Members Deeprig9 Posted May 5, 2008 Members Posted May 5, 2008 I saw some of those instructionals, and he says "Don't forget to breathe" and he says it a couple times. Sometimes when I find myself concentrating and playing something difficult, I have to take a huge breath when I'm done because I haven't been breathing. Is there any specific problem you encounter when you don't remember to breathe [besides death and brain damage?]? Perhaps it makes you rush the part because you are running out of air? Something subcounscious? It's nearly impossible for me to remember to breathe sometimes. I'm trying to remember the next 14 notes while playing the current set of 8, you know, my brain leading my fingers by a measure.
Members VengefulTikiGod Posted May 5, 2008 Members Posted May 5, 2008 Well as a general rule, the more relaxed you can be, the better you'll play, so I imagine breathing ties into that. Maybe making a conscious effort to breath will help relaxation. Haha I find it rather odd that a bass player would be telling people to breathe, usually that's a problem for horn players and singers. I always rather appreciated the luxury of being able to breathe while playing my instrument
Members stratitude Posted May 5, 2008 Members Posted May 5, 2008 ?Yes! There is a definite reason to always breathe as you play, and it is this: When you are not breathing your muscles tense up. When your muscles are tense it is not as easy to make the movements necessary to play. Likely when you make your 'sigh of relief' after a fast passage and begin breathing once more, you will probably find that your arms feel a lot more relaxed. Your shoulders might drop down a little too. Almost certainly your previously tense belly will now soften itself up. All these things are signs of excess muscle tension, which is hindering the movements you want to make. As you learn to breathe when you play you will reduce this tension, and as a result your playing will be much more fluent and speedy, too.
Members ANameYouTrust Posted May 7, 2008 Members Posted May 7, 2008 If you aren't breathing while you're playing, you are definitely too tense. There is nothing I could EVER think that would be so difficult to play that would stop me from breathing. Maybe breathing FASTER, but not stop all together.
Members jonPhillips Posted May 7, 2008 Members Posted May 7, 2008 Generally speaking, breathing at all times when not under water is to be highly recommended.
Members slight-return Posted May 7, 2008 Members Posted May 7, 2008 Deep - there's a decent book on tension and the musician "A soprano on her Head" As was brought up - it's about tension. It can be a bad cycle - sometimes are stress responses...lead to more stress
Members Deeprig9 Posted May 8, 2008 Author Members Posted May 8, 2008 Thanks to all the replies, very valuable. I will continue to make a conscious effort to breathe more consistently. As if Victor's word wasn't enough, it's nice to get some explanation out of it, that's how my mind works. I need explanations. Thanks again!
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