The Importance of Practicing
I've been playing \"professionally\" (getting paid) for about 3 years now. Just an average Joe gigging once or twice a month with my band at local venues. We all do it for the fun, and the money goes back into our gear. So playing music, and practice, is not always on the top of our priority list.
Currently, I am \"between\" jobs so I have had more time to hit the woodshed. I rediscovered something I should have known all the time. I had to learn 6 new songs on my bass before our last practice. A couple of the songs were a real challenge for me. One song was beyond my current skill level and the other song required fingerpicking on the bass, which is a big change for me because I usually play bass only with a pick. I know lots of guys play bass with their fingers, but this had more to do with the motion of fingerpicking rather than just playing a straight bass line with, or without, a pick. So it was a change for me.
I started out with the most difficult song first. I download tab off the internet and studied it. I listened to the original track, again, with the tab in hand. Ok, I had to listen a number of times while reading the tab to understand what was going on. The bass line was much faster and more complicated than anything I had played before, so it was going to be a challenge for me. I knew that, but was excited to see if I could rise to the challenge.
I recently saw a video where the guitar instructor suggested a 3 part approach to learning new, challenging material. The first phase was just to play the notes one by one without worrying about any rhythm or tempo. The idea was to just play the notes on the fretboard to see where the fingers needed to go. The second phase was to add some rhythm to the practice but at a very slow pace without regard to trying to keep tempo. The third phase was to add a tempo to the practice, starting out slowly, and only increasing tempo if you could play the part flawlessly at the slow tempo. So I tried that approach to learning the new song that was going to be a big challenge for me. I'm happy to say that over the past two weeks, I was not only able to play my part, but I nailed it.
It took me a couple of days to just to learn the notes one by one on the fretboard. Then I started to work on parts of the song trying to get the rhythm right, without concern for tempo. Then I started adding the parts together so I could transition from verse to chorus to verse, etc... After I could do that, I started practicing with a slow tempo and over a number of days worked up my speed to performance level.
I found that I needed to break up my practice sessions into small, half hour chunks, because after that I started to lose my focus and my mind would get tired. Then I would start making mistakes. Learning how to play a song requires different concentration than actually playing a song. So I was pretty much brain dead after 30 minutes of good practice.
I once heard a famous guitar player ask another aspiring guitar player how much time he practiced everyday. The aspiring guitar player said I play for about 3-4 hours per day. To which the famous guitar player said, no, I did not ask you how much you played guitar, I asked you how much you actually spend practicing, concentrating on what you are doing, and working at developing your skills. Point was, you can spend hours playing guitar, but you can't spend hours practicing new skills and material because your mind cannot handle it. You just need to have really good, focused, practice sessions to develop your skills. I think I finally understand what he was saying. I had to stop my practice after about 30 minutes, because I found myself getting brain dead and I would start making mistakes - not progressing.
I have a couple of tools that I used to make my practice more focused. One is a freeware software program called BestPractice http://bestpractice.sourceforge.net/ which allows me to slow down the tempo of the audio file and/or loop sections for repeat play and practice. Recently I purchased a Tascam DR-07 recorder http://www.amazon.com/Tascam-DR07-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QJOI8E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1271190746&sr=8-1 which also has time stretch, pitch change, and loop functions on the recorder itself - so I don't need a computer. I just jack the DR-07 into the Jam-Along input of my pedal for practice. That worked great.
Well, it has taken me a long time to get to my main point of the importance of practicing which was the topic of this thread. I found that since I had the time to really learn my new material, that when I hit practice with the guys, I was fully prepared and confident in my ability to play the songs. I was spot on the music and was able to drive the song even when my other bandmates stumbled (they had not practiced as much as I had). Since I was not sweating playing my parts, I even noticed when my bandmates were making mistakes and I was able to help them. In the difficult song for me, I noticed that the lead guitar player was not playing the right chords over my bassline. Since I knew my bassline was correct, I was able to explain what I was doing and asked the lead guitarist what he was playing. He found out that he was hitting a couple of wrong chords during that passage and had his timing off. So I played along with him and in a pass or two we nailed that transition. If I had not been prepared like I was, I would have never noticed him hitting the wrong chords and we may have hit the stage playing it incorrectly. It would have been \"good enough\" for a live show, but now that we are playing it right, it's just that much better. By the end of the band practice, we were stage ready with our 6 new songs. That was a good feeling.
Personally, it was a great feeling leaving that practice knowing that I was the best prepared in the band that day. Since I had worked so hard on my parts, and had them down cold, I was able to help my bandmates thru their rough spots. So, for me, the importance of practicing was not only that it made me a better player, but it also helped me help my bandmates with learning the new songs. I really felt that I was contributing to the band and was making things happen for us. Now I'm looking forward to hitting the stage with the new songs at our next gig. Best wishes.
