Learning Rhythm
David,
I have paused in my lessons to back and take a closer look at learning rhythm. I dont think it is that easy..at least for me. Your book CLASSIC CHICAGO BLUES HARP #1, has an excellent section on rhythmic training...but it is very fast, at least for me. It like learning to dance...I have to go slow.
I have sought out local teachers but the lessons bog down immediately as each one has his own way and frankly they dont have the talent you do in teaching. Not even close.
Any plans on making LEARNING RHYTHM a subject of learning on the website?
Thank you Dave,
Thats what I thought...its complicated and takes time. I have already learned enough that it helps with the lessons already.
I've been playing with a friend of mine who plays blues guitar his an instructor of blues guitar well he says I play very(chordal) rythmic when I accompany him right now i'm on tongue blocking song ex #4 and looking at 3rd position which I find amazing I love the sound I want to get more melodic in my playing especially when I'm doing a solo what do you suggest I do tomorrow is the Tampa Bay Blues Fest i'm excited Rod piazza is performing its my first one
Being melodic is not a function of position playing... you can play melodic in any position. The best thing you can do is to identify a player that plays like YOU would like to play and start copying them... taking their licks and adding them to your lick vocabulary. If you really like the sound of 3rd Position, go for it... follow what inspires you!
Thanx now to start my lick vocabulary I been writing them down as l lv v chord licks now my ? is should I write them as licks by the hole its for ex; 1 hole licks, 4 draw licks and even though i'm want to stop for a little on 2nd pos is it ok to start on 3rd pos
Yes, I recommend to write them down by hole number. If your focus right now is to become a better improvisor then stay in 2nd Position and go into 3rd later. 2nd Position is one language and 3rd Position is another... get really good at one language first.
No doubt rhythm can be a challenging aspect of learning. My no-bull answer is that you should stick with it in your private music lessons... rhythm training is best done with an instructor... face-to-face. If your instructors were hacks, keep looking, there ARE great instructors out there... a lot of them in my experience. Choose a classically trained musician (meaning they work with reading music every day of their lives) that has a degree. Use a rhythm workbook that you both study from and make sure to record the lessons for reference. Keep at it, you will get it!