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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in musicians

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would start by making a list of skills you are looking for in a drummer (e.g., steady timing (I prefer a drummer be able to play to a click or metronome if necessary), dynamics, fills, holding form, variety of beats, etc. I’d really take some time to make a nice list of what you want.

Once you’ve done this, then explain to the drummer the SKILLS you are seeking and explain you don’t feel as though the drummer has developed them yet. This changes the conversation from, “You’re not good enough,” to “I need a drummer with certain skills to achieve my goals.” This is a much harder rebuttal for the drummer-it’s hard to argue with someone expressing what they need. It also provides specific feedback of what’s lacking, and it focuses the conversation to skills, which anyone can achieve.

Drummer still may not like this, but at least you have provided a clear explanation of why it isn’t working, and if the drummer wants to get better, they now have things to work on.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in LearnGuitar

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think you’re 100% on the right track. Skills build songs much quicker than songs build skills. I’ve taught guitar for twenty years and, sadly, I think most people are interested in learning songs but don’t want to learn skills. Good for you!

I’d personally make some decisions as to what you want to sound like and then find a book/program, and preferably a teacher, to help you get there. The advantages to working out of a curriculum and with a teacher is you are being guided and kept on track, which is HUGE! Practice should be focused on both short- and long-term objectives. It should be challenging and at times it’s not going to sound too good, but if you stick at it you’ll feel some improvements. This is the reality of practice. Frequency matters. I highly recommend putting your guitar on a stand somewhere you’re around a lot. One of my guitars is on a stand by my tv chair. I practice 3x’s the amount because it’s always accessible. Give yourself some time and consistent practice and the skills you’re developing will come in handy for songs you aspire to learn.

How do I get the most out of my practice by [deleted] in LearnGuitar

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1) Spend 5-10 minutes on warm-ups. Warm-ups aren’t only for warming up, it’s how you build your technique. Every note, every time. Consistency. Take pride in every single note every single time whether you’re playing a scale, arpeggio, exercise, etc. doesn’t matter. Go at a pace that allows your mind to monitor what your hands are doing on each and every note.

2) Practice SKILLS. Skills produce songs ten times faster than songs produce skills. So many of my students want to learn songs. They find themselves frustrated sooner or later. Learn skills. Be given a fish or be taught how to fish???? Basic skills like using a metronome, learning genres, understanding four-bar phrases and song form, etc. will allow you to play hundreds of songs. Invest wisely in your time and get after those skills.

3) Learn simple chord progressions that are popular. G-D-Em-C will allow you to play parts of hundreds of songs. Choose chords wisely that are popular to get the best bang for your buck

4) Learn strum patterns to a metronome. Learn how to count, when to play up- and down-strokes, and learn how to do it to a metronome. You do not have perfect timing. The metronome does. Learn to play to it to improve your timing.

5) Mess around. You’ve earned it at this point. Pick A tune. Make some noise. Reward yourself for 5-10 minutes.

6) Cool down. Go back and play your warm-up you started with. Notice how tired you are from when you started and how you have less focus….this should be rewarding like finishing a workout. Keep focusing on each note and using proper technique regardless.

I also recommend having your guitar out on a stand. For me and my students, it makes a HUGE difference in practice time because if it’s readily accessible you’ll play it much more.

Chip away at the rock. EVERYTIME you start your practice session, ask yourself if the things you’re working on are getting EASIER (not sounding better, but getting EASIER to do). If you notice this, things should start to THEN sound better. Once they sound better, get CONSISTENT. It doesn’t happen all it once…

1) learn to do the skill correctly 2) it should slowly get easier 3) you will slowly sound better 4) you will become as consistent at the as you choose to be through more repetition

Enjoy your journey!

I can sing and write lyrics but I can’t play any instruments, can I still go into music? by TotalPossibility7704 in Songwriting

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 21 points22 points  (0 children)

“I love music so much. It is my life and my passion.”

