It’s too hot to write some in-depth discourse about the secrets of guitar playing as you’re no doubt used to seeing in this space. Yeah, right! So, without further ado….
Things that make me go, hmmmmm…..??
Why does my guitar sound great at certain times of day and not so good at others?
Why do so many indie rock and Americana groups seem to want to fill up space with choruses that go: Ahhhh…..ahhhhh……ahhhhhh…..ahhhhh….ahhhhhh……ahhhhh…….(etc.)? Are they not able to write any more lyrics?
In retrospect, listening to a lot of music that I grew up with and thought sounded wonderful at the time, it becomes obvious that there was a lot of garbage out there in the wonderful Sixties. Some truly great stuff, yes, but also plenty of self-indulgent clap-trap too.
And on that note, understand this: I love Stevie Wonder. I think he is truly an iconic musician and perhaps even a genius. But…. If anyone else had written “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” which is about the laziest lyric writing I can think of, that song would never have seen the light of day.
Will Taylor Guitar’s insistence out bringing out the latest/greatest bracing system every couple of years give a financial kick in the ass to the people who bought the previous incarnation of the latest/greatest bracing system?
Is it really necessary to memorize lyrics anymore? Back in the day you were considered a rank amateur if you went on stage with a music stand and read the lyrics while you played. Now, just about every performer I see uses a music stand or an IPad on a stand – or both. I’m not complaining – it certainly makes things easier and the audiences don’t seem to mind. Now if only my old eyes were good enough to read anything smaller than 18pt. print!
Are well-planned instrumental solos a thing of the past? Seems that way. Sure, when we jam with friends playing solos that go on and on are fun and a great way to hone your licks. But in performance, limiting solos to a pre-specified number of verses or measures makes a group sound tight and well-rehearsed. I blame a lot of the current trend of open-ended solos on the use of loopers. Oh, how wonderful to have a rhythm guitarist who never gets tired of playing the same changes over and over and over! From an audience perspective? Booooooringgggggg.
Why the heck can’t I get used to using finger picks?!? Been trying for over 40 years. I have a container with every variety made. Every once in a while, I pull a few out and try them. And then remember why they mostly gather dust. I am so envious of players who use them well. Ain’t gonna happen for this old guy.
Why is it that I can practice a new song over and over, get it in passable shape and perform it but if I don’t play it regularly I will screw it up the next time, for sure. But…. I recall a tune I haven’t played in many years and play it flawlessly the first time I try it?
Will the trade war with China have a long-term effect on the availability and price of instruments and music accessories in this country?
Even after all these years, being a bit nervous when I perform always results in the best performances. Being totally at ease and relaxed before I begin is a recipe for disaster, sooner rather than later. YMMV of course. It’s just one of my quirks.
I often wonder about musicians I’ve played with over the years but have lost contact with. Are they still playing? Would getting together with them be a great experience or a disappointment?
It takes a long, long time to learn to temper expectations with realities. Being the best you can be, musically speaking, is an admirable goal and probably vital in the long term. The trick is knowing just what you can be best at. Musically speaking.
Is the love of music implanted in our genetic code? I have come to believe it is. All I have to do is watch my precious granddaughter smile and dance and sing when I play.
Peace & good music,
Gene
Things that make me go, hmmmmm…..??
Why does my guitar sound great at certain times of day and not so good at others?
Why do so many indie rock and Americana groups seem to want to fill up space with choruses that go: Ahhhh…..ahhhhh……ahhhhhh…..ahhhhh….ahhhhhh……ahhhhh…….(etc.)? Are they not able to write any more lyrics?
In retrospect, listening to a lot of music that I grew up with and thought sounded wonderful at the time, it becomes obvious that there was a lot of garbage out there in the wonderful Sixties. Some truly great stuff, yes, but also plenty of self-indulgent clap-trap too.
And on that note, understand this: I love Stevie Wonder. I think he is truly an iconic musician and perhaps even a genius. But…. If anyone else had written “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” which is about the laziest lyric writing I can think of, that song would never have seen the light of day.
Will Taylor Guitar’s insistence out bringing out the latest/greatest bracing system every couple of years give a financial kick in the ass to the people who bought the previous incarnation of the latest/greatest bracing system?
Is it really necessary to memorize lyrics anymore? Back in the day you were considered a rank amateur if you went on stage with a music stand and read the lyrics while you played. Now, just about every performer I see uses a music stand or an IPad on a stand – or both. I’m not complaining – it certainly makes things easier and the audiences don’t seem to mind. Now if only my old eyes were good enough to read anything smaller than 18pt. print!
Are well-planned instrumental solos a thing of the past? Seems that way. Sure, when we jam with friends playing solos that go on and on are fun and a great way to hone your licks. But in performance, limiting solos to a pre-specified number of verses or measures makes a group sound tight and well-rehearsed. I blame a lot of the current trend of open-ended solos on the use of loopers. Oh, how wonderful to have a rhythm guitarist who never gets tired of playing the same changes over and over and over! From an audience perspective? Booooooringgggggg.
Why the heck can’t I get used to using finger picks?!? Been trying for over 40 years. I have a container with every variety made. Every once in a while, I pull a few out and try them. And then remember why they mostly gather dust. I am so envious of players who use them well. Ain’t gonna happen for this old guy.
Why is it that I can practice a new song over and over, get it in passable shape and perform it but if I don’t play it regularly I will screw it up the next time, for sure. But…. I recall a tune I haven’t played in many years and play it flawlessly the first time I try it?
Will the trade war with China have a long-term effect on the availability and price of instruments and music accessories in this country?
Even after all these years, being a bit nervous when I perform always results in the best performances. Being totally at ease and relaxed before I begin is a recipe for disaster, sooner rather than later. YMMV of course. It’s just one of my quirks.
I often wonder about musicians I’ve played with over the years but have lost contact with. Are they still playing? Would getting together with them be a great experience or a disappointment?
It takes a long, long time to learn to temper expectations with realities. Being the best you can be, musically speaking, is an admirable goal and probably vital in the long term. The trick is knowing just what you can be best at. Musically speaking.
Is the love of music implanted in our genetic code? I have come to believe it is. All I have to do is watch my precious granddaughter smile and dance and sing when I play.
Peace & good music,
Gene
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