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Author Topic: Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?  (Read 7559 times)

Lydian

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Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?
« on: April 18, 2016, 03:08:44 am »
I've been thinking lately. When I improvise on an instrument I don't really think consciously about what I'm doing. I just do it. When I start to think about things I start making mistakes.

I've noticed the same thing when writing music. I write my best stuff when I'm not really thinking about anything. I just do it. When I start to think about stuff I begin to second guess myself and analyze things far too much.

Do you guys think that the conscious mind can be a barrier? Particularly by overthinking things and analyzing too much instead of just doing things and not really giving a crap as to "WHY" things work?

I mean... even with engineering. I heard Avicii never even knew what a compressor did from a technical perspective for a very long time. He just sort of heard how it would affect the sound and trusted his ears.
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Mussar

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Re: Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2016, 03:14:59 am »
A lot of engineering is experiential - you can only effectively utilize the theory when put into practical usage, since each application will require different rules. With instruments, it's just like any other skill - you practice the mundane, monotonous, rudimentary aspects so much that they become second nature to you so you don't have to think. So in both situations, trying to be proactive instead of reactive is going against the grain.

It's important to know the material, but only if the knowledge lets you think less, not more.
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mrotsdnaS - eduraD

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Re: Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2016, 03:32:34 am »
Completely man, sometimes your mind becomes your worst enemy.

There are days where I feel like I can write out an entire symphony and end world hunger all at the same time.. Then there are days where I can barely get past writing out a simple melody without aimlessly editing it for hours until I either can't sleep because of the burnout or just give up and chuck the idea.

 I think its just better to have a few good sessions where you achieve a good flow and then save the thinking for when you need to polish things up. Or if you're jamming and frustrated putting the guitar down for the day.

I would probably be much happier with myself as a musician/producer if I could control the urge to fight past those mental barriers but sometime its like an itch that you just have to scratch.
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Wontolla

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Re: Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2016, 03:37:35 am »
Would lucid dreaming help? Technically you're unconscious the whole time, and I've heard people use it to write.
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Lydian

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Re: Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2016, 04:42:48 am »
It would be a bit impractical only because I can't lucid dream and I would spend too much time sleeping.  ;D
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FarleyCZ

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Re: Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2016, 10:21:10 pm »
Totally. In my case even on the most micro level you can find. Need topline melody? I'll jamm ten good ones, but once the record button is on, little doubt sneaks in:
"Would this actually work? Is that right? *...there goes first mistake.* Don't worry about it, you can fix that, it's midi. So, would it work?
Wouldn't d# be better? *...now I'm playing total bullshit.* ...wait a moment, how that melody went?" ...aaaand the idea is over.

I wonder if for example getting drunk or stoned would actually help with this. :D
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Marrow Machines

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Re: Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2016, 10:27:51 pm »
Quote from: FarleyCZ on April 18, 2016, 10:21:10 pm
I wonder if for example getting drunk or stoned would actually help with this. :D

No, that helps when you've already gotten your ideas down.

You can generate new ideas, but it's tough to remember when intoxicated lol.

i always found my music was shit when ever i played stoned or drunk.

But, if i wanted to see how it sounded drunk/stoned, then i can jam out to it...

But, i wouldn't do stuff while inebriated. But do w/e lol, i know my way.
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mrotsdnaS - eduraD

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Re: Is The Conscious Mind A Barrier?
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2016, 04:52:24 am »
Quote from: FarleyCZ on April 18, 2016, 10:21:10 pm
Totally. In my case even on the most micro level you can find. Need topline melody? I'll jamm ten good ones, but once the record button is on, little doubt sneaks in:
"Would this actually work? Is that right? *...there goes first mistake.* Don't worry about it, you can fix that, it's midi. So, would it work?
Wouldn't d# be better? *...now I'm playing total bullshit.* ...wait a moment, how that melody went?" ...aaaand the idea is over.

I wonder if for example getting drunk or stoned would actually help with this. :D

Nailed the description on this one... good job haha
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