This Month's Topic: Phrasing

HELLO EVERYONE, YEP, IT IS ME, YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD GUITAR MAN...

I hope that everybody's been practicing...I know you have!

As promised I will speak about phrasing this month.

Think of a phrase the same way you think of a sentence when talking to someone. I know myself I get ready to say something and then I think abut how I want to say it. It is the same with the music you are playing - you want to say the right thing and say it so that people listening will understand what you are trying to tell them with the music.

When putting together a musical phrase you need to think about the song you are playing and what the song is saying so that you can tell the story in your licks. First of all, you want to get to the point quickly - most times you don't have a lot of time to build up to it, you only have so many bars that you will solo across. Try to use the scales in a way that lets you keep building the solo and don't try to say everything at once.

Take your time and use short phrases. For instance, think of a song with lyrics and play a couple of lines like, da da da -- da ba da da da ----- ba da boo do da da dada da da. I know that looks crazy... But, you know what I mean. I played the first three notes and then rested and played the next five and rested and played the remaining notes.

The pauses are important because I wanted the phrase to speak as I would when talking. One of the best ways to remember to do this is to think like a horn player - you have to breathe. Also try singing the phrases as you play them - this will get you used to pausing as again you must breathe. I emphasize pauses because there is a lot to said for the notes that are not played (ghost notes).

When you are putting together your phrases be as melodic as possible and don't just play a bunch of scales. Turn those scales into melodies. All solos are built around scales, but you don't have to play them from the root notes - take chances and be as daring as you can.

As I said before, the more songs you know the more phrases you will have in your arsenal to pull out at will. You will find that when you take time to put these little passages together you will make some interesting music.

Well, that is enough for now. I am off to California this week and I will be thinking of the things I just said here, and I will be thinking of you all and wondering if you are practicing (laugh ).

Next time I want to speak about playing with other musicians and playing in groups...the things you should know when you are accompanying another player or vocalist.

One more small thing - Music is magic and not everyone is blessed to be able to do this. If you are doing it then consider yourself blessed. Stay true to your gift whatever it may be. Even if music is just a sideline or hobby, enjoy the songs you play and listen to.

Until next time...The road is calling

Much Love to you all

NICK

Photo: Me with Carly and Ian Anderson, children of Carl Anderson (Program Director for WJZW Smooth Jazz 105.9 Washington, DC) and his wife Beth. Ian will soon be getting his first guitar - meanwhile, he made his own for the concert out of paper - check it out! He's clearly already on his way to being a true blue guitar man - he confiscated and is wearing my hat!!! Sister Carly is holding her official Nick Colionne teddy bear.

photo taken at the Lansdowne Resort, Lansdowne, VA

P.S. Forward this newsletter to your friends or sign them up yourself by sending an email to jazz@nickcolionne.com. Adults welcome, too, but they need to ask to be added to the list!!!