How Do I Relax?

netgeist · #1 06-30-2010, 11:55 AM

Been playing for about 4 months and despite little musical training (other than harmonica), I'm really progressing better than most (or so the people I play with tell me). Trouble is, I put a lot of pressure on myself to do better and I need some specific pointers on relaxing.

Two problems have come to light for me:

1) I get so tense about screwing up that my hand cramps when I play. This isn't so bad practicing alone because I can get myself to relax my hands. But when I jam, it's bad.

2) When I make a mistake, I am getting better at trying to recover. However, with no consistent drummer, I *am* the rhythm section and when I goof, it brings the songs to a halt because it throws others off. So now I feel a lot more pressure, even though the other guys are very laid back, because I am self-concious that they have 20+ years of experience each and I feel like I am holding them back.

Surely I am not the only one that's had these issues. So, how did you deal with it?

- netgeist

smogg · #2 06-30-2010, 11:57 AM

Drum Machine

BigOldHarry · #3 06-30-2010, 12:00 PM

You've only been playing for 4 months! Dude, take it easy. You *should* suck. It isn't you - it was ALL of us.

Get a good teacher. And a drum machine to play with is a good idea (forgive me, Jeff Berlin!).

And, as a new player, I would REALLY suggest you work on learning music that is stuff you don't listen to. Try playing long with some swing, pop - stuff that is NOT hard rock (I assume you are playing metal/rock). Keep your mind and ears open and you'll learn.

MalcolmAmos · #4 06-30-2010, 12:07 PM

Two things...... when you get lost the tonic root is always something you can rely upon. The beat is the important thing so root, root, root, to the beat will always get you out of a bind.

Bad note -- the good one is just one fret away.

Most are not playing with others with only 4 months experience, enjoy the ride.

PSPookie · #5 06-30-2010, 12:10 PM

Take deep breaths. Close your eyes if you can. Consciously make an effort to relax your hands and shoulders and while you are doing this repeat the word "relax" (or something similar) in your mind. This will help train your body to the mental command.

Also, just play with people more. The more you do it the more comfortable, and relaxed, you will become.

netgeist · #6 06-30-2010, 12:27 PM

Thanks guys. Good stuff so far and more is welcome.

I really don't think I suck. You can check out http://www.myspace.com/538197778 and tell me what you think.

As for music style - we're doing almost all original stuff. I think I know about 12 songs and 2 of them are covers. Mostly blues, classic rock and surf rock kind of vibe.

I love the idea of playing with others more. I'm just afraid that, with their experience, they will decide I am too much of a millstone.

- netgeist

elgecko · #7 06-30-2010, 12:37 PM

As mentioned above, you have to BREATHE!

dieselbass · #8 06-30-2010, 09:10 PM

yeah, breath and as you progress, you'll play through the mistakes (and make fewer). I still get a little tense on a couple of songs we do but am learning to not tense up as this just forces me to goof. Playing with people with more experience will also help you a ton. Have fun as that's what it's about.

tobie · #9 07-01-2010, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by netgeist

I'm just afraid that, with their experience, they will decide I am too much of a millstone.

Well, let them decide that - don't do it on their behalf - until then, keep on playing with them!

As far as relaxing goes - it will come all by itself as you're getting better and more comfortable with your own level of play. Tou can't speed up a tomato's ripening process by putting pressure on it - you have to wait - the same with confidence - it comes with time!

Chris K · #10 07-01-2010, 04:05 AM

As reply to the OP:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUyMNyrOHJQ

Take care

MalcolmAmos · #11 07-01-2010, 07:33 AM

You are doing fine. Takes time and practice.
Had to crawl before you could walk.
Had to read Dick and Jane first.
Had to wade through your multiplication tables before you could do algebra.
Had to do a lot of speaking in public before you were at ease doing that.

Remember it's the beat they want. Give them that and I bet they will be happy.

Good luck.

Dr_Funkdamental · #12 07-02-2010, 08:58 AM

I remember a good method for relaxing, as I used to get overly excited alot of times when I played which would wear me out. Someone taught me, while you practice, as soon as you feel yourself tense up, STOP playing. Start again. Once you continue to do this it will make you more conscious of the tenseness and help you relax because you can control it more. It really helped me out.