826 Reply by James McCormick

(5 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Hi selso - Spam is a constant battle for the forum moderators.  We all try to 'haul out the cyberturds' as quickly as possible.  All the forum moderators and administrators are volunteers and we do our best to keep the forum 'on topic' and free of spam of any form.

Porn spam is nasty - there is also spam for drugs, insurance, and other junk.  None of it is welcome on this forum.

Recently, there was some discussion of the tradition of tailgating and eating BBQ on the 'Chat Corner' forum - a day or two later there was spam for BBQ tools and accessories . . .

Please continue to click the 'Report' button whenever you see a spam message.  This makes it easier for the moderators/administrators to ban the posters and delete the message.

Thanks,  James

Go to forum: About Chordie

827 Reply by James McCormick

(1 replies, posted in Other string instruments)

Hi chordcrasher - I couldn't locate an online chord chart for cittern (note double t's), but here are some other resources of interest:
Book: "The Complete Cittern"
http://www.cetrapublishing.com/?page_id=6
Music: The Cittern Archive
http://www.musicaviva.com/cittern/index.tpl
Cittern Pages (lots of links)
http://www.cittern.theaterofmusic.com/

Also, if there is a university in your area there might be a Renaissance Music Ensemble.  Amongst classical musicians there is a small but very dedicated following for period instruments.  With any luck there might be somebody on the faculty who loves, teaches, and performs renaissance music.  Even if you are not particularly into ancient music, they could prove to be a useful resource for you.

Hope this helps - James

Go to forum: Other string instruments

828 Reply by James McCormick

(5 replies, posted in Songwriting)

selso - Bootsy Collins bass is perfect!
Something that gets down into your DNA and makes you move.

st800 - glad you like it and thrilled you are playing it!

Old Doll - Have a little iced tea and cool down, girl . . . glad you caught the fever!

daddycool - knowing the future would be too great a burden.  There is a Greek myth about Cassandra - she could see the future, but everybody ended up hating her for it.  Actually, great idea for a song there . . . . hmmmmm.

James

Go to forum: Songwriting

829 Reply by James McCormick

(3 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

I guess what I like is that it reminds me of Dr. Seuss and his whimsical creations.

Realize these horn orchestras were created during the reign of the Tsars.  Only a vast nation of subsitance peasants ruled by an obscenely wealthy and decadent absolute monarch could concieve of such a gloriously inefficient manner of making music.

I have great respect for the technicians who recreated the instruments and the dedicated musicians who play together so beautifully.  But it is hard to imagine a more absurd concept.  I, too would love to hear them play live - but I would still scratch my head and wonder at the craziness of it all.  James

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830 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Ummmm - I can smell the fear!

Cute one, daddycool - Here in Mississippi, we have magnificent Garden Spiders that build webs between trees.  The females can be up to 3" across from toe to toe.  They are amazing to watch.
http://www.digital.mississippi-photo-ga … om/spider/
Luckily, I have never found one indoors - James

Go to forum: Songwriting

831 Topic by James McCormick

(5 replies, posted in Songwriting)

This is for dancing (or twitching about oddly, if you dance like I do)!

Be Right Here Right NowJames McCormick, September 3, 2007


Like a Neville Brother's, Wild Tchoupitoulas, Wild Magnolias, or Meters funk.


With a wicked-nasty bass line and polyrhythmic drive.


Tribal, throbbing, primal - especially on chorus




[G7]Open your eyes, the [C7]future it is [D7]now


[G7]Everything you do today, it [C7]matters some-[D7]how


The [G7]past a simple prelude, an [C7]opening re-[D7]frain


The [G7]future is what's happening, it [C7]never is the [D7]same!


. . . . chorus . . . .

Yeah, [G]be here, be here now, [C]be right here right [D]now!


Yeah, [G]be here, be here now, [C]be right here right [D]now!


[G7]Open your mind, the [C7]future it is [D7]here


[G7]Get you act together, [C7]get yourself in [D7]gear


It's [G7]not some stupid TV show, some [C7]scripted desti-[D7]ny


The [G7]future is now, the [C7]future is [D7]free!


. . . . chorus . . . .



[G7]Open you heart, the [C7]future it has [D7]come


[G7]Pounding like a hammer, [C7]throbbing like a [D7]drum


So [G7]stomp your feet, twist and shout, [C7]howl at the [D7]sky


The [G7]future it is waiting, c'-[C7]mon now give it a [D7]try!


