Ok, I'm swallowing my pride and going for broke here. I have been trying to get a grip on playing and it has been slow going. I started playing about 20 years ago but only played on and off for a couple of years. I learned how to hit single notes (although not clean all the time), bends and most of the basics. Then I just played along with records. I haven't played in the last 20 years until the end of this passed April; almost 2 months now. I've learned a lot this time around but my playing is still very beginner like. I really have no licks and riffs yet and I'm finding it difficult to put things together.
I was going to try and rehearse and get something good recorded but then I thought "that wouldn't be me." Warts and all is how I need to be judged. If I am to improve I need to show what I am doing "as is." So I got up the balls to shame myself and post a clip for critique and help. Inspired by Sorins take on "Have a Good Time" I made a short video. I only used some of the actual song and most of it I just did what I usually do....improvise (ok..."try" to improvise...lol). But I am going to work on that song more and learn it. This was after a couple of hours of trying to learn the opening from Sorins tab. I didn't really stick to it in my take. Some bad notes and timings but here it is. My 2 month debut!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvB5eFEE-Pw
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Last Edited by on Jun 12, 2011 5:54 PM
Sounds like you are on track for the time you have been playing. You play with "feeling" and you are having a good time!
I played for 2 months 17 years ago but life just wouldn't give me the time. Now I've played pretty much every day for the last four years. Better late than never.
I agree with Harp Dude, for the time you have been playing you're definitely going in the right direction.
If you haven't already it may help you to familiarise yourself with the blues scale. This is will give you some context as you are trying to learn new tunes, riffs etc. – As well as improvising. Adam has a good video on it – below.
I'd also recommend downloading some of Adam's lessons from this site. They're only a few dollars and they will help you get some riffs and licks together. They will also start to give you an idea of what works over the 12 bar chord progression when improvising.
Keep it up, have fun and practise, practise, practise.
Yes, I've been through that lesson as well as a few others. Great help.
I find that when I play along with a song that has harp in it, I play better for some reason. Not a backing track... I have a little problem with those as far as having enough material (I end up repeating a lot of riffs). But when I play along with a CD or something I do better and have a better time copying or playing along with the harp. I played along with Sorins backing track with him doing vocals and that came out better than the video I posted, but I didn't want to post it because I didn't think it was right to have my playing on his song.
I also find that I have a lot going on in my head but my mouth can't keep up when I'm playing...lol. I know what I want to do but I seem to get there too late!
Sounds fine. Don't worry too much about your progress; just follow your love, practice, and play. Over time, you'll get much better. If you can find a guitar or piano player to do some fooling around with, I think that helps too. Play,play,play.
Yea...I'm enjoying it. As far as practice, you're right. It's funny because I should know...actually I do and that's whats funny about it. I know that some things just take time and you get out what you put in. Practice and then practice some more. But as much as I know that, and tell others that when I teach or coach other non music related things, I don't listen to my own advice. Typical.
Sometimes, it's not the goal...it's the journey that counts.
I understand your frustrations. I think probably everyone one has been there at one time or another. The only really useful advice I can give you is keep doing it and you'll get better :)
It is worth trying to learn as many licks and riffs as you can. Adam always says try and learn a new lick everyday (I think). This will arm you with lots of material which you can then string together to form solos etc. It will also get you used to certain breathing patterns and improve your muscle memory. This will eventually lead you to be able to pay whatever you have in your head.
