Psychological factors while playing your guitar

[Norstorm]

Sometimes I think about all the psychological factors while I play my guitar, and I've also noticed a lot of them in other players by watching them..
Some times I see players constantly reach for the volume knob, making sure its on full boost.. and I mean for every second riff.

Myself..? I can't play through a song on a new pick from the same prod. without filing away the edges.
Stupid, yeah?
And I almost have this ritual when playing, where I have to balance the weight from the guitar on my shoulder and neck.

Any of you guys noticed the same??

 

[ohdamnitsdevin]

I find myself trying to develop these little habits and techniques just to emulate what I see in my favorite players. An example would be that I noticed that when John Petrucci or Andy James begin alternate picking from the low E string (assuming we're in standard tuning of course) it almost appears they let go of the pick with their thumb as to re-grip it. I never feel the need to do this. I don't think I strum as confidently as they do though. Less tension means less friction and I would assume that the pick wouldn't slip away from the position I put it in as easily as it would for them. I always wonder if I'm not applying enough pressure to the strings with the pick. I'd give anything just to have their insight on guitar technique just for an hour or so. I'd jack stuff up. I'd jack stuff up HARD!

 

[ScoobySteve]

Yeah, I'm very particular with the volume knob as well. But I think that's just good stage habits IMO. I'm also very picky about where the strap is holding on my shoulder.

But I am ALWAYS conscious about how I'm holding the pick though. It's always on my mind and I honestly dont know why. If there's one thing I'm always coming back to in theback of my mind is that. No clue why.

 

[Norstorm]

If it's true or not, I don't know.. But I've even heard of a guy that had to unplug the jack every now and then during a live gig, just to plug it back in again Weird

 

[DrKev]

The volume knob thing comes also from experience - learning the habit of turning it down when we're not playing with a high-gain or noisy signal, and remembering to turn it back up again when we need it!

The habit we all should get into more is NOT noodling between songs during a gig.

 

[Dr.Strangenote]

Weird, I too check the vol/tone knobs all the time! But then again, I am using them, and sometimes on stage, I'm scatter brain where I am not sure if I am 100% on, or backed off a bit, so I do check them, and re-check them, and check them again all throughout. I was watching a video, and I do it all the friggin time! I'm not OCD, but now, I guess so..

 

[beej]

My bad habit is focusing on what's going on in the crowd or thinking about the next song. Sometimes have to really force myself to get back in the groove (usually then it's all good).

 

[peterd79]

i'm a volume knobite as well... i'm always checking it as well as my pickup selector... i know where the sweet spot is and i wanna make sure its not moving... Super Glue it? LOL>

 

[agt]

My bad habit is focusing on what's going on in the crowd or thinking about the next song. Sometimes have to really force myself to get back in the groove (usually then it's all good).

I don't play live, but for me, it's thinking about anything ... distracting thoughts such as laundry, picking up the kids, caring for the pets, getting dinner ready. All of a sudden the chord changes and I'm spacing out.

Recording is the worst: Did I arm the track? Did I name the track in my DAW? Are the levels OK on my mic pre? Are my amp settings the same (if overdubbing)? Is the pickup selector in the correct position? And then there is tuning between takes (important when recording)!

It's rare to be able to let go and completely immerse myself in the moment. When I do, my playing benefits.

Oh, and the volume knob thing too. I thought I was the only one!

 

[billpepper82]

I tend to bite down on my bottom lip IDK if that's the same thing but its what I do

 

[guitarp77]

I just get nervous about missing the beat...or messing the scales up and sucking badly while soloing...

Maybe when I see a video I´ll notice more creepy bad habits while on stage, lol

 

[spkirby]

I wonder if I'm the only one that hums/moans/groans the melody lines that I'm playing at the same time, especially when improvising... I would be very embarrassed if I had a sensitive voice mic near me during a solo!

 

[DrKev]

I wonder if I'm the only one that hums/moans/groans the melody lines that I'm playing at the same time, especially when improvising... I would be very embarrassed if I had a sensitive voice mic near me during a solo!

Oh man! Been there, it's a disaster!

I did a gig years ago out in an old church in the country side south of Paris. One of the acts was a solo 11-string classical guitarist. He did exactly that, whined and moaned, and the mic picked it all up. It sounded like a small puppy being sat on by a very big arse, out of time with what he was playing, and it turned out he wasn't a great player either. Not good.

 

[TSHOW]

I am very cognizant of the volume knob.......more so since I am playing the Axis and The Axis Super Sport..............However, a slight turn and the tone is a bit different....When the pu selector is all the way down, I like my volume between 8 and 10 for a heavy lead sound..like the VH tone, but when the p/u is on the neck pu......I like the volume on about 5 or 6...to get that nice in between bluesy, Neal Schon tone.......However, my worst habit is worrying about the level of every instrument....since I usually mix ...side stage while I am playing live with my bands.....It is really nice when I have a Good sound man out front!!!!!! Everyone has their little rituals.....Just remember......we are paid to entertain,.....not Obsess!!!! lol....TSHOW

 

[bdtunn]

For 20 years I've hit the same two notes before putting down any guitar. Don't know where this started????

 

[JMD]

If guitar is out for a verse on stage and I have a moment - I'll turn down the volume knob and practice my alternate picking.......

 

[guitarp77]

For 20 years I've hit the same two notes before putting down any guitar. Don't know where this started????

haha, it happens to me also...but when I plug the guitar in (not when I end playing), I always play the same figure...

 

[ScoobySteve]

The habit we all should get into more is NOT noodling between songs during a gig.

But.... But..... That's the only way the crowd will know I'm a serious gee tar player!

 

[straycat113]

You are not alone there Bill as I have a bad habit of clenching my teeth really hard at times.

 

[Roubster]

I dont think there is a person out there that DOESNT check the volume knob, tone and switch. I do this all the time and it's really to make sure everything is in place as it is supposed to be for what you're playing. I have found many times while playing that I accidentally roll the volume down. If anything it is a good habit. Take a look at Steve Morse! I think his fingers are so damn long because he constantly checks and switches the volume tone and selector.