Dealing with a major rut!
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2023
- To hear this loop performed by Tobias, check this out: • Gibson Les Paul from 1...
You won’t regret it.
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Equipment used today:
Fender Telecaster ‘52 custom shop reissue
Cornell Romany 12
No pedals, except NUX drum looper pro
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No computers, no audio interfaces, no special mics or cameras. Just my iphone, then uploaded to iMovie then to CZcams
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If you have a query, or if you simply wish to buy me a coffee via PayPal, then my PayPal address and email are one and the same:
paul_ursusarctos@hotmail.co.uk (or 078900 67773)
Thanks folks 😊 - Zábava
My memory is so bad that every time I play, its like playing something new.
Whoa! Slow down there, friend. I played professionally for many years; touring and recording. I played with people like Kirk Whalum, Everett Harp, Dave Koz, Chad Wackerman, Pops Popwell, Luis Conte, etc. I know talent when I hear it. YOU ARE TALENTED! Son, you have a great sense of feel, melody, and sweet phrasing. Have you heard of body dysmorphia? It's where people distort their own body image. I think there must be something similar for artists and musicians, where their insecurities manifest in how they are overly critical of themselves. Stop yourself. Just keep playing. You inspire me, an old guy who already plays pretty well. You must be doing something right. Keep up the good work. Only good things can come of it. Besides, you're not on anyone's timeline. And don't judge yourself on what others think of you, good or bad. Then again, you sound great to me.
“ _What other people think and say about you is none of your business. The most destructive thing you would ever do is to believe someone else's opinion of you. You have to stop letting other people's opinions control you_ .” - Roy T. Bennett
Well thank you Commodoor! What a lovely comment. I genuinely appreciate your words, and they have made me feel better. Thank you 🙏
pray tell your true identity comodoor!?
It happens. Attack a new genre of music. It'll open new doors. The good news is your bloody fantastic mate.
Well I appreciate that, cheers Doug 😊
For me? "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." A break is usually my next step up to a new, higher plateau. Not playing my guitar for a time, isn't leaving it. It's Loving it more!
Paul... Greetings from The USA. I felt compelled to write you after seeing the title of this video. I'm almost 70 years old, and have been playing guitar since i was 18.. I've heard and admired and been inspired by MANY guitarists in my life. YOU, may be the best I've ever heard. I know as a guitar player, we always want to get better, and always want to learn. But Guitar playing is a drug, that can lead us down the wrong path. Its similar to the pursuit of money. There is never satisfaction at the next level, because when we attain the next level, there are infinite levels higher than that. Sometimes the best thing to do is step aside for a while, and appreciate the simpler things that we seem to miss when we are so focused on musical attainment. I really appreciate your immense talent, and perspective , and want you to be around for as long as possible. You've attained a much higher level than 99 percent of guitarists in the world, so stop for a while and just appreciate what you've attained. Funny, I never thought much of my playing, until I heard something I recorded a few years before that. I listened and said " That guys not that bad" I think the trick is, be content with who we are, and what we've attained (Like it says in the bible, in Ecclesiastes) All is vanity...the last chapter of Ecclesiastes sums it up: "Fear God and keep his commandments, This is the whole duty of man... Love you bro.
Hey Paul, first of all you are sooo much an inspiration to me. I find myself trying to emulate you all of the time. I watch your videos and the melodies that you produce just blow me away! It’s hard to believe that you or a guy with your talent would struggle with inspiration but I guess I’m glad to know that I’m not the only one. I will say this when I do start to struggle with inspiration, I’ll pick up my acoustic guitar, Or just try a different style of music. Anyway, I would not sweat it too much. You are a bad ass and you will work through it. Thank you for all your help.!!! Yea, go camping and take your camp guitar and play the shit out of it. !! 🤩
Thank you so much Harold, I appreciate your words and suggestions. Cheers man 🍻
Love your playing mate! Thanks for the shout out ;)
Hi Jedd! It’s always a thrill when someone as esteemed as yourself stops by my wee guitar show. Thank you man, it’s appreciated. 👍🍻
I have felt this way as well Paul! I'm forcing myself to practice learning songs that are way out of my league. It's finally time to exploit my weaknesses. The weaker I am in a certain area is what I will explore. 9 times out of 10 it was me the whole time who I was afraid of lol. What I mean about that Paul, if it's humanly possible then we can do it too!🎸 Not all of us are built like Buckethead with extremely long fingers that can play a million miles an hour! One thing is for sure bro is you have an amazing gift of nailing those notes where they need to be. You inspired me to slow it down and put passion and more feeling into my playing and it's helped me greatly. Thank you Paul I sincerely appreciate it! Keep jamming big bro!🎸🇺🇲
Thank you pimpdaddy, I appreciate that. Cheers mate 👍
The groove was awesome! And those volume swells?! A real Steely Dan feel. Sorry you feel you’re in a rut but that piece gave me something to really work at.
