i really enjoyed this article as well.
i'm a typical quick starter. i thrive on pressure. i show up ready to play, and i get bored having to repeat things over and over. the tape better be rolling the second i pick up my guitar! my first take is usually the most fluid, natural, and energetic. when i start thinking about what i'm playing it means i'm no longer playing what FEELS right, and that's no good. i usually end up comping the first half of my first take with the last half of my second or third take. if something isn't working for me, it's best to move on to something else and come back later.
my friend is a typical slow starter, which makes it painful for me to record him sometimes. often it takes 15 takes for him to relax and start dialing into his part. ample time is of the essence. any pressure to perform NOW is a bad thing. i am often tempted to be satisfied with an ok take, but i have to remember to be patient because in time, the results will come! he needs useful encouragement to keep from getting frustrated. i have to be careful not to communicate ANY frustration on my part while at the same time being critical. when he gets rolling, you better keep the tape rolling until he tells you he's done! we usually comp the millionth take with the million and oneth take.