Tuesday, Nov 22, 2005

[bleujazz3]

By now I'm sure many of you have read my post titled "Oh S***!"

I'm curious to find out what you would do with your time off that would still be musically related so as not to become bored, lose interest, or otherwise want to not get back into playing guitar once your 6 week hiatus from playing is over.

I'm very concerned that I will need to regrow my callouses, strengthen my fretting hand, everything I'd normally fear that would happen now that my arm is broken.

I'd like to spend as much of my free time listening to music as possible, mainly for inspiration and keeping my hope alive that I will not have to re-learn a lot of what I already know about technique, feel, timing, note choice, etc.

My question is, what would you do with your new-found free time? (All answers considered)

Oh, yes, Today's lunch will be double thick burger, special dry rub for the burger, American cheese, pickles, ketchup, diet Pepsi.

[johnreardon]

Steak & Kidney pie, chips & peas.

Difficult one Bob. Could suggest you read or watch DVDs with a musical content, however, think they would annoy me. I would want to pick up a guitar. If it was me, I would take a complete break from music and do something else. Read a lot of books; get out and do some walking (assuming it doesn't hurt too much. I think the break, excuse the pun, would do a lot of good. When you get back, yes your fingers will ache for a while, but I bet your playing would be better. It's only approx 6 weeks, enjoy the time with your new girlfriend

[digisequencer]

Put together a couple of CDs with songs I want to learn when I can start again - that way I could practice the lyrics first (the only song I can really play so far started just like that) and maybe look up some tabs for them.

I´d go out on long walks with my MP3-player go get my mind off the pain. Watch some beautiful sunsets (Especially with your GF). Enjoy the little things in life.

Personally I would probably read a lot and do some jigsaw puzzles - and visit friends !

[kingsleyd]

Pure evil for lunch today @Jo Jo's on Bardstown Rd. in Louisville: fried cod sandwich, hush puppies, and stole fries and O-rings from my GF and her friend. Lemonade to drink.

Bob, I've been there. A minor fall skiing resulted in the tendon to my right thumb being dis-attached. Surgery, 8 weeks in a cast, 8 weeks of physical therapy; a total of 12 weeks away from the guitar.

First piece of advice: be religious about your physical therapy. My right hand technique actually improved because of the strength and coordination I'd gained from all the therapy. (granted, your injury is slightly different, but nevertheless...)

Second piece of advice: *forget* the guitar, and even music, for a while. I made a point of *not* listening to music for at least some of the time, and I stayed away from guitar music for a lot of it. It ended up clearing out a lot of the "same old s**t" that hangs around my musical brain.

Third piece of advice: It will take time and adjustment to get back into it. Persevere.

Fourth piece of advice: do what feels right to you.

Good luck, mate!

[Aldwyn]

A hot dog roll (having stomach issues today).

Now may also be the perfect time to teach yourself to play slide. If it's not comfy playing it like you would a regular guitar, then lap slide ala John Lennon!

Either way, you don't need to fret... just hold a slide in your hand.

Peace,
Aldwyn

[bleujazz3]

Put together a couple of CDs with songs I want to learn when I can start again - that way I could practice the lyrics first (the only song I can really play so far started just like that) and maybe look up some tabs for them.

I´d go out on long walks with my MP3-player go get my mind off the pain. Watch some beautiful sunsets (Especially with your GF). Enjoy the little things in life.

Personally I would probably read a lot and do some jigsaw puzzles - and visit friends !Yep, got that covered. I'm thinking of investing in a nice CD/MP-3 to tide me over while my mind works the non-physical aspects out. Therapy will be extremely important, and I hope to be in much better condition than when I started out. (Yeah, I work out with free weights and resistance bands)

I'm guessing the nurses at therapy will have the whip, chair and gun out until I can get back to doing a couple sets of 50 lbs. for a one-arm dumbbell row for my back. Shoulders and biceps will need attention too.

I'm looking at my bicep now, all black and blue, it looks like something from a cartoon. LOL. Oh, well, until my initial evaluation I won't know anything, and that's on the 28th.

[irwcustom]

Tuna sandwiches and a chicken tikka massala for dinner.


Sorry to hear that Bob - haven't read the thread yet. I broke a bone in my right hand and had to have it plastered. Out of action for 5 (?) weeks I think. Myself, I went to Mexico! Still could go in the pool etc though no windsurfing obviously and it looked great for that there too. I enjoyed the lots of sympathy - mainly from drunken Canadian ladies.... hey! - don't knock it! Prior to that, I watched a lot of tuition videos, I couldn't really pick or play - but I could do runs and scales - sort of played without picking - sounds like a waste of time, but was worthwhile. Have a look on the net, but be careful of spending too much money with the time on your hands. I read loads and listened to music, spent a lot of time with my parents which was nice.