. . . . chorus . . . .


[G7]Open your head, the [C7]future it is [D7]bright


[G7]Endless opportunity, ad-[C7]venture is in [D7]sight


[G7]Go on a journey, ex-[C7]plore far and [D7]wide


The [G7]future is wide open, it's im-[C7]possible to [D7]hide!


. . . . chorus . . . .


[G7]Open your arms, the [C7]future feels so [D7]fine


Ca-[G7]ress it like a lover, [C7]savor it like [D7]wine


[G7]Hug it like a puppy, [C7]let it lick your [D7]face


The [G7]future is seductive, [C7]take it on a [D7]date!


. . . . chorus . . . .


repeat until everybody is all sweaty, then fade



Go to forum: Songwriting

832 Reply by James McCormick

(4 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi bretbennett & welcome to chordie!  On the 'Resources' page there is a large chord chart.  Click on any chord and you can see alternative fingerings.

I believe you are seeking the D9add6 chord which is listed there:
http://www.chordie.com/chords.php

Hope this helps, James

Go to forum: Acoustic

833 Topic by James McCormick

(3 replies, posted in Chordie's Chat Corner)

Was just forwarded a link to this site by my father (who is a professional tuba player).  Although this site has nothing to do with guitars or other string instruments, I wanted to share it since it is an example of excellent musicianship.

Each horn can play only one note - but the ensemble is so beautifully blended they can play seamless melodies and chordal arrangements.  There are some videos and sound files plus photos. . . .
http://www.horncapella.com/

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834 Reply by James McCormick

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

daddycool, Old Doll, arkady, and last rebel - Thank you for tasting this bittersweet nugget!  The initial idea languished in my notebook for months as just a few potential scribbles and scratches.

Always thought it would be real happy sort of song once I got around to working it - boy was I ever wrong!  As this was firs taking shape I realized there was much more to the initial idea than just some objects in a box.

Thanks Again, James

Go to forum: Songwriting

835 Reply by James McCormick

(3 replies, posted in Acoustic)

Hi kaokao & welcome to chordie's forum.  On our 'Resources' page there is a large chord chart.  If you click on any of the chords you can also see variations on the same chord.

Here is a link:
http://www.chordie.com/chords.php
Bb+ is listed there (along with some variations).

Technically speaking a '+' chord is also called an 'augmented' chord.  It similar to a regular major chord (1, 3, 5) except that the 3 & 5 are each raised one-half step.  So, a '+' chord contains 1, 4, b6.

Don't worry about your English - I understand you perfectly.
Hope this is helpful,  James

Go to forum: Acoustic

836 Reply by James McCormick

(1 replies, posted in About Chordie)

Hi jaipur & welcome to chordie's forum.

I have moved your topic to the 'About Chordie' section so the 'Big Admin' will see it.  You can also contact Admin via the 'Feedback' button the the 'Resources' page (next to the Forum tab at top).  On that page you will also find a large listing of guitar-related sites who are currently linked to chordie.  James

Go to forum: About Chordie

837 Reply by James McCormick

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

OK Doc, here is what I came up with . . . it's a quirky little song of love in blues.  Not quite about germs, but it is about a musician who is infected with stupidity - somebody who needs to grow up quite a bit.  Hope you get a giggle . . .

Explanation for non-biologists/physicians:
Symbiotic relationship = a mutually beneficial co-existance of two living things.
Parasite = an organism that relies upon a host organism for sustenance, parasites are harmful.

I still want to do a song just about germs - but that will have to wait for another day.

Parasite BluesJames McCormick; September 2, 2007


based on 'a germ of an idea' from gitaardocphil


12-bar blues


Babe, there's [G]seems to be a problem, [G]something to explain


You're [G]taking our love and just [G7]flushing it down the drain


My [C7]manhood is all wilted, my [C7]feelings are all bruised


My [G]ego is all damaged, my [G]thoughts are all confused


You [D7]say that I am lazy, don't think [C7]twice it is alright


I [G]say we're symbiotic, but you say I'm a para-[G7]site


. . . .


I'm [G]working on my music all [G]night and every day


Com-[G]posing meaningful lyrics and [G7]groovy melodies


It [C7]takes a lot of effort to be [C7]such a great artiste


So [G]paying all the bills shouldn't [G]bother you the least


You [D7]say I do not care, don't think [C7]twice it is alright


I [G]say we're symbiotic, but you say I'm a para-[G7]site


. . . .


