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Learning how to FOCUS


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Posted

I've been playing for 4 years now, and i've noticed that over the years, my ADD has really hindered me from progressing as fast as i have the potential to. When I pick up the guitar, I have no ideas in mind, and tend to not even pay attention to what i'm playing. When I do pay attention, I end up playing the same old basic (i mean basic) progressions, strumming patterns, and whatever else i do a billion times.

 

How do I get myself outta this rut that i'm in? Has anyone else had similar experiences with this?

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Posted

I think just about everyone goes through these periods. It just happens from time to time.

It can be hard to find inspiration. And that's what these ruts usually come down to. Lack of inspiration.

Some things that have always helped me:

Going to a live show - I always get fired up and motivated to play again. It's like it just builds up this energy in me that can only be released by playing guitar!

Learning a new song, from start to finish. Then work on mastering it. Adds a new piece to my repertoire, and gives me new ideas for future compositions.

Dabbling with a new style. New perspective helps keep it fresh.

Free jamming, either with people or a cd. Helps come up with new ideas.

Sometimes, ruts are actually a form of burn-out, though. And about the only way that I can think of to cure burn-out is to take a break. Just put the guitar down for a while. I quit playing for years because of burn-out. Now after a year of playing again, I just can't get enough!

Anyway, good luck! I hope you find something that works for you

:thu:

--John

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Posted

wow man... I've been playing for 4 years too.. and I feel the same way...
but, lately I've been doing the most helpful thing for my guitar (and musical overal) skills, Learning theory.
I bought a book for sight reading, and borrowed some cello scores (bach) from a friend. Haven't worked on it for so long but I'm definitely progressing.

Here's how see it:
when you just play, just pick up the guitar; It's true, you don't really pay attention, same with just reading tabs and learning songs. Understanding theory helps for composition and musical understanding.
I'm a very technical player, but over the last few months i've been doing the thinking part, and it has given me a great deal of direction.

in my opinion, i should have done this since i started
if you aren't too much into theory, i suggest you start with simple stuff and work your way up, its way more helpful than just learning scales and playing riffs and songs.

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Posted

Hey DBG,

Not to worry, my man. Your delimma happens to not only musicians, but it happens to a lot of people in many fields of work. Here's a few tips that may help:

1. First, set aside time to just jam, but also set aside a time where you have a structured plan with goals.

2. You should have a goal when you head into your structured practices. "This practice, I'm going to learn the progression for XYZ song". Don't play anything else until your goal is met.

3. One of your structured sessions should be focused on playing an entirely different type of music. Are you into metal? Then try a session learning two songs by the Buena Vista Social Club.

Hope this helps. Set Goals - Have a Plan.

"That which gets measured, gets done."

CFL

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Posted
Originally posted by DeathByGuitar

I've been playing for 4 years now, and i've noticed that over the years, my ADD has really hindered me from progressing as fast as i have the potential to. When I pick up the guitar, I have no ideas in mind, and tend to not even pay attention to what i'm playing. When I do pay attention, I end up playing the same old basic (i mean basic) progressions, strumming patterns, and whatever else i do a billion times.


How do I get myself outta this rut that i'm in? Has anyone else had similar experiences with this?



If you have ADD (=Attention Deficit Disorder?) you should definitely get some professional help. Don't think there is anything to blame yourself for this, it happens to many people for hundreds of reasons. But I suppose you need to address the general problem with someone who knows how other people manage to solve it, not with guitarists on a web forum :p

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Posted

Everybody goes through that - inspiration is the most important thing. Sometimes you just need to take a week off from practicing. Or you could work on a new book/cd pack with some stuff that really interests you. And learning theory and how to apply it is good for many dozens of hours of fun. Writing and recording your own songs is great too - you learn how to structure things and write a solo. Promise yourself that in some set period of time you'll have recorded an album worth of material. It may not be the greatest album in the world, but it gets you working towards a goal. Or learn a song you really like, or get a book on technique, or get together and jam with somebody who's a lot better than you, join a band, take some lessons.

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