1 Topic by Jess (edited by Jess 2007-11-20 19:37:19)

  • Jess
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  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 312

Topic: Stuck in a rut...

I feel like I've lost all enthusiasm for playing guitar and when I do I hate my playing. I almost feel like quitting, since I'm not enjoing it anymore. Anyone got any tips for getting out of a rut in terms of your playing?

-Jess
Check out my band Beth and The Black Cat Bones http://www.myspace.com/bethandtheblackcatbones
Also my own page for my guitar playing http://www.myspace.com/jesszub
  • From: Tampa, Fl.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 870

Re: Stuck in a rut...

I felt exactly the same way a couple months ago- learn some different stuff... im starting to try to learn some Country- tough stuff to pick out but its worth it... I'm also starting to really get into the 60's/70's what was considered "hard rock/ metal" back then- some Humble Pie (with Frampton), Blind Faith, Free, Yes, etc.  very different approach than I was playing before- its opened my horizons a lot... I've also been working a lot on some Eric Johnson stuff- great for picking exercises and getting both hands in synch... also check out some guys like Guthrie Govan and Scott Henderson- a couple of great out of the box style players- just keep playing around with different ideas... maybe try something completely differnet like Classical or Acoustic instrumentals? (Michael Hedges is an amazing acoustic player- check out Ragamuffin- fun song to play and it really helps with the acoustic chops)... but yeah just work on some completely different styles- learn new songs and dont stick to playing the same old stuff over and over again- thats my best advice.

Hope that helps a bit,
Scott

"Interestingly, according to modern astronomers, space is finite. This is a very comforting thought-- particularly for people who can never remember where they have left things." - Woody Allen

http://www.last.fm/user/skynyrd128
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 1,168

Re: Stuck in a rut...

Honestly... Save up ur money and buy and new guitar...  Thats a good way to give u a shot in the arm.. Like a b-12 shot of inspiration..  Your not alone and you shouldnt quit.. 
Joe Bonamassa

4 Reply by Blues Alive (edited by Blues Alive 2007-11-20 19:58:06)

  • From: Delavan, WI
  • Registered: 2007-11-19
  • Posts: 12

Re: Stuck in a rut...

Jess,

Even though I'm a new guy here, I've been playing many years. In all honesty, for me, when I'm in a rut, sometimes I just put the guitar down and walk away. Don't pick it up for a few days or a week. Give your mind a breather. In essence, you can still practice. Practice by LISTENING. Put some of you favorite CD's in, put on some headphones and listen. Listen to your old favorites and listen for things you've never heard before, or things you've heard but didn't pay much attention to. Listen to some of Joe's licks and analyze them in your head. Picture in your head how he may be playing them. Maybe you'll hear a lick that will inspire you to pick up the guitar again to master the lick.

The best way out of a rut is to stop trying to force yourself out. Sometimes, the harder you try, the worse it gets. Take a breather and enjoy the music you hear. You'll be out in no time....

Just my .02........

Keep the faith................

Joe's idea of buying a new guitar never hurts either!

  • Registered: 2006-09-13
  • Posts: 441

Re: Stuck in a rut...

I find that watching other guitarists play live usually inspires me when I'm in a funk.  I really like Joe's advice on buying a new guitar though.

"There is nothing to it.  You only have to hit the right notes at the right time and the instrument plays itself."---Johann Sebastian Bach
  • From: Harrison, Arkansas
  • Registered: 2006-04-21
  • Posts: 3,155

Re: Stuck in a rut...

I find that playing with others changes that. Usually, when I'm playing not as well, it's because I've been doing the same old thing. Finding some people to play with changes that, especially if they're good, it forces you to take it up a notch.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"

My ReverbNation page for Dees & Friends - check us out!
www.reverbnation.com/deesfriends
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Re: Stuck in a rut...

Deezer wrote:

I find that playing with others changes that. Usually, when I'm playing not as well, it's because I've been doing the same old thing. Finding some people to play with changes that, especially if they're good, it forces you to take it up a notch.

i agree with  deezer ,allways playing alone is boring,


Jess maby buy Joe`s new tab book,its not so expensive unlike a new guitar
but if you can affort buy both ..... but never quitt

   a Quitter never wins ......... logical

  • From: East Tennessee
  • Registered: 2006-04-25
  • Posts: 240

Re: Stuck in a rut...

Playing with others is a great idea. And in case you're not around people to jam with, you might consider some rhythm tracks, such as Band In the Pocket. You can order them online (just google the name). It's really high quality stuff with a lot of variety. Just like playing with other people it puts your playing in context, really helps sharpen phrasing, and the licks you're currently playing will sound different and you'll probably start experiementing with new ones.

Just a thought.

Blessings,
Larry

"...play skillfully and shout for joy." Psalm 33:3b (honest, it really says that)
  • From: Boston
  • Registered: 2006-11-25
  • Posts: 133

Re: Stuck in a rut...

