Posted by Coonskin on Sunday, May 6, 2012
Well, I've been working on my Bluegrass for almost A YEAR, and I'll be danged if I can even play a song yet. I practice the patterns religiously, which has helped all of my other picking IMMENSELY, but the Bluegrass isn't clicking. I think it has something to do with the way my ears are wired. I can't "visualise" the way that the picking and chords work together...it seems counter-intuitive from where I sit. Everything is so syncopated...in a way that my mind can't get! I play synchopated fingerpicking already, but this is differnt.
Heh...I've literally listened to this music since I was born, as it's my dad's favourite stuff; I should have it! I can "dinga-ding" the songs banjo-style vocally, but there's a psychological disconnect. Jim Pankey, my pal and BHO banjo killer, has given me lots of good advice, and even some ugh...TABLATURE, and I still am struggling. Those don't seem to change the situation much either.
Tablature...that's how low I've sunk. :)
I accept random prayers from a variety of religions, as they all go to the same place, so...pray for a poor crazy picker, would'ya?
8 comments on “Bluegrass strugglin'”
Oalbrets Says:
Sunday, May 6, 2012 @7:53:31 AM
I had the same problem and then I ordered the Murphy Method beginner vol#1 video and took off. I was playing a song the first few days. It was wonderful. Try it and I know you will like it and good luck.
Coonskin Says:
Sunday, May 6, 2012 @4:54:05 PM
When I gets me a job, the 34th thing that I'll do is get that dvd! I've got a year-long wishlist, so it'll have to wait for a spell, but I've heard good things. Thanks for the encouragement!
Oalbrets Says:
Sunday, May 6, 2012 @5:12:33 PM
Good luck
TheGil Says:
Sunday, May 6, 2012 @10:27:06 PM
Coonskin,
A lot of us who were raised in a musical environment take our skills for granted. I started with the trumpet in the 5th grade and learned the fundamentals of music which are understanding rhythm, the beat, scales, musical notation and such. My father inspired my interest in the guitar and coaxed me to learn classical music. This layer the groundwork for my transition to the banjo about five years ago.
What I would recommend is either taking a basic music course at a local community college or finding a good local insructor to provide you with a knowledge of music and how the banjo works.
With all my background, experience, skill, and otherwise knowledge of music I, too, feel sorely lacking and intimidated by the ease with which professional musicians make the music sound. Please don't get discouraged. When you connect with the right situation to tune into your desire to learn the instrument a light will come on and you'll say "wow, I didn't realize this could be so easy".
We've all been there. Just be persistent and pursue your love for the banjo.
Mike
Coonskin Says:
Monday, May 7, 2012 @3:27:28 AM
Thank you for the kind words. Yeah, I do need an instructor for Bluegrass. The banjo isn't the problem, as I already play it with other styles....it's Bluegrass itself, trying to turn "Tukka-ta-tukka-ta-tukka-tukka" into a song! :) "Bum-dittyi" I got, "Boom-chukka" I got...heck, even "bukka-chi-bukka-chi-bukka", hahaha.
I just need one breakthrough in the application of the rhythm over the melody...my brain won't grab it, for some reason. I think that somehow I think it's harder than it is.
Thanks for the advice!
pollywaffle Says:
Monday, May 7, 2012 @10:28:00 PM
"Tablature...that's how low I've sunk. :)"
that's fucken hilarious!
Coonskin Says:
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 @3:15:40 AM
It's funny because it's true. :)
pollywaffle Says:
Sunday, May 13, 2012 @5:43:42 PM
Yeah mate, I hear you! I have always hated scrolling thru music notation and TAB coming from a Irish Dance Tunes background. All disgustingly formalised. Playing Clawhammer, I really love the scope for impro and, "Fuck this, I'll play what I like" kinda attitude. Fuck bluegrass, stick to Boggs' style, ole mate!
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