If I could count the amount of times I felt stuck while trying to make progress, I’d lose count just trying to think about how many times that has happened! It’s not the greatest feeling when you’re working so hard to complete a task and you cannot find your way around it. Today, I‘m going to talk about three ways you can overcome this issue. Sure, I’d say that are way more than three solutions, but for the sake of not making this way too long, we’re going to focus on these three.
Simplify the part. If you’re just not getting it and it is testing your patience and your will to continue, why not make things a little bit easier on you? I’ve had many times on many instruments where I was just not clicking with the part, a guitar lead, a piano part or a drum fill. I had to tell myself, “Okay, this has to get done, so what I can I do that will make it easier on myself and I will have something to show for at rehearsals?” I made it simple for myself, sure it hurts my pride, but I least I have something to bring to the table. The difference may not be all that drastic either, it could be one note that makes all the difference. Do what you need to to have confidence in yourself. Also, don’t forget to communicate with your leader on whatever struggle you may be having. Which leads us to…
Counsel your headship. Let them know what’s going on, communicate, perhaps find a solution together. Don’t be afraid to say, hey I’m just not getting it, am I missing something? Is there something that I need to work on? Bounce ideas off of each other and this can definitely help you grow both as a musician and with your leader. This can develop trust and a relationship. That way, when you have something that you’re finding trouble with, you aren’t coming to your leader in weakness, but in trust and seeking guidance. Also, leaders be welcoming to your members with their struggles. Nothing more of a struggle than a member with an issue and a leader who is not approachable.
Finally, keep trying. As blunt as that might sound, it helps. Perseverance can be your greatest tool in times like these. You’d be surprised how many times after trying and trying and trying at some point it all makes sense. There have been times where I went the “simple” route and rather sooner than later, the actual part just clicked with me. Or, try going the simple route and come back to the struggle you had after some time has passed, things will just make sense. I also pride myself on learning everything by ear and sometimes that can be my downfall, that’s when I lower my pride and open up guitar tutorials on youtube and that is perfectly fine. Learn whichever way you can. Your goal is to progress and grow.
I hope that this has been of some help and you can find your way out of struggling with a song!
-AO
anhonestsound.com 