• Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Topic: Opening a new chapter in the book

So the song "Coast of Marseilles" has a bunch of jazz chords in it.  Not so hard for Russell the Mutant and Jerome "Mr. Theory" O'Neill, but surely challenging for l'il ol' me.  I started working on it today.  If learning this song happens at the same pace as my usual pace for new chords and patterns, I should have it ready some time around February.  Of 2074. 

- 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
  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Opening a new chapter in the book

You sound like me, Zurf.  I don't know why it takes me so long to learn something new on guitar.  The best of luck on your new jazz chords.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • wlbaye
  • Honoured Member
  • Offline
  • From: Black Hills So Dak
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 1,284

Re: Opening a new chapter in the book

I will bet that your being too tough on yourself Zurf, good luck and remember to enjoy yourself and there are millions of people that can't play at all smile

Later, Wayne P

wlbaye's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Opening a new chapter in the book

wlbaye wrote:

I will bet that your being too tough on yourself Zurf, good luck and remember to enjoy yourself and there are millions of people that can't play at all smile

Oh, you have no idea.  It's easy to talk smack here on the boards and quite another to sit down and play.  I've sent a few songs I've recorded via e-mail to Russell and some other friends to get constructive criticism, but I've not been brave enough to play on Youtube or at an open mic or some such yet.  Now, everyone sitting around the campfire and chilling out on a summer evening - sure.  But that's just buds and I'm big and generally ornery enough by Friday night that folks keep their perspective on my playing to themselves.  And there's actually a couple of folks who seem to enjoy it.  Well, really just the one guy.  And my kids.  But they don't know any better.

- 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
  • From: NY
  • Registered: 2009-08-26
  • Posts: 4,320

Re: Opening a new chapter in the book

OH now Zurf... you can't be worse than me and I've youtubed!  smile (laughing at myself) -- Wayne is right, there are people that can't play at all... and there's people like me that will forever be behind you in their playing (I'm being realistic here... I don't expect to catch up to you any time soon.  I know I've never heard you, but I'm sure you're gooder than I).

Anyhow... good to hear that you're starting a new chapter in your playing.  I think that's awesome!  Now, what we need is a guitar players babysitting co-op ... you take the kids (AND the husband) one day while I practice ... and I'll take the kids (AND the wife) another day while you practice... then we'd both be getting much better faster with actual time to play and practice!  Ahhh... too bad we're not close enough to actually do that.  I know that's what I need even more than someone to practice and jam with!  smile

Well... once the weather warms up and the kids can play outside again I'll be able to practice more.  Winter winter go away

Art and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder.
What constitutes excellent music is in the ears of the listener.

mekidsmom's Website

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Opening a new chapter in the book

Zurf I applaud your quest for increased knowledge for improvement keep in mind I put in over 10 years of my life several hours everyday practicing to make what I do look easy and effortless and a phrase from the writings of Desiderata comes to mind "enjoy your achievements as well as your plans for always there will be greater and lesser persons then yourself keep interested in your own career however humble it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time" and PRACTICE!!!!! good on ya smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: Opening a new chapter in the book

I didn't say you didn't WORK for your mutant status Russell, just recognized that you're there. 

Scales, arpeggios, and inversions.  Those are among some challenges too.  I thought they were my next challenges, but when we packed up my office we packed up my lesson books.  So, I bought a DVD on fingerpick lessons I can play on my computer.  I play fingerpick style mostly now, but it'll be good to learn some new patterns, techniques, and tricks.  It also has a section on Travis picking, which is kind of a "he's there" sort of thing.  Someone who can Travis pick has my immediate respect.  It's like when I was fishing all the time with a spinning reel, I thought "wow that guys really amazing" for anyone who could use a baitcasting reel accurately.

- 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
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Opening a new chapter in the book

Zurf I did not mean to imply that you did I was only pointing out my own personal journey to the skill level I'm at and there's never a point where I think I dont need to learn anymore its a life long love and pursuit for me but that's me everyone had there own journey keep at it my friend smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: Bellevue, WA
  • Registered: 2006-06-15
  • Posts: 3,336

Re: Opening a new chapter in the book

Study your 7's and extended 7ths (9th, 11th, and 13ths) and you'll be fine.  Jazz is a great way to expand your chord vocabulary.

Someday we'll win this thing...

[url=http://www.aclosesecond.com]www.aclosesecond.com[/url]

jerome.oneil's Website