How do you stay concentrated?

[Siren Lydian]

lately I've been having a lot of problems concentrating in my practice sessions. I do all the exercises but I feel that it's almost poninless because I can't stay focused the way I used to. Has anybody experienced this and how do you deal with it? an advice?

-Siren

[Siren Lydian]

Oh and excuse my bad typing skills tonight. the word is "pointless" not "poninless"...LOL

-Siren

[Lordathestrings]

If you have trouble concentrating on routine exercises, it may be because they've become boring.

Break out of the box. Just free-form jam for a bit. See what comes out.

Moderation in all things, including Moderation!

Sometimes you just have to let the discipline fall away for a while....

[BluesShredder]

see what Steve Vai has to say

http://www.vai.com/LittleBlackDots/mls02.html

[Siren Lydian]

Hey guys, thanks for the advice, that Vai article was pretty interesting.

-Siren

[stratman42]

like the name

ur not in a band called Lydian are you?

I hope not, cos i am

[chris mood]

Its not what you practice its what you do with it

Just keep asking yourself the question "what if" and you'll never run out of ideas or inspiration

[Strat rock]

when I want to stay concentrated i think of how much money I spent and think of all the time I wasted playing guitar and how proud I'am now and that gives me the insperation to jam all night long

[mc9mm]

Sometimes things are just not going my way.
Some days It doesnt matter how much you know the song or how bad you want to play it, its just not working.
Nothing comes out except squeals, the fingers feel
stiff, and so on.
When that happens, I record a 5 sec simple powerchord-thing on my pedal, play it in a loop....
AND THEN I KICK ASS!!
It doesnt really matter if it sounds good, cause after a
20 min. session of highspeed maniac solos, Im happy again,
and it often starts to go well for me.
So I recommend to, once in a while, just cut loose.
If no strings brake, you have failed.
And if you dont have to switch plectrum, then you didnt even try....

[Snacktruck]

what makes me practice is knowing that if i keep on playing,i imagine how good will i be in a couple years or so.

[Joseph]

Hey guys, there really is no perfect method (especially with everything that has been going on as of late.) There will always be distractions in your life, when it comes to the guitar and many other aspects of your life. The important thing is to remain creative, you have to constantly change your concentration techniques. Continue with the exercises, but learn to practice them certain portions of the day instead of attacking everything all at once. You have to ask yourself what interests you, and once you figure out what that is, find a nice secluded area and just rely on your natural instincts. Playing guitar is a great releaase from the outside world, you can very easily put yourself into a strong position for your mind and soul. With this instrument you can really get in touch with not only who you are as a musician, but also as a person.

Learn to pace yourself, try a little of this and a little of that. And set a time limit for yourself when it comes to each excercise. Before you know it, you'll be on your way, where the overall experience will no longer be too overwhelming.


Good luck, and when it comes to concentration and patience, be sure to listen to Steve Vai.

-Joseph