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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Scratch My Back

3 replies [Last post]
Mon, 07/11/2011 - 09:38
hank stefaniak
hank stefaniak's picture
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Teacher 6Level 9
Joined: 12/20/2009

Last Newsletter was great and I now have the harp part for Baby, Scratch my Back under control - BUT - the lyrics, as simple as they may be confuse me in that they seem (to my ears) to be difficult with regards to 'timing'. Any tips or suggestions??

Or again, is it a matter of listen and mimic over and over until it comes??

Thanks

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Mon, 07/11/2011 - 11:02
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

Your clue for the rhythm of the lyrics is found in the harmonica. Answer these questions to yourself in regards to the harmonica part and then ask these questions to yourself for the rhythm of the lyrics.

1) When does the band come in?... is it the first note of the first lick, somewhere in the middle or the last note?

2) The second lick of the song... does the IV Chord come on the first note of the lick, somewhere in the middle or the last note?

3) Ask these questions for each lick..

Once you have it figured out share it with us.

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Mon, 07/11/2011 - 14:19
#2
hank stefaniak
hank stefaniak's picture
Offline
Teacher 6Level 9
Joined: 12/20/2009
Great Questions

Wow - great teachers answer with great questions!!!

I was thinking the band coming in on the first bar of the I chord but the harp intro is the first bar of the one chord (looking at the music) and the band comes in on the third bar of the I chord. The first vocals (aw I'm itchy) are actually the pick up to the first bar of the next chorus, no lyrics in the first bar and the next line (and I don't know where to scratch) is in the second bar. Third bar has no vocals and the next line (come here baby) is fourth bar with fifth bar 'empty'

Different timing for the phrasing but now you've got me pointed, I'll work on it with a clearer sense of where it all fits.

Now if I'm not on track, please let me know before I spend (and waste) too much time on it. And as always, thanks

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Mon, 07/11/2011 - 14:28
#3
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

You got it! Each line of harp, and in turn vocals, are essentially pickups to downbeat resolutions, commonly every two bars.

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