Sing!

Today on @yamahamusicusa #silentbass and @laklandbasses Friday, we continue our discussion on improvisation. Specifically more on articulation, dynamics and space. THE KEY, IMO, is to understand that creativity travels from the brain to the hands. NOT the other way around. We want original, creative and developed ideas, not stale finger patterns "lego-ed" together. The link here is the voice. That is why you see some players (me included) sing when they play! If u listen to any great solo or melody or musical line, it has an inherent vocal quality...even the most rhythmic bassline (listen to any 50's vocal group)! Horn players can especially be heard doing this, but other instruments, in all genres, can be heard as well. Linking the voice naturally gives ur music breath, dynamics...life! Why? Because your voice will be able to be be more musical before your hands can. Why? Because your face is not preoccupied with riffs or technique-du-jour. It just hears and reacts to music. Trust me, I have seen it work countless times.This concept can become an infinite source of ideas and also helps keep you thinking of the line as a whole unit...maximizing continuity and motivic development. Of course, this can be  applied to ALL aspects of play, not just improvisation. And in doing so, unlocks so many ideas. Ok, as always, how? Start by singing what u play.  Scales arpeggios, etc. SLOWLY! You are (re)training your brain. Just don't match the tones, try to correlate the tones to each other, the board and to the harmony. Then slowly play what ur singing. One note at a time. Try  to hear the note in ur head before playing it. Then try 2, 3 etc. U dig? I have taught a structured  series of exercises covering this to many students of all genres, levels and instruments and have seen amazing results. Remember, the center of music resides in the brain. Whether creating a bassline, melody or solo while composing or reacting to outside stimuli (e.g. bandmates)on the fly. This skill takes a while to understand, but can really be liberating. As always,  I invite your insights. #yamahamusicusa #makewaves #pirastro #glasserny #laklandbass #sitstrings #tsunamicables #philjonesbass #basslessons #remotelessons