musical depression

[sixstringsweep]

hey mike

this is one of those musical rut questions. I have been having alot of problems finding the right way to voice my chords for a specific feeling or emotion. ive been using arpeggios, alternate bass, i havent tried travis picking yet but i was wondering if alot of this is becouse when i play my chords i dont really pay attention to the scale or mode. (wow im really a confused guitar player )any advise on song writing with feeling.

thanks this will make the world of difference for my love for music. ;D

[Michael Angelo Batio]

There is a saying that I really believe in. It goes like this: "paralysis by analysis". Over analyzing one's playing and/or writing can get you depressed. I have done this myself. It is natural for creative people to experience more emotional highs and lows. When I feel that I am "in a rut" or struggling to write that perfect "feel" for a part for the song, I take a step back, put down my guitar (or stop playing piano) and get away from it for a while. This could mean an hour or two or as long as a day. This is my advise to you. Do the absolute best that you can, don't take any "shortcuts" and accept the results. There is a point where you have to say "I have done this to the best of my ability". As far as "feeling", that is subjective. I always try to find a part that evokes the emotion that I want for a progression, solo, melody, everything. If I don't find it the first time I keep trying until I get it right. But again, if I am struggling with a particular part for what I consider to be too long of a time, I move on to something else. Great question.

[Man Of Shred]

I have found that jamming with like minded musicians increases my creative ability. add some energy to your song writing. show what you have to some friends and get some feedback.

[Mark]

Michael said:

There is a saying that I really believe in. It goes like this: "paralysis by analysis". Over analyzing one's playing and/or writing can get you depressed.

This is so true its not even funny. If I'm not keeping myself busy, I will sit there and analyze my life and start to feel depressed. So my solution is to stay busy constantly.

But, as far as being in a state of musical writers block. I suggest throwing the distortion on as heavy as you can, and play what you feel right now, which i assume is frustrated. i think the most beutiful music i've ever written was after losing someone. because i reflected that sorrow in what i played. if you want to write emotional music you've gotta jam with emotion, so play your frustrations out. just make sure you don't forget how the music goes b4 you get a chance to write it down. i personally like to use guitar pro, because then i can add supporting instruments to it, and it becomes a compostition rather than just a riff written on paper. makes remember note duration alot easier too.

as far as using modes goes, there is no mode that will gauruntee the sound of a certain emotion. i can take a minor and make it sound powerful and triumphant. start playing and your imagination will begin have ideas of durations and pitches, bends, vibratos, ect. just trust me, it comes at you out of nowhere you just have to listen for it.

[sweepingspagettios]

Its all peaks and valleys. the peaks got higher and the valleys get shorter the longer you stay the course.

[clameo]

Musical depression comes and goes, it's all about keeping yourself inspired and motivated, I always wanna play when I don't have time.....

[Blondie]

It's also a matter of having a life, doing stuff, meeting people etc.
Music is inspired by life and dreams.

[sweepingspagettios]

blondie I guess I'm screwed!my only ambition is playing guitar travelling hangin out online drinkin beer and playin guitar.. I am starting to feel more like this guy when you tell me how to be better musically

[Ryan]

I love nothing better than jamming with a few friends, it reallys brings out my better playing.

[Blondie]

Spagettios...Maybe drink beers with others ;D It's actually great fun...

[Ryan]

Heh, a few beers never hurt anyone . Dont flame me because im underage!!!! ;D

[sweepingspagettios]

[glow=green,2,300]I'm not too big on drinking [/glow]