off days, and how to avoid them?

shrimphead · #1 05-17-2007, 06:58 AM

Yesterday evening I was at a practice with my band and it was really demoralising. My playing and my timing was all over the place.

I'd had a particularly bad day at work and was very tired, but I was hoping that jamming with my band (which I love doing) would help me chill out, I just ended getting wound up when I hit a bum note or dragging the timing off at all.

The rest of the guys were really encouraging and stuff because they know my usual standard of playing is normally much better. I have only been playing for a year or so and I really just wanted to ask you guys how you go about preparing for a practice session. Especially say, if you're feeling a bit rough and have had a particularly annoying day at work. Are there any tips you've picked up with experience that help you to avoid the "off days"?

thanks

Phalex · #2 05-17-2007, 07:11 AM

Avoid them? No.

It happens. When it does you just have to muscle through and hope it either improves during the next set, or pray for an awesome night tomorrow.

JimmyM · #3 05-17-2007, 11:08 AM

Ya, you can't avoid off days. You're going to have them now and then. Just be glad when it's over and move on to tomorrow.

MarkMyWordsXx · #4 05-17-2007, 11:10 AM

when i have an off day in my band it throws everyone else off so at that point we just have fun with it. it cant always be serious, just go have a good time and that way instead of feeling bad about practace afterwards, you feel good cuz you had a good time.

thewanderer24 · #5 05-17-2007, 11:31 AM

I agree with the sentiments that off days just happen. For me, it seems like they mostly revolve around other distractions from my life messing with my concentration, and/or being too tired. When they do, I try to focus on being positive, and putting everything I can into focusing on the music and the groove.

Remember that negativity snowballs quickly. Much better to focus on the basics of what works than to dwell on stuff that isn't working.

I find that if I am having one of those days and I'm not at a rehearsal or gig, the best thing to do is just put down my axe and deal with whatever is the cause of the off day -- i.e., sleep, work stress, relationship problem, etc.

Pilgrim · #6 05-17-2007, 11:41 AM

If you're having an off day, tell everyone as soon as you realize it and have a laugh over it. Stuff happens.

Jeff Moote · #7 05-17-2007, 11:50 AM

+1 to the above "they're unavoidable"

I'd go as far as to call a sub if you have enough notice that you're feeling crappy, if the gig calls for it.

optikhog · #8 05-17-2007, 11:54 AM

+1 to unavoidable. I have 3 kids under the age of 7, so inevitably I'm going on about 1 hours' sleep on practice day every month or so. Just give everyone a warning beforehand and then feel your way through it - if you're struggling, back off and remember your fundamentals.

Gegatso · #9 05-17-2007, 04:42 PM

Hi Shrimphead - As you can see we ALL have off days. Even the big time pro's have them...everyone. Just be glad that the odds are stacked against everyone in your band having an off day at the same time!

(Of course, it will happen sooner or later as well!

)
Just do your part - your best, and keep in mind that you really are *not* the fumble-fingered, forgetful klutz that it feels like on a bad day.

From a guy who has been there more times than he cares to remember.

~Mark

Cactusgrant · #10 05-18-2007, 05:28 AM

My off days appear to be quite random, one day I'm groovin like a hero, coming up with funky junk, next day I'm like stale bread. Who knows why? Tiredness doesn't really seem to be a factor for me though, theres been times I've stayed up all night partying went to practice the next morning and just been in a weird frame of mind and I've came up with really cool stuff. Maybe theres a spiritual answer involved...

shrimphead · #11 05-18-2007, 06:33 AM

thanks guys, I'm glad it's not just me that has em :P

I guess the best thing to do is just let the guys know and then just go with it and do my best. I'm blessed with fellow band members that are really cool with it and we can always have a laugh about stuff.

Just got to try and keep a positive fram of mind

tZer · #12 05-18-2007, 11:41 AM

How to avoid off days
When an off day occurs, go home, hide in a closet for at least a week - no food - just water - a bucket to pee in - that's it.

If you have another off day after that - give up entirely.

OR accept the fact that you cannot have ON days unless OFF days exist. It's part of the balance of things. Expecting to be free of off days is irrational.

Another thing - if you record every rehearsal and you actually listen to those recordings you will be rather surprised to find that even off days usually sound fine. More often than not, they sound much better than you felt at the time.

You will also find that you will have days where you feel like the band nailed everything perfectly, but for some reason the [other member] thought you sucked that day... listening to the recording removes all question. When you are in the act of playing, you cannot fully appreciate the big picture as well as you can when you are just sitting there listening.

optikhog · #13 05-18-2007, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tZer

How to avoid off days
Another thing - if you record every rehearsal and you actually listen to those recordings you will be rather surprised to find that even off days usually sound fine. More often than not, they sound much better than you felt at the time.

+11. 2 weeks ago we were almost done rehearsing, I turned to the drummer and said, "Man, I'm a mess tonite." He stared at me blankly and said "You are? That's weird, we had the best groove going."

Johnny Crab · #14 05-18-2007, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optikhog

+11. 2 weeks ago we were almost done rehearsing, I turned to the drummer and said, "Man, I'm a mess tonite." He stared at me blankly and said "You are? That's weird, we had the best groove going."

+12 !!

New to a band since August. Had similar experiences esp. since being my own worst critic....so I got a Zoom H4 that goes to EVERY gig to check myself, drum/bass tightness, backing vocals, etc. When I think I was horrible, the Zoom mostly tells me otherwise on playback.

"Off days" are unavoidable.
HOW off they are is avoidable with practice and your mind(attitude). When it "feels" like an "off" is going on(pun intended)...the hands get reminded that they've been doing this since 1966, etc. AND that it is supposed to be fun for you or it ain't gonna go over as fun to the audience...

MysticMichael · #15 05-18-2007, 05:46 PM

I agree with the above remarks...

Best advice I can offer is that, when you feel out of sorts and off your game, try to prepare yourself mentally for rehearsal or gig. Make a conscious effort to shift gears attitudinally as you transition from your sucky work day to your playing situation. Just let all that negative gunk fade from your mind completely, and focus on creating the best groove you make. Immerse yourself in the moment - think about and feel only the joy of the music that's happening all around you right here and right now.

Not only will you likely play better, but the temporary sonic escape could be very therapeutic. At least it seems to work for me...

MM