Ever just think about not playing guitar?

[Brow]

Long post coming up so I apologise!

I've been out of a regularly gigging band for about 3 years or so, just helping out here and there with bands where I can as I haven't found anything in that time that I'd want to be a part of full time.

Just after new years I got a tryout for a band playing a mixture of 70s and 80s Rock aswell as some more upto date stuff. I eventually got the place in the band and we had a practice. Before the practice I knew about 25% of their set, so not too bad a start.

We had to have 5 weeks off (basically the last week of January and the whole of February) as the bassist was in Australia, so over those 5 weeks I worked my ass off and learnt the whole of their 40 song set. I was playing regularly, sometimes for 4 or 5 hours at a time, which is something I haven't done for a hell of a long time and got all the songs learnt for the next practice, which was Thursday of this week.

The 1st gig was tonight, well, it should've been, had I not had a text message from the singer on Wednesday saying I was being dropped as 'they' (I found out later it was just the singers decision) had decided to stay with their ex guitarist who disappeared with no contact in November 2010 but who has now been intouch and begged to come back.

I've never felt so down and disheartened about my musical situation in my life as I have in the past few days. I mentioned to my girlfriend that I should probably just pack my stuff up and throw it on Ebay. I don't have any desire or drive at the minute to play guitar and am just sick of the whole thing tbh. I know it's only disappointment talking and I'll get over it, but I've never felt this way before and it's really gotten me down.

Another kick in the nuts is that I was told I'd need a mic for my amp for live use, so I'm now £55 out of pocket after buying that too!

I really do hate people sometimes  :shock:

[Frank]

I never feel like giving up guitar. But I have given up bands. Musicians aren't the best employers or the most reliable of employees.

[dave_mc]

that sucks.

don't give up because of them, they're just douchebags.

[Frank]

You know what's going to happen though. Three months from now you'll get a phone call saying the guitarist has disappeared again. Then you can tell them where to stick it.

Or you could go to the rehearsals then not turn up for the gigs, that'd be a laugh too. I'd do that.

[_tom_]

Many times as I just can't find any good local musicians and I'm really bored of playing alone. Haven't even had any inspiration for writing/recording my own music for what seems like months now - I used to write a new track every couple of weeks or so.

Considering selling off some gear I don't use much as I could use the money for my other interests (photography and mountain bikes)!

[MDV]

that sucks.

don't give up because of them, they're just douchebags.

This.

Youre always going to encounter dickheads. So what?

You also got loads of practice out of it, are likely a better guitarist as a result. Being in a band is obviously important to you: take that to the next one. And the next, etc.

To answer the thread title: no, never.

[DavidRees]

people are selfish arseholes sometimes but.....on the positive side
you have just completed a bunch of song focussed practise, learning new stuff which will have undoubtably made you a far better musician and ready for the next challenge...
and you can now mike yourself up for the next opportunity
we are guitarists, we are the chosen people, we play to make the world a better place, we often do that [albeit on a smaller scale] - now you don't want to let the whole world down by giving up do you? of course not...
best wishes
David 8)

[Twinfan]

Don't give up mate - there are some good folks out there!  Keep looking  :)

But if you're selling your Splawn, you know who to call.......  ;)

[Stevepage]

I've not been in a gigging band for about 5 years now. I've been in a couple of bands since then but it's difficult finding the right people to play with, especially in a county where there aren't many singers etc.

I've kind of grown to like jamming to tracks and trying new things out. As long as I've got a guitar and something to play along to I'm just as happy.

[Ratrod]

Boy, that's a kick in the nuts.

Sometimes you get fed up with things and think sod all. Actually you just need to take a break. You'll come crawling back to the guitar at some point because you love it.

Don't get me started on singers, though.

You know how a singer changes a light bulb? He sticks it in the socket and expects the world to revolve around him. Goes for female singers too.

[38thBeatle]

Brow, you may feel a bit used now but don't let them prevent you from playing.You did all the right things- they didn't.Being in a band is partly about being part of something worthwhile and being able to rely on each other. You clearly cannot count on these guys so use the experience-all the stuff you have learned and use it to go into something else.
This band will come a cropper one day- whether you get to see it or not is not important. Getting into a band isn't easy-I have been incredibly lucky that I have managed to but there have been times when in desperation I have joined in with morons. It never lasted long, frustrated me and I moved on to something else. My present band mates have become friends( the drummer & I have been mates for 20 years) though people have come and gone in the last few years. My band is not special but gets a lot of work and a lot of laughs are had. I am sure that this is replicated across the country-the point I am getting to in my usual long winded way is that there is likely going to be either an existing band in your area that will one day need someone like you or there is one that may not exist but once it does, will be what you are looking for. Keep at it - go to open mic nights- not necessarily to join in but watch  for talented people and afterwards ask them if they have a band or are looking to form one. I did an open mic last week on impulse goaded on by a mate as there were not many people there and I ended up doing three songs and had 2 people ask me if I was interested in being in a band. If I wasn't in one, I'd have jumped at it.The guys who asked, hadn't taken part -they'd just gone to watch for suitable people.
You'll feel let down now but you will be better off in the long run- these jokers are not worth it.

[Mr. Air]

Don't quit playing guitar - NEVER!!!

Sometimes the urge to play hits rock bottom, but it will eventually come back and you'll really kick yourself around if you decide to sell all your gear.

That singer guy is a real dick and (maybe the others are as well?) and if this a behavioral (is that a real word???) pattern is like this i think tragedy would have been inevitable.

It's always hard being thrown out of a band, but I'm sure you'll be able to find some other and better guys to play with.

And like Monty Phyton sings: Always look on the bright side of life...  :D

[FELINEGUITARS]

It's a bit like getting dumped by a girlfriend because her flaky ex has asked her out again
You feel like giving up on dating and women in general , but given time away to regroup and get over it you feel ready for when the right girl comes along

The practise and learning you did for this band wont be a waste as you simply developed your own skills as a musician and also your learning skills

Both of these skills are transferable - into other musical projects and other areas of your life too

By all means take a break for a week or two - do something else that you enjoy - whether it be sport or socialising with other friends or quality time with family or your girlfriend.

You'll emerge stronger again in a few weeks

[Sailor Charon]

A couple of years ago, I found that every time I tried to practice, it took a lot of effort not to burst into tears. I don't quite know why. I know I was in a pretty dark place, and maybe it was spending time by myself. Maybe it was the fact that I'd been forcing myself to practice when I really just wanted to crawl into a hole, I don't know.
So I stopped. I told myself I wouldn't pick my guitar up again until I felt ready.
It took six months, but I came back...
I think it was Led Zeppelin that said it best... 'I can't quit you baby, so I'm gonna put you down for a while'

[Philly Q]

I often think about packing in guitar, simply because I've never got past the "utterly cr@p" stage (all entirely my fault, apart from the first year or so I've never put much effort into it - it takes a lot to get me motivated).

Sometimes the thought of raising a few grand from guitar sales, and creating lots of  S P A C E  in my flat, is very appealing.  But then I think hey, I like guitars even if I can't play them.... and what else am I going to do instead?

In your case, Brow, I understand your frustration but I'm sure it'll wear off very quickly!