Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ 6 Years Wasted
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 10:18 PM
I've been playing guitar for 6 years and I can't do anything. I'm so slow at downpicking, alternate picking, legato and everything. I'm sure my picking technique is wrong and I can't build speed or play guitar at all. Why am I so useless? Are some people just not meant to play guitar. I just want to crawl into a hole and die. I really want to be good on guitar but I'm utterly useless and getting worse. 
I don't know what to do anymore.
Posted by: Fran Sep 29 2008, 10:27 PM
Hey O.C. relax man!, sometimes we see things black, and they aren't. Nothing is black or white, great or useless. Things are just grey and it takes loads of time to make them better, that's the way it is.
Take those nasty thoughts out of your mind, they won't do you any good. I bet loads of people would be astonished watching you play, it's just that as human beings we always want more and look up to better players, which is good, but if you go beyond that thin line it can be harmful.
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo
Posted by: audiopaal Sep 29 2008, 10:29 PM
Well, I don't think you're that bad..
You should stop having too high expectations all the time and just roll along with it 
Things will get better eventually!
I've played much longer than you and I ain't exactly a guitarwhiz myself 
The thing is, I haven't practiced the way I should or the amount needed etc.
I get better and better after I started playing again after many years of just looking at that old piece of wood standing in my living room laughing fretbuzz at me, and I've regained that good feeling you should have playing guitar.
Maybe you just need a break?
Maybe you should practice some easier songs etc., to get some progression going.
That might help you get the feeling of accomplishing things on the guitar which is important every now and then
You're not useless and you should know that, we can't all be Muris, Gabe, Ivan, Trond etc.
Keep it up mate, bring your guitar with you to Japan and get some inspiration going!
We could do a eastern metal collaboration together or something
Cheers!
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 10:30 PM
Take those nasty thoughts out of your mind, they won't do you any good. I bet loads of people would be astonished watching you play, it's just that as human beings we always want more and look up to better players, which is good, but if you go beyond that thin line it can be harmful.
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=jHPOzQzk9Qo
I'm just depressed because it seems the more I practice the worse I get and I'm getting worse at playing my bands songs
And I wrote them
Posted by: Fran Sep 29 2008, 10:34 PM
And I wrote them That's just not possible, so either you are over-working on those songs or have lost a bit of emotion in your playing. Either way take a couple days break. You'll feel renewed when you get back to the guitar.
We all have good & bad days. That's the way it is. Cheer up man.
Posted by: Siggum Sep 29 2008, 10:36 PM
Well, first of all playing guitar and music in general should be fun and entertaining for yourself, it doesnt sound like you'r having fun playing, so perhabs as someone else mentionend you should take a break, or re-evaluate your perspective on playing guitar. I've played for 10 years, and to be honest i havent improved That much since the first 2-3 years, i just played because i enjoyed it and didnt think too much on improving (it changed after i joined GMC though), anyway cheer up man, playing guitar should be fun, not the opposite.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 10:44 PM
I don't enjoy playing guitar because I don't enjoy guitar. I don't enjoy time with my friends. I don't enjoy my job or any aspect of my life. I just get up out of a bed in the morning and I'm miserable till I sleep again. It sucks. I don't know what to do anymore
Posted by: MickeM Sep 29 2008, 10:52 PM
Sounds more like a depression rather than just useless at guitar. Please see a doctor if you feel everything sucks because there is help for down periods.
Posted by: DeepRoots Sep 29 2008, 10:53 PM
Mate- life gets us down sometimes. Unfortunately it happens to some more than others- but you can bet that everybody at some point feels this way.
Now i know this has happened before for you, i also remember you took a nice long break from it and felt alot better. Perhaps you need to chill out again- perhaps take a holiday abroad? Sounds great to me
I've felt like guitar really wasn't my passion before- thought how garbage i was- and to this day still drop my jaw at players who've been playing at a fraction of the time as i have been playing.
But when it comes down to it- if my "fears" were true and i didn't like playing guitar, it wasn't my passion and i really was that bad at playing- wouldn't i have quit by now?
Ask yourself why you still play the guitar- then think about the answer sat by a pool soaking in some sunshine.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 10:54 PM
Unfortunately I already have but the doctors round me are useless. They keep saying nothing is wrong
I am trying to cheer up as I'm not a weak person. Hence the moving to Japan next year to work. I am trying different things to bring happiness. But guitaring is a large part of my life and sucking on guitar is part of me being miserable but not the only part.
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Sep 29 2008, 10:57 PM
I agree with MickeM man, that sounds like a depression to me, not a guitar related problem. Unfortunately your on your own man, gotta be strong, think positive and gradually, step by step, overcome this issue in life that you have. Just focus on positive things in life man, and don't put yourself and your life down, life is to short for that kind of things man.
