When you first picked up your guitar, I bet you were bubbling over with excitement. Practicing felt less like a chore and more like an adventure. Chances are, you spent countless hours strumming and picking, lost in the process of making music. Focusing on just notes and rhythms is not the be-all end-all; playing guitar is all about capturing and expressing a sense of wonder and emotion.
ATTITUDE is at the very heart of rock’N’roll music. Finding the drive and spark to keep learning and crafting new music can sometimes be a challenge. How do I push through those days where inspiration seems scarce? Sometimes, just taking a step back helps.
This technique, honed over time, will help motivate yourself and inspire others. Like anything you do for an extended time, you will need to adjust your WHY and HOW from time to time. Things like….“why did I start playing”….”why am I still trying”….”how do I continue to improve”….”how am I doing so far.” Don’t sweat it, these are common thoughts that we guitarists ponder.
Those first few months or years often involve an unquenchable appetite for growth. After acquiring your first electric guitar, you soaked up everything: watching skilled musicians with a mix of awe and inspiration, taking in live concerts while mentally jotting down notes, reading anything about music that fell into your hands, and eagerly taking private lessons.
Maybe you joined a band with your friends, buzzing with excitement in forming a rad music collaboration that could’ve become the next ‘SUPERGROUP’! Ya never know, right? 😎
But let’s face it, as years roll by, the dynamic changes. Work, family, and countless other responsibilities begin to squeeze into the time once reserved for your music. There will be days when your instrument is your best friend and others where it seems like a reminder of unfulfilled dreams. That initial enthusiasm can cool down into a kind of love/hate relationship with your chosen musical partner.
Sure, it’s tough when the passion wanes and the inspiration isn’t as automatic as it used to be. But don’t worry too much about this. It’s a natural part of any long-term relationship, including the one you have with your instrument. You can rediscover that spark, I promise.
Sometimes all it takes is setting your alarm early, finding a quiet moment as the day begins, or even just staring up at the stars on a clear night. These moments of tranquility often reignite memories of why you started and reawaken the inspiration buried beneath the daily grind.
Navigating the Love🔁Hate Relationship with Your Instrument
There‘s a rollercoaster of emotions that comes with learning and mastering an instrument. It’s not all smooth sailing; some days nothing seems to click, the strings feel dull, and the keys fail to fit your mood.
At times, it’s a love-hate relationship with your instrument. I know this all too well. One day you’re creating melodies that stir the soul, and the next day, you’re wondering why you’re still doing this at all.
What I’ve learned is that it’s important to embrace both the highs and the lows of this musical trip we’re on. They don’t just define your road as a musician; they are essential to your growth. Sometimes progress is invisible to our impatient eyes, but it is present, like a subtle beat driving the music forward. The benefits of playing will definitely out way any temporal fluctuations in motivation.
Now, when you’re stuck in a rut, don’t stress too much about it. Maybe it’s time to switch up your practice routine or refocus on the pieces that made you fall in love with music in the first place. It’s about finding that delicate balance between discipline and self-compassion, between strict practice and playful experimentation.
And remember, this isn’t just about stubbornly pushing through. It’s also about cutting yourself some slack and understanding that every musician goes through these phases.
When things get tough, think back to the glowing accolades or the warmth of applause – those moments when it all clicked and made sense. These memories serve as a reminder of what you can achieve and why you started.
Discovering New Sources of Inspiration
Nature:
-It’s important to be tapping into new wellsprings of motivation that will breathe fresh life into your music, even from the most unlikely sources. Nature has a subtle way of nudging us towards creativity. Maybe it’s the birds chirping at dawn or the contemplative beauty of a full moon and the twinkling stars that inspire fresh melodies and rhythms in your mind.
-It could be the sounds of waves crashing into the shore or the echoes of wild animal noises deep in the forest. Music in nature is abundant if you make the time to listen. These moments provide a backdrop for reflection and can remind you of the innate beauty in music that once captivated you.
Man-made:
-Pay attention to the sounds around you. Is there a neighbor mowing the lawn? Maybe some kids are riding their bikes down the street, calling out to friends and laughing. Perhaps you can hear a sprinkler keeping a lawn nearby hydrated.
