I believe there are 4 steps to 'playing by heart' and that these steps apply
to gaining mastery over any kind of activity.
1. Unconscious Incompetence - Don't know how to do/accomplish something
(No Clue at all, but perhaps the beginning of a desire to learn how) We don't
know What to do.
2. Conscious Incompetence - beginning to learn and knowing that we don't know
how to do it. But we're in the process of starting with what we have.
3. Conscious Competence - after much conscious practice, we begin to know what
to do and how to get it done. Spaced Repetition is the key here. Intermittent Practice
versus even long practice sessions. Just keep working at it. This is the 'Practice,
Practice, Practice' part of the process.
4. Unconscious Competence - or 'playing by heart'
It takes some of us longer than
others. It is what it is. Some will 'catch on' more quickly than you will but don't
give up. Just keep at it, especially if you're in step 3. The next step... in time, will be
Step 4 - playing by heart.
By virtue of your stated concern and intended goal, you are already on the way to where
you want to be. Just keep at it. You have a good, clear idea of what you want to be
able to do and you probably have a path marked out to get you there. It will involve a
lot of repetition - that's true for all of us. Everything you do 'unconsciously' that you had
to learn is an illustration of the above 4 steps.
You started out with just an idea, put things together, and if accomplishing it motivated
you, you kept at it until you could do it. After learning how, it you continued, it got easier
and more natural (by heart).
I hope this is encouraging to you. Once you start you're on the way. It takes time and
repetition. It does for all of us
keep uke'in',