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Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
 Posted - 05/12/2013 : 6:02:39 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by manawainui
So I wanted to ask the members here for feedback, things like what helped you out when first learning slack key, or what you learned later that you wished you had known earlier. Basically any advice that you think describes the techniques, mindset, or anything else that would be good for a beginner to the style.
Ozzie Kotani's book was inspirational for me. That said, you might want to recognize the fact that traditionally, the cultural transmission of folk music is through learning by ear. Beyond just playing the notes or specific techniques, there is culture and tradition behind slack key guitar music. A song, a feeling, or a unique style passed from one individual (kumu) to another (student.) I think it is important to understand the history and honor the tradition.
Playing-wise, good timing is important. Listen to lots of recordings and lots of live performances. I am forever the student... and most of the time, one who does not practice enough!
Good luck with your assignment. I hope that you will decide to hang around here for a while and include slack key guitar as part of your class project. |
Andy |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2013 : 06:02:30 AM
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| Here's the 3 lessons I got: 1) Da t'umb (20 minutes a day for 3 weeks), 2) Da vamp: "Can play any kine long as it fit. Nodda one, nodda one....", 3) chords. Learn to play the instrument, then figuring out tunes will come easier. Look for commonalities between tunes and phrases. |
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ukrazy
Akahai
USA
69 Posts |
Posted - 05/13/2013 : 09:54:03 AM
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I was a little slow on Da t'umb thing. Kept avoiding it because I hate structured practice. Finally settled down and really worked on it. Once you got, you got it.
The best thing I did for myself is learn chords up and down the neck. I use chord charts, on-line chord generators, or just figure them out with pencil, paper, and a fretboard chart. Eventually you'll learn the fretboard notes that way too. Every song melody is in the chords, or very nearby.
I spend half my time just noodeling around. Again, I hate even the word "practice". Noodeling is the best way to discover the stuff you can use in songs to make them your own. I have a great friend who can blast thru a whole bunch of songs. They are all memorized from tab. After a few, they all sound the same to me. No cool intros, solo fills, or endings. Sounds like MIDI files.
I get a lot of ideas from youtube videos. I don't try to copy people note for note. I look for juicy little passages that I like. That Darn Fran has me running for the guitar every time he puts up a new video.
My mindset eases into nahenahe mode when I play, and I try to make every note fit the mood of the song. One pluck on one string can be played several ways.
Well placed embellishments can really add to a song. Done to an extreme, it can take away from the song. Trying to add harmonics anywhere you have a chance is overkill, unless your playing "Moana Chimes". I recently went to a concert to see a well known player. One one song he drug his fingernails up and down the wound strings so many times that I wanted to yell "Stop that" |
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Advice on slack-key for class assignment
