3 Ways To Get Out A Piano Rut
Do you feel like you’re in a piano rut?
Do you ever feel stuck or sick of the way you sound?
Don’t worry it’s common.
I’ve experienced it too. But there are some tricks to break free.
So, today I want to share with you 3 things I do to get out of a rut.
1. How Guitarists Can Teach You New Piano Tricks
When you’re stuck, your hands play the same shapes over & over again.
The good news is there’s an easy way to make your hands do new things.
Learn licks from guitarists and sax players.
Guitars & saxes are shaped very different than piano. So, they play patterns differently than you do on piano. It’s just basic physics.
I’ve picked up so many fresh shapes from Wes Montgomery (guitarist) & Charlie Parker (sax player).
They’re playing “normal” shapes for their instruments.
But, on piano they’re uncommon, fresh, & exciting.
In fact, my whole “turn 1 lick into 10,000 licks” strategy that I teach in The Jazz Masters Method was inspired by Wes & Charlie.
2. Einstein’s Piano Practice Law
Einstein said it best, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over & over and expecting different results.”
If you’re practicing the same thing over & over then you’ll eventually get bored.
Put lots of new exercises in your routine.
What should you do instead? Try some new tunes, new jazz chord progressions, new jazz scales etc. etc. Do new!
If you need help building a new smart practice routine, then just follow the step by step plan I lay out in the Zero To Jazz Piano Hero Course.
It’s designed to teach you essential jazz chords & songs you love in 30-60 days. Plug & play.
3. The Prince & The Pauper Piano Drama
Are you a prince in the key of C? But, a dreadful pauper in the key of C#?
If you said yes, you need to fix this weakness asap.
You must be able to play in every key or you’re going to cause yourself grief.
So, if you’re feeling “blocked” this is a perfect opportunity for you to start exploring new keys.
When you transpose you can’t just rely off muscle memory anymore.
Your ear & brain have to work.
And both of those are critical parts of creative development.
You can’t get into a rut if what you’re playing feels new!
Learn to transpose. It will pay off big time.
Need help transposing? We have an entire masterclass inside Premium Membership that’ll show you how to easily master any song, lick, or pattern in all 12 keys.
You can get instant access right inside the Premium Library here.
Alright got to go practice for my gig tomorrow. Keep working on your playing and take action.
Steve “Variety Is The Spice Of Life” Nixon
P.S. I also find exercise causes my brain to restart it’s creative process. That’s why I hire a personal trainer to keep me fit.
If you’re a coach potato go take a walk around the block. You’ll feel better mentally & physically.
Speaking of which, if you want some musical accountability & 1 on 1 coaching, I encourage you to apply for the Jazz Inner Circle here <==
