How To Avoid Musical Burn Out

Do you sometimes find it difficult to stay focused and motivated to practice or play music? Most musicians I know (including myself) have had at least one significant period in their lives when they have experienced musical burn out – a general feeling of being uninspired, unmotivated, bored, or just plain lazy!

I’m not necessarily talking about people who have lost interest in music, I’m referring to those who love it, but have struggled to maintain focus at some point during their lives. Let me illustrate 2 examples, an intermediate level player and a professional musician.

Here is an excerpt of an email I received from an intermediate level player:

"…..I picked up the guitar when I was 14 after seeing a friend of mine play, I was very impressed in that moment, I felt in love with the guitar.

"My first goal was to get better than my friend, so I worked very hard like 6 or more hours per day, I couldn't get away from the guitar, every morning I woke and picked up the guitar and played a little bit before school. I saw BIG improvements! I soon got better than my friend, and I knew it came from ‘correct practicing and hard work’.

"I began to realize how big improvements had come in so little time, and I began to set big goals. I was so happy and excited because I knew how big I could be if I continued working like I had been doing before. I began playing gigs around the country, small and big gigs, everything was going fine for me.

"In the last weeks, it seems that I can’t pick up the guitar. There can go 2 days when I don't touch it. It's like I have lost the ‘desire’ to play, but not. It's kind of hard to explain, deep in my heart I want to play the guitar but I just don’t do it. I get frustrated when that happens. It's like it's boring to play the guitar though I still love it. What can I do?…."

…Now for the next example (also an email excerpt sent to me)…

"…..Hi Tom! I have made much excellent progress since we began corresponding, even my wife, who knows nothing about music, has noticed a large difference with what I’m doing. The new record is almost done now. It is much better than our first, we’ll be getting ready for the tour soon. Even though the new solos are much harder, I’m more confident today that I will be able to pull them off every night without such problems as I had on the southern tour last year, you remember what a mess that was for me. As you guessed, I’m in a new place now and FINALLY on the skill level which I should have been performing at last year! So you are probably thinking, ‘mission accomplished, the struggle is over, I’ve won’ or other such victorious thoughts. All is well and good for me now right? Well, not really Tom. Yes things have never been better for my career or my playing, but I have a challenge now, one that I can’t seem to get my head around. This is the reason for my email to you.

"All the things I wanted to happen have happened already or are happening now, and still I’m not fulfilled. It’s not that I want more success. I don’t really know what it is that I want now. All that I am certain of is I can’t push myself any further anymore. I’ve reached a plateau, not in my career, nor in my playing. I’ve reached a plateau in my mind that isn’t allowing me to find the strength to work on playing. Maybe I’ve reached a certain level on guitar and I feel I’m done now as if I don’t need to get any better because I am already as good as I need to be. I’ve made it this far and I’m doing bigger things. To be honest, I’m burned out with guitar.

"I still like being a musician and the life I have because of it! I can’t get myself motivated to go further on a musical level. I only need to be sure the band stays as good as it is now. I don’t know if I am making any sense to you, I make little sense to myself now. I still love guitar, but I’m burned out. This contradiction eats me alive! I want to be as great as possible but I don’t need to be any better, so why am I not finding the mental energy to make it happen… please excuse my rambling, you are only one of three people I can talk to about this. So what does the doctor say? Any cures for me in the bag of Hess tricks? Come on man, write me a prescription! Have you been through this yourself?….."

As you read the excerpts from each player, what did you hear(or what didn’t you hear) in their words that might be the root of their problem? I could save you a few minutes and just tell you what I think the answer is, but I think we both (you and me) are far more interested in what YOU think their primary problem was….

So I invite you to take a few minutes (or as long as you need) and think about it on your own before reading the rest of this article…. So please…stop reading now, think about it and then continue onto the next paragraph…..

…..Both of these players had significant goals and challenges which they were focused on and have achieved. In both cases the commitment to achieving these goals was a good motivating force which had served them well – up to a point. Once the goals were basically realized, the motivation quickly evaporated. Both of these players are extraordinary people because they actually had enough perseverance and a strong enough work ethic to manifest their goals into a physical reality.

