Not every day is 5*!

Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we talk about a concept I heard from a fitness professional that can easily apply here..."not every day is going to be 5 stars". That is, the results of ur work in the shed in any given day is going to vary...not only because of ur ability, but because of so many other external factors. The key is to understand this, revel in the good times and work through the frustrating times. Each day you show up to shed, ur putting "money in the bank". It may not always feel that way, but believe me u are. Consistency is the key here. I know, I know it can get frustrating some times...I've been there more times than I can count.  It is actually happening in the shed for me right now! As I said above, a bad day/week/month in the shed is not a measure if ur ability or intelligence (actually @jeffberlin wrote an insightful article on this back in the day in Guitar Player Magazine...pre Bass Player). It is part of the process. Ask any athlete or scientist! Ok, as always, how? First and foremost..CALM THE F### DOWN! Understand, ur in for the long haul and nothing worthwhile comes quickly. If ur having a bad day, step back, evaluate and redirect. Maybe u need to simplify or slow down what ur doing that day or move on to another subject. Maybe u need to take a break...walk the dog..get some food...then come back. Maybe u need to just work through it. Maybe u need some clarification from a teacher, friend or colleague...find out what works.  Remember, it is NOT a value judgement on u as a musician! I have had many students STRUGGLE in the woodshed, but shine in performance due to the work they put in..however frustrating. Isn't that the goal? Nobody asks the winning team how their practices went. All they care is that they won the game! Woodshed is a means to an end...use it as such! Work toward the longterm goals and don't sweat the bumps along the way! As always, I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #uptonbassstringinstrumentcompany #laklandbasses #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons