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Post by Mfitz804 on Dec 15, 2019 10:18:28 GMT -5
I know for some guys, picking up a guitar is something that is second nature. You just HAVE to play, you WANT to, and it’s as easy as that.
But some of us lose the desire at times. It’s been about 6 years since I played regularly. I have the desire to get back into it now, but I’m having some trouble. I’ve tried picking a new song to learn, buying a new instrument, nothing has stuck.
Does anyone have any suggestions? Or is it just one of those things where you either want to or you don’t?
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Post by K4 on Dec 29, 2019 18:20:23 GMT -5
I quit playing live about 2 years ago, my guitars have mostly been in their cases since. I do still play along with a piano at holiday family gatherings.
I never made rock star status and my interest has waned.
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Post by hushnel on Jan 1, 2020 18:05:59 GMT -5
I’ve spent so much of my life playing and I’m finding that there is so much more I can learn. It’s a gift, even though it is hard earned. As I get older some of the dexterity is fading but my understanding of how music works and musicianship is growing, I find that I can make up for dexterity with techniques, persistance, timing and finding interesting things I can do as a bassist that makes the chords, melodies and timing a bit different. Improving the song with solid patterns, timing and interpretation.
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Post by ninworks on Jan 2, 2020 7:49:54 GMT -5
I don't know why but, I can't get enough of it. I always want to play. It really annoys me when I have to go anywhere from a day to a week without having time to play my guitar. I get really grumpy.
I have spent my entire life, ever since I was 10 years old, learning to play guitar. I would like to think that I am very good at it. I spent from my late teens until my late 30's playing in bands and doing recording sessions. I don't gig anymore but I still record occasionally. After that I let it go for awhile to learn how to manipulate a recording studio and everything involved with that. Then I got severe carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists and couldn't play for about 5 years. It didn't bother me as much because my focus had changed from guitar to writing, producing, engineering, and sound design. I had the corrective surgeries done in 2004. After that I swore I would never take playing guitar for granted again. I will do it until I either die or physically cannot do it anymore. I am driven.
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Post by Stratluvr on Jan 2, 2020 8:49:53 GMT -5
I always keep a strat in the living room to play. For a while, I kept all my guitars in the basement in their cases and guess what? I would go for literally months without playing them. In the living room, I mess around on the guitar daily.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jan 2, 2020 8:59:29 GMT -5
Fall in with a pal or three to sit around with guitars and run through a few tunes at least once a month. If you can find a few players that are into the same kinds of music you like--all the better.
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Post by Think Floyd on Jan 2, 2020 9:24:06 GMT -5
I haven't picked up my guitar in months. A few months after I first started learning how to play, some guys I met (guitarist and drummer) graciously allowed me to jam with them. To me, it was a thrill to be playing in a "band" and making music with other people; I was hooked. Playing by myself is just not as fun. I have been "bandless" ever since I quit my last band years ago, and I'm losing my desire to play. I NEED to find some guys (or gals) to jam with soon before I give it up altogether! My work schedule makes it difficult to find people. I work nights (11-7) Monday through Friday. So, I can't play on weeknights, and bands usually play out on Friday night. And, most people want to gig frequently, possibly every weekend. Not me! I wouldn't mind the occasional gig, such as a few times per year and maybe a couple of backyard parties, but no more than that. I'd even be happy with no bar gigs at all (although I've never played in a bar), and just play a handful of backyard private parties each year. To me, gigging isn't the goal... making music and having fun is what's important! I just need to find a basement or garage band and get back into it.
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swampyankee
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Fakin' it 'til I'm makin' it since 1956
Posts: 713
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Post by swampyankee on Jan 2, 2020 9:38:17 GMT -5
After I separated, and stepped down from music ministry at church, I tucked everything away for a few years. I finally decided I couldn't let 40+ years of playing just die so I started woodshedding and looking for opportunities to join a band. I finally settled on one and played out regularly for about 5 years. THAT really got me into a discipline of practicing. I recently quit the band, but I'm determined not to let things go by the wayside, so I've picked the acoustic back up, and brushing off my old rag and bluegrass-ish tunes. I have along way to go, but recalling and reviving what I almost lost brings a fresh and new perspective. As Think Floyd says, gigging isn't the goal, but I wouldn't mind joining with a few like-minded souls to make some music. Playing for money has never been motivating to me, but bringing some joy to people through music is the best motivator.
