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Posts: 2008
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
RE: qustion - how to play the melodi... (in reply to Haithamflamenco)
It's something a lot of even very good musicians can't do. You need to work on playing simple things you already know in your head. Pick up your guitar and play "happy birthday" or "Here comes the bride".
Did you hit the right notes on the first try? If not try again. Now play it again but start on a different note. Now move on to another short song you know in your head.
Another exercise: Think of a single note in your head, then play it on your guitar. Did you get it right? Now two notes, etc. Now still more different intervals. Your on your way.............
RE: qustion - how to play the melodi... (in reply to Haithamflamenco)
Hi haitham,
I agree with Mark2's comments as well. Also, can you sing the tune in your head? Or at least hum it so maybe you can record it? Then at least you wouldn't loose the idea after time goes by...
RE: qustion - how to play the melodi... (in reply to Haithamflamenco)
I agree with all of the above. But let me add one thing: I think one of the most common mistakes is that you loose the melody when you play the wrong notes. By playing the wrong notes the original melody in your head gets messed up. So try to memorize the melody very well before you try to play it. Or try to hum and record it before you try to play it on your guitar.
Posts: 495
Joined: Nov. 27 2005
From: North Carolina, USA
RE: qustion - how to play the melodi... (in reply to Haithamflamenco)
I remember seeing a video of Stanley Jordan? years ago. He had a computer play random midi notes. He could select how many notes he wanted. He would then try to play the notes to match what the computer played. It was kind of a guitarists version of the game "simon". It looked like a great way to do what you are asking about. It also gave him melodic inspiration when he heard pleasing random notes. Rod
RE: qustion - how to play the melodi... (in reply to Mark2)
Getting the flow of melodies in your head under control is another common problem. It's easy to get off the path and hit a dead end.
Basically you just need to practise it. Continually try composing things and play them again a day later to see if you still like them. Flamenco composing is patchwork, a falseta here and a falseta there. Some things will be good, some things will be crap. Just don't give up.
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Posts: 15725
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: qustion - how to play the melodi... (in reply to Haithamflamenco)
The way to bridge the gap is to develop your technique and rhythm so your ideas can flow. That means you have to know the neck to some degree and are able to improvise without losing the time.
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