michael saulnier Posted August 5, 2001 Share Posted August 5, 2001 I've been in a real "workaholic" mode over the last month or so and the time I get to spend making music has become less and less. Bummer. I only got to play about 1 hour over the whole week last week. I finally got a chance to play my guitar for about three straight hours today, and I found it took a bit longer than usual to get my technique as fluid as I'd like. Like Neil Young said: "Rust never sleeps". Anyway, I curious about what any of you do to keep up the chops while you're in a reduced playing mode. Ironically I remember reading an article about one of my fav players, Jeff Beck, where he said he wouldn't touch the guitar for weeks at a time, and while it often took him a while to back up to speed, taking a break gave him a different perspective and broke him out of some ruts... I kinda felt that way today, like I was back to being an enthusiastic beginner, who has some fresh ideas. I actually spent the last hour recording some tracks on some new tunes that turned out OK. Anywho, what are your experiences? Have you ever intentionally or unintentionally had to take a break? Did it help or hurt your playing and new ideas? guitplayer ------------------ http://www.mp3.com/acousticvoodoo Guitar Forum CD Info http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/Forum19/HTML/000537.html I'm still "guitplayer"! Check out my music if you like... http://www.michaelsaulnier.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlChuck Posted August 5, 2001 Share Posted August 5, 2001 I had a long period (1982-1986) where I barely touched my guitar. I lost a bit in the callouses, strength, speed and precision, yet I got better. I attribute it to just general growth, lots of listening, and perhaps breaking out of the same-old-thing had something to do with it. So now if I go for a week or so and hardly touch it, I don't worry about it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
not coaster MODERATOR Posted August 5, 2001 Share Posted August 5, 2001 I play maybe 3-5 minutes a day. Then 1 hour on Sundays. I keep a harmonica in my car and play 3-5 minutes a day while driving. Works for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott from MA Posted August 5, 2001 Share Posted August 5, 2001 3-5 MINUTES a day?!?! Jeez, I'd go nuts! I play AT LEAST a few hours every day. Anyway... I have, of course, been in situations where I couldn't play for a few days, or even a week (vacation, illness, etc). After 23 years of playing, I don't lose any technique from such short breaks. I do, however, find that when I get back to playing I feel more creative. It's probably just the enthusiasm of being able to play again. Scott (just another cantankerous bastard) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosespappy Posted August 5, 2001 Share Posted August 5, 2001 In 1971 I picked up a used Yamaha.In 1977, amidst a flash of my life passing before my eyes, I decided to avoid the closet that held all my gear. Some one else had packed it away with great care for me. In 1980 I met rosesmammy and she bought me an old piano, and after hearing stories from the family of my closet full of toys, she bought me a handmade Yamaha 12 string. I doubt that I'll ever play with the creativity I once possessed, but play I will. Just a slightly more balanced version of the past. Life's a cool thang! Rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Posted August 5, 2001 Share Posted August 5, 2001 Originally posted by guitplayer: I remember reading an article about one of my fav players, Jeff Beck, where he said he wouldn't touch the guitar for weeks at a time, and while it often took him a while to back up to speed, taking a break gave him a different perspective and broke him out of some ruts...[/b] I've got to agree with JB on this one. I definitely think that, at times, taking a break from the instrument will give you a new perspective. Sometimes when you come back, things that seemed very difficult become much easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve LeBlanc Posted August 5, 2001 Share Posted August 5, 2001 I take long breaks from practicing, I feel it's essential, I seem to learn more about my playing by thinking it than actually doing it...but I go through very concentrated routines when I do practice and can spend 4+ hours a day when I'm really into it. It always surprises me when I pick up an instrument after a long lay-off...I can always play something I could never get before. http://www.youtube.com/notesleb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrg music Posted August 5, 2001 Share Posted August 5, 2001 Originally posted by Steve LeBlanc: I take long breaks from practicing, I feel it's essential, I seem to learn more about my playing by thinking it than actually doing it...but I go through very concentrated routines when I do practice and can spend 4+ hours a day when I'm really into it. It always surprises me when I pick up an instrument after a long lay-off...I can always play something I could never get before. Can't argue with that. I have always found that a break from practice helps with the old tunnel vision syndrome. I like to have a change by playing some piano or drums.... a week or two usually makes me want to play the guitar again real bad!! Simon http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/smile.gif ...remember there is absolutely no point in talking about someone