I've hit the wall.

[itfc1959]

For months everything was going well, making real progress etc, and then, over the past week, nothing will go right. Fingers won't go where I want them to go and I feels like I'm going backwards.

I'm sure this is an experience shared by all, but any advice/comments?

[dennisg]

There is not an activity that a human can engage in where he or she doesn't have regressions or bad days. You're no different. I've experienced it skiing (just when I thought I was getting good), cycling (just when I thought I'd improved my fitness level), and guitar playing (just when I thought I'd mastered a certain technique). The trick is to not let your bad days define you as a bad guitar player. You're not. Bad days are an aberration. Just keep playing every day and you'll eventually get it all back. So many of the improvements I make in my playing are just a matter of showing up every day, hauling my guitar out of the case even when I don't feel like it, and trying to play the very thing that bedeviled me the day before.

[Lavallee]

As always Dennis discussions are full of wisdom. To it I would say that whenever I hit a wall and I continue to practice, I seem to move up a bit after, getting better.

Marc

[michelew]

That is SO true Dennis. I've been unfocussed and undisciplined lately. And I also haven't progress much because I haven't just gotten myself into a routine. I know I can triumph over obstacles if I just break it down, practice, practice practice and walk away when I need to. It is just a matter of doing until things fall into place.

Finding a few songs that are within your comfort zone and learning those might help you get your confidence back too.



Thanks for asking the question itfc and good luck.

[neverfoundthetime]

For months everything was going well, making real progress etc, and then, over the past week, nothing will go right. Fingers won't go where I want them to go and I feels like I'm going backwards.

Sound like par for the course! Dennis is right when he says this pertains to all our activities. Some days you just have to bite the bullet and push through. Tomorrow (or even later today) it will feel better. Coincidentally, I was just counselling two of our older (Squash) juniors on their training programme and I warned them about those days when they don't want to run or want to stop or feel weak or whatever. I told then, just do it anyway, tell their mind to shut up for a few minutes and make an appointment with it to discuss it in the shower after they're done. On the video's I posted yesterday many people commented on how relaxed and easy it looked for me to play. Yeah, it was a good day, good flow but there have been many, many bad days where nothing felt right. Keep going on those days and you arrive at the good days. That's the pay off. Not on person was born on this earth to play guitar, it's all practice and perseverance.

[itfc1959]

Thanks very much, all of you. I think the issue has been that I've been trying to play my finger picking pieces and exercises at too fast a tempo and slowing down has helped a lot. Plus, I've bought a new Spanish Guitar and I'm having trouble adapting to that. I suppose the thing is to take things at a sensible pace and work within one's limitations. After all, I'm meant to be doing this for fun.

But, once again, thank you all for your encouragement.

[mcfingers]

Lke the others I have also hit the wall at times. I would offer an alternative solution, one that I find works for me, just put down the guitar for a short time. A day or two, I find that after a couple of days my muscles have relaxed my brain is fresh and ready to re-tackle my newest song. It works for me, perhaps it will give you just enough of a breather to come back strong. Just a thought.

Best wishes,
Steve

[BigBear]

Just put the guitar down for a few days and take a break. See how long you can go without playing it. My max so far is three days. It will give you a mental break and remind you what it is about the guitar that is so compelling.

I think learning something as challenging as the guitar, or any musical instrument, involves stress and anxiety. Eventually, you burn out a little and just need a break.

You'll come back better and stronger and more eager to learn.

Good luck buddy, we've all been there! :cheer:

[AndyT]

BigBear wrote:
Just put the guitar down for a few days and take a break. See how long you can go without playing it.

Hmmm... Last time I tried that it lasted 35 years!

Maybe just set it down for a day or two.

[tovo]

Hmmm...Much wisdom you seek! (In my very best Yoda voice).

I like what Dennis wrote, and I would simply add that as you suspected, you are not alone in this. Good days and bad. Just like life.

Stick with it mate. I think it's a great journey that you, me and everyone else need to embrace and enjoy.