|
Post by bellyshere on Oct 7, 2021 22:11:24 GMT
Well I’ve not been about for a while but I’m not dead, I think. It’s because I’m playing less guitar and I feel like I’ve betrayed you all. (0: I’ve been playing more piano. Don’t judge too hard. At least it’s not the drums. There are some long time players on here. So my question is, have you had periods where you played less? I’m still writing songs with my guitar but not like I was.
|
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 33,880
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
|
Post by ocarolan on Oct 7, 2021 22:23:05 GMT
I began playing almost 60 years ago, and as you might imagine, I've had quite a few "fallow" years. Sometimes with diversions into other instruments, sometimes not playing anything. It's never really bothered me - it always comes back to acoustic guitar after a while - usually only a few weeks, though occasionally as much as a year or more.
You certainly haven't betrayed us Shaun. Just keep doing your thing, whatever, whenever - you've only yourself to please!
Keith
|
|
|
Post by bellyshere on Oct 7, 2021 22:35:49 GMT
I could never see myself playing nothing even if just for a short time. They are gonna have to prise something out of my hands as they stick me under or whatever. 60 years of music Keith. That makes me smile man. Just think of how many times you’ve picked, strummed a string and made a lovely sound adding to nice things on this rock. Maybe I’ve taken myself out of my comfort zone with something else. It might be a good thing. I’m going to have to stick an acoustic song up soon to address the balance.
|
|
|
Post by fuzzbox on Oct 8, 2021 6:23:42 GMT
Didn't play for over three months this year. Now .010s on my Strat feel like barbed wire.
|
|
|
Post by grayn on Oct 8, 2021 6:51:26 GMT
Moving into different instruments and different music styles can only be a good thing. Being a musician is what counts, in my book. I didn't even own an acoustic, for a year or so but I still came to this site regularly, because I like the folk on here.
|
|
|
Post by RodB on Oct 8, 2021 7:05:15 GMT
Like ocarolan I have been playing for nearly 60 years but with sometimes considerable periods of low or no playing. Work was mainly the cause but now well retired I can still go days without picking up a guitar. TBH with the exception of beginners or professionals I have never understood why people find it important to play every day. Many hobbies and pastimes are best enjoyed when the mood takes you. In any case music is music whatever the instrument - almost!
|
|
Riverman
Artist / Performer
Posts: 7,345
Member is Online
|
Post by Riverman on Oct 8, 2021 10:32:23 GMT
You’re not alone, bellyshere. The last 18 months have severely undermined my enthusiasm for many things, including the idea of performing. I’ve dropped in here from time to time, but haven’t felt like contributing much. I was still playing guitar until recently, but it was mainly noodling rather than anything focused. Then three weeks ago I ruptured my kneecap tendon, leading to surgery and now being in ankle to thigh plaster. Even if I could find a comfortable position to balance a guitar on my lap, I’m too knackered to bother. I’ve just had an invitation to do a series of videos next year for a guitar related Facebook group, and I’m torn between saying yes - to force myself to snap out of it, but at the risk of letting people down if I can’t - and just basically retiring from playing for others until the desire returns, if it ever does. Sorry for the downbeat reply. The news about Andy has cast a shadow over my mood today.
|
|
|
Post by scorpiodog on Oct 8, 2021 10:35:37 GMT
I'm obviously a newcomer to this guitaring lark. I've only been playing for about 55 years. But that's not constantly, by any means. I had a 5 or 6 year layoff in the 1970's and an even longer one (20 years or more) up to 2002. In fact, I've only really taken it at all seriously since then. And even so, I can sometimes find it hard to keep at it and will not pick up an instrument for months. The truth is that when you come back to playing, with your fingers soft and your chops unpracticed, it takes a tiny amount of time to climb up to where you were before. You're never a beginner after you're a beginner. You carry on with whatever makes you happy, bellyshere. Don't shun the forum, though. We like you.
|
|
ocarolan
Global Moderator
CURMUDGEONLY OLD GIT (leader - to join, just ask!)