Posted by: besip Sep 29 2008, 10:58 PM
if you are working person take break ang go somewhere on vacaction!!!!!!!!!!! somethime i'm feel same way like you and we leave on hectic life...actualy lot of time i'm just working and thinking what i'm gonna do today i'm have to play guitar i'm wana do this and that and i'm don't have time for all of that.....somethime it's not easy but you have to stop thinking like that...and realy take break and do realy things what u wana do
lot of people working to mutch hours and day {they have nice cars houses and other stuff but they don't have time to enjoy it and then they are under stress}..I'm now working also to mutch hours at day becouse i'm do have some personal trouble but my goal in live is find normal job even if i'm be got pay less and enjoying to go to the work and then enjoying be home
i'm not sure what is your case...can be everything
but like i'm set...take break and go to the vacaction or something and enjoy the vacaction
good luck man
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 11:00 PM
I'm starting to learn to drive this week also. I hope that cheers me up as it means if I need to get away I can do It's difficult when you can't drive.
I want to be part of this mentoring program but I haven't a video camera annoyingly. I don't know whether I can afford one.
Posted by: MickeM Sep 29 2008, 11:03 PM
I am trying to cheer up as I'm not a weak person. Hence the moving to Japan next year to work. I am trying different things to bring happiness. But guitaring is a large part of my life and sucking on guitar is part of me being miserable but not the only part.Maybe it's the doctors that are useless. Cheering one self up when in a depression must be impossible, never experienced one myself though, but I know one thing. You have to be persuasive with doctors, they try to wash off people unless you give them an argument.
I suggest you go again, don't let them push you and never take 'No' for an answer. Being a stubborn case causing a bit of commosion will only prove your case earning a checkup.
So please go again and never ever, ever accept a "no" when you know something is wrong.
I'd tell you to cheer up, stay cool and take it easy *pat on your back* but just guessing that's a bit beneath you at the moment.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 11:05 PM
I've been 7 times but being miserable it's hard to be forceful by saying no. You just want answers but you can't fight for it. I will try and go again but whether it will help or not. I have been to 3 seperate doctors. It really annoys me and I can't really have time off work to go again as if I do I will probably get fired. I missed 4 weeks of work through depression and stress
Posted by: besip Sep 29 2008, 11:19 PM
Hey i'm was also full of strees somethime my life wasn't easy all time trust me i'm can say that......i'm know depresion is hurt ...try do do something what made u not thinking about some depresion and try everything..somethime when i'm was bad i'm see somewhere on newspaper on net some advice like when u get up at morning take smile before the minor
..i'm was thing thats is idiocy but thats realy help me...not for rest of my life but for couple days..man i'm have few years big pressure on my chest every day..somethime i'm feel i'm must have heart atack..i'm visit lot of doctors and all of them tell me you {your heart is ok} last time i'm was bad and visit doctor here in usa they see me just 30 minutes tell me i'm ok and charge me 3000$..thats made me more depres like before i'm come there
you have to ficht it and you must wana be ok and positiv{or trying be positiv}
Posted by: Gus Sep 29 2008, 11:25 PM
Hey man. Take it easy. I've been playing "since forever" and there has been ups and downs. Phases with quick evolution and phases where I forgot lots of stuff.
From what you told, I think there are other things that are reflecting on your guitar playing. If you are stressed, that reflects in all the other things of your life. I've been like that 2 years ago. That can be the reason you feel like you are getting worse in guitar.
Playing guitar shall be your way of resting from a demanding day by day life and not another burden. If you look at guitar practice and playing guitar as another obligation, you will feel you are not going anywhere, and you start losing your passion. We all know that becoming a guitar hero requires some dedication and discipline, but it requires passion much more than that. There is no point in forcing yourself into boring exercises if you start losing interest after that. On the contrary, simply play things you enjoy. Meet some friends and play some simple songs on acoustic. Simple things like that can make you much happier than 2 hours of metronome exercise.
My advice is that you try to identify the real source(s) of the problem and work on them. The way you feel about your guitar playing is probably more of symptom than the reason.
And then ask help from people around you. The doctors, of course, but also your friends, family...
Posted by: ZakkWylde Sep 29 2008, 11:27 PM
-Totally Off-Topic; but when I saw the tilte of this thread I thought it was about EXTREME alcohol abuse...I mean 6 years wasted^^
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 11:29 PM
It's been longer than that lol
Posted by: ZakkWylde Sep 29 2008, 11:30 PM
At least my stupidity cheared you up a little...