It’s great that you still use your creativity in producing this video. You’re not the first CZcamsr I watched this week who feels it difficult to maintain inspiration but sharing your fug let’s your viewers appreciate that it’s not always easy and we do appreciate all your efforts. Hope you’ve been able to enjoy the Indian summer weather out in the hills under canvas!
Thank you chemistninja! I’m delighted you liked the loop. And I appreciate your words of support. Cheers to you 🍻
I feel you brother! As Buddha says “comparison leads to suffering”…or something like that. The muse comes and goes ya just keep on moving along.
Love the little groove!
For what it's worth I enjoy your playing more than Hoffman's. It's not a competition, and from a technical stand point, he may be much better. But I like your voice on the instrument. It's really something, and it stands out.
😎👍 Thanks for all the post Paul! (BTW: A rut is when you allow your music room to become a storage area and you can't get at any of your equipment to play it!)
So glad I found this gem of a dude! So honest! I’m in the middle of a 6 solo gigs in 8 days. This keeps me runnin! 😎🤙
You aspire to be as good as those guys while I aspire to be as good as you. Incremental steps is what I look for. Love your vids. 🙏🏼
Thank you Tim, I appreciate that. 🍻
Your "major rut" kicks butt! Thanks for the video.
Everyone has their own natural style, trying to emulate and get exactly like someone else to me is totally wrong. Timing is individual, playing is individual. I am still very amature after many decades, but what I have noticed that evert guitar mag I pick up to learn, every tab I try, I still come out sounding like ME. I can't explain it but I can do covers, soundalikes, recognisable tunes BUT I still sound like me. Paul, you are an inspiration in your channel, talking about your guitar collection, what you bought , why etc and the knowledge and playing you impart is inspiring, even if what I do will always sound like ME. Keep it coming fella, and as you will tell all your driving students, you never know what's round that corner.......
Another lovely comment. Thank you man, and I can totally relate to what you say about sounding like yourself. Cheers
Hang in there man! You inspire many people and your playing and honesty shines through. Although I've only been out it for a while I can relate with you on the pressure of putting out content on CZcams. It's a never ending journey but positive comments from followers and subscribers really helps immensely! It's okay to take a break! I have to remind myself that also. Keep going! 😎
Sounds fantastic Paul, and an amazing lesson. Take a break, enjoy the weather and come back fully recharged😎🍻
What you say from 08:30 is what I love about your channel and what got me hooked. You, playing one of your guitars, talking about the guitar or a related topic. If you take us camping at the same time, that is a real treat. I'm guessing that your rut is coming from watching too much Tobias Hoffman and that you are probably just in a phase of climbing the ladder of new learnings and wanting to utilise your new skills faster than what's possible. It always takes time to incorporate new tricks to the repertoir and there is a phase of selecting what will stay and what will have to go. I think you already know the answer. It's probably just to take it easy, play what's in your comfort zone, and before you know it some of the new tricks just magically appears one by one. All the best my friend 😊
That was very wise Thor! I’ve read your comment twice and I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. Yeah, I’m frustrated that Tobias seems to just pop out performance after performance and seems to have this endless reservoir of talent. You’re right, I’m gonna just relax! Thank you Thor, appreciated.
Paul all I can say is just be thankful that you did not contract ALS as Jason Becker did and you can continue playing guitar.
There is only one Paul Stafford Cook and no one will ever be able to replicate your wonderful style of playing as it comes from inside you. let’s all be grateful for what we have in life.
Thank you for all you do, it is very much appreciated
Hi Paul, thanks for all the great content, I really enjoy the channel and your approach to sharing your experience. I too have been playing guitar for decades and struggle with motivation at times. A couple of years ago I started to teach myself piano and that has had made me look at music and guitar in a new way; it has been an interesting journey - one I wished I had started years ago. (ps also tried the cornet - that didn't help at all!)
I find CZcams to be almost always useful - but there are days like you're describing where I can watch people play and just feel hopeless! It always passes and I know I will find some inspiration again. I also know that I'm SLOWLY getting better every day even though some days are tough sledding. So - for what it's worth you are a much much better player than I am and I would be thrilled to be at your level!! Thanks for all your great content Paul.
