Does this ever happen to you?

Karlis Abolins · Post by **Karlis Abolins** » 5 Jun 2002 10:03 am

This happened to me the other evening. I had heard a new rendition of a song that inspired me to try to learn it. I heard the song in my mind over and over and had to put it in the guitar. As soon as I sat down to the steel, the song disappeared from my mind. I could not get to it. I knew before I sat down what I wanted to play and where but I hit a road block. Later, after I got up from the guitar, the song came back. It seems like this happens to a lot of the music I hear in my head. It sounds beautiful in my head but it won't come out my hands. Have you encountered this? What have you done to overcome this? I have no problem learning songs from tablature or sheet music. I also have no problem when I play a song on steel that I first played on fiddle or acoustic guitar. It just seems to happen with music I have heard.

Karlis Abolins

Greg Vincent · Post by **Greg Vincent** » 5 Jun 2002 12:34 pm

Karlis,

Did you make sure you knew the key of the sound that was in your head before you started looking for it on the steel?

If you're noodling around in a different key from the sounds in your head, finding the melody/harmony you're looking for will be almost impossible!

-GV[This message was edited by Greg Vincent on 05 June 2002 at 01:35 PM.][This message was edited by Greg Vincent on 05 June 2002 at 03:57 PM.]

Reggie Duncan · Post by **Reggie Duncan** » 5 Jun 2002 1:51 pm

Greg is exactly RIGHT!

Karlis Abolins · Post by **Karlis Abolins** » 5 Jun 2002 2:07 pm

The key is something I haven't considered as a problem but you sure have me thinking about it. It makes sense in a big way.

Karlis

George Kimery · Post by **George Kimery** » 5 Jun 2002 2:13 pm

Karlis, this happens to me all the time, so don't feel alone. And, Greg and Reggie, you hit on something that has never occurred to me but it makes good sense. I will give it a whirl and see what happens. One of my problems I think, is that I hear things in my head that is beyond my knowledge of the steel. I start rippin into what I am hearing and then realize, "I ain't that good". But, I see that as a good sign. I just need more woodsheding and get to know my steel better so I can play what I am hearing.

Steven Knapper · Post by **Steven Knapper** » 5 Jun 2002 5:59 pm

Guys, this is where a good grounding in basic Harmony 101 will get ya though it. If you can find the key and you know your scales ---- you are almost there. Gotta know those scales, triads and etc., UNLESS, you have an exceptional ear.

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 5 Jun 2002 6:10 pm

I'm truly hopeful that this is not an indication of an early onset of that dreaded, incurable disease, the one most all of us know about but simply don't want to mention in conversation with others. (CRS?)

Rob Hamilton · Post by **Rob Hamilton** » 5 Jun 2002 6:47 pm

Yes. This happens to me too. And most often, I take care to get the key right. But as soon as my steel and picks hit the strings, I start playing patterns I already know (rather than the one I'm trying to learn), and I think my brain blots out the new pattern. Sometimes, I stop playing, turn around, close my eyes, get the tune or lick back in my head, then try again. That kinda works for me, one or two notes at a time, then repeat as directed. I think it's the same part of the brain that keeps certain words on the tip of your tongue but won't let you speak them. Very annoying. --Rob

Ron Randall · Post by **Ron Randall** » 5 Jun 2002 7:58 pm

I hate it when that happens.

Can you hum a few bars...?
Really, I can't sing, but I can carry a tune sometimes. When I hear a song on a record or the radio, I can often get the chord progression real quick like. But the darn key and melody is hard to nail.

I carry a radio shack cassette recorder player el cheapo, in the truck.

Yep, now that you mention it, knowing the key it was in would really help.

I'll try it.

Steven Knapper · Post by **Steven Knapper** » 5 Jun 2002 9:08 pm

Hey Ray, what is CRS ???

Joel Glassman · Post by **Joel Glassman** » 6 Jun 2002 6:38 am

I think its very important to be able to "sing what you play" or "play what you sing". It reinforces the connection between mind and fingers. Its not important to be a good singer-just to make the connection. I like to quietly sing-along when playing exercises or noodling along with chord changes. After a while you get really good at placing melodies on your instrument.
If you generally watch for how melodies fit into arpeggio patterns, it will be of great help too.
Another important way to reinforce music is to listen for "guide-tones". Guide-tones are the 3rd and 7th notes of each chord scale, though other notes can be used.
They change (or remain the same) as the chords change. Its almost like playing long simple bass-lines in the treble range--an intuitive way of tracking chord changes.
In the process of learning new material, before I know a new melody, I often play a "melodic contour". It combines drone guide-tone notes with my best guess on the melody.
(This is also known as "faking it"

if you do it on stage.) These practicing strategies are most important when you work as a sideman, and need to learn music as you are performing it. --Joel

Ray Jenkins · Post by **Ray Jenkins** » 6 Jun 2002 8:35 am

Hey Ray, what is CRS ???

Steven I know Ray M. said it,however I am the President elect of the CRS club.Can't Remember $hit.
Karlis you are by no means alone with this problem
Ray

P.S.
I've already forgot when the next club meeting is.Do you remember Ray?

------------------
Steeling is still legal in Arizona[This message was edited by Ray Jenkins on 06 June 2002 at 09:39 AM.]

Ray Montee (RIP) · Post by **Ray Montee (RIP)** » 6 Jun 2002 2:29 pm

Ray WHO? I recognize the name but can't recall what you're talking about. Oh well...

Steven Knapper · Post by **Steven Knapper** » 6 Jun 2002 8:15 pm

OK guys, I'm sitting here trying to write this, doubled over, laughing sooooo hard ------ VERY Good!!!! Can I join??? Still giggling.

Steven Knapper · Post by **Steven Knapper** » 6 Jun 2002 8:17 pm

OK guys, I'm sitting here trying to write this, doubled over, laughing sooooo hard ------ VERY Good!!!! Can I join??? Still giggling. Hey Ray, you one funny guy, Ray????