Why Are You Practicing That?

[Nymuso]

When the weather is nice, like today, I enjoy taking the Martin out on the back deck with a cup of coffee and just playing, usually aimlessly. Sometimes not. Today I was playing a song I've played for years; I'd stop, play that phrase again and keep going until I hit another passage where I did the same thing.

A neighbor working in his yard who has heard me perform many times asked why I was working on a song I've played for so long and play so well.

Because no matter how well I play it, I can always play it better.

[Pitar]

I think it could be his rather nice way of coaxing you to learn something else if he's your captive audience. I could be wrong. I don't play outside my house for fear of impinging upon the ears of my neighbors even though I have a rather suitable area for it. If I was in close proximity to my neighbor and he frequently practiced guitar outside I'd probably wish he had a quieter hobby. While I do enjoy playing guitar I'm not a fan of listening to someone else play. For that I have my own playing.

[rick-slo]

I play some long time tunes frequently simply because I like hearing them. I rarely play outside within
earshot of neighbors but when I have it has been positive feedback.

[Imbler]

Originally Posted by Pitar

I think it could be his rather nice way of coaxing you to learn something else if he's your captive audience. I could be wrong. I don't play outside my house for fear of impinging upon the ears of my neighbors even though I have a rather suitable area for it. If I was in close proximity to my neighbor and he frequently practiced guitar outside I'd probably wish he had a quieter hobby. While I do enjoy playing guitar I'm not a fan of listening to someone else play. For that I have my own playing.

I think you are right. While I like the thought of playing outside, I live with close by neighbors. I wouldn't like them blaring a radio with professional musicians, so I don't play my amateur talents outside.

Even if you are really good, people may get tired of the song, or not like it from the first play.

I'm married to a wonderful wife who can listen to me practice, but I don't expect anyone else to.

[ManyMartinMan]

Because I like it......... what would like to hear?

[Guitar Slim II]

Clearly a question asked by a non-musician.

What's the point of working on a tune to master it if you can't play the heck out of it once you've learned it? If you have to "shed" it every once in a while to dust it off or keep it tight, then that's what you've got to do.

Good advice for students too: it's not always about working on something new. It's also about maintaining repertoire you know well and can perform well.

But mostly, it's about loving music and enjoying playing the tunes you love...

[jeanray1113]

I disagree about avoiding playing outside. Playing on my patio in nice weather is a real joy. I even found a wicker chair that is wide enough that the arms don't interfere with holding a guitar. In nice weather, people have outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and often have a stereo playing. Why is enjoying playing outside any different? I don't use an amp and I don't play any later than 10 pm. I think the key is being considerate about any outdoor activities in terms of volume and quiet hours.

[Beakybird]

My neighbor loves my playing so much that he throws rocks through my window at 3 a.m. in order to hear me better.
JK. Love strumming outside. Nothing but smiles from the neighbors.

[mr. beaumont]

Somebody wise told me, first you practice until you get it right...then you keep practicing until you can't get it wrong.

[Beakybird]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

Somebody wise told me, first you practice until you get it right...then you keep practicing until you can't get it wrong.

Someone posted a paraphrase of that quote somewhere here last week. A monumental saying.