I'm not suggesting it, but when Les Paul broke his arm, he asked for it to be set into a position where he could play the guitar - and so he did! There is a lot you can do without picking up a guitar to improve the way you play - I could benefit from it myself. Think of it as time out to ponder and plan. I agree with Kingsley - you need a lot of therapy, but you will improve - my right hand had about 5% mobility when it came out of plaster - think it was in there too long myself. I could hardly do any finger picking, but I think it's better than it ever was now and the ring finger knuckle is lower than it was so it couldn't have set back the same. There is a little bit of callouses (?) ..that 'bone stuff ' that grows over the break.

Looking back, it was a bummer and I'd rather it didn't happen, yet I enjoyed the time out.

[bleujazz3]

A hot dog roll (having stomach issues today).

Now may also be the perfect time to teach yourself to play slide. If it's not comfy playing it like you would a regular guitar, then lap slide ala John Lennon!

Either way, you don't need to fret... just hold a slide in your hand.

Peace,
Aldwyn
You know, that may not be such a bad idea after all. What I'm concerned about is moving the left arm and elevating it too much. No can do. Lap slide might be an interesting alternative.

(OK, I know you read Gerald's joke of the day. Is this how your brain works to solve problems creatively?) If so, congratulations. Our brains (yours and mine, among others) think in like manners. BTW, I DO appreciate the idea of slide. It does solve a problem well. You ROCK! :dude:

[bleujazz3]

Tuna sandwiches and a chicken tikka massala for dinner.


Sorry to hear that Bob - haven't read the thread yet. I broke a bone in my right hand and had to have it plastered. Out of action for 5 (?) weeks I think. Myself, I went to Mexico! Still could go in the pool etc though no windsurfing obviously and it looked great for that there too. I enjoyed the lots of sympathy - mainly from drunken Canadian ladies.... hey! - don't knock it! Prior to that, I watched a lot of tuition videos, I couldn't really pick or play - but I could do runs and scales - sort of played without picking - sounds like a waste of time, but was worthwhile. Have a look on the net, but be careful of spending too much money with the time on your hands. I read loads and listened to music, spent a lot of time with my parents which was nice.

I'm not suggesting it, but when Les Paul broke his arm, he asked for it to be set into a position where he could play the guitar - and so he did! There is a lot you can do without picking up a guitar to improve the way you play - I could benefit from it myself. Think of it as time out to ponder and plan. I agree with Kingsley - you need a lot of therapy, but you will improve - my right hand had about 5% mobility when it came out of plaster - think it was in there too long myself. I could hardly do any finger picking, but I think it's better than it ever was now and the ring finger knuckle is lower than it was so it couldn't have set back the same. There is a little bit of callouses (?) ..that 'bone stuff ' that grows over the break.

Looking back, it was a bummer and I'd rather it didn't happen, yet I enjoyed the time out.Thanks, D! I think the callouses you mean is calcification, where the bone regrows and fuses with other bone. Callouses, I meant is the thcikening of the skin on my fingertips which will wear off in a few weeks on not playing.

And yes, a broken limb does serve as a lot of sympathy points from the ladies. It's difficult to explain the picnic with the GF and not score points with the ladies when I'm not with the GF. God forgive me for ever wanting to be with another lady, but that would probably lead to the right arm getting broken by the GF as well. You know what I mean, so all I can do is ask for sympathy and not a hook-up. Guess I'll have to practice my Canadian, eh?

[irwcustom]

Thanks, D! I think the callouses you mean is calcification, where the bone regrows and fuses with other bone. Callouses, I meant is the thcikening of the skin on my fingertips which will wear off in a few weeks on not playing.

And yes, a broken limb does serve as a lot of sympathy points from the ladies. It's difficult to explain the picnic with the GF and not score points with the ladies when I'm not with the GF. God forgive me for ever wanting to be with another lady, but that would probably lead to the right arm getting broken by the GF as well. You know what I mean, so all I can do is ask for sympathy and not a hook-up. Guess I'll have to practice my Canadian, eh? That was funny! Me too! I think you asked about DVD's on the other thread - Eric's new DVD is out - watching Eric is always great ..watching this one doesn't make you want to pick your guitar up ..it makes you want you put it back in the case and give up! It's great. I thought I had it bad waiting in casualty for 9 hours before I got 'plastered'. Didn't know it was your fretboard hand - sorry to hear that, but it'll come back good.

[bleujazz3]

That was funny! Me too! I think you asked about DVD's on the other thread - Eric's new DVD is out - watching Eric is always great ..watching this one doesn't make you want to pick your guitar up ..it makes you want you put it back in the case and give up! It's great. I thought I had it bad waiting in casualty for 9 hours before I got 'plastered'. Didn't know it was your fretboard hand - sorry to hear that, but it'll come back good.
Thanks. I was fortunate in the Emergency Room; I only had to wait about an hour and 20 minutes before they called me in. Evaluation took only about 7 or 8 minutes, and then on to Radiology, which was another 15 or 20 minutes. The PA (Physician's Assistant) came in within 5 minutes later, and we spoke for about 10 minutes. They gave me a sling and a prescription whith instructions and I was done. I think total time I walked through the ER door to walking out again was from 4:45 PM to 7 PM, very good as near as I could tell for ER standards. I thank God there weren't any real serious cases in the ER ahead of me. BTW, there was a good "Volcano" movie showing in the waiting room while we were there, my brother and I.

