Practice Log for Thursday, 10 May 2018
finished learning the structure of “Under the Bridge”, and analyzed problem areas in scale patterns May 10, 2018 music| Topic | Start Time | End Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| warm-up | 11:24 | 11:34 | q=100, 16ths |
| scales | 11:38 | 12:16 | q=100, p. 3rds, varying rhythm, random mute |
| repertoire | 13:50 | 16:29 | under the bridge |
| 16:34 | 16:40 | good times, bad times | |
| sight reading | 16:44 | 17:06 |
Scales
Certain patterns are more difficult to play than others. The descending 1-3 and the ascending 3-1 patterns are more difficult. Trying to play these scales descending at q=100 16th notes really shows where the trouble spots are. It seems any position around a 3rd string root note is difficult to play descending. Specifically, the trouble is with barring or rolling the fingers to the lower strings at higher speeds. The fingers need to already be in position to do that, otherwise it won’t work.
Repertoire
I was able to play through Under the Bridge more or less intact. It still
needs some ironing out, especially if I want to play and sing. I wasn’t
quite right about the verse chord structure yesterday: it should be
E B C#m G#m A on the first half, not the second. The outro chords are
A Am G F, a lot simpler than they sound at first listen.
As far as Good Times, Bad Times, I decided to review the lyrics a bit. I still don’t know the solo, so I just have to noodle there until I learn it. Sounds like a transcription project that needs to happen. After all, it’s not even that long or difficult of a solo.
Sight Reading
I made it a little more difficult on myself. 24 measures, no half notes, notes C3 through A3, q=70. Mostly I was able to read those without issue. Then I added B on top of that, and it went down hill pretty quickly. I had to add back the half notes, and then slow down the tempo on top of that.
Next Time
I want to be able to sing and play through “Under the Bridge” without stopping, with the correct rhythm in both parts. The parts I’ll start practicing first are the verses, because the rhythmic differences between the vocals and guitar should make it the most difficult to play well.
As for the scales, I need to practice the two more awkward patterns I mentioned above. I’ll start with them, and then maybe I’ll add the other ones in.
It’s a big battle to always be reading ahead in sight reading. Next time, I need to do what my piano teacher always told me to do and preread the piece, and then pick a tempo at which I’m sure I’ll make zero mistakes. I have to say, doing things that way is mentally demanding.