Musicians Talk

[JBarracudaL]

I'm not being pretentious, but I actually put effort into learning scales and modes, classic basslines, cliches of modern bass playing and so forth in order to intentionally dodge such predictable styles.
Whenever I feel a tune I'm writing begins to bend into a standard for the instrument, I think of ways to challenge what I have written.
On one hand, it is constricting, in that overly simplistic "been there, done that" concepts I try to stray as far from as possible, yet this causes me to be creative. I'm never satisfied with anything I write if I feel it is just "ok."
Not that I don't take to being simple occasionally; it's practically a necessity with the bass in order to achieve coherency at times,
I just like to challenge myself, and I find knowing what has been done is a good way to craft what can be done.

 

[ampa451]

ive always had ideas for compositions. but theyve always turned out to be fragments of a whole. as i learn more and get better at skills, i get closer to a piece. this only regards piano.

 

[Spacelord]

I'll be confessin'
that I never took a lesson
All my notes are matter o' guessin'
Playin' and-a hopin' that they'll come out a way that'll make-a that yakkety sound

In all seriousness though, I don't really know a lot about music theory - if only I paid more attention in school. That's the first time I've used that phrase non-sarcastically, damn.

I tend to prefer the pentatonic scale, though, from what I've gathered. It sounds restrictive but it becomes pretty versatile once you figure out a few licks - great for improv. (I'm a guitarist.)

And I really do like improvisation - in fact, sometimes I come up with something that just sounds so good I feel like writing a song. Which is something I've been messing around with, though I've lately come to terms with the fact that I can't write lyrics that are worth a damn. I guess I'm just not authentic enough.
I really would like to compose some guitar-only compositions some day, though. Between the three guitars that I have - a classical guitar, an acoustic steel-string and an '86 Fender Strat - a wealth of sounds can be made, and I really think this fact hasn't been exploited nearly enough.

So the moment I'm able to cough up $1000 for decent recording equipment, my solo project will make musical history.

Yes... some day...

 

[101194]

I like just picking up the guitar find three cords that flow together and play (How most Bob Dylan songs are started)

 

[haveyouseen_mywallet]

i can't play drums with shoes on, that's about it. after that let's jam.

 

[BGinsanity]

When messing around on my guitar i usually just start with a simple riff then slowly add on more and more. I know its sounds weird but i write best when im sad. Thats when i can play with the most feeling and those are the songs i like playing the most. Heavy stuff is fine and good but playing with true feeling sounds so much better at times.

I like the Aeolian, but minor modes are always a winner for me.
Writing wise, I tend to start with a tune I've sung to myself and then work on it from there, so I tend to do more improv then actuall composing.
I just got a new keyboard now though, so I'm hoping to start doing more with my computer.

LUUUCCCCKKKYYYY ive always wanted a keyboard lol gotta save up some money for a good one =/

 

[Spacelord]

I like just picking up the guitar find three cords that flow together and play (How most Bob Dylan songs are started)

E - A - E - A - B(7) - A - E

congratulations. You can now play Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and the rhythm section for 90% of blues songs.

 

[Spacelord]

i can't play drums with shoes on, that's about it. after that let's jam.

Toejam?

HAH

 

[jim_doki]

I'm not being pretentious, but I actually put effort into learning scales and modes, classic basslines, cliches of modern bass playing and so forth in order to intentionally dodge such predictable styles.
Whenever I feel a tune I'm writing begins to bend into a standard for the instrument, I think of ways to challenge what I have written.
On one hand, it is constricting, in that overly simplistic "been there, done that" concepts I try to stray as far from as possible, yet this causes me to be creative. I'm never satisfied with anything I write if I feel it is just "ok."
Not that I don't take to being simple occasionally; it's practically a necessity with the bass in order to achieve coherency at times,
I just like to challenge myself, and I find knowing what has been done is a good way to craft what can be done.

yeah, i would like to be like this, but i'm not talented enough and i dont really have the time to sit down. I write in a Sonic Youth style. if it sounds good, use it

 

[101194]

Lol you got my Sarcasim or your being an ass

 

[Lord Krunk]

I'm a Guitarist.
Scales are evil.
Modes even more so.
Songwriting is hard.

