Members Bugsgalore Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 It first occured to me when I was 17 that there were just some times, places, confluences of events that really brought out the "music" in me. I'll start: For me it's changed over time....and definatley depending on the music I'm playing (classical vs. blues vs. american primative). For classical (especially romantic period and 20th centurty south/central american music) I play my best in a room with dim natural light with open windows during a mild rainstorm....something about the moisture in the air and the counterpoint of the rain really draws the sound out of me. Kind of a content melancholy feeling..... For fingerstyle blues...being in a good mood after work in the sun on my back deck seems to really get my mojo flowin' especially watching my 2 year old play in the yard (and hopefully not pound on my guitar!!). For american primative (a la Kottke, Fahey, etc)....being at potluck or BBQ or an open mike really gets me going.....sometimes playing on my deck at night under the stars is also good. Cheers, Matt.
Members kwakatak Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 During quiet times when there are no distractions. The ideal place varies but I'd have to say that in general I really prefer to play outdoors.
Members Hudman Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 I prefer to play in quiet places. Inside or outside - makes no difference to me. You can't be picky when you have kids running around the house.
Members DADGADammit Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 a few beers, some green smoke and listening ears usually do it for me. i love playing while camping or on the beach too
Members kwakatak Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 Originally posted by Hudman I prefer to play in quiet places. Inside or outside - makes no difference to me. You can't be picky when you have kids running around the house. +1 That's why I have 2 string swings and a cheap guitar that serves as a decoy to throw my 2 year-old off my good guitars. When I do have to play I usually play behind closed doors or use a strap (on the guitar )
Members min7b5 Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 Very early in the morning New spaces A very live room-hardwood floors a must Travel A great view- the ocean always works, snow capped mountains too...
Members WaveRay Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 I don't think 've played my best yet.I'll let you know when it happens.
Members ziganaut Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 Nothing makes me play better than having an audience, whether it's one person in my living room or many people at a gig (where I would be playing ...gasp! electric). I just go into performance mode that I can't duplicate fully when I'm by myself. My level of concentration goes through the roof and the need to express and connect through music takes over (sounds new age doesn't it?) when I'm in the spotlight, literal or otherwise. A little herbal refreshment never hurts as well. Also, playing acoustic slide blues is something that feels more natural outdoors to me and probably a million other people.
Members Michael Martin Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 Originally posted by ziganaut Nothing makes me play better than having an audience, whether it's one person in my living room or many people at a gig (where I would be playing ...gasp! electric). I just go into performance mode that I can't duplicate fully when I'm by myself. That's true for me for singing and for general singing/playing intensity, but I'd say my best playing is not when in front of an audience. I think it happens most often in the evening after playing for about half an hour, alone. But sometimes I don't play well at all, as if it's just not my night. It's pretty mystical. If I drink a beer, I play great, and if I drink another one, I start screwing up. Alcohol is definitely not an enhancement, in the long run. Haven't done the herb thing in quite awhile, but wouldn't mind trying. You didn't ask about composing or inventing, but I do that best first thing in the morning--preferably, at the moment of waking up.
Members Queequeg Posted August 17, 2006 Members Posted August 17, 2006 This is a very interesting thread.I have extreme stage fright, so an audience definitely doesn't improve my performance.Like Michael, one beer seems to help, but three hurts.I get up early and play before work. 5:00am is a very good time for me. I'm relaxed and the stress of the day hasn't taken it's toll on me yet.Anybody know of a dimly lit, sparsley attended, early morning open mic???
Members Old_Joe_Clark Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 when I've been playing for more than 4 hours.
Members recordingtrack1 Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 Starting on or about the 2nd or 3rd song in front of an audience that really wants to hear your music and are appreciative. I have to get over the initial nerves but if after the first song they applaud with some degree of enthusiasm, I am on my way. If I can get their attention, especially if they clap or sing along. or if they get really quiet. That, in itself is scary because you don't always know if they are really liking you. But once you get that solid feedback at the end of the first piece then my adrenaline really kicks in. Anyway, that's my best and most fun. RT1
Members JasmineTea Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 Hmm. Can't say for sure. I think I play best in certain frames of mind, but time of day, place, circumstance, all contribute. In the course of a day I may start out on the front porch, move to the living room, the back porch, down to the lake, a park, an open mic, and an after-the-bar-party till dawn. Any of which could've been "best".
Members Laserpuls Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 I play best when the day has come to rest, in a quiet room. No matter where: inside, out, up, down.... Whenever I can step out of the hectic run, I can pick up a guitar and play some. It's important that I play a little daily, otherwise my fingers lose 'it'. I don't mind an audience, but I tend to keep to standards when new people are around. Improvisation is for really relaxed moments of the day... Nice thread.
Members d28andm1911a1 Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 Good gig with lots of audience interaction.And after midnight playing for myself when the wife has gone to bed.
Members dad Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 I have heard it said that when you pick up your guitar, if you can make through the first 20 30 minutes your guitar soul takes over, i guess for me it does'nt matter where or when however there are times when it is like an addiction and I have to play, those tend to be the best times.
Members thirdstone Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 I don't think about it too much before hand. I just play everything and don't worry about what's next, it just comes to me.I did that a few weeks back for a group of friends on the beach. Beautiful starry night, waves crashing in, campfire the whole bit. I played for about 2 hours. Every time I was gonna take a break - they said keep playing we'll get you another beer- just keep playing. There was a young lady there from Australia. She had been visiting for two weeks and was going home the next day. She told me it was the most enjoyable night since she arrived.She said they don't allow campfires on the beach in Australia. Nothing was planned. No anticipation- no expectations. I just caught the right buzz and inspiration and everything came together. Just me and my 12- string.
Members Rickkkk Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 I guess I'll go with whoever said "in front of an appreciative audience" first .. that seems to do it for me. Cheers !
Members Michael Martin Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 Originally posted by Old_Joe_Clark when I've been playing for more than 4 hours. I did that last night--made my fingers hurt. I have great calluses but my limit seems to be about 3 hours. Hurts so good!
Members ElixirofLife Posted August 18, 2006 Members Posted August 18, 2006 Originally posted by Michael Martin I did that last night--made my fingers hurt. I have great calluses but my limit seems to be about 3 hours. Hurts so good! What were you fingering? Sounds kinky. I finger my Esteban whenever I can.
Members AK47 Posted August 19, 2006 Members Posted August 19, 2006 My best playing is when the day is over and everyone has gone their own way. I can crawl off into a room and get totally absorbed into my playing. I may start with a song or a blues progression. From there I can get lost in it and take it anywhere. My adrenaline gets pumped up and hours can turn to minutes and if I think about it I couldn't remember where it started at. No distractions just me and my guitar. In playing live which I haven't done in years. I like a small show with everyone silent and all eyes on me. If I achieve this I know the house is mine. Small shows are so personal. I don't always achieve either but when I do it is soooo special.
Members guitarist21 Posted August 19, 2006 Members Posted August 19, 2006 Where: Ashbary Coffeehouse in Willow Springs, IL, with a sizable crowdWhen: About 8:00 on a night when people don't have anything better to do than see me and my friends play guitar.What: Jones Soda. Ellen
Members JasmineTea Posted August 19, 2006 Members Posted August 19, 2006 Originally posted by guitarist21 Where: Ashbary Coffeehouse in Willow Springs, IL, What night(s)? I might stop in, if that's ok.
Members 6942 Posted August 19, 2006 Members Posted August 19, 2006 A waitress gives me a BJ before every gig. Doesn't help my playing a lick. Bit I am in a better mood! Steve
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