From moenssen@hotmail.com Fri Jul 04 09:28:03 2003
Subject:Re: Suggestions please for improvement methods

I tend to be analytical in my approach to learning, so
I see nothing wrong with learning riffs (or solos) note for
note, especially if there's something about it that really
touches you. If you then sit back and analyze it you can,
as you say, lift the the spirit and make it your own.
This is how (many years ago!) I learned the blues scale and
progression(s). I listened to my dad's Oscar Peterson's
albums and slowed them down on the turn table to 16 speed.
By analyzing what he was doing note for note, I could pick
out the scale, passing tones, and broken chords. If notes
were left out it would have been harder to understand what
was going on. I was then able to take what I learned and then
transpose it to different keys... definitely an "ah-ha!"
moment for me.

As far as phrasing, it doesn't hurt to learn the phrasing of a
riff or solo you like, as this can add to your arsenal of
expressions to pick from, but I agree you need to build your own
style. I would never suggest going out and playing a solo
you've learned note for note. Phrasing to me is more of a
feeling, so trying to play what another player was feeling is
too awkward. I don't even like to plagiarize myself (if that
makes sense!), so I try not to have any solos pre-planned out.

I agree with Dan: keep it unexpected.

--- In CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com, "Dan Sevush" wrote: