GUITAR
5 WAYS TO OVERCOME GUITAR PLAYING SLUMPS : FINDING INSPIRATION WHEN YOU ’ RE UNINSPIRED | Chris Rocha
Something I get asked a lot is how do I always feel creative and inspired to produce songs and my guitar parts . Truth is , I don ’ t always feel creative and inspired . There are days where I struggle a lot with this . However , there are several effective strategies you can apply to reignite your passion and creativity . Here are five things you can do when you ’ re feeling uninspired .
1 . EXPLORE DIFFERENT GENRES When you find yourself stuck in a creative rut , one of the best ways to reignite your inspiration is to explore new musical genres . If you typically play worship music , try delving into rock , blues , classical , or even world music . Each genre offers unique techniques , chord progressions , and playing styles that can broaden your musical horizons and inspire new ideas . Listening to and learning different genres can help you break free from familiar patterns and inject fresh energy into your playing .
2 . EXPERIMENT WITH ALTERNATE TUNINGS Sometimes , a simple change in tuning can lead to a burst of creativity . Experimenting with alternate tunings can unearth new melodic and fresh ideas that you may not have considered before . Open tunings like Open D or Open G , for example , can create rich sounds and encourage you to explore different chord voicings and melodic patterns . By embracing alternate tunings , you may discover fresh musical landscapes and find inspiration in unexpected places . I used to do that when I would write songs and hit writers block .
3 . LEARN A CHALLENGING SONG When you ’ re feeling uninspired , challenging yourself with a complex piece of music can reignite your passion for playing . Choose a composition that pushes your technical abilities and musical understanding . Whether it ’ s a fastpaced song , an intricate jazz standard , or a technically demanding rock solo , the process of learning and mastering a challenging piece of music can reignite your enthusiasm for the instrument . As you overcome the hurdles of mastering a difficult composition , you ’ ll likely find renewed inspiration and a sense of accomplishment . I ’ ve had to do that several times and every time I do it , it yields great results .
4 . COLLABORATE WITH OTHER MUSICIANS Collaboration can be a powerful source of inspiration . Reach out to other musicians , whether they play guitar or other instruments , and explore the possibilities of creating music together . Jamming with others can expose you to new ideas , playing styles , and musical approaches that can breathe new life into your playing . Additionally , collaborating with other musicians can provide a fresh perspective on your own musical ideas and help you break out of creative stagnation . Other musicians have totally different perspectives than you do and will dramatically change your perspective on what you ’ re dealing with at the moment .
5 . TAKE A BREAK AND RECHARGE Sometimes , the best way to overcome a creative slump is to step away from the guitar and take a break . Engage in activities that recharge your creativity , such as listening to your favorite albums , attending live concerts , or simply taking a walk outside . Giving yourself permission to take a break can alleviate the pressure to constantly be inspired and allow ideas to naturally spring forth in the back of your mind . Often , stepping back from your instrument for a brief period can lead to a renewed sense of inspiration and motivation when you return . There have been times when I go to sleep tired of playing guitar but after I take my intentional break , I ’ m good as rain to hit it again .
In conclusion , experiencing periods of being an uninspired musician is a common challenge , but it ’ s important to remember that these phases are temporary . By exploring different genres , experimenting with alternate tunings , tackling challenging pieces of music , collaborating with other musicians , and taking necessary breaks , you can break free from creative ruts and rediscover your passion for playing the guitar .
Embracing these strategies can not only reignite your inspiration but also lead to personal and musical growth . So , the next time you find yourself in a creative slump , remember that there are numerous ways to rekindle your musical fire and continue your journey as a dedicated and inspired guitarist .
Chris Rocha Chris Rocha is an American Christian producer , guitarist , business owner and pioneer in the Spanish Christian music industry . He is a two time Dove Award winner , has worked on two Grammy award winning records and has produced or recorded guitars on 5 Grammy nominated albums . chrisrochaguitar . com
52 January 2024 Subscribe for Free ...