How do you dig yourself out of the old rut?

Michael Case · #1 12-18-2006, 03:26 PM

You know what I'm talking about, those times where you find you're practicing the same old stuff and begin to lose your energy/focus to practice.

Thanks,
Mike

hdiddy · #2 12-18-2006, 04:32 PM

I'll just stop practicing and come back later. Usually my appetite comes back. Either that or I'll pick just one small thing I've been working on (even if it's old) and spend all my time on it until I can say that I've grasped it. Maybe pick a single lick or small concept and work it as many different ways as possible - timing, feel, start it on the down beat then on the up beat, over 12 keys, try to play it as a motif or as many ways as you can squeeze it in as part of a solo. Something like that.

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #3 12-18-2006, 04:34 PM

I usually try to do something new that I haven't tried before, or haven't mastered before. For me, this might include:

1) Playing along with recordings of master players in order to soak up the "vibe".

2) Learning a couple of new challenging heads, or easier melodies in multiple keys and/or registers.

3) Learning to play a transcription that I've written down but haven't learned to play yet.

4) Focus on really learning to nail a set of changes that I usually cook a multitude of clams upon. (this gives a nice feeling of accomplishment)

Last, sometimes the best way to break out of the old mold is to start listening to something completely different. Much of the time, when I'm in a rut, much of it is simply mental and I need a new perspective.

Sam Sherry · #4 12-19-2006, 08:48 AM

Ruts tend to happen to me when I'm not listening as well as I should be.

Two tricks I use for busting solo ruts, which can be used separately or together:

1) You MUST stop your phrase for at least three beats before beginning the next. -- This exercise encourages listening to others because it compels one to shut up.

2) You MUST begin your phrase with the last three notes of your previous phrase. Not the rhythm, just the notes. -- This exercise encourages you to listen to yourself (how ABOUT that?) and gets you using notes you might not normally choose.

Have fun. Remember, the use of exercises in performance will cause your end-pin to crack immediately.

Michael Case · #5 12-19-2006, 09:22 AM

Cool, these are all good ideas. I appreciate your the time you guys have taken to answer my question. I've recently had to make some adjustments to my life which has made me a very busy boy (I am in school 4 days a week and work the three days I have off from school). This on top of a busy gig schedule plus a life has given me less time to sit down and practice. When my sechdule does open, I feel like I don't have it in me to pick up the bass.

Sam Sherry · #6 12-19-2006, 12:30 PM

THAT is a grown-up problem, Mr. Case. The issues of how to carve time for musical joy and exploration in a busy, adult life is something with which I am unable to provide any meaningful assistance. (And you don't have kids yet, either!)

tZer · #7 12-19-2006, 01:01 PM

Sam, that is great advice! I am not even in a rut and I cannot wait to get to my rehearsal tonight to try it out!

Thanks!

kurt muroki · #8 12-19-2006, 01:06 PM

I do photography or cook food. anything creative that is not music related helps me.

Michael Case · #9 12-19-2006, 02:18 PM

It's been a big adjustment for me working and all, I haven't had a job in about 5 years. I've been mostly living off of gig money and some savings. The party had to end sometime though and now I can be happy for the years I've had that were totally devoted to music. Just being able to express these feelings has been the greatest help.
Thank you all!

Michael

rprowse · #10 12-20-2006, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike da mook

Cool, these are all good ideas. I appreciate your the time you guys have taken to answer my question. I've recently had to make some adjustments to my life which has made me a very busy boy (I am in school 4 days a week and work the three days I have off from school). This on top of a busy gig schedule plus a life has given me less time to sit down and practice. When my sechdule does open, I feel like I don't have it in me to pick up the bass.

When my son was born (20 years ago now) he never seemed to sleep. Consequently, my wife and I took turns at carrying him around for 20 minutes at a time. I remember that I was always tired. When you got your 20 minutes of down time there was always a lot to do and practice was very lucky to get 5 minutes. Remarkably, I feel that my playing improved during this time. It taught me about 'little and often'. I keep a practice log (I have done so for many years... it keeps me honest). I notice that this year is down a bit timewise on the last four years, but I feel that I have made some real advances this year. I'm trying to say that, if you're busy, short-regular-concentrated periods can lead to good results. Also, I often find myself planning my practice while doing some menial job. This gives me focus when practice time arrives. Make sure though that, no matter how busy you are,there is always time for the important things in life. No man, on his death bed, is recorded as saying that he wished he had spent more time at the office. Do a little quality practice and, also, spend time with the ones you love.

Sorry this got a bit long.
Have a happy and safe Christmas.
Christmas is also a time to remember those less fortunate people in the world... like guitar players and singers.