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mikem
Wholenote
Musician soundman musician soundman
Posts: 230
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Post by mikem on Jan 2, 2020 10:01:05 GMT -5
Don't think of it as "get back into playing...." but rather "getting reacquainted" with an old friend.
Music to me is like having a pet dog/cat: no matter what kind of day you're having, music is-there-for-you and will welcome you back.
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professor
Wholenote
"Now I want you to go in that bag and find my wallet." / KMMFA
Posts: 617
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Post by professor on Jan 2, 2020 10:06:52 GMT -5
Start with re-listening to the music that got you going in the first place, then explore the artists that inspired AND that flowed from those sources.
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frank
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Post by frank on Jan 2, 2020 10:29:19 GMT -5
I lose desire to play for periods also. When i have the opportunity to play, i think about songs that i haven't heard in a while that inspired me, or a lick that i used to know,and how i can continue in the same musical vein or otherwise incorporate that lick into some song i know.
I resort to tools,-playing the chords in different positions, inversions and fragments. I'm always trying to relate scales and arpeggios with my goal, playing the changes. Balance with fun but get back "in the pocket"!
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Post by HenryJ on Jan 2, 2020 10:35:22 GMT -5
I had planned to start a thread about keeping your guitars on stands vs. keeping them in their cases.
I had learned that keeping them in cases controls the humidity and helps the guitar last longer. But after I purchased a couple of hard cases, I found that I don't play my guitars as often as I should. So I am going to keep at least two of my instruments on their stands and keep the rest in their cases.
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frank
Quarternote
Posts: 8
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Post by frank on Jan 2, 2020 10:55:32 GMT -5
I had planned to start a thread about keeping your guitars on stands vs. keeping them in their cases. I had learned that keeping them in cases controls the humidity and helps the guitar last longer. But after I purchased a couple of hard cases, I found that I don't play my guitars as often as I should. So I am going to keep at least two of my instruments on their stands and keep the rest in their cases. I agree, although sometimes i have had 3-4 out (which i like) but space consuming. I keep one where i can grab it to try and figure out a lick i hear on TV.
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cagey
Wholenote
My guitar doesn't have the same notes as yours
Posts: 110
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Post by cagey on Jan 2, 2020 11:14:31 GMT -5
I quit playing for quite a few years until a buddy invited me to a jam. Playing with other people inspired me. I find playing with new people means learning new songs, which always feels good and makes me want to play and learn more
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Ragpicker
Wholenote
I'm playing it in a different key
Posts: 336
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Post by Ragpicker on Jan 2, 2020 12:01:10 GMT -5
Many years ago I had quit playing for about 2 years and when I decided it was time to get back at it I decided to stop using a pick and learn fingerstyle. It aroused my interest enough to get me motivated. One of reasons I have not been posting at the "old" site was that I had a surprise health crisis this year. I had triple bypass surgery this last summer and it has really set me back as far as playing. I have been trying to play for at least 2 hours everyday now. I have lost my finger callous's and it is all a struggle right now. Whatever it takes, Im going to continue to play. It gives me purpose and a daily goal to achieve. Never Quit.
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Cassie Play
Halfnote
Everythings Malfunctioning Imperfectly.
Posts: 89
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Post by Cassie Play on Jan 2, 2020 13:19:48 GMT -5
Sometimes I have to take a break just because I get in a rut, always playing the same things. I'll usually take that time for cleaning and tinkering with my guitars. Then I'll pick up one I haven't played in a while to change the pace a little.
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Post by Peegoo 🏁 on Jan 2, 2020 13:31:09 GMT -5
Many years ago I had quit playing for about 2 years and when I decided it was time to get back at it I decided to stop using a pick and learn fingerstyle. It aroused my interest enough to get me motivated. One of reasons I have not been posting at the "old" site was that I had a surprise health crisis this year. I had triple bypass surgery this last summer and it has really set me back as far as playing. I have been trying to play for at least 2 hours everyday now. I have lost my finger callous's and it is all a struggle right now. Whatever it takes, Im going to continue to play. It gives me purpose and a daily goal to achieve. Never Quit. Ragpicker!
Glad your back from the edge, brother!
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Post by rickyguitar on Jan 2, 2020 13:33:13 GMT -5
I have stopped a few times. Then try to pick it back up and not have an interest but inevitably there comes a point where I rediscover what I like do much about playing. This time O started learning mandolin. A couple times I picked up a guitar and did not connect but a couple nights ago the desire came back. Anyway, yeah new instrument might help. New song, maybe somebody new to ay with. Internet is loaded with free lessons if you are into that.
