moronmountain
New member
Yeah if you suck at guitar, and have to ask the question, then sell it all. =D
IntenseJim
Active member
sandman":1c5rso84 said:
QUALITY. NOT QUANTITY.
Five minutes of guitar can be as fun or therapeutically relaxing as a weekend vacation.
Putting the guitar down for 'weeks' out of 52 of them in a year is not that bad IMHO. It is a minority.
You aren't hurting anybody by keeping that gear. Enjoy it. And your kids might enjoy plinking on it later on.
I go through the same thing and with ski season coming up on us.
I took a huge hiatus during medical school (last century) having only my trusty old Martin HD-28.
It's a hobby. It's fun. It helps me de-stress. And yes, I still act like I'm 12 and pretend I'm a rockstar or emulating my favorite players.
Uh-oh.....Sharkdiver had better not post those pictures of me dressed up in Madonna's lingerie.
Badronald
New member
Bob Savage":29y4br22 said:
You are correct. Everyone is different.
scruffydoo
New member
Ventura":24os4x3e said:But trust me, they'll be thanking you later in life for continuing to play guitar, and having one (or ten) around the house
absolutely true, we've got em everywhere, can't beat rock guitar for getting some respect from your kids and by not acting like an old fart of course
I packed in for a good few years when they were little but it came roaring back, never leaves you man.
Joeytpg
Active member
Hey sandman I know what it feels like.
I'll recommend something different from everyone.
Sell the big stuff..... keep a guitar or two that you really really like, both tone and feel (guitars are a bit harder to get back as they don't play the same), but sell the amps and the cabs. That stuff is material things you can acquire again if you need, but there's no need in keeping it all "packed" or occupying unnecessary space, which you're mentioned you lack.
Get a small modeler amp or modeling unit with headphones and have them there for your 5 min. of decompressing. It's quick to setup, doesn't take up space and you can jam at any time.
What music do you like to play/listen the most? depending on it, get a small acoustic guitar like a Little Martin, they are cheap, comfortable and sound pretty good for what they are (hell I do full gigs with mine, it's one of my main guitars) and use it to strum away in the couch without having to set up the modelers and all that.
Sometimes simplicity is the best answer to lack of inspiration.
Don't be afraid of maybe pursuing a new instrument. I stopped playing guitar almost at all for 4/5 years (from 17 to 21 or 22 y/o, I'm 31 now) but I tok on singing and was singing ALL the time, so I wasn't away from music and creating. Maybe keys? or even harmonica.
I'll recommend something different from everyone.
Sell the big stuff..... keep a guitar or two that you really really like, both tone and feel (guitars are a bit harder to get back as they don't play the same), but sell the amps and the cabs. That stuff is material things you can acquire again if you need, but there's no need in keeping it all "packed" or occupying unnecessary space, which you're mentioned you lack.
Get a small modeler amp or modeling unit with headphones and have them there for your 5 min. of decompressing. It's quick to setup, doesn't take up space and you can jam at any time.
What music do you like to play/listen the most? depending on it, get a small acoustic guitar like a Little Martin, they are cheap, comfortable and sound pretty good for what they are (hell I do full gigs with mine, it's one of my main guitars) and use it to strum away in the couch without having to set up the modelers and all that.
Sometimes simplicity is the best answer to lack of inspiration.
Don't be afraid of maybe pursuing a new instrument. I stopped playing guitar almost at all for 4/5 years (from 17 to 21 or 22 y/o, I'm 31 now) but I tok on singing and was singing ALL the time, so I wasn't away from music and creating. Maybe keys? or even harmonica.
Spaceboy
Well-known member
I couldn't do it. The longest I've gone without playing guitar in the 15 years I've been playing is two weeks for a camping/environmental work excursion.
Reiep
Member
I'm having too kind of a break, I've gotten more and more into photography and I wanted to use my fre time with my camera until the weather goes too bad. I've been playing only 1 hour or 2 per week during the last few weeks... I'm pretty sure that once it won't be as fun as now to go outside I'll play much more. Moreover I have a custom guitar which should be coming soon, it'l surely help.
ibenhad
Well-known member
I like JoeyTPG's idea. The Splawn is easily replaced as is the cabinet. If you bond with whatever guitar you have that is harder to replace though not impossible sell everything except the axe and get a POD or something and just play a bit when you get the urge. If you never get the urge sell the rest.
