Jam Support - calling all newcomers!

Bridgehouse · August 2018

Blackjack said:

Hey @Alnico would it be ok/appropriate or just unwanted or in the way if I took my Silver Bullet to the jam? Would love to be able to play it louder than I can at home but would also like to hear some good guitars in great hands through it too!
Its wasted as a living room amp but I love it too much!!

Bring it - it’s what the jams are all about

darthed1981 · August 2018

Bridgehouse said:

Blackjack said:

Hey @Alnico would it be ok/appropriate or just unwanted or in the way if I took my Silver Bullet to the jam? Would love to be able to play it louder than I can at home but would also like to hear some good guitars in great hands through it too!
Its wasted as a living room amp but I love it too much!!

Bring it - it’s what the jams are all about

Yeah "dime your amp like wot you can't do at home" has been an unofficial feature of the jams for some time!

Blackjack · August 2018

Brilliant!! Thanks guys!
I will very much enjoy hearing it played through as it’s meant to be !

Alnico · August 2018

darthed1981 said:

Bridgehouse said:

Blackjack said:

Hey @Alnico would it be ok/appropriate or just unwanted or in the way if I took my Silver Bullet to the jam? Would love to be able to play it louder than I can at home but would also like to hear some good guitars in great hands through it too!
Its wasted as a living room amp but I love it too much!!

Bring it - it’s what the jams are all about

Yeah "dime your amp like wot you can't do at home" has been an unofficial feature of the jams for some time!

What they said...

A 40w HRD isn't an easy thing to play loud until you're in the right environment.

As Ed says, the Jams are the perfect place to find out what it's like up loud and also the perfect place to use it in a band situation.

Your amp is special and I'm sure that the Attendees would love to see and hear it themselves. We all know what an HRD is like but your 'Silver Bullet' edition with its V30 speaker and posh valves is sure to be of interest to those who know an HRD well and want to hear the difference that makes.

I include myself in that group too.

Bring it.

It's where an amp like that belongs.

Blackjack · August 2018

Alnico said:

darthed1981 said:

Bridgehouse said:

Blackjack said:

Hey @Alnico would it be ok/appropriate or just unwanted or in the way if I took my Silver Bullet to the jam? Would love to be able to play it louder than I can at home but would also like to hear some good guitars in great hands through it too!
Its wasted as a living room amp but I love it too much!!

Bring it - it’s what the jams are all about

Yeah "dime your amp like wot you can't do at home" has been an unofficial feature of the jams for some time!

What they said...

A 40w HRD isn't an easy thing to play loud until you're in the right environment.
As Ed says, the Jams are the perfect place to find out what it's like up loud and also the perfect place to use it in a band situation.

Your amp is special and I'm sure that the Attendees would love to see and hear it themselves. We all know what an HRD is like but your 'Silver Bullet' edition with its V30 speaker and posh valves is sure to be of interest to those who know an HRD well and want to hear the difference that makes.

I include myself in that group too.

Bring it.
It's where an amp like that belongs.

Thank you @Alnico I will definately bring it then! It will be there for anyone that wants to give it a go. As you know, I was just so lucky to get it!

adampeter · August 2018

Alnico said:

adampeter said:

Useful thread this, thanks @Alnico ;
My problem will just be nerves, as i have got older i avoid people hearing me play, got no idea why
Ask me to sing a song though and i have no problem whatsoever, 1 person or 1000 i would have no problem, so it ain't shyness

This is common.
When enough people have complained at you to turn it down and life has beaten your head up with work and other shit, you tend to feel self conscious and almost like anyone who can hear you play will laugh at you.
"Did you hear the awful racket that mid-life crisis idiot was making this morning?" Is usually the line that my imaginary neighbours never actually said that plays out in my head.

Solution.
Use headphones at home and find a local rehearsal studio to go to once a week or fortnight so you can make some noise without feeling self conscious. Most studios will do a deal for a small room that's big enough for just you and a guitar amp etc. If you want you can maybe ask for a small PA to play along to backing tracks. Everywhere charges different rates so shop around.
Headphones at home builds confodence in private and regular studio volume will help you improve dynamics and get the hell over the imaginary hecklers.

Practice at volume all the time and always standing up.

In 30 days you'll be gagging for a stage.
It's just a learned behaviour and it can be unlearned.
Stage fright is a different thing and that's crippling. This is something on it's own and something I've suffered with myself many times.

@adampeter if this is similar or you want to discuss in prirate, PM me anytime.

Yes this is similar to me, i'm gonna try the practice standing up stuff as i almost always practice sitting and unplugged.
I don't have stagefright, in fact quite the opposite, just have this block with the guitar.

