Is there a reason I shouldn't throw in the towel?

[geoangus]

Before I buy one more piece of equipment that exceeds my talent, I'm starting to think I should just give it up. I started playing 30 years ago, but have really taken off the last 10. Every winter, I start playing a bit more, but each year, I'm more frustrated by how rusty I am, and basically, how bad a player I've become. I'd have to say my band days are done, but acoustic guitar never cut it for me. I know that if I sell my stuff off, it will be OVER. Not sure I'm ready to admit that, but I don't know. Are there any good sources to help bad guitarists, who aren't starving, get their inspiration back? I don't have time for formal lessons, I just want to feel like I can play again. Maybe trying to record stuff, even covers, might help. Is there a cheap way to create a tee hee ha ha that's your studio, studio?

[slippyknees]

I hear you, it happens to everyone at some point. However, with all do respect, it doesn't sound like you want to do what it will take to become better - playing in bands or at the very least taking some lessons, no acoustic guitar, etc.... As a musician (full-time) and a teacher (part-time), why are you resistant to taking a few lessons? That might be exactly what you need! (Buying more/better gear can be a distraction as we all know.)

I'd look at what your expectations of yourself are - that sounds like the root of your frustrations. To paraphrase, I don't want to take lessons, playing in a band is not an option, and I only really get down to playing in the winter - but I'm frustrated that I'm not getting any better. I'll be honest, we'd all be right there with you in terms of frustration level if that's how we were approaching it.

To what end are you doing what your doing? Why do want to play in the first place? Just for enjoyment or are you wanting to do more with your music and are just spinning your wheels/getting frustrated? I think the good sources of inspiration you're looking for are fellow players and competent/caring teachers.

Take baby steps - start by reflecting on why you started to play in the first place. What records got you started? Dig them out and start playing that stuff again. Maybe sell some stuff and get a Strat if that's what you started on. It's all about reconnecting (I feel).

I wish you the best no matter what you choose to do but it's tough to see someone about to toss in the towel.

:BEER

[mitch236]

Recording is much more difficult than wanking in the basement. When you hear what you've recorded, you will notice every single mistake. Even slight timing errors seem magnified. Better to join a casual band and have fun. Don't throw in the towel, just change your goals or expectations.

[Rotten]

I have been playing for 30 years as well and go through phases where I just can't play as much, kids, work, exhaustion, etc. One thing that I found was surprising was that I bought a nice acoustic guitar (a Collings) and retuned it to DADGAD. I thought with my limited time I could work on some material that I could play solo and with DADGAD, I could stop comparing myself to players that had more free time.

I never was much into acoustics, like you, so I bought an I-Beam with the intention of playing it electrically and loud. However, I've found that with finer acoustic guitars, you really can't really completely replace the sound of it acoustically. The intonation, set-up, and tone are such a joy that I didn't expect that I spent the last year and a half playing nothing else (until recently). I'm also a pretty good fingerpicker now (with a thumb pick).

I was also so impressed with the guitar that I researched a lot of the history of steel string acoustics and learned a ton about the different woods. This all occurred because I changed things up a bit and was caught be surprise.

Lately, I've really gotten into my Les Paul and it is new and fresh. I highly recommend trying something that you might not be into yet.

[stevel]

Every winter, I start playing a bit more, but each year, I'm more frustrated by how rusty I am, and basically, how bad a player I've become.Rusty? Rusty usually implies you stop, lose your chops, and have to build back up again. You said winter - are you not playing over the summer or something?

I think the real issue here is, you're becoming *aware*. The better you get, the more critical you get of yourself. That happens to everyone. It's what drives us to get better. If you think you're bad, you'll strive to get better. It's when you think you're really good and don't need to do any work that you should throw in the towel!

I know that if I sell my stuff off, it will be OVER.I'm not your psych, I just play one on the internet. Why? That's a little drastic. Keep 1 guitar and 1 amp, and 1 cable. You don't have to "give it up". If you need the money, sell off everything but that, and any pedals you love.


Not sure I'm ready to admit that, but I don't know. Are there any good sources to help bad musicians, who aren't starving, get their inspiration back?I hate to sound sappy, but - it's the music man. It's all, really, really, really, about creating sounds that you share with others. For me personally, I like two things: creating something (even if fleeting as in improvisation) and sharing that something with others. I don't always get to share it, so sometimes the act of creation (sharing something with myself) is enough (or has to do).

I think what you're suffering from is you're sort of "trying to be" something someone else is defining for you (or you're using someone else's definition of "what it is to be a musician"). Again, it sounds sappy, but there's nothing wrong with "playing for fun".

And I think, when you put a lot of pressure on yourself to do this, that, and the other, or to hold yourself to some standards that you're either incapable of, or not ready for, then it becomes "not fun".

