| Author | Message | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 274 Registered: 6-2007 |
Music is an art, and depending on the kind of personality you have, some people play great when stressed while some people play great when they are relaxed. Name those artist who you think, fit the stress/relax playing type, and describe your best mood when playing your best. If people are honest, this information should be interesting... | ||
| jbybj
Intermediate Member Username: jbybj Post Number: 160 Registered: 6-2006 |
I can never stay stressed when I play, so I wouldn't know how I play stressed. Calgon, take me away........................ I find I play best when I am well rested, whenever I notice my playing sucks, it's followed by the realization I'm tuckered out. JBY | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 275 Registered: 6-2007 |
Well, honestly I want to play when I am stressed out. Playing my bass is the best drug for tense situations because bass playing is much more of a physical thing and by the time I am relaxed, I can stop. It like shock therapy. When the pressure of the world ware me thin, I play myself tired until I am relaxed and forgot "what was the fuss-all-about". However, when playing with a band, that a whole different thing. I am most relaxed and for the most part, I am already in a relaxed atmosphere to begin. Yet, there are times when I am alone, and I can crank it up a notch or two, I would be in a zone so deep, I am like on to a monk; completely relaxed and totally unstressed. But most of the time, just before I play, I am pretty stressed, and thats better than firing up a square. | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1938 Registered: 4-2004 |
i play best when i am mad/angry as hell as i will this weekend cause the leaders of our band are scumbags who are too insecure to let anyone else take lead on a tune | ||
| terryc
Senior Member Username: terryc Post Number: 486 Registered: 11-2004 |
flaxattack..I think you need to be in another band!!!! | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1750 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jeff. I think you need to mellow out. But not until you've got that new job ;-) Anyway, I thought you'd sorted your sage tea issues. graeme | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1939 Registered: 4-2004 |
so did i graeme- the latest slight was me asking to do ramble on rose for 6 months and finding out it was added to the set list, with the lead guitar singing it. when i emailed them back on this? they posted an ad ( at least i think so)in craigslist for a bass player and pulled it 5 minutes after i replied. So me being me- i set up an anonymous acct in hotmail when i saw they posted for a keyboard fillin and answered it yes terry you are correct- the dilemma is the need to play.... but once again i think i will go post another ad. but truth being told starting and running a band is a lot of work. but then again so does being sleaze balls. so if this latest ad is indeed the band i play in i just might say f it and not play sat night. the drummer will probably do the same. | ||
| 2400wattman
Senior Member Username: 2400wattman Post Number: 543 Registered: 11-2005 |
I think it's funny that egos like Jeff's band mates exist in the "hippie jam band" world. I thought these people were all about peace, loving and sharing...maaan. Jeff, I agree with Terry that you need to find another band. BTW to stay on topic, pissed off is when I play my absolute best. | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 1752 Registered: 10-2002 |
Jeez jeff! I'm surprised you've stuck with this bunch of a'holes so long. You need to dump their asses and pick up with someone who appreciates your skills. I couldn't play with a band if we didn't have respect for each other and a certain amount of cameraderie so to answer the OP, i need to be relaxed with nothing troubling my mind to play my best. Graeme | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1940 Registered: 4-2004 |
so here is my stick it to em plan show up sat night- find out keys wont be there. then ask who is singing ramble on rose? you? ok babye then post in craigslist 1- what a pair of losers they are- and then post to start another band did i mention they also dont split the take evenly? keys gets more since he is a hired gun= drummer seems to get less than me.... | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 3061 Registered: 7-2004 |
Adam: You are right on. Another interesting (a nice way to put it?) phenomena I've run into in the "jam band" world are people who want to play Grateful Dead note for note just like a particular version of a song. The whole point of the Dead trip was to AVOID note for note renditions ... heck, the Dead NEVER played ANYTHING exactly the same way twice! Flax: May I suggest a game plan that worked for me. I put an ad in craigslist for a once-in-a-while Dead jam, not a band. Then I would try to play once a week and bring in a new bassist/guitarist/drummer, etc., each week until someone showed up who clicked. I was lucky in that the first drummer stuck and I found the "Jerry" fairly quickly. A brief detour with the wrong bass player and a later added keyboard and viola! we have a band. If I ain't getting paid to do this, it better be fun. Otherwise it's just not worth the aggravation. Bill, tgo | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1941 Registered: 4-2004 |
