JamPlay Member: technishun
| Member Since: | Hidden |
| Name: | |
| Sex: | Male |
| Location: | Pawtucket RI |
| Occupation: | Sr, Design Eng Tech |
| Cheers! I was using JamPlay the past year as a gift from my brother, and found the site very informative, but albeit, a little disconnected. That may be due to the fact I did not fill out the inquiry on sign-up. So, as stated in my goal, I'd like to have a better grasp at soloing and chord options when jamming or songwriting with colleagues (I am the recording engineer/producer of our 'group' playing keys, bass, vox, whatever it takes). I have a good grasp of some scales, but suck at modes; my mind just seems to dismiss, what seems to be, micro scales within a scale. Having stated that, I guess I need a more intuitive method of remembering where the hell I am on the fretboard, while developing a practice regiment that promotes playing what's in my head - or, even letting my fingers do the talkin'. Does that make sense? I listen to guys like Kerry Livgren, David Gilmore, Ken Hensley, Steve Lukather, Walter Becker, Jam Ackermann, Carlos, Brian May, Joe Walsh, Martin Barre, or Al DiMeola (not in that order) and wonder how these guys managed to get (sometimes way) 'out of the box' - none of them sound like they are bound to a scale (might have to research a few guys) - that's true with solo's or chord progressions. Guess I'm looking to 'amaze my friends', like Mr. Microphone, or something.... (We'll be back to jam with you later.... OK, guess you had to be there), hope you can help, Bob | |
| In a Band: | Yes |
| Skill Level: | Advanced |
| Guitar(s): | Kramer, Stagemaster; Gibson, SG Jr (67); Fender Telecaster (Mex); Alvarez, Yiari; Kansas, One Off; |
| Amplifer(s): | Roland JC120; Johnson, J-Station; Line 6, POD |
| 1st song 'played' was Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay, being taught by a neighborhood kid (in our garage with my older brother) that jammed finger positions on me, without knowing they were barre chords. The lesson stuck, as later in life someone was shocked that I already knew those. They claimed one does not start on those - a compliment to be sure. Later, in the Navy, I invested a lot of time on acoustic with buddies that really knew how to play, and had the patience with me to learn their eponymous song list. I managed my first live performance in those years (horrible, I was...). To back up some, I started out as a drummer - and still am. I guess that is the reason I am a musical HADD type, as I dabble with bass, keys, harp, and vocals, as well - want to be good at all of them. After my time in the service, I got involved in home 'Flintstone' recording; purchasing a Tom Scholtz 'Rockman', as the stereo input jack was my first 'mixer'. I bounced tracks from boom-boxes to cassette recorders, spending hours of time in the process. Then there were other friends joining the mix. I made, and kept, a good number of friends who played, and whom also wrote songs, in which, I was more than glad to get their stuff onto media - cassette, at the time. Just found it so cool to hear yourselves back again. I did end up in a band, that originally did not want to 'play out', and that's all we ended up doing - A Public Nuisance was the name. We played mostly covers, but not who everyone else was playing, plus originals. I worked for a good long time, but life got in the way. Lately, I've invested in more modern recording equipment, and have kept the 'dream' alive with my friends, as we continue to write and play. I managed to culminate a band from several recording/performing folks into what today are known as 'MillCityBand'. Throughout, though, I've struggled with my guitar contributions, as my riff library and knowledge seems to wane - one can only progress so far by copying someone else. And, scales, modes, and such are a large part of my contribution, but I don't feel like I'm 'saying' anything, compared to the artists I try to emulate. I guess I really need this site to show me how to 'play out of the box'. | |
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