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Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 26 2008, 02:59 PM

I know it's a difficult choice whether to sell all my guitars or not but I think it is for the best. I put up my guitars in Classifieds but just need to sort out the layout before they are accepted. Andrew thought it might be a good idea to say the reasons why I want to quit to see if anyone else has similar experience.

Reason 1: I have been in the same band for 4 years now and we aren't going anywhere. We've been trying to find a bassist for a few years now and we've been recording songs mainly that I have written and I don't think my songs are good enough Also I write every bit of the songs which is very stressful and I'm useless at organising gigs. We love playing gigs but we only have about 3 gigs a year and it's getting to the point where it just isn't worth the bother as I'm not enjoying the band anymore and I want to be giging every other week at least as we have enough songs and covers to do.

Reason 2: I've been playing guitar for 5 years and I was self taught until recently when I started getting lessons off of David C Bond off of the forums. He is an amazing guitarist and a great teacher who always prepares well for every lesson and links everything together so well but I never seem to have time to practice what he is teaching me and it gets me down because I want to get better at what he is showing me but it's difficult to find the time so I never improve and I hold my pick wrong apparently but like many I still can't get my head around what is the correct way.

Reason 3: I'm useless on guitar. My downpicking is so slow I can barely play anything downpicked. I struggle at playing any song. I can;t even play Paranoid fast enough down picked I don't know where I'm going wrong and if I'm even good enough to continue.

I love listening to music and at one time when I was happy with myself and life I really loved guitar. Now I am miserable all the time and never feel like playing and I really need to sort my life out otherwise I'm just gonna drive myself insane or worse My opinion of my self is so bad and I think I'm an ugly piece of s*** that is a loser and just does the same process every day and never changes. I only have about 3 friends and I rarely go out

Please help me. But I'm going to put my guitars up for sale I think. What do you guys think. I hope you can offer advice as it may help me to find the problem area.

Cheers everybody

Posted by: kaznie_NL Feb 26 2008, 03:08 PM

I think you should keep the guitar with the best memory, maybe the first one? Then you can still play, or just use it as a nice memory! I'd say, just stay on the guitar thingie, maybe search a new band or try to get a nice "one last" gig. Ater that big gig you can see if you want to go on with it!

Posted by: audiopaal Feb 26 2008, 03:11 PM

No man, don't quit.
I've had times when I didn't want to play anymore, and I did what you're thinking of.
I sold everything I had besides my first guitar (which I put in the closet) and I regretted my ass of in just a little while and I felt really stupid as I had to save up a lot of money just to buy new equipment..

But I'm back on track and I'm having fun as hell now

Sleep on it man, I don't think you want to do this. I'm not the greatest player but man am I having fun.
There will always be hard times but in the end they'll only make you stronger

Keep it up man, you know you love it.. Sometimes it's easy to forget that..

And besides, you know you're gonna miss us all if decide to leave it all now

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 26 2008, 03:11 PM

I was stupid and sold my first ever guitar What a fool I am.

Posted by: Duncan Feb 26 2008, 03:20 PM

If you don't enjoy the band anymore, leave it. Search for a new band. ALWAYS keep a guitar though. Even if you think you are crap, it is always nice when you're a little bit stressed to pick it up and play some tunes. I've been playing for nearly four years now and I haven't really written anything, apart from a few simple things. The way I see it, I want to get my technique as good as possible before I start to write anything.

It seems like you've got to the stage where playing guitar is a chore. You need to make it fun again. Jam along to some easy songs you like, sit outside in the sun strumming. Anything that makes you realise that selling all your guitars would be a huge mistake.

Posted by: Guitarman700 Feb 26 2008, 03:21 PM

Ive sold 3 guitars i miss; 1: Jackson king v 2:my first guitar, a squier strat i customized to look just like david gilmours black strat. and 3: a $1000 dollar washburn 7 string. do i regret it? yes i do, but i realized that sometimes you make bad decisions in life, and you have to move on. youve seen the gear i have now, ide say im pretty well off. you sound like youve got some great guitars too man, it would be a shame to give up now.
Edit: duncan is right. ive felt like playing was a chore alot, but you just have to make yourself keep going, it will all work out eventually.

