When do you know it's time to lay down the guitar for good...

**smme5150** · 11.30.06, 03:27 PM

I have had no motivation to play, write, get with band mates to talk let alone practice. Just have no drive, have already sold off half my gear and am really contemplating selling the good, good stuff soon and forgeting the whole thing! nothing is new, have come to the end of the road playing wise and seem ready to move on! anyone else been through this? I don't want to make a mistake by ditching all my gear only to have to buy it all back 6 months or years later? Just woke up one day and have basically said screw it. I guess I'm not a "real musician" as Edward has said they make music until the day they die! Oh well, I'll find something else to do! Suggestions and help welcomed and asked for!!!Fire and or flame away!!! Help fellow musicians...

**theicecreamman** · 11.30.06, 03:37 PM

Hey man, I went through that about a year ago..and it go the point where I did end up selling my guitar and amp...and I have been regretting it ever since..my acoustic guitar just cant do it for me anymore and I totally regret making that move by selling all my equipment because now I am going to have to spend $2,000 to get it back...dont make the same mistake I did...just start playing again, challenge yourself to something you would play before and I hope that will get your drive back

**Rokgtar** · 11.30.06, 03:42 PM

How long have you played? What are your accomplishments (bands, recordings, just for your own pleasure)? If you are playing for your own enjoyment (the best reason IMO) then just take a break for a while and maybe sell of some of your stuff, but keep your very favorite instrument for the time that you may want to pick it back up again.

If you have hit a plateau in your development, then take a break, and afterward get yourself a few lessons, or make yourself learn a new tune/style. Find some new people to jam with. Its a good way to breathe life back into your playing...

I have played non-stop for 23 years; sometimes I get bored with it but only for short periods of time. I find playing guitar to be a stress reliever and it really is close to my heart. I would wig out if I could never play again...

**DoHalen5150** · 11.30.06, 03:55 PM

I play guitar for my own enjoyment, no real desire to get in a band, nor did I ever think I would be making albums blah blah blah. I've been playing off and on for about 13 years or so, and in that time, there were always days, months, and at one point a year or so, when I didn't pick up the guitar. Unless you need cash, I wouldn't get rid of all your gear. Keep a few guitars, amp, and your favorite pedal. Keep it simple. Let the rest go, i'm sure there will be a day when you'll have a desire to play. Ed has also said in the past where he went a year or more without even picking up the guitar.

**SactoFan** · 11.30.06, 05:07 PM

Burnout is understandable, but don't sell your stuff...you WILL regret it...

**smme5150** · 11.30.06, 05:23 PM

Played forever, 20 yrs, been super serious last 7 yrs. CD, gigs, lessons etc. I've tried a few teachers to "jump-start" my creativity but nothing. Just seem to have lost the will all together to play. I have all my gear just sitting in rehearsal space collecting dust.Probably got $3000 worth of crap just sitting. Wouldn't you sell it?

**FatStrat85** · 11.30.06, 06:30 PM

No.

**Bugs Meanie** · 11.30.06, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by smme5150

Played forever, 20 yrs, been super serious last 7 yrs. CD, gigs, lessons etc. I've tried a few teachers to "jump-start" my creativity but nothing. Just seem to have lost the will all together to play. I have all my gear just sitting in rehearsal space collecting dust.Probably got $3000 worth of crap just sitting. Wouldn't you sell it?

Maybe you got too "serious" with it. Take a year off or so (your gear's worth shouldn't depreciate) and see if you have any desire to play in the future. If after a year you have zero desire to even pick it up, cash out and use the money on a new hobby or profession. It would be too bad cuz it sounds like that would be music's loss but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

I've been a couch player for 19 years and I'll probably play on and off for the rest of my life. I practice or jam maybe 2 hours or so a week total. I consider myself intermediate at best (only cuz I've been playing so long) but I have a ball with it. If I devoted a lot more time to it I could be better but may lose interest.

**DoHalen5150** · 11.30.06, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by smme5150

Played forever, 20 yrs, been super serious last 7 yrs. CD, gigs, lessons etc. I've tried a few teachers to "jump-start" my creativity but nothing. Just seem to have lost the will all together to play. I have all my gear just sitting in rehearsal space collecting dust.Probably got $3000 worth of crap just sitting. Wouldn't you sell it?

What do you have maybe i'll take something off your hands??

**vistadelrey** · 11.30.06, 09:01 PM

if your convictions are real than what the hell difference is it going to make (in the short run) to sell anything?

roll with your feelings here and put the guitar down. don't sell it.

if ya gotta do something drastic cuz you are just like that then lend it to somebody. somebody who is fresh and energetic for example.

My guitar is in the corner until it calls me. I'll never sell it. it's there like a buddy.

**muffdiver** · 12.01.06, 12:35 AM

Originally Posted by smme5150

I have had no motivation to play, write, get with band mates to talk let alone practice. Just have no drive, have already sold off half my gear and am really contemplating selling the good, good stuff soon and forgeting the whole thing! nothing is new, have come to the end of the road playing wise and seem ready to move on! anyone else been through this? I don't want to make a mistake by ditching all my gear only to have to buy it all back 6 months or years later? Just woke up one day and have basically said screw it. I guess I'm not a "real musician" as Edward has said they make music until the day they die! Oh well, I'll find something else to do! Suggestions and help welcomed and asked for!!!Fire and or flame away!!! Help fellow musicians...

..

**Wolfgang_'99** · 12.02.06, 04:42 PM

How can you NOT LOVE TO PLAY GUITAR. Keep doing it for music's sake!!

**Rebel67** · 12.02.06, 08:57 PM

Keep the guitar handy for a week or so, watch a ton of DVDS. ( VH, LYNCH, RANDY, HENDRIX, SRV, KISS ZEPPELIN etc) Every time I watch these bands, it's only a short while later the draw to my guitar starts to build. Go see a show. Get off your computer and back into real life. Catch a band. Jam with someone. Set a goal for yourself so playing has more meaning for you.
(even if it's just jamming one song with someone at a open mike) You will be surprised what interaction with others and the applause from a crowd will do for you. You also have to see what OTHER motivations are to selling your gear....Christmas is coming?,,,scrounging for extra $$?.....payment on storage unit?

Just remember that you can only get out of playing guitar what you put into it. Go into a local popular music store and plug in, turn up the juice and watch for kids to turn their heads...that excitement in their eyes was what drew YOU a long time ago and you just have to find your way back. Good Luck.

**Wolfgang_'99** · 12.03.06, 11:54 AM

Ya what he said.

**Pumpkinhead** · 12.03.06, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by smme5150

Played forever, 20 yrs, been super serious last 7 yrs. CD, gigs, lessons etc. I've tried a few teachers to "jump-start" my creativity but nothing. Just seem to have lost the will all together to play. I have all my gear just sitting in rehearsal space collecting dust.Probably got $3000 worth of crap just sitting. Wouldn't you sell it?

NO FUCKING WAY!!!!!!! Listen man, I've been playing since I was a kid, you're gonna have times when you don't feel like doing anything!!! I personally own about 20-30k in Audio/Video Recording & editing gear, Keyboards, computer recording, multi track, stereo, all kinds of hi end gear. There's been times when I didn't touch anything for over a year or so! You just need a break! When you feel like jammin again, you'll be GLAD that you still have it! Trust me! I sold some stuff back about 10 years ago, for the same reasons you're thinking of, and I STILL kick myself for doing it!!!! Some pieces I've bought back. Some I wish I still had! However, it's really up to you. Sit on it for a year or two before you decide to sell it or not would be my advice to you!
Hope that helps!