Practicing Too Loudly

[BigMoney]

A mature guitarist doesn't need to practice loudly I've come to notice. After 4 years of jazz school, I noticed the best guitarists in the program during my time there practiced rather quietly while the lesser guitarists practiced obnoxiously loud. I try to practice at a talking volume these days. It's just annoying when the girlfriend still complains it's too loud at 10pm

What do you gents think?

[ManyMartinMan]

I think that if mama's not happy, no one is happy.

[sdelsolray]

Originally Posted by BigMoney

A mature guitarist doesn't need to practice loudly I've come to notice. After 4 years of jazz school, I noticed the best guitarists in the program during my time there practiced rather quietly while the lesser guitarists practiced obnoxiously loud. I try to practice at a talking volume these days. It's just annoying when the girlfriend still complains it's too loud at 10pm

What do you gents think?

Dynamics are one of the musician's tools. I practice using different volumes as the interpretation of the piece I'm playing requires.

[Jobe]

Originally Posted by 808K

I'm still laughing!

Funny! I used to "roam" into a local college music wing. There was a hallway of music rooms each with upright Yamaha pianos. It was interesting to hear what came out. The good stuff always sounded like a 'touch and a feel'. The young folks "working things out" always seemed to bang away. I wonder if it is the difference between ease and frustration. Touch and feel and dynamics mark the good stuff! (Volume is subjective when it comes to loved ones and neighbors. A careful road we go down.)

[jomaynor]

If you are getting complaints from her while practicing at talking volume, there is an intrinsic incompatibility between your relationship with her and your wanting to play guitar.

[musicman1951]

Just to be clear: you're playing an acoustic guitar - unplugged - finger style and it's too loud? Are you in the same room? Do you have other rooms available - with doors? Does she agree that it's actually talking volume?

[Llewlyn]

Ll.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by BigMoney

A mature guitarist doesn't need to practice loudly I've come to notice. After 4 years of jazz school, I noticed the best guitarists in the program during my time there practiced rather quietly while the lesser guitarists practiced obnoxiously loud. I try to practice at a talking volume these days. It's just annoying when the girlfriend still complains it's too loud at 10pm

What do you gents think?

Is she really good looking?
Find a less-attractive woman who adores your guitar playing 24/7 and tells you to play louder so she can hear you better.

[JakeStone]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Is she really good looking?
Find a less-attractive woman who adores your guitar playing 24/7 and tells you to play louder so she can hear you better.

LOL... Classic!

OP... You're a musician.

Either find a new girlfriend or find a "private" place to practice.

I can understand your gal being annoyed at 10PM perhaps winding down and trying to relax... watching TV or reading. Sometimes the slightest extra noise can become bothersome. Just sayin'

Maybe she is jealous of the guitar...
Put the guitar down and enjoy each other's company.

[Golffishny]

I sit about 10' from my wife and play while she's watching TV. I've learned to play softly enough so I can hear, but she can't. It has helped me stop choking the neck and start playing with a lighter touch. That has improved my clarity, tone and speed. It's also less tiring for my fretting hand. I used to practice with my unplugged electric to be quiet. Now I have no use for an electric. Try it and then decide if it's for you.

[Gmountain]

Originally Posted by JakeStone

LOL... Classic!

Put the guitar down and enjoy each other's company.

eewwwww. What's the point of playing?

[WaltH]

Maybe find a girlfriend who also plays?

[LSemmens]

Originally Posted by jomaynor

This.

If you are getting complaints from her while practicing at talking volume, there is an intrinsic incompatibility between your relationship with her and your wanting to play guitar.

+1

Maybe you need to buy her a guitar.

[fazool]

This topic is very interesting to me.

When I was very young and just starting to learn guitar I was in a house FULL of people and somewhat self-conscious so I selected the thinnest/softest pick I could find specifically to keep the volume down. Then I went further and just strummed and picked with my fingers.

From there, I became exclusively a finger-player and love the control and subtelties it gives me and I like to think I've gotten quite adept at this playing style. These days, I couldn't be very good with a plectrum if I tried.

So, my whole "style" was born out of my early-on efforts to practice quietly.

[ManyMartinMan]

The slightest noise can disturb people... watching tv, trying to sleep, reading.... because we think we are quiet, doesn't mean we actually are. However,
NEVER TAKE RELATIONSHIP ADVICE FROM PEOPLE TYPING ON A COMPUTER IN THEIR UNDERWEAR.