I haven’t played since Sunday July 7, (drove from my home in T Alabama to The Florida Keys). I started my usual routine and it scared me. I chalked it up to being tired, so I stopped. I’m fully rested and about to go through my routine, I usually play at least 2hours everyday. Has anyone out there been unable to play for a few days and how long did it take to get back to where you were?
3 Likes
I think we all have some “off” days now and then, @cajarmj61 . . . 
Especially after a long trip and vacation, I’d feel tired also. But I wouldn’t worry about losing any skills you’ve developed. After a day or so, you should be right back to where you left off.
All best, Joe
2 Likes
I was surprised when I settled down and realized that the reason I sounded so bad was due to all my knobs being messed up. I use them so rarely that I forgot about them. My amp has a lot of presets that I like so I didn’t even think about adjusting them at first. I didn’t lose anything. Muscle memory is a real thing. I found my mind going the wrong note while my fingers go to the right not, although belatedly. It all works out well.
2 Likes
Haha! That’s why I reflexively check all my knobs and tune before a gig. Just because I don’t use the EQ on my bass doesn’t mean that it didn’t get bumped into…
My experience of taking time off is that it’s often a good thing! Especially later down the road, most musical development is about your mind more than your fingers, so having some time for neurons to become friends and relax can help a lot. I sometimes come back from a break stronger than ever.
Sheer speed / shred stuff does seem to degrade with time though, I probably have less shreddy slap chops now (at least in some departments) than I did when I was younger, because I’m older and wiser, and never ever ever get to do that on a gig. 
2 Likes
It comes back, don’t worry.
My bass teacher in college recommended I quit music after one particularly lackadaisical summer.
… I didn’t, by the way.
4 Likes
You are right, almost like learning to swim, it comes back quick. Another plus for music playing.
2 Likes
Haha! Was that Mel? Can’t remember if you studied with him or not.
4 Likes
Indeed it was Mel.
Gee. How’d you guess??
3 Likes
Haha, the same guy that made my mom want to give up music when she went to college there years before!
I totally practiced scale exercises on upright from a yellowed old sheet of paper that my dad got from him decades ago, too. I never actually met him, but the man left a peculiar legacy.
3 Likes
Indeed. The movie Whiplash was, while exaggerated and sensationalized, not entirely foreign to my Mel experience.
3 Likes