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Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:11 pm
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I agree with most above.
Sometimes you just need a break.

I used to teach guitar, and we had a break over July & August.
I would usually take at least a week off from even thinking about my guitars.
After ten months of teaching plus my own playing, I needed a break.
One summer I didn't touch my guitars for all of July.

When I would pick one back up again I would try out something new that I was interested in for myself, without consideration of teaching. In fact, until late August I wouldn't even think about teaching.

Another thing I've done over the years is try a different type of guitar, or other instrument. I mostly play electric, but I also have a classical, a 12 string and a bass.

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Post subject: Re: Guitar Burnout
Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:51 pm
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psychmusic wrote:
I was wondering what do you guys do when you get burn-out or stuck in a rutt? I play everyday, but there are times when nothing goes right. IIt can last a week. I do notice that if I play through the rutt..on the other side I make progress. I start to think..why bother..why not use time more constructive..etc. I am sure this is a common thing and would love to hear what you guys and gals do at times like this.
Peace


Study book material...listen to some inspiring music....try a new style or technique. Apply the new found knowledge to the guitar.


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Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2008 8:52 pm
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Location: Magnolia, Texas (just north of Houston)
I'll put it down for a wile, some times for a month or longer. Usually before I pick it back up I'll get pissed at something and vent on my guitar for a wile. (Nothing clears the frustrations away like speed metal.) Then I will get inspired to play something I never played before. Then I am on a roll again for another 6-10 months to repeat the cycle all over again.


I purchaced my HWY 1 about 6 or so months ago...I haven't gone a full week without playing yet. Somethime a new piece of equipment inspires me to play on as well.

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Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 8:13 am
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Right now I have just the opposite problem -- I can't find enough time to play. With the little time I do get, I find I play the same old stuff and I'm not moving forward. Frustrating.


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Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:24 pm
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stratmansteve wrote:
Right now I have just the opposite problem -- I can't find enough time to play. With the little time I do get, I find I play the same old stuff and I'm not moving forward. Frustrating.



This would be a time for some time away (a day or two) or a new piece of equipment (this really helps, the more expensive the piece, the more motivated I become). I do try to set aside at least an hour a day. This is either with an amp, without an amp, or with my acustic guitar.

I usually find if I get frustrated/angry enough I blow through the block. As I mentioned, when I get too angry or frustrated I let loose my old speed metal skills...then I come up with something cool after the fury subsides.

Try not to get frustrated or use it to release tension. Also try scales or different chord variaions. Most of all just try to have fun.

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2007 Fender Highway 1
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Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 9:46 am
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Thats when I pick up my Fender Acoustic and play something different,,I love playing WISH YOU WERE HERE
If youre not careful it may be a LONG time before you pick it up again...BEEN THERE. ou have to keep it in your mind and soul if you want to keep the fire


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Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 9:52 am
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rkreisher wrote:
stratmansteve wrote:
Right now I have just the opposite problem -- I can't find enough time to play. With the little time I do get, I find I play the same old stuff and I'm not moving forward. Frustrating.



This would be a time for some time away (a day or two) or a new piece of equipment (this really helps, the more expensive the piece, the more motivated I become). I do try to set aside at least an hour a day. This is either with an amp, without an amp, or with my acustic guitar.

I usually find if I get frustrated/angry enough I blow through the block. As I mentioned, when I get too angry or frustrated I let loose my old speed metal skills...then I come up with something cool after the fury subsides.

Try not to get frustrated or use it to release tension. Also try scales or different chord variaions. Most of all just try to have fun.


I just replaced my Tube Screamer. Having some fun now.


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Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 9:57 am
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I agree with Contrabassist, just try to learn something new and challenging in a different style than what your used to playing - once you pick up something new and different, try to implement that into your own style and see how it goes - that sometimes helps - we all go through this though - I have stopped playing for months at a time through the years

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Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 10:02 am
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I just work through it.

