
Location: Slightly northwest of Trader Jim | I have. I think I'm getting burnded out. I want to play everything I hear,I play some good,some not so good. I've found that even the songs I know are a stuggle. Anyone else feel the same. |
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March 2005
Posts: 2791
Location: Atlanta, GA. | That's why I drink!
I don't start sounding any better... but, I stop caring. |
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December 2005
Posts: 1234
Location: Tidal Mudflats of Virginia | Every other day :D |
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April 2006
Posts: 972
Location: PDX | Yep. Then i pick up the guitar.
_____
gh1 |
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December 2006
Posts: 6268
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast | Originally posted by Gway:
a stuggle. Vanna, I'd like to buy an 'R'. Now, THAT's my constant state of musical turmoil. 
Hey Gary, just let it go for a day. :D |
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July 2005
Posts: 3410
Location: GA USA | I have a couple of songs I practice a lot. I never seem to get quite good enough at them though. This week in the church band we have two new songs, and guess what? The progressions and keys are very similar to what I've been practicing for months. My first thought was that I'd slap a capo on and play the easy chords, but then I saw that I can actually play what would have stumped me before. That kind of breakthrough makes me want to practice more. |
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April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Progress is slow. I have good days and then I have uncoordinated days where nothing seems to work. Having a day or two off every now and then doesn't hurt, also spend some time just playing some enjoyable things, that's what we want to get better for, so we can have more fun. |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | Happens all the time, but I've finally learned enough songs that I can play those and feel good about myself. If I learn too many more, I'll forget the ones I know now. Good excuse not to learn too fast. |
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January 2004
Posts: 627
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ | Yea, we all get into our ruts. Just remember, playing the guitar is all about fun. |
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April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | Originally posted by Mark in Boise:
Good excuse not to learn too fast. I'm not in any danger of that! :) |
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August 2006
Posts: 3145
Location: Marlton, NJ | Originally posted by The Artist (FKA Richard):
...and then I have uncoordinated days where nothing seems to work. That's my normal state of affairs. I can learn songs - no problem. But playing them all the way through, mistake free...I'm not sure if that's ever happened. |
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November 2006
Posts: 3969
| All the time, Gary, all the time. Take a break - a day or two - then go back to it. |
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September 2008
Posts: 757
Location: Melbourne Australia | I'll trade you some of your burned out talent for a 6 pack ;) |
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February 2008
Posts: 747
| I don't struggle with it. I've been playing pretty much all my life and it is what it is - not great but I can hold my own - when I pick up the guitar something will come out and I'll work with that - I might write it down or I might forget it by the next day but when I pick up the guitar again something else will come out and I'll work with that for awhile - so on it goes until one day I cash in my chips or I can't play anymore. |
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August 2005
Posts: 3736
Location: Sunshine State, Australia | All the time, Gary. All the time.
I feel like I've been stuck at the same level for the last 10 years, but in reality, I've slowly improved.
I know how to play, I've got a good ear and can pick up the 'guts' of a song fairly quickly. My frustration stems from my lack of consistency and precision.
I'm constantly reminded by loved ones that I can't expect to be much better than I am with 2 young children, 3/4 of the way through building my own house and a full time teaching job.
I keep threatening to give it all up, but my love of making music keeps dragging me back from the edge.
I was thinking of giving the 6 string a rest for a while and going back to my roots - playing bass. But the above reasons for not improving are the same reasons for not joining a band - no time to commit to it. No point in playing bass if you're not in a band.
So, lucky I've got some REALLY nice Ovation acoustic guitars. My enjoyment MUST outweigh my frustrations coz I'm still playing.
Put them away for a week or 2. Give yourself a rest. |
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January 2007
Posts: 672
Location: New South Wales, Australia | Occasionally I get into that rut Gary but luckily it doesn't usually last too long. There's been plenty of times where I've put my guitar down and threatened never to touch it again, but 20 minutes later I can't help picking it up again.....because it feels good. Doesn't always sound good but I gave up on perfection a long time ago.
Have a break if you need to and then get back into it. If you have someone or can find someone else to play with, that can be lots of fun and provide some new inspiration. |
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April 2006
Posts: 1017
Location: Budd Lake, NJ | Used to happen to me a lot, not so much now--mainly because I decided to put away the "yardstick." The thing that you're constantly measuring yourself against and getting down and frustrated because you don't measure up. (It's not something a 6-pack will let you get away from, either, at least not permanently.)
Then I realized that I can spend all my time chasing someone else, or just let it go and relax. I'm not saying be lazy, or make excuses, or anything like that...just let yourself off the hook and enjoy where you are now.
