Guitar Plateau and Musical Frustrations

[arrisstuff]

I can relate ;'( Sometimes I want to eat my guitar in frustration! 

[rwindmann]

Why not collaborate with someone? Form a virtual band. We all have logic and the internet. I play bass - you could find a drummer, a singer, etc... A huge, world-wide collaborative effect could create an interesting body of work, and you never know what that might ignite. Experiment with different genres? Fact is that you love guitar and music, so we all know you'll be back!

[rwindmann]

When I get to that point, I refocus on something else musical. I will explore sounds and tones - I love soundscapes. Refurbish an old amp from an estate sale or a garage sale. I notice you do not play electric - maybe pick up an electric and play with sounds. Do a build project? Traveling is also a great way to clear your mind and get some different perspectives and new inspirations.

[cannibalsrcul]

How do you manage to syncopate your notes so well, you must have incredible rhythm!

[KennyReddwooddforest]

Ry Cooder is great, too. Do you like the music he made for Paris Texas? Its one of my most favorite films. You have an accent where does your accent come from? I love your voice.

[alwirdo]

when i wuz a kid i wuz forced to take piano lessons fer 8 years and it only ended then cuz my teacher had a bad stroke. becuz of bein' forced to play i never had much interest in playin' after dat.

[Scott3o]

I feel you Mr. P, I've been playing the Alto Sax for five years and I've just recently stopped playing altogether and I have no idea if I'll get back to it. It feels like a long break but I don't know if I'll play the sax again.

[mrpregnantmusic]

@Scott3o Start playing, The guilt of putting it down surpasses all the frustration you'll experience while that sax is in your hands.

Mr Pregnant...!

[JACKSON2012music]

My only hurdle is UMG on youtube..That is my hump right there !!

[JACKSON2012music]

That's the time to give up or get a break ...You choose!

[J45USER]

i need a mac

wish they were cheaper..!!!

[billy6668]

i get kinda like i dunno really i have periods where i instinctivly play guitar but i dont enjoy it? and other times i play i love it im going through the period of hating it, it just seems like a chore to play and i hate it, this ever happened to anyone else?

[sarge6925]

mr pregnant got terminated!!!

Seems like mrpregnantmusic is the only one left standing.

[SuperRyan80]

@sarge6925 not anymore! and im so glad!

[kill3rkomodo]

You just need to focus in on what it is that frustrates you. For instance if your trying to play andy mckee peices there's likely a part that is hard as hell. Just practice it as basically as you can. Hit one note or harmony. Hit the next . the smallest possible steps.

[MrSoulprint]

Dude your are great!!!!! greetings from argentina!

[cody00000000001]

i play by ear on all my insterments, if u can play any other insterments play those for a while to get off the guitar, if u dont then make up a song or try to learn another piece. i recently passed a plateau where i thought i sucked at playing, you play guitar better than i do but i dont quit cus you have inspired me with some of ur songs.

[NewPSCity]

This is the more serious Mr.Pregnant :)

[Mattycnw]

I've also gone through this kind of phase. For me it was analysis paralysis, too much overload. Finding something you are passionate about and sticking with it can be tough with all the different genres and influences out there, but music is to be enjoyed. Bottom line

[Beastforsure]

You are Mr Pregnant = you can do anything :)

[MrAleeec]

I'm 16, and hoping for a musical career in life, a hard goal, a harsh market. If I think about it, I make myself not want to go forward with it, because it's hard to make your name in music. I know I'm only 16, but if there's one thing that I have learned that will make me want to push on, is that if you're doing something that you love, that also makes other people happy. You can't stop. Mr Pregnant your music makes people happy. Please carry on, for your sake, for our sake. You're a great guy.

[XboobtubeX]

I don't play anything, but I like to listen to it. Music is a big part of my life. It makes me happy when the day is going bad and makes the day even better when it is going good. I think you are just in a rut right now and maybe need to stop for a month or two and clear your head. Music and playing is a big part of your life and you just need a break. Your getting burned out. But stay with it, cause you are way to good to just give it up.

[nonzerobeast]

Whenever I get frustrated with my playing and think I can't learn anything new I always play My Chemical Romance's Helena because it was the first song I learned all the way through and it'll always make me happy. Maybe it'll help you if you go back and play some of the first songs you learned. That nostalgia could bring the joy back into playing guitar and remind you why you wanted to play guitar in the first place!

[MlSTERAaron]

I have empathy for you. I am a guitarist and composer as well. I feel the same way at times. Play material your confident with over and over; it will remind you of your abilities.

[cuteyboyboy21]

i think you a great Mr. P by what i have seen from ur music videos dont give up :P.. lol i have always wanted to learn guitar n still want to really bad >.<

[fuckoverload]

It would be a tragedy to throw in the towel. I suspect you're as self-critical as I am in your endeavours so I can comprehensively relate to being frustrated by your perceived lack of progress. I find it hepful to set aside a project, sometimes for years, until the passion returns. I can't say I truly enjoyed the last composition you posted. Parts of it were beautiful but there weren't places for my mind to rest before the next phrase. That jarred my expectations. You CAN play superbly.

[DemonicSymphonic]

Sometimes i take a month break when i'm feelin' shit.

[MrDeppness]

I don't understand. Do you feel yourself not getting better? If so, expand your horizons. Listen to new types of music. Get an instructional video by John Petrucci, Eric Johnson, Vinnie Moore, Steve Vai or Joe Satriani.

