Foro Flamenco


Posts Since Last Visit | Advanced Search | Home | Register | Login

Today's Posts | Inbox | Profile | Our Rules | Contact Admin | Log Out



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.

Update cookies preferences




Where's Grisha?   You are logged in as Guest
Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
All Forums >>Discussions >>General >> Page: [1]
Login
Message<< Newer Topic  Older Topic >>
 
the_jamez

 

Posts: 15
Joined: Jun. 13 2006
 

Where's Grisha? 

I just came accross something interesting that i happened to read in one of Grisha Goryachev's old posts.. he said : " After 2 years of only slow playing, I decided one day to go faster, and found that I could hit any speed sounding even and without any tension. The same goes for every technique that's challenging. Be patient. Do not try to jump over your head, but instead try to rid yourself of any tension. "

I have noticed for a while now that my right shoulder tends to tense up slightly during practice, and even more when i play in public, greatly preventing me from playing at my best. According to Grisha, "2 years of only slow playing" rid him of his tension. Thats' quite some time to to abstain from playing any repertoire or palos at normal tempo.. Have any other experienced players been through a similar situation? If so what were the procedures taken to eliminate any phsyical tension while playing.

Jamez
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 2 2006 19:39:33

ToddK

 

Posts: 2961
Joined: Dec. 6 2004
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

I'd venture to guess that, if Grisha isnt here, he's either
studying or practicing. (with no tension )

I think it simply means, play at a speed in wich you are
completely comfortable.
Give yourself all the time in the world for everynote.
Where effort is as minimal as possible.

This allows you to be much more aware of where and when you're tensing up.

I still find it very helpful to practice almost awkwardly slow with the metronome.
If i force myself to do it all day long, (with breaks of course!) by night time,
i am definately at my best. Once im playing full tempo, i warm up even more
and feel unstoppable. Its a great feeling. The price you have to pay, is time
and focus.
So,those who have that "obsession" with the guitar will have an edge.
Remember!! Its Perfect practice, not just blind practice..

_____________________________

  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 2 2006 20:11:19
 
the_jamez

 

Posts: 15
Joined: Jun. 13 2006
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

Thanks for the insight Todd.
Makes perfect sense that perfect practice makes perfect

I recently got a job with fewer working hours which allows me to chip in quite some time towards practice ( not married either so all the more time :)). It's the perfect time now to (quoting Grisha) "rid myself of any tension"

So slow practice throughout the whole day right? Do you ever try play anything fast during the day other than at the end of your practice session (picado excercises/scales, tremolo passages, etc.) or would that just spoil the whole point of practicing slow?

I feel that practicing repertoire slowly really does really some tension, but as soon as i go back to normal tempo (even though the passage i play sounds so much better afterwards) the tension still remains...

How long do you think it would take me to get rid of this shoulder tension (or even lessen just a little bit more during normal tempo playing). Like i said 2 years is a pretty long time to play nothing but slow.. would it be possible to achive this level of " no tension " by slow AND fast (but somewhat controlled) practice of repertoire ?

Jamez
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 3 2006 5:58:59
 
Exitao

Posts: 907
Joined: Mar. 13 2006
From: Vancouver, Canada

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

I was watching a Frederick Hand video (classical guitar) and he spends a lot of time talking about being relaxed. From sitting, to positioning the arm and hand and even moving the fingers...
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 3 2006 6:43:40
 
cneberg

Posts: 257
Joined: Apr. 20 2006
From: Sončno polje pri Večnosti

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

So is Gerardo. In almost every sentence there is "muy relajado".....
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 3 2006 8:30:21
 
Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

jamez,
be a little careful here. I have read convincing research that says that disproportionate emphasis by your memory is placed on the _last_ repetition. Now think what most people do, start slow and build, and play it faster and faster until they finally start screwing it up. So their last few repetitions are sloppy and usually full of errors. Make sure to slow it down, at least for the last few repetitions, to avoid this effect.

_____________________________

Connect with me on Facebook, all the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/migueldemariaZ


Arizona Wedding Music Guitar
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 3 2006 14:15:00
 
Grisha

 

Posts: 1265
Joined: Mar. 17 2005
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

Jamez,

Nobody can tell you how much time it will take to beat tension. What you can be sure of is that slow practice is THE WAY to do it. It does not mean you can't go fast, and you should. You have to give your muscles and brain a real workout every day. Just take breaks when you are about to tense up. Do not confuse effort and tension.

