Yep, it just takes a lot of practice. While I don't practice like I used, to get over the skill hump, I practiced for hours a day at one point. Even though I don't practice like I should, I now draw on those skills.

For what it's worth, the 'Man am I just such a nothing player' doesn't really go away. There is always a new vista to explore in playing. I got physically good at the instrument but there was so much more I wanted to learn...so I ended up hear.

It never ends but the reality is, you don't want it to.