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Hi All
Do I have a problem
I've noticed that my practice sessions go much better after a scotch and cola or two. Three is detrimental, but just a little seems to relax me and things go better 
The problem with this is that it doesn't make practice sessions before 6.00 in the evening seem right
What do you all reckon?
Cheers
John
Seen it all. Done it all. Can't remember most of 
..... What was I saying???? 
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LOL,
Very normal. This is because you relax after a drink or two.
The best is to learn to be just as relaxed without the drink. Easier said than done.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Well, only you can really decide if it is a problem or not.
As someone who doesn't know you at all, I would say that since it limits the time that it feels right to practice, it may at least be something that holds you back a bit if you let it become a pattern to not play before having a drink. The easy solution is to play before that sometimes even if it doesn't feel as relaxed. You may learn different things in those different sessions.
Music can be very sensitive to even little things. If I skip breakfast before practising in the morning, I don't play as well. Much as I am fond of coffee, if I have too many cups over my usual amount, my hands and other muscles tense and I screw up more often.
So I think it is very possible that it makes a difference for you. The big question would maybe be if you are ok with possibly training yourself to not play as well before a drink and as such also possibly limiting the times of day you can play at?
"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman
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I agree with most of the above. I find the same thing that you do, John. A glass of wine makes me relaxed and often I seem to play better (or I think I do). But, I don't want to limit my practice times to when the sun is over the yard arm nor do I want to make my performance dependent on having a libation.
I agree with Daniel that many things can influence performance. The other night I played right after eating dinner and it seemed to affect my playing. The food had been too heavy and too garlicky and that was distracting.
Wait...are you supposed to wait a half hour after eating before playing?
When the work's all done and the sun's settin' low,
I pull out my fiddle and I rosin up the bow.
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Well, I don't think you'll get cramps if you practice too soon after eating, KindaScratchy. LOL
Or at the worst, they'd most likely be in your hands and not too life-threatening. 
"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman
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I tend to lean more towards what Barry says. A few beers during a jam session with friends it just for fun, but I believe all the hard work is during practice. Like football. You have fun during the game, but all the real works comes out of practice. So enjoy your drinks when you're there for fun, but during the learning time, stay focused on the art.
Unless you are REALLY thirsty...
"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its entire life believing that it is stupid." -Albert Einstein
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Wish I could have a beer but one and I'd be falling asleep on the floor. Very hard to play while laying on the floor.
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Thanks for all the good advise folks.
Its not that I don't practice without having a scotch and cola. I usually practice three times a day, seven days a week, and two of those sessions per day are always before six in the evening. But the third session is more fun and I tend to be more uninhibited and try things that are a little more advanced than 'I' am. Unfortunately I don't have anyone to 'jam' with.
The thing that I find that 'I' have to be careful of is that I like to play while sitting on the sofa (called a 'lounge' in Australia) Its very comfy but not good for a playing posture. I have to keep reminding myself to stand up and play.
Seen it all. Done it all. Can't remember most of ..... What was I saying????
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I have found that I drink better when I add a little violin to it.
No matter where you go, there you are!
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Late bloomer said
I have found that I drink better when I add a little violin to it.
HERE - HERE!!!
"If you practice with your hands you must practice all day. Practice with your mind and you can accomplish the same amount in minutes." Nathan Milstein
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Sounds like something I will have to try. Which is better I wonder beer or wine?
King
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Hmmmm.......... Sound's like a lot of excuses to tip the glass. It's like saying, "I drive my car much better when i've had a couple drinks", i'm more relaxed, i'm very carefull.
Can you imagine what a symphony orchestra would sound like if everyone were tipsy? When we drink i'm sure the intonation is great, everything sounds better at that point so we assume we're doing fantastic. We need all our faculties about us while playing this thing.
Don't get me wrong,,, I've done my share of "relaxing" over the years. I'm soon to be 69, I relaxed for over 50 years. When I played guitar in a couple bands in the 60's and 70's, the member's of the groups could tell who had been drinking and who hadn't.
But I guess,, whatever make's you comfortable is ok.
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