Currently, I am \"between\" jobs so I have had more time to hit the woodshed. I rediscovered something I should have known all the time. I had to learn 6 new songs on my bass before our last practice. A couple of the songs were a real challenge for me. One song was beyond my current skill level and the other song required fingerpicking on the bass, which is a big change for me because I usually play bass only with a pick. I know lots of guys play bass with their fingers, but this had more to do with the motion of fingerpicking rather than just playing a straight bass line with, or without, a pick. So it was a change for me.
I started out with the most difficult song first. I download tab off the internet and studied it. I listened to the original track, again, with the tab in hand. Ok, I had to listen a number of times while reading the tab to understand what was going on. The bass line was much faster and more complicated than anything I had played before, so it was going to be a challenge for me. I knew that, but was excited to see if I could rise to the challenge.
I recently saw a video where the guitar instructor suggested a 3 part approach to learning new, challenging material. The first phase was just to play the notes one by one without worrying about any rhythm or tempo. The idea was to just play the notes on the fretboard to see where the fingers needed to go. The second phase was to add some rhythm to the practice but at a very slow pace without regard to trying to keep tempo. The third phase was to add a tempo to the practice, starting out slowly, and only increasing tempo if you could play the part flawlessly at the slow tempo. So I tried that approach to learning the new song that was going to be a big challenge for me. I'm happy to say that over the past two weeks, I was not only able to play my part, but I nailed it.
It took me a couple of days to just to learn the notes one by one on the fretboard. Then I started to work on parts of the song trying to get the rhythm right, without concern for tempo. Then I started adding the parts together so I could transition from verse to chorus to verse, etc... After I could do that, I started practicing with a slow tempo and over a number of days worked up my speed to performance level.
I found that I needed to break up my practice sessions into small, half hour chunks, because after that I started to lose my focus and my mind would get tired. Then I would start making mistakes. Learning how to play a song requires different concentration than actually playing a song. So I was pretty much brain dead after 30 minutes of good practice.
I once heard a famous guitar player ask another aspiring guitar player how much time he practiced everyday. The aspiring guitar player said I play for about 3-4 hours per day. To which the famous guitar player said, no, I did not ask you how much you played guitar, I asked you how much you actually spend practicing, concentrating on what you are doing, and working at developing your skills. Point was, you can spend hours playing guitar, but you can't spend hours practicing new skills and material because your mind cannot handle it. You just need to have really good, focused, practice sessions to develop your skills. I think I finally understand what he was saying. I had to stop my practice after about 30 minutes, because I found myself getting brain dead and I would start making mistakes - not progressing.
I have a couple of tools that I used to make my practice more focused. One is a freeware software program called BestPractice http://bestpractice.sourceforge.net/ which allows me to slow down the tempo of the audio file and/or loop sections for repeat play and practice. Recently I purchased a Tascam DR-07 recorder http://www.amazon.com/Tascam-DR07-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B001QJOI8E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1271190746&sr=8-1 which also has time stretch, pitch change, and loop functions on the recorder itself - so I don't need a computer. I just jack the DR-07 into the Jam-Along input of my pedal for practice. That worked great.
Well, it has taken me a long time to get to my main point of the importance of practicing which was the topic of this thread. I found that since I had the time to really learn my new material, that when I hit practice with the guys, I was fully prepared and confident in my ability to play the songs. I was spot on the music and was able to drive the song even when my other bandmates stumbled (they had not practiced as much as I had). Since I was not sweating playing my parts, I even noticed when my bandmates were making mistakes and I was able to help them. In the difficult song for me, I noticed that the lead guitar player was not playing the right chords over my bassline. Since I knew my bassline was correct, I was able to explain what I was doing and asked the lead guitarist what he was playing. He found out that he was hitting a couple of wrong chords during that passage and had his timing off. So I played along with him and in a pass or two we nailed that transition. If I had not been prepared like I was, I would have never noticed him hitting the wrong chords and we may have hit the stage playing it incorrectly. It would have been \"good enough\" for a live show, but now that we are playing it right, it's just that much better. By the end of the band practice, we were stage ready with our 6 new songs. That was a good feeling.
Personally, it was a great feeling leaving that practice knowing that I was the best prepared in the band that day. Since I had worked so hard on my parts, and had them down cold, I was able to help my bandmates thru their rough spots. So, for me, the importance of practicing was not only that it made me a better player, but it also helped me help my bandmates with learning the new songs. I really felt that I was contributing to the band and was making things happen for us. Now I'm looking forward to hitting the stage with the new songs at our next gig. Best wishes.
