Lately I've been feeling so uninspired that I don't really even want to play... Is this normal? My creativity doesn't seem to exist...
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I went through a six month period where I never played. I wasn't gigging or practicing any music from my library. It all just got so boring! It was a very depressing six months, because I just didn't feel like playing anymore.
I did finally start working on my bass playing. I started gigging again. I got GAS like crazy. Now I am happy again.
I did finally start working on my bass playing. I started gigging again. I got GAS like crazy. Now I am happy again.
I took my acoustic out of its case fit the first time in...? The neck needed work so I just gave it some TLC. But even the guitar seems boring...I went through a six month period where I never played. I wasn't gigging or practicing any music from my library. It all just got so boring! It was a very depressing six months, because I just didn't feel like playing anymore.
I did finally start working on my bass playing. I started gigging again. I got GAS like crazy. Now I am happy again.
What else is going on in your life? Can you think of a reason why you might feel this way?
SirMjac28
Patiently Waiting For The Next British Invasion
I'm there right now myself it usually happens in the summer I just don't feel like playing.
Yep...happens every time I watch an MTV awards show..
It's been very high stress for the last few years. I don't want to get into specifics but tough marriage, laid off work, two herniated discs in my back.... to name (very) few.
I've gone through periods where I'm just not writing new material or all the stuff I write is utter crap. It gets discouraging for sure. But the one thing I will say is that I've never had a time where I didn't feel like playing. Just the act of having a bass in my hands has never lost its luster, so I can't comment heavily on that. But I've found that with writing, if I just keep at it something eventually falls out that's good.
Either way, best of luck with playing and any difficulties you're having.
Either way, best of luck with playing and any difficulties you're having.
I get a little less enthused about things if I don't have any gigs coming up. Now I play at church - actually I play at a few churches. Pretty much an endless supply of gigs and therefore motivation. No free beer, but then again noone ever spills beer on my pedalboard. Tradeoffs....
I have depression, and sometimes it gets real bad. Last week I had one of my worst bouts yet, to the point where I didn't even want to look at a musical instrument. Of course, that started on the day that I got a new bass delivered to my house... no connection there, as it was something else that sent me spiraling.
I rode it out with the help of my wife and 8-year old, which doesn't sound like a possibility in your scenario. Find some support among friends, family, those who really love/care about you. As OK Go say, "This too shall pass".
Also, if you're up to it, try exploring other music through YouTube. Look for recommendations from friends, fellow TBers, bands that you've "been wanting to listen to but didn't know where to start". That may inadvertently inspire you to pick up and play again. Or go to GC/SA and play some of the poorly maintained instruments and see how good your basses sound in comparison.
I rode it out with the help of my wife and 8-year old, which doesn't sound like a possibility in your scenario. Find some support among friends, family, those who really love/care about you. As OK Go say, "This too shall pass".
Also, if you're up to it, try exploring other music through YouTube. Look for recommendations from friends, fellow TBers, bands that you've "been wanting to listen to but didn't know where to start". That may inadvertently inspire you to pick up and play again. Or go to GC/SA and play some of the poorly maintained instruments and see how good your basses sound in comparison.
It happens. Often times a break from playing or pursuing another interest will rekindle the flame. Back in the 80's I was working 60+ hours a week, and gigging every weekend and sometimes some weekdays. Later in life I played at my fathers celebration of life(as did a couple of his brothers, his grand kids, and two or three of his nieces), and a week later my mother died. in between those dates I lost my job (I knew it was coming),. I didn't feel like playing. sold almost everything,. It took a while, but I made it back and love it.
Yeah, it happens. I usually just try to do some perfunctory practicing for at least 20 minutes a day, but sometimes I just need a break.
Your current situation sound pretty rough, not surprising you may have lost some luster on life. Hang in there, I hope things come around for you on all fronts.
Your current situation sound pretty rough, not surprising you may have lost some luster on life. Hang in there, I hope things come around for you on all fronts.
It happens.
I opt to either put it down for a minute and try again after absence make the heart grow fonder...
Or, I work on related, but non-playing tasks, like mixing, or focusing on songwriting using other instruments. Getting Native Instruments Maschine makes it a lot harder to get uninspired. Though, it can be overwhelming at times.
"It" doesn't just go away forever.
I opt to either put it down for a minute and try again after absence make the heart grow fonder...
Or, I work on related, but non-playing tasks, like mixing, or focusing on songwriting using other instruments. Getting Native Instruments Maschine makes it a lot harder to get uninspired. Though, it can be overwhelming at times.
"It" doesn't just go away forever.
Absolutely. Mine is related to writing. When I have all the time in the world, I'm uninspired. But when I have no time to record, BAM. Ideas all over the place.
Big Hoss
Up note, down note, blue note, brown note...
- Sep 5, 2014
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Go through it all the time. Bursts of wanna play music, then want to do video, then do woodworking projects, then back to music lather, rinse and repeat...
Lately? Yes absolutely.
My primary and most successful band has really been booking ALOT of gigs. Pretty much every weekend. Problem is lately the majority have been mostly benefits and promotional gigs. We're lucky to get a rehearsal in once a month now. We need "gel" time and add new material. It's getting old.
My primary and most successful band has really been booking ALOT of gigs. Pretty much every weekend. Problem is lately the majority have been mostly benefits and promotional gigs. We're lucky to get a rehearsal in once a month now. We need "gel" time and add new material. It's getting old.
Yes happens to me too and I've learned to stop beating myself up about it. There's usually some good that comes from these spells when I don't want to practice or play. Just means something else happening in your brain. The inspiration and drive always returns and when I pick up my instrument again, I find I play a little differently. Takes a few days to get the dexterity back but I also seem to shed some of the cliches I was employing and new ideas come to the surface. You should look at it as a good thing and a necessary part of the journey.