Many people with similar goals may not have had the same drive to get the job done and would have probably burned out even before reaching their own goals. So, what is the answer? Why have these people struggled to move forward even though they know they have the abilities and the desire to do more? In short, what caused the burn out after a certain point?

When I replied to both of the guys, I basically told them I believed their problem was they didn’t have powerful enough reasons to move forward beyond the burn out point. It’s much harder to force ourselves to do something every day if we don’t have powerful enough reasons to do so. Challenges in life are so much easier to conquer when the purposes and reasons are: important enough, vivid enough, and urgent enough within ourselves.

In the first example above that player had a strong enough reason to reach a certain point, but after that, what happened? He burned out because he paid attention only to reach a goal which would not fulfill him after it was achieved. There wasn’t a stronger and bigger reason in his mind to really drive him to go beyond that.... To play better than someone else was simply not a powerful enough reason for the long term.

The player in the second example did have bigger and more powerful goals than the first guy. Because I know quite a lot about this person, I also understand his personal reasons behind those goals and they were/are strong enough – this is why he succeeded. But again, beyond the goals of having a successful professional career in the music business and becoming an excellent musician, he has other goals, but they were not backed by powerful enough, vivid enough, or urgent enough reasons – this is why he simply burned out.

As his friend, we talked a lot about this and am glad to report to you that he has focused a lot more on his reasons and has continued on to do even bigger and better things in music (both artistically and professionally).

One of my favorite quotes on achievement comes from Tony Robbins, "If you have big enough reasons, you can achieve virtually anything”. This statement has impacted my life greatly from the moment I first heard it in April of 2005. "

The reasons you have behind why you want what you want are probably different from the guys in the examples, myself, your friends or anyone else. Your reasons are personal and specific to you. But whatever they are, focus on them every day and if you still are not motivated enough to take the actions you need to take, it doesn’t mean that you are lazy – it only means you need to find a powerful enough goal backed by bigger, more powerful and more vivid reasons.

Yes… it’s as simple as that...

If you liked this article, you may also enjoy these related articles by Tom Hess:

Musical Frustration

Why Aren’t You a Better Guitarist?

Can YOU Really Become a Great Guitar Player?

To sign up for Tom’s free guitar instructional newsletter, visit the official Tom Hess website.

See Tom Hess on the HolyHell world tour.

Copyright 2007 Tom Hess Music Corporation. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

POSTED: 09/15/2007 - 05:57 am

+ print this article

+ mail to a friend

Comments

[nilitus]

very good

[_3Lm0_]

Nevermind... I have found a way to link it

[Wilomentena]

i can relate... i found playing in a band re-lit my fire

[Ibzman]

Very,VERY good article.

[k00kie M0nster]

Too long but still good

[Jimmy55]

this is good although band playing can get a tad boring after a bit if you play the same stuff over and over so variety is important!!

[Jimmy55]

[ProgIsGood]

this is why bands jam, and start experimenting and creating newer more interesting music. Unfortunately most fans are closed minded and are confused when a band does this and then we get the oh so cliche "their old stuff is way better then their new stuff".

[Guitar Sushi]

I disagree with this, the thing that keeps you going on guitars. is learning new avenues of playing. etc, playing with bands in certain styles, learning to sweep pick, learning legato, trying to copy Malmsteen. Once and avenue of learning is discovers, drive comes and you will fill that path and move to a new one.

Guitar is about having fun. That's it.

[The Eyebrow]

I had that a couple pf months ago...can't remember how i got out of it though...

[bitter.sweet]

I'm a bit new to guitar (one year) but I can still recall days where it's just like "crap.. i feel like playing guitar... nah maybe tomorrow." The thing that i hate is that im not such a good player.. and i think if i was better i might have more motivation to play. also maybe a teacher could help a lot.

[Cobalt Blue]

funny he mentioned Tony Robbins, i was just thinking Tom Hess is like a guitar motivational speaker.. not that his advice doesn't go beyond that, but a lot of it is just about mind set and having goals to achieve.

[Guitar Sushi]

bitter.sweet wrote:

I'm a bit new to guitar (one year) but I can still recall days where it's just like "crap.. i feel like playing guitar... nah maybe tomorrow." The thing that i hate is that im not such a good player.. and i think if i was better i might have more motivation to play. also maybe a teacher could help a lot.