What a lovely comment Mike, I appreciate your kind words about my playing. I wish you well my friend, and hope you continue to grab inspiration when it comes. 🍻
I can relate paul i feel that way also but your awesome and and inspiration to many of us your channel is always uplifting.
Hey Paul, I've been in a slump lately also. What helps me is having a band and having to work on new tunes . This lesson also helps and gives me lots to work on. Thanks & Have a great day!
Always a pleasure
I’ve learned so much from your channel.. strangely it’s kind of comforting to know the truly talented as yourself also self check occasionally…which in your case is so totally uneccesary.. imo.. TY for sharing. 😎
Always enjoy your videos, your tones and your style! You'll get there again!! Shame you aren't still teaching guitar - I desperately need lessons!
Geez man, your playing is honey for the ears
Hi Paul thank you. I can understand and relate to everything you said. I wish I knew the answers. Try not to put pressure on yourself. You are a great player and appreciated by everyone. But with or without a guitar, you are a good guy. Best wishes and good health to you and your family from Glasgow 🎸👍❤️
Hi Paul, with regards to your CZcams channel it’s your personality, honesty and general intelligence in conversation that makes your
particular view on guitar special and interesting to me.
If you are teaching people in your day job and in relation to your passion of guitar then your enthusiasm will dry up every now and again.
I live your playing and point of view man. Best wishes Ian
Thank you Ian, I appreciate your words. 🙏
Hang in their Paul, you are a very creative and original player and a fantastic musician. You will get your mojo back even better than before.❤
Thank you so much Paul 🍻
hi Paul! I agree with you. you deserve a few weeks holiday somewhere! and when you come back you will be refreshed! take care mate!😎👍
Hi Paul. When i get bogged down and hit that wall i usually listen to 1 of you Mark Knopfler Lessons and you never fail to inspire me so thank you🙏🎸. The gods of guitar will soon shine on you once again mate and you'll be back to your musically focused self in no time. Hang in there and take pleasure in knowing we all appreciate you so much 👌Huge Thanks Steve
That sounded awesome paul what you played.
Love your attitude...as a new fan...great feel and chops...I play a few styles ..as a country player ..I think you rule...keep inspiring...😊
You guys. What a community. I struggle every day. Never want to be a tick box player and play what is expected or elevator music. Paul I am very poor by your standards but I come home from work and like Jim Morrison said music is your only friend so I play and may be frustrated but I get more relaxed and forget my daily life.
I am proud of my thirst to achieve. And being the numpty I am sometimes just have to keep concentrating on the building blocks until I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
I watched a really good Nile Rodgers interview recently. I did stop practicing for days. That certainly put some joy in my playing.
Be proud of what you have achieved. Get back on the bike.
Frustration is sometimes just an indicator that we know we want to achieve more but may need to retrace our steps
Very nice playing my friend.
Thank you for posting this conversation. I do understand what you are thinking. Some of us feel the same way. I have taken several breaks and each time I have had to relearn from the start. From hard rock to blues to jazz to dadgad all acoustic music. When I listen to my past recordings it's like I'm listening to some one else's music now I'm just coming back from a several year drive into building and playing three string guitars. I'll b watching for your content. Gratitude Paul.
smashing playing as per you never seem to be searching to me which is definately more pro than amateur plus you are a fantastic teacher
Thank you so much johnty, I appreciate that. 👍
Dude. You are a so talented… enjoy the ride … that’s my advice. 😊
Like you, I was awestruck by Tobias' playing, but I subscribed to your channel for your playing, which is personal, unique, inspiring and great. We can all empathise with what you're going through, but I'm certain that what feels like a rut to you is actually a prelude. Please try to feel excited about what's coming next, whatever it turns out to be. It's because you're so good that you're not content to just stay in familiar territory. Take your time -- we'll be here.
I really like what you said about my rut being more of a prelude…… Thank you Trombonology, that’s cheered me up. 🍻
I feel the same way about songwriting. I’ve been playing more gigs than ever, but can’t finish a song anymore. It’s a scary thing. Hope you get your mojo back Paul, really appreciate the inspiration you’ve been to us guitar players
Thank you so much Graeme. Particularly the word “scary”….. yeah, you kind of get used to being creative and when it stops it’s genuinely scary! Cheers Graeme, let’s hope we BOTH get it back 😊🍻
Most of the comments are saying the same things about taking a break, plateaus etc, and I seem to regularly have very similar feelings myself. We are always 'learning' and sometimes it feels better to just 'play', with no pressure to learn.
