It was a few months before I picked my guitar up.
I will say that I react emotionally a bit more, especially to a new song I'm learning... This weekend will be a test... Memorial Day weekend means some whitewater canoe camping and a lot of guitar playing... sometimes we get to jam with other groups on the river... in the past, our audience is usually pretty well pickled... I am interested to see how I am able to jam with others stone cold sober... I'll let you know
If that goes well, there is an awesome bluegrass festival in these parts and it is all about picking and partying... But, I am optimistic, and since it's close, I can just pack up and go home if I'm not happy. Plus, a bet there are a few sober groups there...
I guess to your original question as I understand it.... I notice a slightly more relaxed flow of rhythm and a clearer voice. My picking, I think is more accurate and detailed, I don't get all caught up in the song... Not the urgency... maybe it translates into a better performance...
Mark