I just fell in love with this song, so please enjoy with me :)
Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label guitar. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Guitar Workshops
Yesterday I had the privilege to attend a guitar workshop at Allan's Music, featuring Doug Doppler. He was demonstrating his skills with electric guitar. I managed to absorb a few nuggets of wisdom.
For every musician, there's 3 gauges that makes up their skill: talent, knowledge, and practice. The best musicians have all 3 gauges filled up and overflowing.
I learnt that every musician has to develop his/her own groove. Doug is very expressive. I could see his tears while he soaks himself in music! I'm very tempted to describe his expressions, but I'm afraid I might end up being impolite.
He mentioned about the musician's skills trajectory. Basically, he thinks that most people improve their skills over time. But it's not easy to improve, and some people don't know how to improve. So he shares a few tips.
Drummers have a different mindset, and we have to respect them for it. Playing guitar like a drummer means that we have to take note of the rythms in a beat, including the bass, hi hat, and snare. If it doesn't make sense to you, wait till I learn the technique.
His Ibanez pickup is setup uniquely to imitate sounds from les paul, strat, or tele. Don't know how this works because I play acoustic.
So this evening I attended another guitar workshop by Michael Fix. Michael used to learn from Alan Philip and Tommy Emmanuel. He played mostly classical when he was young, and he likes to personalise some classical and electric pieces with his custom Maton acoustic guitar.
His Maton guitar is made of Queensland Maple back and sides, not the Blackwood. Maple is softer, but if he needs more bass, he would simply turn it up on the pickup. He was more concerned about controlling feedback. He used a feedback buster, which is essentially a rubber bathtub plug for the guitar soundhole. And he shaved a bit off the neck of the guitar, because his fingers are short (that's what he said). Michael doesn't keep long fingernails like other fingerstyle guitar players, and it took him a while to adjust. I like this example, because I personally don't like long fingernails like Doyle Dykes.
Michael also mentioned that it's important to learn how to play the bass and treble at the same time, as soloist. You just have to break down the song into bars, and work at microscopic/lego bars, play it really slow until you get it. This will help you to build confidence.
Playing scales is good, to impress other guitarists. But being able to play music is more important. Scale is boring, but it helps to know how they work.
In the studio, Michael uses a pen mic to record the guitar. It is not directly pointed into the soundhole, but slightly further at around the 12th fret. He sometimes use another one projected towards the body from another angle. If he uses a right angle mic, he would point it directly at the soundhole. Another position that he would consider is near his ear when he bends down to listen to what he's playing. He suggested that all the mics should be equidistant from the guitar to avoid phasing.
He also abused his guitar, albeit not as much as Tommmy. Beating the guitar body at different places is pretty interesting, it creates some percussion effects. That saves some money on stompboxes. He also demonstrated how to play with echo based on the percussions. His Yamaha Magicstomp worked like a charm, showing off some effects like reverbs and chorus.
I like it when he walked down the bass, and when he reached the low E, he went further by unwinding the E string.
Last but not least, he showed us special capos, which only covers 3-5 strings. He used it to achieve DADGAD tuning, and other combinations without messing around with the tuners.
And of course, I like the AER 60 amp. Wouldn't mind that for a birthday gift.
Now, that's what I call inspiration! Thanks to Allan's music for these workshops. I hope I've captured all the essentials, but pardon me if there's some mistakes.
For every musician, there's 3 gauges that makes up their skill: talent, knowledge, and practice. The best musicians have all 3 gauges filled up and overflowing.
I learnt that every musician has to develop his/her own groove. Doug is very expressive. I could see his tears while he soaks himself in music! I'm very tempted to describe his expressions, but I'm afraid I might end up being impolite.
He mentioned about the musician's skills trajectory. Basically, he thinks that most people improve their skills over time. But it's not easy to improve, and some people don't know how to improve. So he shares a few tips.
Drummers have a different mindset, and we have to respect them for it. Playing guitar like a drummer means that we have to take note of the rythms in a beat, including the bass, hi hat, and snare. If it doesn't make sense to you, wait till I learn the technique.
His Ibanez pickup is setup uniquely to imitate sounds from les paul, strat, or tele. Don't know how this works because I play acoustic.
So this evening I attended another guitar workshop by Michael Fix. Michael used to learn from Alan Philip and Tommy Emmanuel. He played mostly classical when he was young, and he likes to personalise some classical and electric pieces with his custom Maton acoustic guitar.
His Maton guitar is made of Queensland Maple back and sides, not the Blackwood. Maple is softer, but if he needs more bass, he would simply turn it up on the pickup. He was more concerned about controlling feedback. He used a feedback buster, which is essentially a rubber bathtub plug for the guitar soundhole. And he shaved a bit off the neck of the guitar, because his fingers are short (that's what he said). Michael doesn't keep long fingernails like other fingerstyle guitar players, and it took him a while to adjust. I like this example, because I personally don't like long fingernails like Doyle Dykes.
Michael also mentioned that it's important to learn how to play the bass and treble at the same time, as soloist. You just have to break down the song into bars, and work at microscopic/lego bars, play it really slow until you get it. This will help you to build confidence.
Playing scales is good, to impress other guitarists. But being able to play music is more important. Scale is boring, but it helps to know how they work.
In the studio, Michael uses a pen mic to record the guitar. It is not directly pointed into the soundhole, but slightly further at around the 12th fret. He sometimes use another one projected towards the body from another angle. If he uses a right angle mic, he would point it directly at the soundhole. Another position that he would consider is near his ear when he bends down to listen to what he's playing. He suggested that all the mics should be equidistant from the guitar to avoid phasing.
