More than show you the musical ideas that I work on this improvisation, this post is about loosing the fear to be heard. I guess (I hope) is one more step to go out an play whit other peoples.
I intentionaly upload a song that has a lot of problems whit my technique. Maybe if I can overcome the shame of showing me playng bad, I may be able to start playing like I want to.
This is the original song:
And this is my song:
Harmonica: Meistehaft in C ($8 dollars harp) Mic: JT30RH Stock element Amp: Marshall MKII B25.
Back in the 1980's, I took a music class from jazz saxophonist Ed Peterson. One day, he addressed this very topic. He basically said that if you am worried about making mistakes or worried about what people think, you'll never doing anything great. He felt that if you wanted to be great at something, you have the be willing to step out of your comfort zone, take some chances and make some mistakes when you are learning.
My personal experience, I had to get out and play. The more I do it, the more comfortable I feel. Mistakes get made. You just have to power through them.
I'm going to add to what Joe L said. Some of my best learning has come from being on stage, with an audience, not knowing quite what I was going to do in a song, but coming up with something nevertheless. I had to focus mightily in situations like that, and learned as a result.
That's where listening to a lot of music and seeing other harp players pays big dividends. You learn what others do in different musical contexts. You can steal their ideas or learn by their mistakes.
Go Go Go @rogonzab. It wasn't that bad. I've heard a lot worse and it usually comes from my house:) It scares the hell out of you when the video camera is playing but your next one will be better, the next will be better still and so on. Keep it simple and just let yourself go. Next stop LA.
You have NOTHING to be ashamed about! I really enjoyed your playing. I thought the phrasing was good, and you had a pretty good handle on the timing too. Tone sounded nice as well! I think you are more than ready to start making your public debut and start jamming with a live band. You CAN do this!
Just do it! I started playing out before I thought I was ready. The more experienced players and jammers help pull you up. You seem to have a good feel for what's going on. Do it. You won't regret it.
When you decide to hit a blues jam at a pub...If an amazing player shows up that's awesome, if a great player comes by that's really cool, if some good players do their thing it's wonderful and if a player takes the stage and isn't good "yet" it's kind of expected since it is only a jam...
Moral of the story - play what your capable of doing as a musician at this time in your life - since your on stage, or playing for others you may as well showcase your "strengths" - what your good at or what comes easiest for you to execute. The amazing player is amazing because he is playing from his strengths as a musician - if you do the same, you will come off sounding pretty darn good no matter were your at in the learning curve.
indeed, one of the skills you'll eventually need is the ability to recover when you go off the rails. there are many lessons you can only learn by putting yourself out there, come what may, and dealing with it.
