Not enough can be said about taking the occasional break.

randomaire · #1 September 29th, 2006

I had put down the guitar for a couple of days, because well sore and tips hurting a bit.. and plus I get frustrated easily when I can't get something right.

Noticed though that today when I picked up the guitar, seemed like I was a lot quicker, more enthusiastic, and the memory was better than a couple days ago.

I guess what I'm saying is that (its been mentioned in other threads but mostly due to people hurting a hand or finger), but enough can't be said about taking the occasional day off or so to allow the hand and fingers to heal a bit.

Honestly it kind of surprised me when I did pick it back up tonite, and my fingers were a lot more agile and on key. Plus there isn't any soreness tonite. So if you feel a little frustrated, a little sore, or looking at your fingers and asking them, "Hey are you listening to me?", then do take a day off, made a real difference for me.

Kirk Lorange · #2 September 29th, 2006

I agree ... clears the cobwebs away, doesn't it. Not too long, though!

randomaire · #3 September 29th, 2006

Actually took a stab at the Arpeggio also tonite, found it a lot easier to work through then I found it two days ago. Definatly cleared the cobwebs and frustration. I like that tune a lot, plus it flows really easily. To me probably one of the easier of the fingerstyle ones, because the pick pattern is straightforward.

jhoita · #4 September 30th, 2006

Hi randomaire

You're right. So is Kirk. As for me ... I laid the guitar down 38 years ago.

You're saying something that I myself have noticed, even after all this time.
My playing is different somehow. Can't explain it because Ii haven't even been playing or practising. It's just different ... and I like the difference.

Good information randomaire about "Creative-balance."

randomaire · #5 September 30th, 2006

Yeah its very odd, its like dealing with a complicated problem and coming to a wall. Sometimes you just have to step back and take a different look at it.

Definatly true though, the guitar feels a lot different to me, even after that couple of days.... by the way that was the first time I put the guitar down since I joined this forum... I was actually able to see my progress after that time off, but yeah it won't stay down long lol. That has been my problem for these last few years, I was never consistent with practice, I would put it down for months at a time and then play for like a week etc. But since being on this forum I haven't put it down since... cept for those couple of days.

John Burr · #6 September 30th, 2006

I have had exactly two days since November that I didn't play at least an hour or so. I have actually tried to take a few days off when I was busy and tired but I COULD NOT go to sleep, I ended up going out and working for an hour anyway. Maybe I will try it again one of these days but for me it's become such a part of my life that I have a really hard time imagining not doing it.

BSR

coldethyl · #7 September 30th, 2006

A while back now, I had a six month break from guitar where I just didn't feel like picking it up. I was in a bit of a slump, and although I love the instrument, I just couldn't muster up the desire to play.

But, after six months of not playing hardly, I picked it up with a renewed sense of enthusiasm, and found that I was almost better than I was previously.

I came to realise that having a bit of a break from playing every now and again is perhaps a good thing. It allows the creative batteries in the ol' brain to recharge, and new musical ideas that seem to dry up after a while, come flooding back with surprising results.

Comfycan · #8 October 3rd, 2006

I have found that guitar is very much like running, cycling, swimming or weight lifting. Once you are "hooked," it becomes compulsive and you feel uneasy and guilty if you miss a day. However, if you are working hard in your practice, you actually improve when you take a break. Maximum adaptation requires both practice AND rest.

The problem is that "rest" can easily get out of hand, and become abandonment.

Anyway, those are my observations after about a month of learning guitar. I've only taken 2 days off from practice--hated both of them--but played better the next day.

Justapicker · #9 October 4th, 2006

Your brain continues to "review" information and make connections between the neurons while you're sleeping. That's why something that you've almost got down turning in for the night seems easier the next day. Your brain did the heavy lifting and solidified the information while you were sleeping. Taking the occasional day off has a similar effect, it allows your brain to sort out the matrerial you've been feeding it. It's also why it's good to work on specific tasks for a designated period of time then take a break and work on something else.

ptannjr · #10 October 4th, 2006

Most things in life are like that. Step back and relax and things seem to improve.