In some things (like fingerpicking) I don't think I'm any better than I was 10 years ago; in others, like strumming, I am better, even if it's just marginally.
Most of all, like Popeye says, "I yam what I yam," and at 55, I'm finally o.k. with it. (A musical sweet potato? :D )
Would I like to be able to play like Segovia? Tony Rice? Abraham Laboriel? Of course...but my expectations are different now, and I'm o.k. with that, too. At my age, I'd rather just enjoy playing for playing's sake...and I do.
--Karen |
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Posts: 9301
Location: south east Michigan | That about says it all Karen.
Especially the yardstick refference. |
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September 2005
Posts: 3619
Location: GATLINBURG TENNESSEE :) | I've had that same feeling many times, since I taught myself to play about 40 years ago. I picked up a lot of bad habits along the way that really hampered my playing. I realized That I had missed some really important elements. So ... I decided to take some lessons! I didn't have the time to go somewhere every week, so I purchased a really nice course on DVD that allows me to go at my own pace. I have since become really excited about learning some of those important steps I missed along the way. |
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December 2001
Posts: 7233
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | I guess I've referenced this a couple of times, but I think Karen and Vince summed me up for the past several years.
I'm essentially self-taught, but used to practice enough to overcome whatever I needed/wanted to play.
Unfortunately, my yardstick, is me. I want to play the songs I wrote and performed and finish recording them.
Well step one is to just play them. That means I have to learn them again. And my playing is so bad, that I can't stand to hear me try to play them and it's so embarrassing to not remember how to play them, that I just put the guitar back down.
I love looking at and hearing great guitars and players. But I haven't had any enjoyment from playing really in many years. Of course there have been moments, like at the Gathering on 4th of July this year, but as soon as I almost thought I got a groove started, my arthritis kicked in and sucked that glimmer of fun right out of my day and I didn't touch another guitar all weekend.
After a few weeks or months I'll "get over it" and pick up a guitar again for a few minutes. Wash, rinse repeat. Been going that for quite a few years now. Frankly... Harry, that sucks. |
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June 2006
Posts: 7307
Location: South of most, North of few | My playing sucks, and I realize that. I have quite a few very nice guitars and have had a lot more come through my house. I just enjoy trying to play. I know I'll never sing or record any of it, I just enjoy messing around with them. Don't set the bar too high, or it'll become a chore instead of fun. Kind of like playing golf for a living. Probably takes all the fun out of the game. |
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July 2008
Posts: 39
Location: MA | Vince,
Could you tell us the name of the DVD you used? Maybe a link? Good & bad points about it?
Thanks...--Mike |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ...last time I got stuck in the "rut", I found this site: Backing Tracks and started downloading FREE tracks onto a CD. Played at home they're great! You can play with a band on the songs you already know, and the band mates never get pissed at you and your slow progress! Nor do they ever want a break or a raise!
It has truly helped me to expand my musical vocabulary... try 'em! |
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January 2006
Posts: 5881
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains | The 4th really was fun, Miles. Thanks again for your hospitality.
For me, I had been in a rut for many years, playing out occasionally, but never really growing musically. Then reinvigoration began two years ago after I joined a band, and I consider it a blessing. It can be a challenge to play new stuff every week, essentially reading everything and memorizing little, but my bandmates and numerous other regular vocalists that we accompany have become good friends, and I am enjoying almost every moment of the experience. |
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January 2002
Posts: 14127
Location: 6 String Ranch | This is why the Mermaid has been a big help to me. Got to write a different song for a new topic all the time. Sure you can skip a week, and recycle an old song that didn't cut it, buit you're always moving forward. When that needs a break do finger exercises, just play every note on the guitar going up and down, the trick is play them all the same and in constant time. It will halp your chops.
I got a Jam man and it has a bunch of loop tracks and that helps. When I get them down I go play with Davis on a Thursday night.
When all that fails, go golfing or get dinner. Then start thinking about the next song you got to write...... |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | This may be a bit too warm and fuzzy, but this little community helps a lot. Like many of us, I gave it up for years, probably 25, but got back into it because of this board. I have no one around to motivate me. None of our friends play guitar or are really interested in music. Our daughters suddenly became interested in guitar, but not until they were in college. That helped inspire me and our youngest introduced me to the wonderful world of tabs.