Make most of your practice time a slow practice. Now, the benefit here is not that it's physically easier to play at a lesser tempo, it's freeing up your brain. You should use your brain reserve to control all your movements to make sure they are correct (by the way, are you positive that it's not some fault in your technique/sitting position/hands position?). Whatever you do, however, don't ever turn on the autopilot and become unmusical. Miguel gave you a very good advice to finish by playing slowly: do it!

I would also like to thank you for your e-mail about this issue; I think it would be fair if I answer on this forum so that all the others could read.

Take care,

Grisha

_____________________________

  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 3 2006 15:04:22
 
Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

Sorry to answer so much when you are asking the G-Man, but I have to add one more thing. Where I live there is an incredible player named Miguel Rodriguez, and he is also an advocate of slow practice.

One day we were watching the flamenco show at the Hyatt in Scottsdale (incidentally the replacements for Esteban's long-running lounge act), and several musicians were there. The bass player for the flamenco group also plays guitar and he was asking Miguel how to play the tremolo.

He started playing Recuerdos del Alhambra, with a sloppy trem. Miguel took the guitar and played it at 1/2 or 1/4 speed. "Practice it like this for a long time and eventually it will come out." Incidentally, the same thing Grisha's dad told him.

The bass player took the guitar back and played it like that for about 10 seconds. Then he went back to playing it at full speed again.

I said to Miguel, "You tell everyone to practice it slow, but no one ever does. If people actually did it, there would be a lot more good guitarists in the world, wouldn't there?" "Yep," he said.

_____________________________

Connect with me on Facebook, all the cool kids are doing it.
https://www.facebook.com/migueldemariaZ


Arizona Wedding Music Guitar
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 3 2006 15:29:25
 
the_jamez

 

Posts: 15
Joined: Jun. 13 2006
 

[Deleted] 

Post has been moved to the Recycle Bin at Aug. 29 2006 6:37:32
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Jul. 3 2006 17:31:32
 
Grisha

 

Posts: 1265
Joined: Mar. 17 2005
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

Hello dear foro members. Sorry to bring this old thread back from the dead. I simply wanted to let you know that I have recently started posting educational videos with exercises and tutorials on YouTube. I haven't seen it mentioned here yet, so let me invite you to check my page out. I hope it will be of interest to some of you. Thank you for your time.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ11JrzfTUzhqQX0FNnp_Mw/
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 19 2020 20:27:40
 
kitarist

Posts: 1732
Joined: Dec. 4 2012
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to Grisha

I noticed it a few days ago. Now I check almost every day. Besides having great content, I personally find them very inspiring and motivating me to grab the guitar and start practicing even if I don't feel like it at first. Thank you!

_____________________________

Konstantin
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 20 2020 20:14:47
 
Ricardo

Posts: 15329
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to kitarist

quote:

ORIGINAL: kitarist

I noticed it a few days ago. Now I check almost every day. Besides having great content, I personally find them very inspiring and motivating me to grab the guitar and start practicing even if I don't feel like it at first. Thank you!


Double that sentiment....I always check out the new vids on facebook.

_____________________________

CD's and transcriptions available here:
www.ricardomarlow.com
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 21 2020 3:01:04
 
FredGuitarraOle

Posts: 898
Joined: Dec. 6 2012
From: Lisboa, Portugal

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to Ricardo

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricardo

quote:

ORIGINAL: kitarist

I noticed it a few days ago. Now I check almost every day. Besides having great content, I personally find them very inspiring and motivating me to grab the guitar and start practicing even if I don't feel like it at first. Thank you!


Double that sentiment....I always check out the new vids on facebook.

Same here, I have been checking daily for the past 3 weeks. Thanks for the generosity Grisha, it's much appreciated!
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 21 2020 5:09:03
 
JasonM

Posts: 2105
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to Grisha

My favorite vid was Myths About Grisha

I thought it was interesting to hear that you play with hard tension strings and 3mm action.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 21 2020 14:35:50
 
mark indigo

 

Posts: 3626
Joined: Dec. 5 2007
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to FredGuitarraOle

quote:

quote:

ORIGINAL: Ricardo

quote:

ORIGINAL: kitarist

I noticed it a few days ago. Now I check almost every day. Besides having great content, I personally find them very inspiring and motivating me to grab the guitar and start practicing even if I don't feel like it at first. Thank you!


Double that sentiment....I always check out the new vids on facebook.

Same here, I have been checking daily for the past 3 weeks. Thanks for the generosity Grisha, it's much appreciated!

ditto - hope you are getting enough skype lessons to stay afloat.

_____________________________

  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 21 2020 16:02:08
 
Grisha

 

Posts: 1265
Joined: Mar. 17 2005
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

Thanks for your kinds replies!