behind their back unless they get to hear about it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinopop Posted August 8, 2001 Share Posted August 8, 2001 So, has anyone else been through this scenario: You've haven't picked up your guitar for 2 or 3 days or even (o ma gawd!) a whole week. Then you get your instrument in your hands and everything just seems to flow. Everything you try is almost effortless. You can't stop playing. You're thinking, "Man, at this rate I'll be a god in no time!!" Well, maybe you're a bit more realistic, but still ... All day at work the next day you're just itching to get home to the old axe. When you do, it seems like your fingers are made of fudge. It's like you've never played before in your life. Euphoria to utter dispair in 24 hours! Why does this happen? Is it from overplaying the night before. A keener sense of reality? Phase of the Moon? I've gone through this more than once so I guess I've learned to deal with it, but it would be nice to be able to ride that wave of momentum a little longer. Any comments? - Layne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tedster Posted August 8, 2001 Share Posted August 8, 2001 Hey, Dino...long time no hear from... Usually I'm brilliant at band rehearsal, and my fingers turn to fumbling sausages when I get in front of a real audience. Well, I'm not that brilliant at band rehearsal, either... "Cisco Kid, was a friend of mine" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrg music Posted August 8, 2001 Share Posted August 8, 2001 Originally posted by Tedster: Hey, Dino...long time no hear from... Usually I'm brilliant at band rehearsal, and my fingers turn to fumbling sausages when I get in front of a real audience. Well, I'm not that brilliant at band rehearsal, either... Oooooh Tedster Modesty, modesty..... hell man you gotta blow your own trumpet sometime dammit http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gifhttp://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gifhttp://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Simon ...remember there is absolutely no point in talking about someone behind their back unless they get to hear about it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinopop Posted August 9, 2001 Share Posted August 9, 2001 Originally posted by Tedster: Hey, Dino...long time no hear from... Hey Tedster, Been busy with the new house. Got my own bedroom studio now. My wife's got her own office. The kids are sleeping in the attic. Life is good. Usually I'm brilliant at band rehearsal, and my fingers turn to fumbling sausages when I get in front of a real audience. Well, I'm not that brilliant at band rehearsal, either... I hear ya. Other people listening can contribute to the fudge finger factor (FFF) http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif BTW: The attic is actually converted to a loft/gameroom so please, don't anyone call Child Protective Services! http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/redface.gif This message has been edited by dinopop on 08-08-2001 at 05:45 PM - Layne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve LeBlanc Posted August 9, 2001 Share Posted August 9, 2001 All day at work the next day you're just itching to get home to the old axe. When you do, it seems like your fingers are made of fudge. It's like you've never played before in your life. Euphoria to utter dispair in 24 hours! This happens to me a lot on the guitar (a somewhat newer instrument for me)...never on the piano for some reason...it's a mystery to me http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/wink.gif...maybe it's a confidence thing...I've been playing piano since I was 4 years old...maybe I've forgotten to be intimidated by it? http://www.youtube.com/notesleb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chip McDonald Posted August 14, 2001 Share Posted August 14, 2001 Originally posted by dinopop: You've haven't picked up your guitar for 2 or 3 days or even (o ma gawd!) a whole week. Then you get your instrument in your hands and everything just seems to flow. Everything you try is almost effortless. You can't stop playing. Because your muscles have been atrophing, in which state they're flexible. All day at work the next day you're just itching to get home to the old axe. When you do, it seems like your fingers are made of fudge. It's like you've never played before in your life. Because now your finger are taut from the workout you gave them the day before. If you balance this cycle right, you *will* get better at an *optimum* rate. I try to convince people of this in lessons - it's an ultimately important concept. Your muscles are in a constant state of flux. They're either atrophing, or getting stronger. When you play regularly in a band it seems like you're at your best: because you're in a stabilized environment stress wise, where your muscles are balanced. The trick is being aware of this, and learning to judge what muscles are weak/flexy, which ones are strong/taut, and how to work through that. All of which will be in my forth coming guitar book... (yeah, right..). One day. ------------------ New and Improved Music Soon: http://www.mp3.com/chipmcdonald Guitar Lessons in Augusta Georgia: www.chipmcdonald.com Eccentric blog: https://chipmcdonaldblog.blogspot.com/ / "big ass windbag" - Bruce Swedien Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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