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Post by vinman on Jan 24, 2024 9:04:56 GMT
Changed the strings on my "Statesboro" for the first time. I use GHS strings on my mandolins and I think they're pretty good. So a set of light phosphor-bronze were purchased I followed the instructions on "Justin Guitars" By way of a change all went well, I often un-necessarily complicate the simplest of jobs. Anyway, all went well with very little bad language, the new strings are much crisper and brighter for want of a better term, £12 well spent. I suspect the set the instrument came with had been on it a good time. The second thing. I found a local guitar group to go to, warmly welcomed, all very pleasant people, after a bit of chat and introduction, there was more chat. One of the experienced players played a tune, very well by the way. A bit more chat, I was invited to play, bit daunting for a novice, but I can pick out a two or three old timey tunes, in a simple begginery sort of way I gave up 3/4 of the way through. Too much distracting chat and noodling going on in the background. Hardly encouraging. There was more chat, eventually we did a couple of tunes as strum and sing. Blowin' in the wind and kumbaya...not my taste particularly, but it's a learning experience. Then more chat. All in all rather disappointing, maybe 15 minutes worth of music and and a hour and half or so of natter. Not for me I'm afraid.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jan 24, 2024 9:17:01 GMT
A whole group sing/strum along is one thing, but IMHO it is very rude to yak and/or noodle whilst someone specific is playing to the whole group.
Perhaps you could approach whoever convenes the group to explain your feelings. Maybe you'll not get anywhwere, but you could possibly be speaking for others who feel the same but have just got so used to the prevailing culture of the group that they just go along with it. Surely at least some of the time could be devoted to individual "performances" as well as more general sing songs and chat?
Or find another group...
Keith
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motsetiaw
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Post by motsetiaw on Jan 24, 2024 15:31:02 GMT
Agree +1 with Keith's sentiments...unless they show you a bit of "Listening respect"...find another group; I attend a monthly acoustic session in a village pub & was welcomed as my style/repertoire of playing/accompanying myself on guitar & harmonica was the complete opposite of what they were used to (finger in one ear/Aran Knit sweater type of Scottish/Irish trad.folk music) So it may just take a wee while for folks to get used to your repertoire, as I believe there's room for everyone at the gathering...but they should give you a bit of order during playing or join in as its a good way for the less experienced to learn from you by scrutinising what you are doing up & down the fretboard.... Good luck
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Jan 24, 2024 15:49:19 GMT
vinman - if you possibly can, do come to the next annual HB forum gathering where you can be sure of an encouraging, appreciative, respectful and attentive audience in the Sat evening/Sun morning Circle of Death, which, despite it's name, is an excellent opportunity for any and all performers, from virgins to old lags, to sing and/or play to each other. Why Circle of Death? Well, we all sit around in a circle (more oval really) and go around doing one song (or tune) each, and once everyone who wishes has had a go we set off around the circle again. No compulsion to perform on each rotation, or even at all. It does tend to go on late and as such people disappear to bed at various times until the remaining 3-6 people mutually decide to call a halt, often at 3 or 4 the next morning. Oh, and as well as the performance spotlight rotating round the circle, so does a bottle or two of whisky if you're that way inclined. Keith
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Post by vinman on Jan 28, 2024 9:41:40 GMT
Thought it wasn't me. Thankyou. I've had mixed fortunes at music "sessions" and "groups". By far and away the most successful was the now defunct accordion club at Burgess Hill. It's often tricky joining established groups and fitting in with their way of doing things. I'm old enough and ugly enough to know when to walk away.
I'd love to go to the next get together. The boss says that's OK! I'm an OK accordionist with an eclectic repetoire, and a novice guitar and mandolin player. Currently working on "Shady grove" and "Over the Waterfall" with guitar guru Jed.
Thanks again
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