Make Sense Out Of This!

coldethyl · #1 May 24th, 2006

Having been in a bit of a slump for the last three weeks, I picked up my guitar for the first time, I sat down fully expecting to sound terrible, but to my surprise I felt like I was playing better than I ever had before.

Now here I am being a big advocate of "a practise a day, keeps the cobwebs away" and for three weeks I didn't pick up the guitar once, and this happens.

Don't get me wrong, I was very relieved that I hadn't regressed. I'm just at a loss as to how, and why.

Has anyone experienced this? Or is this nothing new and I'm just raving for the sake of it?

Bennett · #2 May 24th, 2006

I'm still a bit too green to say I've really experienced it but then in that time I've only ever had one break for about a month or two where I didn't pick up the guitar much at all.

When I returned proper I started on totally new stuff. So it's a bit hard to say. Although I certainly didn't go backward at all; it's like I just picked up from where I left off.

Now having said that, I have heard of a number of others experiencing the same phenomenon as you've described above. I guess maybe it's a case of the brain digesting the information it's been receiving over a period of time. Maybe it's a bit like biting off stuff quicker than it can be swallowed; your brain needs time to chew it over.

allthumbs · #3 May 24th, 2006

It is not uncommon in other areas too. I have heard that sports figures who train every day should take a couple of weeks off every year.
Even when your not practicing, your subconscious is still processing the information. I am not advocating not practising for long periods of time but, It can give you a new perspective on your playing.

Misty2u · #4 May 24th, 2006

Hi Neil

As I've only been at this for about 2 months I haven't really taken a break (perhaps just a night or so off if I've been away from home). I was worried then that even such a short break would hinder my progress but it's been okay (phew). Not that it got any better for me........just thankfully not worse..!! I'd say just be happy that it is so...........you're obviously a good enough player to be able to cope with such a break.

I'm really glad that you seem to be more up recently

. Keep smiling

Luv
Tracy

coldethyl · #5 May 24th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misty2u

Hi Neil

As I've only been at this for about 2 months I haven't really taken a break (perhaps just a night or so off if I've been away from home). I was worried then that even such a short break would hinder my progress but it's been okay (phew). Not that it got any better for me........just thankfully not worse..!! I'd say just be happy that it is so...........you're obviously a good enough player to be able to cope with such a break.

I'm really glad that you seem to be more up recently

. Keep smiling

Luv
Tracy

Thanks for that Tracy.

USGold · #6 May 24th, 2006

Neil;
There have been times when I got frustrated or blue over lack of progress in my playing -I have a couple of times put down my guitars for several months--my playing got rusty-but the hands remember too-it comes back quick--have to re-condition the fingers but the shape memories retain-a small break shouldn't hurt much, even pros must go on vacation occasionally? Scott

mike61456 · #7 May 24th, 2006

I've noticed taking a few days off every week or two does great things for my playing. It gives my fingers time to rest, day to day playing for weeks on end tends to tire out my hands

cshude · #8 May 24th, 2006

I spend a day per week on average in a hotel due to work travel. Usually, I leave my guitar at home. When I get back, I usually feel more creative than usual and everything comes more easily.

GuitarJim · #9 May 25th, 2006

You'll find that even the pros put them down once in awhile. I have read articles where the guitarists say that after a long tour, they don't want to play again for awhile. One that I remember was the guitarist for the Cars. His name escapes me at the moment.

JC

USGold · #10 May 25th, 2006

Rik O'Casik?

Rockerbob · #11 May 25th, 2006

I take time off all the time. I play when inspired to play. That means there are many times when I don't pickup a guitar for several days. I think it helps keep it fresh and alive.

GuitarJim · #12 May 25th, 2006

Rik was the lead singer and played rythm guitar. I think Elliot Easton was the guitarists name.

JC

737blues · #13 May 26th, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockerbob

I take time off all the time. I play when inspired to play. That means there are many times when I don't pickup a guitar for several days. I think it helps keep it fresh and alive.

It's awful if you pick-up a guitar and no matter what you do you just can't seem to make anything musical happen. I used to persevere but now I do the same thing. Just put it down and find something else to do. It's usually better when you come back to it, even if it's a couple of days later.

Brian Hill · #14 May 26th, 2006

I find that when I quit thinking about the dynamics of everything I create better music. Maybe that's why if you set it aside for a couple days you reenergize your creative side. You can put your brain in overload. Its a funny thing about music that when you quit thinking about music you go into some weird auto pilot that creates. If you ever have played in a band we call that the grove were everthing comes together for some strange reason and the timing, notes and everything are perfect . Thats the reason I play music.
BH

Bodies · #15 May 30th, 2006

I know what you're talking about and I've definitely experienced it. I went on vacation last month for two weeks and didn't have the guitar with me so I couldn't practice but when I came back, I seemed to have somehow improved along the way. o.o Very weird.

And I do agree with what others have said...taking a day off here and then can be a good thing. Though that's hard for me to do. If I don't practice, I feel guilty or something. >.>

Anyway, I'm just quite glad I don't regress everytime I put down the guitar.