We get stuck in rut when we EQ sometimes because we tend to do the same things over and over again.

I mean sure, cutting boxiness and adding high-end air is a good rule of thumb, but you should only do it if the track actually needs it.

It made me think of different ways to use EQ that I don't do often, but should remember to do when the need arises.

1. Use filters and shelving together - Sometimes you don't want to filter too drastically, but you need to get rid of more lows or highs. Filters and shelving cuts work wonders together. Alternatively, use a filter with a smoother slope if you don't need drastic filtering at the cutoff frequency.
2. Use low-pass filters and add a resonant boost - Try it on guitars. Filter the highs all the way down to the high-mids, then add a boost right on the cut-off frequency to make them poke through the mix.
3. Try to keep your boosts minimal - Subtractive EQ and all that jazz. If you cut more and just raise the volume, you're essentially boosting the frequencies that are left intact.
4. Try to use buss EQ first - I love grouping instruments together into busses and EQ'ing them that way. It can mean a lot less work on the individual tracks if all your groups are sitting together in the mix.
5. Think before you EQ - Think about how many instruments the mix has, then try to divide them into the frequency spectrum before you start EQ'ing. If the bass is the thickness and you've DECIDED that try to keep to it. Some instruments should be bright, some should not. If you analytically think of it before EQ'ing you might save yourself some time.

That's just a small sample of all the EQ ideas I've got rattling around in my brain.

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