Last Thurs was the second time I've played on kit since Nov last year (health reasons) and I stunk.
The week before I could ride the wave of freshness and I've found that the second time I do something (not just drums) it's usually lame because the lack of practice is there but the freshness of the first time isn't. One thing I know is that if I try to replicate a previous good performance when I was in good form there is no way it will happen. Each performance, even when you are playing exactly the same notes, must be unique. I also find that I tend to play better on a Sat than a Thurs night after a day at work.
What I'd like to know is, when you're having an off day, how do you turn things around?
I remember the feeling last Thurs of trying to get settled on the instrument but I simply couldn't focus properly, no matter how I tried. Things would come together in spots but was generally sloppy. I tried to simplify to get things on track but then it sounded ponderous. The whole band played worse than they have for maybe six months. I'm not sure the others realised it but if I play badly the whole band makes blunders they would otherwise not do. They seem to need that solid, clear base from the kit to settle into their parts.
Does anyone have a trick for turning things around when the muse isn't with you?
I think when it isn't with you, it probably isn't going to be there and you'll know it and accept it. Putting yourself there to play is the most important thing, and then you'll get the green lights going your way with the playing or get bogged down slowing down for the reds.
It can be the same way with the keyboard or guitar for me - I will play and if it feels like it won't go anywhere I just can't force it, usually it can relate to energy level - it doesn't work and I'll stop, but at least I know I gave it a go, which is the first step in feeling or not feeling the muse.
I can say since playing on the acoustic kit, that I had a few extra special days playing that I didn't expect that just seemed to flow it all felt so good and right on. Unfortunately I had to sell that kit to deal with my financial problems, and it was a big blow, bigger than I thought it would be, but I couldn't let go of my Strat or my keyboard.
One valuable thing that came out of it was the desire to go on with the drums, in whatever role, even though I'm focusing on keyboard again, which is where my composing strength lies.
I come back here and rekindle my curiosity and learn new things and keep going despite the bad days. I still have my electronic kit, and though it's not ideal, it's still a practice tool and will keep me going until I buy another acoustic kit, which I have vowed to myself to do.
PA, I wasn't aware that you hadn't played in so long - give you lots of credit for getting back to it, the good days will come again I know.
Fishnmusicn