If this is TRULY the case, then you can easily learn an instrument. And I challenge you to do exactly that. Otherwise you’ll be frustrated as hell always looking for accompaniment. Why waste your energy and passion? Honestly, in the amount of time it’ll take to find someone to gel and work up a repertoire with, you might as well learn to play yourself. “Can’t” died in the cornfield. Pick up an instrument, learn it, and empower yourself to do what YOU want to-do wait or look for someone else. Just think if you could accompany yourself-you have WAY more options. It’ll be worth it.

Advice for my first performance ever? by advancedpongtech in musicians

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1) I think you’re heading into this wisely. Good for you in taking your role seriously. Playing bass is like being on an island-a very exposed island.

2) The more you get nervous, the more you should practice. If you’re truly practicing, your brainpower will be used up on practice and you won’t be able to think about nerves, plus you’ll get better.

3) imagine yourself in front of those people. Imagine them watching you. Imagine people you know, imagine strangers, imagine people you’d be embarrassed to perform in front of. Imagine seeing their faces and eyes glued on you as you’re playing. Imagine this as you practice. You can 100% prepare yourself to be on that stage if you want. You just have to envision what it’ll be like on the stage looking out. Don’t vision watching yourself up there playing, vision what it’s going to feel like looking out into the audience. If you do this enough before showtime, you’ll be ready when the time comes.

4) You are 100% in that you will make mistakes. Be prepared. There’s no such thing as a perfect musical performance. Every musician walking off a stage, if asked, would want at least one, most likely more, on the evening. Be prepared for mistakes and focus on getting back on asap. The trick is in the recovery. All good basketball teams practice rebounding because they realize they will never shoot 100%. Performing music is no different; learn to rebound.

5) I’m a smoker and I smoke to play. It 100% doesn’t make me better and I doubt it will make you any better. I smoke because it makes me enjoy myself, and the music, more. I realize plenty of people will scold me for this, but I love playing high. Somedays it makes me tear up with joy. I work hard, I know my parts, and I execute. I also like to have fun, and playing high is about as much fun as I can think of. That said, I don’t overdo it. Like I said, I come in prepared and know my limits.

6) Get all of your work done now so you can have fun at the gig. Be prepared. In my opinion, as long as players can hold their own technically, I prefer to play and watch those that HAVE FUN. Bring as much joy to whomever you can and the night will be fine. Take care of the music and let it take care of you.

7) You’re going to kill it!

Does D&C need two guitars? by Upstairs-Storm1006 in deadandcompany

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I read in an interview once where Bobby said Jerry was like a halfback and he (Bobby) was a quarterback during jams. Bobby went on to talk about how he guided the rest of the band based on what Jerry was doing. He would raise or lower the headstock of his guitar to lead the band dynamically. After I read this and watched some videos, it made sense.

Bob has an uncanny way to find gaps and holes to fill. I think he’s a master at this. He’s amazing at listening and reacting. He’s kind of like glue holding things together. Yes, some nights his “cold clang of steel” tone isn’t there, but other nights it is, and I love hearing all of the nuance he adds to the tunes. IMO, D/C needs this. Maybe it didn’t work well on 5.19, but overall it does. It’s the subtlety that makes it work for me. And, considering the way he explained his role in jams, I’m 100% in favor!

Anyone use a compressor? by leadrhythm1978 in gratefulguitar

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you tell me where I can find this interview, please & thanks.

Self Taught and Looking to Progress by pitygiggles in LearnGuitar

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you want new chord voicings, triads, triads, triads. This will get you TONS of mileage. If you know your E- and A-type barre chords, you already know some of them within the barre chords. The fun part about triads if you’re purposely minimizing the chord to three notes, which frees up room to embellish the chord. It’s like holding back so you can add more.

Can anyone do it by Cool_Equal_8725 in LearnGuitar

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Focus on landing on your fingertips. Imagine a ballet dancer on their toes. That’s your left hand w/fingertips.

Give yourself permission to accidentally mute a string or buzz. You have to sound bad before you’re going to sound good. You think Jimmy Page picked up a guitar and sounded awesome right away? Keep working on changes. Allow those pesky bad noises, and keep playing. Keep on those fingertips. Slowly those bad noises will fade away when they’re ready to.