-When I’m near any construction site, whether in a quiet suburb or the city’s busy center, I easily notice the sounds of workers with their tools. I hear the hum of circular and miter saws in the hands of carpenters, and the sharp snaps of nail guns as roofers go about their tasks.
-On larger sites, the thunderous clatter of a jackhammer echoes through the air, joined by the heavy rumble of cranes at work. Meanwhile, the steady flow of semi trucks rolling in with supplies adds to the symphony of construction noise.
-All these artificial man-made sounds come together to form an orchestra of distinctive tones and rhythms. If you listen closely, you can pick up the beat of each sound and see how they blend to create music unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
Reflecting on days gone by isn’t just nostalgia, it’s a powerful motivator. Take time to think about those performances that left you exhilarated, the achievements that made you proud, and the small victories along the way. These memories are not only comforting, but they can also reignite that spark to create and continue on your path.
It’s also beneficial to look outward for inspiration. Watching fellow musicians or those who have influenced your art can give you a boost. Notice the dedication they put into their craft, and let that echo in your practice room.
If they’re innovating, why not try something new yourself? Whether it’s tinkering with a new genre, mastering a challenging piece, or collaborating with musicians who bring different styles to the table, this can significantly reawaken your perspective.
As we transition into reaffirming the purpose behind your musical pursuit, remember that your inspiration is unique to you. It evolves as you evolve. Draw from the new experiences and encounters you have every day; let them shape the way you view and play your music.
This isn’t just about clinging to old memories; it’s also about developing new ones that can serve as the foundation for the next chapter in your own music anthology.
Reaffirming Your Why: The Core of Your Musical Endeavor
Do you remember the moment when you first decided to pick up a guitar? There was a powerful ‘why‘ behind that choice. Was it your admiration for a music icon, or was it the allure of expressing your deepest emotions through melodies and harmonies. Whatever it was that got you STOKED, it’s important to revisit that foundational why—especially when you’re feeling stagnant.
Remind yourself of the joy that creating and sharing music can bring, not just to you but to everyone around you. Think back to when your music made someone smile or helped a friend through a tough time. That’s the magic you wield with your chosen instrument.
It can be incredibly empowering to set new goals. These don’t have to be so epic—a simple intention to master a new piece or new technique can reignite your passion. Plus, redefining success on your terms makes your musical trip authentically yours.
Lastly, listening, to music shouldn’t just be another task on your to-do list. It’s a part of who you are and should add value and happiness to your life. Find joy in the process. Motivation and inspiration in your music can sometimes wane, but dedication fuels progress.
Acknowledge each hurdle you overcome. They are your true motivators. Stay curious and experiment with different styles. Embrace the beauty of learning. Go back to the basics of understanding your fretboard to get refreshed. Let it remind you of why you started playing in the first place. Keep strumming and picking! Remember, the tunes you create are all your own.
Some Key Takeaways
- Rediscover Why You Started: Remind yourself why you picked up the guitar. Was it to express yourself, impress someone, or just have fun? Keep that in mind to reignite your passion.
- Set Small Goals: Break big dreams into bite-sized achievements. Whether it’s strumming a new song or nailing a tricky riff, bite small to avoid burnout.
- Jam with Friends: Playing alone can get lonely. Bring friends into the mix. It’s fun, it’s social, and you’ll pick up cool tips and tricks.
- Explore New Genres: Stuck in a musical rut? Try jazz, blues, or maybe even some folk tunes. You never know what might strike a chord with you.
- Embrace Mistakes: Goofs are part of the gig. Instead of cringing, learn from them and jump back in. Every misstep is a chance to grow.
- Stay Curious: Always ask “What’s next?” With guitar, there’s never a blank wall, only doors to new rhythms and techniques.
- Routine, but Not a Ruler: Keep a practice routine, but don’t let it feel like a must-do. Flexibility keeps things fresh and fun.
- Celebrate Little Wins: High-five yourself for learning a new chord or finishing a song. Little victories boost your motivation.
- Visualize Performing: Picture yourself rocking out on stage or nailing that solo. Visualization can be a secret weapon for motivation.