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spkirby

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Joined
Feb 3, 2004
Messages
1,273
Location
UK
I hardly played guitar myself last year (but still bought loads!) due to my son being born and the immense amount of work that event brings with it. Now he's 14 months I am getting back into playing again and jammed out with a band for the first time in ages last night. The "need" will return when you are less busy but don't stress about it! See you at the bash in a few weeks!
 

buckethead777

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Joined
Apr 12, 2009
Messages
525
Location
Gold Coast, Australia
We all have that time in our life, when we just can't commit to guitar playing for some reason. No need to freak out though. Your guitars will wait patiently for when your ready to give em some loving. Just close the cases tight so you dont hear their weeping.
Sort out what is top priority in your life, and come back to it then.

Till then,
Dr. Bucket prescribes a dose of Guthrie Govan twice a day , for two weeks!
 

The Devil

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Joined
Feb 14, 2008
Messages
97
Location
Hell
Take a look at my avatar.

Imagine playing a "Purple Sunset", flame top Y2D. (Mine)

Albert Lee is in the audience, jaw dropped in amazement at the Wizard who is opening a can of Wup Ass on The Devil.

This could be you, oh yes, it could be.

Chin up Smelly as thi say in Yorkshire.
 

Smellybum

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Joined
Dec 11, 2004
Messages
3,411
Location
Evanton, United Kingdom
Take a look at my avatar.

Imagine playing a "Purple Sunset", flame top Y2D. (Mine)

Albert Lee is in the audience, jaw dropped in amazement at the Wizard who is opening a can of Wup Ass on The Devil.

This could be you, oh yes, it could be.

Chin up Smelly as thi say in Yorkshire.

We have another saying up here oh Lord of all that is Evil!!!! - but it's a family show!

I still can't see me making a **** of myself in front of Albert, perhaps I'll help Spud run his errands at that time...

Thanks all for your thoughts, I need a kick in the rear to get back into playing, I deligthed that so many of you have gone through something similar, I thought I was going mental! -

I've arranged to ship my kids of to my parents for the weekend, My wife has a few jobs to take care of (Retail style) - so I have mr ball arsernal and some killer amps......

Reloaded the car with new CD's (and some reall odd stuff in there! - good idea Rob, I've been on a steady diet of Joe Bonamssa for months now, need something new) - Even changed my ringtone on my phone to Bach to see if I get a Nigel Tuffnell moment, - sort of a mach 2 moment?:)

Thanks again, I'll be back, watch this space....
 

bkrumme

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Joined
Mar 3, 2009
Messages
2,926
Location
United States
I've arranged to ship my kids of to my parents for the weekend, My wife has a few jobs to take care of (Retail style) - so I have mr ball arsernal and some killer amps......

Reloaded the car with new CD's (and some reall odd stuff in there! - good idea Rob, I've been on a steady diet of Joe Bonamssa for months now, need something new) - Even changed my ringtone on my phone to Bach to see if I get a Nigel Tuffnell moment, - sort of a mach 2 moment?:)

Thanks again, I'll be back, watch this space....

Sometimes a break from your family is neccessary, too. I love my wife and kids, but I gotta have time to myself every once in a while. I bet you'll feel better after the weekend.
 

mb99zz

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Joined
Nov 19, 2007
Messages
1,765
Location
Commonwealth of Virginia
I too can relate. I gave up guitar for about 9 or 10 years (can't remember now). My band in college was an emotional drain. Long story, but when we split ways I was DONE with playing music. I simply had no interest in playing guitar. I then focused on newer hobbies which made me much happier. I now enjoy playing more these days as it's just a fun outlet for me -- not nearly as serious as it once was.

So, I'll echo other comments:
1). Take a break and spend some energy on other non-stressful and enjoyable things.
2). Maybe try picking up another instrument just to expand your horizon and get back that first-time feeling again.
3). Definitely listen to some new music. Try some stuff outside your usual go-to's -- some different genres.

It'll come back!
 

Jimmyb

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Joined
Dec 17, 2005
Messages
2,562
Location
Cheshire, UK
Smelly,

Smelly, Smelly, Smelly.

You know I love you right? (but obviously in a manly way which involves fighting and drinking until we pass out, just in case anyone is worried)

Snap out of it boy!

Don't worry about duelling with the Devil, by the time he's finished totally destroying me, you'll look like the guy who taught JP, Luke and Albert everything they know!

There are a lot worse things than being too busy at work, trust me.
 

Dizzy

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Joined
Aug 18, 2006
Messages
2,948
Location
Perth, Western Australia
Looks like it happens to plenty Smellybutt.

I went from regular gigging (bludger / student / footballer) to bedroom only playing (student / worker / footballer), and then for some reason in 1996 I just stopped all together.

