hi every one, well i have been playing guitar for about 16 months now and i have recently become bored with my playing. i practice for about two hours every day and mostly i practive improv and diffrent songs of my own creation. not to brag but i am a pretty decent player. i have tried learning some new songs to stay interested but that has not helped. (i learned cowboys from hell and medicine man by pantera in two days).what would you suggest i do to keep interested? thanks

Try learning some theory or a new technique to freshen up improv jams. Learn to sweep, learn some massive legato shape, learn to incorporate taps, learn some new scales and try to incorporate them into your progressions.

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look for new ways to play then. 16 months isnt really long enough in my opinion, but if you are really bored of your playing style, find a new way to play guitar. Mess with chord shapings, fretting styles, hybrid picking. Theres a lot of stuff to do.

When I get bored of guitar, I get bored. This means, I walk away from it and I dont play it again until I really feel I want to. You may benefit from taking some time off from it and then come back to it when it calls you.

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Make songs. Thats what pushed my guitar playing as far as it has, not to mention allows you to be creative and test new skills you've learned. Work on recording guitar as well. If you start from the beginning you'll look back one day and be like damn i sucked major ass. But whats cool is you have all the recordings to show you're progress.

At least i did for me. =)

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There are many threads on this, so search.

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I don't wanna sound harsh or be really un-helpful but if your bored of guitar after 16 months its probaly not your instrument. Find something that can keep you interested.

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thanks guys, i can tap, i am working on sweeping arpeggios all that was mentioned already, by bored i dont mean ready to give up just tired of doing the same kinds of things every time (if that makes sense)

What do you find fun to play? I've been playing ages but I'm not really as good as I could be, I play about 5 hours a week, sometimes less, sometimes more. I find if I set a certain time limit I do get bored. I really enjoy playing Led Zep stuff or Cannibal Corpse stuff, I like a good "death metal work-out" to get me sweating but I like also to chill out every now and then and just play some simple, fun acoustic stuff to change the routine. Check out Nile, Cannibal Corpse, Necrophagist etc...

take a break from guitar for a while. Fucking playing 2 hours a day...god damn I'm a lazy bastard. I'm lucky if I get like 3 hrs a week, but I also have school so I get busy with that shit.

Also play some Toxik. That shit is fucking fun and technical.

Can you play the solo(s) for cowboys from hell and that other pantera song? If not maybe try to learn those...also learn some Iron Maiden like the trooper, wasted years, ace's high, and moonchild.

but my best suggestion is to just take a fucking brake, you sound like you are uninspired to play rather than bored. I get that way sometimes (especially the summer) and I just quit playing for a couple of days or until I'm sitting there listen to something and go, "fuck yeah I want to rock the fuck out."

oh and last suggestion. Maybe try learning to sing and play at the same time. That is a fucking blast! I would suggest Seek & Destroy by metallica because it is easy and fun! Also play along with the songs you know. When I do it, it makes me feel like I'm in front of a shitload of people and just destroying on stage. Hmmm yes...

Enjoy.

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There was onece an AWESOME thread made just for this purpose... heheh

http://metaltabs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19488

What gear do you use???

You can reach a level where you don't feel you're getting anywhere.
Having a strict regime where you practice x number of hours a day on your own can make it become a chore and that can lead to lethargy and apathy.
Try learning a different style or genre.
Get out there and jam with other guitarists, bass players, drummers etc Nothing can get you re-invigorated than playing a riff and having a whole band back you up! Playing with others will give you the opportunity to see other's styles and techniques, tips and advice.

Write your own tunes as has been suggested.
Why not tab some tunes!

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Well I have lots of fun playing guitar, but sometimes I don't have the urge to play.

In these times I compose, visit this forum, look up info. I've never not wanted to play guitar for more than 2 days, so I guess im lucky.

Me too,Ive never gone more than 2 days unless I have too.

If you want to really amp up your playing, learn some Charlie Parker.