What’s Going On ?

[DaveKell]

I’m in the midst of a situation. After playing for well over 50 years it’s suddenly like I rarely want to anymore. I never achieved soloing proficiency but am quite accomplished as a strummer. I used to write a few songs a week for a few years and was even requested to submit three for consideration on the second album recording session by a cousin of Loretta Lynn. Stopped that as well. BTW… the artist was signed by Capitol in LA which stopped the Nashville session and Capitol nixed any unknown songwriters from the equation. I’m at a loss as to where my motivation has gone.

[gfspencer]

If you get an answer let me know. I've been playing since the 60's and in the last several months I've hardly touched a guitar.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

I haven't had a lull in a while but I remember taking a few days off to rearrange/clean my music area often did the trick.

[fngrpck]

There are natural ebbs and flows of life that affect us all from time to time. These cycles are usually not permanent and once acknowledged one tries their best to navigate. Though it can be frustrating, staying positive helps. Winston Churchill once said, "If you're going through Hell, keep going". With a little soul searching you should find your way out. Good luck!

[gibpicker]

Same problem here. I even have my 6 and 12 strings on both sides of the TV, on stands, and just 8 ft. away from where I sit to make sure I have no excuses not to pick them up, and I'm just not playing them.

I did get a new Mando in hopes things will change, and I am playing it daily, but I'm a bit worried at this point....

[mr. beaumont]

I'd look at what else is going on in your life. I find that my motivation (or lack thereof) is usually not related to the guitar itself.

[Goat Mick]

I have been gigging hard and working full time for the last 10 years or so and I've finally hit the point that I'm just tired. October is going to be pretty busy, but for November I've only booked 3 gigs. I'm hoping resting and being bored all through November will get me fired up and motivated again. If not I'll slack way off on booking for a while and see where that takes me. I'm still loving my guitars and play a bit most every day, but definitely not feeling the motivation that I once had.

[Bob Womack]

Low T? ...



Bob

[TheGITM]

I've been at it 40+ years and have the same situation. Every now and then I'll pop open a case, pull out a guitar and play for a bit, but those times are getting fewer and fewer.

Sadly, I have no answer. The reality is (for both of us, I assume) that it just isn't as important to us as it once was. If it were, we'd be playing more, right?

[619TF]

Originally Posted by fngrpck

There are natural ebbs and flows of life that affect us all from time to time. These cycles are usually not permanent and once acknowledged one tries their best to navigate. Though it can be frustrating, staying positive helps. Winston Churchill once said, "If you're going through Hell, keep going". With a little soul searching you should find your way out. Good luck!

^^THIS

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

I'd look at what else is going on in your life. I find that my motivation (or lack thereof) is usually not related to the guitar itself.

Motivation is rarely if ever related to an inanimate object.

[jseth]

When the pandemic hit in full, I found that I wasn't playing a bit... didn't really touch my
guitars or sing any songs for nearly 2 months... I just didn't want to, and there was certainly no pressing gigs to prepare for.

For me, it was a wonderful experience because it led me to do some soul-searching and rediscover WHY? I play guitar, write songs and sing... of course the answer to that question was the same as it was nearly 60 years ago when I set out on my "singer-songwriter" path, but it took a while to get there.

There have been many wonderful aspects to this period with the pandemic, and reconnecting with the reason why I play music is one big bonus!

Maybe take a look at why you play/sing/write and try to find whatever has been keeping you with it for so long...

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by 619TF

^^THIS



Motivation is rarely if ever related to an inanimate object.

I worded that oddly...but I meant guitar and guitar playing in general.

[Dru Edwards]

Dave, have you lost the motivation to do other things as well? Or, have you found a new motivation/interest in other things?

Try playing with someone. That may help you regain focus and learn new things.

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by DaveKell

....I’m at a loss as to where my motivation has gone.

I guess you just need to buy a new guitar.

[ssstewart]

Real life impacts us all in various manners. a suggestion would be to perhaps revisit those things that first made you want to play guitar decades prior?

For me it would be listening to old gordon lightfoot. marty robbins or a Tom T Hall ballad.

just a thought