Then came June 2006 (yep 10 years later) - post 130km bike race celebrations, and a few drinks at a cranking pub.

Somehow I ended up playing on stage (thanks to my mates), and felt like a friggin rock star.
The feeling was bloody awesome. I forgot how cool it was to play live.

I was pumped.

I got home and got all my old stuff out again, bought a pile of new stuff (including 9 Balls - still have 7) and whilst I'm not gigging or playing anywhere near as much as I'd like (Business owner / Husband / Dad), the passion is still there.
(EBMM has a fair bit to do with keeping it there)

I have a lot more patience when practicing these days too.

All it takes as a refreshing trigger.
Rob's right about the music - part of my resurrection was listening to great music again.

It'll come :)


I'd LOVE to have the time & freedom to gig again though.
 
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WilliamMunny

Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2009
Messages
20
Location
Cleveland, OH
I think that everyone can relate to having those days where you just don't even want to look at the instrument...

But, when I am going through a longer drought where it just seems that I a going through the motions when I play, or I just do not have the time to pick it up...I just try to not force it.

The thing that usually sparks me back is just listening to something and having it hit me just right. Like getting a new album by a band I like, or re-discovering an old favorite. That usually gets my creative juices going.

Time is so precious so ultimately you have to do what feels right.
 

Astrofreq

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Joined
Sep 5, 2006
Messages
4,201
Location
Santa Fe, NM
Even changed my ringtone on my phone to Bach to see if I get a Nigel Tuffnell moment, - sort of a mach 2 moment?:)

Speaking of Nigel, I saw Spinal Tap (unwigged) last night. It was cool seeing them, but it lacks the appeal with the electric guitars and wigs. Still, an entertaining show.

But back to your topic, I really feel your pain. I sometimes wonder if I would still be playing guitar if I didn't teach a bunch of students as a source of income. I don't play on my own anymore, because that involves bands and I've just lost all hope that that will happen this late in the game. All I'm trying to say is don't force anything. If you aren't feeling it, find other things to do and maybe the motivation will return.
 

Lum

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Apr 26, 2008
Messages
61
Location
it's not important....But if you really want to kn
chin up there fella...

i think you need a road trip, maybe a day or so away from the family to chill out, maybe check out some new gear, maybe go to a BBQ and have a few beers with a few friends and maybe a crossroads stylee headcutting contest with the devil for entertainment... eh... you doing anything on 13th June... oh, wait!... :D
 

colinboy

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Joined
Apr 15, 2007
Messages
1,742
Location
Corkcity,Ireland
I think you need to take a break from dat job of yours mike as it sounds very stressfull.
Your desire to play the guitar is still there but its overshadowed by your lack of energy from extreme fatigue.

Take a holiday!
 

Sweat

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Joined
Dec 31, 2006
Messages
7,324
Location
Texas Finally!
Smelly,

Its normal i go through this all the time, just relax drink a tall one pick it up and go to town, spank the plank as B Gibbons would say, who cares if it sounds bad just rip always makes me feel better:)
 

Tim O'Sullivan

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Joined
Apr 22, 2003
Messages
5,862
Location
Christiansburg, VA
When I go on my holidays, I don't even think about guitar - the break always does me good and I return with a new found passion.

Maybe the break will do you good - you will be all fired up for when you return.
 

roburado

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Joined
Jul 18, 2005
Messages
6,089
Location
Commerce, MI
Absolutely. I spend so little money in my months off from guitar, it's insane. Then I get back into it and BAM, there goes the wallet. So I guess look on the GAS-relief bright side?

Yeah. I'm low on GAS right now. Certainly saves me some money.
 

Smellybum

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Joined
Dec 11, 2004
Messages
3,411
Location
Evanton, United Kingdom
Thanks again all - I've taken a mixture of everyone's advice, and I've spent the entire weekend working on my house, some good old hard labour, that and my wife and i go through the entire collection of songs on both our ipods, so I'm well versed in everthing from the Corss to Jackie Wilson, and I can feel my passion for music coming back...

The passion for guitar however isn't quite there, I picked up my luke last night for 10 minutes and got a little spark, but not enought to make me wanna eat sleep and breathe guitar again....

I'm going to use the LIMS/Knucklehead bash as a launching pad, I'll get up with Devil (As shot of a Y2d how could I refuse!) and I'll play the hell out of a 25th at the ball stand, then we'll take it from there,

Jimmy I love you too! - we'll talk in a couple of weeks, I hope all is well up your end and the Mrs hasn't uncovered area 51 otherwise you'll be for the chop fella!

LUM - we need to talk at the airport, I need SERIOUS motivation!!! -Just like those nights walking back from the pub!!

Again thanks all - One big push - I can see the head !:eek:
 
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