New video up - Creativity 101 - Let Your Instrument Guide You

[guitfnky]

Updated to include the newest!  

If you've ever felt like you wanted to step away from your instruments because it feels like you're just spinning your wheels, you shouldn't!

I just posted a new video to my YouTube channel on creativity to discuss my thoughts on why.

Check it out, and let me know what you think:

Oh, and thanks to PeterLansford for the topic.  

[guitfnky]

Oh, and thanks to PeterLansford for the topic.  

Ohhh nice topic!  I like the philosophical approach - you could probably do a creativity seminar some day!

thanks! it was fun to do. I'd love to get to the point where I could do something like that! I really enjoy helping people, and this is one of very few areas that I feel like I have enough experience to do that.

[mcatalao]

Hey man, sorry for the ruff year... 

Anyway, just to tell you you have a HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM in your studio...

[guitfnky]

haha, thanks, you're right. I noticed that too, of course, only after recording it. need to do some more tweaking to my setup still, it seems.

[hydlide]

in a way i feel your vibe your going towards. And yes, I think there is a valid point saying "you can train creativity".
In theory (this is just the psycho theory behind it all) is that the mind (brain if you will) is divided in to the "logical" brain (right I believe) and the creative brain (left I believe).

and you can basically train your brain what part to use "at that specific moment". Kind of like yoga if you will, but then for your brain.

I had my share of shrinks so I am kind of familiar with this subject. Not saying that I am the expert on brain theory though. But the point your making is valid.

Its quite similar as drawing, and you teach yourself to draw. There are different techniques to draw, but when it comes to the creative process of drawing you can teach yourself to to the creative process. I believe the same process goes with making music. "out of the boxing" thinking is just a "technique" just to be creative. While I am thinking out loud.

Regarding to the myth about having a writers block, I have mixed opinions on this one. Since it kind of depends if you are "willing" to do something creative (as you have described in the video). However, since the willing part is mostly driven by a thing called "feeling", then we get to a point of discussion, I dare not to touch... since I will get in fights with my girlfriend... more or less

Thanx for sharing the vid!

[guitfnky]

Thanks hydlide, that's exactly it!  Creativity is as much a learned skill as it is something that can just come naturally.  It's not much different than an athlete without much natural talent who can get really good at their sport by practicing.  Some people may have a higher aptitude for creativity (in the way that some athletes are just naturals at their chosen sport), and they too can get even better with more practice.

I definitely appreciate your perspective on writer's block.  To a large extent, I agree; I certainly don't think anyone should force themselves to create if they genuinely don't want to.  That got me thinking...  This may end up as my next video topic, haha!  

[3rd Floor Sound]

You mentioned not keeping up with scales, etc - starting with the second video on this page is a series that really whipped me into shape: https://www.lessonface.com/guitarworld

[Last Alternative]

Dang, 3rd floor- I never heard of that lessonface thing. Looks awesome- bookmarked!

Guitfnky -My thoughts on writers block are that it is real. I can't say how many times I sat there trying to play and come up with something but couldn't even practice my written songs and other songs! Mostly due to depression where I don't even feel like eating or going to the bathroom. When I'm depressed it gets bad. I've even lost a couple jobs over it from calling in too much. And drinking just amplifies it... anyway, save your breath guys- I've done the shrinks and pills and it's not for me. It messed me up worse.

Then there are other times when I want to write a song but just not coming up with anything worthwhile. So I don't think writers block is a myth, after trying to force myself out of it many times. But really good video and thanx for the pep talk. :t2018:

[guitfnky]

Hey, 3rd Floor, thanks for that link!  I'll be checking that out soon.  I know it's going to be good stuff since I'd already stumbled across that first video a few months ago and it has really helped with my playing.  

Last Alternative, I'm really sorry to hear about the depression.   :frown:  For whatever it's worth, I think I remember having checked out one or two of your tunes a few months back when the PUF was still up, and you definitely have some creative chops.  Just keep sticking with it (I know you will/are, since otherwise you wouldn't still be hanging around on these forums).    And of course I'm very happy to hear that you enjoyed the video!  I did end up doing another video which will probably be up tomorrow, and it touches a bit on the points that you and hydlide have made.

[hydlide]

I did end up doing another video which will probably be up tomorrow, and it touches a bit on the points that you and hydlide have made.

i'm interested in the subject matter you are willing to touch
looking forward to this

[guitfnky]

I ended up having to re-record it (because upon further review the prior version was terrible, hahaha!), and here it is:  

I hope you enjoy (and continue to share your thoughts)!  

[guitfnky]

I saw your video in my YouTube feed so I came here to respond.  I don't believe in writer's block and I totally agree.  I've been dry for a few days after submitting a remix contest track because the damn contests suck away my energy.  Anyways, despite my low state, I managed to sit down today to analyze some tracks; i did some bass design and drum sequencing too.  There is always something we can do even if it's not the next big project to make us feel high and I think it's important to practice creativity.

That is awesome to hear!  Like you say, there's always something we can do creatively, even if it's something we may think of as small.

That's how I clean my house, actually, haha!  I hate cleaning, so I try to just pick up a couple of things when I walk into another room, or just do some dusting, or just some vacuuming, etc.  It all adds up over time.  

[hydlide]

I'll have to say, this kind of came as a surprise. And I agree with most of the points your making. I love the notion of expectation. Since in a way I feel you on this one. The vibe isn't there, then blame it on the "writers" block.
On a personal note, when everything fails, I often end up with the creative process of building patches (or do some weird sampling cutting / editing). Yet, its creative, while not really making music. But it is more like extending your own library of sounds, and some day they might be useful eventually.

[guitfnky]

I'll have to say, this kind of came as a surprise. And I agree with most of the points your making. I love the notion of expectation. Since in a way I feel you on this one. The vibe isn't there, then blame it on the "writers" block.
On a personal note, when everything fails, I often end up with the creative process of building patches (or do some weird sampling cutting / editing). Yet, its creative, while not really making music. But it is more like extending your own library of sounds, and some day they might be useful eventually.

Totally agree that you can be just as productive creatively in other ways. Music is one of those rare areas in life where we can actually craft our own tools. Making a new patch, effects chain, or putting together some "found" sounds is a fantastic way to keep being creative even if you're not actively writing something.

[guitfnky]

Another new one up. This is probably more geared towards newer songwriters, but still may have some good info to keep in mind for the rest of us.

[guitfnky]

Thanks man, your feedback is much appreciated, as always!

I definitely agree that no one should always do anything, but it is certainly a great method to use when you're feeling stuck and want to get something done.