I find life gets in the way sometimes, work leaves me with not enough time to actually 'play' enough to relax into it, and I usually find myself watching something like Danny Gatton's instructional to make me realise I have so far to go.
Gear is inspiring, and I also build guitars, to get inspired by something and usually that is all it takes, something to trigger a period of activity where I realise I do have some skills.
You are experiencing the YT version of writers block, and there is pressure to 'create', but all that pressure is coming from within, ANYTHING you put out is inspirational for us lot, so just relax and have a good time doing it.
Keep on keeping on.
I right there with you! I havent touched a guitar in about 2 months..but ive been here before.. always come back better and refreashed
Thanks man, you’re right 👍
Hi Paul your videos have gotten me out of a rut before now. Have a wander in some of that Scottish nature and you will be back stronger than ever before you know it!
Paul … here’s my suggestion:
Take a break from guitar and write lyrics for a song that inspires you.
You’ll hear the chords in your head, but when you go to write the music, your inspiration will rush back in your life.
Best of luck from Nashville!
-
Barrett
LOL - I was at the same point/rut, so I thought I'd pop over to me ole mucker Mr. Cook for inspiration. First off, it's nice to know the people who inspire us (as you do) have the same problems. Second, it did set me thinking. You mention the fluidity of Tobias which, while fair enough, made me think of David Gilmour. He is always a fall-back position inspiration for me; if I see someone slick/fast/fluid I usually remind myself that Gilmour's great solos were usually edited from a million studio takes, extracting the tasty licks and joining them. I'm sure Gilmour could jam a storm if he wanted, but a) it is the ability to identify a beautiful riff when you hear it and b) it is (for me at least) the beauty of the riff not the technical expertise that is inspirational. And c) his slick jam would most likely be 90% a collection of past licks anyhow. Gilmour is not fast or flash, yet I could listen to Gilmour's solos one after another for ever; Malmsteen (sp?) one the other hand, well, one is usually enough. So immediately that's how I usually deal with "I'll never be as good (technically) as so-and-so. As to inspiration, as you said right at the beginning it's a phase which will quickly pass. To know that the people I take my inspiration from (like yourself) run dry now and again - hey, I feel better already! Almost 2,000 people have watched your vid in 11 hours, you have over 20,000 people who admire what you do. No small achievement, my friend. That is growth that will continue for ever. Being the selfish sea-hunts that we are we'll simply go back through your old vids for inspiration whilst we wait for you to bounce back. Which, judging from your noodling at the end of the vid, is imminent. Thanks as always, my friend.
I think what you are experiencing is a natural phase of any artistic production or creative process . I also think it is something all musicians , writers, painters ,etc, go through . I also believe that people like Tobias Hoffman and the other great players you mention experience the same flat spots . It's what makes you top players strive to hit new heights . sometimes you have to take a step back to go forward . You have to be your own fiercest critic .
Thank you cannavan1. You’re right, and I appreciate your encouragement. Cheers man
You need a bit of busking or a live gig paul😂
Maybe you’re right 🤔. Yeah, cheers man, time to dust off the busking gear!
Hey Paul, we've all been there, if you are creative, you stall, you are looking for inspiration, well, read your comment to this video, that should spark your soul. A lot of people value what you do. Stevie Ray Vaughan once said, every once in a while you get stuck in the mud, keep on you will get out of it, and often when you do, you will raise to the next level. So from this Stafford in North America to my possible distant relative, keep on picking man, we love what you do.
Thanks man, I appreciate your encouragement. 🍻
Your welcome dude, you are an amazing guitarist and here's the thing, it's those people witn amazing talents that tend to suffer from these little upsets.
Stay cool
Regards tones1957 (New Zealand)
It’s been a long year for me suffering from the same Paul. Interesting that you say ‘I’m just not good enough!’ But you are, and more to be honest. You’re one of the best players I’ve heard for a long time given your day job, the time devoted to playing and producing CZcams content. You don’t need to be like the others. Just be you… that’s why we keep turning up to see your posts. Keep a smile mate and play what you feel not what you think you should. 🤘
Nothing wrong in taking a break bud , you’ll come back stronger and more intense, best wishes ,bill
Thanks Bill 🍻
Hang in there brother
We all love you !!
You have the gift
It’s in the heart
Not the gear
And I love gear
Thank you Scott 🍻
That was a fascinating lesson, engaging and very interesting. I think all guitar players regardless of ability can get down on themselves, or just feel completely flat and uninspired.