I remember when I heard Yngwie Malmsteen for the first time. I said "what's the point". "I'll never be able to be able to play that fast". I realized, not too long after, that playing a harmonic minor scale over a blues passage doesn't really work, and Yngwie had some learning to do himself :-).

In other words, I think you should enjoy it. I enjoy playing. I push myself in various ways, but playing lightning fast isn't one of them. I've heard chord/melody solos by people like Joe Pass, and while I think it's cool, and I appreaciate the technique, I just simply don't find many of those things musically interesting. Like the speed stuff, it becomes all about technique, and not about music. I've seen some of the crappiest musicians make the most beautiful sounds. Sometimes (or actually, usually), playing a single, well-placed note says a lot more than 100 notes - and luckily for us, it's easy for people of even the lowest skill levels to play one well-placed note!


I don't have time for formal lessons, I just want to feel like I can play again. Maybe trying to record stuff, even covers, might help. Is there a cheap way to create a tee hee ha ha that's your studio, studio?Audacity.

Google it.

Try Band In a Box as well.

You might also try some sites where there are "jam tracks" you can play along to.

I think it's not so much "giving up" you need to investigate, but simple "re-focusing". Don't put the lens cap on - you're not out of film yet. Just turn of the flash to get rid of the red eye, and you're golden.

Peace,
Steve

[Adwex]

You might also try some sites where there are "jam tracks" you can play along to.

...

I LOVE playing over jam tracks, I've collected over 200 of them. It's like having a band in your CD player, and they never tell you to turn down, or stop soloing.

[Guitar Josh]

Who are you trying to impress? If you have fun, then keep playing. My guitar tech is horrible at guitar but he loves playing. It makes him happy. And I'm happy to know he'll keep playing it because HE likes it.

[MBreinin]

Play....play alot. Get a Zoom H4 or H2 and record yourself wanking. It is damn humbling, trust me. However, you will see what areas you need to work on and it will also become an inspiration to hear yourself improving on those things that need work. I thoroughly enjoy listening to myself wank, mistakes and all. I also see what I need to concentrate on to make improvements. Since I started around 3 weeks ago, I have seen some marked improvements in things I never knew I needed to work on...like timing and pace. Just make sure you enjoy it, that is the key.

Mike

[Tone_Terrific]

or just quit. Sell off the gear. Move your time into something less frustrating.

Lessee...golf? No. Too hard. Racquet sports? At your age you will never be any good. Tried skiing? Expensive, inaccessible to most and bloody hard work. Collecting trading cards? A thrill for some but costly and really??? Fast cars.....sure...try that for expensive frustration. Sailing? Baby boomers are going that route ...go 'round those pylons and back to the dock...fun, fun fun? Volunteer activities for good causes..well...a sure-fire way to get into heaven, maybe. Carpentry, get a BIG basement, and a dust system and lots of tools and then where do you put all that stuff?? Fight terrorism? Please do! Raise kids? Well, if you have them they need attention but the world is not wanting for more bodies. Manage finances? ....kill me now!

If you have a better plan for your life stop wasting time with music, if you don't, you could do worse.

[Franklin]

One thing that I found was surprising was that I bought a nice acoustic guitar (a Collings) and retuned it to DADGAD. I thought with my limited time I could work on some material that I could play solo and with DADGAD, I could stop comparing myself to players that had more free time.


There's an idea, I've done that myself several times. Nothing like changing it all up to get the creative juicies/love for music flowing again.

You can also just give up music altogether and start playing drums!! :p

[tac5]

There was a period in my life when I did not touch a guitar for ten years. I sold everything I owned after playing in relatively successful bands in the Austin area back in the 70's. I wish I had those guitars and amps etc. now; they'd be worth a fortune.
But I got back into the music world by building a home studio and acquiring a few great acoustic and electric guitars. I have no wish to gig in bars but I will never give up music again. It's too much a part of me. And my wife says she will never let me give it up, if only because it turns her on. Enough said.

[GAD]

I've been there, as have countless others.

If you want to improve, something has to change. I decided to take lessons. It was weird at first, but now I'm into it. My physical skills have tripled just on the increased playing time alone, and my theory is increasing dramatically. I'm digging it. I'm at the point where I actually want to play in a band again, though only for fun.

BTW the single best piece of gear I bought to keep me going was a nice Taylor acoustic. When I get bored playing the electrics (I have 4), I whip out the Taylor and I'm in a totally different world. I've got mediums on it, and wanking pentatonic on it isn't really all that much fun. It's pretty hard to bend a set of 13s on a 12-fret board dread with no cutaway. :)

I'm floored every time I pick it up. I've learned stuff like Blackbird that I would have never learned otherwise (I promise not to play it in GC!!), lots of Jethro Tull, songs to get the kids to sing with me etc. etc. etc. It's FUN! The whole thing should be fun, and I'm surprised how much fun I've had with my acoustic. So much so that I've considered getting a parlor sized guitar for travel. I have an LP, and a Strat, and a shredder Jackson, and they're all different, but really quite similar when you compare them to an acoustic. Of course that's me and YYMV...

