Duane C.
26 posts
Dec 13, 2011
11:29 AM
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I'm curious about tone? I've been playing 4 years this coming April. Every moment of practice, right up to that time that I can play a phrase or piece acceptable for my current skills. I am still finding myself lingering on that, before moving on, trying to get that perfect tone worked out. Is this a normal situation? Shouldn't I continue on to the next song, excercise or piece and keep going, or should I linger there and take the time to work more on the overall tone?
So far, I have at times lingered (perhaps to long) and at other times just pressed on. I guess this may just be something I have to answer within. But, it might be helpful to hear others view and experiences in this matter.
Keep On Harp'n
Duane C.
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LittleBubba
132 posts
Dec 13, 2011
11:50 AM
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Tone gets better with experience usually, but part of your tone is just "your tone". I'd work on bein' yourself, and learn what creates different tones from your body. Everybody's body cavities are different: the size of your mouth, sinuses, throat,lungs,gut,etc. Some of your tone is inherent. I don't necessarily like my natural singing voice, but it's mine, and I live with it.
I wouldn't spend too much time dwelling on it at the 4yr. point. (I've been playing for 45 years) Also, all songs shouldn't be played with the same tone. Tone's just another element of the instrument and you together. It's not wrong to pay attention to it though.
Last Edited by on Dec 13, 2011 11:51 AM
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Tuckster
912 posts
Dec 13, 2011
12:06 PM
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Do you mean trying to copy someone else's tone? If that's the case,I'll spend some time on it,but then it gets to the point where it's close but not exactly like the recording.I then think like LittleBubba that I'll never get it exactly. Even the recording acoustics can make it impossible to get exactly.
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Littoral
448 posts
Dec 13, 2011
1:16 PM
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Being able to articulate single notes, especially tongue blocking, is essential. Two strategies I suggest, one, say/position vowels while playing single notes. Do it some more and pay attention to the subtleties. Two, once I played Amazing Grace for about 6 hours. The goal was to get what that song deserved and it was IN me. That was really helpful.
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Tommy the Hat
500 posts
Dec 13, 2011
1:19 PM
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"once I played Amazing Grace for about 6 hours"
You must have played that really slow!
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Tommy
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Cristal Lecter
198 posts
Dec 13, 2011
1:38 PM
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TONE = (Diaphragmatic Breathing + Relaxation)2 X (Natural resonators + embouchure)2
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The Iceman
186 posts
Dec 14, 2011
8:30 AM
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Tone may be one of the underrated aspects of playing an instrument from the player's point of view, as they are mostly concerned with tunes, techniques, etc.
To develop your own tone (or sound) will put you at the head of the pack, even if technically you are just average.
A tone that is recognized immediately by listeners (a la Rick Estrin, Buddha, Kim wilson, Miles Davis, etc)is musical magic.
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The Iceman
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Frank
75 posts
Dec 14, 2011
10:19 AM
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Once you think you have good tone, its time to get better tone, it is a life long journey of perfection!
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waltertore
1763 posts
Dec 14, 2011
10:29 AM
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IMO the more one thinks about these things the more generic they will sound. Letting things emerge naturally is what will get you your own sound. Walter
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walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
2,800+ of my songs
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Duane C.
27 posts
Dec 14, 2011
11:32 AM
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I want to thank everyone for sharing their thoughts and ideas, on my rather vague post. I have gained some insight and understanding from them. I do want to clarify, I'm not trying to achieve a tonal duplicate of anyone out there, just really good tonerous sound of my own. Just feel like sometimes I spend to much time at it. Think I should relax keep moving and it will come as long as I'm aware of it's importance for good personal expression. Thank you all!!!
Keep On Harp'n
Duane C.
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gene
983 posts
Dec 14, 2011
1:51 PM
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IMHO,
How far you drop your jaw and how you shape/move your hands are the most effective way to control your tone. The way you articulate each note and each phrase are also a big part of it.
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AirMojo
242 posts
Dec 14, 2011
1:55 PM
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@Tommy the Hat... LOL! Now that was funny !
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Littoral
450 posts
Dec 14, 2011
2:08 PM
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Yeah, I laughed too.
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