Posted by: besip Sep 29 2008, 11:34 PM
there is question
are you got depresion just from guitar???
or from all aspect of your life????
if thats just guitar don't worry thats have everybody
and if you have depresion from your life...you can try this
http://www.lifeevents.org/5-tibetans-energy-rejuvenation-exercises.htm
BUT FIRST THING WHAT YOU NEED TO DO IS CHANGE YOUR NICKNAME!!!!!.....Yours is werry depresive
Try something like Guitar Hero or something like that..becouse when you log on and see your nick name OrganisedConfusion you can be bored just from this
Posted by: MickeM Sep 29 2008, 11:35 PM
I really hope you'll find one who listens. Try browsing forums about depressions in Nottingham UK, people could probably recommend you a doctor in your area who's got a good reputation.
And you're absolutely right in being careful with your job, get the doctors appointment done but care for your work at the same time, you don't want to jeapordise that.
Posted by: OzRob Sep 29 2008, 11:39 PM
Mate, I suffered anxiety, panic attacks and depression. It was a psychologist who helped me, not a doctor. See if you can find a psychologist with good recommendations.
The reality is depression and its related conditions can have a biological basis in which case medication would be needed; or it can have a psychological basis, in which case someone helping you to think through issues will make a big difference. Sometimes it's a bit of both. So as I suggest if you find the doctors aren't helping find a good psych.
Depression is very powerful and debilitating. In Australia it results in a lot of men harming themselves, because over here guys are expected to be strong, weather every storm and get over things. But this is a stupid perception in our society because depression is real and needs to be addressed. It's very important to get outside help when you have depression because it makes you think differently and you will tell yourself things that aren't true, and you will believe those lies you tell yourself, which in turn reinforces your feelings of depression. It's a bad cycle.
Org, you are not alone in this. Have a look around your area and see if there is a support group.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 11:42 PM
I really hope you'll find one who listens. Try browsing forums about depressions in Nottingham UK, people could probably recommend you a doctor in your area who's got a good reputation.
And you're absolutely right in being careful with your job, get the doctors appointment done but care for your work at the same time, you don't want to jeapordise that.
I think depression goes hand in hand with Nottingham UK lol. If I searched for that it would bring up far too many results. I'm going to get an appointment for Friday afternoon as if I work the hours leading up to Friday I can finish early on a Friday. If they still say nothing is up and I'm just being silly I will try and find somebody who can help me.
Posted by: mattacuk Sep 29 2008, 11:44 PM
OC, im sorry you’re having a crappy time at the moment. I wonder do you eat healthy and exercise? And do you drink plenty of fresh water ? I quit drink, smoking and crappy foods when I was down and out (about 8 years ago when i was 19) and it made a massive impact on the way I felt about my life.
Why not put the guitar aside just for a few days or even 1 week. Address your daily life style habits, look at cutting out the booze (if you drink) and replace it with lots of fresh water and good food as this can naturally lift spirits fast in my experience. keeping well hydrated can really life mood! Go out an buy yourself bottles of mineral water, and fresh fruit smoothies as these are great for you.
Next I think you need to learn how to think good about yourself again, and start to learn new life skills. I learnt how to turn the negative into positive when I had allot of problems, and with some help you could too. If you can afford to pay for Cognitive therapy they can teach you how to start thinking positive about your life again. If not ask your doctor for counseling as my girlfriend sees a councilor and it really helps her sort things out.
Dont quit guitar, play it for fun but dont make it your central life focus. Try to find lots of little things you enjoy doing and fill your life with them. When your more content in life your guitar playing will be allot easier and alot more fun for sure. I struggled through life for quite a while so understand where your comeing from my friend. You need to start making small changes today, and if you need any help just send me a PM and I will try to help
kind regards,
matt
Posted by: Hisham Al-Sanea Sep 29 2008, 11:48 PM
i think your musical age not 6 years exactly we count your musical age when you start to practice in a right way
just i want to ask if you learned something right here or not. also i see you dont need a doctor or others cause these things normaly happened to every one .so dont worry about your self and try to change your life style
and i am sure you will be happy.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 29 2008, 11:49 PM
I don't eat healthy at all but I do get lots of exercise every day.. I walk between 8 and 12 miles a day. I drink no water in a day I just drink Fresh Orange Juice or Dr Pepper. I do have 2 proper cooked meals a week though that I make as I enjoy cooking. Unfortunately I drink a lot but weirdly it is when I'm at my most happy but I guess that is incredibly bad? I don't smoke or do drugs though. I really do try and be happy but the more I try the more I see it failing and the more miserable it makes me. Normally I just hide from the real world. I go to work and come home and go on my pc till sleep and work again. It's a bit of a boring cycle. Plus I support Middlesbrough lol which is depressing in itself.
