cyberguy,

When I get into a rut I go and listen to different types of music. I know that sounds obvious but listening, and I mean 'listening' not just whacking it on in the background, opens up your eyes and ears far more than taking a formal lesson on a style IMO.

Also you could try writing some stuff. It doesn't have to be big, complicated tunes but writing puts a whole new twist on the style you are playing and you can take it wherever you want. Lay down a chord sequence and then just spend an hour doing different scales over the top to find a sound you like.

Another I do is go back to the books that I bought for teaching. It is quite scary the amount of stuff I have 'forgotten' because it was at a perceived 'lower level' than I beleive i am at. Going back to basics blew my playing and approach to playing wide open.

To you and to stroker, one of the big problems with hitting a slump is that we think too much about it. We pick up the guitar and expect to go blank! It happens to everyone cos everything we do reguarly that involves effort and emotion is affected by where we are and how we are feeling. Creativity is fluid and, therefore,goes through peaks and troughs and this is where you should branch out in style, approach and learning.

If I am sick of the electric, I pick up the acoustic....if I am sick of the acoustic I pick up the cigar box or mandolin and when I am sick of that I go and put on some music nd just listen for a while and if that doesn't work I forget about the music and go and do something completely different like watch a movie or go for a walk, spend some time with the family etc. This 'alternative' can last weeks/months/years but the drive to play and create will come back it just requires fresh inspiration and that search in itself can be rewarding and productive.

Of course this all just my opinion and everyone has different approaches but mine has worked for me over the last twenty odd years.

Her endeth the lesson..............

_________________
speak slowly I'm a drummer too!!

And I proudly lack a stick or a kazoo up my arse...........