Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveSimply
Jon, thanks for that video. His views were very interesting to hear.
Your quote above is correct. I do like to establish that comfort factor, or "ground", as you state.
I have found that through the proper use of 16th notes, ties, etc, many transcriptions do seem to properly annotate the syncopation found in many blues tunes. But as you state, the actual verbal counting does become much more challenging and i can see how you might see it as a hinderance.
|
Yes, IMO the notation is one thing - I like to
see rhythms accurately notated, where possiblle - but the verbal counting is another.
IOW, if I need assistance with hearing where some oddly timed note comes, in relation to the bar or beat, then I visualise it in space. Rather like notation, but in proportional spacing (like a ruler with gradations). I find that much more helpful and intuitive than number counting.
I do use
beat numbers sometimes - and I guess they're always there subliminally - but never count beat fractions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by LiveSimply
Though challenging, the verbal counting does seem to allow me to properly practice a new tune without necessarily having to listen to the song, so I gain certain efficiencies. It also allows me to establish some sort of mechanical path to how I should approach my upstrokes and downstrokes with my picking technique, if that makes any sense.
|
Sure. I see that as a little like learning to cycle with training wheels
. Nothing wrong with that, of course, if you're not ready to balance on 2 wheels yet!
But the idea (as I'm sure you'd agree
) is to dispense with the training wheels as soon as you can. That point comes when you feel they are
inhibiting you rather than helping you; you've outgrown them.
But it's also worth being a little brave sometimes, and trying to do without them
before you're sure you're ready. OK, you may fall off
. But you won't hurt yourself (much) and the exhilaration if you manage to stay up is worth it. THAT's what real cycling feels like!