Alnico · August 2018

Chatting on Facebook this morning brought back something which I think is worth mentioning here.

Guthrie is one of my personal favourite players and I've got a few Lick Library videos of his as well as watching almost everything he puts out on his YT channel.

I've learned a lot from him but I got one piece of advice from him which is (To me) invaluable and stays with me every time I play, be it at home or on a stage.

"Serve the song, not your Ego!"

Sounds simple but it's (to me) like a core skill.

I always, ALWAYS try to do this and it doesn't mean *copy* the song note for note, it simply means give the song what the song needs. It might be choosing whether to play in a Minor 3rd harmony instead of the normal melodic scale for the song. Let's use that as an example and it's simple a split second decision as to whether or not this would fit. Another example (albeit way more obvious) is sweep picking or that string scrape with the edge of the pick that ACDC used a lot (among many others).... Does it fit the song, does it serve the song?

At the Jams, it's *very* easy to forget where you are in a song and suddenly have to "Wing it" until you either pick things back up and get back on track (I'm probably talking more about soloing now) or until the song is finished.

When this happens or indeed if you go "Off Piste" on purpose, always try to think of what the song needs and serve the song accordingly.

I once heard someone say these words about another player and they're both members here who played together at one of last years Jams (Sadly, one I couldn't go to but I did listen to some recordings and the comment is absolutely spot on) where the playing was exemplary...

"Every note he played was considered and played beautifully".

You know what? If someone said just that about my playing, I'd be on top of the world and I'm sure a few others would too.

Flashy, high-speed playing is a thing and it has its place, like slap bass guitar does or whammy bar tricks etc. but it can be way overdone and fast is not what makes a "Good" player.

A good player simply knows what to play to get the best out of a piece of music.

Another quote which I'll finish this quoting thing off with is from Guy Pratt, remarking on David Gilmour's playing and this is something else that remains with me when I play because I would love for someone to say this about me one day...

"David takes every single note, polishes it like a beautiful diamond and presents it to you on a red velvet cushion!"

If we can all take something away from that and incorporate it into our own playing then it will only serve to make us all better players.

Being a better player isn't always about learning to play new things or learning new skills.

Often, being better is about learning restraint and not succumbing to "That'll do!", when what we really should be doing is polishing what we already know until it genuinely sounds as perfect as it can within the framework of that song.

I've been lucky enough to hear some of our own players here and let me tell you, there are some really amazing players here who *really* have got this down.

If you've heard @Adam_MD play you'll know what I mean. His touch and dynamics are beyond good but his note choices and style are fluid, considered and damn near perfect. He's also got a great voice and decades of live experience. If you haven't heard him play, you should when you can. That man needs to be on stage again.

There are loads more...

We were all treated to a shred masterclass at "Huddstock 18" by @bloodandtears and that was a treat. Speed AND accuracy are hard to combine and he does that very well indeed, far better than I can.

@TTony happens to be bloody good at chord inversions and on the occasions, I've Jammed with him, he's really surprised me with what he can embellish a song with and sound *really* big doing it.

If you can, check out @littlegreenman 's own compositions and you'll find a masterclass on note choice and how to consider the effect that has on the song. His music takes me to another place, it's stunning.

Drew isn't here anymore but he's a close friend of mine and I'm just about to buy all 6 of their albums after hearing the new release. WOW. Now, this is possibly the best example of what I mean, Drew is not a shredder by any means but the way he plays serves his music SO well. Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster is a bloody brilliant band because they've all got this theory down. Whether it's your style of music or not, it's undeniable how well Drew plays to serve the music he's playing with.

Check out @digitalscream when he was in 'Closed Circuit'. They released their debut album 'Violet nights' in 2015. I bought that on week 1 when it was released when I was still a truck driver and on day 1 playing it in my cab, blasting it out of my open windows in a truck stop, I had more than one driver come over and ask "Who is THAT? That's awesome!!!"

I couldn't agree more and still listen to it to this day. Lee is a great player when it comes to metal and again, it's all down to considering what works for a piece of music and what doesn't. One thing I will add is that he writes and plays an intro as good as ANY mainstream, signed band and that is often such a massively important part of any song. How many of us have hit "Next track" after hearing the first 20 seconds of a song?

There are going to be lots more examples here on tFB and I'm sorry if I didn't tag you here, this is just what I can remember while I type based on what I've heard first hand from people I've been lucky enough to call friends.

I'm sure there are many more of you I've yet to hear and hopefully yet to call a friend and I look forward to it all.

"Serve the song, not your Ego".

Thanks Guthrie.