But one thing I have to say is that playing the riff from Daytripper never gets old.

I could imagine chromatics being extremely easy, though.

 

[perfectimo]

I don't like modes, they sicken me. I can play all the modes deriving from C major on a keyboard or piano, hehehe.

But one thing I have to say is that playing the riff from Daytripper never gets old.

Best riff ever.

I'd agree and add that Rain and Paperback Writer are up there with it.

I feel the urge to play again since i have my new amp (vox AC30!)

Can we post pictures of ourselves with our equipment or just our equipment in spoilers? I want to see this AC30.

EDIT: Can we say our band names too? I'm asking because I don't want to derail topic.

 

[odatnarat]

im not a guitarist and know nothing about scales and modes but im in a band.. my guitarist does that but we write songs together, we usually compose songs by brainstorming first about the subject of the song then its either the words come first or the rhythm.. well our ong were just plain and simple but i like listening to them...

 

[jim_doki]

Can we post pictures of ourselves with our equipment or just our equipment in spoilers? I want to see this AC30.

EDIT: Can we say our band names too? I'm asking because I don't want to derail topic.

just for you perfectimo!


<img src=http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v733/103/53/505130023/n505130023_4936726_1061.jpg>
that's my Epiphone dot in front of the amp, My japanese fender tele on the floor, a big muff on top and a line 6 tonecore space chorus which is, for some reason, out of commission. I'm still getting that looked at.
<img src=http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v733/103/53/505130023/n505130023_4936727_1521.jpg>

this is the amp by itself

as for band names, at the moment im playing under Jim Doki and The Violence, but im working with someone, we're going by The Child Brides

 

[perfectimo]

Can we post pictures of ourselves with our equipment or just our equipment in spoilers? I want to see this AC30.

EDIT: Can we say our band names too? I'm asking because I don't want to derail topic.

just for you perfectimo!


<img src=http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v733/103/53/505130023/n505130023_4936726_1061.jpg>
that's my Epiphone dot in front of the amp, My japanese fender tele on the floor, a big muff on top and a line 6 tonecore space chorus which is, for some reason, out of commission. I'm still getting that looked at.
<img src=http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v733/103/53/505130023/n505130023_4936727_1521.jpg>

this is the amp by itself

as for band names, at the moment im playing under Jim Doki and The Violence, but im working with someone, we're going by The Child Brides

Nice want to see my amp and guitar? Are you a Beatles fan?

 

[Neosage]

I play bass and love playing pretty much anything but my friend (a really good musician) made this awesome reggae song from the strummy bit on feel good inc (gorillaz) and the bass is so fun on it! (also blues is really great)

 

[jim_doki]

I would love to see your stuff!

i have a respect for the beatles. i think they did a lot for modern rock and pop. i dont see them as the be all and end all. that title belongs to Queen for me (hence the AC30). I personally play alternative stuff. big into sounding like sonic youth and nirvana, pop is also an important factor for me

 

[perfectimo]

I would love to see your stuff!

i have a respect for the beatles. i think they did a lot for modern rock and pop. i dont see them as the be all and end all. that title belongs to Queen for me (hence the AC30). I personally play alternative stuff. big into sounding like sonic youth and nirvana, pop is also an important factor for me

That's why I thought you had the AC30 and Dot. I guess you won't understand why me and my friends band is called "The Shoes". Give me a sec and I'll take some photos.

 

[perfectimo]

I would love to see your stuff!

Spoiler: Here it is.

Note: that the stain on the Strats scratchplate is blood, I still haven't washed it off. Also that is why the middle pick-up has dropped.

 

[jim_doki]

I would love to see your stuff!

*totally awesome snip*

you are officially going on my freindd list. anyone who swears by strats, vox, and semi acoustics gets my vote.

is that a AC30CCH or an older model? Stacks are great for sound, but i honestly could never be bothered lugging one of those around. Why are you called "The Shoes"? do you have anything i could listen to?