I'm giving it up!

[prshott]

Anyone want to buy my stuff? used to be I had three hours a day to practice, and I used to make progress in my playing. Now I play at playing cuz I cant seem to log in even an hour or two a week! I'm giving it up. Whats the point?

[mikesr1963]

You know, I may get 10 to 15 minutes a day to practice, but it's the joy that just picking up a guitar for that small period of time that transports me to heaven. I didn't start playing to impress anyone, just to have fun.

[dd842]

prshott said:

..... used to be I had three hours a day to practice ..... I cant seem to log in even an hour or two a week! ..... Whats the point?

Dude,

Dr. Phil here,

That is a cry for help! You can't decide your own course if you won't paddle your own canoe! Only YOU can make your eggs go over easy .....

I never could understand Dr. Phil's metaphors.

Okay,

Dan here, Hi.

You're taking a break, that's all. Keep your stuff, and play when you can. That's all that a lot of us can manage.

Dan

P.S. and stop trying so hard - did you really think you were going to be the next Yingyang Malmstang? ;D Have fun

[Ripper]

I have my trusty Strat. on my knee while watching the telly.
I noodle along ( unplugged ) all the time. My g/f doesnt mind, she knows its part of who I am.
You dont have to practice hardcore. You can just let your fingers noodle around. It keeps you sharp, and keeps your finger tips hard and in shape.
If you sell your gear youll regret it bigtime!

[ux4484]

Well prshott, Mikesr and I are the same age as you, I couldn't play two weeks for a finger slice, and I'm not back to speed yet, Mike is apparently a busy guy as well (As most guys our age with families are), so practice is not impossible, or sometimes even necessary (as I'll explain).
In the past, I've gone months and even years without playing. At one point; I considered selling my gear to have more space in the house (before the birth of daughter #1). Do you know what My Mrs. did? She went out and bought me a Bass (well, she wanted to do it on her own, but then decided I should be with....but the intention was there).
A while back (before his Hiatus) Sumgai recommended a book to me: Effortless Mastery. It took me a couple months to land it at my local Borders, but it has been well worth the wait. It's a slow read (or at least I feel it should be a slow read), because it forces you to take a look at why (and how) you play music, and how to make it a more mental-healthy experience. A few chapters in; Kenny states what seems like heresy: "You could stop right now and never play a note again, and it wouldn't matter!" His point is twofold: One: That we often put too much importance on how we play as opposed to enjoying playing. Two: In the scheme of life, there are much more important things, don't let your ability (or inability) to play control your emotions (or self image).
I'm not done with Mr. Baker's book, but as it changes how you think about playing, I feel it better to take it in small doses. Don't let a dry run control your feelings towards music. If you've EVER enjoyed playing, it's worth keeping your gear....if only for a rainy day.

BTW, Sumgai, thanks for the great book suggestion.

[sumgai]

ux,

Ya took the wind right outta my sails! I was gonna give prs that same spiel, and I must have done something right, because you're now as big a believer as I am! ;D

~!~!~!~!~!~
prs,

There's only one reason to sell your stuff..... you've died, and your estate needs the money! (Hopefully, that's because instead of planning ahead for their financial future, you spent it all on guitars and amps!)

Take a break, kick back, soak up some suds, make a little whoopee with the other half, and in general, forget about music for awhile. That's the very definition of 'vacation', isn't it? Go take one, right now. When you get back, the rig will still be there, ready and waiting.

And it's Kenny Werner (not Baker), but that wouldn't matter, just go snag that book. You'll kiss the ground upon which ux walks for recommending it to ya.


sumgai

[ccso8462]

At one time I quit playing for almost 5 years. Take a break if your circumstances require, but hold on to your gear. If there's anything I've learned in the last 50+ years it is this: Never sell a musical instrument or a gun. You'll always wish you hadn't later.

Carl

[ux4484]

See.....that's what happens when you're watching MTV's "When Star Wars Ruled the World" while posting (Kenny Baker was R2).

Tells you where my mind was at

[prshott]

Thanks guys! I really needed some understanding there! I guess I really could work in a few minutes here and there, I really do love my instruments more than most everything else. Thanks for the support, I'll also try the book.

[prshott]

Also sumgai, I was born an raised in burbank, class of '81 though. Now live to the north in palmdale. Still come down an see the parents on occasion

[ChrisK]

Let's get back on topic.

