h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've been drumming for quite a while but never really been good. It could be 2 years since I last had a lesson, but I have reached a complete plateau where I'm losing motivation to play and my creativity with the drums is none existant(never had a large amount to begin with). I've started playing guitar, and getting really frustrated with being a beginner at that, and having some of the technical skills but no creativity on drums. Any suggestions for getting out of a plateau, or advice with either of the instruments?

Is it possible that it's your lack of proficiency which is causing you to feel you lack creativity? Could your lack of motivation really be a lack of people with whom to play (and bounce ideas off)?

(SEF)

I'd second what SEF says - playing music with other people can be a very good way to lift your own performance.

yeah. I got really stuck with my guitar playing. I know how you feel. I've taken up lessons for the first time and that's helped. Not only with technique but also having someone else in the room to discuss things with.

I know this might sound a bit chiched or whatever, but now when I get bored or stuck playing the same stuff I take Martin Simpson's advice. He said if ever you're stuck in a rut do something different, something you wouldn't usually do, when you play.

For example, just for the hell of it I used a different tuning on my guitar the other day (not even one in the book) and got some really interesting results. It helped to get me back into practising and learning new stuff.