Trust me, a good teacher helps a hell of a lot.

[withgunstoglory]

bitter.sweet wrote:

I'm a bit new to guitar (one year) but I can still recall days where it's just like "crap.. i feel like playing guitar... nah maybe tomorrow." The thing that i hate is that im not such a good player.. and i think if i was better i might have more motivation to play. also maybe a teacher could help a lot.

definately get a teacher, they're a HUGE help

Checked.

[guitartilldeath]

this article is excellent. really answered my questions deep inside. thanks a bunch tom, i mean it.

[misfitsramones]

if any1 feels like this, then change the style of music you play, like when i started i was into punk, then i could pick down faster then jonny ramone, and iwas like wow, this is to easy, so i got into metal and skills and everything, and im trying to get down those. just, if you are burned out, maybe its the stlye.

[bretty565]

ProgIsGood wrote:

this is why bands jam, and start experimenting and creating newer more interesting music. Unfortunately most fans are closed minded and are confused when a band does this and then we get the oh so cliche "their old stuff is way better then their new stuff".

exactly whats happend 2 metallica evry1 ses ther new stuff is rubbish but in my view most of it beta than their old stuff

[Mechanixx]

Ive had phases were ive not been bothered to play for a few weeks and ive only been playing 1 1/2 years. However afterwards I bounce back with a lot more motivation and always improve a lot and quickly. This also happends if your forcibly removed from the guitar. I didnt play in a month during the holidays but now my playing is better then ever and I dont think ive ever enjoyed playing as much.

[Philler101]

wow great article... i am currently going through this... i feel my answer may be a jam band or a teacher as i am selftaught..

[Shor-T Zero]

this is a great article. I have had some symptoms, if you want to call it that, of this. I just can't move my left hand fingers fast enough to do any kind of solos. Keep trying, but it doesn't work out. But, I know I'll eventually be able to do it, and then move on to my bigger goals. Take care, and great article again.

[mrbiscuits315]

i want a good teacher so bad

[dann_blood]

I get burnout occasionally. Ill go from practicing a fair bit to no practice except when its absolutely necessary.
About finding motivation though, it can come from anywhere. I got out of my last burnout by listening to some Joe Satriani, hes music just inspired me to want to take my playing to a level much higher than it is now.

[Jonjy2]

great job...Im kinda in that burnout phase now..I dont know any reasons really tho lol

[IRONxPANTERA]

I am in this type of situation for the first time


It is rough because I play bass(without a pick) and in time without playing I loose endurance, and speed.
Sometimes it is because I go way beyond my level of playing, I do not try hard, or long enough, or that I just do not focus on it all too much.



Great answer to the problem though!


Thank you a lot for this atricle

Nice article

Checked.

[Squabblism]

Very right. Very true.

[Synyster Gates]

he's got a point about the reasons, you always need a real, powerful, reason to keep you going.

[MuffinMan]

Did this article really even say anything? I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, I'm serious. All I got was, "What's the solution to being unmotivated? Motivate yourself!"

[Night_Lights]

MuffinMan wrote:

Did this article really even say anything? I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, I'm serious. All I got was, "What's the solution to being unmotivated? Motivate yourself!"

I do think the article is saying more than that.

[Metalhead3333]

I'm currently going through musical burnout.... I'm so damn bored with what I'm playing. I need something new to learn and something to challenge me. Scales, theory, modes, reading and cover songs can only go so far. Any suggestions? Also, I have significant enough goals, I'm just not gettingthere. I need help on what I can do and how.... Please help, someone.

Btw, great article.

[fretsonfire74]

The Eyebrow wrote:

I had that a couple pf months ago...can't remember how i got out of it though...

when you dont play for a while.

[henza_x]

MuffinMan wrote:

Did this article really even say anything? I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, I'm serious. All I got was, "What's the solution to being unmotivated? Motivate yourself!"

yeah essentially, motivate yourself with a big goal..

[matteo cubano]

i hate that when that happens. i fell in love, then ideas came back, then i lost that love and now ythe ideas just keep coming.

