I've seemingly lost the desire to play...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Tone Monster
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I'm in a lull at the moment. This is the second winter for me since getting back into guitar after many years off and maybe it's work keeping me busy lately because I haven't played/practiced 6-8 hours per week I've been averaging for the last year or so, down to maybe 3-5, maybe I don't like playing in a cold basement. I haven't totally lost interest though, taking a break lets you free up your mind if you're in a rut and come back recharged, I take this approach with other things too because sometimes you just can't force yourself to be interested if it's really not happening. Just wait till NAMM '14 and see if you become re-inspired then. ;)
 
:doh: Lately for me it's been difficult finding folks who are interested in the same kind of music I like to play. Then if I decide to play the stuff they want to play, they want to do it so half-assed that I get pissed off. At my age, I'm a lot less tolerant of lazy no talent fucks!

I now play a lot more Madden than I used to...
 
Yep. Some days, weeks, or months are just bleh to me, especially when I'm trying (and failing) to learn something new.
 
What keeps me alive is jamming with the band and a few beers once a week
:rock:
 
I lose the urge once in while. I'm not the greatest player in the world and it's just a hobby for me. Occasionally I get stuck in a rut and want to sell everything and find somewhere else to put the money. But I just give it a break for a few days and it's all fresh and new again. Back when my wife and I first married many years ago I had to sell all of my stuff just to have money to eat and make ends meet. After we got established and I have a good job now I have the funds to spend on my hobbies. I also keep in mind another factor. My father has Parkinson's disease and it's taken away a lot of his mobility. He used to play piano quite and bit and really enjoyed it. But as his pain sons progressed and took away his dexterity he can't play anymore. It just reminds me to enjoy it while I can. You never know what the future has in store.
 
Great thread, I went through it after a failed music career and a loss of a destination, then I started with an acoustic and playing Beatle songs, always kept my Marshall 212 and my Ernie ball custom guitar silo special, not I'm back and writing with someone again, was in a studio today, what helps is goals like recording and playing with other people, but I work full time and I play 3 hours a week, more than snuff and I'm obsessed with gear and toys!
 
I've got too many amps that I can't easily sell to just let sit around........ :shocked:
 
Breaks are normal even for pros. If you need and/or want one then take one. I'm in a down period right now after a failed band project and creative dry spell - but am spending a lot of time building, modding, and tinkering with amps. Plus of course spending way too much time in online forums . . .
 
Learn some new material.

Challenge yourself with a different style or genre.

Jump into a band, that will light the fire...

Get a cheap 8 track and record some song ideas and see how they turn out.


Good luck.
 
Been there, done that. I lost interest for about 15 years. I have recently gotten back into a band, and yes, that will motivate you for sure.

Just remember, Rock & Roll never forgets.

Regards,

Scott
 
Wow, there is rarely a day that goes by that I don't play. Granted, I am a musician by trade, so I have a guitar in my lap 10ish hours a week just for my job. Taking breaks is great, but the longest I've gone without playing since I started 17 years ago was 2 weeks.
 
Hell I don't play guitar at all. I'm just here for the NSFW avatars.
 
Happens. I'm a winter sport guy and play a lot more in the spring/summer than I do in the fall or winter...snowboarding takes up a lot of my energy in the winter.

I get motivated by different stuff; if I'm primarily playing metal and feeling stuck, I jump on some blues videos or what not; grab a standard tuned LP and try and find some older blues sounds with whatever amp I'm working with. The opposite goes too....if I'm playing blues/rock non-stop I'll grab a drop tuned 7 just for metal riffs. I've been going back and forth like that for years now.
 
I just play daily in the morning. It is like a ritual. The wife sits in with me and we talk, jam to various track, enjoy some coffee. It is just part of the morning, like the treadmill.

As far as practicing in he evenings, that can have long gaps. What helps is to set up a jam with a few new songs to learn. I started playing guitar for fun. Jam sessions or keg parties are it for me. So it isn't work like for touring guys. I chose corporate America and occasional stage hack. I know my role!
 
I play when I can and while I have been playing for about 30+ years on and off, I also work in corporate America, which sucks the life out of you!! I have my days where I just do not want to do anything even play the guitar!! :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL: :lol: :LOL: I really should start taking lessons like Jazz or Country just to make things more interesting.
 
Heritage Softail":8juiql1s said:
I chose corporate America and occasional stage hack. I know my role!
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That's the bitch of it...I chose corporate America as well (actually it more or less chosen for me...that's another story) and still gig heavily. I feel extremely crushed for time these days...I haven't done many things that I enjoy in ages (read books, play games, kayak, martial arts, etc).
 
I actually quit my band and I only touch my guitar maybe once every two weeks or so. I still enjoy playing but I've just found that it takes too much time away from my family.
 
I haven't been playing that much in that last few months. Getting water in the basement will do that to you as well as some hand injuries. Working my way back in, finally feel like my playing is coming around again. Just be patient, this is normal to have lulls in desire to play....
 
Man y'all are bringing me down lol! You need some friends and some beer once in awhile to play with, or what's the point? The only time I took a break from playing is when my ex made me quit the best band I had ever been in. I got rid of her, and now I play all the time. /shrug
 
I hear you Rockinchippy. I have seen your nice bit of amplifier gear stack up. I like that SS 100. Nice set of amps.

Corporate life can be good. Not bitching at all. I think I have bought more quality gear in the last two years than the previous 10. The busy spell will pass and get more toward normal where I have time.

I have a few guitars at a couple thou each that have less than 6 hours play time. I'm not regretting getting them just because I am busy.

When the time and mood strikes, it will be all good.

I need to find the SC-58 and play it this weekend!
 
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