I was able to go to one of the local open mics last night with the GF, couldn't smooch, though, she's recovering from a cold. If she's feeling better, we hope to go to another music jam tonight so I can show her around. (I'll tell you the real reason another time, has to do with not wanting another girl getting the idea I'm buying her friendship) If I can, I'll try to get a copy of the CDs that have been recorded from the music jam, some of this stuff is just too good not to share.

Best wishes to you and yours across the pond....

-- Bob

[bleujazz3]

That was funny! Me too! I think you asked about DVD's on the other thread - Eric's new DVD is out - watching Eric is always great ..watching this one doesn't make you want to pick your guitar up ..it makes you want you put it back in the case and give up! It's great. I thought I had it bad waiting in casualty for 9 hours before I got 'plastered'. Didn't know it was your fretboard hand - sorry to hear that, but it'll come back good.
D,
What DVD were you referring to? I've got the Crossroads Festival DVD, is there another different EC DVD? Always looking to hear and see more Clapton.

And no, I never want to put the guitar back in the case when I get inspired. The only people that make me want to put the guitar away is Satriani, Vai, and Malmsteen. At least I can come close to emulating Eric's style, but the other guys, phew! I work up a sweat just thinking about how they play, not actually doing it myself. I applaude all those who are remotely capable of sounding like them, just as long as they're not noodling endlessly.

I'll spend more time I have now writing lyrics and learning slide guitar (thanks Aldwyn) while I heal. And yes, today, I'm not in as much pain as I was 2 days ago, so I must be doing something right. Just hope my primary has entended the painkiller prescription for another couple weeks while the bone sets a bit. as soon as I can get in therapy rehabilitation, the better.

[irwcustom]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B9EYKC/002-2159380-3450458?v=glance&n=130&n=507846&s=dvd&v=glance

Different Eric. That's got to be the best bargain on the planet at that price in my un-biased opinion;) . I got and EC one ... I think it's called 'One more car one more rider' in the US not long ago - really cheap and pretty good. I love the unplugged album though. I'll be seeing in the new year with EC - looking forward to that.

[bleujazz3]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B9EYKC/002-2159380-3450458?v=glance&n=130&n=507846&s=dvd&v=glance

Different Eric. That's got to be the best bargain on the planet at that price in my un-biased opinion;) . I got and EC one ... I think it's called 'One more car one more rider' in the US not long ago - really cheap and pretty good. I love the unplugged album though. I'll be seeing in the new year with EC - looking forward to that.
That's OK, I'm a huge EJ fan as well, even if I can't even begin to copy EJ's music. Thanks for providing the link, it will be a welcome addition I didn't even know existed until now. Thanks, Darren!

[David Coverversion]

Chicken sandwich, geobar and square crisps.

How about something else creative? Write a book, poems, screenplay.

My novel isn't even half finished yet, the guitar keeps getting in the way, it started off as a screenplay for a BBC commission in 1999. I will finish it one day.

[bleujazz3]

Chicken sandwich, geobar and square crisps.

How about something else creative? Write a book, poems, screenplay.

My novel isn't even half finished yet, the guitar keeps getting in the way, it started off as a screenplay for a BBC commission in 1999. I will finish it one day.
Good ideas all. I've completed reading the book "The Artist's Way" some time ago, and am in my 6th week of the 2nd cycle of writing. This book has been totally helpful in unleashing my creativity, and I'd recommend it to anyone who doesn't feel creative enough, who wants to be a better artist but doesn't know how, or someone who just wants to improve their day-to-day life.

"The Artist's Way" has helped my lyric and melody writing to be more prolific, marketable, and above all, something I believe has merit.

I intend to use some of my time to write lyrics, poems, etc., as recommended by "The Artist's Way" in advance for melodies to follow once my arm heals.

Dave, if you can find a copy of "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, be prepared for your life to change. Some of the things Julia asks you to do seem hoaky at first, but stick it out through the book. My attitude toward other musicians, my lyric and melody writing, my dreams at night, my daily life improved during and after I read this book.

Read my humor after I busted my arm in "Oh S***!" a couple days ago posted on BaM. My attitude wouldn't certainly be what it is if I hadn't read "The Artist's Way." Find a copy and finish your screenplay, and then write a dozen more. Julia enables you to unleash your creativity at any point in your life. Why I didn't find this book sooner I'll never know, but it changed my life. Yours will, too.

[David Coverversion]

Might well do that RSG, thanks.

All the best with it yourself.