UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45
I need help on how to play the intro of SCOM
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Try as I might, I simply cannot get the timing right on the intro of SCOM. Most times I can hit the right notes in the right order, but it never sounds like it does on this video:
My problem is that I continually fail to get the timing right. By timing, I mean the milliseconds between the notes. Slash [and the band] make it swing and there is emphasis put on certain notes.
So I need help from the many here who are more skilled on the guitar than I am. Would someone please play it and record it, in standard tuning, and email the recording or make it available to me online. PM please for my email address if that is your preferred method.
This piece is driving me nuts, so I would appreciate any help in learning to play it. Before old age and arthritis makes it impossible for me to pick up a guitar. Thanks in anticipation.
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. [Albert Einstein]
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
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What you must get right it the rhythm of the notes in the picking pattern, and sub-divide them correctly. Its all 8th notes so you're counting 1+2+3+4+ for every bar that has 4 beats. Alternate picking helps keep it smooth and even so on all the off-beats (the +'s) your pick stroke should be up. I don't think its swung either, just straight eighths.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Thanks @Lestratcaster but my problem is that I am not a good rhythm player. I came to guitar after a long spell playing trad Irish music on an accordion. I have tried to learn the 1+2+3+4 thing but my strumming hand refuses to operate in that way. If someone plays and records it, sends me this recording, I can loop it in Audacity and learn it properly. The same way I learned reels and jigs except in those days it was from a tape recording or an LP record.
I might have the wrong idea of what swing is, but I can clearly hear emphasis put on certain notes. This emphasis might be from the drums or bass but a pattern exists, or I hear one anyway, and I cannot get that pattern into my head.
To give you an example of what I mean, years ago I simply could not 'get' the rhythm right on 'Wish You Were Here' by Pink Floyd. Despite dozens of listens to the original, I did not get it until I mentioned this to a music teacher [sadly gone back to Australia before the lockdown] who picked up a guitar and played it for me. At that moment I got it. So I am hoping for a similar experience with SCOM. If you and I were in the same room, I have no doubt you would show me in a few minutes how it should be played. Sadly that is unlikely to happen, hence my request for the next best thing which is a recording of the intro played as it should be played.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Swing is often used in blues music amongst others, the first note is longer, if you say "humpty-dumpty" it kinda matches the rhythm. If you listen to the notes of the SCOM riff its more straight as they're even in length.
I do teach online so if you need visual help let me know.
Nil Satis Nisi Optimum
Even that fast harmonic minor run he does up the neck..
Ian
Lowering my expectations has succeeded beyond my wildest dreams.
Few things I learnt watching it I didn't know..
He's one the neck pickup for the first half of the song (bridge for second).
He's using the neck volume control for rhythm vs. solo
He doesn't use a pick for the fills in the song ?!
He's using the 'D' shape for the D, C and G chords... before using open positions...
He's already on the wah for the first proper solo...
and err.. Axl's voice is shot these days, Slash is looking well old... and you can't hear the keyboards whatsoever ...
Sorry, couldn't resist...
Inserting videos here is a challenge...