Bridgehouse · August 2018

^ and that’s why we have a JamFather..

digitalscream · August 2018

@Alnico - shucks, dude

Alnico · August 2018

If we don't recognise our success', no matter how insignificant they may seem to the humble player within each one of us, we miss huge opportunities to build confidence and that's the key to progress.

EDIT:
That's not directly related to what I've just posted or Lee's reply, it just damn good advice for all of us.

pmbomb · August 2018

"Serve the song, not your Ego!"
Sounds simple but it's (to me) like a core skill.
I always, ALWAYS try to do this and it doesn't mean *copy* the song note for note, it simply means give the song what the song needs. It might be choosing whether to play in a Minor 3rd harmony instead of the normal melodic scale for the song. Let's use that as an exa

I'm going to chip in with my recent beginner hat on (AGAIN!). Starters: if something you want to play is a struggle to get "right", don't walk away, instead simplify it to make it playable. Capturing the essence and getting through it is the best way to respect the song. That's what the writer would want. And, once you have a base, you can build on it when you're ready.

Example: I've been circling around "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" for a while, it's quite a handful for my level, but now I found this performance video where Alice plays it slowly, simply, and elegantly, and it gave me a way in. (And it helps that it's easier to see her hands well). That's a great start and one day I will get this.

(Sorry @Alnico, camping on your thread again. Ping me if you want me to stop!).

Alnico · August 2018

@pmbomb ;

Not at all, that's great advice and I'd advise the same for beginners.
Find a simple way into the song first and find foundation to build on.

I would encourage you to then look for more detail once you've established a base camp and I'm going to use the mountain climbing analogy.
Once you've established a simplified, base camp version you can start to TRY to stretch further into the detail of the song/riff/technique.
If you fail that time you have a base camp to return to and feel like you have *some* success instead of total failure.

I would teach a beginner using this method and give them something to stand on and feel good about. It's also a great way of "Outlining" a song/riff/technique and then filling in the colour and detail later once the rhythm and principles of the riff are established.

Nice one Matt and also this isn't MY thread it's just somewhere I can offer advice and support.

It's like everything in music.
It's collaborative and every viewpoint is valuable.

littlegreenman · August 2018

@Alnico - Cheers mate. Although I always describe what I do as "plug in and waffle for a bit".

Alnico · August 2018

littlegreenman said:

@Alnico - Cheers mate. Although I always describe what I do as "plug in and waffle for a bit".

You're welcome man.

Adam_MD · August 2018

@Alnico wow that’s a really nice thing to say you made me blush. If I can help out at any of the jams or anything just ask.

Alnico · August 2018

Adam_MD said:

@Alnico wow that’s a really nice thing to say you made me blush. If I can help out at any of the jams or anything just ask.

You deserve every word of that man.

I don't know if you're signed up for a Jam, it's @Bridgehouse and @TTony who organise that side of things but if you ever make it to one, I know there's a ton of useful experience you could pass on to newcomers.

If not man, don't worry the Jams are in no way obligatory but unless you're already playing in a band these days it would be good to see you back on a stage of some sort, you belong there really!

It's been a while so I hope you're doing well and I certainly hope you've kept up with practice because the last time I heard you play I was in awe.

Rock on man.

Adam_MD · August 2018

Alnico said:
You deserve every word of that man.
I don't know if you're signed up for a Jam, it's @Bridgehouse and @TTony who organise that side of things but if you ever make it to one, I know there's a ton of useful experience you could pass on to newcomers.

If not man, don't worry the Jams are in no way obligatory but unless you're already playing in a band these days it would be good to see you back on a stage of some sort, you belong there really!

It's been a while so I hope you're doing well and I certainly hope you've kept up with practice because the last time I heard you play I was in awe.

Rock on man.

No I haven’t signed up for any of the jams and to be very honest I don’t think I’ve been in the events section before you tagged me. I’ve just had a look at some of the jam threads and will try and get involved with one near me. They look like fun.

TTony · August 2018

They are *huge* fun @Adam_MD.

And given where you are, Quad (which is a great location/facility too) is the obvious one to get your name down for!

Don't worry that the lists appear to be full. People will always have to pull out closer to the time (though it's happening less frequently now).

Adam_MD · August 2018

TTony said:

They are *huge* fun @Adam_MD.

And given where you are, Quad (which is a great location/facility too) is the obvious one to get your name down for!

Don't worry that the lists appear to be full. People will always have to pull out closer to the time (though it's happening less frequently now).

Thanks @TTony I’ll have a look at that one now.