What kinda stuff are ya talkin' aboot?








;D

[sumgai]

chrisk said:

Let's get back on topic.

What kinda stuff are ya talkin' aboot?


;D

Pooty parper!



;D



sumgai

[sumgai]

prs,

Also sumgai, I was born an raised in burbank, class of '81 though. Now live to the north in palmdale. Still come down an see the parents on occasion

Looks like it's time to move back to The Vatican.

The phrase "Beautiful Downtown Burbank" is an oft-repeated punchline featured prominently on the old tv show 'Rowan and Martin's Laugh In'. It's a bit of dated cultural kitsch, but at my age, I'm lucky to remember my name, let alone what was popular in 1969! ;D

I'm dialing the moving comany right now.......


sumgai

[momo]

Well heres my 2 cents, Ive been playing sinse the age of 14, Im 39... I completely stopped playing 3 times in that leap the longest episode was about 2 years!
I was totally somewhere else in my life and was not inspired at all, I just kept listening to the younger guns and felt really depressed seeing 15 year old kids just shred my chops to pieces(there will ALWAYS be some kid better than you if you look for it !). I really thought that I had put that away forever.(never thought of selling my gear though, its like family, you get attached to these). Anyway about 6 months ago, something bit me and I got the fever back, boy I was never more enthusiastic to play and wondered why I waited so long.
And now sinse a month or so, I began modifing the guitar and effects, I had to try to find my own voice instead of copying my idols....I would of never done that a couple of years ago, I was happy just trying to copy note for note.
So the thing is you evolve and mature as you go on, and you have periods of ups and downs, but never forget the feeling you had in your heart, the moment you mastered some song/riff/chord, and tell yourself that this is will always be available in your life when you need it!
Keep your gear, if you sell, its like giving it away. No amount of money will give you the vibes you got when you mastered something you like on the guitar...
Cheers

[sumgai]

momo said:

.......
(there will ALWAYS be some kid better than you if you look for it !)

The story goes, Chet Atkins was once asked to record a particular tune that was a real man-killer. He said, simply, "That thing scares me, I can't do that!".

Now, where would the whole world be, if Chet Atkins, CGP, had quit playing just because some song was beyond his grasp?

The answer is, of course, he didn't quit. But more importantly, he also didn't care - he just kept on keeping on! Doing his Chet Atkins thing was good enough for him (and for me, come to that. ).

The lesson here is, if you need a break, take it. If you don't feel the need for a breather, then don't take one, it's that simple. But financially speaking, you'll be one sorry sod if you sell your rig out of depression, only to realize later that the world is still going on around you, and you come to find out after all that you really do wanna play. But what's cost of a ticket to get back into the game now, Big Daddy?

'Nuff said. Now, quitcher whinin', and get back in da game!


sumgai

[prshott]

Very well said Momo! also... Sumgai, don't worry, I'm not going to cruise the streets of burbank looking for sumgai wearing a paper bag over his head. I have enough of that right here on Sierra Highway!

[sumgai]

Change of Address Card to prshott:

I've moved back to the Vatican - the streets of Caliphornia were too much for me!

;D




sumgai

[momo]

Ah man you guys are making me dream, Im sitting here with a thick polar shirt cause its cold in the house and - 24 C outside....Ill let you guys guess where I live!, I had the chance to travel literally around the world for 10 years, but now I adopted a child and have stayed put for 6 years now. Just hearing California street names is freaking me out!!
I can just imagine taking my guitar in hand and walking down to 3rd ave in LA at 3 in the morning and go jam with that Jimi Hendrix hobotype guy that always plays there....

or on the pier, anywhere but here!...
We get 2/3 months of heat a year, and then its starts all over again with the frustration/complications of dealing with the cold.....

[sumgai]

momo said:

.......
We get 2/3 months of heat a year, and then its starts all over again with the frustration/complications of dealing with the cold.....

Hey man, don't let nuttin' but the fear of Gawd and the chain on your butt keep you from moving down here! ;D



sumgai

[momo]

Actually, I do have the soul of a nomad, I would have to leave my girl behind (she lives with her mother and I see her at fixed shedules), and that is not going to happen!
I cant count the times ive said that if I was not a father, for sure Id be selling cocunuts on some beach somewhere, all the while playing my guitar of course. ;D
I know this is going to sound moot, but you guys with the blue sky everyday, please stop 1 second and realize how lucky you are!...