Struggling with EP 315 ( This is a repost of the one that disappeared )

[Ray]

I first saw a version of this being played by Richard G on a Facebook Group and instantly thought I would like to learn that. When I saw it came from Active Melody I looked it up.
I found it very difficult to keep the base line going using a plectrum for some reason so I changed to using my fingers and found that much better using the thumb on the base. ( Since then I have found I can play with a plectrum once I got the rhythm sorted however, this recording is without a plectrum )

This composition is driving me mad though as when I just think I have it done I forget where I am with the response. ( something Brian eluded to ) So this recording is the best of the ones where I have managed to complete the whole piece. I am totally unrelaxed with it at the moment because my mind is racing ahead thinking of what comes next and therefore my playing suffers. I think it is one that I maybe should leave for a while and come back to it fresh. I may remember the trills also at some point. lol

Oh, and just to add I really find that base B note to fit in before moving up to the B very awkward .

Makem Ray

[Martin W]

Hi good effort with this lesson ,well you have the notes down it’s just your timing slips a bit . My advice would be listen very carefully to the tab track and count the beats through until you’re comfortable with it the main bass riff starts on the and of 3 , so it starts with and 4 and , you can slow this right down to suit on the tab track . I think a break from it does help sometimes but you have to nail that timing at some point. Hope this helps

Martin

[Ray]

Hi Martin, Thanks. Timing has always been my problem. I think once I stop thinking about where I am and relax that will help a lot. Plus , I always feel under pressure when there is a camera on me. Thanks for the advise.

Ray

Makem Ray

[Martin W]

Yep I’m with you on the timing I used to suffer big time , then I started counting the beats and it all fell in place , I now have a little saying “if I can’t count it I can’t play it” as regards the camera I to have suffered the red dot fever and have found the more comfortable I am playing the piece the easier it gets . Happy picking

Martin

[Richard G]

Hi Ray,
I’m so glad you took this piece on, it’s a great slow blues to play. The variations you can add to it later are absolutely endless. Martin is spot on regarding his advice on timing and I do believe the ‘red dot’ syndrome can be overcome with, just more practice.
You made a cracking start, all it needs now is just a bit of a polish.
Good luck …..

Richard

[John H]

Hey Ray,
You got off to a nice start. Don’t be discouraged. This piece is hard to remember. I get your point about “thinking ahead”. Just keep plugging away at it. I would recommend the following:

1 Play it 1000 times
2 Chunk the parts (into little sections) as you try and perfect them
3 Walk away from it and come back to it
4 Make it your own (don’t be afraid to alter or morph Brian’s licks into your own)

Honestly, I kind of learned this then left it. Maybe this is the inspiration to come back to it.
Job well done!!

John

[charjo]

Hi Ray,
You seem to be late on the response. I think the cure is foot tapping with the beat and counting. The call is ” and 1 and 2″ and the response is “and 3 and 4”. Hope that helps. This is a great lesson. Thanks for reminding me.
John

[Ray]

Thank you Richard. I could have waited longer before posting but my main reason for posting now is to to get the good constructive advise that people offer on this forum. I will take it all on board.

Ray

Makem Ray

[Ray]

Hi John, I must have played it a 1000 times just getting something to put on camera lol
Working with sections at a time is a thing I do tend to do but just wanted to try and get it out there for comments. I appreciate all the advise that I can get.

Yeah, making it my own is what I intend to do with all these lessons. I am using them so that I can transfer the new techniques and skills into tunes I do. ( and new ones ) I presently do a little Open Mic singing and playing but ideally I would like to play in a duo where I could concentrate on playing more than singing.

Ray

Makem Ray

[Ray]

Thanks for that Charjo, yeah timing is an issue for me but I’ll get there. Cheers
Ray

Makem Ray

[John B]

Loved the sound. A really fun tune. Well done..

[Ray]

Thank you John, I’ll get it right with more work on timing etc.

Ray

Makem Ray

[sunburst]

Ray that is good man! you ain’t struggling..it’s a matter of just practicing memorize it..it ‘ll get smoother..good though!

[Lights]

Another great lesson which is very popular among AM members. Nice sound and pretty decent playing.
Lights.

[Dieter]

Very nice job. I think, we all have problems with most of lessons. It’s a hard work to practice, but each lesson makes as a bit of better guitar player.

Dieter

[Ray]

Thank you John, I was just struggling with the timing and with thought block during the piece. You are right it will come right. We are having a week away in the Lake District ( England ) although I will take a guitar I will probably take a break and relax with some songs and a beer. lol
Ray

Makem Ray

[Ray]

Thanks Lights, It is for some reason the lesson that has caused me most problems to date. It is taking longer than most to sink into the old grey cells. I’ll post again once it comes good ( or better )

Ray

Makem Ray

[Ray]

Cheers Dieter, hard work it is , especially as you get older, but well worth putting the effort in.

Ray

Makem Ray

[Richard G]

I understand your predicament Ray, a good few of us share the same challenges when learning new pieces. I find what works for me best is learn the notes from Brian’s tutorial and maybe the ‘Slow Walk-Through’ but I generally hone the timing by using the SoundSlice tracks, over and over with a foot-stomp or counting the beats, possibly slowing the track down to 90-80% if needed.

We all appear to learn new lessons using slightly different methods and I suspect you will quickly find the method and sequence that works best for you.

Richard

[WBlues]

Well played, I mean. It is always important to move out of your comfort zone in order to develop further. I do it anyway. You do it and have mastered it well. Stay tuned

Play guitar just like you live; don't get bogged down in theory, it's just a tool without feeling.

Wilfried

[Ray]

I just thought I would post an update on this piece. Having read all the helpful comments I then had a week away on holiday and hardly played much. Today is the first day that I have felt like getting back into it. I have started playing along with Brian and can’t believe what I had been playing prior. The normal speed sounds slower than I was actually trying to play it at and also my base rhythm was totally wrong. ( No surprises at that mind lol ) So a break away from playing has got what I thought it should sound like in my head to actually hearing what it should sound like. Watch this space !
Ray

Makem Ray

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