Alnico · August 2018

Update on webcam support:

We had some problems with the walls where I'm building this studio of mine and it's halted the whole project while it was being fixed. It's 90% fixed now and then once everything is dry and solid I have to move it all into place, wire everything up and get someone on the other end of a live feed to test levels etc (I've never done all this before!).

I'm Working on it right now and now that the walls are nearly fixed and guitar hangers are actually going up on the walls, things are starting to fall into place.

I'm aiming to be available most days for whatever people need help with.

Bear with me, I'm working on this as hard as I can and trying to pull it all together as quickly as possible without compromising the idea.

Back as soon as I can be...

fandango · August 2018

Alnico said:

Update on webcam support:

We had some problems with the walls where I'm building this studio of mine and it's halted the whole project while it was being fixed. It's 90% fixed now and then once everything is dry and solid I have to move it all into place, wire everything up and get someone on the other end of a live feed to test levels etc (I've never done all this before!).

I'm Working on it right now and now that the walls are nearly fixed and guitar hangers are actually going up on the walls, things are starting to fall into place.

I'm aiming to be available most days for whatever people need help with.
Bear with me, I'm working on this as hard as I can and trying to pull it all together as quickly as possible without compromising the idea.

Back as soon as I can be...

Ha! Are you Frank Spencer in disguise?

On a serious note, fantastic news, and well done for being such a sport with this venture of yours. I hope it works out, and that stuff actually stays on the wall.

darthed1981 · August 2018

fandango said:

Alnico said:

Update on webcam support:

We had some problems with the walls where I'm building this studio of mine and it's halted the whole project while it was being fixed. It's 90% fixed now and then once everything is dry and solid I have to move it all into place, wire everything up and get someone on the other end of a live feed to test levels etc (I've never done all this before!).

I'm Working on it right now and now that the walls are nearly fixed and guitar hangers are actually going up on the walls, things are starting to fall into place.

I'm aiming to be available most days for whatever people need help with.
Bear with me, I'm working on this as hard as I can and trying to pull it all together as quickly as possible without compromising the idea.

Back as soon as I can be...

Ha! Are you Frank Spencer in disguise?

On a serious note, fantastic news, and well done for being such a sport with this venture of yours. I hope it works out, and that stuff actually stays on the wall.

I'm waiting for news on the two chandeliers he is working on....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFuYIi5-igc

Alnico · August 2018

LOL !!!

Thanks guys, that was a welcome laugh.

The walls are now dry, just one more hanger to put up tomorrow and then it's full steam ahead to get it all hooked up.

Alnico · September 2018

Very, VERY exciting update:

An extremely kind Family member just bought me this...

ZOOM Q2n

Coming from Andertons, It will be here mid week.

This will also take my own audio recordings and our Jam Sessions to a new level in terms of recording both video and audio.

I'm very excited and I'm looking forward to using this for everything from webcam lessons and jam support to creating as much online content as I'm capable of in the future.

Just.

WOW...

LuttiS · September 2018

That looks awesome! Good stuff

Blackjack · September 2018

Really pleased for you @Alnico ;
well happy for you mate

Alnico · September 2018

LuttiS said:

That looks awesome! Good stuff

It is very awesome compared to the archaic way I'm used to...

Blackjack said:

Really pleased for you @Alnico ;
well happy for you mate

Thank you.
This isn't really just for me though.
I've been asked for help and support by so many people and now this means I can reach out and help more people in more ways than I ever could before.
Often just 5 minutes in front of someone explaining a riff or physically showing someone a chord etc, can do more than a thousand words in text.
Yes, I'm going to love what this can do but I'll love it more when I can see someone play what they couldn't before and it's down to this piece of kit enabling me to help them with that.

darthed1981 · September 2018

Amazing what you can get these days.

Might seriously think of punting for one of those as part of my little recording shopping list. Going to get a Scarlet Solo and a Microphone as well

BarrySW19 · October 2018

pmbomb said:

Very kind. lol there's a back story,..

Interesting story - I guess I'm following a similar path. Bought a guitar 25 years ago and played briefly with a work band (I was third guitar, and they basically let me strum along a bit as long as I didn't turn the amp up too far. The lead guitar player was seriously good - he could play a flawless cover of Satriani's Always with me, Always with you, so I learned a fair amount). Anyway, that lasted a few months after which it kind of all stopped and the guitar ended up sitting in the corner until Xmas 2017 when for some reason I picked it up again.

Obviously the internet has revolutionised self learning for the guitar since I last played, and I've been able to learn a lot over the last nine months or so, and I'm getting to the point where I'm looking at maybe trying to find some people to jam with too. So, hanging out here, looking to see what's going on...

spark240 · October 2018

I assume you are based in ....SW19 ?

Howdy, Stranger!

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