How do you treat "off" days?

TheGrayBassGuy · #1 10-26-2006, 04:52 PM

Hey folks,

Earlier this week, I was having one of those days where I couldn't play anything right. I spent about 40 minutes practicing a 3 octave C major scale, and I still couldn't play it remotely in tune descending. I ended up getting really frustrated and moved onto something else. Then I couldn't get that right. I ended up just stopping all together, without accomplishing anything. At that point, I got really depressed/angry about my playing in general, and the rest of my day sucked.

I dandy now, but for future reference, I'd like to know what you guys do to avoid that feeling of hopelessness when you're having a bad day.

Justin K-ski · #2 10-26-2006, 05:37 PM

I believe that every musician has a certian level of playing that they will never fall below, regardless of how "off" he or she might feel. Avoding the subject of what causes someone to be "off", any time I feel like I'm not playing as well as I can I got back to the very basics. I'd play a major scale slowly, maybe 60 bpm. If I'm still not playing well even slower. And if I'm going as slow as I possibly can then I need to find out what is causing me to play out of tune or with a bad tone.

TroyK · #3 10-26-2006, 11:52 PM

Back to back Law and Orders. Original and SVU, but not Criminal Intent.

Works like a charm.

-tk

**Chris Fitzgerald** · #4 10-27-2006, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TroyK

Back to back Law and Orders. Original and SVU, but not Criminal Intent.

What, no Criminal Intent? You mean you don't dig "The Leaner"?

I treat off days just like any other days, since that's basically what they are. The important thing is just to have the bass in my hands and to play the best I'm capable at that moment. Getting upset about your playing on days like this only makes things worse, and usually indicates a desire to be preoccupied with something else for me. I just try to remember that "bad days" are required to make the good days seem good...once I do that, it all makes more sense and it's easier to keep on practicing.

christ andronis · #5 10-27-2006, 09:47 AM

Usually, when I take off days, the s*** I was working on that I couldn't get right somehow seems better. I've noticed it alot. I'll practice to the point of frustration then stop for a day or so. When i come back, after a little warmup, the particular problem I was working on seems to have gotten just a little better.

GriffithLea · #6 10-27-2006, 12:57 PM

I think most everyone runs into this. Progress comes in waves. Just keep practicing, and wait to catch that next wave (sorry for the lame surfer analogy, but I hope you get my meaning).

John Sprague · #7 10-27-2006, 01:04 PM

I try playing a little slower. Often times right in the middle of a song.

TheGrayBassGuy · #8 10-27-2006, 10:09 PM

Thanks guys

I think I got in some sort of complex where I wanted to keep going until I got it right, and since that wasn't happening, I was getting angry.

Next time, I'll just work with what I can.