Those of you that have regular gigs or jams have something to aspire to. The get togethers that I have been to have forced me to practice so that I can at least play something decent on someone else's fine guitar. Afterward, I always vow to learn to play some electric stuff, but I never do. There are thousands of good songs out there to learn and so little time. But for now I need to start my day job. |
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December 2001
Posts: 10583
Location: NJ | i agree with beal. I was in a rut for a while and now I go to an open mic every wed. It is an enviornment that puts me in touch with a like minded community of musicians and song writers. as a result I have started to write songs again and learn cool covers so I'm not that guy that plays the same 2 songs every week. Sue has also got back into playing bass and backs me up so it is really good for us all around. plus sue and i get to spend some time together doing something we really love to do.
give up? well yup I thought about it but everytime I think i'm out they keep pulling me back in........ |
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March 2005
Posts: 12759
Location: Boise, Idaho | If Beal and Al get in a rut, they could always practice their typing. |
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September 2004
Posts: 777
Location: East Wenatchee, WA | I gave up bass one time for something like 6 years. I thought I was soooo good at bass and was quite prideful.
Then I heard a real bass player (don't even remember who), and laid it down. Today I fully acknowledge how mediocre I am at guitar and bass. Usually I miss the guitar after a few days of not playing, but I really get depressed when I try to record. I have a terrible block there right now and haven't even hit the record button on the Tascam for a year. |
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March 2005
Posts: 5567
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains | I live out in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country...but it's rural...I mean that most kids here are probably 12 before they find out their name is not "Cut Wood"...
There is litterly very few to play with, and no clubs/open mic nights/street corners/what have you...
I do go hang out occaisionaly at Wayne Hendersons Guitar Shop, but in winter that is a dangerous drive...
So, I get into my music collection, watch DVD's, play different guitars (with which I am blessed), call up a few folks on the phone from time to time, play each weekend in both of my churches, and nearly every evening for my family...it's enough.
I played on the road for many years...even when I got off of the road, I was able to continue to play out for more years after that...then, I became a family man, and stopped playing out for a living. There are times when I do miss the crowds and audience's but not the bars, and certainly not the smoke. For me, that works.
Life is meant to be a progressive event...we do what we can/what we want, and have the ability to move in different directions...
This group is great for helping me to stay in touch and the events/jams/tours are just so much fun...
I am able to play what I want and I am still learning...and that is a positive thing! If I get bored or busy and get away from the music for a while: it's cool! It's always waiting for me when I return... |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ...seems like the common idea here is to "play out" either with others or at an Open Mic.
Why not give the Convalescent Home Gig a try? They are the most appreciative and most overlooked population group and would welcome ANY attempt at entertainment. It would force you into playing more and has the double benefit of blessing others and youself at the same time..... |
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November 2004
Posts: 4413
| Or you could just give up. Sell the guitars and find a different hobby.
Doesn't sound so good does it? |
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August 2003
Posts: 2246
Location: Yucaipa, California | ....but then, wouldn't all the chicks and hangers-on leave? |
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December 2001
Posts: 7233
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by schroeder:
Or you could just give up. Sell the guitars and find a different hobby.
Doesn't sound so good does it? I guess that depends on your perspective. |
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November 2005
Posts: 4832
Location: Campbell River, British Columbia | Because it can't be said too many times.
Thanks Miles for the gathering. It was great to see those who came again, those who came for the first time, and gossiping about those who didn't make it. (you know who you are....)
Those are among the things that keep me interested. Practicing with Dave, and last Sunday night we played a coffee house in a United Church. .....and this time none of the books spontaniously combusted! |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7233
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Originally posted by fillhixx:
.....and this time none of the books spontaneously combusted! Hmmmm I noticed the qualifier of "this time."
The 4th was a great time had by all. Some of the locals have already nudged for a 'nother get together. We had some last minute idea's that we didn't get to pull off due to timing, so just covering those basis takes care of the "agenda."
Too early to plan with the economy and such, but it's being talked about.
As far as my 'tude toward playing... well who knows, but I sure still like listening, and that won't ever get old. That's the best part of the Vancouver Island Music Fest (are 2009 tickets on sale yet???) No matter where you turn, young and old, playing great music of all kinds on all kinds of instruments. |
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March 2008
Posts: 2683
Location: Hot Springs, S.D. | After playing for over 40 years, I have had MANY "slumps". I still get them. Sometimes it just seems so pointless. There will always be people who are better, and although that usually doesn't bother me, sometimes it DOES. When I hear a new song that I want to learn, I get inspired, and then I'm into it again for a while. One thing that has helped too, is trying another instrument. Lately it has been banjo, but before that I got into harp. Piano is always good too. Somehow when you play the same old chords on an instrument you're not familiar with, they sound so exotic, it gets you fired up. |
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April 2008
Posts: 2985
Location: Sydney, Australia | There will always be someone better than you, but you can be better than you are. I think it is the improvement that is inspiring, not perfection. When I can do something a bit better than before it pokes me to work harder. |
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ever get tired, and want to give up?