Sometimes my guitar quite literally gathers dust,I can't bear to listen to myself,but something always triggers my enthusiasm again.
Could be the smallest thing, maybe not even music related,I have no doubt the fire will return with you. (Even the sun has the night off).
See you when the time's right, enjoy your camping.
I come HERE to get inspired!
Well thank you man, that means a lot 👍
Good wishes to you Paul, take it easy, go with the flow, maybe let yourself float for awhile, all cliches, sure, but you clearly have been through it before. Pretty much all of us have. You can't have the highs and the exultations and the zap without a little downtime, too. All part of the deal. Thank you for the inspiration and practical help and example you have given me through your music. Reading the comments, it's clear a lot of other people feel something similar. Take care.
Sometimes it is easier to see what you are not rather than what you are, you are a very fine player. I can hear why you're not totally happy with today's piece but you could play it tomorrow and be totally on the money, I'd be pleased to have played it. I'm lucky in that my creative outlet isn't limited to guitar so I can get stuck into mixing or sound design when guitar isn't working out for me. I often pick up a slide in those circumstances but another approach would be to use a new tuning.
Thank you John, and I like your suggestion 🤔. Yeah, maybe I’ll try that. Cheers
i feel ya brother!
Weather changes moods (as Kurt said), I'm just up the road from you and everyone I know has just felt completely flat for the last week or so. A good thunderstorm and we will all feel human again.
You are under no obligation to come up with new stuff every week. Do not compare yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy. Be thankful for your love of music ;)
this is normal, surely you have inspired well over your 22k subscribers now imagine all those supporters in one room! your genuine contributions dwarf those of a polished performer, comparing ourselves to others is a false standard, Edison created over 2300 patents and made well over 1000 attempts before his light bulb burned bright. cheers from Colorado!
Hey Paul.. you are an inspiration so, camping yes!! And something that I haven’t done for years but…. Jam with a group of like minded players. Let them inspire YOU.
See those unworn spots between like 10th and 13th rets? UNEXPLORED musical territory! make a goal to have that neck wear universal top to bottom and end to end.
No matter where you go or what you do someone is better. We are all on the same journey but at different points on the road. Enjoy the drive.
Wise words. Thank you Glenn 🍻
Hi Paul! I Had lots of fun playing variations of Rhythm-Guitar and i think i havent Seen it so much in your channel…..There is no good lead playing or band without Great rythm….i was inspired of Kirk Fletcher for example …playing some good rythm is lot of fun and so important! Best regards ! Greetings From Austria!
Hi Paul, Bit late getting around to this one, but I sometimes feel the same way watching you play, as you do watching Tobias, Julian etc.! Youve already had lots of comments and advice from players who are obviously way more experienced and talented than me, so I'll just say that I'm looking forward to your next video, whether that's next week, next month, or next year! 😎
Thank you for that lovely comment. It’s appreciated 🍻
In the words of the very wise Tomo Fujita - Don’t worry, Don’t compare, Don’t expect too fast, Be kind to yourself.
Hi Paul. Go for some walk with Rachel or alone, let your spirit dream and your fingers vibrate, then take a good ol guitar friend of yours and let it go. Listen to other kinds of music, and to birds' songs. I'm sure you'll get confidence back soon and give us all those marvelous gifts you offer us regularly. Thanks for that, Paul, and just being who you are. Cheers.
Funny, I experienced this a bit recently. Played the Eastman SB57 for an hour, and then came out like “meh, not inspired”. Left it for a few days, grabbed the acoustic, got inspired, and composed a new little tune over a few days 😊. On the electric, when I am not inspired, I tend to strip things down to bare bone: I grab the looper, find literally a few notes on one or two strings in a key that I would normally never play in, loop that, then add a bass line, then a few triads here and there and then improv over. It works…usually 😄
Been at it 58 years Paul & when I hit a rut, I just leave it alone for a couple of days & when I come back, I start with the basics, easy scales, playing old Beatles stuff & in a day or 2 I’m ready to go back to the jazz & blues-happens every few months-you’ll be just fine 🙂
Thank you Glen, I like what you’re saying. Cheers
I find I get most inspired after a break from watching others play, and instead listening just with my ears. I think I compare less when I don’t watch.