I've been doing this for the past 1,5 months, and it's been an interesting experience.

First thing I noticed is the number of students signing up for lessons dropped sharply instead of increasing. This is interesting, because things I teach on YouTube serve only as a supplement to the topics I cover in my lessons. For example, posture, hand positions, mechanics of techniques and exercises to practice them are all things I discuss in my lessons, but do not go into on my channel as much. What perplexes me is that at $50/hour my lessons are still not attractive to people. With my 36 years of playing experience, 26 years of teaching, BM, MM, DMA in classical guitar, and a solo flamenco career since age 9.

Second thing I noticed is that there is no guarantee that a video will be successful. Things were looking good until 2 weeks ago, when views started to sharply drop off, to about 1/10 of that level today. I kept posting similar types of videos, even a bit improved, and yet the interest kept decreasing. I noticed also that longer videos do poorly, picado videos seem to be the most popular, and talking videos also. That last part is strange to me. I made this channel less about myself and more about useful information to help people. I made it as accessible to beginners as possible, while trying to also do things at a tempo advanced players would be able to quickly pick things up.

I know that viewers want technique explanations to be offered for free, but I am reluctant to do this because I do not want to step on toes of other teachers (and my own), as this would directly affect the guitar instructors that are trying to make a living teaching these things.

My philosophy was to provide a no-nonsense presentation, where there are no distracting cuts and ramblings. I wanted people to feel like they are in a room with me. I wanted it to be about substance and I also wanted to be myself. Maybe this is a wrong approach. After all, YouTube is mostly used for entertainment. I am probably going to start creating colorful thumbnails with click baiting text advertising the contents. It is totally against my philosophy, like wearing a fake Rolex or putting shiny wheels on a car, but I'll give it a try.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 21 2020 18:33:40
 
JasonM

Posts: 2105
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to Grisha

quote:

First thing I noticed is the number of students signing up for lessons dropped sharply instead of increasing. This is interesting, because things I teach on YouTube serve only as a supplement to the topics I cover in my lessons. For example, posture, hand positions, mechanics of techniques and exercises to practice them are all things I discuss in my lessons, but do not go into on my channel as much. What perplexes me is that at $50/hour my lessons are still not attractive to people. With my 36 years of playing experience, 26 years of teaching, BM, MM, DMA in classical guitar, and a solo flamenco career since age 9.


Just some thoughts,

Stretching And posture are good but I wouldn’t think they would sell well. You gotta hook viewers into feeling they are missing out on something that you are not going to explain in videos. Maybe folks are just waiting to see how much you will give before they book a lesson. What if you start off each video with a quick snippet of you playing something cool, unrelated to vid content , and then brief reminder that you are available for lessons, every video from the start. Basically the same psychology behind a jingle.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 21 2020 19:02:56
 
Mavi

 

Posts: 24
Joined: Jun. 11 2015
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to Grisha

Have you ever seen this website: https://jbguitarworkshop.com/
(I am asking this to Grisha, Ricardo or any other pro player)

It is about jazz guitar, but a similar thing with flamenco would be great. The idea is this: There are around 100 video lessons categorized in certain ways. But the real nice thing is, he gives assignments to you, points you to certain lessons and expects a video submission from you (through youtube). Then once a week, he replies and comments on submissions and give a new assignment. You chose if you want your submission to be public or private. Many people chose public, and you get a community after a while. The payment is 3-monthly, $80 or something.

I think foro does this to a certain degree, but not fully.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 21 2020 19:18:20
 
Grisha

 

Posts: 1265
Joined: Mar. 17 2005
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to JasonM

quote:

ORIGINAL: JasonM

Just some thoughts,

Stretching And posture are good but I wouldn’t think they would sell well. You gotta hook viewers into feeling they are missing out on something that you are not going to explain in videos. Maybe folks are just waiting to see how much you will give before they book a lesson. What if you start off each video with a quick snippet of you playing something cool, unrelated to vid content , and then brief reminder that you are available for lessons, every video from the start. Basically the same psychology behind a jingle.