Posted by: JWBauer Feb 26 2008, 03:32 PM

I agree with everyone else. Keep at least one guitar or you may regret it later. I have been playing on and off for about 30 years now. I am not the greatest in the world but really enjoy playing. It helps me to relax and gives me opportunity to reflect. About 6 years ago I put everything I owned into a storage unit and moved to Florida. The storage unit burned and unfortunately my guitar was in there. Three years later I bought another guitar and realized how much I missed it even yhough I only played once or twice a month. Now I try to play a little every day. So don't sell everything and don't quit completely.

Posted by: Goliath Feb 26 2008, 03:41 PM

I respect you Organized and that's why I'm not going to give you the pat on the back it sounds like you're soliciting.

First thing's first: Keep your gear. If you're as miserable as you say, you'll still be miserable, but with a little more money and no guitars. Then you won't have a forum to poke around on throughout the day because what good is coming to GMC if you don't have a guitar?

Second, happiness is an attitude. You can decide to be happy. Everything you're complaining about YOU have the control to fix. If you're "ugly", have a couple runs, hit the gym a couple days a week, at least get in decent shape, start dressing better, get a new/better haircut and immediately you'll be a couple clicks higher in a matter of months. Only having 3 friends and rarely going out is a decision you've made. You can always make more friends and start going out more, nothing is stopping you.

You can be as happy as you make up your mind to be and it all starts by ditching that "victim" mentality. We've all got the cards that we've been dealt, now make the most of them.


If nothing else, and you truly are miserable, then think about down the line if you decide you want to get back into guitar and don't have any gear. Now you'll just be bringing more misery on yourself. Sleep on it at the very least.

EDIT: And Metallica wrote "Fade to Black" after all of their gear was stolen after a show and in my opinion it's one of the best songs they've written. Use this darkness settled over you as inspiration and maybe you can write some truly incredible music.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 26 2008, 03:45 PM

This isn't a rash decision by the way. It has been on my mind a very long time. I used to love going on stage and jumping around when I was in a 3 person band of drums, bass and guitar. Now we have 6 members I kind of lost interest a bit as I don't get to mess around and jump around as much anymore. I don't want a pat on the back as that just wont help. What I need is some advice on how I can pump some more excitement into my music playing and get back to a few years ago when I loved picking up the guitar infront of people.

I don't need a haircut as my hair is leaving of its own accord lol

Posted by: kyldeee Feb 26 2008, 03:46 PM

Don't quit mate, I know how you feel... My life is sh*t, but the guitar is the only thing that keeps me getting out of the bed...
I've broked 5 mirrors from my house, because I can't stand the way I look, I'd rather stay at home than go out with my friends and show my face, and when I do I always feel uncomfortable and embarrased, so I rather just sit home and play some guitar or listen to some music... If you do decide to quit, I suggest you left at least one guitar to remember the good times

All the best

-T

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 26 2008, 03:48 PM

You sound like you're writing from inside my brain lol. I have problems with myself for sure. I've met a few new friends lately who ask us round a few times It's cool but when you walk down the street and have people laughing in your face it kind of makes you down. I don't have one mirror in the house.

Posted by: kyldeee Feb 26 2008, 03:52 PM

Yeah, I always feel, when I'm walking somewhere, that people are staring at me and whispering to each other, laughing and saying all these bad things, and it really makes me sad...

Posted by: kaznie_NL Feb 26 2008, 03:57 PM

Maybe you should go and see a doctor or psychiatrist. I know it sounds very heavy, but phychiatrist are even for people who have problems with being shy or other little things. If you're down (and you sound like that, reading your other posts as well) just talk with one of those specialist or talk with some one else, just talk to someone who can make you feel better. Girlfriend, parents or a profesional. And remember, it's all in your hands, you're the one who can make you get out of this whole dip! And mate...don't say you're a victim Like Goliath said, make the best of the cards you've been dealed!

g'd luck!!

BTW..please smile when you read this, it'll make you feel better!

Posted by: SLASH91 Feb 26 2008, 03:58 PM

+1

I know it sounds weird, but I always come up with lyrics or music whenever I'm really depressed or angry. Don't know why, but use this to your advantage.

