Get out the Rut

[MisterLez]

I've read several articles in reference to "being in the rut" with their playing & wondered if anyone here has found themselves stuck in it, what did you do to get out of it

[Rodders]

This has happened to me a few times. It normally happens when I try to play something that's a bit too tricky for my abilities. Sometimes taking a few days off playing helps. When you play everyday you don't hear the progress you're making as it's so gradual. Also try a different style of music, I play mainly blues stuff, but I'll turn my hand to something else once in a while just to give me a change of scene.

[Magoon]

I've been there, my fix? Buying a ukulele - starting on a new instrument was a bit drastic but I found that I was making such good progress with the uke (and having so much fun in the process) that my attitude to learning new stuff and practising improved no end, thus I got out of the rut.

The downside is that I've acquired UAS to go with my GAS.

[Roop]

I'd be interested if anyone DOESN'T get in a rut... I assumed it was an occupational hazard! Maybe it's to do with perceived (rather than actual) lack of progress
I know Rodders has already mentioned some of these, but -
- I try not to worry if I don't pick up the guitar for a couple of days
- play something different
- a bit extreme... but commit yourself to something, like playing in public... you'll be driven on by a sense of panic and fear will be your bedfellow, but it'll do wonders for your self-esteem!
- if all else fails, try a week in Tenerife (or even three nights in Whitby)... does wonders for me!

Steve J

[ocarolan]

I think you're right Roop - ruts are part of the deal. After 45+ years of playing I've been in, and out of, loads of them - some last only a day or three, others a year or three.

I tend to do as others have suggested - play a different style/guitar/instrument or not play at all for a while.

Playing with someone I haven't played with before or for a long time is great too - especially if they don't play guitar and I have to move out of my comfort zone to find ways to work together.

Mandolin and bouzouki prove to be interesting diversions from time to time, though any progress I make tends to be lost if I then don't play those for a while. No problem though, all good fun.

Bye now
Keith

[SamPrice]

Gosh- there's a guitar book I have that's depressingly dull, even though it's in DADGAD...I have learned two tunes so far, and just don't feel inspired by it at all!!

I need more technically difficult tunes to get me inspired- plus a "lead" on my own creations that are still a work in progress...buying the odd guitar tune book helps too....

[andrewjw]

I think it is just all too easy these days with DVD's , the internet etc etc...I used to spend hours [days and weeks even!] working out Joni Mitchell songs....first find the tuning ..then the shapes and fingerings....along the way you find new ideas and inspirations...for me that's what makes it fun..

[Rodders]

Originally Posted by andrewjw

I think it is just all too easy these days with DVD's , the internet etc etc...I used to spend hours [days and weeks even!] working out Joni Mitchell songs....first find the tuning ..then the shapes and fingerings....along the way you find new ideas and inspirations...for me that's what makes it fun..

Playing the guitar is still as hard as it ever was. Copying other people is easier.

[Rodders]

Originally Posted by SamPrice

Gosh- there's a guitar book I have that's depressingly dull, even though it's in DADGAD...I have learned two tunes so far, and just don't feel inspired by it at all!!

I need more technically difficult tunes to get me inspired

I'm with you on that Sam. Something challenging focuses me much more than something that my brain tells me is 'easy' (my brain is usually wrong).

The thing with DADGAD and other alternate tunings is that they need to be fun, or else it's not worth the hassle of re-tuning. Stefan Grossman's Country Blues in alternate tunings is so much fun (I don't work for him, honest), it really get's you interested.

[Roop]

Sam and Rodders... I agree! It's strange, but it seems "easier" to learn more difficult tunes... or at least it's easier to apply yourself to it.
I've decided I'm genetically coded so that I CAN'T learn DADGAD songs... which is a shame because I thought it would be a good exuse to get another guitar!
I'll certainly investigate the Stefan Grossman DVD... another addition to my burgeoning SG collection!