Comments
Now if you'd just fix me up with Shania, you'd really be my hero. :P
I think the most signifigant part of this post (there are several) is that you worked with the others to bring them up to speed... It is easy to see where you could have just gotten all ego-tistic, and started ranting a raving and throwing out WTF's and b*tchin that everyone is suppose to have the song down before practice .. yada yada yada ... To me that is what practice is about. (getting the song down) Other wise isn't it just a rehearsal..
Working with your band mates, instead of just being one! Good stuff gtaus. Thanks fer sharing.
On another forum (now defunct) I started a series of threads titled \"How Bands Work\" with various details of the crazy experiences I've had with these things.
One recent one - we recently reformed a cover band that has been broken up for about two years, with mostly the original lineup less one vocalist (now changed somewhat). The original purpose of this reunion was to have an opening act for an original band that both the bassist and I were in at the time.
At our first practice, we put together about an hour worth of songs, most of them ones we played together before. Then, the bassist calls me, less than a week before the show, and says \"I spoke to Brian and he wants us to open with two sets\". So, at our second practice, we assembled about another hour worth of songs that we haven't played before. This really seemed impossible before we did it, but afterwards it felt very rewarding.
Mind you, we're skilled, but not amazing - we're not the Steve Vai band or anything. But beyond practice, what counts for a lot is (1) ability to play with others; (2) ability to learn new material quickly; and (3) capacity to arrange songs with the available musicians and instrument capabilities.
Large difference between playing and practicing..
Time spent in the woodshed will open your ears to new possibilites, and get your muscle memory going to enhance your technique..
Part of my daily practice routine. I do this in all 5 positions, then in all 12 keys, for a warm up, then chord inversions. Then I'll put on a simple b/t usually 2,5,1 or a 1,4 5 blues, and see where my ears take me. Like your practice routine as well GTAUS.
It was a great feeling for me to be the one helping my bandmates at that last practice. All my individual hard practice before band practice really paid off and I wanted to post my experience with the forum. I know many guys here have been playing/gigging for years, but I hope some new guys might have gotten something out of my post and your follow on comments.
I knew that practice was good for me, and that it would show up when the band got together. But this was the first time that I had the new songs down so well that I was listening to my bandmates instead of just trying to make it through my bass part. As a result, I was able to make constructive comments on the songs when we needed to work out a few issues. And my comments were taken that way. This bunch of guys works well together and we can help each other without getting defensive. It was not always that way with a former member....
I might not be as gifted as iliace; I don't really pick up new things very fast. Well, not as fast as I would like. But I have a pretty good idea of what I can bring to the band and what I can't. I have never refused to play a song because I did not like it, but I have told my bandmates when a particular song was beyond my skill level. Fortunately, they understand my limits as well as I understand their limits. We don't play certain songs beyond the vocal level of our lead singer, for example.
In this last bunch of songs, the one that was most difficult for me, I was up front and honest with the guys that it was currently beyond my ability but I asked them for 2 weeks time to work on it because I thought I could rise to the challenge. After a week of hard practice, I told them I was making great progress and thought I would be ready. The end of week two I had the song nailed. In the process, I have become a better player and broke through a plateau in my skills. That's a great feeling.
Seeryuslee tho. I truly envy you your quality situation...I'd be delighted to play in a band with the kind of rapport you guys have. When I was in Jax, I played with a coupla girls, one of which was utterly gifted with talent. But she was very high maintenance and would only do songs she wanted to. I'd rather do whatever songs with a bunch I really love playing with, than mega-talented people who're a PITA...
Not what I want nor need to hear! .. AArrgghh!
shoot the messenger..........
Had I conditioned myself more, I think I could have tolerated it and actually beat him. It's not what you use, it's more what you don't use as often with age.
I told my wife I forgot how to do spring cleaning ! My arms and shoulder were pretty sore after the re-training session on our windows! She said she'd take it easier on me since I'm getting older. I go out to the front and there she is with a power washer ! :twisted:
Ha ha ha ... Reminds of this time about ten yrs ago... We was down at the farm house in N.C. So we was hiking to the top of the mountain, around a couple hundred yards from the top. My sis says race you to the top and bolts! So I take off after her, I catch her , I pass her , I win! Thought my chest was going to burst open and my heart fling its self against a tree!.. The sad part is, were both laying up there thinking were having a heart attack waiting on our spouses to get up there... And we light up! lmao :roll: The power of addiction...
