LJS
I guess I just wanted to brainstorm with the group to find out the
best way to improve upon what I'm already doing. More especially to
clarify the next step of my development i.e. - to build up a
repertoire. There isn't really a problem, because I just practice what
I feel like and have some fun with it along the way.
> I don't know how many harps you have and details like that, but if you
> practice directly with the recordings, you have the benefit of both
> practicing to that recording as a backing track as well as direct
> practice at learning what the artist himself is actually doing as he
> plays. As you get to know the recording, you will develop fluidity as
> well as connecting your brain with your ears.
>
I'm currently using 3 harps in the keys of C, D and A, that is, I
would be playing to music in the keys of G, A, and E respectively. I
also practice every fortnight with two other musicians - a drummer and
a guitarist. I really need to take on board what you are saying about
practicing with recordings.
> This leaves only the selection of the recordings. If you can play the
> blues on your harp with the proper patterns then you are in the
> correct key! If you are understanding what I am saying, I don't
> understand what problems you have with time when practicing. You need
> a harp anyway and you are taking times to produce backing tracks. Once
> you know what harp to use on a particular cut, there is no wasted
> time. In addition, the process of determining the key of the music
> tracks you like and the harp you need to play them is a very im****tant
> step in developing your ear. There is no reason that you can't be
> practicing technique while you are sorting through tunes to see if you
> are in the right key!
>
I can play scales and chord tones over chords - this is part of my
training routine. I don't know how to learn by listening, because I
haven't tried it. Do I simply put on some random songs and try to jam
along with them, or do I carefully select songs and make them into
projects? I have downloaded backing tracks which clearly state the
key, so I haven't had a need to overcome that problem up until now. If
I'm listening to recordings by artists I have to try to find the key.
However, taking on board your advice, LJS - determining the key is
im****tant to ear training and should be part of my learning.
> Then there is the question of "What techniques are you practicing?"
> Where are you getting your material that you are working on for
> technique? If you are trying to learn styles that other players have
> played, isn't it productive to go directly to the recordings and learn
> what they are doing? Maybe I would understand if I knew more about
> where you are having trouble and what you are actually doing at
> present.
In terms of practicing technique, I'm trying to to cover the
techniques listed at:
http://www.angelfire.com/tx/myquill/DiatonicTechniques.html
I haven't thought about style, Joey really answered my question when
he advised that there are many different approaches to playing. I
guess I really want to learn a bit more about theory, but don't know
what I need to learn - if this makes any sense. However, my interest
is piqued regarding flattened notes.
Kind Regards
Dylan
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