What Do You Practise When You Don't Feel Motivated? Options

[PosterBoy]

Or perhaps what are the most beneficial things to practice when we don't feel motivated or inspired

Run through scales and triads?

I know we often say put the guitar down and come back when we feel motivated, but sometimes that would be weeks for me.

Todd's Shred Journey is often my go to place I can take the lesson I'm on and start the metronome and feel I've achieved something when the click has increased.

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[Kristofer Dahl]

For me, I like to jam over something simple - where I don't have to think about constantly trying to fix/improve things in my playing.

So often times I will go for a slow blues.

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[Phil66]

Sometimes I'll jam over a slow e minor blues and sometimes I'll just find some crazy fx patches and have some fun. If that doesn't work I'll leave it. Leaving it usually makes me feel guilty and I find I'm more intense the next day.

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[Monica Gheorghev...]

I never lost my motivation but I have days when I don't feel myself inspired.
In such moments, I take a break from my practice routine and I use the time to learn a new technique or I like to choose some well-known songs (karaoke version) and play with my guitar the vocal part (in a more crazy guitar way ). It's very funny.

Also, if I play at a different instrument for couple of hours (even a day or two) it's a perfect therapy for me to regain my inspiration. Sometimes I come back with even more inspiration than I expect because for a short time I "forced" myself to see/analyze things from a different point of view.

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[klasaine]

I either don't play or I pick a song, lick or line that I always wanted to learn.

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[Storm Linnebjerg]

Part of the mental health related diagnosis I have is lack of drive, motivation and initiative. Longer story that, anyway. It comes and goes, and it does make things a bit tricky. I'm trying my best to make it work though.

Often times I go for long stretches without playing, then the motivation comes back in some capacity, usually related to having an idea for something like a song, video, cover or a different project that involve me having to focus some energy a bit on a skillset.

This doesn't really answer your question, but the truth is that for the most part I don't practice when I'm not motivated. It has also been a VERY long time (years and years) since I did focused practice sessions, trying to improve technique. I wish I had the drive for that. Knowlegde is more interesting to me anyway. New chords, voicings, melodies and so on, but they can happen without the guitar too, if that makes sense. I don't consider myself a musician or even a guitarist (unless I'm asked, to which I'll say: "I play guitar, but I mostly enjoy composing music"). My dreams revolve around creating good and interesting music, rather than dreaming of being the best guitar player etc. I don't even like the idea of playing live or for the most part with other people, unless it's the exact right people. I've been in settings with bands that have been good of course, so it can happen.

Anyway, I'm rambling, but the short answer is: nothing. The longer answer is: When I'm not motivated I tend to seek knowledge about music, which may happen in higher or lower intensity.

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[MonkeyDAthos]

I practice stuff that doesnt require guitar, but its still musical.

Mainly ear training. Been trying to recognize basic triads inversion as of late. Its quite satisfying when you are successful at with
When I am really low rock bottom, I just dont force and go do something else completely.

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[Todd Simpson]

Well said!! That's the way I've structured Bootcamp. it's built using a sort of "Game Logic" similar to having levels in a video game. When one completes a 'Mission" it goes to BOSS LEVEL which is to have it critiqued. This is done pass/fail, and if it's a VICTORY it gets a BADGE UP/LEVEL UP. So that there is a sense of accomplishment which can often help one break through a lull in motivation.

Onward!!!
Sarge

Or perhaps what are the most beneficial things to practice when we don't feel motivated or inspired

Run through scales and triads?

I know we often say put the guitar down and come back when we feel motivated, but sometimes that would be weeks for me.

Todd's Shred Journey is often my go to place I can take the lesson I'm on and start the metronome and feel I've achieved something when the click has increased.

I have always been impressed with your musical output and I know how tough it can be sometimes. You always manage o push through and create music and solos that are aspirational for many other gmc students. Your playing has even motivated me to learn new things

Part of the mental health related diagnosis I have is lack of drive, motivation and initiative. Longer story that, anyway. It comes and goes, and it does make things a bit tricky. I'm trying my best to make it work though.

...Anyway, I'm rambling, but the short answer is: nothing. The longer answer is: When I'm not motivated I tend to seek knowledge about music, which may happen in higher or lower intensity.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net

Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

[AK Rich]

When I'm not real motivated or uninspired I will do things like study some theory or different styles of playing. I especially like experimenting and learning new stuff with alternate tunings which seems to help me get out of ruts and come up with new and fresh ideas to use in my playing. Other times I'll dig out my pedal steel or maybe learn something new on my ukulele.

You are at GuitarMasterClass.net

Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!