Sunday, March 25, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
March 24, 2012 (Addendum)
Working on Pattern 1 scale in the Chord Tone Soloing book. Also, actually recorded a bit of a melody I just started working on.
Got a notebook to start writing down stuff: song lyric ideas, collaboration notes, etc.
Got a notebook to start writing down stuff: song lyric ideas, collaboration notes, etc.
March 24, 2012
It's mid afternoon, and most of my music time today so far was spent at the piano, reorienting myself to my Sudnow/Moody strategy. Earlier today I gave a guitar lesson to a youngster in the neighborhood; looks like that might continue for awhile.
Yesterday we had band practice that went fairly well. 3/4 of us will be playing for the Make a Wish organization next week.
Later today I will be getting back into the "Chord Tone Soloing" book for guitar.
And who knows, maybe create a little today??
Yesterday we had band practice that went fairly well. 3/4 of us will be playing for the Make a Wish organization next week.
Later today I will be getting back into the "Chord Tone Soloing" book for guitar.
And who knows, maybe create a little today??
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Time to Create
It's time to create. Spending too much time trying to learn an instrument, for me anyway, possibly has incurred the cost of losing creativity. Sure I can always improve on piano and guitar, and I'm not going to give up learning.
But it's time for the learning to take a "back seat" to the creating. Not bragging, but I certainly know enough about guitar playing to create. And no one ever called John Lennon an expert on piano.
The learning can go on indefinitely, but there's no point in just waiting for some illusory endpoint to be reached when I might say, "I know enough to start creating."
Songwriting. Playing for the fun of it as I simultaneously learn lead guitar. Songwriting using the tools I've already learned on piano.
No more just taking courses after courses to learn things. Time to graduate to the world of music creation using the tools I have already.
But it's time for the learning to take a "back seat" to the creating. Not bragging, but I certainly know enough about guitar playing to create. And no one ever called John Lennon an expert on piano.
The learning can go on indefinitely, but there's no point in just waiting for some illusory endpoint to be reached when I might say, "I know enough to start creating."
Songwriting. Playing for the fun of it as I simultaneously learn lead guitar. Songwriting using the tools I've already learned on piano.
No more just taking courses after courses to learn things. Time to graduate to the world of music creation using the tools I have already.
March 18, 2011
Changed the name of my blog to better represent my current direction. Welcome to the next part of the journey!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Piano? What's a piano??
Had an absolute blast tonight with the band's gig tonight. Tempted to use the piano as firewood and stick withe the guitar. A great show. We played for free for a residence of older folks, and it really went well. Our new singer really adds our potential up a few more notches. Only played about an hour. The worst part is lugging equipment to these gigs. It was nice to be appreciated (actually listened to) by folks who sang along and some even danced. Not used to getting applause, but we received some nice applause after every song. Some songs we did: Under the Boardwalk, Mary Don't You Weep, Danny Boy, Be bop a lula, Hey Good Lookin', Memphis, The Way You Look Tonight, Tequila, Sleepwalk, Silouettes, Route 66, Norwegian Wood, and more.
Oh yea.... The name of the band is The Cat's Meow.
Oh yea.... The name of the band is The Cat's Meow.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Not bad!!!!
Worked on "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" tonight, and I must admit that it didn't sound too bad at all. It looks like I'm on to something here with this strategy of mine. My playing isn't as smooth as I would like (an ongoing problem), but hey, I was able to get through the whole song.
Learning that in order for me to use this strategy to its full advantage that I will have to incorporate a certain degree of flexibility. For example, not being too rigid about playing all the notes that I specified in my major and minor rules.
The "Chestnuts" song is a great opportunity to get used to the Eb chord.
Satisfied with where this is going.
Two side notes:
Our band will be playing about an hour set tomorrow night. May get some video for an eventual Facebook page. This gig tomorrow will be out of the ordinary for us in that it will be the debut gig for our new singer who just happens to be a great addition.
Lastly, April 1 will be an interesting musical day for me. I'm getting together with an old high school guitar playing friend to talk about possibly collaborating on song writing. The last time I would have seen him was 32 years ago!! Here's a great tasteful player, and he's the guy who got me into the Rolling Stones.
Learning that in order for me to use this strategy to its full advantage that I will have to incorporate a certain degree of flexibility. For example, not being too rigid about playing all the notes that I specified in my major and minor rules.
The "Chestnuts" song is a great opportunity to get used to the Eb chord.
Satisfied with where this is going.
Two side notes:
Our band will be playing about an hour set tomorrow night. May get some video for an eventual Facebook page. This gig tomorrow will be out of the ordinary for us in that it will be the debut gig for our new singer who just happens to be a great addition.
Lastly, April 1 will be an interesting musical day for me. I'm getting together with an old high school guitar playing friend to talk about possibly collaborating on song writing. The last time I would have seen him was 32 years ago!! Here's a great tasteful player, and he's the guy who got me into the Rolling Stones.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Practice Strategy
Ok, I think I came up with a possible solution to my problem noted in the post below. While I do think that practicing songs is important, I think to get a better handle on the Moody system I'll try something somewhat new.
