Guitar players, how long is too long of a break for you?

[OldSchool_Metalhead]

When you dont pick up the six-stringer for a bit, how much of that time does it take for your fingers to not be as used to it anymore? Does it even happen to you?

Its only been a few days since last time i played and tonight my playing feels sloppy as hell smh.

[FunkyMonkee]

It could just be your mind-set. I've been playing drums all my life but haven't touched them in almost 3 years yet, if I set them up here in the basement, I could jump right back in the saddle without batting an eye!! There's songs my band haven't touched since the early `80's that I can still play flawlessly!!
Also, I'm used to my stage set which is only 9-pieces with 6 cymbals. Just before I lost the "ability" to play them 3 years sago, I added 4 more drums to the set and and could still play using the extras without any hassle. Eventually, I'll add the 5-piece Simmons drums and possibly the 12-piece V-Drums to it.

[OldSchool_Metalhead]

Sounds epic!

[FunkyMonkee]

Thanks!

[ChrisOfTheAlienRace]

Sometimes I get tired of playing guitar and my fingers being all covered in calluses and I quit playing for a few years.
Then when I try to play again I can barely remember any songs. I definitely don't remember which chords to play, or the picking parts. Then eventually the more I play, my fingers automatically start to figure them out. It's cool because I literally can't remember the songs but my muscle memory can once I find the beginning of it.
Of course I never get them all back and I've forgotten so many songs that it's sad.

[LazerBean]

My fingers start getting soft again after a week or two. For playing to get sloppy I would say a month or two.

[Bricealan]

Funny you say that, because my violin feels the same way!

[OldSchool_Metalhead]

I betcha it can be that way with any stringed instrument! Lol

[Bricealan]

I'm sure it is. The violin is especially difficult for me, but I have only had about 10 Lessons from a REAL instructor.

[OldSchool_Metalhead]

I've never had any instructor. Only have learned from youtube and books and stuff. Its damn tough but once you get good at it you have an even bigger sense of accomplishment knowing you got to that level from teaching yourself.

[Bricealan]

I started on YouTube, learning to play "A Major Scale" and went from there with instructors.

[MysticDevice]

Well I do own a guitar but I haven't exactly learned how to play it yet lol. I gotta figure out the drums first

[OldSchool_Metalhead]

I've only been able to make a simple beat on drums lol

[MysticDevice]

Yeah same here lol. Guitar is even worse.

[BCRanger10]

It's been a very long time. At least a year 😞