In a slump

mike2558 · #1 10-19-2005, 06:12 PM

Yes, like the title says, I am in a slump

I don't know if it's because of the new way I've started picking or what but I can't play like I did 2 weeks ago. I started picking the way you're supposed to, (before I held the pick like a pencil with all my fingers and have done it that way for a good year and a half since I started playing) Well I started holding the pick right, with the thumb and index finger and after a couple of days it was really working well. But now I just lost it and I can't play well at all. I get so frustrated and I'm playing so ****ty that I just stop and can't play anymore.

Anyone have any tips or suggestions as to how I can get good again :-/

King Knall · #2 10-19-2005, 06:23 PM

Why did you change the way you were holding your pick in the first place? If you were comfortable with the way you were holding your pick, then there's no need to change. Try going back to what you were used to before. Hope this helps.

mike2558 · #3 10-19-2005, 06:26 PM

because as I developed speed, the old way seemed to be worse and I actually found the new way easier. It took a bit of time to get used to but it seems better. I think my sucking is from all the stress from school and as I play bad I get more stress and I get so frustrated I want to kill everything in path.

JJEMMER777 · #4 10-19-2005, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeohollicA

(before I held the pick like a pencil with all my fingers and have done it that way for a good year and a half since I started playing)

You held it with ALL of your fingers? Must be one MONSTER plectrum, lol. I've never heard of anyone holding it that way. I wouldn't go back to it though. Seems like that would be a difficult way to play certain techniques. (pinched harmonics, etc) Only thing I would say is just keep practicing the RIGHT way and eventaully you'll get the feel / hang of it. Also, maybe try playing / practing different songs / routines that you havent played holding it the other way so you won't be used to playing it the other way. Good luck

mike2558 · #5 10-19-2005, 07:24 PM

no not all just the thumb, index and middle. maybe I should have said that instead... and it was usually a stubby 3mm. (which is small)

JJEMMER777 · #6 10-19-2005, 07:26 PM

Good man....after all...what is your status

mike2558 · #7 10-19-2005, 07:27 PM

oh god! that didn't sound right, EDITS.

brothersnowgone · #8 10-19-2005, 08:51 PM

Find what feels right to you and go with it, I remember I had the same problem when I first started out. Like when I first began Alternate picking I would get lost and have no idea what to do next because I was over-thinking it, but now it comes to me easier because its like a second nature now. I say just go with whats comfortable and practice as much as possible so it feels like you've picked like that forever. Don't be discouraged because lately you've been playing below par, and if your having real bad problems play something really easy for a while or what I do is play something you know you can play, but as fast as you can(it doesn't have to be perfect) then playing at normal speed will feel like butter! Good Luck!

nickcoumbe · #9 10-20-2005, 04:02 AM

I have weeks and months like this. I feel your pain brother.

I usually start by learning something completely new. I feel then that I am being productive.

Also start slow with everything (even stuff you know) so it is perfect then gradually build up speed again. I find this helps alot.

mike2558 · #10 10-20-2005, 01:54 PM

thanks for the good advice brothersnowgone and nickcoumbe

Angelo Guitars · #11 10-20-2005, 02:34 PM

Everyone gets into a rut once in a while. Usually it's a sign that you should move on to something "new", or at the very least something "different", than your normal everyday routine.

When I hit a rut it's usually a sign that I'm breaking through to the next level of my playing. So, it may not be as bad as you think. Definitely not the time to give up playing that's for sure.

Switching over to a new picking style can be frustrating, but you'll get used to it. Just think of how long you've been picking with the "old style". Not saying that you'll need "x" amount of years/months to adjust to your new picking style, but it will take a little time to make the transition.

In the meantime just take a step back, and reassess what you want to do. Work on a new tune or technique and focus on that. The picking will take care of itself once you stop thinking about it.

mike2558 · #12 10-20-2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelo Guitars

Everyone gets into a rut once in a while. Usually it's a sign that you should move on to something "new", or at the very least something "different", than your normal everyday routine.

When I hit a rut it's usually a sign that I'm breaking through to the next level of my playing. So, it may not be as bad as you think. Definitely not the time to give up playing that's for sure.

yeah, that's a good way to look at it, and when my JS1200 arrives (should be sometime soon) I think it will be a sign for me to move on to something new.