Remedy for playing blahs / ruts / doldrums??

NY Chief · Post by **NY Chief** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:33 pm

What do you guys do when you hit those times when you're just not happy with your playing and you have no motivation to slag through it? It can be a viscious cycle.

Buy a new amp? Axe? Pedal?

We know that doesn't really work (but don't tell my wife!)

When you're forced to play (upcoming or regular gig) I guess it helps. Latley I'm just not all happy with what comes out of my fingers. I'm jazzed to see George and all the amps at the Amp Show but I ain't bringing my "A" playing game for shit sure...

45auto · Post by **45auto** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 3:58 pm

happens to most of us undoubtedly chief. i know it does to me. & having a goal (like a gig)might be the best solution. i havn't gigged really in many years. lately i'm down to trying to learn some copy material that interests me or record some new ideas. let me know if you get the secret!

Eargasm · Post by **Eargasm** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 6:01 pm

No problemo Chief, I got ya covered!!!..hmmmm....I think this is pm material...I'll pm ya!

St August · Post by **St August** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 6:04 pm

sometimes its better to just get away from it for a while. Just move on to something else for a couple of weeks..

Flames1950 · Post by **Flames1950** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 6:06 pm

St August wrote:sometimes its better to just get away from it for a while. Just move on to something else for a couple of weeks..

Ouch, no guitar for a couple of weeks is like no food or water.

NY Chief · Post by **NY Chief** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 7:33 pm

Sometimes (most?) it seems like there is so much other shit to do before you can "play" and by the time you do you're exhausted.

I gotta change some priorities.....

fillmore nyc · Post by **fillmore nyc** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 8:50 am

St August wrote:sometimes its better to just get away from it for a while. Just move on to something else for a couple of weeks..

Thats what I do too, St.--The only issue with that is sometimes it takes a couple of days to get "fluid" with the fingers again, but the ideas seem fresher in spite of the rust. In 37 years of playing, the longest Ive ever laid off is about a month, but usually its more like a week or so. I never stray TOO far, but I think its good to take a break every now and then.

AnotherBrother · Post by **AnotherBrother** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:59 am

I found seeing another band play live in a small club gets the juices going, especially if there's a good guitarist playing.

Or

Maybe consider taking a few lessons from a really good teacher. Sometimes they point out something new and exciting to work on, something you might have missed.

Tone Slinger · Post by **Tone Slinger** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:25 am

Go out and get a 6 pack of good beer,maybe a type you havent tried before, and drink them fairly fast (one every 15- 20 minutes or so). In the meanwhile, be playing some of your favorite groups/artists. I find that the morning (say between 8-11 AM, works great for this, as it is a 'unusual' time) works best. Make sure to call in to tell the workies that you wont be in.
I know this sounds wierd, but this is what I do. See, I dont drink a whole hell of alot anymore, so a 6 pack drank within a couple hours will have me feeling real good, especially in the morning. In this stressed out word we live in, it is good take some time for yourself.

Country Boy Shane · Post by **Country Boy Shane** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 10:45 am

I have this same problem. Sometimes you just need to take a break. Just don't play for a day or two. Come back and you'll find you'll be more relaxed and actually happy to play.

I like to watch videos of people that are way better than me too. That gets a fire in my belly to start practicing and not just wanking to songs or just putzin' around.

yngwie308 · Post by **yngwie308** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:49 am

Chief, sorry you feel that way, I never really had the chance to play with bass and drums, practically ever!!! Other than backing tracks and I have only been on stage to jam with bands, never had my own band, so it can't be that bad for you.. start working on your harmonic minor sweep arpeggios,

Seroiusly, looking forward to meeting you and will get you fired up about playing again, believe me!!
Dave/yngwie308

NY Chief · Post by **NY Chief** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:11 pm

yngwie308 wrote:... will get you fired up about playing again, believe me!!
Dave/yngwie308

Of that, I have NO doubt, Dave!

45auto · Post by **45auto** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:38 pm

Sometimes (most?) it seems like there is so much other shit to do before you can "play" and by the time you do you're exhausted.

VERY true in my life too, have thought about this alot lately. I think life is just structured in 2007 to tap us personally, financially, etc.

In 37 years of playing

damn fillmore, you must be a relic like me! i started playing guitar in '70 (a fine year) too.

alot of good suggestions across the board.

NitroLiq · Post by **NitroLiq** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:35 pm

45auto wrote:
In 37 years of playing
damn fillmore, you must be a relic like me! i started playing guitar in '70 (a fine year) too.

Get ready to feel really old...I was born in '70...still can't fathom I'm pushing 40 in a few yrs...thank God I've a baby face!

Chief, I actually felt similarly around the time of the NY Ampshow....life getting me down and all that. I tell you what...hook up with some of the board members and make a day or two of it at the show...meet up for dinners, breakfasts, beer, or whatever. It'll snap you out of it. I think I had more fun just meeting and hanging with amp builder friends and folks I've only known online than wandering around the show. Oh, and be sure to ride the bike...you know...wind and bugs in the moustache...all that good stuff.

NY Chief · Post by **NY Chief** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:11 pm

NitroLiq wrote:
45auto wrote:
In 37 years of playing
damn fillmore, you must be a relic like me! i started playing guitar in '70 (a fine year) too.
Get ready to feel really old...I was born in '70...still can't fathom I'm pushing 40 in a few yrs...thank God I've a baby face!

Chief, I actually felt similarly around the time of the NY Ampshow....life getting me down and all that. I tell you what...hook up with some of the board members and make a day or two of it at the show...meet up for dinners, breakfasts, beer, or whatever. It'll snap you out of it. I think I had more fun just meeting and hanging with amp builder friends and folks I've only known online than wandering around the show. Oh, and be sure to ride the bike...you know...wind and bugs in the moustache...all that good stuff.

Gee, thanks, nitro. "I was born '70" THAT sure helps. I was born in '59!!!!

I'm not really down just not happy with my playing. Maybe a lil White Castle to jump start (eh, fill). I'm looking fowaad to the show, too. That'll give me a boost for sure.

BTW, nitro and fill. I'm thinking about a trip back home. I gotta get to NY to see Aunt Stella (and FEAST on pasta, cannoli's, sfoigatelle, etc!). Maybe we can get together and go see Les Paul at the Irridium?