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FretBuzz: Theory Forum Message |
The Head/Hand Split
Cinda Private
(4763)
Theory Forum
9/14/2009 12:34:01 PM · 16 Views
[Respond to this Message]
I was reading a psych book that was talking about the Head/Heart split - where some people live in their head and some people live with their hearts and the problems that arise when a heart person marries a head person.
Well... when it comes to guitar, I think I have a Head/Hand split.
There is a BIG difference between what I hear in my head vs what my hands can do.
Regardless of how many times I hear it clearly in my head, something always comes out differently when I actually pick up my instrument.
I'm not sure if it's a lack of knowledge about the instrument or what...
Any ideas? Thoughts? Am I the only one?
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Re: The Head/Hand Split
9/14/2009 2:48:56 PM
Randy Hano
(5375) wrote:
The word is time. Have you always wondered what makes this and that player great? Then you find out he/she has been playing for years.
The best one for me is when everyone was starting. This one guitar player had Robin Trower's style nailed. However that was his style and it only went in that direction. After playing for 32 years and copying and listening to many artists, I am still awestruck by someone like Albert Lee or Chet Atkins. If I spent my time working out their style, I might be able to adapt and make it mine. Until then I can only hear it so my hands need to be retrained.
It's just time and focus, nothing more (my opinion). |
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Re: The Head/Hand Split
9/14/2009 6:03:26 PM
Danny Danzi
(1871) wrote:
To me it's all in how to attempt to extract the ideas out of your head. The best way to go about it is to try to get down single notes of the idea you hear. Then, once you know the progression using those single notes, you add in some chord enhancements etc.
From there when you have something cool going on, it's a good idea to see if you have a melody that will work over it because without any melody, is it really worth the time? The melody will then help you finish the song because it will dictate where you should go next.
As far as a bass part, it depends on whether you want it to play over the chords you are using, or you want it to counter and do its own thing. This too relies on melody for me because if the bass is walking all over on a melodic piece, I *may* be taking away from the song and it can sound too busy.
But try to focus on getting the idea out of your head with individual notes first...then work on what will enhance it further. :)
Danny Danzi |
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Re: The Head/Hand Split
9/15/2009 1:05:48 AM
Chris Pinto
(22045) wrote:
Hi Cinda,
As usual, Danny touches on some great points, and mentions some excellent ideas!
But, NO, you're not the only one with this issue....I have the same problem.
Basically, I attributed this to the fact that my theory knowledge is basically a big fat "0", and over the last 15-18 years, I really haven't PRACTICED! Sure, I PLAY all the time, but rarely practice....HOWEVER, that all changed since I went back for guitar lessons 6 months ago!
This "issue" is one of the reasons why I went back to my instructor...More overall knowledge. I felt like I was in the ol' "guitar player's rut", and I wanted to be a bit more "well rounded" of a guitarist, and maybe one day, I'll get to call myself a real musician! LOL...
So, I wanted to learn some basic theory, and I also wanted to learn some new licks & such. (a little bit of everything). I can "play" guitar pretty well, yet, my writing skills, and putting ideas together are not what they should be!
I'd like to be able to write a song, and actually "understand" what it is that I'm doing. Even if it's just to satisfy my own curiosity....After all, You'ld think after 25yrs of playing, I'd actually know more. Sometimes I'm embarrassed that I don't know theory, even though I know that doesn't really mean anything.
But, in MY situation, I believe that maybe this problem is due to my lack of theory, and I suppose I could use some... Maybe this is the reason, and maybe not, but, more "theory related" knowledge that I can learn can only help me in songwriting. Even if it's just basic stuff. I think that having a better understanding about how "things work" on guitar, will only help me, or enhance whatever ideas I might have? Who knows? Guess I'll find out! LOL
In any event, since I started back with my teacher, I have noticed improvements in different areas. My alternate picking is getting better...A VERY SLOW work-in-progress, but, I "am" improving nonetheless! Which makes me want to keep at it!
And I started learning some basic theory over the last couple of weeks, as well. I'm finding it a bit complicated, and awkward, but, I'm still trying!
Going back to my teacher has also helped me in the fact that I'm actually "PRACTICING" again, and not just "playing" what I already know! (That's not practicing.) heheh
And because lessons AIN'T FREE, you certainly want to get your money's worth! So, I've been devoting at least 1/2hr to an hour each night to "PRACTICING" all these new things he's showing me: like new licks, fingering scales, proper hand positioning, using the metronome again, learning new picking techniques, and learning theory. You'd be surprised how much you can improve in a short period of time.
Luckily, I have found myself getting a little bit better over the last 6 months....Even though it's slow progress, but it's progress just the same!
Whether this answers your question or not....Who knows! LOL
But, I do know how you feel.
Chris |
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Re: The Head/Hand Split
9/15/2009 8:23:09 AM
Cinda Private
(4763) wrote:
Hey Chris... that's exactly why I did my 2 months of lessons! |
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Re: The Head/Hand Split
9/15/2009 10:51:43 AM
Andrew Sorentino
(4153) wrote:
Now THIS is what Wholenote is about!!!
Great question and great answers and guidance from everyone.
Great timing, too. Last night I was visiting an old friend that has ZERO theory knowledge. I mean, knows NO scales or patterns. As much as I enjoy hanging out with the guy, I can only listen to his playing for about 2 songs, then ...oh, my!
He admits he wants to improve but says lessons won't help, theory won't help. He insists that he "plays from the heart", plays what he feels. But after one pass through a song or progression, it's over.
I tried to point him to some on-line help, like even just the free stuff at Truefire.com or some of the lessons here. "Nah! I don't want to learn that stuff"
I just changed the subject.
Me? I am now teaching beginner guitar on Saturdays. I know my limitations and have been practicing anything and everything I can! Improving my reading since some of the students will be moving up to the High school and want to play in the school Jazz band, so they'll need to be able to read. A couple of them are into heavier stuff and will want to know how to shred. Well, I better get THAT into gear as I don't normally play that stuff. I could pass them to another teacher that does shred, but the time scheduling can mess with that.
SO, I learn!
And I gotta say, in the last few months, with topics Cinda has started, and responses by the likes of Danny, Randy, Chris and others, I have picked up on a lot of stuff from recording production information, to guitar equipment to playing!
Thanks all!!
Andy S. |
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