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Semi-pro musician, been playing in bands for over 30 years. I am normally against people getting high before rehearsals, as it usually makes things worse. I have a running feud with my singer and lead guitarist about their pot use. I recently made it clear I was about to quit playing with them. The guitarist told me that he and the singer would tone it down, and last week they did, and the jam was great.

Yesterday the same thing, then at the end the singer said 'only two songs left, let's smoke a joint'. As I had a few beers I thought 'whatever'. Jokingly, they offered me a hit, and impulsively I hit it 4-5 times, catching a strong buzz (I usually never smoke weed).

We then played the last few songs, and...it was fantastic. For the first time, we nailed 'LA Woman', which is a tricky song that the singer always fucks up. The other songs were also amazing.

I am very confused. Have I been wrong all this time? Or was it a fluke? Should I do as they do, and smoke weed 24/7? I don't wanna turn into a White nigger...or DO I???

Semi-pro musician, been playing in bands for over 30 years. I am normally against people getting high before rehearsals, as it usually makes things worse. I have a running feud with my singer and lead guitarist about their pot use. I recently made it clear I was about to quit playing with them. The guitarist told me that he and the singer would tone it down, and last week they did, and the jam was great. Yesterday the same thing, then at the end the singer said 'only two songs left, let's smoke a joint'. As I had a few beers I thought 'whatever'. Jokingly, they offered me a hit, and impulsively I hit it 4-5 times, catching a strong buzz (I usually never smoke weed). We then played the last few songs, and...it was fantastic. For the first time, we nailed 'LA Woman', which is a tricky song that the singer always fucks up. The other songs were also amazing. I am very confused. Have I been wrong all this time? Or was it a fluke? Should I do as they do, and smoke weed 24/7? I don't wanna turn into a White nigger...or DO I???

(post is archived)

[–] • 6 pts

It sounded better because you were high. When everyone's high it all sounds the same to them so it comes out in sync. The shit changes your perspective, your hearing, your timing. Having two people high and two people sober will make it hard to make music together because the two high ones are literally in slower time than the others.

[–] • 1 pt

We nailed LA Woman, which the singer usually fucks up. Played a epic, loud 10-minute version. I have played this song in other bands that were all sober, and last night was the best version ever. This is really fucking with me, man! I don't wanna be a pothead again!

[–] • 4 pts

Do a legit test and control. Record the next show and again smoke up before the last few songs. Then when SOBER you can listen with unbiased ears. Just because it felt good in the moment doesn't man you actually played better. Maybe you were both still off but too high to care. Remember what the Deadhead days to his friend at the concert after they ran out of weed; "this music sucks".

[–] • 1 pt

Good point, but I wasn't very high. I have perfect pitch (really), and am the 'bandleader' as far as calling others out when they fuck up. I never get called out by them. Our stoned jam was legit the best we've ever done. I am...conflicted. VERY conflicted!

[–] [deleted] • 1 pt

Someone else would have to evaluate the two performances because his perception would be colored by his initial opinion.

[–] • 0 pt

I don't trust anyone else's opinion

[–] • 2 pts

Try some Metamucil. That always helps. Get more fiber in your diet.

[–] • 2 pts

Metamucil is for old folks! I'm only 54 :(

[–] • 2 pts

weed changes your attitude, not your ability

[+] [deleted] • 2 pts
[–] [deleted] • 2 pts (edited )

Sometimes is just our mental inhibitions which stop us playing to our full ability. The talent is there but we hold ourselves back unconsciously. Working on a paper roughly around this subject. If you try it again with the same result you might be better looking for other ways to resolve the problem with less side effects.

[–] • 1 pt

The thing is, I have jammed with the singer hundreds of times over the last 4 years. He does much better the less high he is, esp. timing-wise. But yesterday, the last 1/2 hour was fucking GREAT! I really am confused. I wish we had recorded it.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

Drugs of any kind are a crutch not a solution. Perhaps during that period he just hit the sweet spot between being stoned and uninhibited. The important thing to realise is they dont magically make you play better, the ability was there all along. For what ever reason the ability is being held back.

[–] • 0 pt

I agree, and yet...I guess you had to be there.

[–] • 2 pts

I think it's an in moderation thing.

I'm not a musician but if you look at the histories of successful Bands A lot of them did use drugs heavily. At times they were able to put out great music and then other times you hear stories of how the drugs interfere with the band success sometimes leading to members being kicked out. I guess I'm trying to say there is no clear right or wrong here.

[–] • 1 pt

I know for a fact that sober bands are the best, having been in dozens of bands, but the singer and lead guitarist are hopeless potheads, since 3 decades. They also have their shit together, we all do. The last two jams have been great, because they didn't smoke a fat joint right before playing, and abstained during as well. But goddammit, our stoned 30 minutes at the end was unreal. I can't wrap my head around it.

[–] • 1 pt

Maybe you just thought it was better cause you were high. Lol

[–] • 1 pt

I wasn't THAT high. I clearly remember it now that I'm sober again.

[–] • 2 pts

The sweet spot is the key. I like a moderate dose with coffee. But it’s pretty easy to fall out of the actual, creative window. Imo

[–] • 1 pt

I think it's a placebo, more effective is that you were all on the same page, and that made it easier to synchronize with each other.

[–] • 0 pt

Yes. But I don't know how to feel about this, given my usual uptight anti-pot stance.

Tell me how to feel, Poalrs!

[–] • 0 pt

Don't worry about it.

[–] • 1 pt

I'll just leave this here: https://youtu.be/NpJW6lFUA_g

[–] • 1 pt

I hate that retarded Simpsons ripoff, but thanks anyway

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

I member Brian Wilson saying he wrote California Girls while high (weed).

I member Joe Walsh discussing this though mainly the focus was booze (he said it's better not jacked up).

I member John Fogerty (sp?) saying he was really strict about his band members playing while jacked up, he hated it.

I say no way it's better while high. Your mind messing with you.

I talked to Willie Nelson over a three day period in the seventies and they were always high, it appeared.

I played bass back in the day, what do you play?

[–] • 1 pt

Mainly bass, but started on guitar and drums. Dealing with musicians has always been a pain in the ass.

I just now beefed with the singer...he booked a solo gig, and assumed either I or the guitarist would join him. We only wanna do full band gigs, but now we 'suck', lol. Why do I even bother..

[–] • 1 pt

It's the worst, dealing with band members. Too laid back many of them. I gave it up partly due to that.

Played rhythm also. One of my first experiences, a drummer (old friend actually) auditioned.

He was way off, couldn't keep beat. I couldn't figure it out. I thought, wow I thought he was good, everybody said he was.

Later another friend told me he was probably drunk.

Duh, genius me couldn't think that far.

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