Billbbill wrote:
I've also found - and this will sound weird, you can almost play just about any whole note within a given lead - not necessarily where you can have every note be a 'stand alone' note that phrases within a given scale can end on, but passing notes or chromatic runs can and do encompass almost all whole notes and are 'available' within a given scale. This doesn't mean you're necessarily going there as much as that the possibility exists. .
I agree, and just like the interview that was up recently where Jerry spoke of blues guitarists that can play a note or chord with such authority that its just moves you. I think the same is true with soloing, especially in improvisational soloing. Almost anything can go if you pull it off and the music/rhythm is letting you. You could actually play something dissonant if it was made to look like you meant to do it and it has the power and authority behind it, like a diminished scale in a blues song. I believe that kind of "power" comes from knowing your instrument and the music intimately, But again, at that ability level you should know your stuff anyway, so its kinda catch 22.
There are prodigy musicians and talented musicians where at 18 years old they are unreal. There there are those that work at it for years mixed with some talent. I am the latter as with most and all good things come in time, I am still learning and there is nothing wrong with it. A lot of famous musicians are that way, don't get down on having to practice and get stuff wrong. I think It is nice to be able to put my mind to something and work hard at it to get a payoff. I think Jerry was that way too. He was lucky in the fact all he had to do to make a living was study guitar his whole life, and it showed as the years went by. As for you, you are starting with difficult music at such a young age, you will be blazing soon enough...
Like speaking a language fluently, you can learn phrases and vocab all you want, and it helps, but to have a meaningful conversation you need to master it through time and practice. It sucks that for most of us it takes some time and effort!! Peace JB
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