I might PM you to say a few things but I need to calm down a bit and relax for a while
Why not put the guitar aside just for a few days or even 1 week. Address your daily life style habits, look at cutting out the booze (if you drink) and replace it with lots of fresh water and good food as this can naturally lift spirits fast in my experience. keeping well hydrated can really life mood! Go out an buy yourself bottles of mineral water, and fresh fruit smoothies as these are great for you.
Next I think you need to learn how to think good about yourself again, and start to learn new life skills. I learnt how to turn the negative into positive when I had allot of problems, and with some help you could too. If you can afford to pay for Cognitive therapy they can teach you how to start thinking positive about your life again. If not ask your doctor for counseling as my girlfriend sees a councilor and it really helps her sort things out.
Dont quit guitar, play it for fun but dont make it your central life focus. Try to find lots of little things you enjoy doing and fill your life with them. When your more content in life your guitar playing will be allot easier and alot more fun for sure. I struggled through life for quite a while so understand where your comeing from my friend. You need to start making small changes today, and if you need any help just send me a PM and I will try to help
kind regards,
matt
Posted by: OzRob Sep 29 2008, 11:51 PM
Hey Org,
Matt mentioned cognitive behaviour therapy - that's what I was thinking of but just didn't get that specific.
While you're waiting around to see someone here is a good place to start:
http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome
It's a tool that helps you learn to see how the things you tell yourself and the way you think affects your feelings and actions. It's run by the Australian National University and is of first-rate quality.
No matter what you think of psychology, give this link a go. You have nothing to lose except some time. And you have a lot to gain if it helps you discover some insights into your thinking.
Rob.
Posted by: MickeM Sep 29 2008, 11:57 PM
Posted by: mattacuk Sep 29 2008, 11:59 PM
Well cutting out the drink totally may be a really positive step for you Some people can handle drink fine, I myself just cant drink at all as it makes me feel ill. The thing is though, if you are having emotional problems cutting out drink totally may be the best thing. Of course it is very much up to you, but I found it made a huge difference to my mood And its a REALLY big confidence booster if you can say, "I dont need drink" even if you just drink when your happy Its a REAL confidence booster. Oh and please just try drinking a big bottle of water daily
In the long term though I think you would see positive results from working with a councilor or therapist to build positive habits in your life. This can really make a difference for you and at least think about it
Im totally sure your guitar playing will get on track !! and I wish you the best of luck
Posted by: Praetorian Sep 30 2008, 12:10 AM
Sounds to me like you are on the verge of one of those "breakthroughs" they speak about in the cycle of learning! Keep at it!!!
Posted by: Fsgdjv Sep 30 2008, 12:26 AM
I agree with the cognitive behaviour therapy, I think there even are books on the subject to start with if you don't want to spend huge amounts of money on a therapist.
And about eating, etc: I think you *need* to start drinking water. There is no substitute for it, not even juice or something like that. And on the stopping drinking thing matt is talking about, he might be absolutely right, but I don't see why it's a good idea to do it if it's something you just do when you're happy, but that's just coming from an unwise 19-year old so matt might have more experience in changing habits etc, I'm just saying what I'm thinking.
Just try to hang in there, the whole moving the Japan thing sounds like an awesome idea, and I'm hoping you'll get better.
(And on a side note to make you feel better about your guitar playing, be glad if you don't have artrosis or some disease like that in your family that guarantees you won't be able to play guitar properly when that kicks in sometimes after 40. Believe me, that is not very fun to know.)
Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Sep 30 2008, 12:39 AM
Heyy OC,
*Slaps you in face*
Your not useless! We all treat you as family here at Gmc, because thats what we are, a family !
I to have been depressed for awhile ! I know it may seem like your not good at anything and that your life is a complete wreck but its not. You just need to find someone or something that can truly make you a happy person !
My way of doing that was writing ! If you dont believe me look on the Lyrics board for yourself !
Sure you can Whine and Pout all you want, but why dont you use your anger and depression to your advantage and start writing some really emotional music!
Hope I helped a little, Hope things get better buddy! Take care- John
And if you were such a terrible person- Than why would you have this many people reading your topic ? Holy Crap !
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 30 2008, 12:59 AM
I seem to write worse music when I'm in this state. My lyrics and riff writing has gone completely downhill. Tomorrow I will post some old lyrics of mine and some new ones and you'll admit I hope that they have gone downhill. I will post 2 sets of lyrics and you can say which ones you think came first. I seem to be heading backwards.
