Practicing too much = slump??

JJEMMER777 · #1 06-10-2006, 11:10 PM

Hi Fellow Jemsiters

Well, as some of you know, due to recent circumstances, I have a LOT more time on my hands than I used to.

So.....I've been practicing more. You know the old, "practice, practice, practice makes perfect thing.

Grrrr!!! Now I seem to have fallen into a slump though, because in BAND practice I'm missing notes on my skips, sloppy sweeps, etc. Some of these songs I have been playing for years

In the last 4 practices I have been terrible. My bandmates are looking at me like WTF

What happened to you Jim??

Do you think it's possible to practice TOO much??? That maybe a couple weeks off is in order???I've always heard you can never get too much practice. Not so sure anymore.

If yous would be so kind as to share / enlighten me with your input / personal experiences / advice, which I respect so much I'd appreciate it

Should I take a hiatus from guitar for a couple weeks, or just get over it and stop this childish whining

????

Thanks

Ozzdoc · #2 06-10-2006, 11:23 PM

well sometimes I feel that, you just get "sick" of guitar..and your fingers just don't wanna play! or your head is just not into it....it just happens. Mind you I only stop for a few hours and it's like once a month lol ..I'm young

Also if you play a lot you'll get a lot more callusus developing which means it will screw up your sliding etc.. which is a real pain in the ass, you know what I'm trying to say...

Distantshore · #3 06-11-2006, 12:03 AM

I went throught the exact same thing years ago. I was practicing hours everyday and just hit a wall. It was like I couldn't even play. I became frustrated and pushed all my gear into the closet, where I didn't look at it or touch it for a month. One day I just got the urge to play, pulled it all back out, and was filled with new ideas! Not sure why this was, but it worked for me.
Now I haven't played for several months, but just out of sheer laziness..lol
Hope this helps.

spkenn5 · #4 06-11-2006, 12:06 AM

that will probably last for couple days, but im sure it'll get back to you.. same thing happens to me, and even though it happens on little exercise ( chromatics w/ metronome ), i did 180bpm before and i couldnt do it last time, cant even reach 140 but later i get the speed back

Angelo Guitars · #5 06-11-2006, 01:12 AM

I think you can "practice too much of the same thing". Sometimes we get stuck in the same old, same old routine.

Instead of "taking a break" from practicing, maybe just change the things that you're working on. Try something more challenging.

JJEMMER777 · #6 06-11-2006, 01:15 AM

Thanks Guys

I've decided to blame it on my guitars....their not good enough

Lol...seriously,

As far as callusus go, I've been playing so long they aren't even visible anymore. They're underneath the skin. Except on my ~right~ 3rd which is my tapping / beer can opening finger

~D, I hear ya on the new state of mind and ideas if you take a hiatus which I'm thinkin I need to do, but that brings me to another delima. I am ANAL about getting the band practices in and on memebers missing practice. Seriously anal!!! And now I have to tell them there won't be practice for a month cuz I am a sissy and can't play and need time off......

Oh buoy

Actually, the way I'm playing, they'll probably welcome it (ya right)

Oh and Ozz....I'm young too

Distantshore · #7 06-11-2006, 01:46 AM

LoL...forgot you got a band to deal with it.

IbanezGirl · #8 06-11-2006, 01:47 AM

JJEMMER777, i can relate too what you are saying. I'm also in a slump with my playing/practicing at the moment. I think that old adage of practice, practice,pratice can put one in a slump, if it's done for seriously long periods.

I know you said you're in a band, but maybe playing/jamming with different people will bring you new ideas and renewed enthusiasm, and lift you out of the slump.

mi2tom · #9 06-11-2006, 01:51 AM

It's nice to relax and stay away from the instrument once a while though, playing too much may result in fatigue and it doesn't help improve your playing, you become sloppy and sloppier, my advice I give to my students here

and stay away from drinking too much coffee, they disrupt your much needed sleep and disrupt your stamina for playing the guitar.... and stay away from beer Jim

Distantshore · #10 06-11-2006, 01:55 AM

Stay away from beer....OUCH! I feel for you Jim!

JJEMMER777 · #11 06-11-2006, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IbanezGirl

JJEMMER777, i can relate too what you are saying. I'm also in a slump with my playing/practicing at the moment. I think that old adage of practice, practice,pratice can put one in a slump, if it's done for seriously long periods.

Careful I.G. (kinda weird calling you that A

) or we may begin to prove that old adage wrong

Maybe gettin that 550 will pull you outta your slump

Quote:

Originally Posted by mi2tom

and stay away from beer Jim

Oh come on mitom......that's like keep a fly away from....well......

DOO DOO

I actually don't drink TOO much whilst playing. I get real creative when driking, but very sloppy.

- you've just figured it out.

I need to drink more BEER

THANKS BRO!!!!!

IbanezGirl · #12 06-11-2006, 03:47 AM

Quote:

Careful I.G. (kinda weird calling you that A

) or we may begin to prove that old adage wrong

Maybe gettin that 550 will pull you outta your slump

It is weird, but i'm tuff, i can handle it.

If someone wants to donate a 550, i'll let you know if it works on the slump (iness)

wallie! · #13 06-11-2006, 05:31 AM

too much of one thing can be bad :P

Maybe take a break for a few days, listen to some new music you might want to learn (but dont go learn it till ur few days is up :P)

dannymills · #14 06-11-2006, 08:38 AM

I had the same problem. I used to make a point of playing a few hours a day, and at the very least, EVERy day. Then I went on a school trip to Barcelona for a week, and i thought I would miss my guitars SOOO much and like, die or something. In fact, I missed them but it wasn't unbearable. And when I came back, I plugged straight in, turned up, jammed along to some Zeppelin for a while and played the best freakin guitar I'd ever played. So now I'm not afraid to miss a day or so, coz I know it'll only sound better to me when I pick it up. If I ever think I'm getting too stale, or I'm hating how I'm playing, I'll just give it a couple of days, and then set some time aside and have a real enjoyable playing session lol. I usually find that my creativity and phrasing improve leaps and bounds from this. A month is unnecessary, just give it a few days, a week tops, and you'll see what I mean.

andy7jem · #15 06-11-2006, 09:22 AM

It may not be a musical thing,more a mental thing.You are still out of work i guess from your comments.How is this affecting your mind.I find when i have other problems on my mind my playing gets crap (well,its not great to start with!!! I'll say gets crappier

).
Is it something thats really bothering you,coz even if you're not in a desperate situation yet,having money coming in is number one priority! It may be that outside worries are subconsciously affecting your concentration on the guitar.Just a thought bro.
Please,please,PLEASE don't blame those gorgeous,beautiful,sexy,desirable guitars of yours!!!

Of course,if they really are an issue,i would greatly give a loving home to those 2 florals of yours!!!