When Your Having a Bad Day....... (Page 1 of 2)

Hoosier

I believe Keith Richards had a similar problem and had his own way of getting over it. You'll have to ask him, but I believe it's less than legal ;-)

(seriously, green tea)

I always hook up my ipod to my head phones and jam along to some of my favorite songs to get the energy level up before a set.  If you are coming into town off a long trip or are just in a funk, I like to play along to Hendrix's Voodoo Child or Testify by SRV to get the blood flowing.  And a half a dozen Coors Lights help the process too.....

Everybody has an off night every once in a great while. The best thing to do if you should find yourself in this situation is to number one, RELAX, get smaller, get in the mix, and when taking a solo keep it simple and tasty, after a couple of songs you'll probablly be where you want to be. If this dosen't help or happens often, you need more practice or a different situation.

Well, I found a few beers, a glass of wine, or some bourbon will help loosen up on those stiff days.  Also, even though it seems counter intuitive, I think most players get stuck in their styles, which increases the frustration of a perceived lackluster performance, so my suggestion is to go for some gonzo licks, and try to think of different ways of making some good noise.  I for one get super frustrated if I cannot land a run or a lick perfectly like I have done countless times;  when that happens I just start really goofing off and thinking "outside" and try to play things that are more dissonant, more angular.  Also, another suggestion I have is to constantly listen to a variety of music.  Since I started that a few years back, i feel that the tough days are fewer and further between.

Hmmm, I get those days now and again.. Usually because of stupid coursework, or something thats really got me down,,, And when Im not playing too well, I tend to get real blue and depressed. If this is during a performance, and somethings been upsetting me, just think about it while you play,, not only will it gradually make you feel better than you did... But playing when youre upset just helps you even more,, I guess thats one of my many thoughts towards the blues, its about throwing back what gets you down, right in its face, and making yourself feel better with one of God's greatests gifts,,, music. If I'm offstage, then just listening to another artist you dont usually hear enough, and learn a song or two of theirs,,, even just a lick, can make me feel a little satisfied... Trust me,, when things aren't right, guitar is ALWAYS the answer, even if that means having a little time off from it! 
Rus

OK I have had this problem a lot, sometimes I even get in my head and start telling myself I suck, but here is what I do to get out of the funk.

1. I make sure I have my parts down cold - the better prepared I am the better I play
1. a Warm up before hand if you can even if you have to go outside with a guitar do it if you need to
2. Wash my hands in warm water before every gig -sounds funny but if my fingers are cold I play like **##, try it it works
3. Drink one red bull before I go on stage so it kicks in while I am up there, during the show is no good if you have a short set try a half hour before
4. I don't drink that often but if things are real bad I will do a shot to loose up
5. I have a few go-to repeater licks I can play in my sleep - they sound awsome and are easy to play and get me moving
6. Try and spot a hot girl or (guy if that is your thing) and pretend your playing just for them, showing off a bit will change your energy real quick, now that I am married my wife comes to most of my shows and its still fun to show off for her - and she knows when I do it to which is funny in itself

Hope that helps, keep your head up everyone has bad days even Joe.....

Well Maybe not Joe! HA

the pictures are a bit cheesy,but i tried these yesterday and it really helped. loosened my arms and fingers up a treat.

http://www.musicianshealth.com/stretches.htm

Best advice ever!!!!!