I say to people on here about things as I respect everybody on here greatly and I'm happy to be apart of this place. Most forums would just tell me to kill myself and get it over with but I'm not stupid enough or weak enough to think killing yourself is getting rid of your problems. It may end your problems but it is selfish and brings problems for 10 other people or more in dealing with it.
I thought taking 4 weeks off work after I had stress and depression would help but I've sunk right back into it after being back at work for two weeks. I also feel I need to be around people all the time which doesn't help.
I appreciate the amount of people that are willing to help me on here. I will certainly let people know how things go in the near future for me. I'm learning to drive and moving to Japan
*Slaps you in face*
Your not useless! We all treat you as family here at Gmc, because thats what we are, a family !
I to have been depressed for awhile ! I know it may seem like your not good at anything and that your life is a complete wreck but its not. You just need to find someone or something that can truly make you a happy person !
My way of doing that was writing ! If you dont believe me look on the Lyrics board for yourself !
Sure you can Whine and Pout all you want, but why dont you use your anger and depression to your advantage and start writing some really emotional music!
Hope I helped a little, Hope things get better buddy! Take care- John
And if you were such a terrible person- Than why would you have this many people reading your topic ? Holy Crap !
Posted by: whammysam Sep 30 2008, 01:15 AM
I totally agree with mattacuk. Mostly, about lifestyle and how it affects us.. Often without us immediately knowing.(and perhaps not for sometime after) Such as Booze, cigarettes, junkfood and lack of exercise.. All a tonic for depression and a gross lack of focus in general. Its a slumber so easy to fall into.. I know, I need to take a leaf from this book myself. As for guitar progress.. Though as previously mentioned to OC. For him, it's probably more a symptom than a cause. But I often find myself getting frustrated at my seemingly lack of progression. I think that it's only in the first couple or so years for most of us, that we actually progress at a speed that we can consciously realise. After that, we don't so much feel the benefit for our hard work.. But in reality, we are probably getting better all the time. These forum's are the best.. So very friendly.. You can just come on and chat without worry.
Posted by: Jose Mena Sep 30 2008, 01:38 AM
Hay man, try to relax, and try to focus on the good aspects of your life. When it comes to guitar, simply stop worrying like you are worrying right now, take a few days off, maybe weeks or a month.
I am sure your guitar playing is not as bad as you say, you are just unmotivated and everything seems bad. GMC is here for you man, not only for guitar playing, look at all the replies you've had already.
Best of luck
Posted by: Enucleation Sep 30 2008, 02:59 AM
I hope you get better OC, really I do Maybe thi next doctor will know what is up and if not maybe the next one will
Just hang in there and dont worry so much about guitar, I feel ya there, I remember listening to ongs of guys on GMC here and thinking "Why can't I write like this!?" And still do, point is we all feel down sometimes
But I don't know what else to say without sounding like a preacher and I'm sure you have heard it all before and will decide for yourself.
Best regards and prayers to you, man
Posted by: Nemanja Filipovic Sep 30 2008, 07:20 AM
Wow OC,you are just coming up trough a rough time.Good thing is to make some change in you life.Start something new,start running,fishing,amy thing that could make you interested again in life.Than I am shore that your guitar playing will improve,and the whole aspect on looking on life will be more positive.
Posted by: Marek Rojewski Sep 30 2008, 08:44 AM
I don't have to much "ways" of dealing with something depression like. Some people have depression every few years, and they can't help it, but depression can't last longer than something like 6 months...
When I was in similar state, my girlfriend was a big help for me, and I had a notebook in which I wrote, that I don't sucks. Staying in front of the mirror and doing silly faces showing how "yeahhh coooll" You are, sometimes helps also:P
Oh and eat grapes, they are often a part of a "anti depression diet".
Posted by: Rooks Sep 30 2008, 08:56 AM
Hey man, it's ok too feel like that sometimes. But down let it get you down.
Sometimes you just get ahead of yourself and have too high expectations, or skip the boring basics and try to accelerate the process..
Well.. When I feel like that, I try to force myself to think how much I have achieved since a certain time back. Maybe you want to practice really hard basics like alternate or some scales and then take a break for a few days and go a bit back..
Choose a piece that's really easier than your present level and master it. Even though your more advanced maybe, it always feels good to play some thing good.. even though it's technically easy stuff...
Posted by: Skyla°Lit Sep 30 2008, 09:31 AM
If OC is really in a depression-like state, I don't think that "treating" the symptoms would help... Well, it won't provide lasting results anyways. Getting rid of depression is about getting to the root of the problem that caused it and solving it once and for all. It's important to understand WHY you feel this way and that usually requires some thinking. If you're not good at self-analyzing a psychiatrist could probably help. Instead of a monologue you'll get a dialogue that will supposedly help you know what questions to ask and how to answer them. Depressions are often triggered by simple lack of insight about who you are?, what is that you want?, why is that you want it?, where is that you're going and what is that you're supposed to do and for what reason etc etc etc...