JimmyBlind
Active member
Learning a musical instrument is difficult. Everyone's abilities & reasons for playing are different. There isn't a linear range of 'Shit to Good', though it may appear that way.
I find it's easy to look at some players & feel inadequate. You know that in your lifetime, you will never be able to achieve what they have achieved.
Take Guthrie Govan, Lane or Holdsworth as extreme examples. Guthrie Govan is a product of information, drive & mentality unique only to him. To even try to be the player he is would have involved being brought up in his musical environment, to his musical parents, subjected to excatly the same music, given a guitar at age 3 & for composition & improvisation to be the primary motivator. He's one of a kind. He's him.
I know players who didn't have the classical, academic upbringing I had, but who found their way around the instruments simply by improvising & experimenting. They are arguably the better players, though perhaps not technically.
In a way, I think you can fast-track yourself as a player by following a path of enjoyment. As long as you are having fun, you are always concentrating on the things that are fun & you'll always improve at the things you most enjoy. You trim the fat as it were. If you find you're punishing yourself, playing scales to a metronome, not enjoying it & having no real purpose practicing it other than believing you 'have' to do it to get better, then you're better off practicing something else. Unless you love playing scales to a metronome of course, in which case crack on. Guitar, any instrument in fact, has an almost infinite spectrum of possibility that no human being can ever truly master in a lifetime. It's a daunting prospect, but one that every player has to come to terms with. Forgive me if all that's in any way patronizing.
A lesson or two can help. I lost a bit of direction a couple of years ago & booked myself in with a decent teacher for a couple of lessons. He got me playing a few exercises & studies that really opened up some new doorways for me.
I find it's easy to look at some players & feel inadequate. You know that in your lifetime, you will never be able to achieve what they have achieved.
Take Guthrie Govan, Lane or Holdsworth as extreme examples. Guthrie Govan is a product of information, drive & mentality unique only to him. To even try to be the player he is would have involved being brought up in his musical environment, to his musical parents, subjected to excatly the same music, given a guitar at age 3 & for composition & improvisation to be the primary motivator. He's one of a kind. He's him.
I know players who didn't have the classical, academic upbringing I had, but who found their way around the instruments simply by improvising & experimenting. They are arguably the better players, though perhaps not technically.
In a way, I think you can fast-track yourself as a player by following a path of enjoyment. As long as you are having fun, you are always concentrating on the things that are fun & you'll always improve at the things you most enjoy. You trim the fat as it were. If you find you're punishing yourself, playing scales to a metronome, not enjoying it & having no real purpose practicing it other than believing you 'have' to do it to get better, then you're better off practicing something else. Unless you love playing scales to a metronome of course, in which case crack on. Guitar, any instrument in fact, has an almost infinite spectrum of possibility that no human being can ever truly master in a lifetime. It's a daunting prospect, but one that every player has to come to terms with. Forgive me if all that's in any way patronizing.
A lesson or two can help. I lost a bit of direction a couple of years ago & booked myself in with a decent teacher for a couple of lessons. He got me playing a few exercises & studies that really opened up some new doorways for me.
Reiep
Member
I was thinking about this thread and the fact I haven't played a lot recently, so I went home a little earlier yesterday, before the neighbours come back, I cranked a bit more the Hagen and played some Enter Sandman, Seek and destroy... Played for 2 hours, I was rusty, but I'm back in business
garey77
Well-known member
John Lennon took a near ten year hiatus from it... why can't you? It'll never leave, nor be gone. Even when it's not there, it's there. You could never play the guitar again and still you'd be musical. The things you have are just things. If it makes you happy to go away from it, then do it. Life is joy, like watching your child on a swing, or catching an artist in the park, or a great burger. And in the times when life is harder, you'll have this musical thing (for lack of a better term) that reminds you that the life around you is.
Mailman1971
Moderator
Think from 1990 till about 1998 I didnt play guitar at all. Was buying them like crazy (got bit by the collecting bug)
would plug them in and strum for a bit...then put them in the case and look for the next one.