Playing guitar can have it's moments of brilliancy, where you pick up an instrument and just blaze away ... my two sons and I have discussed it between us and we have not come up with an answer as to why. Personally, it involves a combination of "right" things. When I mentally and emotionally and physically feel good (a seldom occurrence at nearly 76), and the guitar and amp tones are just right, I can cook ... the notes just fly out of my fingers. But most of the time, it is just therapy ... something to take my mind off the drags of this life. But I have found it good to leave the thing in the case for a few days ... or just work on exercises. Imperfect world, so imperfect musicianship/guitarship, comes along with it ...
8:04 - any advice? Ha, not really. But a thought. Part of my day-job involves language teaching. There's a common pattern: early enthusiasm, skill- and knowledge-building, a bit of fearlessness (in some!), and (feels like) rapid progress. But then, you learn more, and realize there's yet much more to learn, and the progress slows, even what you knew feels stuttering and awkward ... and you maybe want to give up. Very, very common pattern.
I heard a great analogy from I forget who-or-where (probably CZcams) that helped me understand this. It's like swimming out from the beach into the ocean. At first it's bubbly and exciting - but then you hit that turbulent zone where the incoming swells and the backwash fight each other, and it gets unnerving. But! Persevere beyond *that*, and the water regains its calm, and the pleasure/joy of the swim (paddle, whatever) returns.
Do you reckon you might be in that turbulent zone, while progressing to the Next Level? You've taken loads on board from Tobias, and mediated it masterfully - but that's also new territory (am I right?), a step away from Knopfler, et al - the old comforts. Maybe there's just a need for time for the synapses all to click into their new alignment?
I'm probably talking complete rubbish but, you know how it is. A channel like yours (and a few others) begins to feel like spending time with a friend, as deceptive a feeling as that might be. So that's my thought, and I'm looking forward to seeing how your journey really does progress. Because, like you say: it will. :)
Oh, and I loved your playing over that loop!
Hi erajad. And thank you man, you explain everything very eloquently! It makes total sense to me and I can relate. Cheers man 🍻
If i were you paul i would not allow myself to touch a guitar for at least a week. I guaruntee you will be desperate to pick it up and inspiration will come. 😊
Thank you Mum. That’s good advice. Love you. x
2 minutes into what yer sayin and i hear u comparing yourself to others. Thats a thief of joy right there mate. You are amazing all by yerself. Dont ever doubt that.
I appreciate your words….. you’re right, I’ve been comparing myself and trying to “keep up”. Yeah, I need to chill. Cheers 🍻
You play so effortlessly that it's nice to see you struggle once in awhile. It's also a shock. I understand your predicament and concern you talked about: today I realized I haven't played or recorded anything for the past 5 months. Without CZcams requirements I can do that. I know when winter comes, which is soon, I'll be back at it so I'm not concerned. What I do when I'm stymied with my music is Art projects, build furniture, work on my boat or motor home, do a home renovation project, write some stories, work in the garden, binge-watch videos on math or physics or history...just anything that is completely unrelated to music. Lately I've been soldering together a radio kit as practice to solder up a guitar pedal kit. I feel sorry for you. You have a demanding audience which must be fed. It's like having more than one wife. Seems like it would be fun but it's a job.
You’re a fine guitarists man! I know how you feel though. I hit the wall a lot. Sure I’d love to play like Greg Koch, or Guthrie Trapp but I’ve resolved myself to just enjoying the journey. Your channel is very inspirational. Thank you for all your efforts!
those guys fall in major ruts also
I hit ruts all the time. I like to listen to people that are better than me, but I also find it very dangerous, in that I often come away feeling very inadequate. It is a tightrope walk for sure. I think I am coming out of a rut now - I took roughly took 2 weeks off.
@@sooparticular I agree 100% Chris
im a teacher and pro....been playing 45 years Its all a rut lollll:))))))@@Drogers8675
Thank you man, wise words. And I’m delighted you like my CZcams channel 🍻
I'm going thru the exact same thing. At it's very disturbing because playing the guitar is my fuel since I've started 35 years ago. So you feel very awkward and that something is going really wrong with yourself.. Well that's how I feel. But the good news is that it's normal, and every musician goes thru this at what time or another. A teacher once told me, keep cool, leave the guitar alone the time it takes, and everything is going back together quickly.
Well I once almost stopped the guitar for a year in the early 2000, s, and went thru the electronic music thing (analog synths, groovebox, samplers, and all that home studio trend..). I loved it, and came back to playing the guitar even more. Which will always be my love. 😊
Maybe try buying yourself a Sampler or multitrack looper and a synth..for a while, became you'll be back to the guitar whatever happens!