I really hope you get over it soon OrganisedConfusion, one way or another... It's only up to you
Posted by: Rooks Sep 30 2008, 09:52 AM
I really hope you mean analyzing 
-sorry
Posted by: Skyla°Lit Sep 30 2008, 09:57 AM
Ooops... all fixed now 
Thanks Rooks
Posted by: BodomESP Sep 30 2008, 10:02 AM
Well obviously the source of your depression is guitar. As soon as one reads the title and first sentence of your post that becomes apparent. You seem to have some "life plan" mapped out in your mind that you will be a great high caliber guitarist one day, a plan which is obviously very important to you.
Now it seems you are doubting you have what it takes to achieve that goal and this is making you very depressed. As long as the "life plan" you have mapped out in your head does not line up with reality or seem achievable to you you are going to be miserable.
You have to change the ridiculously high standards you have set for yourself and just accept you may not be the greatest guitarist ever one day. You need to set little doable goals for yourself and celebrate those small victory's. Start playing guitar for fun again!
Personally I would take a nice long break from playing the guitar. I'm not talking about a week or two but 3 or 4 months, and find another hobby you enjoy to occupy you. Now this may not be possible for you since you said you were in a band, but I really think you should consider it.
Ok I'm done playing psychiatrist now 
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 30 2008, 10:08 AM
I can't believe how many replies there are trying to help I'm feeling a little better today but I'm still going to book an appointment on Friday as things really aren't good. I just wish things were better. I try really hard with guitar and always make sure I write songs until I'm 100% happy with them. This can take me months though and it is so stressful. In my band nobody helps write songs. I'm expected to write Vocals, Drums, Bass, Guitars and Keyboards. It's ridiculous an amount of pressure to deal with in a band that you just want to do for fun.
I'm struggling with many things but hopefully I can get through this. I aint a quitter so I'm gonna try whatever it takes to get better.
Thanks for all the words of encouragement and help from you all. It really is amazing this place and how many people actually care about your problems.
Cheers
Posted by: kjutte Sep 30 2008, 10:12 AM
I don't know what to do anymore.Essential question:
Do you know any theory?
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 30 2008, 10:29 AM
Do you know any theory?
To a fair level yes. I know about Cadences, Scales, Chords and Intevals. I know a fair bit. Infact I know it sounds very sad but I prefer studying music theory than I do playing guitar.
Posted by: DeepRoots Sep 30 2008, 10:39 AM
Not at all
I'm guilty of this now and then too 
Posted by: kjutte Sep 30 2008, 10:59 AM
Got a toneport or anything?
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 30 2008, 11:00 AM
Yeah I have a toneport also.
Posted by: fatb0t Sep 30 2008, 01:49 PM
OC aren't you studying for a PhD or something? You're freakin' tweakin' stressed dude! You need some time off... Take your axe, plug it into a 50watt amp, get a 12 pack, turn on a blues backing track...You'll feel like a lot better about your playing I promise. You just need to regain your confidence and everything else will fall back into place. You'd be suprised one REALLY good session seems to make up for 30 crappy ones. It will reinspire you.
I've felt like this more times than I can POSSIBLY explain... This is my solution - good or bad hahah
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 30 2008, 01:54 PM
I am doing a PhD yes but I'm struggling at the moment with how I am I lost 2 other people I thought were some of my best mates today. Shows how wrong you can be on things. I hope I never see them again.
Posted by: fatb0t Sep 30 2008, 02:46 PM
As I look at it, guitars and dogs are the only things that won't disappoint. The worse things get the better you can play the blues...I swear - so that's an upside. Keep on slugging along, life is cyclical it has it's ups and downs. Sometimes you're riding high sometimes you're down slamming low - just the way it is I suppose. Generally all the bad stuff happens at once and becomes overwhelming. I would advise head banging to Carcass at ear deafing levels while slamming a 12 pack - but that's just me.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 30 2008, 02:49 PM
I'm going for a proper restaurant meal tonight and then off to the pub with a mate to watch the football and then having a guitar jam with him which will be cool. I haven't jammed with him in a long time so hopefully that is good. I feel really ill today but I would do with how I am I guess.
Posted by: Fran Sep 30 2008, 02:59 PM
Now that sounds like an excellent plan O.C. I'll practice alone as usual.