Can i sit in with your band? or ifn you are in a pinch i could come over... btw- i totally agree bill with that or any song- you wrote thank you very much- if the mood strikes i am playing it differently- its called expression, artistic license-being creative etc i dont think i have ever played china cat the same way 2x- for example with dead music especially there is no "right" way | ||
| jazzyvee
Senior Member Username: jazzyvee Post Number: 1169 Registered: 6-2002 |
I tend to play best when fully relaxed and that is usually when I don't have a solo to play, at which point I become very self conscious. I also tend to play better when I'm playing with musicians who respond to what I'm playing rather than musically force me to play where they are. When I'm stressed on a gig i tend to grip the neck a bit to tightly and the notes and chords dont flow as sweetly. But if I'm stressed at home or anything, playing one of my guitars is the best way to de-stress and a gig even better. Jazzyvee | ||
| kimberly
Advanced Member Username: kimberly Post Number: 215 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hi Guys.  Speaking for myself, there's no doubt I play my best when relaxed. I suspect it's due to my 'style' being so improv 'bassed'. ;) I never play my material the same way twice and would be in 'big trouble' if I had to duplicate what I've done previously. Anyway, if what I'm trying to play is a 'struggle' it generally sounds like I'm playing every lick I know trying to 'hit the groove'. When I'm relaxed, the 'groove just happens'. My $0.02, YMMV, etc, etc. Best Regards, Kimberly | ||
| 82daion
Intermediate Member Username: 82daion Post Number: 146 Registered: 5-2005 |
For some reason, I do better when I have some adrenaline in my system-it keeps me paying attention since I'm on my toes a little. When the groove's happening, I tend to relax more, but I don't let myself get too comfortable, since I tend to get into the music a bit too much and forget what's going on. :D I never play anything the same way twice-a little experimentation is always good. | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 888 Registered: 6-2002 |
I play best in a state of relaxed stress (it helps to keep me on my toes) i.e. my best is when I'm a little hungry or tired, in a "smokey" atmosphere, with maybe a Kaluha and coffee before I go on stage. I never play well on a full stomach, so I don't eat right before the show. Mike | ||
| pauldo
Junior Username: pauldo Post Number: 49 Registered: 6-2006 |
I agree with hendrixclarke about playing being a drug, it can really wipe out stress,,,, however I believe I play my best when I am relaxed and breathing! Jeff! I just quit my band for what sounds like similar reasons,,,, in a nut shell the band had: No Direction No Communication No Motivation - the sad part is when we were playing music it was heaven,,, when the music stop is when things got ugly. :-| Right now the wife is learning "Guitar for Dummies", she is getting good. I figure I will play upright while she does the acoustic thing and we will be multi genre-bending-folky-jammers. Best of all I won't be frustrated playing with a bunch of self-centered morons. | ||
| mike1762
Junior Username: mike1762 Post Number: 45 Registered: 1-2008 |
Back when I was still playing live, I was always relaxed going into a show. But I would work myself into a frenzy DURING the show. I would take me hours to wind-down after we were done. Hmmm....the cocaine might have had something to do with that. | ||
| bsee
Senior Member Username: bsee Post Number: 1950 Registered: 3-2004 |
I don't know about relaxed vs. stress, but I've always been a "big game" player. I'm pretty mediocre when we're jamming in the basement or otherwise working on stuff, but pull off some pretty wild stuff at gigs. | ||
| paulman
Advanced Member Username: paulman Post Number: 293 Registered: 2-2005 |
I beleive Buddy Guy or some such bluesman said "I never eat before I play. You can't play the blues on a full stomch, you gotta be HUNGRY!" | ||
| benson_murrensun
Junior Username: benson_murrensun Post Number: 49 Registered: 5-2007 |
For me, there are different types of stress and different types of relaxation. In my case, I always play my best on stage with an audience. This could be because I make sure to be prepared, which brings about confidence and tames stress. It could also be because there is an audience and I get stressed knowing I owe them my best. So it works both ways at the same time. I usually have a couple of drinks to ward off the stage fright, too... The stage fright goes away after a couple of songs, in any case. A good gig is exhilarating and exhausting at the same time. Gigs at which I can play long sets and take long breaks are my favorite. Gigs which are 5 sets, 45 minutes per set and 15 minutes for breaks fly by but aren't as much fun and leave me more wound up afterward. | ||
| keavin
Senior Member Username: keavin Post Number: 1417 Registered: 12-2002 |
after a real good joint & a couple of cold beers! | ||
| darkstar01
Intermediate Member Username: darkstar01 Post Number: 114 Registered: 6-2005 |
i heard a story about john zorn being really serious about eating a full five course meal before a gig when on the road. even at the expense of being up to an hour late for the gig. | ||
| flaxattack