As far as the band goes, leave it if your not having any fun. If the other guys won't help plan gigs or write any songs, find some people who will.

F*** people who laugh at you because of the way you look. It's just because they're too insecure with themselves.

And if you do quit, which I highly recommend that you don't, at least keep an acoustic guitar that you can play whenever your feeling down.

Posted by: purple hayes Feb 26 2008, 03:59 PM

If I were you, I might sell all but one guitar and kind of start over. Maybe try a style of music that would be new to you.

/I'd probably leave the band, too.

Posted by: Guitarman700 Feb 26 2008, 04:00 PM

Seriously, if someone just laughed at me while i was walking down the street, they would be crawling home.thankfully most people around here keep to themselves, but im still convinced about 75% of the human population are complete mindless idiots.
Edit: im not happy with the way i look either, i need a haircut and i need to lose alot of weight, but dont get down on yourself, theres no reason for that.

Posted by: Pavel Feb 26 2008, 04:07 PM

Usually when i feel like crap i play some FPS online, shoot for a few hours and feel better straight away. Today i did 2 new backing tracks for 2 new lessons i'll record this week and right now i'm supposed to go to practice - well, guess what? I don't want to practice. I'm falling asleep and i feel too lazy to play. I don't want to play guitar at all - the weather sucks here - it's all round fog and rainy. I'm refreshing the same websites for 500 times a minute hoping to see something new, any new reply, any new topic to participate in...

I just know that in a few days i'll be at my best with practicing again! These are the periods in life you just have to get over.

I have 2 exams coming in 2 weeks and i haven't even start studying, my parents divorced 2 weeks ago, my RC7 is coming in MAY!! OMG - 3 more months of waiting!!! And i still need 1400$ to pay it off.

Sometimes it looks like it's only your's life that is like shit - but it's not. It's shit all over the world so cheer up! Go out with your friends. I don't go out often - but even 2 hours of a walk around with your friend can bring your mood back.

And finally - no reason to quit guitar! At least not to sell all your stuff! Just give it a 1 month break but don't sell it!

EDIT: i had a band and i quit because it was irritating me. No one ever wanted to practice so i moved on in my room on my own! And that brought me to GMC so just quit the band and continue playing at home

Posted by: SLASH91 Feb 26 2008, 04:09 PM

BTW, dude, I saw your picture in that one thread where everyone was posting their pictures, and you didn't look like crap. You look just like a good ol' metal head

Posted by: Goliath Feb 26 2008, 04:14 PM

haha then take the road of Vin Diesel if you must and it bothers you, beat your hair to the punch

Posted by: DeepRoots Feb 26 2008, 04:14 PM

It sounds like you want to take a break from things- perhaps something like a month away from the band, guitar (and GMC <sorry guys > )

Listen to music - chill out and get back in touch with yourself. Realise everything you want out of life and which direction (if any) you want to go in.

Hopefully after a nice long break you can either pik up where you left off or just realise you were happier in the month without it.

(This is a 30 day trial experiment Steve pavlina from http://www.stevepavlina.com/ does a fair bit of- has helped me out a few times )

heres a bit about 30 day trials> http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/04/30-days-to-success/

SO just chill out a bit- you sound quite upset at the moment so just look after yourself, stay healthy and treat yourself with the little things you enjoy.

remember guitar should be enjoyed- if you no longer enjoy it- then get the hell out of there!

however- i hope you stay, guitar is a great hobby and im sure you'll see improvements soon (iv hit soo many walls in my playing). Remember it takes the smallest thing to boost your confidence in your playing- until the LOTD competition iv never contributed to the recording side of this site from fear of being called bad and being laughed at- the fact that iv got more than one vote (that one vote being my own) really has meant the world to me, that people have enjoyed something i made...now im practsing harder than ever

This is ofcourse something you have to decide- even if you decide to take a break (could even be a 10 year break! ) you can always pick up a guitar again and carry on your journey.

Good Luck- i hope your feeling a bit better about the big picture soon

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 26 2008, 04:16 PM

lol. Cheers The pic with Mustaine. That was a few years ago now but I try and get on with things.

