It may be tempting to think that playing guitar is indulgent during challenging times, or you may feel that you don’t have enough mental or physical energy to practice. Those things may be true, but it’s also possible that there are options for engagement you may not have considered. You have a relationship with your guitar and there are plenty of ways to give and receive in that relationship. And, as in any good relationship, you will always feel the most fulfilled when you answer authentically to the moment.

First, Tend Your Body

Before you decide what you want to do with your guitar during times when you’re off kilter, consider your body. If the challenge you’re facing includes physical discomfort, you’ll need to tend to that first. That may mean taking the time to do some stretching and breathing before picking up your guitar, or it may mean postponing playing until it’s safe to hold your guitar correctly.

If you need to postpone playing, don’t walk away from music altogether. Spend some time listening to your favorite artists or watching videos of inspiring musicians. If you have sufficient mental energy, do some ear training or practice constructing chords or scales.

Once you gather the energy to pick up your guitar, there are a few approaches you can take to turn things around in both your state of mind and your playing.

Calm and Soothe Your Nervous System

When you’re feeling distraught, playing simple, soothing songs is good therapy. Once I land on the right song for the moment, I usually play it over and over again in a loop until I feel my emotions shift. If you’re at a loss for the right song for your mood, you can probably find it in my free e-book, The World Still Needs These Songs. It not only contains moving and inspiring songs, it also links to some great performances of those songs on YouTube.

Release

Want a safe and healthy way to get your emotions out? Find a place away from other people where you can make some noise with your guitar! Turn up the amp. Put some punch into your strumming. Belt out your vocals. You might even want to make up your own song that expresses what you most need to say.

Corral Your Thoughts

Sometimes you don’t feel angry or sad or even tired, but your mind just won’t settle down. At those times, choose an engrossing challenge that will enable you to focus for a while. Think of it like time with a puzzle. You don’t have to make any decisions—just solve the puzzle.

The worksheets in A Guitar Player’s Guide to Music Theory are perfect for puzzle days. And on those days when you feel creatively inspired again, you’ll have more tools to work with. Magic!

Share the Good Stuff

Do you find yourself making positive or uplifting sounds? Share them! We could all use a lift!

Organize a jam, head to an open mic, or just serenade your dog or cat. When you spread joy, it comes back to you!

Let Your Guitar Be Your Partner

Remember, your guitar is there in good times and bad. If you haven’t already forged a bond that encompasses both, now’s a good time to do that.

I spoke about that bond in a recent  podcast. And, for your enjoyment, here’s James Taylor singing about it!