Scott Henderson Discussion

[mij]

Hi Scott
How you practice rhythm?
through the solo, during transcription?
do you have a good book to suggest?
something else?
(Sorry if this answered in another topic in the old discussion)

[Scott Henderson]

There are two different subjects you could be asking about. If you're asking about how to improve your time, just play as much as possible with a drum machine and tape yourself. When you listen back, you'll hear if there's a rushing or dragging problem.

If you're asking about how to build your rhythmic vocabulary and learn good phrasing, that's done by listening to great soloists and memorizing their solos. You don't need your instrument for that, but it doesn't hurt to learn a few solos on your instrument too. You should listen to many improvisors, not just guitar players. Those rythms you memorize will eventually come out in your playing. You are what you listen to!

[mij]

Thanks Scott!
Yeah, i'm talking about rhythmic vocabulary...my nightmare
I know my scales, my theory, arpeggios etc but it seems to me that me biggest lacking is to be creative in rhythm.
Over the years i ended to conclusion that rhythm, probably is THE key to effective playing....
Do you have any book suggestions, besides the crucial - as always-transcribing?

[Scott Henderson]

Books are the most useless solution. Just listen to great solos and memorize them. If you have a lack of rythmic ideas, it's because you're not doing that.