Robben Ford Discussion

[LongIslandRod]

I'm interested in hearing what others do when they practice to improve their playing. So please do tell.

I will do the same when I have more time, I'm @ work now.

Rod

[Michael]

Line 6 GuitarPort - this is a great device which allows you to connect your electric guitar to the computer. This little box has some output jacks which I have connected to a pair of headphones and two powered studio reference speakers (bookshelf in size). This is where the fun begins.

The GuitarPort comes with a box load of effects, various sampled amps and speaker cabinets. And, on a stand alone basis sound very good. With an internet connection - you can download lessons from beginning to complex, music of all types (including Robben) - some that a specifically recorded for you to play along with the artist or play by yourself. You can also use your own cd's, mp3's, etc.

As you play along - there is a track sheet or musical score showing all the chord changes, keys, tempo, etc. You can also download tones to emulate the very close copy of the tone heard in the recording for both rythmn and lead tracks. You can then click on the chord section and scale section which show all the various combinations and possibilities. If your jamming blues - you can locate multiple combinations of scales that can be layed over the chord structure - If you used this for nothing other than practicing scales - it's a kick. And, it's surprising how good you can sound just playing the right scales with a few bends here and there over top the arrangements recorded by Robben and the like. The possibilities are endless, the recordings are excellent, the guitar tones are great as well. Once I get started - I'm hooked.

Next, I have Cakewalk Home Studio 2004XL installed. I can use all of the great amp sounds from the GuitarPort to record my own stuff track on track. Nothing but fun.

http://www.guitarport.com/

http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/HomeStudio/XL.asp

Cakewalk makes a Guitar Studio as well.
If you own a computer, this is cost effective.

The best to you!

[Aeolian]

If I'm trying to learn some new theoretical idea, I like using Band in the Box. Set up a one or two chord vamp and just practice working the idea around it. This gets the sound of that concept against that chord into my head and the fingers on auto pilot. So that when I want to lean a little to the left or right of where I am, it's accessible.

Sometimes I'll make up a little diagram to learn some fingering or visualize the relationships.

Here's a PDF of one I did for minor pentatonic substitutions. Robben posted an article in GP about this. I find that superimposing them in color helps me visualize the common and altered tones. Someday I'm make one of these for the melodic minor subs.

http://stevekirbymusic.com/Musicdownloads/Minorpentsubs.pdf
_________________
There are no such things as wrong notes, there's only the look on your face.
My Stuff: www.stevekirbymusic.com

[JohnnyZ]

Aeolian,

Would you mind giving an explanation on how to play the substitutions? I printed it out, but I have no clue what to do with it. In the past year of taking lessons, I've learned many scales and exercises using parts of scales, but no reading. I'd appreciate the help.

Thanks,
JSS
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Soul on Eleven

[Aeolian]

[JohnnyZ]

I actually got it. Thanks!
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Soul on Eleven

[juspasinby2003]

Well, I didn't get it Assume the vamp is A7. Where do I put my fingers for the green and blue thingies?

[Aeolian]

[kidblue]

Michael,

i was looking at getting one of the guitarports but not quite sure. How are the lessons? and do you have to pay seperatly? Also what do you get with the guitarport other than sound effects?

Thanks
_________________
"If you get confused, listen to the music play"

[jazzyblues]

For me, the only thing that counts is melody. Jimmy Bruno said (paraphrasing): it's just sound and notes and what you do with it.
What my ears like to hear is melody. I would agree with Aeolian in that the best way to learn anything is playing over chords - whether one chord, 2 chords, whatever. And try to make a melody behind them.
And there are many ways to learn melodies. I'll listen to different kinds of music - jazz, light jazz, R&B, blues, standards, swing, etc - and try to play along with the melodies and solos.
Learn melodies to songs. Learn horn solos. Apply what you learn.
I have to say that I really like Jimmy Bruno's approach. It's simple and direct: play melodies.
Whether inside or outside, make it musical. And that is the challenge and why we practice: to make the notes musical.
Play your guitar. Learn where the notes are and how they relate to the chords you play.
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www.mrseamusic.com

[charliebrown]

[clovis]

My playing has taken a huge leap in the last 3 years from where it used to be. The first thing I did was sit down and write down what I wanted to do. What style I would work on and what would I need to get there. Then I would block out time for practices with goals. Always set your goals and don't stop til they're met.

The most important thing that ever happened to me was getting backing tracks, Cool Edit Pro, and Band in a Box to jam with. With a backing of actual music behind me, I had no more use for the metronome until I started working on swing. Most importantly I stopped worrying about practicing technique and started worrying about practicing music and let the technique happen whenever it was called for. Scott Henderson said something great once about not practicing technique, but learning really fast and hard Charlie Parker heads or any melody that requires a lot of technique. Work on that and then you kill two birds with one stone...technique and music.

One more thing..transcribe, transcribe, transcribe...then apply it to a backing of some sort. Practice in different keys...(maybe pick one a day/weel, etc) and of course, don't forget about harmony, chord voicings, and comping. Your soloing will only be as good as your chord harmony.

Sorry if this is long winded...hehehe

John R.

http://www.johnredden.com