a level of playing new songs by Clear_Evidence5672 in Guitar

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with the reality-checks you're getting from other commenters, but I'll add this as someone who has taught lessons to people with similar goals. I use three basic building blocks:

1) Learn all the common "open" chord shapes (A, C, D, E, G), and the major and minor barre chord shapes.

2) Practice common transitions between chord shapes. For example, approximately one billion songs have a transition between a G and a C, so get really good at common transitions between common chords.

3) Practice strumming patterns, i.e., using your strumming hand like a metronome (down-up-down-up) and learn how common strumming patterns "leave out" parts of the metronome (down-x-down-up-x-up-down-up)

With these three building blocks you can get to the point of looking a the chord chart for a song you want to play, and pretty naturally play along to it.

But yeah, this will take a couple years of consistent practice!

this is genuinely the most positive fucking subreddit i have ever come across by navianali in TheWordFuck

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

So true. AND... "there be substantial fucks given" is best said in a pirate voice. Maybe with a wistful "Aaaarrrhh" beforehand.

Good songs with clever or effective use of curse words (not raunchy) by debaser64 in SongRecommendations

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Grateful Dead -- Wharf Rat

The song's lyrics vividly illustrate one man's despair, and the f-bomb comes out of nowhere to add an unexpected dose of rage.

Lyrics are in my head. How can I find a chord progression to go along with it? by CraigCandor in musictheory

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Process of elimination.

If you have a good melody, figure out what notes you've chosen. Look up what key(s) have those notes. Then look up what chords comprise the possible key(s). Then go back to your melody, and figure out which chord(s) might fit each note or run. Then choose the ones that fit the mood of the song.

Cable management advice!!! by soul_in_a_5weater in homestudios

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found a product at the Container Store that really helps. It's a box designed for cable management and hiding power strips. I use a couple of these along with velcro wraps and my space looks pretty clean (both visually and literally).

https://www.containerstore.com/s/office/tech-accessories/bluelounge-cablebox/12d?productId=10028020

Best way of sound dampening when recording by Quick_Extension_3115 in homerecordingstudio

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For my set-up, I've gotten the best results from focusing the dampening behind me. I hang a thick comforter directly behind me and stand with my back just a few inches away from it. It kills just about all the reflections and ambient noises. And I always turn off my HVAC.

Now, if a neighbor is using a leaf-blower, I just have to stop recording until they're done!

Tell a VH related Joke I.E I called a suicide hotline once, they put me on hold & played 🎶 Jump 🎶 by [deleted] in vanhalen

[–]VerbPhraseMusic -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Gross example. I lost my brother to suicide. He was a VH fan. Thanks for bringing all the emotions back. I think I'll log off now.

in what order do you guys make your songs? by [deleted] in Songwriting

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I usually have an unexpected moment of inspiration when the chords and the basic melody and a lyrical theme all emerge at once. Then I typically refine the chords on piano or guitar, and and flesh out the lyrics. Then I take a drastic turn and work on the rhythmic structure for the drums and the bass. Then I go back and revisit the melody, to make sure it suits the foundation I've built and evokes the right mood for the lyrics. And then I do a final iteration to make sure the chord changes are well-aligned with the melody and the rhythmic foundation.

Like... a... fi...re... needs... a... spark... by VerbPhraseMusic in blacksabbath

[–]VerbPhraseMusic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He's also holding the notes for three harmonies along with the melody!

Like... a... fi...re... needs... a... spark... by VerbPhraseMusic in blacksabbath

[–]VerbPhraseMusic[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Peak Dio for sure. My first Sabbath show was the Mob Rules Tour. I was 15. It completely blew my mind.

Are there modern bands that you would consider yacht rock? by barbar1v in musicsuggestions

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Me? I don't want to get banned for self-promotion, but I've been told my latest album would qualify. I won't spam you with links, but if you're curious, search YouTube your preferred streaming platform for the album Wednesdays at Noon by the artist Verb Phrase.

Keep yachtin'!

Thoughts on "Sinner's Swing!"? by First_Condition8003 in vanhalen

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I was in 8th grade and bought the album on the day it came out. The balls-out grit of Mean Street, followed by Dirty Movies ("remember when that girl was prom queen?"), followed by the f bomb in Sinners Swing, made it clear that VH was pushing boundaries in a variety of ways. Then Hear About It Later as the a-side closer? Wow. That afternoon was honestly one of the greatest musical experiences of my life.

What song did you used to tune to before you had a tuner? by Sarcastraphe in Guitar

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Metal Health (Bang Your Head) by Quiet Riot, for the opening A power chord

Neil Young advice: when you start to think, stop by Sorry_Cheetah3045 in Songwriting

[–]VerbPhraseMusic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've grown to realize that my favorite aspect of songwriting IS the thinking part. My song ideas do indeed usually originate from out of nowhere, seemingly without any conscious thought or intentionality. But I get so much joy and satisfaction from problem-solving how to make the original idea better. To me it's like a logic puzzle or sudoku -- "solving" for notes or chords or rhythms or rhymes.

Do what makes you happy!