Guitar Musings

So I’m up in the Mountains again but this time it’s for work, believe it or not.  I’m here at the beautiful Copper Mountain resort for the TIE (Technology in Education) conference this week and after 5 years of coming to this conference, I have decided to present as well.  My presentation will be on open source Content Management Systems.  Sounds gripping doesn’t it?   The guy who checked me in, asked about it and soon regretted it.  He said that I “lost him at ‘open’.”  I just told him it’s how to make a web page with certain types of software.  He acted like he was interested and moved on to sending me on my way.  I’ll give him credit though for trying.

What is nice is that it will be just me and my wife for the whole week because the kids are staying with Grandma and Grandpa.  No kids, unless you count my guitars which you could probably make a good argument for.  Especially, considering how much I packed for them.  Here’s the lowdown.  I brought two guitars (Martin, Takamine nylon), music stand, a ton of sheet music, two guitar stands, and other misc things like extra strings, capo, metronome and so on.  I gotta make the practice space comfortable.   Anyway, I just got done setting up all the stuff and it’s a good thing we aren’t haven’t company because my six string children are taking up quite a bit or room.

While I’m up here, I’m hoping to find a guitar store or luthier in the Dillon/Frisco area and check them out.  I’ll just have to make sure to leave the CC card in the room so I don’t adopt another child.

I’ve been back from camping for a few days now, had a wonderful Father’s Day and found some new life in my playing.  Even worked out a couple more measures in a piece I’m writing.  I was joking to my

wife that, at this pace, I might finish it in another year or so.

Anyway….

In my “Back To Basics” post, I mentioned that I needed to work on technique for a bit because I was stuck in a rut and needed to change my practice formula.  Last weeks obstacle was focusing on one song and forgetting the others.  At one point I was saying to myself, “You’ve been playing for 20+ years and you can’t play shit!”   (insert primal scream here).  Just a bit of unnecessary negativity to keep me from playing my best but I’m better now.

Moving on…..

So fresh off of my trip, I come back more relaxed and with a fresh head.  I decided to write down all of the songs that I’ve been working on the last 6 months.  Next thing you know, I had ten songs on that slip of paper to prove that I just might might be able to play this guitar I was cursing last week.   I’m now using this list as a guide for my practicing, treating it as a kind of set-list of sorts.  After finishing the list, I feel a sense of accomplishment and I’m more focused and don’t ignore the other songs.

Lesson Learned?

I’ve read and been told many times to keep a journal of your practice and structure it so this revelation is nothing new.  I used to be able to keep track of everything I do in my head and it was easy but as I grow older and have more things to keep track of, my mind is beginnings to let me down.  I try with the best intentions to keep a log/journal of my playing with bit of success but always fall back into the same old bad habits.

Will this be the start of a continuing good habit or will I be like a dieter falling off the wagon who binges on doughnuts and milkshakes? I can’t say, knowing me, I’ll improve a bit and then stop and have the idea all over again.  We’ll see, but now I’m craving doughnuts.

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Guitar Meditation

  I’m off the Buffalo Peaks again for a camping trip with the kids.   If you don’t know, Buffalo Peaks is in South Park Colorado, south of the town of  Fairplay.  Yes, it’s the same South Park that inspired the television series but haven’t run into Kyle, Stan, Cartman or Kenny… Yet.  The pictures featured here were taken at the peaks and they are also featured in the banner photo for my other website.

So what does this have to do with guitar?  I’m contemplating whether or not I should bring that six string addiction.  On one hand, I need the rest to let my hands recover but being at the peaks brings out some really good playing, especially when I’m with my father-in-law, who has a library of incredible music to listen to the whole weekend.

I guess there are worse things to be pondering over.  More than likely, I’ll be talking it…AHHHHHHH, who am I kidding.  Writing this post, convinced me to bring it.  I’m already leaving my laptop behind, I can’t deny myself both of my vices.

See ya Sunday!

I didn’t have to work today so I met up with my wife at her work to have lunch.  The beauty of this, besides being able to spend some time with my wife, is that she works across the street from a acoustic guitar store full of Martins, Larrivee’s, Blueridge’s, etc….  My GAS (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome) always tends to flare up during these times. 

After lunch, we had about 5 minutes to kill and I wandered in to by a thumb pick and some strings.  I also had just enough time to noodle around with a beautiful Larrivee and a Blueridge Parlor guitar.  I’ve been in love with Jean Larrivee guitars for quite a while and this one was a joy to play.  Nice bright tone and my fingers seemed to glide over the strings and frets.

I’ve become a fan of the Blueridge parlors just recently and if I had to choose, I would take both : ).  Seriously, I would probably pick up the Blueridge.  Reasons being:

1. The Parlor is a better guitar for me ergonomically
2. I just love the  1 7/8″ neck width.  My fingers have room and feels a bit like a classical in that sense but not too wide so I can still use my thumb in fingerings.
3. It has a V neck.  A lot of electrics have V necks and I thought this might be new for the acoustics.  I asked the owner of the shop about it and he said that V necks were very common for acoustic guitars, especially parlors.

I went home empty handed but got my fix for a while.  One day, one of those suckers will come home with me. 

Links:

http://www.larrivee.com/2_Main/main.html  (Larrivee Guitars)

An example of the Blueridge parlor I liked.  Not the same shop or guitar that I played but nice pics.  Pretty good price too. 

I was sitting on the porch enjoying another beautiful Colorado evening and decided to bring out the guitar for the first time this Spring.  I have to say that a change in venue, as little as it seems, really does help get the creative juices flowing.  Playing outdoors gave me some new ideas and my playing felt fresh.  I was reminded of a couple issues, however, that I fight with constantly. 

1. I need to make a real attempt to finish/develop an idea.  I was playing well and was happy but I was playing a bunch of licks and nothing else.  My playing was all over the place. 
2. When playing a song, I must finish it.  My wife noted that I will play the first minute or so and then stop.  It definitely annoys her and is a pretty big reason why I struggle with the endings of songs.

One more lesson worth noting, not on the list, but still worth mentioning is that Adirondack chairs were not made for guitar players.  They are comfortable but there is no way to play a guitar with those arm rests getting in the way.  Regardless, it was a good guitar day and it’s days like this that motivate me to keep on playing.