[dimebagisgr8]

i'm like that at the moment i love playing guitar. to get through it for me i hav to go back to basics and play simple stuff and then play more complex stuff. what you guys are saying bout teachers isnt completely true a teacher is good if they teach you the stuff you want to play otherwise you just get bored.

[spikedemon!]

what usually works best for me is write something unmotivating when your unmotivated. build a song around how your feeling. it doesn't matter how simple it is, ppl can feel feelings. so write about your ****ing apathy.

[StratSlinger421]

i feel this way all the time, because there are no good musicians where i live so i have to sit in my room and just play by myself which is totally unfulfilling.

[zartists.net]

Well put, this subjects actually occurs in just about every aspect of life. We all have this expectation of what life will be like once we reach a certain goal, and once we achieve it, we don't feel much different and this is where we lose interest even though we still want it to be exciting. So not much else can be said but to find a higher goal, this is basically what the article is saying, so unfortunatly this means we will never be fully satisfied, but fortunately this is what gives life purpose and meaning, even if it's all just in our head. Time to reach the next level, and the next one, and the next one....

[deadlyMETAL]

Wow. I have always had the "If you don't have goals you won't get there" philosophy for anything I did in life, and I just realized I have yet to set my guitar goals! I mean, I pick it up and play and learn songs, but I never aspire to learn something like a complicated or even entry-level solos! I am going to go and NAIL a solo this week!! I just have to pick it out....

[FallingHard]

good call

[astrocreep71]

Guitar Sushi wrote:

I disagree with this, the thing that keeps you going on guitars. is learning new avenues of playing. etc, playing with bands in certain styles, learning to sweep pick, learning legato, trying to copy Malmsteen. Once and avenue of learning is discovers, drive comes and you will fill that path and move to a new one.

Guitar is about having fun. That's it.

What you said you disagree with is somewhat the point of the article. If you are inspired to learn all those techniques, then you won't burn out as soon. Most people pick up the guitar to learn a Nirvana song, or something similarly as easy. This article isn't for all the people who learned everything by Yngwie, Joe, Steve, Metallica, Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson, Hendrix, Page, SRV, Walsh, and so forth(forgive me if I left 20 of your personal inspirations out), It's for people who were inspired by a certain artist or band and need to move on and open their minds. Some people are totally happy just learning chords so they can play the voicings in a song so they can sing it. They leave the virtuosity to others. That's great. It leaves room for their friends that are the talented guitarists (who can't sing) to shine.

[SuperRitsu]

So all we need is great reasons.
I can deal with that.
10/10

[deadlydunc]

good article. but do we really need it here and on guitarnoise? if that is the case then why not merge the two websites into one? this isnt the first time either...

[Deathrow_Saints]

very interesting, i'v had that feeling when you just don't wanna play at all.

[dobby240]

i have a burn out the moment :/ my acoustic broke and i aine exactly very into my electric at the moment... ime kinda dead all my freinds say i sound tired and bored... i need a new acoustic

[Daveyh]

Hmm, This is surprisingly descriptive of me too at the moment:\
I feel like I can't be bothered anymore, example:
I've never used tabs, never plan to. I was always really good at getting stuff by ear, but it seems to have faded quite drastically, which for some reason makes me less anxious to play :|
I also have problems with genre alot of the time, I never know what I want to listen to/play. Most of the time I spend with my guitar is just going over the same licks again and again, but I never have any inspiration to go learn anything new...
HELP! haha, ahwell- hopefully it will come back with time.

[Cal UK]

Great article.

[boobookittyfukc]

good job

[Twixted]

i had problem resently but i got over it by exploring other musical genre's than what im used to. I usually play metal then i got "burned out" so i explored jazz and now i think my playin got better throuhg a mixture of jazz and metal

[whitebluesboy]

I burned out.

[Tcoldsteel]

i agree to a certain extent. What i did when I was feeling ininspired and burnt-out was to pick up another instrument, in my case the harmonica, and almost start from scratch.
This kept me thinking musically but sent me in a different direction so when i returned to playing the guitar i kinda felt it a different way.
All the best and glad to hear it's not just me that gets bored sometimes.

