I threw this in here because of the "keeping chops up to date" as it relates to the songs you currently play. Like many of you, some practices consist of playing the set list, ya know, the same songs you have played thousands of times over and over. You can play them in your sleep. So what I like to do is play the song blindfolded. Partially because I'm sick of playing the song for the gazillionth time but mostly because it offers a unique challange. I either close my eyes or put an actual blindfold on. And if I screw up, not only do I have an excuse, but I don't have to make eye contact with the guitar player who will always will look back at me and give me that despised looking grin just to let me know I did. I find myself doing this more and more and someday just might fall asleep on the job!

TK
http://www.myspace.com/steelkingdom