Losing motivation-should I start lessons?

[fred4321]

Hi,
I have read a few of the posts about being in a rut, but I'm not sure its me.

Basically I am 60 yrs old, playing guitar since 16 yrs old.

Lately I am finding that playing guitar doesn't interest me as it did in the past. In fact its starting to become a chore.

Funnily though, I am getting better at making up my own music and putting together rhythms and structures and navigating the fret board.

But the lack of motivation is setting in enough that its bothering me.

I've been thinking that maybe I should take up lessons (have a couple of times in the past) to help vibe me up with the guitar.

Don't have access to others to play with or if I do we are miles apart with styles and taste.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
cheers

[Edp251]

Lessons can be a great boost especially if you find a teacher that you admire. Even better can be a new teacher in a new genre if you have ever had that itch. I have often spent time on jazz and classical, both great for technique but not music I spend a lot of time listening to.

Goals can be great as well. Simple things like a pretty chord melody slapped behind a video of family pictures was a big hit last mother’s day with family and friends.

Best of luck!

[Bob from Brooklyn]

You should join a band

[sterling]

I bought a new guitar. A small bodied acoustic since I only had dreads and they were not conducive to couch playing. The smaller guitar is much nicer for that. Before that I would go months without playing. Now I can't wait to get home and play.

[Daniel Grenier]

A few things that have kept my interest and motivation up. Making up your own stuff is tops and you’re doing that already so that’s good. Next, before spending money and time on lessons, and if you don’t already, I’d say:
Get other types of guitars i.e 12 string, classical, hybrid, baritone, Bouzouki, etc.
Go Alt tuning in a big way. DADGAD, Open C, Orkney and so many others.
Get a good capo. Go up a fret or two and things really change in a good way
Plug in. Get a good stereo box (I.e. a Play Acoustic) and enjoy the lush sounds that come out .
Get a decent looper (i.e JamMan Stereo). You will be thrilled with what you can come up with.

Either way, I hope you can get back in the groove.
Good luck!

[fred4321]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

You should join a band

Thanks-like to, but work commitments, family etc prohibit this (sadly).

Re new guitars etc, I have a few, including a 12 string etc. Had to part with many due to space and finances.
I have a bit of gear...
RE Looper-I had a NUX Loop Core, but I found it difficult to use, but I have been looking at a Boss-RC30 lately.

[Flgatorgirl]

Which guitar do you play regularly? All of them? One or two? Perhaps grabbing the one that you don’t play much and putting fresh strings on it or setting it up with alternate tuning (like Nashville) will give you a new and fresh charge.

[guitar george]

Get organized! If you are always wondering what to play next and flipping through music books or looking to find the next song to play it can become very boring. What really got me going was when I bought a large 3-ring binder and put all my favorite songs, with chords and lyrics, in the binder. Make photocopies of the songs from the music books or get words and lyrics or sheet music online and print them out or purchase them. Make up an index and separate groups of songs with numbered tabs.
Now, when I sit down to play I can go from one song to another nonstop.

Also, try to allot a certain amount of time every day to play and once you start don't quit. Anywhere from about 15 minutes and up every day will get you motivated. Once you start playing a song, don't stop. Always go from start to finish even if you make mistakes, keep going. After finishing a song you can go back and practice your technique.

Once you get into a routine it becomes something to look forward to.

[fred4321]

Originally Posted by Flgatorgirl

Which guitar do you play regularly? All of them? One or two? Perhaps grabbing the one that you don’t play much and putting fresh strings on it or setting it up with alternate tuning (like Nashville) will give you a new and fresh charge.

Thanks.
I play my Maton mostly (superb guitar) and my Tele.
I used to have 9 guitars and now down to 4.
I have a modest amp setup.
I do mess around with alternate tunings-maybe not enough.
The Nashville setup looks interesting:I'll give that a go when I change the strings on the 12 string.

[fred4321]

Originally Posted by guitar george

Get organized! If you are always wondering what to play next and flipping through music books or looking to find the next song to play it can become very boring. What really got me going was when I bought a large 3-ring binder and put all my favorite songs, with chords and lyrics, in the binder. Make photocopies of the songs from the music books or get words and lyrics or sheet music online and print them out or purchase them. Make up an index and separate groups of songs with numbered tabs.
Now, when I sit down to play I can go from one song to another nonstop.

Also, try to allot a certain amount of time every day to play and once you start don't quit. Anywhere from about 15 minutes and up every day will get you motivated. Once you start playing a song, don't stop. Always go from start to finish even if you make mistakes, keep going. After finishing a song you can go back and practice your technique.

Once you get into a routine it becomes something to look forward to.

I must admit I am unorganised in this area. I have a lot of music lying around. I enjoy making up my own stuff though.

[joelhunn]

Time for lessons was a real problem for me. I started Skype lessons with a nationally known fingerstyle teacher earlier this year and my level of focus and engagement has gone way up. Maybe not for everyone, but perfect for me

[TBman]

Try a different style of playing or a different genre. Maybe learn some finger style blues or go Celtic in dadgad or try some flat picking bluegrass.

I switch between writing my own short tunes and learning covers to keep it interesting for myself.

[6L6]

Time to hit your local Open Mics and start performing!

[Steel and wood]

Depends on your present expertise.

Formal lessons are great for starting out (my opinion only) but there are bucket loads of free intermediate to advanced YouTube lessons on all things guitar related to keep you potentially interested. (Learning how to play different styles and genres using multiple techniques and tools, backing tracks, music theory, fretboard knowledge, etc).

In addition to other's suggestions like training your ear and playing with others.

Good luck!

[Steadfastly]

Find someone or a group to jam with and/or do some open mics.