[jthm_guitarist]

Very good, I have gone through this once. Except when it happened for me, I was playing jazz instead of my usual rock. I could go days without picking up the guitar and felt bad about it. But once I got out of jazz for a few months I got back on with the same enthusiam.

[vbdacbiet]

I believe it is life at the moment that expresses, motivates and inspires musicians. While people are out working hard, touring, traveling. There isnt much to express through the music.
So i would suggest to go out and live the wildest life and write/compose/sing about it. It's what you know best.

[Tabassco]

Great article.

[Tim_5150]

i find taking a break refreshing.... i take long breaks...months a time, and listen to different music. after that i get back on the guitar and fiddle around..

[odb56]

ProgIsGood wrote:

this is why bands jam, and start experimenting and creating newer more interesting music. Unfortunately most fans are closed minded and are confused when a band does this and then we get the oh so cliche "their old stuff is way better then their new stuff".

thats so fckin true .....good comment brother

[Papasmurf69]

bitter.sweet wrote:

I'm a bit new to guitar (one year) but I can still recall days where it's just like "crap.. i feel like playing guitar... nah maybe tomorrow." The thing that i hate is that im not such a good player.. and i think if i was better i might have more motivation to play. also maybe a teacher could help a lot.

I've been playing guitar for 5-6 years and never took one lesson and I'm glad I didn't. It depends on what type of music you wanna learn. I wanted to learn hardcore and metal guitar so i learned how to read tabs and just played along. I do most of it by ear for some reason music opened my mind to where i see what to play. I also learn from watching other people! My friend Clayton inspired me to play, he was so great and now me and him share the stage together in our band! Whatever you feel like doing go for it!

[sk8rdude181]

misfitsramones wrote:

if any1 feels like this, then change the style of music you play, like when i started i was into punk, then i could pick down faster then jonny ramone, and iwas like wow, this is to easy, so i got into metal and skills and everything, and im trying to get down those. just, if you are burned out, maybe its the stlye.

i agree, learning new skills is definitely a motivating factor for me. like if i see someone do something sweet or hear them play something cool i am like, "man i want to master that" so i do that until i get it. and new styles helps also, like when i started i was into alternative,then metal, then 70s, and now blues. there are a lot of different techniques to master if you change styles. i just need something to do to keep me motivated

[igorotmaster]

You are right on the dollar with this article. I find myself progressing quite faster, due to high motivations, than others who have played longer than I have.

[BennyStruggle]

MuffinMan wrote:

Did this article really even say anything? I'm not trying to be a jerk or anything, I'm serious. All I got was, "What's the solution to being unmotivated? Motivate yourself!"

I agree- Tom Hess is no doubt a talented musician and teacher, but he is also proof that once you attain a certain level in anything you can get away with writing stuff that most people couldn't. For example, I'm an english university student and write articles for papers etc, but its labeled as generic because I am just a regular writer. If I was to attain fame in some way, I would get paid for writing mediocre stuff just because of my name.

Other then that, Tom Hess, like I said, is a good musician, but I can't believe he gets paid for writing stuff that is so sub-par and average; in most cases it is just stating the obvious.

[dfresh91]

good article

[Sean-Man]

i just learn some new sclaes or chords, and just dick around with them. or i try to listen to a new genre of music

[i bleed metal]

Guitar Sushi wrote:

I disagree with this, the thing that keeps you going on guitars. is learning new avenues of playing. etc, playing with bands in certain styles, learning to sweep pick, learning legato, trying to copy Malmsteen. Once and avenue of learning is discovers, drive comes and you will fill that path and move to a new one.