[G]Ever since we met when I [G]did that open mic


My [G]songs were so poetic you had [G7]never heard the like


We [C7]came here to your place where we [C7]did the bump and grind


I [G]needed a place to crash, and you [G]said you didn't mind


Now you're [D7]screaming I should go, don't think [C7]twice it is alright


I [G]say we're symbiotic, you say I'm a para-[G7]site


. . . .


Why [G]just the other day, I got a [G]blister on my thumb


And [G]practicing the barre chords my [G7]fingers go all numb


But [C7]I am willing to sacrifice [C7]anything for my art



You're [G]working at two jobs, that [G]is your chosen part


Stop [D7]sobbing so hard, don't think [C7]twice it is alright


I [G]say we're symbiotic, but you say I'm a para-[G7]site.


. . . .


Babe, it's [G]just a matter of time till I [G]get my lucky break


[G]Throwing me out right now is [G7]such a big mistake


Those [C7]songs I wrote about you came [C7]from my very soul


You've [G]been my inspiration, my [G]sweet little jelly roll


Now you [D7]say it's all over, don't think [C7]twice it is alright


I [G]say we're symbiotic, but you say I'm a para-[G7]site


. . . .


You [G]made an ugly scene when you got [G]home early from work


That [G]girl was nobody special, stop [G7]screaming I'm a jerk


I just [C7]met her in the park while [C7]busking for change


We were [G]doing what comes natural, stop [G]acting so deranged


I can [D7]notbe monogamous, don't think [C7]twice it is alright


I [G]say we're symbiotic, but you say I'm a para-[G7]site


. . . .


So, I'll [G]gather up my stuff and head [G]out in the rain


I'll [G]have to write a song about [G7]my artistic pain


Some [C7]day you will brag about [C7]how you knew me when


I [G]was a starving artist and how I [G]loved you way back then


Stop [D7]throwing all my stuff, don't think [C7]twice it is alright


I [G]say we're symbiotic, but you [D7]say I'm a para-[G]site.



Go to forum: Songwriting

838 Reply by James McCormick

(5 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Very well put, Jeff.  You're a good uncle - hope that Frank has a great college experience.  The first few months are so important, so I hope he takes your advice to heart.  I am still in touch with a few friends from college - our lives have each 'gone down a few more roads' but we still have lots in common.  James

Go to forum: Songwriting

839 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Beautifully expressed, daddycool.  You are a good neighbor and this is a lovely song.  I'm singing it like a lullabye since it has such a tender feel.  Well done!  James

Go to forum: Songwriting

840 Reply by James McCormick

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Hello again Doc - While putzing around and napping this fine Sunday afternoon I shall get some ideas down for your consideration.  I'm thinking a quirky little song of love . . . something about how "You say I'm a parasite, but I am a symbiote . . .".  Maybe a little bluesy sort of contemplation about a dysfunctional relationship?  James

Go to forum: Songwriting

841 Reply by James McCormick

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Hi Doc!  You have your finger o the pulse of a great song idea here - now lets put it into the old petri dish and see what might grow.

This topic could be lots of fun because there are all sorts of microbiology tidbits that are quite interesting.  I'm not a medical man, but there are a few things I am aware of.

For instance; oral floraculture (bacteria in our mouths and saliva) is very important to our health.  Likewise the stuff in our intestines is essential to proper digestion.  I know there is a kind of critter or bacteria that lives only in the roots of our eyelashes.  Likewise, I'm sure there are many other beneficial protozoa and bacterium that are necessary for proper health.  Many lyrical possibilities in the common and Latin names for these creatures.

Maybe the song could say something about how a lover is something like these benefical symbiotes (or a harmful parasite)?  Great fun to had here . . . James

Go to forum: Songwriting

842 Topic by James McCormick

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

I fussed over this one a lot and now it gives me goosebumps and shivers . . .
This is very sentimental and hard for me to sing because I keep choking up.

Box of MemoriesJames McCormick, September 1, 2007


I'm [G]hoping there's a [C]place for me in your [G]box of memories.


I'm [C]hoping when you open it you'll [Em]fondly think of [D]me.


[C]Time can make the [D]past go dim or [G]make it softly [C]gleam . . .


I'm [C]hoping that you [D]smile a bit [C]if you think of [G]me.


. . . .


I'm [G]wishing that I [C]knew back then [G]what I've learned by now.


[C]Simple consequences so [Em]foreign to me some-[D]how.


[C]Seasons come a-[D]round again but [G]chances can be [C]lost . . .