Now I'm depressed
joking man, hope you have a great time
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Sep 30 2008, 03:04 PM
Now I'm depressed
joking man, hope you have a great time That's the only good thing lol. With playing for 6 years I've met loads of contacts and friends that I can jam with which is cool. I'm not as good as most guitarists playing for 6 years but I have met loads of people.
Whack on your favourite CD and play along
Then you wont feel alone. I do it a lot. Play along with Judas Priest. It's always fun playing guitar in your bedroom in leathers after riding in on a motorbike lol The bit after Judas Priest doesn't really happen you'll be glad to know
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Sep 30 2008, 03:18 PM
Hey OC, if your bandmates don't help you with songs, I think you should talk with them, tell them about your situation, and that you want everybody to commit to writing songs. If they are you bandmates and friends they will understand, and try to help you.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 1 2008, 09:16 AM
Yeah I'm trying to push that forward as it is a lot easier having help when writing songs and more fun to see the songs coming together.
Posted by: Nazgul Oct 1 2008, 09:26 AM
I have the same problem with my band. They often don't want to participate when writing songs, but sometimes I'm quite fine with it, because then all my musical ideas can be realised.
Though it's pretty hard without some help sometimes. 
Posted by: Vinod Saranga Oct 1 2008, 12:11 PM
Hey OC
you just confused.
Get orgainized again
Sometimes you feel like you can't do anything.It's normal.Keep away from the guitar for a while.Do a new thing.In few days you will realize how good you are!
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 1 2008, 12:12 PM
you just confused.
Get orgainized again
Sometimes you feel like you can't do anything.It's normal.Keep away from the guitar for a while.Do a new thing.In few days you will realize how good you are!
lol. I will start papering the town with pictures of me everywhere in a few days
Posted by: Pedja Simovic Oct 1 2008, 01:17 PM
O.C take it easy man. Life is too short to worry and get stressed out about anything really. Do things that you enjoy and take things one step at the time.
Guitar related - play your favorite songs and solos, when you feel you got it start doing some exercises to improve your technique , compose songs , get into a band , talk to us on forum I bet this makes you feel good already (knowing there are people out there who care what you have to say) etc
If you have opportunity , go travel somewhere for a week or two, take a nice vacation and get away from all the stress in your life. Miami is awesome place to go if you are into beach night clubs and fun. Even if you are not into that , its still awesome , girls are amazing there , if they don't make you happy I don't know what will hehe
Peace man
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 1 2008, 01:26 PM
I don't think I do play my favourite songs enough I think I worry about writing songs in my band too much. I've been to Miami before and it was awesome but unfortunately I need to save as I'm moving to Japan next year
Posted by: seagull Oct 1 2008, 01:54 PM
A lot of great advice has been given in this topic. But in fact, it hasn't been long since I had kind of a "guitar depression". Although not as serious as yours, it decreased my confidence in my playing.
Fortunately, a natural break from guitar playing came when I went on an already planned trip to Canada to visit an old buddy of mine. I couldn't bring my guitar, so I just relaxed completely for 14 days without playing any guitar except for an old crap Spanish one they had in the basement. Usually when we had had some beers.
Then when I came back and finally played the guitar again, I had some sort of revelation - Suddenly, all of my skills had increased remarkably, although I hadn't played for over 2 weeks! I had an unstoppable urge to play and learn new things, and the things I'd already learned had somehow had the time to settle in my consciousness.
I have no explanation as to HOW the heck it happened, but it did!
So I think it is absolutely great that you're going to Japan! You're hopefully gonna experience something similar.
Ninja-mind-journey!
Cheer up man, "the night is always darkest before the dawn."
Posted by: Rooks Oct 1 2008, 02:08 PM
You should hear me play that'l maybe cheer you up
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 1 2008, 02:43 PM
I'm sure you'd be better than me
Posted by: Vasilije Vukmirovic Oct 1 2008, 06:57 PM
Everybody go through that period. Paul Gilbert has spent 5 years holding the pick in the wrong way, now he is the best picker in the world.
Posted by: fkalich Oct 1 2008, 07:16 PM
What are you working at, for your Ph.D? If you are serious on that.
Posted by: Jose Mena Oct 1 2008, 07:38 PM
What do you mean, he used to hold it differently from how he holds it now, when??
Posted by: bsamn Oct 1 2008, 07:48 PM
Yup, he used to hold it like the V-Pick guy. (the pick angled backwards)
But the stress on his thumb was too much so he switched to the way most players play (the pick angled in front)
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 2 2008, 12:23 AM
I do decision support for the informed selection of military training media for tomorrows military operations. Basically improving military training by utilising newer embedded solutions.