What I'll try to do is play those Moody note clusters in random order as part of practicing in order to get them in hand better. For example, trying to play a B cluster, then a Bb cluster, then an Ab cluster, than a different B cluster, etc., etc., etc.
It's really important, I think, to get those Moody clusters in hand because they are really handy to go to in clutch moments.
What I'll try to do is play those Moody note clusters in random order as part of practicing in order to get them in hand better. For example, trying to play a B cluster, then a Bb cluster, then an Ab cluster, than a different B cluster, etc., etc., etc.
It's really important, I think, to get those Moody clusters in hand because they are really handy to go to in clutch moments.
This is hard !
Trying to use my Sudnow/Moody system isn't as easy as originally thought! I'm trying to run through some tunes, and it is difficult going!
My fear is that I will end up resorting to what got me in trouble with the Sudnow Method, namely, learning songs but then forgetting them if I don't play them enough. My thought, though, is that by learning a bunch of songs utilizing my hybrid method, the clusters will naturally become engrained (sooner or later) since I am limiting the note choices in each chord.
Difficult stuff trying to integrate (what I thought was) memorized stuff within the context of a song.... A lot easier in theory and in my head than it is in practical application in song playing.
Tempting to toss out the Sudnow part of the equation and focus on just using Moody stuff because I find it's easier to play by ear utilizing the Moody style. However, using just the Moody style sacrifices the less dissonant sounds of the Sudnow Method style.
My fear is that I will end up resorting to what got me in trouble with the Sudnow Method, namely, learning songs but then forgetting them if I don't play them enough. My thought, though, is that by learning a bunch of songs utilizing my hybrid method, the clusters will naturally become engrained (sooner or later) since I am limiting the note choices in each chord.
Difficult stuff trying to integrate (what I thought was) memorized stuff within the context of a song.... A lot easier in theory and in my head than it is in practical application in song playing.
Tempting to toss out the Sudnow part of the equation and focus on just using Moody stuff because I find it's easier to play by ear utilizing the Moody style. However, using just the Moody style sacrifices the less dissonant sounds of the Sudnow Method style.
March 14, 2012
Looks like I know two Moody clusters for each note. It will be a matter of Quickly being able to make the cluster changes from note to note (whether using a Sudnowish cluster or a Moody cluster) especially within the context of a song.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
March 12, 2012
Forgot how cool the Moody system can be. Looks like I have two more notes (four clusters) to memorize before working seriously on a song using my combination of the Sudnow and Moody systems.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
March 10, 2012
Slow down, Mr. Billy Shears. Beautiful piano sounds take time to develop.
Here's where I stand today:
1) Learning the major chords for C, D, E, F, G, A, B, Ab, Eb, Bb.
But for them, utilizibg the Left Hand Sudnow formula while for the Right hand only using the 3rd and the 6th for most of them.
2) For minors, using the Sudnow formula, but ditching the mnemonics and just counting steps.
3) For every other chord, learning two Moody clusters associated with each note.
Trying to keep it simple; but the Moody clusters as well as some Sudnow configurations should add some color.
Here's where I stand today:
1) Learning the major chords for C, D, E, F, G, A, B, Ab, Eb, Bb.
But for them, utilizibg the Left Hand Sudnow formula while for the Right hand only using the 3rd and the 6th for most of them.
2) For minors, using the Sudnow formula, but ditching the mnemonics and just counting steps.
3) For every other chord, learning two Moody clusters associated with each note.
Trying to keep it simple; but the Moody clusters as well as some Sudnow configurations should add some color.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Band Rehearsal
Interesting rehearsal tonight; added a female singer who just might add the right touch. Was enjoyable playing guitar tonight given that I've been so piano focused recently. Enjoyed playing my acoustic and singing "Norwegian Wood" while other members sang harmony and the keyboard player adds a nice accordion touch to it. Also enjoyed playing what comes natural: electric guitar to "Memphis" and "That's All Right Mama."I also love playing and singing the old song covered by Bruce Springsteen, "Oh Mary Don't You Weep." We'll be playing a benefit show a week from today.
So.....Back to piano land, I wonder if I should eliminate one note of the major chords....can't be the third...can't be the 9th..... would have to be the 6th or 7th....will have to experiment.
In playing piano today, it is becoming clear that I might have to add one more Moody cluster to each note.
So.....Back to piano land, I wonder if I should eliminate one note of the major chords....can't be the third...can't be the 9th..... would have to be the 6th or 7th....will have to experiment.
In playing piano today, it is becoming clear that I might have to add one more Moody cluster to each note.
March 9, 2012
Ok, so I'm individualizing this plan, how about making it a little more individualized? Heres what I'm thinking....instead of having four possible notes plus a melody note, how about three?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
M U S I C
To just sit at the piano and be able to play and create wondrous, dreamy, and heavenly sounds. To create at the piano beautiful melodies with beautiful accompaniment. To be able to express at the piano all emotions....love, anger, hurt, anger...
