I came to the relization, that unless I win the lotto and can devote a lo more time to my instrument that I have reached my fullest potential. Sure I may learn a new scale, mode, or song every so often, but at the same time I really can't do anything on my gitar that I could not do a few years ago. Is this a rut or have I peaked ?
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SurfGuitar101 Forums » Surf Musician »
have you peaked as a musician?
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Joined: Jul 05, 2006 Posts: 969 
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Posted on Jul 25 2006 11:49 PM
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Joined: Mar 02, 2006 Posts: 11067 Berkeley, CA
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Posted on Jul 26 2006 12:31 AM
Hi WaimeaBay, Just a thought: Perhaps you may have peaked at the style(s) you've chosen to play, but if you try a new style you may develop new skills and rejuvenate your interest. And then have something new to add to the surf genre. I've found that when practicing, it's not so much how long I practice, but how consistently I am about practicing everyday. And to set goals when I practice. You know this already or you wouldn't be this good, but over time one becomes lazy and loses the discipline. It really comes down to making a new commitment to yourself. Or you can work on other aspects of music that may need more attention. Things like band management and promotion, song writing/arranging, jamming with new players, recording techniques, and on and on. —Danny Snyder I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac' Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF |
Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 1062 Berlin, Germany
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Posted on Jul 26 2006 02:02 AM
A few years ago I might have played better, but I didnât have unlimited tracks and effects and what not at my fingertips. So I am learning in that department. The production department, which has always interested me a lot. KK —The Exotic Guitar of Kahuna Kawentzmann You can get the boy out of the Keynes era, but you can’t get the Keynes era out of the boy. Last edited: Jul 26, 2006 08:55:29 |
Joined: May 21, 2006 Posts: 62 |
Posted on Jul 26 2006 08:02 AM
This is my second wind then..... As I'm recently divorced and fitter than I've been for years I get to play guitar lots and play what I want to. I read the book Zen Guitar recently and would recommend it to anyone who feels they may be stuck in a rut or lack direction etc. I would also say that getting a new toy for the guitar or learning a new tune is one of the best ways to get back into it. Age isn't a barrier if the music is still in you.
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Joined: Apr 23, 2006 Posts: 260 Oceanside, CA
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Posted on Jul 26 2006 04:50 PM
You know what helps me when I am in rut - Playing slide and using open tunings. Changes your thinking and makes playing standard guitar refreshing. I don't think I will ever hit my peak. I change styles alot and there is always something to be discovered. Plus I have never been a very technical player. Also, playing with new people can always make your playing grow. And, sometimes just taking a break is all that is needed to get the juices flowing again. There is always retail therapy. New gear is always fun. Take care, |
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Joined: May 21, 2006 Posts: 62 |
Posted on Jul 26 2006 04:54 PM
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Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 3786 tn
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Posted on Jul 27 2006 08:18 AM
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Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 3832 netherlands
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Posted on Jul 27 2006 09:04 AM
Rules to live by #314: |
Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 5098 San Francisco
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Posted on Jul 27 2006 10:59 AM
There is always something new to try. Figure out a Slacktone song or something... Buy Speed of Dark @ Bandcamp |
Joined: Mar 01, 2006 Posts: 83 San Diego
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Posted on Jul 27 2006 05:21 PM
Take some lessons. That sounds kind of basic, but if you hook up with the right teacher, it can be as much fun as being in a band and even more challenging. speaking from my own experience, |
Joined: Mar 04, 2006 Posts: 52 Encinitas, CA |
Posted on Jul 27 2006 08:08 PM
That's kind of a heavy question, WaimeaBay. I'm almost 50 and I can't say that I've peaked. I think I'm gettin' better. I play both bass and guitar (as well as keys and percussion) so that helps keep things "fresh". You might want to consider taking up another instrument, which might make you see/hear music in a different light. Plus, musicians who "double" are pretty valuable...more bang for the buck. Danny Snyder also hit on some key suggestions. The art of producing and arranging as well as songwriting can help you grow. Right now, I'm working with a top LA studio muso. The experience is a thrill to say the least to hear my arrangement come to life, resulting in a real kickin' track. The bottom line is you don't have to peak unless you want to! ~ Jonathan |
Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 3546 mojave desert, california
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Posted on Jul 29 2006 03:13 PM
Voodoo: Right On! I went through divorce back in 1997. At that time I too picked up Philip Toshio Sudo's "Zen Guitar"...a phenomenal book! Not only an inspiring and effective "guitar" handbook, but also a very descriptive "zen" text which accurately depicts the spirit of zen in action. I always get confused when I look around the house trying to locate my copy: is it in the "guitar and music" section? in the "zen buddhist" section? this time I found it in the "philosophy" section! can you tell I like to read? I have bookshelves all around the house, grouped by topic... You can visit Philip Toshio Sudo's "Zen Guitar Dojo" online here: |
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Joined: May 21, 2006 Posts: 62 |
Posted on Aug 01 2006 11:31 AM
Just chatting with some of the GTCentral guys about the book and the ones who have read it all agree that it's indispensible. RIP. Tom Holt's Earth, Air, Fire & Custard also helps my playing because it makes me smile and you play better when you smile. Roger |
Joined: Mar 15, 2006 Posts: 1487 San Francisco
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Posted on Aug 02 2006 03:49 AM
Honestly, I'd say I peaked some time ago. I'm not the all-around player I once was, but have improved my surf chops greatly over the past few years (anyone remember our FIRST SoCal tour back in 2002? Man....). Thing is, I basically never practice, and I often times feel guilty about that. I am constantly playing, and noodling, working on new songs, all that, but I don't practice the way I used to practice. So to answer directly, I don't think I've peaked, but I might have plateaued. ~B~ |
Joined: Feb 27, 2006 Posts: 5319 the outer banks of north carolina
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Posted on Aug 02 2006 09:31 AM
having been playing for seven years i certainly hope i haven't peaked. but i definitely hit a plateau this year. i've spent the last two years learning as many surf tunes start to finish as possible. i just returned from national guitar workshop in ct. and took a 'psychobilly' class with mark gamsjager from the 'lustre kings' and i've been revived and refreshed. the class covered some surf but mostly rockabilly and roots rock. lots of information and things to work on over the next year.. — |
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Joined: May 21, 2006 Posts: 62 |
Posted on Aug 02 2006 11:38 AM
I've only been playing for 23 years and I reckon I've got about another 6 times that to go. Selling my soul was a bargain..... |
Joined: Mar 16, 2006 Posts: 923
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Posted on Aug 07 2006 05:09 PM
Ruts are usually times of learning. IF you really need a jumpstart, go buy a guitar that is inspirational like a Santa Cruz, a great acoustic can be better than a year of lessons.... —THe NEpTuNeS |
Joined: Feb 26, 2006 Posts: 3847 North Atlantic 
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Posted on Aug 21 2006 05:46 PM
I think a lot of us have been in a rut. Somethings that have gotten me inspired in these situations are new instruments and new music. I've been teaching myself lap steel and ukulele for the last year or so. Though it takes time away from what I could be spending on the gtr, I feel more inspired when I pick it up. New CDs, records in different genres have been a great help. My current fixations are Indian slide guitarists Debashish Bhattacharya and VM Bhatt. Practice with a metronome set permanently on 60bpm with no effects on your gtr. This will make you clean up your technique in a hurry. I learned this from Dave Tronzo (slide gtr master!) And I keep a couple of gtrs out of their cases on stands so they're easy to get to. Hope this helps, Urban Surf Kings —Canadian Surf |
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Joined: Aug 18, 2006 Posts: 1732 |
Posted on Aug 21 2006 07:05 PM
Dude!!!! When I read the title I thought you meant opening your eyes after losing count during an emotional solo to check with the drummer about when to stop playin... Seriously, unless you are a gigging musician, put the electric down for a year and pick up an acoustic and really learn how to play, not just strum. I went the other way, from lifeling Blues, Celtic, Leo Kottke type stuff to electric, which has led me to Surf. I can do things now on acoustic I never dreamed of before... |
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Joined: Jun 14, 2006 Posts: 907 New York City area |
Posted on Aug 23 2006 11:08 AM
WaimeaBay. |
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