Alex's Practice Log 2011

[alcoyot]

Today's practice, short intense and focused. No full speed or high speed work. Only slow movements with pausing, reaching the next level will depend on eliminating some of the knots of tension that come up in various places.

Also Got a Bunch of new books lately, some bought myself some as gifts. All fiction.
"Bite Me" by Christopher Moore. This is a HILARIOUS book. Part of a 3 part series of comedy novels about vampires living in San Francisco. Moore is truly a unique author, the things he writes are mind boggling.
A few 007 Ian Fleming Books-
Fleming is my 2nd favorite author of all time. What I like is his ability to illustrate through his characters realizations of profound aspects of humanity. The book goes deep into the aspects of the characters, including James Bond, who imo is one of the greatest fictional characters ever created. Also, many of the stories are not like the movies, but much more intellectual or thought provoking.
The last is another recent spy book by author Vince Flynn. Doesn't come close to the caliber of Ian Fleming, but still very entertaining, and the plot moves along quickly in a fun and suspenseful way. The book is called "The Third Option"

One I picked up but haven't started is Nueromancer by William Gibson. From the Sci-fi "Cyberpunk" genre, this one has come highly recommended to me from several different people.

[Stan]

the book set sounds good ;o)

[alcoyot]

the book set sounds good ;o)

Thanks! I'm enjoying them. Sure beats the hell out of getting drunk and stumbling around in the freezing cold!

[alcoyot]

Pulled or slightly strained something in my upper right back/neck area a few days ago. Feeling better now, enough for some harder practicing. Worked on an AC/DC solo today, went better than ever before. The tension control work in left hand is definitely working, and starting to apply the same thing more and more to the right hand/wrist/shoulder.
Mastering chord changes seems to be one of the most difficult things. I have no idea how Jazz players are able to master so many different chord types and changes, its pretty amazing. I can do the basic chord changes Ok, but the more smoothly and controlled its done, the better and more musical it sounds. I went over a couple songs today, and in the places where the chord changes were smooth and effortless, it actual sounded like a breathing musical entity rather than just... a bunch of chord changes thrown together in sequence.

[N E Y]

Pulled or slightly strained something in my upper right back/neck area a few days ago. Feeling better now, enough for some harder practicing. Worked on an AC/DC solo today, went better than ever before. The tension control work in left hand is definitely working, and starting to apply the same thing more and more to the right hand/wrist/shoulder.
Mastering chord changes seems to be one of the most difficult things. I have no idea how Jazz players are able to master so many different chord types and changes, its pretty amazing.

The way we do it is one at at time...but we really don't go to the next untill we can play the one we are working on.....IN that way soon they multiply...and and many are fingering variations of others...but you have to know harmony and chord construction and not just memorize shapes without knowing what each note means in that shape



I can do the basic chord changes Ok, but the more smoothly and controlled its done, the better and more musical it sounds. I went over a couple songs today, and in the places where the chord changes were smooth and effortless, it actual sounded like a breathing musical entity rather than just... a bunch of chord changes thrown together in sequence.

Awesome.....By the way I am doing a concert in NYC at a theater on Washington Square -West Village in about a month. There will be details on my Facebook.

Come to see the show and be sure to say hello in person afterwards




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ney_mello
http://www.youtube.com/user/NeyMelloOfficial?
http://bit.ly/aSUSw6
http://www.musicarts.com/Stores/Store.a ... 320&mode=1
http://www.facebook.com/pages/NEY-MELLO/8702485599
http://www.myspace.com/neymello
http://www.twitter.com/NeyMelloGuitar

[alcoyot]

Thanks Ney, that answer offers a log of insight. I'll definitely be checking your updates for that NYC gig.

[alcoyot]

Today's "Guitar Enhancement Training Operation Phase"
Took a break from scales, solos and the walking ex today and just focused on some chords. Specifically the song "Lighting Crashes" by Live. This song only has 3 chords, which is a good thing, because you can really focus on perfecting just those, and the specific changes. I also worked on lyric memorization and rehearsed the song all the way through. Not sure if I'll ever want to perform this one, but I will have the ability to if I decide.

[Stan]

Thanks Ney, that answer offers a log of insight. I'll definitely be checking your updates for that NYC gig.

I'd like to try and make that too! Please keep us updated!

[alcoyot]

Unfortunately didn't get a chance to practice today. Was in a rush from the first thing this morning, and super busy out and about all day. Just got back, and I don't have the mental energy to put into it, but taking a day off once in a while is OK with me. Tomorrow morning will make sure to get some practice time first thing in the morning before the day spirals out of control.

[alcoyot]

Today's session, no "practicing" whatsoever. 100% just playing, having fun, enjoying making music. Only rule is no attention paid to technique whatsoever, and no exercises allowed, only songs
I needed one of these days, I feel very refreshed about music after doing this.