Thanks, Jason! Good thoughts. The reason I haven't included my playing at the beginning is I thought it would be like shouting "look at me, I can really play!", and would anger and upset some people, and bring a lot of negative comments that I would be too honest to delete. YouTube is full of my performances uploaded by various people, and comments on these videos are full of negativity. I really like your idea about mentioning lessons availability at the beginning, but again, it may disappoint people that I am not going to post everything I know for free. It may make people feel that I am pushing them. I know, I have a problem with self-advertising, probably due to my staging years spent in Soviet Union.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 21 2020 19:19:36
 
JasonM

Posts: 2105
Joined: Dec. 8 2005
From: Baltimore

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to Grisha

quote:

Thanks, Jason! Good thoughts. The reason I haven't included my playing at the beginning is I thought it would be like shouting "look at me, I can really play!", and would anger and upset some people, and bring a lot of negative comments that I would be too honest to delete. YouTube is full of my performances uploaded by various people, and comments on these videos are full of negativity. I really like your idea about mentioning lessons availability at the beginning, but again, it may disappoint people that I am not going to post everything I know for free. It may make people feel that I am pushing them. I know, I have a problem with self-advertising, probably due to my staging years spent in Soviet Union.



I totally understand the apprehension about self advertising. It’s not in my personality either! of course, doesn’t mean that you will come across as a pushy salesman necessarily. And then there is the whole ambiguous YouTube algorithm for views....Anyway, I hope you can rack up some students or gigs soon. You certainly deserve it , amigo!
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 22 2020 4:27:46
 
mark indigo

 

Posts: 3626
Joined: Dec. 5 2007
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to Grisha

quote:

I am probably going to start creating colorful thumbnails with click baiting text advertising the contents. It is totally against my philosophy, like wearing a fake Rolex or putting shiny wheels on a car, but I'll give it a try.


such a shame if you have to do all that cr4p, but you gotta eat, so go for it... personally i find the same irritating jingle at the start of every video (that some people do) really annoying! But it's good to have a gap for viewers to get their hands on the guitar after hitting play!

what about some kind of patreon deal or having pay for pre-recorded lessons like Atrafana or Elite Guitarist?

_____________________________

  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 22 2020 9:05:06
 
NewPlayer

 

Posts: 141
Joined: Nov. 29 2012
From: San Francisco

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

Hi Grisha!
I have been following you on youtube and really appreciate your content. One thing I see lacking on youtube, in general, are HQ videos on popular compositions/repertoire (PDL, Vicente, Sabicas, etc)being taught step by step. There are some, but very hard for me to follow-along.
I would be the first to get a patreon membership or purchase videos individually, if this were the case.

Respectfully,
E
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 22 2020 20:05:16
 
johnnefastis

Posts: 633
Joined: Jan. 10 2012
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to the_jamez

Hi Grisha,

Your Youtube content is amazing. Really useful advice, great to hear you talk and be so open and honest. And of course your playing and technique is off the charts. And its brilliant how you slow stuff right down. The channel seems really popular and sure will grow the more you do. I guess flamenco is always going to be pretty niche.

But I don't think you need to go crazy with thumbnails.

I would keep up with the production values and get the best sound you can but actually I think I would prefer to see you in a room than the blue background. Where you practice etc, books, cds etc. I think that would make it feel more like getting to know you and create a good vibe. But I guess that might be more work.

Anyway just my late night ramblings.
Thanks again for sharing all this. Amazing content!

Cheers
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 22 2020 22:49:13
 
chester

Posts: 891
Joined: Oct. 29 2010
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to johnnefastis

Grisha I think your talking videos make you seem thoughtful, knowledgeable, and pleasant. Your playing videos obviously are amaze-balls.

From the comments I can tell you've helped and inspired a ton of guitarists.

I'd hate to see you compromise your integrity by trying to become something you think people would like better -- I think they like you fine just as you are!
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 24 2020 6:50:22
 
bahen

Posts: 383
Joined: Mar. 4 2006
 

RE: Where's Grisha? (in reply to Grisha

quote:

Hello dear foro members. Sorry to bring this old thread back from the dead. I simply wanted to let you know that I have recently started posting educational videos with exercises and tutorials on YouTube. I haven't seen it mentioned here yet, so let me invite you to check my page out. I hope it will be of interest to some of you. Thank you for your time.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ11JrzfTUzhqQX0FNnp_Mw/


Many thanks, Grisha, for the wonderful content.
  REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE |  Date Sep. 23 2021 14:25:01
Page:   [1]
All Forums >>Discussions >>General >> Page: [1]
Jump to:

New Messages No New Messages
Hot Topic w/ New Messages Hot Topic w/o New Messages
Locked w/ New Messages Locked w/o New Messages
 Post New Thread
 Reply to Message
 Post New Poll
 Submit Vote
 Delete My Own Post
 Delete My Own Thread
 Rate Posts


Forum Software powered by ASP Playground Advanced Edition 2.0.5
Copyright © 2000 - 2003 ASPPlayground.NET

0.109375 secs.