Thanks man, I appreciate your words. Makes me feel a bit better about the situation. 🍻
When I’m feeling this way, I put on your videos, I put on Guthrie Trapp videos, or I watch Michael Lemmo just blow minds on some antique guitar from Normans Rare Guitars guitar of the day, or some Madison Cunningham, or other alternative tuning player. I know that I will never be able to do the things that you all do, I started too late. However, I do derive great inspiration from all of you. There are many others too. These are just t name a few.
Something else I do to get the juices flowing again is grab a completely different instrument. Harmonica (in Bb) or a Ukulele, which is similar but different. Anyways.. just to shake it up a bit. Ya know, like a reset button on our phones when they are having some issue. You could be on the verge of being in this pocket, and you just need to relax and let it happen. You are a fine musician. A good teacher. I think this “rut” will be short lived. Best of luck to ya! See ya on the next one!
Thank you William. I appreciate your words of encouragement. Also, I’m liking your suggestion as regards picking up a different instrument….🤔. Next video could be called “Paul tries piano 🤣”.
I'm feeling the same way at the moment. Best thing we can do is wake up tomorrow morning and grab a guitar and a cup of coffee and spend the morning just seeing what comes out of our hands. Thanks Paul. I needed some relatability today. Im actually more inspired now, and you will be too. Cheers
It’s funny, I took your exact advice this morning! Including the coffee. And guess what, I had a jolly good play, and learned some new jazz chord voicings from some jazz guy’s CZcams channel. Cheers Michael, and good luck with your own rut. Hope it’s passing 🤞
Hey, really enjoy your posts and playing.
Just one thing it thought I’d share with you is that classic lick you play at 15:40. If you slide into the first note rather than hammer on, it can sound a lot quicker and fluid and is easier. Expect you know that already, but thought I’d share 👍
Thanks man, I’ll give that a try 👍
Listen mate I adore your playing. Breadth, groove and fantastic feel. Plus musicality to spare. Just a blip. Get drunk.
Well thank you John! Your words make me smile. Off to get drunk 🤣🍻
Hi Paul, I do remember one of your vids you were going to camp in remote place in wild nature. May be it's time for you to return , listening to birds, wind, tree leaves, rain drops, coffee on fire, everything far from any strings and tubes and vids. Cheers Paul.
Your right Gilles… I’m gonna dust off the camping gear and spend some “me time” chopping fire wood. Thanks man
If I could play half as good as you I’ll be a happy man…..and I’ve been playing for 50 years!
Well thank you Ian, I appreciate that compliment 👍
Hi Paul, like a lot of others are saying, don't force it, it will come. Also, sorry you feel the channel is putting pressure on you - just remember, you can take a break from it. I'm sure your followers will completely understand (if any don't, they're the ones with the problem!). If it means you come back with renewed enthusiasm, it'll be worth it. I don't know about the ability of others, but I usually have to pick my jaw up after watching you play - I can only dream about playing as well as you, but..... and it is a very big but, you continue to inspire me, in the same way as watching John Mayer, Chris Buck, Brent Mason and all the others inspires me. I'm never going to be that good, but if I can just take a bit from one performance, it's worth all the struggles. Take care of yourself and I look forward to continuing to be inspired by you, whenever it may happen ☺️
It’s good to aspire to improve but there will always be players better than, and not as good as you and it’s unhelpful to compare yourself.
Just do what you love and see how far you can go - that’s all we can do.
Hey, Paul. Great lesson and you also seem to be having fun there. Great stuff! You are terrific! Thank you.
You already seem to know very well what to do to cheer you up 🍷. If all of that doesn't work, just try to have a good night of sleep, do a little exercise to start your day, also go to your favorite restaurant (even if the waitress doesn't take off her top 😁).
And if you are searching for inspiration in yours guitars or in a new guitar... why don't you buy yourself a new pedal instead? Buy a Leslie/rotary pedal or a Silicon Fuzz Face... or a rotary+fuzz... whatever you like. Oh and do you want to try something new? (I bet it is) Take a listen to Estas Tonne's Internal Flight. It's a 60 minute instrumental "flight". It always brings me joy (or The Division Bell). Take care 🫂
Doesn't matter how many people tell you are great - when you start feeling like that it's tough.
It's bad enough when you watch great players, but even worse whe you feel like that at every gig - and the other guitarist in your band just seems to nail it and you feel like you just play the same stuff over and over!
Good luck pushing through!