I'm [C]wishing oppor-[D]tunity didn't [C]always have a [G]cost.


[C]Time can make the [D]past grow dim, or [G]make it start to [C]gleam . . .


I'm [C]hoping that you [D]smile a bit [C]if you think of [G]me.


I'm [G]sure your box of [C]memories is [G]full of precious gems.


[C]Treasured mementos of [Em]who, where and [D]when.


Maybe [C]somewhere in the [D]jumble there [G]is a little [C]piece . . .


A [C]souvenir from [D]way back, to re-[C]mind you of [G]me.


. . . .


[G]I recall the [C]times we had as [G]being mighty fine.


[C]Moments sharp and fleeting still [Em]flash within my [D]mind.



I [C]bet that if we [D]met again, [G]we would laugh and [C]cry . . .


I re-[C]call it ended [D]suddenly, I for-[C]got exactly [G]why.


[C]Time can give per-[D]spective, and [G]help the hurt to [C]cease . . .


I'm [C]hoping that you [D]smile a bit [C]if you think of [G]me


I [G]hope your box of [C]memories is not [G]heavy with regrets.


[C]Hope you still have lots of room for [Em]what is coming [D]next.


Ex-[C]perience can [D]knock you down or [G]keep you on your [C]feet . . .


I [C]hope the bitter [D]lessons are en-[C]lightened by your [G]sweet.


. . . .


So [G]many little [C]corners in my [G]box of memories.


[C]Melancholy relics im-[Em]portant just to [D]me.


Some [C]shadows faded [D]long ago, [G]buried in the [C]snow . . .


But [C]you are nestled [D]safely, . . you [C]never . . lost your [G]glow.


[C]Time can make the [D]past grow dim, or [G]make it start to [C]glow . . .


If you [C]think of me, I [D]hope you smile . . . But I [C]guess I'll never [G]know.



Go to forum: Songwriting

843 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Songwriting)

way cool, daddycool!  Three-chord ballads are my favorite.  Hmmmm - An Englishman writing about Tuscon . . . gotta love it!

Somehow, if makes me think of all the lovely ladies (English, Irish, Scot, French, German, Italian, Belgian, Philipino, etc.) I know who were war brides from back in WWII.  You know, I have not heard yet about anybody coming home with a war bride from Iraq or Afghanistan . . . gosh, I wonder why?  James

Go to forum: Songwriting

844 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Ken, I guess that's a big difference between your country and mine - here, I wouldn't go to a public park at night for any reason.  Even in a small town like mine, there are too many drug deals going down and too many heavily armed fools looking for twisted glory.  Great song - James

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845 Reply by James McCormick

(17 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Hi Last Rebel - Dandy lyric about a miserable thing to go through.  I would make it a 12-bar blues because the tag line 'The hell you put me through' and the variations you use of that same idea are absolutely perfect for the endings of blues verses.  A few very minor alterations in some lines and you've got a real gutsy blues thing going on . . . .
James

Go to forum: Songwriting

846 Reply by James McCormick

(5 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Arkady, this is superb - you have taken a complex situation and put into a few very well-chosen words.  James

Go to forum: Songwriting

847 Reply by James McCormick

(6 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Yep - she will love this one, I'm sure.  When my wife is away, I mope around a bit and then end up doing all sorts of absurd things like cleaning out and reorganizing cupboards and closets.  She will be gone for 4 days next weekend, so I'm thinking maybe I'll get the yard and garage all spiffy - certianly safer than having her come home and be upset that she can't find anything in the kitchen!

Hope your wife's golf goes well - if it's at least as good as your songwriting, she will be finishing in the top.  James

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848 Reply by James McCormick

(9 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Very cool & cryptic & has a great hoppy-bouncy thing going on.  Shall come back to it later with my instrument and give it warble & twang.  James

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849 Reply by James McCormick

(8 replies, posted in Songwriting)

This is a definate bullseye, Rooster3!  I hope you didn't drop out of college - as a prof, I would counsel that you finish the degree (no matter how painful it may seem).  It is great to be in love - hope that you and Jamie are still grooving together.  James

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850 Reply by James McCormick

(5 replies, posted in Songwriting)

Hi Doc - You've got the germ for a song there, we just need to put it into the petri dish and see what develops.

Expound a bit on the general idea, and this little beauty will be roaring along in no time.  Would love to help, but like Roger I would like to have some navigational direction.
James

Go to forum: Songwriting