To be able to put sound to that which is inexpressable with mere words. To give glory to God.
To be able to put sound to that which is inexpressable with mere words. To give glory to God.
Sudnow/Moody
Making progress with my Sudnow/Moody combination method. Learning a quicker way of playing the minors, and continuing to work on my Moody clusters.
Pretty soon, pretty soon, I'll be working on an actual song.
One upcoming barrier I can see in the distance is that I'll probably have to learn two clusters for each Moody note. But eventually.
Pretty soon, pretty soon, I'll be working on an actual song.
One upcoming barrier I can see in the distance is that I'll probably have to learn two clusters for each Moody note. But eventually.
March 8, 2012
Almost done making the summary sheet that is similar to the one shown in yesterday's post. Things going well. I do think that I am on to something in integrating the Sudnow and Moody systems in a way personalized for me. I realize it's going to take some time, but again, I like where this seems to be going.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Summary Sheet
MAJORS
C = All white except F
D = B E C# F#
E = all black except Bb
F = A G E F
G = B E A F#
A = B C# F# G#
B = All Black
MINORS
C = Gary Dornhoefer
D = Albert Einstein
E = B F#
F = Carey Grant
G = D A
A = E B
B = F# C#
COMMON FLATS
Eb = C D F G
Ab = F G Bb C
Bb = C A G D
MOODY NOTES WORKED ON
Bass. Cluster
Bb. C
Eb. Db
F. D (2 types)
Ab or C. Eb
F. E
Bb. F
D. F#
A. G
C = All white except F
D = B E C# F#
E = all black except Bb
F = A G E F
G = B E A F#
A = B C# F# G#
B = All Black
MINORS
C = Gary Dornhoefer
D = Albert Einstein
E = B F#
F = Carey Grant
G = D A
A = E B
B = F# C#
COMMON FLATS
Eb = C D F G
Ab = F G Bb C
Bb = C A G D
MOODY NOTES WORKED ON
Bass. Cluster
Bb. C
Eb. Db
F. D (2 types)
Ab or C. Eb
F. E
Bb. F
D. F#
A. G
Sunday, March 4, 2012
March 4, 2012
The new scheme seems to be working. Playing on the fly (or should I say playing on the snail's pace), but I like the scheme so far! Going to take time, but the combination of the Sudnow and Moody ideas seems to be fruitful.
Here's what I'm doing:
1)Memorized Sudnowian options for the major chords that do not have accidentals (except Ab, Bb, and Eb because they seem to be used frequently.
2)Memorized Sudnowian options for minors (none with accidentals).
3)Working on memorizing Moody clusters for all 12 notes.
Thus, for major chords without accidentals (except the 3 noted above) as well as Minor chords without accidentals, I can use Sudnow clusters. For all other notes, I can use Moody clusters.
The idea is interesting, and I must say, the sounds are nice also.
Will just take time to get clusters in my hands quickly.
Here's what I'm doing:
1)Memorized Sudnowian options for the major chords that do not have accidentals (except Ab, Bb, and Eb because they seem to be used frequently.
2)Memorized Sudnowian options for minors (none with accidentals).
3)Working on memorizing Moody clusters for all 12 notes.
Thus, for major chords without accidentals (except the 3 noted above) as well as Minor chords without accidentals, I can use Sudnow clusters. For all other notes, I can use Moody clusters.
The idea is interesting, and I must say, the sounds are nice also.
Will just take time to get clusters in my hands quickly.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
March 3, 2012
Just still experimenting with the new scheme. Working on memorizing Sudnow and Moody clusters.
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 2, 2012
A New Scheme
Trying to memorize available cluster note clusters for major and minor chords of C, D, E, F, G, A, B; and major chords of Bb, Eb and Ab.
For all other notes, use Moody clusters!
If it seems to be working, might try memorizing other stuff. Will probably practice songs in the key of C first as a test case.
Memorizing available Sudnow note clusters using mnemonics.
Reading what appears to be a cool book: Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin D.G. Kelley. Inspiring how a musician can focus on his own artistic vision and trust that vision in the face of conventional standards.
Trying to memorize available cluster note clusters for major and minor chords of C, D, E, F, G, A, B; and major chords of Bb, Eb and Ab.
For all other notes, use Moody clusters!
If it seems to be working, might try memorizing other stuff. Will probably practice songs in the key of C first as a test case.
Memorizing available Sudnow note clusters using mnemonics.
Reading what appears to be a cool book: Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original by Robin D.G. Kelley. Inspiring how a musician can focus on his own artistic vision and trust that vision in the face of conventional standards.
Hmmmmmm.
Working on a plan here....
What if....I use Sudnow vocings for Majors and Minors, and Moody's clusters for dominants???? This is similar to the Feb 4 post... Kind of.
What if....I use Sudnow vocings for Majors and Minors, and Moody's clusters for dominants???? This is similar to the Feb 4 post... Kind of.
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