Welcome to one of the most active flamenco sites on the Internet. Guests can read most posts but if you want to participate click here to register.
This site is dedicated to the memory of Paco de Lucía, Ron Mitchell, Guy Williams, Linda Elvira, Philip John Lee, Craig Eros, Ben Woods, David Serva and Tom Blackshear who went ahead of us.
We receive 12,200 visitors a month from 200 countries and 1.7 million page impressions a year. To advertise on this site please contact us.
A few weeks ago, when I was playing a song (not flamenco), I was always making the same error, always at the same time. You know this situation?
Then I remembered my driving instructor when I was learning to drive a motorbike. He told me that if I ever had to do a change maneuver, I should not concentrate on the point I don't want to go to, but on the point I want to go to.
Then I realized that I do this mistake when I'm playing guitar. Like in the song mentioned above. I always thought:"Don't take this finger" or something like this.
Then I tried to think the other way. I thought of the finger I had to use and it worked. It works not only for this song, but for a lot of parts in songs I had problems with.
It must be a psychological thing. Ailsa what do you think?
Posts: 2277
Joined: Apr. 17 2007
From: South East England
RE: Perhaps it might help you too. (in reply to Georg)
quote:
It must be a psychological thing. Ailsa what do you think?
I think this is one of those tips that is not rocket science but can make a lot of difference.
I remember when I was doing some research for my degree and reaching a conclusion, and I thought 'I could have reached that conclusion with 5 minutes thought and a bit of common sense' Now you know why I didn't go into research.....
The way you think about things can certainly affect the way you play, and indeed the way you do anything! But you don't need to have studied psychology to know that.
RE: Perhaps it might help you too. (in reply to Georg)
No to ignore parts which are too hard to play is not a good idea. I would concentrate especially on that, look for the best way to play it. ( make it simpler for the first time) and train it.
Posts: 2277
Joined: Apr. 17 2007
From: South East England
RE: Perhaps it might help you too. (in reply to Doitsujin)
I agree Doit you can't ignore the difficult bits, but I don't think that's what Georg is saying, he is saying 'have in your mind the way to WANT it to go, the correct way - don't be thinking about the mistake you usually make'. Sort of like positive thinking.
RE: Perhaps it might help you too. (in reply to Georg)
Interesting stuff.
My biggest problem is that if I am playing (or even speaking) in a public situation, there is this little demon that sits on my shoulder and keeps whispering into my ear.."You are REALLY going to screw up BADLY here...NO doubt about it...especially when you get to THAT bit".
I guess the only answer to this phobia and other stage fright or self-consciousness issues is just to put yourself through it again and again until you desensitise yourself from them. The more you avoid them then the stronger and more rooted the problem becomes IMO.
cheers,
Ron
_____________________________
A good guitar might be a good guitar But it takes a woman to break your heart