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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Can´t resist the urge to play

2 replies [Last post]
Fri, 02/27/2015 - 12:15
elmocamboharp
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Joined: 04/04/2014

Hello instructor how are you doing?

Just one more "philosophycal" question:

I´m still not confortable with the space between the licks in the AAA with fills, or even AAB with fills. I just can´t resist the urge to play!!!! I get anxious and that feeling of "impressing" overcomes me. I know a bunch of licks, and I can do a fairly good job putting them on the chorus forms (only when I´m home practing)b but when I´m on bandstand as a band leader, sometimes I forget 90% of the licks that I´ve memorized. When I get back on my feet, It´s too late: I´ve already used the whole lenght and textures avaible to me, and the night is over, and the gig is lost. I don´t have the sensation that people get bored, but that´s definetly NOT the kind of harmonica player that I want to be. I´M PLAYING TOO MUCH!!

I understand the concept of the tattoo (i´m playing all night), but man, and having a bad time with this.

 

What should I do? Thanks you!!

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Fri, 02/27/2015 - 17:37
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Comment

If the music you're playing is emotional, and is touching listeners, then you're doing your job. It's common for all of us to go beyond what we feel is musical... the thing to do is to talk to ourselves before we play to help temper this. My speech is, "Relax. Play musically." I recommend you work up a speech for yourself.

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Fri, 02/27/2015 - 18:13
#2
elmocamboharp
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Joined: 04/04/2014
thanks!

thanks!

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