I went away for just one week, and took with me an old acoustic. I was pretty busy on my vacation and played it only sparesly, not nearly as much as I do during practice routines at home. I knew that when I got back I'd have to build chops again but I didnt' think it'd be this frustrating!

It's very demoralizing when you can only play clumsy chromatic runs at 40bpm slower then you could two weeks ago, and yet would else can you do? If you want the speed you have to go through the loops again. Granted, I still retained all my knowledge of the theory of the technique and all that stuff so I'll build it up again a lot faster then I did the first time, but in terms of sheer muscle coordination, it's like I have to go back in time to accomplish things I've already done. Frustrating.

It's the pitfall of wanting great technique; it's a very temporal thing. You're locked in a routine of practice, and to break out would mean you lose what you've worked so hard to gain.

I see why so many people stick to the blues!