Sometimes I pick up the guitar and I can't play.. literally! :shock: Just a couple days ago I pick it up and couldn't zero in on the strings (pick hand) took me close to 10 minutes before I was hitting on all cylinders :roll: Though I was just about to put it down I stuck with it. Turned out to a good 2 hr practice once I got my mind in the game! 8)
My aunt had an older gentleman friend that at one time was a great guitar player and singer. He successfully headed a Johnny Cash tribute band back in his days. When I knew him, his best days were behind him. But when my aunt and her friend came to town, my brother-in-law and I would always sit down with him and play some old Cash songs. His hands would shake and his voice would quiver, but he just kept on playing anyway, and it was all good. One day he played harp while playing guitar and it sounded good. I can only imagine how talented he must have been back when he was younger. Although his physical skills were limiting his playing, his love for the music shone through.
He passed away a few years ago. He had a series of heart attacks and his body just gave out. But he left me with a great feeling that music can be a lifelong passion, even when you know your best days are behind you. He played till he died.
My best guitar playing days are still ahead of me, I hope. I had some problems with my voice a few years ago and I doubt I will ever be able to physically sing in the future as well as could in my younger days. All the more reason why I work hard at getting better with my music while I still can. And I'm old enough to appreciate that time is running out....
When I was first learning guitar, had a guy that showed me bar chords and would teach some of the songs he knew on guitar-he was acually a bass player. I know one thing he taught me was, when you get frustrated with learning a particular song-leave it-come back to it later--even the next day he suggested. I learned acouple tunes that way with less stress and they seem to be easier to learn when I came back to it.
I can't count how many times I'll be learning a new song and before you know it your totally unfocused and doing something else. I have even stopped playing for the day and realized my original plan was to learn a new song.
Gtaus, Im glad you wrote this-I will definitely use this again in learning new material. I think thats why I forget some of the riffs I make up because I do it for a while--without recording--go into something else and.. well you know--the new song--hasta la bye bye.
I think this will help alot in being stale while writing my own stuff as well.
I really love your loyalty and commitment to the band--you can be in my anyday.
When I was first learning guitar, had a guy that showed me bar chords and would teach some of the songs he knew on guitar-he was acually a bass player. I know one thing he taught me was, when you get frustrated with learning a particular song-leave it-come back to it later--even the next day he suggested. I learned acouple tunes that way with less stress and they seem to be easier to learn when I came back to it.
I can't count how many times I'll be learning a new song and before you know it your totally unfocused and doing something else. I have even stopped playing for the day and realized my original plan was to learn a new song.
Gtaus, Im glad you wrote this-I will definitely use this again in learning new material. I think thats why I forget some of the riffs I make up because I do it for a while--without recording--go into something else and.. well you know--the new song--hasta la bye bye.
I think this will help alot in being stale while writing my own stuff as well.
I really love your loyalty and commitment to the band--you can be in my anyday.
When I was first learning guitar, had a guy that showed me bar chords and would teach some of the songs he knew on guitar-he was acually a bass player. I know one thing he taught me was, when you get frustrated with learning a particular song-leave it-come back to it later--even the next day he suggested. I learned acouple tunes that way with less stress and they seem to be easier to learn when I came back to it.
I can't count how many times I'll be learning a new song and before you know it your totally unfocused and doing something else. I have even stopped playing for the day and realized my original plan was to learn a new song.
Gtaus, Im glad you wrote this-I will definitely use this again in learning new material. I think thats why I forget some of the riffs I make up because I do it for a while--without recording--go into something else and.. well you know--the new song--hasta la bye bye.
I think this will help alot in being stale while writing my own stuff as well.
I really love your loyalty and commitment to the band--you can be in my anyday.
That's really cool. Once you develop a passion for the music like that, you just keep on playing, and it's all good. Definitely awesome to witness people like that perform, and to jam with them.
I used to practice a lot more than I do now, around 2002-2006 when I was in an original band and we wrote, recorded, and performed technically challenging material. In fact, we wrote stuff with absolutely no regard for how it would be played on an instrument. The instrument would have to adapt to the music, not the other way around. I would literally spend the proverbial 4-6 hours per day with a guitar, with the intention of technical improvement, and figuring out ways to play the impossible.
I don't do that anymore. In fact, I hardly practice at all - I barely find time in-between gigs. I've made some observations about my playing because of this:
1. Stuff that I played back in the day, I can still play pretty well - maybe 90% there. Anything that I brought to the point of pure muscle memory is still there. Interestingly enough, stuff that I never perfected - guess what - still not perfect.
2. Learning new material, especially technically challenging stuff, is not nearly as easy as it was back then.
3. People that played with me five years ago still hold me to that high standard of playing of where I once was. So I regularly have to push the limits when in a jamming situation with them.
I recently quit smoking. Everybody makes it out to be this impossible thing; I always feared the day when I would have to do it. Now that I did it, it seems like one of the easiest things I've ever done.
One day, I plan to get back to serious practicing. One day. I fear that day. It seems like a lot of work (and I know from experience). I wonder how I'm going to look back on that fear, when/if I ever get around to it.