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Southern Man
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Formerly "SecondHoneymoon" on the FDP
Posts: 15
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Post by Southern Man on Jan 2, 2020 13:56:58 GMT -5
Learning a new song usually gets me going again. Playing with others is helpful too. Just an occasional acoustic jam, with as much talking as playing, has always been fun for me. No stress, good camaraderie, and I usually learn a new song or worthwhile tip.
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Post by Dr Bass MD on Jan 2, 2020 14:16:03 GMT -5
Commit to playing with someone. Make it known as publicly as possible. Once it's out there - the motivational factor is established.
For me, after a two year layoff due to a cross-country move, I responded to a plea to audition for a local church band. It forced me to learn a half dozen new songs and be prepared to 'play with others'. It's amazing what committing to something like that will do to force feed your motivation to get cracking again.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 2, 2020 14:44:32 GMT -5
Trying something different. I have a P90 LP that I put 12's on and tuned down a whole step to get the John Fogerty thing going. It helped to pique the interest a bit.
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swampyankee
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Fakin' it 'til I'm makin' it since 1956
Posts: 713
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Post by swampyankee on Jan 2, 2020 15:30:44 GMT -5
I've done alot of playing of different style and genres over the years, but I gotta say, the most joy I've gotten from playing was when a friend and I were doing bluegrass-style gospel and hymns. All acoustic, and 2 part harmonies (singing is as much fun as playing for me). We volunteered once a month at a few different nursing homes and had a blast doing it.
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Post by hushnel on Jan 2, 2020 17:15:15 GMT -5
Sometimes I have to take a break just because I get in a rut, always playing the same things. I'll usually take that time for cleaning and tinkering with my guitars. Then I'll pick up one I haven't played in a while to change the pace a little. Yeah, I’ve almost gotten there, from time to time. What I’ve been doing is putting all the tunes I cover on guitar, I’m a bassist primarily, into the On Song app and a set list. A lot of songs I’ve played over the years kind of get lost. Tunes like Suicide is Painless, Sounds of Silence, Sweet Baby James, As Tears Go By, Sultans of Swing and a whole mess of other tunes I forgot I knew. I had to brush them up, a few I’ve had to relearn, but they came back quickly. So where I was playing the same ten of twenty tunes and getting board, now I have a set list and OnSong backups if I need refreshing. Add to this all the stuff I learned as a bass player from the week I spent with Victor Wooten and crew has brought me to the point where I can play or figure out the tunes on the guitar based on knowing the tunes bass line. I just counted them and I’m up to 89 guitar song in the list. there are more I just haven’t landed them yet. Thats just my stuff it does’t include the tunes my band covers. It will eventually, a lot of current covers didn’t make this list.
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Cassie Play
Halfnote
Everythings Malfunctioning Imperfectly.
Posts: 89
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Post by Cassie Play on Jan 2, 2020 17:49:58 GMT -5
I have a Bass and one of the first things I noticed about playing was I did learn new things on the guitar from it. And also tried to pick it up based on guitar. I tend to move around more holding a Bass and I think it's because you can really feel the vibrations on a Bass. Most of any new things I try is what I hear on radio or You Tube. I just play by ear. I used to love Ten Years After and am a big Clapton fan. All the guitar guys. Love slow blues but all music really. Not so much rap but maybe a few.
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Post by HenryJ on Jan 2, 2020 17:56:57 GMT -5
I've done alot of playing of different style and genres over the years, but I gotta say, the most joy I've gotten from playing was when a friend and I were doing bluegrass-style gospel and hymns. All acoustic, and 2 part harmonies (singing is as much fun as playing for me). We volunteered once a month at a few different nursing homes and had a blast doing it. Funny you should mention nursing homes. The minister to seniors at our church asked me if I would take my acoustic guitar and lead music at a nursing home once a month, which I have started doing. It has forced me to practice my acoustic guitar. I am playing the music from the hymnal it the original keys and using a capo to do so. It's actually rather enjoyable. Actually, I have done it three times so far, the most recent being two days ago, and it was the most enjoyable of the three times. And my callouses are growing back nicely.
