Push through, or take a break?

[FIrebelly]

Hello all,

Just curious of the general thought…… today was one of those days where my fingers wouldn’t work. Songs I have played fluidly for years, came out wrong. I was frustrated and my mind was on other things. I decided to put the banjo down and do something else, but then felt guilty for not practicing.

When this happens to you, do you take a pause or push through? I’m retired now, but in my previous life, I was always taught to push through. Train, when you don’t want to, make yourself do it when you don’t feel like it, but it seems like it’s counterproductive on the banjo.

Thanks for any thoughts,

Chuck

[Archie]

There are days when I can’t get my head together. So I have a rest day. There is no guilt in taking time out it means when you next pick up the banjo you are more motivated

[FIrebelly]

Thanks Archie,

That’s what my gut tells me, but my brain wreaks havoc. Thanks again for your response.

Chuck

[Archie]

Ah Ha

I caught you red handed you were looking for a reason not to practice and I provided you with an excuse.

Joking aside, learning to play banjo may seem easy but in reality it’s way more complicated than we realise and our brain needs time to adjust. Learning the fundamentals can be a challenge but whatever you do, do not let it frustrate you. @BanjoBen has set out a beginners learning path full of little milestones to help you reach certain levels and grow your skills as you go. When you feel enough is enough go on to the next lesson then a week later go back to the lesson you were struggling with you’ll surprise yourself.

Learn little strategies for practice. For example I often watch TV with my headphones on as I practice roll patterns. I hate Boil dem Cabbage down, it drives me nuts listening to it. But it teaches you the basic chord changes and fundamental skills it’s important to your progress. On go the headphones and I can sit there for hours practicing.

[BanJoe]

I will second Archie’s insights.
I will add my thoughts: sometimes it’s best not to practice, but just play. Let your mind drift & let your fingers play what they want to play. In short order the fingers start playing the nonsense in your head, but then they surprise you. You suddenly reach a string you couldn’t reach before, or a chord shape now works, or you find a note right where you thought it would be.
Now when you get back to practice, your hands are more relaxed, you’re more confident and less frustrated.

[Ben-J-man]

i love that ‘old man’ emoji

[FIrebelly]

Thank you all for the feedback, I really appreciate it.

I think my brain was just not hitting on all cylinders. I went out in the garage after my post and worked on a banjo that I’m restoring for a while, then I came back in and ironically had a decent practice session. Just needed a short reprieve I guess.