|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Oct 8, 2013 19:52:28 GMT
I like just about every kind of music; classical, modern, traditional, fast, slow, etc; Ok, some better than others. But I have always hated Jazz; and unlike some things which grow on you with age, this one doesn't. Here's a couple of quotes that sum it up for me,
'You can't always write a chord ugly enough to say what you want to say, so sometimes you have to rely on a giraffe filled with whipped cream'.
Frank Zappa
'Jazz is the last refuge of the untalented. Jazz musicians enjoy themselves more than anyone listening to them does'.
Tony Wilson
A night at Ronnie Scotts (if its still going) is my idea of hell.
Its my loss that I can't get it; it just sounds painful.
So, come on all you jazz players, put me in touch with some pieces of guitar music that you think will change my mind! I will try to be open-minded (hard at my age ........)
FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Oct 4, 2013 14:17:04 GMT
Come on own up!.
A good friend, who only plays solo, clears his throat a lot when playing which is strange as he isn't using the vocal chords otherwise; just a nervous habit. And my wife tells me that, when I'm not singing, I tend to have my mouth open more than I used to, again a habit; but when I saw myself doing it I didn't half look stupid, like a chick waiting to be fed; its a funny lopsided sort of look.
So, own up, what 'habits' have you developed that you'd rather get rid of. (not actual playing techniques).
FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Sept 30, 2013 9:21:41 GMT
Recorded it and watched it last night. A superb programme which I will watch again. Not just a story of great guitar playing and singing; but if perseverance, family love and determination. Quite moving.
Will watch the Richard Thompson programme that followed tonight.
Hope you guys had a good weekend at Halifax. Hope to join you next year if I'm free this time.
FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Sept 25, 2013 15:40:31 GMT
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Sept 24, 2013 11:59:24 GMT
Thanks Phil, hadn't seen this so on to record now.
PS Nic Jones and Richard Thompson on BBC 4 Friday evening (9.00 and 10.00 I think).
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Sept 23, 2013 17:22:42 GMT
Thanks for an interesting post. There are a few points of interest raised, some of which have been commented on.
--cutting the old strings off. I never even thought of doing this and it's much quicker, even when some of the pins won't come out! There is no need for me to continue keeping old strings; a couple of spare emergency sets is enough. I wonder if the sudden tension release is safe? --string winder. I have used one for years and have never marked my guitar; it saves time and hand ache so it works well for me. --it helps to have the jig that he uses but I just sit with guitar on my lap. If I was a pro guitar doctor and doing a few changes a day then I'd definitely make one up.
It usually takes me about 20-25 minutes to change a set, but of this somewhere near 10 mins are giving the whole thing a good clean with the strings off; body and fretboard and getting into those little corners by the bridge and the nut, checking fret wear and maintenance if required. This is part of the enjoyment of giving your best mate some love and affection and shouldn't be rushed.
So, I might use the string cutting bit and then take my time.
Good video though.
FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Sept 1, 2013 14:49:08 GMT
Thanks Keith. And of course you're right that its the thicker string that I need to replace to say a .056 as per the one you are linking to. I'll give it a go. FFJ Update. Have ordered a single string and will let you know if it improves it. By the way, I used 'Stringsdirect' for years for many of my accessories and they have always been excellent on proce and service; but found that about a year ago when they started adding a postage charge for small orders they were more expensive on some items; I tend not to buy in bulk; so this time I've used 'Stringsonly' via amazon which was same price including postage. I know its not much but ........
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Sept 1, 2013 10:01:48 GMT
Thanks Keith. And of course you're right that its the thicker string that I need to replace to say a .056 as per the one you are linking to. I'll give it a go. FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Sept 1, 2013 8:36:49 GMT
Hi,
A few weeks ago bought a great guitar which is a Turner Grand Concert, Koa back and sides. It is excellent for fingerstyle with great tone and sustain in the mid and treble range. However, it hasn't quite got the same volume or depth of tone on the bottom E string which makes the bass note disappear a bit when picking (relatively). I have used Daddario EXP 11 Lights (.012 - .053) 80:20 bronze on my other guitars and really like them and put a set on the new one.
Is it worth me putting a heavier gauge 6th string only on, say a 13 gauge. If so, it also appears difficult to buy single strings for EXPs, so can you get them or do I have to buy the set of mediums and waste the other 5?
Any other thoughts welcome.
FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Aug 29, 2013 11:14:53 GMT
Yes, it depends on playing time and type of strings. Whilst I don't 'enjoy' changing them I don't find it a chore and gives me the chance to give the fretboard, frets, and body a good clean with the strings off (I know that's another subject, do you take them all off at once or one at a time; I take 'em all off). I have used D'addario EXP light 80:20 for a few years now (occasionally try something different but always go back). I reckon I play on average say 10 hours a week and change every 3-4 months or so; so that's about 150-200 odd hours. No doubt they would be still OK for quite a while longer but I love having new strings on (like Martin says, after about an hour or so of bashing them into shape/tune). I reckon with a set of daddys costing around £10, that's about 5p an hour; cheapest entertainment I know! FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Aug 29, 2013 8:52:38 GMT
Thanks very much for posting this. I haven't listened to this song for 30 odd years and it is just as good now. I know what you mean by the 'downer' bit, but he's telling a tale of real life which unfortunately, many years after he wrote it, is even more widespread a problem. In some ways its a bit like 'Hurt' (Cash/Nine Inch Nails); the message is painful but the song is great.
I will also add Lewis Lancaster to my youtube subscriptions as his playing is excellent; only wish I could replicate it.
FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Aug 26, 2013 17:46:48 GMT
Oh dear, it looks like I've got competition fro her affections (apart from the fact that she's happily married again!); at least my competition is from the older sections of the age group poll(?) so I'll try not to give up hope yet ..... PS also loved the Leeds video and 'You Belong To Me'; I'm available to have liberties taken at any time .... FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Aug 26, 2013 9:17:41 GMT
Hi Martin,
I followed this youtube lesson for a bit of help in playing per KR
FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Aug 26, 2013 7:32:37 GMT
Getting myself ready for seeing Kate Rusby next month and reviewing some of my favourite songs. This one is in my desert island discs list; so simple, so moving, just perfect. She uses double drop d tuning in this and quite a few other songs. Roll on September.
Enjoy.
FFJ
|
|
|
Post by fatfingerjohn on Aug 21, 2013 13:23:58 GMT
Any Major 7th sound great to me, either in a progression of other maj 7ths or a mix of chords. That's one of the reasons I'm a great fan of Gordon Lightfoot's music as he regularly uses Maj7ths in his work; love it!
Here's a great example, covered by a guy called Brian Ekard who does brilliant GL covers.
FFJ
|
|