Def. do something different though. If you want to be excited again, you have to change something.

GAD

[Ken Ho]

or just quit. Sell off the gear. Move your time into something less frustrating.

Lessee...golf? No. Too hard. Racquet sports? At your age you will never be any good. Tried skiing? Expensive, inaccessible to most and bloody hard work. Collecting trading cards? A thrill for some but costly and really??? Fast cars.....sure...try that for expensive frustration. Sailing? Baby boomers are going that route ...go 'round those pylons and back to the dock...fun, fun fun? Volunteer activities for good causes..well...a sure-fire way to get into heaven, maybe. Carpentry, get a BIG basement, and a dust system and lots of tools and then where do you put all that stuff?? Fight terrorism? Please do! Raise kids? Well, if you have them they need attention but the world is not wanting for more bodies. Manage finances? ....kill me now!

If you have a better plan for your life stop wasting time with music, if you don't, you could do worse.

Great post !!
I know how you feel. I'm a complete gumby, and I should be 10 times better for the length of time I've been playing, but yeah, damn shame about that.

[Strat335]

Good advice about getting an acoustic. Learn to sing if you don't sing already.

But what I wanted to add was that I stopped playing as a job about 8 years ago entirely. Almost got out of it completely, but I got a recorder and started working on instrumentals. At first, all I did was make some simple backing tracks I could jam on, but now I can't tell you how much I am enjoying creating songs. It's so therapeutic for me.
Don't stop.

[sfarnell]

I was where you are 20 years ago and I gave up the guitar. I picked it up again a few years ago and play for hours every day. There are plenty of good video lessons to get you started, but if you get serious, nothing beats a good teacher.

Music theory is important, but I've learned that it's all about phrasing, phrasing, phrasing in your own voice. Singing out the notes that you play is a good way to get better.

[sbreide]

I quit music and sold all of my stuff primarily due to health issues (and some boredom) back in May of '07. After I got the health issues under control I regretted quitting and selling my stuff every day for the last year and a half. Luckily I was able to purchase an amp and guitar again in the last month. I've started playing again and could not be happier for it.

If you don't HAVE to sell your gear, don't. You WILL regret it. I will admit that you may just need a little break to get the inspiration back. Just don't go cold turkey and get rid of everything.

Maybe after that try and find a few people to play with on a casual basis. If they are better players, even better. Because then you can soak up everything like a sponge.

Sometimes the search for the "perfect tone" clouds our love of playing. Same with skill level... Everyone could be a better player in some regards. No matter WHO they are. Most will admit to that.

[FeloniousBishop]

Another vote for getting an acoustic, and work on your fingerstyle acoustic.

I was the last person I thought could be an acoustic player but it's turning into something.

[LavaMan]

That's it I'm quitting....:D right after I go get my wank on at a Blues Jam tonight... :D

[geoangus]

WOW - lot's of great responses and support. Thanks. Let me throw some of my lame excuses at some points made:

You're all right. Something has to change. Lowering my expectations is certainly one. When I was in my 20's & 30's, I played all the time. Didn't gig alot, but was playing/jamming at least once a week, and praciticing hours daily. But what is funny, I feel some of my phrasing is better now than then.

Family, work, home ownership changed alot of that. I started a family first, and the other guys I played with have young families now (mine are now in high school & college). Also, a work week of 50-60 hours doesn't leave much time, or energy, for lessons.

I've just never been fond of acoustics. I've had several over the years. Perhaps I've just had the wrong ones?

The responses about golf are funny, as that has become something I play pretty well, and has filled the void left having no bandmates.

Finally, I am going back to when I was 16, and listening to what I learned to play guitar to. The Who Live At Leeds, James Gang, ZZ Top. If only I could find some Wreckless Eric on CD, I'd be all set. One down side of our latest home - no real studio area where I can crank the stereo & amp, and just have some fun. Who knows, my old bass player is about to hit 50, and I know his wife will want us to play. I should find some of those backing tracks you guys talk about. Maybe just the ticket.

Thanks everyone. I guess it's not time yet. Maybe I'll just change my amp.

[supergenius365]

The wise John Mayer once said something like go ahead and walk away from music. It doesn't care. It will be there if you decide to come back. You can't honestly make music if it makes you miserable thinking you are not good enough or good anymore - you would be missing the point. Take a break. Walk away. When you can go back to it with no baggage - only enjoyment/love of playing - then it will be good again.

[Shiny McShine]

Before I buy one more piece of equipment that exceeds my talent, I'm starting to think I should just give it up. I started playing 30 years ago, but have really taken off the last 10. Every winter, I start playing a bit more, but each year, I'm more frustrated by how rusty I am, and basically, how bad a player I've become. I'd have to say my band days are done, but acoustic guitar never cut it for me. I know that if I sell my stuff off, it will be OVER. Not sure I'm ready to admit that, but I don't know. Are there any good sources to help bad musicians, who aren't starving, get their inspiration back? I don't have time for formal lessons, I just want to feel like I can play again. Maybe trying to record stuff, even covers, might help. Is there a cheap way to create a tee hee ha ha that's your studio, studio?

Good question. Guitar is a maintenance instrument and it's fairly demanding of time and energy to stay current. Maybe it's time for an extended break? I can think of a lot of other things to do with my time that would likely be way more profitable (not just money) like writing a book, building a house, flying sail planes (more expensive than guitar though), sailing, etc. It seems like playing is the only thing that's held my interest as I've been through many other hobbies such as white water kayaking that I'll never return to because they were good for a time.

[Tone_Terrific]

And another thing.
Let's assume you are an average player, or like most of us, a little above average:messedup, sure...Ok there are 35,000 or so members ON THIS BOARD ALONE(!!!).... So if I am a bit above average (I'm generous to self) there are still 15,000 or so, better players HERE! :jo

I can't compete with that. :drinkI'll have another:drink

[Catoogie]

You either have to play or you don't. If you aren't compelled to play the guitar or don't derive the simple, pure satisfaction that comes from holding it and making music with it then I would question why you are even doing it.

If you are so quick to give up playing the guitar because you aren't getting from it what you want and aren't willing or driven to spend the time and energy to achieve what it is you want then maybe you should stop playing. Seriously.

The last thing the world needs is another uninspired, mediocre musician who doesn't get turned on by making music.

[Luke]

Find someone similar to yourself to jam with. I've been lucky that the guys I've been playing with for 15 years have all evolved as I have. We are no where near as good as we were a decade ago, we use to practice 3x a week and record in 2" tape studios at $400/hour. Now we jam 1x a week, ~42 weeks a year. It's ok, I get bored and have thought about starting something else on the side to get my chops back....

[The Guy]

very often, you have to just make time for the things you truly love. . .

id just throw my hands up in the air and quit. its a hell of a lot easier than actually working at something.

[5E3]

Recording is much more difficult than wanking in the basement. When you hear what you've recorded, you will notice every single mistake. Even slight timing errors seem magnified. [snip]
:agree

I can play some songs and conclude "hey, that sounded good." Then I record them and pick apart every aspect of it with great dissatisfaction :(

Part of the problem is that recording for me is a distraction that takes away from my playing, so there is an immediate degradation as soon as I try and record. I've gotten better at recording, but it would be easier is someone else was working the computer and recording side while I concentrated solely on playing :rolleyes:

So to the OP, if you love making music hang in there. Go back to your roots and find some songs that excite you. Less time and effort on gear and tone, more on playing and having fun.

[guitarpkr67]

I say if you like playing guitar, then play. If you don't, then don't.

[leond]

Don't give up music. It's too expensive when you want to get back into it. I've quit three times and sold all my gear only to pick it back up again within a year.

As one sucky guitarist here, what I did was find another sucky guitarist and we got ourselves a bunch of Aebersold play-along books. We practice with the disk during the week and have a duet jam once a week in my basement.

One sucky guitarist plus another sucky guitarist equals great music! Well, not really. It equals sucky music. But to us, its great. It's a lot of fun and something we both look forward to.

LeonD

[ChrisP]

Before I buy one more piece of equipment that exceeds my talent, I'm starting to think I should just give it up. I started playing 30 years ago, but have really taken off the last 10. Every winter, I start playing a bit more, but each year, I'm more frustrated by how rusty I am, and basically, how bad a player I've become. I'd have to say my band days are done, but acoustic guitar never cut it for me. I know that if I sell my stuff off, it will be OVER. Not sure I'm ready to admit that, but I don't know. Are there any good sources to help bad guitarists, who aren't starving, get their inspiration back? I don't have time for formal lessons, I just want to feel like I can play again. Maybe trying to record stuff, even covers, might help. Is there a cheap way to create a tee hee ha ha that's your studio, studio?

Sell everything and your questions will be answered.

[Ken Ho]

Or, you could try buying some NEW music. I always find thats a big inspiration.

Dig out the metronome, play some drums for a bit.

[frank62]

Get yourself a Fender G Dec. They will make anybody a better player. By the way it is just plain against the rules to quit the guitar once you have started.