He also abused his guitar, albeit not as much as Tommmy. Beating the guitar body at different places is pretty interesting, it creates some percussion effects. That saves some money on stompboxes. He also demonstrated how to play with echo based on the percussions. His Yamaha Magicstomp worked like a charm, showing off some effects like reverbs and chorus.
I like it when he walked down the bass, and when he reached the low E, he went further by unwinding the E string.
Last but not least, he showed us special capos, which only covers 3-5 strings. He used it to achieve DADGAD tuning, and other combinations without messing around with the tuners.
And of course, I like the AER 60 amp. Wouldn't mind that for a birthday gift.
Now, that's what I call inspiration! Thanks to Allan's music for these workshops. I hope I've captured all the essentials, but pardon me if there's some mistakes.
Friday, July 13, 2007
I Love Maton!
Yes, I solemnly profess my love for Maton guitars. I already own the EM325C, who has been my faithful favourite, and so far she has won against my other guitars (now given away to friends). I am obsessed! I mean, do you know of anyone else who changed guitar strings almost every 3 months? Has all the gadgets to take care of the guitar? I often give her some facial treatment as well, ranging from cleaning the fretboard, polishing the body, lubricating the strings, etc. And I mourn over little dings and scratches on it too! Well, there's plenty of them, because this guitar has been well used in ministry. Sometimes I wonder whether I take more time caring for her than playing on her. In fact, I think my skills are not good at all. Some people learn guitar to attract chicks. But I don't have to play anything, my guitar is already a chick magnet!
Anyway, the point is, I get all-nostalgic after watching Michael Fix play. I guess, his music just captured my attention - whether it's jealousy or envy, only time will tell.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
How Great Is Our God
We had Missions Night this evening. Angus led us in an Indian song, Jesus SuperPower. Very simple, yet very funny.
We played (one of) my favourite song: How Great Is Our God (Key:G).
Today we have a guest speaker teaching us how to play this song. Please welcome Chris Tomlin, songwriter of How Great is Our God! (Key:C)
I love this song, and after dinner, I had the privilege to teach this song to my korean friend. He love the song as well, but he did not understand the words.
Lots of positive feedback tonight. Some friends said that I improved. Some said they liked my guitar. Actually, I haven't played guitar for a month, and I couldn't hear the speakers, so I don't know how I improved :P
We played (one of) my favourite song: How Great Is Our God (Key:G).
Verse 1
The splendour of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice
He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice
Chorus1
How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God
Verse 2
Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end
The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb
Chorus2
Name above all names
Worthy of all praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God
Today we have a guest speaker teaching us how to play this song. Please welcome Chris Tomlin, songwriter of How Great is Our God! (Key:C)
I love this song, and after dinner, I had the privilege to teach this song to my korean friend. He love the song as well, but he did not understand the words.
Lots of positive feedback tonight. Some friends said that I improved. Some said they liked my guitar. Actually, I haven't played guitar for a month, and I couldn't hear the speakers, so I don't know how I improved :P
Friday, May 18, 2007
Guitar Legends on Youtube
I've been back in Melbourne for 3 days. As usual, I'm struggling with jetlag. I used to recuperate very quickly, but I guess age is catching up. And the cold. But it was a pleasant flight, the landing was smooth as silk. I enjoyed the aerial beauty of Melbourne City in 3D, can't compare it with Google Earth.
During these few days, I've been trying to absorb all my experiences in Thailand, and seeking God for life directions. There's a bazillion opportunities for me, yet there's so little time. Jesus is coming back soon!
In the midst of my daily struggle, I've been feasting on what I couldn't access in Thailand.
This is a video of Doyle Dykes playing White Rose for Heidi. I met Doyle Dykes in 2003, at Guitar Garage in Brisbane. It was a free concert. I was an amateur (still am), he showed me what playing guitar is all about, he signed my guitar, and since then he became my personal hero. He is truly blessed in music, a legendary country fingerstyle virtuoso. I think he tickles his guitar more than his wife. Now I'll share a secret that I've kept for many years: If anyone wants to give me a truly appreciated birthday gift, it would be the orange Desert Rose (DDSM), his signature guitar.
On a less personal note, but a legend nevertheless, Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian icon. Just like Doyle Dykes, he has played with Chet Atkins, and in fact, Chet honoured the rare title of "Certified Guitar Player" on TE. For those in Thailand, it's worth crossing the border just to watch this video of TE playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps with Jake Shimabukuro. I found it on Philip Chee's blog. Now, the only common denominator between TE and me is that we both play on Maton.
During these few days, I've been trying to absorb all my experiences in Thailand, and seeking God for life directions. There's a bazillion opportunities for me, yet there's so little time. Jesus is coming back soon!
In the midst of my daily struggle, I've been feasting on what I couldn't access in Thailand.
This is a video of Doyle Dykes playing White Rose for Heidi. I met Doyle Dykes in 2003, at Guitar Garage in Brisbane. It was a free concert. I was an amateur (still am), he showed me what playing guitar is all about, he signed my guitar, and since then he became my personal hero. He is truly blessed in music, a legendary country fingerstyle virtuoso. I think he tickles his guitar more than his wife. Now I'll share a secret that I've kept for many years: If anyone wants to give me a truly appreciated birthday gift, it would be the orange Desert Rose (DDSM), his signature guitar.
On a less personal note, but a legend nevertheless, Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian icon. Just like Doyle Dykes, he has played with Chet Atkins, and in fact, Chet honoured the rare title of "Certified Guitar Player" on TE. For those in Thailand, it's worth crossing the border just to watch this video of TE playing While My Guitar Gently Weeps with Jake Shimabukuro. I found it on Philip Chee's blog. Now, the only common denominator between TE and me is that we both play on Maton.
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