Posts: 33,880
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"c0cfe1"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: 182a3f
Mini-Profile Text Color: 733a1c
|
Post by ocarolan on Oct 8, 2021 10:38:56 GMT
Riverman - so sorry to hear of your injury, Richard. Hope all will heal quickly and completely. keith
|
|
|
Post by scorpiodog on Oct 8, 2021 10:40:12 GMT
Sorry for the downbeat reply. The news about Andy has cast a shadow over my mood today. I feel exactly the same way, Richard. I'm on here rather than working, as I should be, for that very reason. I feel the need to be among friends at the moment. I'm truly sorry that you are having such a spell of bad luck at the moment. I'm sure you'll come back to it though. I think you're one of the best ragtime guitarists I've ever seen, and I really like your songs.
|
|
|
Post by Cams on Oct 8, 2021 11:35:21 GMT
I can relate. I used to worry during fallow periods that the desire wouldn't return. I no longer worry. So far it always has, but you never know. I'll tell you what though, HB12 sure inspired me to pick it up more, as did being booked to play a gig in September that I almost passed on. Riverman , you'll make your choices about getting back out, but I'm on the other side of that decision now and I'm glad that I agreed to it. Although I acknowledge that a series of videos isn't quite the same thing!
|
|
|
Post by bellyshere on Oct 8, 2021 11:42:54 GMT
You’re not alone, bellyshere. The last 18 months have severely undermined my enthusiasm for many things, including the idea of performing. I’ve dropped in here from time to time, but haven’t felt like contributing much. I was still playing guitar until recently, but it was mainly noodling rather than anything focused. Then three weeks ago I ruptured my kneecap tendon, leading to surgery and now being in ankle to thigh plaster. Even if I could find a comfortable position to balance a guitar on my lap, I’m too knackered to bother. I’ve just had an invitation to do a series of videos next year for a guitar related Facebook group, and I’m torn between saying yes - to force myself to snap out of it, but at the risk of letting people down if I can’t - and just basically retiring from playing for others until the desire returns, if it ever does. Sorry for the downbeat reply. The news about Andy has cast a shadow over my mood today. Hope you are back on top soon man. Bloody life getting in the way of music. Grrrrr!!! Boils my head that does.
|
|
Riverman
Artist / Performer
Posts: 7,345
Member is Online
|
Post by Riverman on Oct 8, 2021 16:34:49 GMT
Sorry for the downbeat reply. The news about Andy has cast a shadow over my mood today. I feel the need to be among friends at the moment. Indeed so, Paul. Thanks for the supportive words, and likewise ocarolan, Cams and bellyshere. This is a good place to be on a day like this.
|
|
|
Post by dreadnought28 on Oct 8, 2021 22:39:06 GMT
Horrible day!
I think the lack of live gigs has done a fair bit of psychological damage. I did 3 live concerts last year which were remarkably successful but the silence at the end of every song really got to me. No enthusiasm to repeat this year and relatively low interest in playing guitar. I have utilised some of the time to further develop skills on banjo, mandolin and Appalachian dulcimer. In fact I acquired the only Taran dulcimer in existence last week.
Hope you are back on your feet again soon Richard.
|
|
stringdriventhing
C.O.G.
Posts: 1,859
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"101011"}
Mini-Profile Name Color: E61921
Mini-Profile Text Color: e6ce19
|
Post by stringdriventhing on Oct 9, 2021 10:08:56 GMT
I've had loads of periods over the years when I haven't picked up the guitar (or any another instrument) for ages... my record was about six months I think. I don't think it does any harm and sometimes it's helpful as you may well approach playing in a slightly different way after a lengthy lay-off, and might even lose some bad habits. The only real drag with it is the first couple of days when it feels like you can't play at all and the horrible couple of weeks of pain while you get your calluses back. So basically I wouldn't stress about playing less guitar, especially if you're doing something else musical that you're enjoying. It's always there for you to come back to.
|
|