How do you keep motivated?

WARRIOR2 · 09-21-2010, 03:21 PM

I learn best when I am interested in the topic. (I think that goes for all of us)

I have this habit of losing momentum on learning a technique, or song, even if I am interested in it.

I have tried to focus on different things to vary my practice sessions, then come back to it.

Any suggestions on how I can keep the interest up, and the motivation there?

**jamforchrist123** · 09-21-2010, 03:27 PM

Everybody works differently, so this very well could not apply to you, but for me personally every time I get de-motivated, I just go on youtube and look up somebody who I really really respect or look up to, or is just very talented in general. I'm the kind of person that is like "hey, I could do that" so it motivates me to work harder.

roscoestring · 09-21-2010, 03:38 PM

I am motivated by people telling me that I can't do it!

dailybeans · 09-21-2010, 03:45 PM

Jealousy.

Haha, just kidding (though that can be a motivator, it's not really a good one)

I find myself getting stoked to learn more guitar playing intricacies every time I listen to some of my favorite guitarists.

**Rainer.** · 09-21-2010, 03:59 PM

Play in a band where you're the worst musician in the group. Play in lots of bands like this, actually.

**jamforchrist123** · 09-21-2010, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alton Dong

Play in a band where you're the worst musician in the group. Play in lots of bands like this, actually.

This.

It makes you a better player QUITE quickly.

**adamwagg** · 09-21-2010, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alton Dong

Play in a band where you're the worst musician in the group. Play in lots of bands like this, actually.

Yeah absolutly! I'm now in a church band where I'm a fair bit behind the others - so that's a real motivater, plus the others can give you pointers on different things!

**adamwagg** · 09-21-2010, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roscoestring

I am motivated by people telling me that I can't do it!

You know that thing you are working on right now.... You can't do it.

(Sorry just thought I'd try to give you some motivation

)

1/2-Fast Player · 09-21-2010, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alton Dong

Play in a band where you're the worst musician in the group. Play in lots of bands like this, actually.

LOL! I've never done anything else!

But it's a great way to learn. Not only do I have to work my tail off to keep up, but I always have bandmates who can offer advice and answer questions. I learn new stuff every week.

Kentl · 09-21-2010, 08:51 PM

well im the exact oposite

playign wtih those beyer then me makes me sound worse
and i play eevne more awful
dose not help that most six month guterist are ahead of me either

for me what motvats me is the simple love of guitar

**Rainer.** · 09-21-2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kentl

playign wtih those beyer then me makes me sound worse
and i play eevne more awful

That's the point.

It motivates you to do better.

Kentl · 09-21-2010, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alton Dong

That's the point.

It motivates you to do better.

Meh I do get motivated

To go back to guitar hero :P

but for real it dont motvat me

what motvates me is my love for music nothing eles

guitarman531 · 09-22-2010, 02:25 PM

My motivation comes from playing with musicians who are better than me, watching guitarists who I admire (Tommy Emmanuel comes to mind), and the music director at my church pushing me to get new songs right

gtrdave · 09-22-2010, 03:39 PM

For me, the end goal or accomplishment can be a motivator, but that's if I'm working on something new.
In general, though, anything new can be a motivator: new music, new piece of gear, and even a repaired or properly set-up guitar (as I recently experienced) can inspire me more than anything else, but I have to be very cautious with the "new gear/GAS" thing, as it can get expensive and it can be very short term and empty motivation.

Ultimately, and I think Shane nailed it, my motivation is still just the love of music and playing the guitar.

jeepnstein · 09-22-2010, 07:23 PM

My motivation happened tonight. We are doing a special music as a favor for one of our singers. "I Need You To Love Me" by Barlow Girl, whoever that is. Anyway, it just sounded fantastic. Makes it all worthwhile when things just click. We're going to knock a few rough edges off and do it in a couple of weeks.