The Record Button Phenomenon

[Bryce-AKguitar]

I just responded to Duffy P’s comment on his challenge post about “The Record Button Phenomenon” and want to share something with you all I learned this last video recording session for the EP079 Christmas Challenge that might be helpful to you.

I am a detail oriented person and somewhat of a perfectionist. But I have learned doing these challenges and videos in general that there is such a thing as “good enough”. It doesn’t mean you won’t play it better later, but these videos are a small snap shot of where you are at that very moment. They are great to look back on and see your progress.

I am floored that I played this challenge up to tempo. I even stated in a previous post that I wasn’t going to play with the jam track. Then I thought, “What the hell…I will give it a whirl.” I usually do many many takes (~15-30+) when I do videos. But something happen on this recording session that made it go much smoother than all of my previous videos recording sessions. I think when the record button is on we get stressed out about messing up, which in turn makes us mess up.

I did two takes and during the third take I could feel me tense up and start to get mad that my fingers were not cooperating. At that moment I wasn’t having fun.

I instantly remembered my advice I give members on this forum when they are frustrated with their progress on a piece or playing in general. I tell them to have fun. I mean that is one of the main reason I play guitar is because it is fun.

So middle of take three I just played and had fun, and stop caring if I messed up. I got into the music and stopped caring about recording or playing perfect. Then I did two more takes with this carefree, fun attitude and I set a new record of nailing a video in 5 takes!!!

We are very fortunately that our forum is about the most accepting and supportive place on the internet for learning how to play the guitar. So when the record button goes on, don’t get wrapped up in trying to play everything perfect, make sure you are having fun making music and your heart and soul will shine through your music.

And if all else fails, where a silly Santa hat and your playing will get a whole lot less serious. 🙂

Happy Picking Everyone!

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[Vojtech]

Noted 🙂

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[Duffy P]

Once I have a take that I think is acceptable, I find it much easier to relax and maybe get one that is better or even pretty good. The advice to have fun is good, but easier said than done. One thing I think I need to do is to force myself to do full takes, even if I hit a gaffe. Often, an error while playing isn’t that big of a deal on playback.

[Bryce-AKguitar]

One thing I think I need to do is to force myself to do full takes, even if I hit a gaffe. Often, an error while playing isn’t that big of a deal on playback.

This is true. That is where I force myself to finish unless it is such a bad goof that I stop playing.

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[scattercreek]

Yes, I agree with Bryce. I feel very relaxed with the Santa hat. Now could someone please hand me my guitar and music stand.

Gene

Gene

[Author]

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