Hey Jess,
            I would not put the axe down.  I always go by this rule.  if you dont play one day then you lose 3 days worth of what you've gained,  its a never ending struggle to keep accumulating musicianship.  What I would do is really listen,  there have been days where i have said to myself "I dont even want to play today"  And then ill hit up Youtube or Itunes and listen to some great guitar(usually Joe) and it really inspires me to pick the axe back up.  Also Work on your chops,  when you can put the metronome up a few notches with your exercises it feels really good, and you know that your improving.  DO NOT QUIT!  Playing music is very much a mental thing, keep with it you you will be satisfied!
Peace
Conner

Fender '62 reissue Stratocaster, 2001 Gibson Les Paul Studio(Stock), Marshall JCM900 100W Head, Original 1972 Carvin 4/12 Cabinet,Ibanez Ts9 Reissue, Keeley Compressor, Boss DD-3 Delay, Vox Wah

10 Reply by cat

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  • Registered: 2006-10-26
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Re: Stuck in a rut...

Joe Bonamassa wrote:

Honestly... Save up ur money and buy and new guitar...  Thats a good way to give u a shot in the arm.. Like a b-12 shot of inspiration..  Your not alone and you shouldnt quit.. 
Joe Bonamassa

Haha Gold!

Joe, I know a few guys who would like you to explain this concept to their wives before Christmas time. smile

Cat

"I'm going to cast a spell on you and all your children will be born completely naked" ~ Jimi Hendrix

11 Reply by eva

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  • From: germany
  • Registered: 2007-03-15
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Re: Stuck in a rut...

I can just repeat and confirm what has already been said, because it´s just what helped me out in a "My playing is so damm bad"-moment:

1. Try something else - styles of music and guitars : If you mostly play electric, play acoustic etc.

2. Find others to play some music together - or go and vistit a guitar teacher (that depends on how good you are already.... but there´s always something new that you can learn)

3. Don´t you ever give up - it´s worth to keep trying ... even if you haven´t got the talent of a Mr. B

And how about a JB Limited Additon Les Paul ?! wink

Eva

  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 569

Re: Stuck in a rut...

I've been having the same problem for a few days now...I can't afford to buy a new guitar but watching youtube videos really helps...and watch a lot of different genres...you might get inspired...:)

Mary

LOL-ler-tastic.
  • Jess
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  • Posts: 312

Re: Stuck in a rut...

Thanks guys! All your suggestins have helped me alot!

In my city we are having our first International Guitar Festival and due to working at a guitar shopt hat is sponsoring the event I got free tickets to the opening 3 nights. On the first night I saw a show entitled "Echoes Of Spain" which featured Baroque guitar and the flamenco great Juan Martin. The second night I saw Kaki King and the third night I saw David Lindley (omg amazing!) and Vernon Reid. Being around the festival has really re inspired me. Just seeing what a wide variety is possible on the guitar has really opened my eyes. Its made me want to start seeking out new styles of music to listen to and to play. And inspired by David Lindley I'm going to take Joe's advice and buy a new guitar....a lap steel!

-Jess
Check out my band Beth and The Black Cat Bones http://www.myspace.com/bethandtheblackcatbones
Also my own page for my guitar playing http://www.myspace.com/jesszub
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Stuck in a rut...

Guitar show and festivals are good.

There's also plenty of DVD's you can rent to get psyched. The Monterey music festival with the Who and Hendrix does it for me. Rock School is good too.

When I'm down on playing I go to an art museum sometimes and that works. Or go to a local live show and critique...you'll either think 'dang i gotta practice more' or 'hey, I could play at this place - I need a band!"

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Deep in the forest
  • Registered: 2007-02-11
  • Posts: 5,296

Re: Stuck in a rut...

Hi Jess..Isn't it spring now where you live? I always get restless that time of year. Maybe your spirit just needs to get outside, soak up some warm sun and recharge your battery. I don't play, but my friends that do say it's quit normal. Keep the faith.   Cathy

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Stuck in a rut...

BluesMan wrote:

Hey Jess,

I almost forgot this suggestion. When I'm feeling really bored with something in life, do what joebeacon and I do. Usually, we meet up in some state between the states we live in, buy a number of handguns and then go on a 5-state shooting spree. I like to dress up as "Dirty Harry", whereas joebeacon likes to dress all in black to look like "Paladin" (or Johnny Cash, I'm not sure which). It kind of brings us back to center.


Ok, OK.......You know I'm just kidding Jim and Phil! lol

Roy

I SAW YOU GUYS big_smile

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Stuck in a rut...

BluesMan wrote:
NPB_EST.1979 wrote:
BluesMan wrote:

Hey Jess,

I almost forgot this suggestion. When I'm feeling really bored with something in life, do what joebeacon and I do. Usually, we meet up in some state between the states we live in, buy a number of handguns and then go on a 5-state shooting spree. I like to dress up as "Dirty Harry", whereas joebeacon likes to dress all in black to look like "Paladin" (or Johnny Cash, I'm not sure which). It kind of brings us back to center.


Ok, OK.......You know I'm just kidding Jim and Phil! lol

Roy

I SAW YOU GUYS big_smile

We saw you too Nick, and joebeacon was just about to shoot when I said, "Stop, that's Nick a/k/a NPB_EST.1979 from the Forum!" joebeacon said he was just going to "wing" you, but for some reason I didn't trust him! lol

Roy

I've been staying off LesPaul PKWY now ever since the sighting.
Just make sure it'd be the right arm, ala les paul - so I can still pick a guitar. wink

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool