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Motivation vs. Frustration

Posted by evanmars on August 17, 2015 at 12:53pm in Performances, How to Play, Lessons, Concerts

Pretty much just starting out.  Tried to play guitar a few times, took some lessons.  Never got very far.

Built a slider CBG a few months ago.  Subscribed to an online course.  Don't know that I'm getting much out of it (my fault, not the instructors).

I was in band in school and I can read a bit of music.  I can sing and have been in musicals in community theatre.  I just can't get my head around the guitar.  I can (slowly) play one note at a time on the guitar.  Have to think about where each note is, haven't been able to get the fretboard memorized.

How do you keep motivated when it feels like you aren't getting anywhere?

Thanks for letting me rant.

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Replies

  • Angry Rooster Guitars October 23, 2015 at 9:40am
    Evanmars, it sounds like you are in the same boat as me. I've tried learning guitar in general and give in to frustration each time. For me, I want immediate results. I've always been pretty handy and enjoy standing back and looking at the room I just remodeled....car fender I just straightened out and painted, furniture I just built...and now, the cbg I just finished. I've always caught on pretty quick and made stuff look good the first time. Trying to play guitar, I don't have the same luck. So for now, I'm just accepting that maybe I'm just a cbg builder and not a player.....maybe I can make a better impression by being the builder. So eventually, build after build, I'll play around with each guitar and maybe by the time I retire, I might learn to play a tune or two.
  • Eric L Kelly October 23, 2015 at 7:32am

    We were frustrated by the fact that this manufactured crisis even happened in the first place but we were motivated to get up and make our voices heard. You can use this best essay writing service for any future writing help.

    • Tom T > Eric L Kelly October 23, 2015 at 12:15pm

      Eric, not sure I follow your posting.............

  • evanmars August 24, 2015 at 12:53pm

    I've been listening to the "Bluesville" station on SiriusXM during my half hour drive to work and back.  Definitely some inspiration there.

    I will just have to work on not getting frustrated because I can't play yet.

    On the other hand, I'm definitely having fun building!  Just finished my first fretted CBG with piezo pickup. Pretty shallow box, not much volume unplugged.  Now just have to wait until the components for my amp (Ruby) get here.

  • Mr.melo August 23, 2015 at 5:29pm

    HMMMMM...Very good question

    Motivation i think can mean alot of things...start maybe by surrounding yourself with alot of friends who like to help you..a great place is.... well...this site.(.see if you can get inspired by the surrounding people)..and dont be afraid to ask what worked for them..ex.. i learned alot from..Bemusic. Mike Snowden..Shane Speal..Darren Brown..Railroad john..Uncle John..A.D. Eker..downtown Vinnie..lots of exciting players ..aswell dont be afraid to ask questions..tuning..kept that simple always too my vocal range....using oh say can you see tuning..thats pretty much it..oh..one last thing..Have fun..ive been doing this for only three yrs..so far ive sold a few..and aswell written a few..im still learning ...so please.. just be easier on yourself and have a rockin time....Try not to look down at what your playing let it come naturally..maybe u will hear something u like that may do it too!!!

    Melodeeman

  • Bad Finger (Eric) August 23, 2015 at 7:43am

    I'm in a bit of a rut myself.  I'm playing the same several strumming or picking patterns and the same old chords. 

    I have a bank of assets, however.  I play a monthly open mic with a bunch of fantastic fingerstyle acoustic blues players.  I can't pick up much off them just listening, but I have a plan.  I have just finished a great outdoor wood fired oven.  At this month's open mic, I'm offering an afternoon, or a few, of beers and pizza in exchange for guitar talk and playing.  I reckon it will be irresistible.  And I hope to get unstuck from my routine.

    Find someone local that can sit down and help you out in-person.

    • Tom T > Bad Finger (Eric) August 23, 2015 at 8:11am

      I know exactly what you mean, Eric. From time to time, I suddenly realize that I'm playing the same stuff over and over. When that happens, I've been trying to find something new and difficult to learn. It usually takes me weeks to work it out, but it keeps me interested.

      I just picked up the book "Finding Robert Johnson" and it has a lot of unique tunings. Not quite ready to tackle this, but it is very interesting to see how limitless guitar can be.

      Nice idea about pizza and beer. You're right. Who could resist.

      • Uncle John > Tom T August 23, 2015 at 8:25am

        Guys, We all hit those highs and lows.  I really recommend Pandora radio for enjoyment and learning new songs and artists.   Inspiring, fun and humbling.  

        • Ron "Oily" Sprague > Uncle John August 23, 2015 at 11:03am
          If you can, play with other people. You will be forced to up your game.mPizza and beer bribery works, too.

          If you get in a rut, try playing the weirdest chords you can invent. Break out of your standard strumming patterns by forcing yourself to listen to hours of reggae chank, until you discover the subtle underlying rhythms. Listen to lots of different music. Try jazz. Try combining jazz, country, and blues, with a reggae beat. Wear "interesting" clothes. Learn to Fingerpick. Learn to flatpick. Create 5 against 2 rhythms. Use a drum machine. Have a drink for each time you screw up a lick.
          • Scruggy > Ron "Oily" Sprague October 10, 2015 at 9:21am

            Playing with other people sounds like great idea but if you dont have that available is there any online source of playing with other people over the internet?

            be an idea to start one if there isnt dont you think? skype jam anyone?

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