Thank you Paul. Sounds like you understand and have personal experience of that. Cheers, 🍻
Do what you need Paul, refresh and replenish etc. We (your loyal fans) all love you, and will await your mojo return.
don't pay attention to the lies your mind tells you, about your skill level. You are waaaaay better than you admit to yourself.
Ride it out, my friend. And the players you named are not as high above you as you tell yourself. Just keep living and whatever is lacking will present itself. Such are the mechanics of life. Keep posting regardless. If you can't post for yourself right now, post for us. Maybe your loyal followers can be an inspiration for now.
Sorry to hear you're having difficulties - you're a really great guitar player. Best advice for being in a creative rut is to put the guitar down for 10 days, stop listening to the people you normally like to listen to and try listening to something completely different. Or go on holiday somewhere - visit friends or something. Put the guitar out of your head. When you come back to it after a break it'll all come back to you, and then some. Always works for me. Also, the muscles you use to play the guitar will have had time to heal from the repetitive wear and tear so you'll actually feel like a better player.
Secondly, always remember that the players you're trying to emulate don't spend a lot of time trying to emulate other people. Brent Mason isn't trying to emulate someone else - he's just trying to be the best Brent Mason he can be. So follow that example and don't spend a lot of time to trying to sound and play like them. The best player when it comes to playing like Brent Mason is Brent Mason. No-one will ever be as good at playing like Brent Mason as Brent Mason is himself. So you're never going to be the best Brent Mason by definition - it's an impossible goal and that's why it seems depressing. But you are the best Paul Stafford Cook. Be the best Paul Stafford Cook you can be. We can all learn from other players but we have to also learn to embrace our own idiosyncrasies and the specific strengths and weaknesses that make us unique - and then try to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be. I know it sounds like a cliché but it's true!
You're a REALLY fabulous player. I come to this channel to hear you play, and to learn from you and your sound and your interpretation. I'd far rather hear you doing your thing than you trying to sound like someone else. More Paul Stafford Cook please!
Hope bounce back soon! Best wishes.
Well, nevertheless I learned a thing or two in your breakdown and that in istelf is the gift of inspiration while you may seemingly be feeling a lack of it!
These things do happen from time to time, some times it takes an abscence to come back and play something which isn't akin to walking down the same old streets.
Hope you’re back soon. I’m there most times I watch you,but,if I make one tiny step in the right direction it’s worth it.
For inspiration I recommend a medicinal cannabis session followed by listening to some of your favorite music - that's what inspires me anyways!
Well that’s a new one! A medicinal cannabis session 🤔. Thanks pharmerdavid, all advice welcome 😊🍻
Comparison is the thief of joy! It’s ironic because it’s how many of us feel about your fantastic playing compared to our own (I suspect - certainly true for me). Walking away for a while probably best… or… choosing a solo or new technique and just working through it, taking the creative pressure off, just keeping the muscle memory going and perhaps building your repertoire at the same time? Take it easy. (BtW I just got back from a camping trip… got food poisoning and pulled my back 😂)
Your awesome bud..this too will pass......👍
Thank you man, appreciated
I so, so enjoy your videos. Consider this, a beginning player may not hear the (lack of) dynamics in their playing because they are so focused on pressing the right strings in time, and plucking them to match while not playing the wrong strings and muting strings when and where necessary. That's a lot for a new player to hear and think about in real time while they are playing. They are listening and thinking about hitting the notes cleanly in time and are joyous when that happens! Then at some point, they are comfortable and their playing is more fluid. As their accuracy and timing improve their ears and thoughts are free to notice a lack of dynamics.
At that point, their physical skills aren't less, their mind is simply moving on and is more free to think about the next skill set they need to work on. Is it possible that you are at a similar, more advanced, stage in your journey? That is what your 'predicament' seems like to me. You are hearing and thinking about the next area you want to work on but that doesn't take away from where you are. You are still a fantastic and tasty player. You've become very adept at creating beautiful, genre defying pieces with a loose, freestyle feeling to them, and that is not easy. You've been very creative at thinking outside the box and using less common techniques.
Perhaps you are so comfortable now in the area of composition and arrangement that your ears can now listen for the next thing, which to your ears is pocket work. While I don't hear a pocket problem in your playing now, your playing will probably sound better to me as you work to make it sound better to you. That also speaks to where my ears are at in my journey.
If I was stuck in your rut I'd be a happy man !
Thank you Malcolm, that made me smile.
If I could play a tenth as well as Paul I'd be more than pleased with myself. He'll be rutless when next we see him.