Felt weird coming back into playing on a regular basis. Relearning old tunes....but it was fun and I knew the music was still in me and playing these days is more fun then ever!
But if your feeling like setting down the guitar for a bit.....I say do it. When your ready to grab it again its always there.
Rock N Roll never dies!!
would plug them in and strum for a bit...then put them in the case and look for the next one.
Felt weird coming back into playing on a regular basis. Relearning old tunes....but it was fun and I knew the music was still in me and playing these days is more fun then ever!
But if your feeling like setting down the guitar for a bit.....I say do it. When your ready to grab it again its always there.
Rock N Roll never dies!!
WizardSouth-JP
Well-known member
i streamlined a while back to 1 head and 2x12 cab, 1-2 guitars as I didn't have much space or time to play. I now have some extra space so I have 2 heads and 3 cabs at present time, and 3 guitars. by some folks rigs I have a small amount of gear. guess you're the best judge of how much is enough. going acoustic is also a cool option if you don't care about hearing roaring gain smashing walls down. also I find I play more inspired stuff on an acoustic that I may not play on electric.
good luck on your decision - as ultimately it's exactly that, your decision.
like you said family comes first - good call sir
good luck on your decision - as ultimately it's exactly that, your decision.
like you said family comes first - good call sir
Inquisitor
New member
Haven't played in 3 months due to travel. And my body and mind are hurting. If I don't get my hands on a guitar and try to compose something crazy, I'm going to melt.
But seriously, Im due back this next week, and I have to get ready to play The Decline in its entirety for a Halloween cover set. Im going to be real busy, and I love the prospects of several all night practices after these 3 months of seclusion.
No family, earn little money comparatively to those who dedicate their lives to their work, often depressed, but If I cant express myself, things get real ugly. Id rather take that out on the music (and ideas) than on people, and that is how I perceive it at this point of my life. Good luck
But seriously, Im due back this next week, and I have to get ready to play The Decline in its entirety for a Halloween cover set. Im going to be real busy, and I love the prospects of several all night practices after these 3 months of seclusion.
No family, earn little money comparatively to those who dedicate their lives to their work, often depressed, but If I cant express myself, things get real ugly. Id rather take that out on the music (and ideas) than on people, and that is how I perceive it at this point of my life. Good luck
JimmyBlind
Active member
Inquisitor":2kkfeu8i said:
As-in NOFX's 'The Decline'?
I saw NOFX's first ever UK performance of The Decline.
Purpleibby
Well-known member
I wouldn't sell anything....if you have the tone of your dreams keep it,
many folks chase their sound for years and never find it. I think part of your problem is you're uninspired because you seem like you never achieved anything on the instrument. I say stop playing for instant fun and work until you achieve something...a song or favorite solo/lick. Take a little break, come back to it and bust your ass trying to perfect one thing.....chances are you'll automatically get better at other things in the process. You'll be a lot more inspired when you can actually play things that inspire you. Commit yourself to it....even if it's just tinkering on it unplugged in front of the tv. I'm also a family man, and they come first for me too... But I find the time...just try it!
many folks chase their sound for years and never find it. I think part of your problem is you're uninspired because you seem like you never achieved anything on the instrument. I say stop playing for instant fun and work until you achieve something...a song or favorite solo/lick. Take a little break, come back to it and bust your ass trying to perfect one thing.....chances are you'll automatically get better at other things in the process. You'll be a lot more inspired when you can actually play things that inspire you. Commit yourself to it....even if it's just tinkering on it unplugged in front of the tv. I'm also a family man, and they come first for me too... But I find the time...just try it!
T
Tom Crook
New member
maybe bubble wrap it all and wait till your kids start giving you musical wish lists...
imagine the looks on their mates faces when they pull out some relatively old school gear like that
and its a good way to keep the wife happy with less space for her shoes
imagine the looks on their mates faces when they pull out some relatively old school gear like that
and its a good way to keep the wife happy with less space for her shoes
Reiep
Member
JimmyBlind
Active member
Reiep":22zv9en1 said:
Looks like a fusion of a Caparison, Suhr Modern & an ibanez.