Guitar is about having fun. That's it.

well actually you agree, think about it, in your opinion those are what drive guitarists right? well, those are the 'goals' that drive guitarists, not necessarily every guitarist, but im assuming thats the road you took...so even though you said yoi disagree, you basically did agree in a nutshell

[Tedward]

"When im in a rut i just stop and think about how awesome the guitar is, how awesome it sounds. Its a ****ing awesome sounding instrument..." (or something along those lines)
- Dimebag Darrel

i agree with dimebag. Think of how lucky you are to be able to play, and how you dont need to make up the most complex stuff for it too sound good, cuz guitars will always sound good.

and i think that for alot of ppl spending hard earned money on a new guitar is very rewarding and, as you, everyone likes to play a new guitar

[Gee-Tar1]

great stuff

[Pepperommi]

Tedward wrote:

"When im in a rut i just stop and think about how awesome the guitar is, how awesome it sounds. Its a ****ing awesome sounding instrument..." I was just gonna say that...think of DIME people...the rutbuster

[Pepperommi]

oops i quoted my own writing after that ...pwnt

[Silky Smooth]

A teacher or a least someone to sit down with who really knows what there doing is the best. Even if your a seasoned player who can play everything. Theres nothing else like having the 3rd person perspective on your playing.

[bitterbanana]

I learned a very important life lesson from your article. Can't thank you enough.

[Vampire Spawn]

Pepperommi wrote:
Tedward wrote:

"When im in a rut i just stop and think about how awesome the guitar is, how awesome it sounds. Its a ****ing awesome sounding instrument..." I was just gonna say that...think of DIME people...the rutbuster

Yeah, all I have to do is pop in my favourite music vid of Hendrix or Page and its instant motivation - if that doesn't work I don't know what will

[niguitars.com]

tom hess 'charlatan'
you have returned and wrote another namdy pamdy aticle that relates no more to guitar playing than any other avenue in life be it a hobby,career or calling!
in whatever we do yes sometimes we will get demotivated what you have advised us to do is the same crhp that is available in any self help guru book.
please do not patronise the wiser members of UG anymore

oh i see your still obeying the 2 links rule
and i love the way the inside the 'filled stadium pictures are actually stock photos lol sorry but i feel sad for you

[Grim89674523]

Wtf you talkin about... Anyhow :

deadlyMETAL wrote:

Wow. I have always had the "If you don't have goals you won't get there" philosophy for anything I did in life, and I just realized I have yet to set my guitar goals! I mean, I pick it up and play and learn songs, but I never aspire to learn something like a complicated or even entry-level solos! I am going to go and NAIL a solo this week!! I just have to pick it out....

Try So Cold by Breaking Benjamin. Sort of easy, but sort of not. You decide.

The only thing I need for motivation is my massive iTunes library full of rock songs... some of which I haven't even heard of, oddly enough. I just listen to a few to find a challenging guitar part, and I find a tab, or if I'm in the mood, I'll tab it myself.

I joined a band about a week ago, when it formed... Well, my brother forced me to actually, but that's another story. We're already booked for a sweet 16 in December. When my brother told me this, I've been active as hell on the guitar. Motivation can come in different forms

[Grim89674523]

vbdacbiet wrote:

I believe it is life at the moment that expresses, motivates and inspires musicians. While people are out working hard, touring, traveling. There isnt much to express through the music.
So i would suggest to go out and live the wildest life and write/compose/sing about it. It's what you know best.

Oh, that's VERY true. If you're cramped up in a tour bus all day, you won't come up with many things to write about. Take a step outside, hear the wind blow and the birds sing, see the thong on the hot chick walking by... I mean... nevermind -.-

[TheRealTrooper]

bitter.sweet wrote:

I'm a bit new to guitar (one year) but I can still recall days where it's just like "crap.. i feel like playing guitar... nah maybe tomorrow." The thing that
i hate is that im not such a good player.. and i
think if i was better i might have more motivation to play. also maybe a teacher could help a lot.

i dont think you nesecerily need a guitar teacher, because then your learning their style of playing, yes they probably can help alot with telling you about styles, but it will be so much better and easier in the long run if you discover it all for yourself with help of sites like this.