Pavel, the band always wants to practice but they don't seem to have higher aspirations than practicing. They don't try and get gigs. All they want to do is practice and record songs for an album. I love recording and practicing but there is nothing better than playing your music to a large crowd.

I will try giving guitar a rest for a while and see if that changes anything and then I'll make a decision on whether to sell the stuff. I'm really down at the moment because of that guitar. I really hope they can make it look like new again. They said 300 pound and they'd get it looking like new again. I just hope they can.

Posted by: mattacuk Feb 26 2008, 04:32 PM

Well Dude, im so sorry your haveing a shit time - same goes to any other members who are also haveing problems

You know, I had ALOT of various health issues to deal with just a couple years ago. I was so ill last summer after haveing caught multiple bugs / flu / general nastys that I was hardly well enough to go for a walk. I can tell you, that is a pretty harsh thing to deal with !! Ive also lost some pretty well paid jobs in IT due to poor health.

So things at one point looked pretty bleak to me. Today I am a MUCH stronger person for all these problems that lasted a long time. Ive built some serious charecter that few of my friends have.

Most of my "friends" who are popular,well paid ,good looking and generally have an exceptionaly good quality of life are some of the most ignorant, rude and down right horrible people I know. Why whould they be nice people? they dont need to be.... hell one of them cant even talk to me without insulting me in anyway possible

Those of us who are not handed everything on a plate strive up to be something very special indeed. Because we need to work hard to get what we want, we become strong, intelligent and most of all full of charcter.

Today my life is not perfect, my health IS better but im still not that fit. However,I picked up a guitar, subscribed to GMC and today Im extremely proud of what I have acheived here !! I am very happy, happy that everyday I can acheive on my guitar, acheive in my studys and go out and make new friends I can go fishing, and I can watch dirty cartoons on tv (southpark !! ).

I dont have a $$$$ Guitar, but I LOVE my £200 / $400 Cort axe to bits. The only thing i dont like about it is the crappy lock in nuts on the head keep looseing there thread

Kris teaches us that with good guitar lessons and hard work you can make it as a guitarist. This is FACT (you can tell I really hang onto everything Kris has tried to teach). So whats stopping you ? Why not forget the band for a while, and forget trying to learn songs. try going through all the 101 lessons, listen to kris's thought on practicing and then work through as many gmc lessons as possible.

I feel I am making the progress I wanted, and If I can you can. I dont have any natural talent - I just live by the metronome

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 26 2008, 04:38 PM

I agree with most of what you say if not all Matt. You are wise. I have just finished education and I graduated but 5 years at uni doing an undergraduate degree in Systems Engineering has pretty much killed me and like you I was very ill in the last year for the full year and it meant I lost out on a first and got a 2.1 degree but I feel I did the best I could. I never got money given to me at uni, I always made my own way. I'd never let other people buy me guitars as I want to buy them for myself to show I've put every bit of effort into being able to own the guitar. It also has the bad parts when things go wrong though that something that is pretty much a part of who you are is damaged it damages deep inside you. I need to get past this and I am going to try. I've been trying to meet new friends and I've got a few new friends I also am trying to cut down on drinking because I used that as a way to cover up my depression You're a great guy Matt and I'm glad your health is better and you really enjoy life I'm gonna put my all into having a better existence. Something makes me unhappy and I just need to find what it is and change it

Posted by: mattacuk Feb 26 2008, 04:46 PM

Sounds like a good plan man !! Stopping or cutting down drinking *IS* a fantastic idea I can assure you. I stopped drinking years ago, I drink a 2 litre bottle of mineral water daily now, eat fresh fruit and take all my vitamins

The best way to stop any cycle of stress, depression or anxiety is to but your energys into being creative. Be that with an instrament, working towards something you want career wise or just working towards the things you really want out of life

Besides mastering the guitar, and working towards being a web / graphic designer I like to help people less fortunate than myself too Why not take a similair approach?

Good luck!

