David Horovitz
Mar-07-2005, 2:09pm
I know this isn't a new subject but I wanted to vent a little frustration and perhaps solicit some advice.
In a jam yesterday I kept finding myself getting all tripped up, struggling to play through fiddle tunes I know well and getting very little volume from my mando. A couple of players were more accomplished and the tempo was at times a little faster than I'd like. I know the issue is death grip, with both my fretting and picking hands. I think the source of it is some performance anxiety. But try as I might, I couldn't relax and just play like I know I can.
The frustrating part is that I practice a lot of drills and tunes using a metronome, starting slowing and gradually increasing the tempo to 'normal' playing speed, careful that both hands are still loose and my tone and volume are still good. Of course, this is in the comfort of my own home. But I still do okay playing with one or two others I know. But whenever I'm in a larger jam situation, the death grip sets in like quick dry cement. Maybe I need to drink a few beers before jamming #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Anyone else struggle with this or recall how you overcame it?
In a jam yesterday I kept finding myself getting all tripped up, struggling to play through fiddle tunes I know well and getting very little volume from my mando. A couple of players were more accomplished and the tempo was at times a little faster than I'd like. I know the issue is death grip, with both my fretting and picking hands. I think the source of it is some performance anxiety. But try as I might, I couldn't relax and just play like I know I can.
The frustrating part is that I practice a lot of drills and tunes using a metronome, starting slowing and gradually increasing the tempo to 'normal' playing speed, careful that both hands are still loose and my tone and volume are still good. Of course, this is in the comfort of my own home. But I still do okay playing with one or two others I know. But whenever I'm in a larger jam situation, the death grip sets in like quick dry cement. Maybe I need to drink a few beers before jamming #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Anyone else struggle with this or recall how you overcame it?