There is always room for growth. But as long as you are expressing yourself honestly, your music will always have value. You are good. I've heard you . . .

[meteosurreal]

Occasionally, I've gotten a tad slow, stiff, depressed, when doing ships, but by jogging my brain, seemingly right where the fluids are, and occasionally taking advantage of a few new ideas that come along, maybe developing the ideas and making them work esp. well in practice, then I get past that, and then continue on, developing and growing.

[Bramborail]

You are making your life, Congratulations :) ,Dont stop it )

[BiodegradeableMan]

Out od curiosity has anyone heard of Randy California? My friend had an old LP of his and I remember he was a brilliant guitarist (electric) but seems relatively unknown. In fact I think he died not long back.

[fakesmilesdarkclouds]

aw pore Mr Pregnant , just to let you know , i realy enjoy your music videos !!!! i love your facial expressions when you play so cute.....so i realy do hope you still play ! hugs missy xox

[GuitarsNBanging]

traveling somewhere else leaving all your instruments at home, for like two weeks... once you get back home you'll be missing them and you'll feel like playing

[XowntXihqX]

just focus on ur weightloss for the moment and you will definitely start missing ur guitar at some point

[StMinerman]

playing in a group is a good way to make music more interesting

[Gorguruga]

I know exactly what you mean Mr Pregnant, i'm going through a similar thing myself. The way I'm overcoming it is to set new goals and ambitions. For example, I plan to be put out my own solo album soon, maybe just a free download but at least its a full album of material in a mp3 format. I don't know if you've done anything like that?

I guess, it might just be a slight burnout, or overload. Maybe you need a break to return with a new passion after you recharge the batteries. I've been there.

[deedeeffrz]

My advice is to take a break from music. Stop playing completely, and one day you will wake up, pick up your guitar and think "I want to play today". Having a break brings back the joy and fulfilment of playing, and will remind you of the reason why you first started learning.

[SpenceHWF]

Yeah i know exactly what you mean. It sucks when you try to play something by one of your favourite artists, but you can't because the ability is not there. Then you work hard to try to develop the technique you need and it just takes A LOT of time and you feel like you can never do it.

[ZEppHEad543]

I know how you feel and I know it sucks. However, dont think that just because you cant play like other guitarists that it makes you bad. Everyone hears music differently, therefore, everyone will write it differently. Dont think you arent good mr pregnant because you are amazing.

[Paolur]

I know exactly what you're going through. Even though I'm more of a metal guitarist I've had several times when I've just wanted to break the guitar over my head because I suck so bad. But these are the moments that separate a true musician from a guy who wants to play guitar to impress chicks. Working past it is hard as hell, sure, but the rewards are greater than anything. And I've watched every single guitar video you've posted and I can safely say you are a musical genoius. Please don't stop

[bigbassdave]

:( not good, i really enjoy'ed your "WATTY" and the cover's you have done. dont give up. you will get through it, just do the thing that got you into playing all over again :D

[SHAKAtheG]

I know exactly how you feel, i've reached the same position but with the bass. VERY frustrating... but im not gonna give up, its more rewarding when you push through it. Keep playing man, I look forward to your music videos man :).

[kmjnhh123]

Wow the normal Mr.P

[MrPudster1]

Here's an idea (that you're probably gonna fing very dumb, but I'll say it anyway). Buy a cheap crappy acoustic guitar, while dressed up as mr pregnant, light the guitar on fire, and smash it like a punk rocker, and video tape the whole thing lol. Might help with frustration, might not but its an idea.

[MrPudster1]

I'm on a guitar plateau cause I was self taught so I developed inncorect picking techniques. Now I can't alternate pick while palm muting very fast at all. So yeah, its starting to not feel fun at all. I'm taking a little break from guitar and playing drums which I find much more enjoyable at this point. I can totally relate. Thanks for the vid man.

[metalvocalistwanted]

usually just trying to find a way to change your routine or just throw a new method in the mix can help when u start feeling like this.....

[metalvocalistwanted]

is this a reupload cause i know hes been playing longer than a month....\\m// great taste in music btw mr p those are all great gutiarists u mentioned \\m//

[mrpregnantmusic]

As you grow musically, artistically or in any field period, Each plateau becomes longer, harder and more difficult to overcome, Taking breaks is subjective, Many recommend pushing harder for breakthroughs etc, However i've gotten passed many plateaus. But this one is probably the most difficult.

Mr Pregnant...!

[J45USER]

@mrpregnantmusic great video! how'd u get the imac and the keyboards???

[Nazgul1801]

Im going through this now as well, as im trying to teach myself bass and it seems as im going no where...then I realised that Im a couple of pages further then I was befor. Just keep playing is all I can really say.

[blackcat2enterprises]

Everyone pretty much hits a plateau no matter what they do. I am a graphic artist, poetry writer etc. & have had many times over the years where I just hit a point where I didn't want to do it anymore. I understand how you feel about wanting to be better & thinking you suck etc. I have been there. I would suggest a break but sounds like you have already had one.

I look at other graphic artists work & feel better. Maybe you should pick a local show of someone new to you & go see it?

- Heidi

[ImRamro]

Every one hits a plateau in something. Just get back to your roots and find the first person or thing that inspired you to pursue music in the first place. If you fell in love with her once just remember why you fell in love.Good luck brother. 

[TheSphereCube]

Take a break! Stop playing for some time, and come back to it when you feel like you're ready :D

[bajangal174]

i like this side of u Mr. Pregnant ^_^...ur a very deep person