If I'm not feeling inspired I practice scales and theory applications.

But when you play bass, burn out is rare :wink:

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Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 11:57 am
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i put the gitte down and pick it up when i got the feel to do that.
if there no ideas i learn some chords or scales.

cheers :D


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Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 12:33 pm
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I agree with the others, don't force the issue. Playing guitar is supposed to be something you enjoy & if you make yourself play when your not feeling it you're just gonna make it worse. However, here are a few tips I use to get me back to where I am feeling it more often:

- Watch a live DVD of some of your favorite musicians (the one's that made you want to play to start with). Being able to watch and hear what they do often lights a fire under me. (Might I recommend Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007 for some variety?)

- Use moments of high emotion in your life to express yourself on guitar. Whether it be anger, sadness, happiness, or whatever, playing guitar in these times can be a great outlet as well as help you express yourself as a musician and further inspire you to continue playing frequently.

- Call your musician buddies up and get together and jam. Don't confuse this with rehearsal. In these times you have to say screw the rehearsal and just play. Have fun.

Hope this helps.


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Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2008 1:07 pm
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You could go off in the desert and have a talk with Jim :D :D :D
But seriously, if you just put it down for a little while. It'll call you back when ready...


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Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:25 pm
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I played everyday up until 1991, when my daughter was born. Then, for some reason I stopped. I kept it out for awhile, but I never had time to pick it up. I would then play in spurts, but my playing suffered.

In 2006, I went to see my old friends who I was in a band with. Towards the end of the night, they called me up to play with them. After that, it was like I suddenly came out of a coma. I began writing and recording again. I may even go out and start playing again if my brother goes out with me. Who knows?

Anyway... I guess it's okay for most people to take a break. I'm just not one of them...

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Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 11:30 am
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Looks like most guitarists suffer from burnout and block at some point and overcome it in similar ways. It makes sense that people get bored or frustrated with a hobby or activity at times. Especially something as creative and challengins as playing a musical instrument.

I've faced it many times. I too had a period of several years in which I rarely picked up a guitar. Life has a way of sidelining you at times.

These days, I get most frustrated when I feel like I'm not progressing and especially when my gear and hands aren't coming together. One of the most frustrating aspects of guitar playing is achieving good tone. That's usually what drives many to guitar acquisition syndrome.

Sometimes, I pick up and plug in and know in the first five minutes that the mojo just isn't happening. So I'll put it down and do something else. That's fine if I don't have a gig. If I have a gig, I've got to force myself to practice and learn the songs without error. A gig is a motivator. A hobby doesn't motivate as urgently. But I love playing and I want to be a really good player, so usually I stick with it. More often than not, I get lost in playing and can't put the guitar down for several hours; rather than losing motivation to play.

There are other ways to keep your head in the guitar zen zone. Like others, I might put the guitar down but pick up a book and study scales, chords and theory. I might watch other guitarists playing on YouTube. I might shop for guitar gear on line and watch product demos. Often, I'll keep the guitar in my hands but just practice fast chord changes and scales as I watch television, just to keep my fingers loose and my callouses thick.

There is so much to learn on guitar that it shouldn't be boring. Frustration is the greater danger. You can find new songs to learn, new techniques, new scales, new riffs, new runs, new tones, etc. But it can be difficult to face that your playing isn't at a level that you wish it could be and watch other guitarists belting out challenging songs with little visible effort. You just have to face up to the challenge and do your best. That means practicing. You don't lose weight and add muscle without exercise. You can't play guitar well without study and practice.


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Post subject:
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2008 1:16 pm
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Ya wanna talk burnout? Howsabout going to work in the daytime at 7:00 AM getting off at 4 PM, packing up the gear and being at the gig by 8 to play the dinner set, playing till midnight and doing it all again for 4 days straight every week. Playing in a band keeps you from getting bored or getting in a rut like you describe. However, you can get burned out by just playing so often. I look forward to the days I don't HAVE to be on stage.


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