Seven Habits That Will Make You a Better Musician, Part 2
In this article, you will learn how to focus your efforts on the areas you need to improve the most, and we will see how important it can be to see the 'big picture' when playing in a band. Last time, we learned some effective practice strategies, but how do you know which areas in which to invest your time? How can you improve your ability to "see" where you are taking your music?
Focus on Your Weaknesses, Not Your Strengths
When you practice (and when performing), avoid habitually returning to your most proficient skills. It is more fun to play something that you can really do well; keeping the focus on only your strong points is a good way to get 'stuck in a rut.' Take time out to think about which areas you need the most work on and develop your routine to favor these. It is far more beneficial to play something difficult slowly, than it is to play something you can shred with ease. That said; don't automatically start with something that is beyond your level of ability. If you want to learn how to shred a new technique, start by identifying the basic skills that you need to do it, and then create an incremental approach to learning those skills over time.
Study Many Styles, but Choose One to Master
Becoming familiar with a wide variety of styles will go a long way towards developing your own unique voice on the instrument. It also increases your chances of getting a gig, since versatility makes you fit in more places. But beware of jumping from style to style without really mastering any of them. Think about what really gets your blood going and put most of your energy into playing that style as well as you can. If diversification is the key to versatility, then specialization is the key to turning heads with your playing. Both are important but keeping your primary focus on a specific goal will help you to master your instrument.
Learn the Other Players' Parts Too
Just as working with a metronome will help you to synch into the groove, learning what the other musicians are doing will help you to fit into the bigger picture. A great piano player needs a strong right hand that can play a strong counterpoint bass line at times, but if they don't know what the bass guitar is doing, they will create havoc with the foundation of the band. Learning what the other players are doing will help you to judge when you are stepping on an important part. As you work on this, you will learn how to find your niche in the rhythmic "pocket." If you want to be a superstar, learn how to make the band sound great, not like a train wreck; learn to play well with others.
These habits will help you master your chosen style and bring your musicianship to a higher level. Have you ever set goals for your music? What has helped you to improve your playing the most?1 Response
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Also in Guitar / Bass Amplifier Info & Education
Seven Habits That Will Make You a Better Musician, Part 3
Practice the Art of Being a Team Player
In the same way that learning the other players' parts will help you to fit in well, so too will learning to become a team player. Any guitarist can tell you that your amp sounds great when it's shaking the rafters. But if you crank up indiscriminately, it makes it hard for the other musicians to play at their best. Remember, they need to be able to hear as well. So, when they tell you they need you to adjust your volume, try to accommodate them to the extent possible. A good stage mix allows the whole band to hear not only themselves, but all the other parts as well. It does not require the ultimate guitar tone; that is essential out front, but it isn't always the top priority on stage.
Seven Habits That Will Make You a Better Musician, Part 1
If you are really serious about becoming the best musician that you can be, it makes good sense to cultivate habits that will help you achieve your goal, rather than hinder you. In this series, we will learn seven habits that will help you become a better musician. There is a lot to learn when mastering a musical instrument, but these basic principles will help you achieve success more easily, and they apply no matter which instrument you play.
WG5 Wireless Guitar System Video Review by The Tone King
The TONE KING reviews the Carvin Amps WG5 Wireless Guitar and Bass System. The WG5 Wireless Guitar/Bass System is designed to give you the wireless freedom you have been looking for and the simplicity to make your life as a working musician easier. Compact design coupled with an intuitive, easy set up makes going wireless an enjoyable process. The WG5 works with both active and passive instruments.
Shop
Jazzy Tee
May 28, 2019
The beauty of the guitar is the ability to play a melody at more than one location or position. TABs give you a good starting point. Then learn the same notes of the melody at other positions on the fretboard. Play it an octave up. Play it an octave down. Some positions require more shifts, stretches, etc. It gets you familiar with the fretboard quickly and prepare you to play just about anything, just about anywhere.