[rapter]

Just thought if I could hear from some of you maybe having the same problem as I might have. I have been practicing on the guitar almost 5 days a week around the same time after work. I'll open up the lesson book and practice my scales, some rhythm, maybe triads, and study some music theory or whatever, and find out that my motivation to play the guitar is starting slow down.

I am not practicing as diligently, compared to the last month or so and now just fingerpick an occasional tune just to feel and hear the guitar. I know I will come back and start being serious with my playing again because this cycle has happened before. Now a week has past, without that passion I had before, for playing or practicing. Maybe its due to the "everyday trying to make a living aspects that life has to offer" has pulled me away from being dedicated.

I have had slumps in the past where I don't want to play and find out later that when I start strumming again the motivation for making music comes drifting back. Have any of you had similar experiences where you just didn't want to play the guitar,or question yourself,"why am I doing this", or just lose interest for a period of time? Thank you

[Stratrat]

I try to sneak in some "fun" guitar time whenever I can grab it. I don't watch a lot of tv, but have to come out of the computer/music room once in a while to keep the wife happy - so if I'm going to plunk myself in front of the tube with her, I'll bring a guitar downstairs and just noodle on it while we're veg'ing out in front of the tv - try to play along with or improvise over the tv "jingles", randomly play a certain note all over the fretboard, etc. I wouldn't call it focused - it's sometimes very absent-minded - but it's practice that doesn't FEEL like practice.

[felixdcat]

You need to enjoy it, and play what you like. That's the most important thing. If you're inspired, it gets easier. Also if you're really stuck with some stuff, ask someone who's good at it and can help.

[Jomi]

20 year gap for me raptor, and I really regret that. Lots of people have already said this but I'll remind you anyway - put the books away for a while, they'll be there when you're ready, pick up your guitar and play, just for fun, just for the sheer joy of it!

Good luck.

[makn]

Hey Rapter, yes, I go through periods, de-motivation after practicing every day. We aren't at guirtar school, (well not me anyway). So we don't have to pass exams, or play like our idols.

When I stop, I might even put the guitar down for a couple of weeks. What I find is even though I'm not playing, I'm still thinking about it on and off. And when I go back (no formal practice), I start including that stuff I learnt weeks ago. And it has made the rest of my playing better.

Think of it as a holiday, allow yourself to have a break. Then come back to it. The passion is still there, just sometimes you gotta let the fire burn low, or you'll burn out.