|
Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
Direction and structure in improvisation
Direction and structure in improvisation
Page:
1
phogi
147 posts
Dec 13, 2009
4:25 AM
|
I'm spent a long time working on tone, technique, etc... For most my life I've simply played what was on the page, or spent a long time composing my music in advance. So, one thing I must now turn my direction to:
HOW TO AVOID NOODLING
Because when I listen to recordings of myself (which is a part of my practice routine), I often think "NOODLER!"
So I've been thinking about how to build direction and structure into my playing. I know several principals, but knowing and doing are of course two different things. So, I thought I would talk about them here, to share my ideas and see what others have to say as well.
|
phogi
148 posts
Dec 13, 2009
4:55 AM
|
HOW TO AVOID NOODLING (How do build structure and direction)
1) Use repetition - with variation
A traditional pattern is to play something, and repeat it, then repeat the beginning of it again, but take off in a new direction instead of finishing that repetition. What else?
2) Use key tones to build tension.
Certain tones really lead the ear to the next chord. For example, when going to the V chord, playing scale degree 2 (6 draw, 3 draw bent a whole step, or 10 draw) pops out because it's a chord tone, and one that is not in the traditional blues scale, so it sticks out nicely. Also, when moving from the V chord (on the turnaround), playing scale degree 7 (2 draw bend a half step, 5 ob, 9 blow bent a half step) has a strong sense of motion to it. b7 does too, but not as strong to my ear.
3) Play in relationship to those around you
Not really sure how to describe this one, other than to say listen and imitate. Perhaps learning all the common blues guitar licks would be a good idea?
4) Create contrasts
Loud vs Soft. Chordal vs single note. Lots of motion vs hanging out on one note for a while. Thin tone vs. fat tone. Vibrato vs. no vibrato. Syncopated rhythm vs. on the beat. High notes vs low notes. Lots of rests vs continious playing. Varying the articulation.
What would you add to these?
|
congaron
348 posts
Dec 13, 2009
5:10 AM
|
I would add using triplets and syncopation. Ascending or descending scales with triplets or syncopation, or both, add structure and sound deliberate....vs noodling , which can sound like a string of mistakes covering each other up.
I have also spent many measures hanging on a single note, varying the volume or adding triplets or just holding it, whatever the music calls for.
|
Hobostubs Ashlock
185 posts
Dec 13, 2009
10:18 AM
|
yea im bad about noodling i was unaware of it at 1st but now.Im starting to notice it in my playing im also needing to develope more attack in my playing and im not sure how to go about that
|
Post a Message
|
