1 (edited by johncross21 2012-04-12 19:48:47)

Topic: Bin busy but still playing

Bin a bit busy. I was learning the F shape barre chord- it took me the whole year

No, seriously,  working to keep a job going in the downturn, looking after a kid and a teenager.   

I have been going once a week to an adult education class. I was playing electric but I have taken up acoustic again more recently because it was time for a change of style.

We're an intermediate guitar class and we have played a couple of ensemble pieces in public. At Christmas we played 'Come as you' are by Nirvana and Silent Night.  Just before Easter we played 'Blowing in the Wind' and 'Mull of Kintyre'.

That was the first time I've played in a group and it takes new skills.  Playing in time helps - especially if its an arrangement for several players but so does following the right order of intro, verse and chorus.  I have been known to shorten a 8 bar count-in to a two bar count-in and to miss the a repeat of the verse. However that was fortunately in rehearsal.

switching back to acoustic also meant learning new things.  all my caged shapes which I played up the neck are now being played at the other end of the guitar with loads of moved fingerings to include as many open notes in each shape as possible. thats doing my head in at the moment. learning scales is always  a pain. especially when you thought you already knew them.

Re: Bin busy but still playing

It sounds like you're on top of things.  I tried to go CAGED, but it turns out that I just wanted to bang some songs out on my guitar.  I haven't learned much new on my guitar as I've been working hard on my voice the past couple of years.  Since 2009 really.  I am now getting some complements on my singing, so I guess the work is paying off.  You wouldn't believe the caterwauling I used to do.  Now it's more of a controlled shout, which is better than caterwauling I suppose. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude

Re: Bin busy but still playing

that really interesting. I need to improve my singing but its so bad at the moment I don't know where to start.

all I've done so far is buy a digital recorder (a Zoom HN4). it at least means that  I can at least hear my singing first. it reminds me to either to keep quiet which is often for the best or at least try to stay in the right key.

Re: Bin busy but still playing

I just followed this guy's advice:
http://www.ehow.com/video_2388044_elimi … nging.html

The particular lesson there is just the last one I got to.  Click through the others.  There's a whole bunch of short, easy to understand instructions.  Each lesson deals with just one little thing.  Also, I like the guy's dry sense of humor. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
When in doubt ... hats. - B.G. Dude