What's the longest you've spent playing without seeing improvement?

[erndre]

If it was a long time, what did you do? Did taking a break and coming back later help? Does that ever help with this game? o.O;

And slightly related, something weird happened with one of my right fingers. It had that feeling like it needed to pop (like how you know, cracking your knuckles and such), but then it wouldn't pop. I hate when that happens. It's better now, though.

Also, do you guys do any finger exercises before you play, or do anything to warm up like practicing easier songs?