Senior Member Username: flaxattack Post Number: 1944 Registered: 4-2004 |
last time i gigged out i tried a shot of tequila(padrone) and red bull since i had a cold. worked out well- a high a mighty buzz.. i kept pushing the speed of the tunes a wee bit during :jams:. but of course the lead was self indulging-aka i am not listening to whats going on around me. lol | ||
| danny_bryant
Member Username: danny_bryant Post Number: 58 Registered: 9-2007 |
I agree with Keavin but the pressure part of it is what appeals to me. You go to some of the bigger clubs in town were the top bands play and you know what you have to do. | ||
| ivartshiva
Junior Username: ivartshiva Post Number: 22 Registered: 10-2007 |
I'll weigh in with this, if I may please: I always get nervous as hell before even the most insignificant gig, and I've been a practicing meditator for 30 years. My entire body cleans itself out. Sometimes my nerves translate to pushing the beat, horrors! And even though when there's a good crowd reaction, they're getting into it, dancing, etc., I get even more nervous until I feel like I'm flying. I have to be sure I know the material cold and ride the wave of energy as best I can and sometimes I'll rip out some amazing (to me anyway) improv and then two bars later blow a squalid clam and have to apply a masterful sonic slipslide band-aid and hope no-one noticed. Playing music is hard work, I fly while they dance but my real enjoyment comes from listening to the gig tape afterwards (plug for Zoom H4 recorder here). I wish I could have more fun at the time but I'm kind of busy. Note that I'm a new (2 years) bass player but a fairly experienced (35 years) guitar player. As for band dynamics and egos, I've been having a hell week as our founder/drummer decided to pull the plug on our increasingly-successful "oh-so-irie" reggae/dub band due to "being held back musically". Every cliche musician-ego game is being played out as each of the band members tries to re-establish musical equilibrium. Music-making seems to be so important to us all, the uncertainty strikes to the core. But new projects blossom everywhere and "when one door is closed, many more are open." peace, Michael | ||
| rami
Senior Member Username: rami Post Number: 799 Registered: 6-2002 |
I can't play stressed out. While it's true that the stress gets worked out of my system through playing, until it's gone, my playing is all over the place - a total mess. I usually run through a piece a couple of times before playing it in front of anyone. I'd save the beer until after I play. Anything before that will affect my ability to concentrate. Since I got into playing classical, I have to be 100% focused. The whole thing is one giant and very technical solo! I have to be thinking ahead of the piece as I play. Even then, it's rare that I feel completely satisfied with my playing. Being stressed out just throws me off. | ||
| rockbassist
Intermediate Member Username: rockbassist Post Number: 135 Registered: 8-2005 |
I am rarely stressed about anything so I am never stressed when I play. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 276 Registered: 6-2007 |
Just the other day, I was driving our Honda minivan straight and across an intersection, and a car tried to cross the intersection, and turns left in front of me BAM! I hit the lady's right side quarter panel. Cops came, (I was in the right of way, she was at fault (TG nobody was hurt)) I had my digital camera in the glove compartment, yada, yada, yada, I took photos. Bottom line, the lady was fully insured, her car was totaled and her car was towed away. I was able to drive home, no problem. Got home, talked to the wife, and kids and they were PeeO'ed because we make plans to go to Disneyland around this month, but with both airbags deployed, I DON'T THINK SO... Now, They are stressed, now it hits me. After calling my insurance company to make official as to the results of our car, and upon hanging up the phone in creating a claim, I sat down and started thinking about how fast things happen. I was stress-out, but after playing, I was able to regain myself. I will still keep the Disneyland trip, but we will be using in my wife's car and the kids hate traveling long distance in that car, that will stress them again, and since there is no room for my guitar, I will be stressed too. | ||
| hendixclarke
Advanced Member Username: hendixclarke Post Number: 277 Registered: 6-2007 |
Oh yeah, GAS PRICES ARE CRAZY! | ||
| glocke
Advanced Member Username: glocke Post Number: 366 Registered: 9-2002 |
When home, I cant really play if I am stressed or have things on my mind. When playing with others, or at a gig, if I am stressed I dont know if I play better, but after a little while I get unstressed and happy. | ||
| pace
Advanced Member Username: pace Post Number: 376 Registered: 4-2004 |
Good thread!! I agree that there are different kinds / levels / reasons for stress. Sometimes stress triggers more adrenaline and that really helps me stay on top of every note. Others times there's so much stuff running thru your mind that the whole night seems like a blur until you listen back. The last band I was playing with was the first time in a long time where everyone else was competent at troubleshooting their own equipment, so there was a certain level of relaxation & everyone would comment as to how I was yawning thru all 3 sets! |