Posted by: Vasilije Vukmirovic Oct 2 2008, 01:00 AM
But the stress on his thumb was too much so he switched to the way most players play (the pick angled in front)
Yes, like Marty Friedman. And in the beginning, he played ONLY with upstrokes, can you believe?
I watched an interview with him, it is true.
That is very encouraging, if he can afford to make such mistakes, then...
Posted by: Pedja Simovic Oct 2 2008, 02:16 AM
Fortunately, a natural break from guitar playing came when I went on an already planned trip to Canada to visit an old buddy of mine. I couldn't bring my guitar, so I just relaxed completely for 14 days without playing any guitar except for an old crap Spanish one they had in the basement. Usually when we had had some beers.
Then when I came back and finally played the guitar again, I had some sort of revelation - Suddenly, all of my skills had increased remarkably, although I hadn't played for over 2 weeks! I had an unstoppable urge to play and learn new things, and the things I'd already learned had somehow had the time to settle in my consciousness.
I have no explanation as to HOW the heck it happened, but it did!
So I think it is absolutely great that you're going to Japan! You're hopefully gonna experience something similar.
Ninja-mind-journey!
Cheer up man, "the night is always darkest before the dawn."
This is perfect example of what I was talking about earlier!
Taking time away from music will actually help you - believe it or not. Sometimes you improve more when you don't practice then when you do - and that's where vacations really kick in ; you take time off and when you come back guitar playing and music feels fresh and new again amazing stuff!
I think I worry about writing songs in my band too much. I've been to Miami before and it was awesome but unfortunately I need to save as I'm moving to Japan next year I feel you man all the way... Play the songs you like, don't worry about band stuff - work on it but don't get discouraged ! As far as Miami goes you will go soon man - South beach is awesome you will get the chance to kick it there and compose some awesome riffs on the beach. I created Miami piece as soon as I came back to Boston - I got so much inspiration from that place (spent my 24th birthday there and it was awesome
Keep the faith man and ask if you need some help with lesson exercises etc
Posted by: Tjchep Oct 2 2008, 03:30 AM
One thing that I've always noticed with you is you are always saying how you are terrible and are useless at guitar, and you hate to realize the fact that you are a pretty decent guitarist. I've listened to one of your bands tunes, and it was catchy man..
But really what do you want to be as a guitar player? If you want to become as good as muris, then it's just a matter of you saying you can do it or not, and believing that you can do it. Just have a little more confidence in yourself man.
tj
Posted by: fkalich Oct 2 2008, 04:01 AM
See, you sound good there. Except you Brits spell utilizing wrong. There I am lecturing you on proper use of the English language. Don't assume that most of these guys here are not more screwed up than you think you are. You are just open. I bet you are one of the sanest guys around here.
I would ask you more about your work, but I assume you can't talk much about it. We have a war college just north of here, at Fort Leavenworth, I guess they have guys like you working up there.
Posted by: Muris Varajic Oct 2 2008, 08:36 AM
I have nothing much to add OC,
it's has been all said more or less.
I believe it's moment of depression,lacking of confidence.
Take some time to clear up your mind and then keep working again,
we are all humans and we truly hit the wall sometimes.
Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Oct 2 2008, 09:52 AM
I would ask you more about your work, but I assume you can't talk much about it. We have a war college just north of here, at Fort Leavenworth, I guess they have guys like you working up there.
Didn't we invent the English language
It really is confusing with the different spellings because I have to quote American texts in my work and obviously have to use their spelling and then for me writing I need to use proper English I can't talk about much of my work and I can't access a lot of what I need to because it is such a strict area when it comes to secretive documents. Very interesting area that I enjoy but it is morally wrong. Unfortunately I barely have any morals anyway
it's has been all said more or less.
I believe it's moment of depression,lacking of confidence.
Take some time to clear up your mind and then keep working again,
we are all humans and we truly hit the wall sometimes.
I do lack a lot of confidence I know. It seems I have reached a brick wall that is continually growing in height and then you finally get over the wall and hit another. I need more motivation with guitar and more confidence. I have bought a web cam on pay day as I can show people me playing the lessons and hopefully get some advice to improve my playing
But really what do you want to be as a guitar player? If you want to become as good as muris, then it's just a matter of you saying you can do it or not, and believing that you can do it. Just have a little more confidence in yourself man.
tj
I want to be able to play my favourite stuff by my favourite guitarists. Muris has got the all round package of speed, technical skills and great phrasing. I'd love to get to what Muris can do but to be honest I'd be happy just to be able to play my favourite Jazz records and death metal. I love Jason Becker but I'd never care if I couldn't get to that as in my opinion he is the greatest guitarist to ever play.
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)