Toby Walker's Lessons: Let's Discuss!

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by Blueser100

I'm doing well, mostly focusing on the first two C pack songs, to get melodies and licks under fingers so I can wean myself from the tab. Not doing much singing but I hope to start another tune thus weekend.

Real glad to hear you're doing we'll!

Weaning yourself off of the tab should be one of your main goals. By doing that your ear will improve as well as your understanding of the fingerboard.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by LeftArm

I'm still running through the E,D,C,A,G box licks. I'm still conscious that I am playing them from the tab with little alteration (The odd slide or pull off here and there). I've started to try to break this habit by putting two sets on the music stand and playing a few bars from one then the other.
I've also started "Dead Bass in E Across the Board"
I think I may be rushing too much at once...

(I'm also learning Candy Man from the C pack as Eric Bibb does a really nice version on a CD that I have.)

Try this: pick just one lick from one box and see how many variations you can come up with. This will help you to rely less on the tab and more on your own ears. The road to self-discovery is a marvelous journey! Yes, you'll make many mistakes along the way but the joy comes when you've found something that is uniquely yours!

[Blueser100]

I am working on Candyman too. A wonderful tune to play..and the melody always puts me in a good mood. Not quite under my fingers yet, but soon.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by Blueser100

I am working on Candyman too. A wonderful tune to play..and the melody always puts me in a good mood. Not quite under my fingers yet, but soon.

Great song to apply those 'Lemon Licks' to!

[Blueser100]

Yep that is this weekend's homework.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by Blueser100

Yep that is this weekend's homework.

How are you making out there?

[Blueser100]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

How are you making out there?

I can play the tune through okay and I can play the "extras" version ok. But the extras version as written sounds very different by comparison. I have to work with it more. Not sure where C licks or extras are incorporated into the main tune

[madhat]

yep!
werkin' on- one dime blues this am.

3of (1 of 1)-117 by Otohp70, on Flickr

madhat.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by Blueser100

I can play the tune through okay and I can play the "extras" version ok. But the extras version as written sounds very different by comparison. I have to work with it more. Not sure where C licks or extras are incorporated into the main tune

The 'extras' version does sound different. The idea behind that is show you the many possible directions that you go with the tune.

Each C lick takes up either one or two measures to play. Find a place in the main song that has a C chord for that same amount of time and try sticking a lick in there instead. When taking a solo I'll sometimes play 4 measures worth of licks before moving on to the F chord.

If its a verse that I sing ill usually plug in the C licks during the two measures immediately following the vocal part.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by madhat

yep!
werkin' on- one dime blues this am.

3of (1 of 1)-117 by Otohp70, on Flickr

madhat.

Hey, that looks like the same guitar and amp that I use in my studio!

[madhat]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

Hey, that looks like the same guitar and amp that I use in my studio!

madhat.

[LeftArm]

I'm still going well.
Trying to mix and match from the licks and Candyman as well as different shape E licks.
I'm tempted to use a metronome or even a basic rhythm track. What do you think?

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by LeftArm

I'm still going well.
Trying to mix and match from the licks and Candyman as well as different shape E licks.
I'm tempted to use a metronome or even a basic rhythm track. What do you think?

Using a metronome can be very helpful when your working on your timing or mastering a new lick.

Rhythm tracks will help you in a number of ways. You'll develop a sense of how to fit your licks in pre-determined amount of measures without getting lost while getting a feel of how to improve your phrasing.

[Blueser100]

Great! Thanks Toby!

[Lakedaisy]

Mornin' all. Toby - working on the 2nd lesson of the E pack. Looking at the 3rd measure, E note on the 2nd fret of the D string (on the 3 & beat.) Do you catch it with you 1st finger or come down and catch it with your thumb? It seems a bit awkward trying to mute the 6th string with my palm and bringing my 1st finger up to the D string. Something I just need to get used to? Thanks, Rob.