Posted by: DeepRoots Feb 26 2008, 04:48 PM

So glad to hear it mate You have the support of the entire community (quite clearly )

You can pull through this! Best of luck

Posted by: Duncan Feb 26 2008, 04:49 PM

Good advice for anyone that.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 26 2008, 04:50 PM

I'm too much of a quitter 7 instruments over 19 years. I try and do some 3D Animation in 3D Studio Max and I also can design websites but I never get the time anymore it seems I used to volunteer a lot when I was at school to help people that struggled to understand homework problems to make sure they understood it and could answer them. I enjoyed those times as seeing them progress was great. I also teached a guy on guitar who is probably better than me now but I enjoyed teaching him and I'm so glad he is happy playing guitar and enjoys it

Posted by: Goliath Feb 26 2008, 04:51 PM

yeah volunteer work with homeless folks will give you loads of perspective.

Not saying I do it, but I had some court ordered community service when I was younger and got loads of perspective from that

Posted by: Fsgdjv Feb 26 2008, 05:52 PM

I have to say that Matt has said some really wise things. The only thing I can add is my opinion of the original question, even though it's the same as lots of people have said. Don't quit entirely, at least don't sell all your guitars, but try to change the way you play, maybe quit the band if that feels like the right thing. At least you should change the way you play guitar, maybe just play when you really feel like playing, and just try to enjoy it.

Posted by: Milenkovic Ivan Feb 26 2008, 09:19 PM

Orrganized you are not a quiter, look how much you are stuck with guitar - 5 years! that's more than people go to college! Think about it. You are not having troubles with the guitar, you are having problems with your life and your band! Deal with your problems, and practice the guitar. The guitar will never be something bad in your life, music is the light man, and don't quit the thing that shades the light i your life. If you don't have to many friends - so what? People are alone in life most of the time! If you don't feel like playing in a band / QUIT the band! Practice on your own and search for another band. Maybe a year will pass, maybe you can make a small break, but don't put yourself down you're gonna feel even MORE miserable as time passes.

You need a change but not a change in a way that you quit playing, you know in your hearth that that is not the way to go. You need a positive change, so quit that band, be alone for a while and practice and pretty soon everything will work out!

Posted by: mattacuk Feb 26 2008, 09:24 PM

Some good points Ivan. I think time away from a band could be a really positive step towards what you want. Some time with just you and the guitar could be awsome!!

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 26 2008, 09:28 PM

I really want to go on holiday to Japan as well sometime with my mate but it's just money isn't it.

Thanks for the tips Ivan. I think it's time I have a break from the band.

Posted by: Angelica Feb 26 2008, 10:19 PM

Well when someone asks me for advice about leaving music or not... I say always the same thing... NEVER GIVE UP ROCK'N ROLL!!
You're not a good guitarist? Ok, neither am I. If I thought as you are thinking now, I would have left music many years ago. Yeah, sometimes life is a s...t. THat's why there's rock'n roll!!!

http://it.youtube.com/watch?v=BouIFzam3zU

WATCH IT!!!!

Posted by: stratman33 Feb 26 2008, 10:24 PM

i agree with everyone else about keeping one of ur guitars....

Posted by: MickeM Feb 26 2008, 11:22 PM

Meet with the band on a regular rehearsal night but sit down in a neutral place. Discuss the matters and find solutions. Set up common goals and how to reach them.
If you can't come to conclusions on how to move on then start thinking about quitting. Try to get organised first. Maybe form or find another band?


Don't give up too easy. It takes time to get better but as progress starts showing it can sometimes come a lot in a chunk while other times there's just a little at a time. Refine your technique and give it 2-3 weeks of playing for a couple hours every day. It takes a bit of time to break a bad habit. Run boring scales etc. It's on 2-3 weeks, may feel like an eternity but it will help you a lot. And make sure you don't fall into improvising, that just brings back yyour old bad habits. Work on the new technique. Pick grip, dampening, neck grip or whatever it could be.


Been there. Change your technique and I'm positive you will improve, a lot.


Give it a chance first, with the correct technique a sprinter can cut time, you can improve your accuracy and speed. Don't add "quitter" to the list of self disrespect you've got. Which I'm certain is not representative for how others look upon you but just how you look upon yourself. Not true i.e.
Regarding "same process every day". Welcome to real life, that's just the way it is. Find the pieces of joy! Playing the guitar is mine, by myself or in my band.

You say you write lousy songs, post them here and let the forum ppl help you improve them. We're got plenty of self proclaimed experts here, and some real ones Take the songs back to your band and perform them.

