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Posted by: Adrian Figallo Aug 10 2011, 05:14 AM

Ok guys, i gotta admit, i wasn't playing so much guitar like 2 months ago, i felt like "bahh", maybe i was a bit depressed, i don't know, but after saying a million times to everybody that is normal to go thru phases where you just don't want to play guitar, i found myself asking me if i did want to keep being a musician.

And sorry for my bad english, but im trying to write from the heart, life gets more complicated with time, more responsibilities, you start needing more money, having more work, less time, etc etc etc.. and stress can get you to think crazy things.

So i just left the guitars in their cases, and start eating and working a lot and making some good money, but like 2 months ago i had this nostalgia feeling, that led to playing guitar one sunday, then i started to play every couple of days without pressure, and a couple of days later i was completely hooked again, one week after i got an email from kris asking me if i would be interested on returning to site..

Now i feel more in love than ever (one more time) with the idea of being a guitar player, a musician and a solid artist.

So this is to every guitar player that gets frustrated at some point, just take a break, don't think about it that much and you will be right on track, i think sometimes our true goals are not the ones we think, so let's keep moving and we'll see

Posted by: Davidian Aug 10 2011, 08:19 AM

I had something similar some time ago. (Except for Kris calling me to return to the site )
I'm in university for 3 years now and the first two and a half years, that experience was very new to me. I got involved in a lot of student activities (and parties ) and didn't have the time to practice a lot. I also live in a small student room, where there is not a lot of place to store my guitar stuff. So I haven't played a lot in that time.
But a while ago, and thanks to a friend of mine, I rediscovered my old music collection (which I didn't listen to as much as I used to) and fell completely in love with the guitar again! I started to play more, to explore the music more and discovered hundreds of new bands I love and that also contributed to the love for guitar.

And btw, Adrian: It's wonderful that you're back! I love all your lessons (trying to learn the most of them) and can't wait to see more coming! Can I make a request?

Posted by: dark dude Aug 10 2011, 04:21 PM

That's awesome, Adrian! Great to hear.

I had this recently (oh so often..), after practicing for hours and hours and seemingly getting nothing out of it. Then, the improvement started to show, and I'm motivated again. 'Tis a great feeling.

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Aug 10 2011, 04:29 PM

I'm glad that some people share the feeling with me, and of course you can make a request, i'm very glad ur playing my music!




It is a great feeling dude, im so glad to be back!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 10 2011, 04:31 PM

Your post is GREAT Adrian. We always have these thoughts and even more if we love music and we want to dedicate our lives to it. I must agree that we don't have to think to much, and sorry for the "very common" expression" but we have to listen to our hearts.
It's cool that you decided to continue being a full time musician,, I don't know any other guitar player with your rock spirit and rocker groove in South America.

Posted by: Brandon Earman Aug 10 2011, 05:15 PM

Glad to hear you're back, Adrian. Your playing and lessons are some of my favorite on the internet.

I think everyone can relate. I have gotten burned out numerous times in the past year.. most of the times due to practicing the same excercises/lessons/songs every single day, 5 nights a week.

If anyone is experiencing lack of desire to play... here are a few things to keep in mind that help me:

1. Don't play/practice if you aren't motivated. Before you sit down to play for the day, watch some videos on YouTube or listen to some good guitar playing that you love to hear that puts you in the right mood. That always fuels my desire to practice.

2. When it comes to practicing speed, keep in mind that it will take time. I found myself thinking that I should be progressing much faster than a I really should. Take your licks/excercises 1-2 BPM at a time, and set slower, reasonable goals.

3. Some nights you must throw all "practicing" aside. Just pick up your guitar, put on some backing tracks, and just jam. Relax and don't worry about anything but having fun with your guitar and music.

I hope this helps anyone out there. Keep rockin people.

Posted by: Sinisa Cekic Aug 10 2011, 10:22 PM

Well, this is a normal phase in the life of man - is it worth to struggle about something that is uncertain? Always is! It is just to believe in abilities, and every work is ultimately worth it!
How you value yourself - you will appreciate by the other. You have to be confident if you want to succeed. Where there is no confidence -- there is no success. You always have to rely only on yourself, be a firm belief that you are ruler of the situation, that's how you will win. It's the power of the mind .Always have to speak - I will, I can, - it is the foundation of strength that passes frames of mediocrity. This is the first step to success.
Yuore great musician and don't give up ever

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 11 2011, 12:15 AM

Welcome back Adrian! Glad to hear you are in love again! Taking a break can be a very good thing. Sometimes, you need a break from the things/people you love. It provides a bit of perspective, some needed distance, a moment of pause, and release of pressure. d Essentially it's a "Guitar Vacation" and I think it's a great idea. Same with anything/anyone, you see, experience, nonstop every day. A person needs to sometimes put things away for bit. Or go be alone for a bit, or just get away for a bit. The pressure we put on ourselves is often far greater than any pressure from outside, guitar/relationships/work, it's all able to add to the stress. When you lose your motivation to play, spend time with your gal, go to your job, you are officially BURNED OUT and need a break! Sometimes loved ones have serious issues with this "break time" but it's valuable none the less. Even if just for a day.

Some really great suggestions in this email from Brandon! Well played sir. Especially #2. You might not guess, but I get a TON of questions about "How quickly can I turn in to a MONSTER SPEED SHREDDING DEMON?" and I understand the desire and the impatience, as I was the same way; the trick is, it's like saying "How long til I'm a great painter/poet/sculpter/Athlete" Well, it's gonna take some time. If playing guitar was dead simple, everyone would be automatically great It does often feel like it's taking FOREVER to get better. And taking breaks can ease that. Believe it or not, you are getting better every time you pick up the instrument. But in some ways it's like watching yourself grow taller. You don't really notice when it's happening. A year later, you are just taller. So even if you don't feel like your getting better, with every pick stroke you are gaining experience and that experience at playing (we call it practice ususally) is what makes one better player. So.....

1.)Give yourself a break.

*Take a day, or a few, or a week. Put the guitar down and don't pressure yourself or allow yourself to feel guilty about it!

2.)Pick it back up and remember why you picked it up at all.

*Playing guitar is fun. Playing well even funner. It's a satisfying activity. Embrace the ebbs and flows of your own playing/life. Your guitar and your gal will thank you.

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Aug 11 2011, 12:28 AM

This is not a lazy reply to all, is just that i red every single letter on your posts and i can't add or reply anything, thanks for those posts guys, it's great to feel the support of other people that goes thru the same things, specially in art that's emotional-heavy.

It feels great to let your fears go out and have a talk.

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Aug 11 2011, 02:36 PM

Good to hear Adrian! I got a similar feeling since i started doing video chats again, I have also been able to practice more recently!

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Aug 12 2011, 06:29 AM

that's great kris! i just love your new track, keep making em!

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 12 2011, 08:56 PM

That is indeed an awesome thing to hear man, you are great guy for saying it so honestly! Thumbs up mate!

Posted by: Adrian Figallo Aug 13 2011, 05:47 AM

thanks ivan, it feels great to let go and share something like that, i'm lucky to have such great people here, it's weird but i do feel like we are all friends.