Wondering if anybody has any specific tips on the topic of just plain choking on breaks in jam settings — beyond “just keep at it” and “we’ve all been there.” Pretty frustrated at being a competent practice player and then when it’s my turn in a circle - fingers can’t hit the strings at all, why is the sound coming out all wrong, measures forgotten, panic, the beats passing rapidly by!
Choking/freezing up in jam setting
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I have been there, and still go there at times. Here are a couple vids you may find helpful
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In my opinion, Ben’s videos are the best at addressing this. But if you want a scientific explanation of why stage fright is normal, here’s a link to a neurologist talking about it:
I don’t think he does this podcast anymore, but this one appears to still be on YouTube.
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I am grateful for the replies and I have watched these. I want to say that second video from @BanjoBen is without a doubt the most heartfelt, helpful and inspiring discussion of this I have ever seen and it touched me. It makes me feel renewed, even a little hopeful.
And I am a little amused at myself to realize his diagnosis is spot-on - even at my fairly low level of expertise, it is my pride that makes me want to “show off” after really working on a song, and the flip side of that pride is anger and panic at choking up with “failure”! Good grief!
As for the Brainjo video on specific techniques shared by @JKL I felt like he was talking to me directly at times. I bet that his last point of advice all by itself (take a breath, for goodness’ sake!) will be good advice for the rest of my life… and am looking forward to applying the other ideas as well,
So, thanks for the replies and best wishes to all!
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So glad I found this old forum post! I’ve been experiencing this as I have started stepping into jams more, and it seems the “negative feedback” of choking has reinforced me passing on breaks on tunes that I know cold when I’m practicing by myself. I’ve been chalking it up to “I’m just not good enough yet” and been focusing on playing rhythm reliably during a jam until I am. Definitely helpful to have an explanation and some perspective on it from experts!
Brisketking
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I was asked to play a skit or two at a HeeHaw festival at church. I practiced at home and had my songs down pat. I would practice while watching tv so the songs became pretty much muscle memory. I was playing them without thinking. As soon as I got up in front of everyone my mind went blank and I froze. I am blessed to have a loving church that encouraged me to keep going. I have been scared to get back up again.
I needed to see this post. I hate that you are going through this, but I’m glad to see I’m not the only one.
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choking is easier with light strings lol.sorry it just nerves.im the same.just try relax have beer and just try and fit in.good luck
just nerves and or a lack of practise.play along with online stuff.then youll nail it next time.it sounds poor probally cause of banjo setup and the picking angles and presures.have.you be showing them all how to soon.practise ,dont learn advane version.stick on easy one suntil your rocken
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