Guitar Chops Progress

Sabre · #1 09-17-2006, 12:44 PM

Hey,
Im having a tough time getting anywhere on guitar lately, which on top of school courswork is making life pretty frustrating at the moment. I've been playing for four years and the two middle years I have learnt plenty, but now everything is grinding to a halt, and im finding it hard to concentrate and stick to what I'm trying to learn. I don't really have a routine so I don't know if that's hindering my progress, maybe I should warm-up, practice threory then a song or lesson? For example, I was trying to learn satch's Always with me. . . and I went over the intro plenty of times succesfully, but when it comes to playing along with the track I fumble constantly. Anyone got any suggestions on how to keep me going, reccomended routines, what should I or shouldn't I be practicing? Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

katrina · #2 09-17-2006, 01:09 PM

What you SHOULD do is give yourself a break!

For about a week, focus on SCHOOL and NOT guitar....

Seriously, when you go back, you'll be SO refereshed and you would've been CRAAVINGG the guitar for so long that you'll want to get at much out of it as possible.. Seriously! This has worked for me in the past!

Good luck, my friend!

~ Katrina

Sabre · #3 09-17-2006, 01:12 PM

Thanks Katrina, I suppose it's worth a shot, seeing im not budging on guitar.

katrina · #4 09-17-2006, 01:14 PM

Go for it!
Good luck, and if you need something to distract yourself, jemsite is always here...

~ Katrina

Sabre · #5 09-17-2006, 01:22 PM

True, this place is great.

Team J Crafter · #6 09-17-2006, 02:06 PM

Yes, take a break. Every so ofen I'll put it down for a few days. I tried a week but couldn't do it. When you come back, you'll aproach things differently and maybe add a new trick or two.

Sabre · #7 09-17-2006, 02:48 PM

Thanks, anyone got any practice routines I could follow?

katrina · #8 09-17-2006, 02:55 PM

As far as what you start with, end with, etc?

~ Katrina

Sabre · #9 09-17-2006, 03:11 PM

Yeah, as in warm-up, and then what? I have to learn some songs at some point to keep me interested, don't punish me completely with theory!

MilkshakeFiend · #10 09-17-2006, 06:03 PM

Definately take a break - there's only so much your brain can take before it stops learning. once you notice you arn't making any headway, you'll get depressed, and then it ALL goes to hell in a handbasket.

Check out petruccis Rock Discipline, it has some good warm ups that stretch your hand, etc.

When I'm burnt out on guitar, I give the ol' double bass, keyboard and piano a good thrashin'. Nothing like razzing out 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' scored for Piano, Double Bass, and a very out of tune singer!

~M

mi2tom · #11 09-17-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katrina

What you SHOULD do is give yourself a break!

I remember giving you that advice Kat

**Ayrton** · #12 09-17-2006, 11:35 PM

I don't know about others, but guitar is supposed to be fun to me. When I am not "feeling it" or I get frustrated with something, I just put it down or try something different.

Take a break and come back at it.

katrina · #13 09-18-2006, 01:19 AM

Yeah, guitar is fun! That's the whole point -- to express yourself through music, and to be HAPPY!

So, save yourself some sorrow and put the axe down for a while!

~ Katrina

Jemwielder · #14 09-18-2006, 01:43 AM

Slow and steady wins the race man. I'd recommend picking out a completely different style of playing that interests you. Also sometimes just jamming out and not trying to learn anything new is a good call. Sometimes new things come to you without really working towards it. Although taking a break isn't a bad idea either.