Anyone ever have a night when you were "ON"?

capnsandwich · #1 07-12-2008, 10:09 PM

I just got back from our studio where we rehearse at. We played some songs we haven't done in a while, plus we messed with some ideas. When we were 5 minutes into playing something just clicked in my head. I could just feel and hear every note that needed to be played and my hands felt as light as feathers running up and down the fretboard. I didn't even have to think about what to play next. It just came and I played it. After each song I got a nod from the drummer and a couple "atta boy" comments from the other players. I left after 5 hours of practicing wanting to play more.

Anyone else have experiences like that? If so tell me about them. What do you think spurred it on? Caffeine, rest, motivation, etc.???

JEDI BASS · #2 07-12-2008, 10:19 PM

For me, it's usually when I'm rested and my stress level is not so high.......so, almost never LOL. Meditation/relaxation techniques practiced regularly would help, but who's got time for that, right? When I practiced martial arts regularly, I stayed more at ease, slept better, and had more practice sessions like the one you described. As far as describing those times.... just like you described. It's NICE!

mrjim123 · #3 07-12-2008, 10:23 PM

In sports they call it being "in the zone". I'm sitting here trying to explain it and I can't, but that's kind of the secret - if you think about it too much it's gone. It's a Zen thing. Just relax and let it happen. Did you ever watch the TV show "Kung Fu"?

capnsandwich · #4 07-12-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjim123

In sports they call it being "in the zone". I'm sitting here trying to explain it and I can't, but that's kind of the secret - if you think about it too much it's gone. It's a Zen thing. Just relax and let it happen. Did you ever watch the TV show "Kung Fu"?

I've seen it but never sat down and watched a whole episode. I was into Tom & Jerry and The Flintstones back then, but I can see what you're saying. That's the thing. I didn't have to think about it. It just happened. No effort whatsoever. I love it.

Bassist4Life · #5 07-12-2008, 10:40 PM

Yes. Those nights tend to come when I arrive at the gig not in the mood to play. I'm distracted by things I need to get done at home or things I need to do for work. I get there, load-in, setup, and I'm ON (all night long). Love those moments!

Joe

Bass Pleasures · #6 07-13-2008, 02:58 AM

In psychology, this state of mind is known as "flow".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

jinithith2 · #7 07-13-2008, 03:29 AM

happened once for me when we finally got a drummer

Jools4001 · #8 07-13-2008, 03:33 AM

Yes, I've experienced this. It happens very rarely, but when it does, whatever notes or tone you think of seem to pour instantly and magically out of the speakers as if there is no bass, no signal chain, no amp or anything getting in the way. It is almost as if there is a direct connection between your mind and the music.

There was one magical gig when this phenomenon happened at the same time to all five band members - it was unbelievable. Shame that it was a low key, midweek gig with only a few people, but the band was on a natural high for weeks afterwards.

Coeball · #9 07-13-2008, 04:36 AM

It only has happened to me once for about five secounds, when I was offered a brief bass break don't know how I came up with it but it sounded good.

capnsandwich · #10 07-13-2008, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass Pleasures

In psychology, this state of mind is known as "flow".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)

Thanks for the link. I think this definition explains it perfectly.

pcollin · #11 07-13-2008, 01:02 PM

Yeah. Just last Wednesday. We were playing outside on a pier/restaurant/bar and after just 3 songs a huge t-storm came up and we had to scramble to break down equipment and run for cover. The crowd pitched in and helped us too! After a 30-min rain delay we set everything back up and just jumped right back in. The crowd was really into it and cheered us on. It was like the storm took the edge off and we just had fun! We were so "on" and the crowd so happy, the bar owner asked us to play an addition hour (w/extra $!) We had a blast and I think we made some new fans! I was still pumped the next day.

Kimpini · #12 07-13-2008, 03:55 PM

I normally get that feeling when I am playing on minimal sleep. But whenever everyone is the band is feeling it, it is awesome! But after the song we take a walk because it would suck if we followed it with a bad song.

emblymouse · #13 07-13-2008, 04:26 PM

This is exactly why I play. You cannot make this happen, but you can ALLOW it to happen.

spade2you · #14 07-13-2008, 05:21 PM

Nope.

capnsandwich · #15 07-13-2008, 07:05 PM

Well, I just got back from church and again, I was on it. There were a few mistakes but not by me. I actually covered up a couple by the keyboard player. We played some pretty hopping tunes too. I usually spend the first song getting into my groove and am usually good for the rest of the set but today I was on it from the get-go. We had a lot of visitors too. Got to love these moments!!!

WyrdoBass · #16 07-14-2008, 09:05 PM

Whenever this happens while i'm practicing or trying to come up with new riffs, I end up just playing for hours

Jamarcla · #17 07-15-2008, 08:26 AM

Read the book Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner .

He talks about it and give another ideas about the topic ...

In essence is not interrupt the flow with the conscious mind , just relax and not think about it !!

capnsandwich · #18 07-15-2008, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamarcla

Read the book Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner .

He talks about it and give another ideas about the topic ...

In essence is not interrupt the flow with the conscious mind , just relax and not think about it !!

I can understand that. Kind of like eliminating the middle man.

rbolanos · #19 07-15-2008, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capnsandwich

I just got back from our studio where we rehearse at. We played some songs we haven't done in a while, plus we messed with some ideas. When we were 5 minutes into playing something just clicked in my head. I could just feel and hear every note that needed to be played and my hands felt as light as feathers running up and down the fretboard. I didn't even have to think about what to play next. It just came and I played it. After each song I got a nod from the drummer and a couple "atta boy" comments from the other players. I left after 5 hours of practicing wanting to play more.

Anyone else have experiences like that? If so tell me about them. What do you think spurred it on? Caffeine, rest, motivation, etc.???

I can totally relate to you, and it could happen while recording, gigging or rehearsing, but I really think we forget to be comfortable and have fun are very important factors, and of course know the material...

TOOL460002 · #20 07-15-2008, 03:44 PM

if im on vacation or otherwise unable to play for a week or so- when i pick up the bass again i normally get a couple of hours where i can tear it up. really fun until i tire myself out. hitting the gym and just being in good shape tends to help too. seen a lot of fat dudes play bass- but i dont think thatd work for me. also- being bipolar- when i swing more towards the manic i notice the same speed and clarity.