What to do when you’re bored of mandolin?

So, you’re a mandolin player who’s feeling a bit lackluster lately? This is something all musicians can feel now and again. But, I’ve got some good news for you! There are actually ways to get your mojo back and start playing like the musical god(dess) you were born to be.

In my upcoming blog post, I’m going to share some tips and tricks for shaking off that feeling of boredom and reigniting your passion for the instrument.

But here’s the thing, folks. You can’t just sit back and wait for inspiration to strike. Sometimes you’ve got to take matters into your own hands and force yourself to practice, even when you’re not feeling it. It’s not always going to be easy, but trust me, it’s worth it.

So, get ready to take some notes and start strumming like you mean it. Because with a little bit of effort and a whole lot of practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the mandolin player you were always meant to be.

Break it down

When it comes to learning the mandolin, there’s no doubt about it – at times it can be a real slog. Sometimes it feels like you’re banging your head against a wall, and no matter how much time and effort you put in, you’re just not seeing the results you want.

But here’s the thing – breaking it down is the key to success. It’s all about setting achievable goals and focusing on the smaller, more manageable steps that will get you there.

Think about it like this. You wouldn’t climb a mountain all in one go, would you? Of course not! You’d break it down into smaller sections and take breaks along the way. It’s the same thing with mandolin playing. By breaking down your practice into smaller tasks and focusing on achievable goals, you can make the process of learning feel less daunting and more achievable.

Maybe it’s mastering a specific chord progression, or working on your picking technique. Whatever it is, focus on breaking it down into smaller steps and working towards that goal bit by bit. Before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the mandolin and feeling like a virtuoso.

Mix it up

One of the best ways to reignite your passion for the mandolin is to try something new. Whether it’s experimenting with different genres of music, learning new picking patterns, or playing with fellow musicians, mixing it up can give you a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of motivation.

For example, if you typically play bluegrass or folk music, why not try exploring some classical pieces or jazz standards? Or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you could experiment with some non-traditional techniques, like playing with a slide or experimenting with alternate tunings.

The key is to challenge yourself and try new things. By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you’ll give yourself a chance to grow and improve as a mandolin player. And who knows, you might even discover a new genre or technique that you absolutely love.

Set goals

Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Goals, schmoals. I just want to play my mandolin and have fun!” But here’s the thing – setting goals doesn’t have to be a chore. It’s all about finding a balance between challenging yourself and having fun.

Maybe your goal is to master a particular technique or learn a new piece of music. Or maybe it’s to play with a particular group or perform in front of an audience. Whatever it is, make it specific, achievable, and most importantly, something that you genuinely care about.

The key is to break down your goal into smaller, more manageable steps, and then create a plan of action to achieve them. Maybe that means practicing for a certain amount of time each day, or taking lessons with a more experienced player. Whatever it takes, make a plan and stick to it.

And here’s the really exciting part – when you start achieving your goals, it can be incredibly motivating and inspiring. Suddenly, practicing your mandolin isn’t just about going through the motions – it’s about actively working towards something that you care about.

Find a community

Finding a community musicians can be incredibly helpful when you’re feeling bored and uninspired with your playing. It can be lonely when you’re the only one wanting to jam, and that loneliness can lead to a loss of motivation.

Connecting with mandolin players and other musicians in general can help to reignite your passion and inspire you to keep practicing. Seeing other players who are passionate about their instrument and making progress can be incredibly motivating and inspiring. You’ll have the opportunity to share tips and techniques, learn from more experienced players, and get feedback on your playing.

Being part of a community can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. You’ll have the chance to share your love of the mandolin with like-minded individuals, make new friends, and maybe even perform together.

So if you’re feeling bored and unmotivated with your mandolin playing, consider seeking out a community of fellow players. Whether it’s joining a local music group, attending a workshop or festival, or connecting with other players online, there are plenty of opportunities to find like-minded individuals who share your passion for the instrument.

Being part of a community can help you learn and grow as a mandolin player, and remind you of the joy and passion that drew you to the mandolin in the first place. And who knows, maybe you’ll even find your musical soulmate and start a band together

Take a break

The mandolin can be a beautiful instrument, but sometimes practicing can become boring and uninspiring. It’s easy to think that you need to keep pushing through, but sometimes the best thing you can do is take a break.

Here’s the science behind it: when you practice a skill, like playing the mandolin, your brain forms and strengthens neural connections. But, just like a muscle, your brain needs time to rest and recharge. Taking a break from practicing allows your brain to process the information you’ve learned and create new connections.

Additionally, taking a break can help prevent burnout and boredom. When you’re feeling uninspired, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, playing the same tunes repeatedly without making progress. Stepping back and taking a break can give you the time you need to rest and recharge, so you can come back to your practice with renewed energy and focus.

So, don’t be afraid to take a break when you’re feeling bored or uninspired with your mandolin playing. It can help your brain consolidate the information you’ve learned and give you a fresh perspective on your practice. Who knows, you might even come back with some new ideas and riffs to incorporate into your playing.

Look for inspiration

One powerful tool for reigniting your motivation is seeking out inspiration.

There are many ways to find inspiration when it comes to playing the mandolin. Experimenting with new playing techniques, playing in a different location or at a different time of day, and using a different pick are all great ways to approach your playing in a new and creative way. These small changes can help you feel inspired and energized, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.

In addition to experimenting with new approaches to playing, don’t underestimate the power of the world around you to provide inspiration. Taking a walk, observing the natural world, or watching people interact can all be great sources of inspiration for your mandolin playing. You could also try listening to new music or attending live performances of different genres to help expand your musical horizons and inspire new approaches to your mandolin playing.

Reflect on your motivation

It’s an odd thing, feeling uninspired. One minute you’re strumming away on your mandolin, the next you’re staring at the wall, wondering where all the magic went. It’s like someone’s stolen your mojo and left you with nothing but a wooden box and a pile of regrets.

But here’s the thing – there’s always a reason behind the boredom. It might be that you’re not challenging yourself enough, or that you’ve lost sight of your original goal. Maybe you need to switch things up a bit, or try a new genre of music. The point is, you need to look deep inside and figure out what’s causing the ennui.

Reflecting on your motivation can help you do just that. It’s like shining a light in the darkest corner of your mind and saying, “Hey, what’s going on here?” By reminding yourself why you started playing mandolin in the first place, you can reignite that spark of passion and curiosity.

So take a moment to think. Why did you start playing mandolin? Was it to impress a lover, or to write your own music? Did you dream of playing in a bluegrass band, or did you just want to learn a new skill? Whatever the reason, hold onto it like a lifeline. Use it to propel yourself forward and break through that wall of boredom.

It won’t be easy, of course. Boredom has a way of creeping back in, like a bad habit you can’t shake. But if you keep reflecting on your motivation, if you keep digging deep and finding new reasons to love the mandolin, you’ll get there in the end. And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be strumming away, lost in the music, and you’ll look back on this moment and realize that it was all worth it.

Feeling unmotivated when playing the mandolin is a common experience that many musicians face. However, by taking a step back and reflecting on your motivation, setting realistic goals, and incorporating new techniques and music genres into your practice routine, you can reignite your passion and get back on track towards improving your skills.

Remember that every musician experiences ups and downs in their journey, and it’s okay to take breaks and reassess your approach. The most important thing is to stay committed to your goals and continue to find joy in the process of making music. Keep practicing, stay curious, and most importantly, have fun!