Practise Tips 2 - Priorities.

When considering what to practise it is very important to consider what is important. Many good practise sessions are ruined by noodling, so a way to avoid this is to practise the important things first. You guitar players know what I am taking about, and I am sure other instrumentalists do the same from time to time.

So, think about this: what do all great musicians have in common? I would say they all play with great rhythm and they all have great sound, among other things. No two people play rhythm the same, nor have the same sound, but these musical elements are clear and definable in every great player in my opinion. Think of Brian May or Miles Davis as salient example. These two musicians, while very different, both illustrate the power of good rhythm and sound.

So for me I put these two elements first on my practise schedule. The longer I practise the more likely I am to noodle (which isn't totally bad - it is still playing after all) and the more likely I am to be less focused so whatever is first on my list gets the best chance of being done effectively.

... and while I am at it, you should definitely have a practise list. This helps you to use your time effectively but also makes you to think before you practise. Maybe it's just me, but if I can do three hours of practise and get certain things down that would normally take four hours then that allows free time for other things (either work or fun). I like to think of it as working smarter not harder.

Maybe a big priority for you is reading music? If so, that should be first on your list.

Your list really is an individual thing, as you probably know your own playing best and what you need to work on... and be honest! You are not doing yourself any favours if you tell yourself you are a good reader (for example) when in reality you are not. I know this is tough, but it is the best way to get better. Try recording yourself then asking the tough questions.

So, make a list of things you want to practise and consider what is most important to you; put these first.

Keep in touch:

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Practise Tips 1

The most common question I get asked from guitarists is 'what should I be practising'. While there is no one answer to this question given each persons individual needs, there are some things I can offer that might help. I will do a series of blogs covering some ideas to try.

A big part of my practise involves playing along to recordings. Often when I speak with people I ask them if this is what they do, and usually they do not. For me, when I play along to recordings my goal is to match the timing as accurately as possible and the sound/tone. I want to absorb the feel, so to speak.

Here are a few tracks that I regularly play along to (click on the title to link to the tune). Some of these might be a surprise given that I primarily do Jazz and Blues gigs.

1. Rock With You - Michael Jackson. 

2. Rugged Road - Robben Ford. 

3. Josie - Steely Dan.

4. Chank - John Scofield.

5. Steve Vai - Fire Garden Suite (first tune).

... and one of my favourite things to do is to play along to solo drums. One of my favourite drummers to play along with is Keith Carlock. Check out this clip, it's a great example of his playing. Keith has a groove that I love and try to absorb. Another couple of favourite drummers are Bernard Purdie and Steve Gadd.

I save these tracks as a hidden playlist on Youtube then when I practise it plays from beginning to end without interrupting. This is just the beginning of my list, there are plenty more ranging from easy to difficult.

Any thoughts or things I have missed let me know? 

Keep in touch:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/nickgranny

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nickgranvillemusic

... and you can download my latest album from:  nickgranville.bandcamp.com/album/home