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swampyankee
Wholenote
Fakin' it 'til I'm makin' it since 1956
Posts: 713
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Post by swampyankee on Jan 3, 2020 7:37:53 GMT -5
I've done alot of playing of different style and genres over the years, but I gotta say, the most joy I've gotten from playing was when a friend and I were doing bluegrass-style gospel and hymns. All acoustic, and 2 part harmonies (singing is as much fun as playing for me). We volunteered once a month at a few different nursing homes and had a blast doing it. Funny you should mention nursing homes. The minister to seniors at our church asked me if I would take my acoustic guitar and lead music at a nursing home once a month, which I have started doing. It has forced me to practice my acoustic guitar. I am playing the music from the hymnal it the original keys and using a capo to do so. It's actually rather enjoyable. Actually, I have done it three times so far, the most recent being two days ago, and it was the most enjoyable of the three times. And my callouses are growing back nicely. Although never a paying gig (well, except maybe a gift or two for singing at weddings), I had about 30 years of very fulfilling music "gigs" in and around church ministry. From prisons to nursing homes, and sometimes challenging jobs like playing for someone on their deathbed, and it's this experience that probably keeps me playing.
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Ragpicker
Wholenote
I'm playing it in a different key
Posts: 336
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Post by Ragpicker on Jan 3, 2020 11:53:06 GMT -5
Many years ago I had quit playing for about 2 years and when I decided it was time to get back at it I decided to stop using a pick and learn fingerstyle. It aroused my interest enough to get me motivated. One of reasons I have not been posting at the "old" site was that I had a surprise health crisis this year. I had triple bypass surgery this last summer and it has really set me back as far as playing. I have been trying to play for at least 2 hours everyday now. I have lost my finger callous's and it is all a struggle right now. Whatever it takes, Im going to continue to play. It gives me purpose and a daily goal to achieve. Never Quit. Ragpicker!
Glad your back from the edge, brother!
Thanks PeeGoo...........Wow what a year it has been. Went to my Cardiologist in August and he had me do a stress test which I failed miserably. He set me up to have an angioplasty with possible stent(s) being added. When they got their little camera doohickey in there it was discovered that I had 3, 90% blockages at points where stents would not work. So they closed up my wrist and sent me to recover. When I woke up I was told I would have to have open heart bypass surgery done ASAP. This was on a Thursday night and the first available opening was on Monday so they made me stay in the hospital for 3 days waiting for this awful surgery. Valium please ? More valium please ? I have never had nerves like that in my life. Anyway the surgery was done Monday morning and then they couldnt get my heart to produce a regular beat so I was in there for another 7 days......major suckage. The surgery was a success and I am still here but have just started feeling normal in the last couple of weeks. Thank God for my wife who took great care of me and for my brother for doing some stuff around the house that I could not do. I had to cancel a reunion with some old music mates and we hope to reschedule for this spring but I have to get my callous's and abilities back. Something to strive for. I sure am glad we have this 2nd chance here at Moes ! Take care.
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Post by rocknroll on Jan 3, 2020 17:16:29 GMT -5
I never posted much on the old site and my user name *might* have been redman but here's my current issue:
After being in a moderately successful classic rock bar band for 20 yrs, my identical twin suddenly passed - keyboard player. He and I were almost joined at the hip. I play a LP. Our musical tastes were darn similar. I would arrive at the gig with the trailer and he was always there just ahead of me, usually saving me the choice spot for the trailer. We would quickly discuss which lighting combination we would go with at this particular venue, unload the trailer, and while I was getting the sound system up and running (with the bass player) he would have the lighting up and running. As close to ideal as it was going to get. After he passed nobody wanted to continue without the keys, and since we had a pretty good run, we terminated the band.
I took a year off from playing, and about a month ago the drummer and I started sitting in with a couple of other dudes that were playing some older stuff than I'm used to playing. I'm rebuilding my callouses from scratch - ouch. And learning some different tunes that wouldn't have fit in the other band, but I'm playing again - moving forward. Total healing will take a while, I suspect.
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Post by larryguitar54 on Jan 3, 2020 17:54:33 GMT -5
I recall an interview with an artist who was really intense. His message was that he didn't create art because it made him feel good or gave him satisfaction. Rather he did what he did because if he didn't he would lose his mind. In other words some of us are wired to be creative and there is no alternative. It might be dormant for a time. But it will come back eventually.
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Post by badger51 on Jan 3, 2020 21:35:08 GMT -5
I put down the guitar for about 6 months after a bad ending to my time in a cover band that had become filled with as much drudgery and drama as a bad job. What got me back into playing almost every day was buying a Boss ME -80 and making music with its built in looper. I left my guitar on a stand plugged into the me-80 and could just walk over any time, record a chord progression and jam until satisfied. I play softly through an amp most of the time but it is really amazing how good that it can sound with all of the effects through headphones.
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