Author Topic: Getting Back In The Routine (Read 2227 times)

Kemra · « **on:** August 21, 2007, 04:35:26 PM »

Hi guys haven't posted here in such a long time. But ig uess thats mainly dude to me not having played guitar for almost a year now!

However recently I went to see Steve Vai in concert and it hit me. I miss playing guitar. However since being at the concert I still haven't rerally touched my guitar even though I really want to.

Then I realised its because I didn't know what to practice, what to do to improve my playing. To put it bluntly I'm in a rut thats stopping me from playing again. Does anyone here have any tipps.pearls of wisdom on how to overcome this?

Nice to be back guys :twisted:

Danny

gingataff · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2007, 05:07:59 PM »

Welcome back! It's beena while since your avatar was around here.

I've gone through many phases of non-playing. 3 years at uni without playing (when really it was the perfect time!) is just one example of wasted time. Funnily enough it was seeing Steve Vai that got me out of a rut on one of those occasions too!

I'd recommend digging out some old tab books you might have in your cupboard and have a crack at those, also some small technique books might be handy: David Mead's books published by Sanctuary are really good (make sure you use a metronome).
Guitar magazines can be good too, just practice some bits from them and spend more time getting to know your axe again, play along to familiar tunes etc.

If the whole technique thing gets boring try to do what Vai recommends- play one note. Keep playing that note but see how many different ways you can play it, play it hard, play it soft, use dynamics, use a pick and use your fingers.

The guitar is such a versatile and organic instrument!

jt · « **Reply #2 on:** August 22, 2007, 09:57:04 PM »

:D Make sure you keep your guitar out of its case. if its lyeing around you you`ll have a tendency to pick it up and play it

:D 8)

blue · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2007, 02:35:54 AM »

yeah, i keep a semi-acoustic (loud enough to be expressive, but not enough to disturb people at three in the morning) propped up at the side of my bed. you get into the habit of picking it up when you're sitting around, before you go to bed, when you get up, when you're watching tv. it may not be as productive as "hardcore" practice, but it keeps you playing and i've come up with some great bits and pieces from this messing about.

Jp. · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2007, 01:23:38 PM »

pretty much what blue said... I always have an electric floating around somewhere out of its case.

I like electric's for that... their quiet not plugged in and compact to noodle on on the couch.

Kemra · « **Reply #5 on:** August 29, 2007, 07:18:05 AM »

Hey guys thanks for the advice, I must admit after reading Gingtaff's reply whilst I was at work I went home picked up my guitar and played for ages. And it felt great!

I think now its a case of re-learning a few things and getting use to my axe once more. plus now I have a decent job I think its time for some nice new gear :twisted:

Thanks for the words guys has really helped me a lot! :D

JJretroTONEGOD · « **Reply #6 on:** September 02, 2007, 04:11:01 AM »

Get it out of the case, and then put under your bed covers, just after you wake up and go to your 9-5 job ( I hate jobs) and then when you have to sleep you simply must touch it, to move it out of the way. You will find yourself imagining notes, fets, and chords, and then remembering how good they sounded. You will then have a dream which includes guitars and then pick it up again in the morning. For me it's the easiest thing in the world to pick up and play, the real key is confidence and knowlege, and knowing how to learn productivley. You need to make time, use a diary!