Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Take A Break

Posted by: Jenkinson May 28 2008, 10:00 PM

The reason I decided to take the break: my fingers (especially the pinky) were feeling sore after some recent days of serious practice. Everyday I continued to practice and my fingers were always sore, letting them heal overnight was not enough. I told myself, let them completely heal, and see what happens.

I took a break from my serious practice schedule for 4 days, and when I practiced again today I was more accurate, controlled, relaxed, and much faster.

I must recommend this to everyone who practices seriously on a daily basis. Once in awhile, take 3-4 days off. This will allow for your muscles to fully heal, and when you pick your instrument back up, you will feel a great deal of increased control and strength.

I am interested to see what our instructos have to say about this, and if they have experienced what I am talking about.

- - I couldn't stay away from my guitar for that long, so I just practiced theory for those days, which also helped!

Posted by: superize May 28 2008, 10:03 PM

I have been taking a 2 day break and it really feel that you have improved alot

so brakes are to recomend

Posted by: FrankW Jun 1 2008, 05:25 AM

You're on to something, Jenkinson. I've been cognizent of the one day on-one day off routine for a long time, when it comes to playing guitar. I can't do it because I want to play when I want to play. That means that I usually play every day. When something comes up that keeps me from playing for a day or two, however, I find that my playing is much more relaxed, and cleaner, and faster! I came to the conclusion that having a good guitar workout is the same as working out in the gym. Those of you that work out know that you don't work the same muscle groups two days in a row, because the whole idea behind lifting weights is to tear your body down, and then, rest for a day or two to allow it to rejuvinate. That's how you get bigger and stronger. Well, I think the same thing applies to guitar playing, at least, based on my observations. But, can I skip every other day from playing guitar? No! But, I think doing so does allow a restoring of the muscles involved in guitar playing, and, makes playing easier. Take a day off every once in a while!

Posted by: Nick325 Jun 1 2008, 05:32 AM

the only time i take brakes from daily practice is when i cant practice that day but ill try this from now on

Posted by: Slammer Jun 1 2008, 06:10 AM

Yeah, I've been doing this for a couple years now. Every once In a while I just don't play for like 2-3 days, and when I go back to play again its definitely alot easier and faster

Posted by: besip Jun 1 2008, 06:26 AM

yeaahh thats shoot help to improve playing
actualy i'm also in break 2 days now becouse my index knuckle is in pain so i'm wana let him take rest
but is hard to not play

Posted by: SEANCD2005 Jun 1 2008, 06:55 AM

i agree, i work 4 10 hour days then get 3 off during that time i play alot then on my work days ill take it easy ive notice that i do play better doing this before my scheduled changed to this i would play every day not taking breaks so this works for me

Posted by: Hisham Al-Sanea Jun 1 2008, 09:27 AM

right way jenkinson and i do this monthly going away from guitar for 3-4 days

Posted by: Nemanja Filipovic Jun 1 2008, 12:43 PM

Yeah, this is good advice,when i plaid flute I practice every day for 3 to 6 hours,but never on sunday,I just let my fingers and my brain to get a rest from it all.

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Jun 1 2008, 01:06 PM

That is true of course. After 3-4 days of resting and sleeping there is a increase in playing technique. Occasional pauses, like 3 days once a month or one day before the gig are mandatory for me.

Posted by: Martin la guitarra Jun 1 2008, 01:09 PM

hmm, I should try this. I've practiced guitar every day for ................... 8 months or so..... with no breaks

Posted by: mattacuk Jun 1 2008, 04:00 PM

I agree, a 3-4 day break every once in a while helps allot. I believe the brain needs time to sort stuff out, and its a part of your development as a guitarist!

I take a few days off every now and again and my performance is notably better when i go back to it

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jun 1 2008, 04:24 PM

I need breaks badly, but I hate them! Not playing guitar is as hard as not speaking for me.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 2 2008, 12:45 PM

I like taking breaks from time to time..Just lets my hands and mind rest a little and then I can practice better when I get back to it..