[|\puto_rodas/|]

the 'sites like this', somehow work like teachers,
every thing U learn(even by yourself), has a teaching method behind it...
Ain't it so?
rock on[ ]

[zoomzoom]

awesome column. i can level with this 100%, i even read the links and everything and its amazing how exact this is. makes alot of sense and is really helpin me out. =D

[Smithy boy 92]

woah thanks man, loving the pyschiatristness. There was loads of really valid stuff in here

[bearkiller12]

I go through this every week lol
great article

[James_Calalo]

i can relate to this article i always have work but i also wanted to be in a band at the same time the problem also is that i wrote a lot of music for my band but my bandmates weren't around because they are much concern with their social lives as some night goers

[rusted gut]

This whole article is to true and what all of you said.... burn out sucks
you wane play but cant pick up guitar
you have dreams but they dont seem good enough
you lve guitar but it seems like nothing is ever gonna happen
I am just gonna wait it out and write a few deppro songs... now i need tips on songwriting :-(

[drummerb]

Im going through this phase at the moment with =(

im actually a drummer (hence the user name) but find myself unmotivated, and uninspired to do anything, i think the main reason for ME is that i have big goals and ambitions (excuse my spelling), and i am meeting none of them, i love gigging, but at the moment we are doing none.

it kind of bums you out and depresses you i guess.
But hey, i will keep trying.

good article even if a little long

[TSF_Dalton]

I hate the feeling...I just got out of a jam like that, I write a few insurmental parts a week, just working on stuff in programs like Guitar Pro, working and writing, but I just went thru a couple of weeks where nothing came to me. I found inspiration though, I met a girl, its a long distance relationship, but its working very well. Ever since then I have been writing like crazy! I guess its just kind of an emptiness I felt during that time, I had been single for a long time, and rejected a few times, so I just decided to take a break from everything. HORRIBLE MISTAKE! I felt like if I was going to sit down and write out of depression all my songs would come out as emo type ballads. But it really would have helped my writing and musicianship if I would have played thru those weeks. But...I'm out of my slump, I'm writing with 3 different bands now, and ready to play anytime!

[crazy_eyez_17]

yeah im experinceing this musical burn out phase rite now...ive been playing for 3 years now and i started out the same way you did.I was really impressed by my friends playing and i decided to pick up a guitar and try to get better than him then i fell in love with it.I practiced about 4-5 hours a day,my friends didnt even see me for around a year,but just rescently i started geting really bored and lazy,i cant seem to focus on makeing my music like i used too Ive ben trying to set bigger goals for my self as a guitarist but i guesse it's gunna take some time huh

[Punk-Rockin]

Good article.... Experiencing it right now. Damn finals...

[MaxerJ]

astrocreep71 wrote:

What you said you disagree with is somewhat the point of the article. If you are inspired to learn all those techniques, then you won't burn out as soon. Most people pick up the guitar to learn a Nirvana song, or something similarly as easy. This article isn't for all the people who learned everything by Yngwie, Joe, Steve, Metallica, Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson, Hendrix, Page, SRV, Walsh, and so forth(forgive me if I left 20 of your personal inspirations out), It's for people who were inspired by a certain artist or band and need to move on and open their minds. Some people are totally happy just learning chords so they can play the voicings in a song so they can sing it. They leave the virtuosity to others. That's great. It leaves room for their friends that are the talented guitarists (who can't sing) to shine.

Agree. Some guitarists just pick up an axe to learn some Cobain or Stockdale, and they're the ones who plunge into a deep blue funk when they realise the actual size of the guitar world.

[deaths_hand]

I have this problem where i start learning a song... get a few bars in and then cant be bothered because i havnt got the skill to play the next part... also i cant write songs, or have any basic music theory knowledge except what i learnt from school, which frankly, was crap. best i can do is stairway to heaven... and even then i cant play solos so its kinda wasted. Ive been self teaching but its not enough

[alliwant]

This is exactly what I've been going through for a while now! Perfect arcticle for my situation. Cheers.

[wildchild6660]

i'm havin song writer's block. any suggestions?

[wildchild6660]

deaths_hand wrote:

I have this problem where i start learning a song... get a few bars in and then cant be bothered because i havnt got the skill to play the next part... also i cant write songs, or have any basic music theory knowledge except what i learnt from school, which frankly, was crap. best i can do is stairway to heaven... and even then i cant play solos so its kinda wasted. Ive been self teaching but its not enough

You think you have it bad.
I've been trying to metal with an acoustic. Its the only guitar i've got and i can't afford another

[Slash 602]

I'm not sure I agree with you, but you article has inspired me to overcome the state of "burn out" that I'm currently through. Bravo, sir.

[The Maw]

i get that problem