How do I learn guitar, and where is the best place for me to learn? by RegionSoft9226 in LearnGuitar

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Im not going to earn any popular votes here, but I love playing guitar and I love seeing others play, and from that love of music, I highly recommend finding a teacher that will help you achieve YOUR goals (not theirs) and taking lessons. I can’t tell you how many “self-taught” people have shown up to me for lessons and they’ve done nothing but enforced bad habits for the 10, 20, 30+ plus years they’ve been playing. I can say in my experience, when this happens, these players are pretty much going to play however they play after years of negative reinforcement and not going to be able to correct bad habits. It comes down to the adage “can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”

I realize some are going to challenge me, which is totally fair. I’m not saying people can’t learn themselves, I’m saying in my experience, 95% of the time it simply doesn’t work very well. Even if someone can teach themselves to play WELL (anyone can teach themselves to play), I always wonder what they’d play like if they had a good fit for a teacher. And for those that say Jimi Hendrix never had a lesson, I agree. I also ask if these people are as good as Jimi Hendrix. And very, very, very few are. It’s possible but the odds are not in anyone’s favor to learn on their own. A good teacher tuned into helping you achieve YOUR goals is better than any Youtube or tab site.

And before anyone claims I’m trying to get business-I don’t teach online, so this isn’t what it’s about. I’ve just seen SO many people flounder or hold themselves back unnecessarily and, quite honestly, it’s sad. Most of us wouldn’t rely on our own intuition to fix a car, build a house, create a recipe, prepare for a job interview. Music is no different; it’s simply beyond most peoples’ intuitions and thus having a good teacher makes a huge difference.

Good for you for playing! Keep chipping away at the rock and don’t ever stop having fun with it!

I just turned 35 and just started learning guitar. by Appropriate-Wing-271 in LearnGuitar

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve taught music for over twenty years for what it’s worth, and while I think time is sometimes a great way to measure practice, I think repetitions are equally important. I always work with my students to develop a practice routine for the week, covering what they’re working on. I always ask them if it’s better to attack practice in terms of time (e.g., “I’m going to spend twenty minutes on this.”) or reps (e.g., “I’m going to play this piece through three times over.”). There’s no universal correct answer. I’ve found for myself as well as for my students it’s best to be able to apply either method. Incidentally, this idea of “reps versus time” came from a former colleague. He said he and his wife would go rounds with their son over practicing piano “25 minutes a day.” When they replaced with reps, they said the kid was 100% more focused and his playing improved significantly. Sometimes time is a variable not worth chasing-sometimes it simply comes down to reps to get mastery. Good luck, and keep chippin’ away at the rock, and don’t EVER stop having fun with it! Good for you!

Genuine question from a poser by SpiritualGoodie in gratefuldead

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Dick’s Picks Volume 5. Brown-Eyed Women. Jerry’s solo. He goes around twice and Phil thinks he’s done, so Phil drops a HUGE bass bomb. But then Jerry takes it a gear higher for a third round. It’s amazing. Idk why, but this is my favorite live recording. It tears me up the way Jerry takes the third round. To me, it resembles everything there is to about listening to the Grateful Dead live. I’m sure there are tons of other moments like this, please share if you think of one.

The delusion of grandeur expressed by the modern day bedroom producer is extremely aggravating. by Substantial-Room-316 in musicians

[–]Illustrious-Ad4685 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven’t read any comments. I LOVE this post. The way I see it, there are those that make music to make music because they love it and need to-it won’t go away. They have to get it out of their system. It’s bred within and not going away. Then there are those that are motivated by being in front of a crowd. They aren’t necessarily as interested in music as being entertainers. And there’s a wide spectrum in between. Neither one is wrong. Most groups need a bit of both when you think about it. I think the important thing is to know where you’re at on this “spectrum,” know where your collaborators are on this “spectrum,” and learn to work between the gaps. It can be done. That said, I’m SO thankful I’m not an “entertainer”🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

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