I suggest you focus! Focus on improving your technique. Focus on your song writing, take help and improve. Focus on improving your bandsituation. Because to me you seem very unfocused as of now. First selling all your guitars, then buying a new dean, back and forth all the time. As if now that a chunk of wood came of of the Caparison your entire life went downhill. Surely this has very little to do with your guitar but represents something else but instead of dealing with it you project it upon your guitars. Buying the Caparison in the first place, a $3000 guitar when you're not a professional. Why even do that?
Completely crack up when it's broken. Why?
Proclame self being ugly piece of **** looser at the same time. Why?

Looks to me you have to realize this guitar (and the Parker) isn't your identity. Owning an expensive guitar doesn't improve your person, neither should it be in your hands to bring focus off of you => Capraison improves self, broken Caparison expose your person which you rate low - People will see you, not your guitar or even a broken expensive guitar would rate you even less.

Ok, I like to study people and behaviour but as often as I'm wrong I'm also right. On a forum it's difficult of course but above is some conclusions. Wrong or right, only you'd know for certain. Bluntly put, certainly, but if I'm wrong laughs are on me if I'm right in any way I'm glad if anything I said could support you.
I like to butt in when I see two kids fighting or if I see a kid crying, if I'm not wanted, fine.
And what I said was. Focus on yourself, take notice of yourself, work to improve your playing, don't quit and never degrade yourself. Your guitars are nothing, they don't represent who you are. What's worth something is you and you just need to realize you're a fine person no matter what guitars you've got.

An easy "trick" of raising ones self esteem is if you stop looking down on the ground. Look straight forward, raise your chin 1 cm... you'll feel more secure and that's how others will see you aswell. Don't raise it too much or others will look upon you as stuck-up.

If you're laughing and pointing at me I'm happy since then you're just in a passing moody temper. If not perhaps you've got years of bad selfesteem in your luggage. Stick around, this is a friendly place!

Posted by: Owen Feb 26 2008, 11:50 PM

I totally agree with Micke, he got it dead on.

I was totally like you about a year ago, I had begun to hate guitar, never played it, loathed thinking about "how bad I was" but the members here picked me up and made me realise why I loved it in the first place. I find it hard to put the damn thing down now when I pick it up!

Guitar is a great tool for expression of your emotions, not part of your emotions itself.

A guitar doesnt make the player, a player makes the player

If you want to be better you can be better, anybody can do anything, but only if they believe they can.

Posted by: Stevie·Ray·Vaughn Feb 27 2008, 12:00 AM

You say youre useless and your band is no good. Wana know something? I listen to Psychotic Manipulation on a regular basis. Its on my media player, my iPod and alot of my friends iPods and computers. If my friends (who are all musicians by the way-every one of them) think youre good, you are Ive been in a situation like you have, where you feel like shit and don't want to play. But very soon, you will notice a very tiny ammount of improvement, and you will be very motivated to practice and play guitar and do whatever! So just give it some time man!

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 27 2008, 12:39 AM

Cheers man. I'm glad you like the song. I'm really gonna try and find the time to play guitar more and practice techniques but also learn the songs that made me get into music. I'm gonna continue and try my best

MickeM you have talked a lot of sense. I have posted my songs on here and I have got some help on them If you want to listen to them go to www.myspace.com/voiceofthesouluk

Those are all my songs in every way. I've had a word with the band and I'm going round tomoz to work on some songs with others After my exam

SRV - How would you say my technique is bad after listening to Psychotic Manipulation. What do I need to work on also? I really need feedback on my playing and I'm going to try and post a video showing how I pick
It gets you down when people take the piss out of ya but people do like me and I should listen to them more than some losers in the street shouting abuse.

I love people on this forum and thanks for helping me out

I bought a $3000 guitar because it makes me happy to have it. I get paid money for working hard so to spend it on something I love is worth it to me

Posted by: Tjchep Feb 27 2008, 12:57 AM

Well man,

I would keep one guitar that you like at least. You don't have to play it, and you might not ever touch it again, but if you do decide to you wont have second thoughts.

