Various bluesy rhythms

[GAA43]

Most of my guitar efforts for the past few months have been directed at learning rhythm techniques and licks. The linked videos show some results.

A general complaint about these and others is they just seem too sloppy, especially as regards string muting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ89hRHZ ... ature=plcp

I feel like the execution on this one is better than the others
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlPZWeRo ... ature=plcp

This one seems like it should be easy, but its hard to make it not too loose. This and the next one feature a switch to triplets with a *9 chord at the end of the 12 bars, and generally I don't do too well. Both the execution of the chord change and maintaining the groove are weak.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qUuE7KR ... ature=plcp

This one involves a technique which is major weakness whenever it comes up, namely sliding chords.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7y1A7Rp ... playnext=1

Note that the rhythm on a number of these especially suffers in the beginning, due to getting the recording and the backing track going.

I realize its a lot of stuff and am not looking (but would be happy to receive) a critique on each one, more looking for general observations about where to focus my efforts to improve these. I think a web lesson is in the works, but some initial pointers would be great.

[Jamie]

Hi Greg,

You have most of the elements needed to really shine on this stuff, but there are various factors of a much more subtle nature that need to be looked at, on both hands. These things are too subtle for any effective communication I can give you here, and as you say, a webcam (or, direct intervention as I like to think of it!), is indicated here.

If we do that, have the written music for me if you can, as well as the model you are using, in other words, someone playing the material.

The problems are not due to some defect in your sense of rhythm, that is very well developed in you. The faults are merely technical, and they are preventing the full flowing of your sense of rhythm.

[GAA43]

Thanks Jamie.

I definitely figured that direct intervention would be called for!

These are all from the Truefire course
http://truefire.com/blues-guitar-lesson ... k-rhythms/

and the numbers in the title of each youtube video are the lesson numbers, so respectively
46, 3, 6, and 13.

I'll book a webcam ASAP.

Thanks

[GAA43]

The linked video has a question about pinky 'management' in relation to the (awesome) lesson of the other day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2LlV7it ... e=youtu.be

thanks
Greg

[Jamie]

Greg, you are exactly right....your wrist is the problem, it should no be pushed in and up like that. You have to find the sweet spot to get what you want. I wish I had time right now to make a short video to demonstrate to you, but I don't.

At my new classroom in Guitar Sherpa, I am able to send each student and instant video response....I wish I could do that here!

Also, your right hand...........you did not adjust it as suggested in the lesson. Don't curl your fingers when doing a slap strum!

[GAA43]

Jamie, okay the wrist position is the culprit, and the pinky response is the symptom. I'll work on that.

Re the strumming - 2 answers. One is that I've been working on this to challenge all left hand muting, with my newly flattened fingers and somewhat better pinky. The other (probably more accurate) answer is that the new approach is not fully embedded yet! Thanks for the reminder.

Regarding the Sherpa thing, I'm intrigued. I sent you a PM on the subject.

Thanks,
Greg