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Old April 30th, 2007
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solidwalnut solidwalnut is offline
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Playing guitar for what seems like forever.
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
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Location: Phoenix, AZ USA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmyhendrix View Post
To LcJones, its sounds like you've been playing for a while, I have been playing for just over a year, and have been jamming with a few people recently, trying to create some good rock tunes (Incubus-band -sounding etc).
But I've been told by the drummer that because I create these songs by practicing by myself my rythm is not always right, especially on occasion when I go from verse to chorus or bridge etc., he sais I should keep everything in the 4 beat bar , he sais this is standard and that within those 4 beat bars I can do anything I like ,any advice?
Hey Jimmy--

I hope you don't mind me piping in. Just some input from another old timer.

I've been playing with bands for years as well as the solo thing. Playing with a drummer has made me conscious of what I'm doing as far as rhythmic counting.

I'm thinking your drummer is telling you that you often make chord switches too fast or too slow and so you're giving a measure 7 or 9 beats or such like that.

Like Les says, there's nothing wrong with playing solo and being off a beat here or there, but playing together and making the music sound great is what's important.

If you're interested in understanding how to play with strict beat count (and I really suggest that if you plan on playing with bands), starting spending some extra time with this drummer. Or go get a metronome and then understand the time signature of the song you're playing. If it's 4/4, then count out 4 beats and learn to switch chords 'on time'.

EDIT: One benefit of this (that I forgot to add) is that it really shows you how to 'play in the pocket' and get tight with the band.

Steve


Steve Cass
Solid Walnut Music/ASCAP

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Last edited by solidwalnut : April 30th, 2007 at 01:26 PM.
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