And look, your health is more important, maybe guitar just isn't right for you, maybe you should take up another hobby that is alot less stress full and that you should enjoy much more.

I just wish you best of luck and hope you make a decision that works for you.

And really, If you dont decide to give up, then just take a break from guitar, don't touch it, go do something else that you like, when you come back you'll be a new guitarist, with much more motivation to get better.



tj

Posted by: Stevie·Ray·Vaughn Feb 27 2008, 01:03 AM

Just checked out the rest of the songs on your myspace. WOW! Not a good band? ... beats mine I don't really know how to crit your playing as it seems you are a better player than I

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Feb 27 2008, 01:35 AM

I'm glad you like them. It's a shame not everybody seems to, but at least some do

Posted by: glazmusik Feb 27 2008, 03:01 AM

Goliath, you give some really good advice. I wasn't even feeling down and it picked me up
-
OrganizedConfusion, I definitely know how you feel. I just got... well, I kicked out of the only band that I thought would go anywhere that I've been in but hey, really it made me just want to practice even more and more.

I did kind of the same thing, I laid off of guitar for a while, and then I did realize how much I missed it (and that's when I joined GMC!). I'm definitely not that great, but I'm still trying to practice everyday and get better and better, and get my own band.

If the band is getting annoying and holding you back, form a new band! Or, you can just do the solo thing and at least record everything yourself . I say, take a break, practice - it's hard, I definitely know that :/ - but I say stick with it, and you'll always have something to distract you on rough days.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Mar 17 2008, 09:40 PM

I'm really miserable and it just keeps getting worse and worse. My life is a shambles and I'm a useless piece of s*** and I can't even play guitar or learn to play. I don't even know how to hold a pick properly anymore and I seem to be getting worse and worse. How do I do alternate picking cleanly? Why pick always gets caught on the strings or my fingers are catching the strings whilst picking. I can't do anything I just want to be good on guitar and be able to play my guitar heroes music but I'm a waste of space with no life. I try and help out on here but I just come across as a k***head. I wanna be good on guitar but I just seem to get worse and worse

Posted by: shellshock1911 Mar 18 2008, 12:41 AM

Hmm...I have had similiar situations...

First of all, decide if guitar is a hobby for you, or a passion. I am not going to lie, for me, it is a hobby. I don't plan on joining a band, I don't plan on writing songs. The feeling I get when I nail a song that I have been practicing for months is irreplaceble and that is why I continue to play, basically, just to say I can.

Oh yea, and I don't understand reason three. Who says you have to downpick?

John Petrucci does 100 PERCENT alternate picking no questions asked ever.

For example, he alternate picks that only song that people always insist be downpicked
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jG8HqQPZKUU

I know the vocals aren't too good because it clearly isn't LaBrie's style, but I don't think anyone can deny how well Petrucci nailed that song, with alternate picking. Dave Mustaine also only does alternate picking.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Mar 18 2008, 12:45 AM

Sorry for keep bringing this up. I'm going through hard times. My best mate is away for 3 weeks also But I also get to go home in 3 days and see friends again

I just want to be the best on guitar. I write songs and play in a band but I don't improve

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Mar 18 2008, 12:47 AM

I like Petrucci. Ministry of Lost Souls is incredible. If only I could become that good.

Posted by: shellshock1911 Mar 18 2008, 12:49 AM

Aye, and he ONLY alternate picks ALWAYS. So there is no need to worry about how good you can downpick when there is someone that good that doesn't even consider downpicking.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Mar 18 2008, 12:51 AM

He can alternate pick starting with an upstroke as well as he can with a downstroke on anything also. I need to get to that stage if I ignore downpicking.

Posted by: metallicadeth Mar 18 2008, 05:35 PM

Alright, firstly, never completly quit if youve been playing more than 2 years...ive only been playing one year, and id never quit, so just look for whats wrong, you dont like the band your in, which is the same problem i have now..and also, when you think you cant play, just stop for a few hours, or days, do somthing else, and then come back to it, and try and have fun doing it too..if you dont have fun playing guitar, it wont stay with you for very long i dont think.
Please dont quit

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Mar 18 2008, 05:39 PM

Also we don't have a bassist and we do have a mini fridge in our practice room