Ask me things

[idssdi]

First, I would like to notify all of you I’m going live on December 9th at 10pm Amsterdam time. So prepare your questions and ask me whatever you like.
Secondly, since I just started my masters degree in applied physics I kinda Have limited time. If you have theory related questions or a riff or something you would like feedback one please ask/share it in this section. I kinda have limited time now but when I do have time I would love to help you(whether it is during my Livestream or not does not matter). So please ask/share!

 

[Ed Seith]

Why are you so GOD. DAMN. SEXY?

 

[idssdi]

I don’t know, It’s a mystery to me

 

[Ed Seith]

lol.

 

[Johnny Spradlin]

I’m having a problem understanding how the relationships of the tones in the scales work together to make music

 

[idssdi]

Johnny-Rrlationship of tones in scales is basically all intervals. With intervals you can create melodies(which is notes played separately i.e. melodic interval) and chords which is the notes played together(harmonic interval)
Let’s take the major scale which is just 1 through 7. From these intervals you can create you major chords if you take the first note as a root all of them will work with respect to the root how you use them is up to you(in G major you can make all the G major chords). Let’s stick to the G major scale. You have a C in there (which is the 4th) an E and G(obviously) which played together creates a C major chord which would be the IV chord in G major. Than you have the D(which is the 5th), F# and A which played together creates a D major chord which is the V chord for G major. The G, C and D chords played after each other will create a I-IV-V chordprogression(or a 12 bar blues in G) creating music basically. With melodies you can do something similar to this but with melodic intervals. Remember that harmony is a very important aspect of creating music so maybe try to look into that for a bit(for example imperfect(VI-I) and perfect cadence(V-I) show the end of you piece of music)
Hope this helps a little bit!

 

[Johnny Spradlin]

Very much thank you

 

[Johnny Spradlin]

How do people get the notes inside the measures to add up to 4 so easily?

 

[idssdi]

I’m not sure I really entirely understand your question.
Let’s say you are in 4/4. In this case if you play a note on each beat of the metronome(if you don’t use one I would urge you to do so)you would play in quarter notes, the duration of one note is a quarter of the measure so playing four adds up to one. which is a complete measure. That’s the easy part. Now let’s take a look at a whole note, this one will last a whole measure. a half note, this one lasts halve a measure(you can fit 2 in one measure). 8th notes, these last one eight of a measure(so you can fit 8 notes in a measure). 16th notes, they last 1÷16 of measure(so you can fit 16 notes into one measure) etc.
Using any combination of these notes should add up to one(or four depending on how you look at it, when you want it to add up to 4 you take 4÷2, 4÷4, 4÷8, 4÷16 as durations of the notes) when playing in 4/4
As I said I’m not sure I understand your question but I hope I answered it sufficiently. If not don’t hesitate to ask!

 

[Johnny Spradlin]

How do musicians keep time in their heads, and manage the fractions at the same time?

 

[idssdi]

Tbh I tap my foot whenever I can, that helps me keep time. Another thing that helps is practicing with a metronome so at some point you will be able to count like 1 2 3 4 in your head like you are playing with a metronome.
Managing the fractions is basically just that it becomes second nature after a while

 

[Kim]

Great that you want to help people getting better and put so much effort in it!

 

[idssdi]

Glad you like it! I enjoy doing it too

 

[Matt Wildman]

Your pretty good, how long have you been playing??

 

[idssdi]

Thank you Matt! For about 9 years. Only played acoustic for the first year and a half or so.

 

[Johnny Spradlin]

Thank you for takimg the time help me Ids.

 

[Johnny Spradlin]

I am now better able to frame the question, I think: is keeping my pick hand making the notes in the measure add up to a whole note earned through practice?

 

[idssdi]

Yes. Especially when you practice with a metronome. To make it simple at the start you can just play one note at each click first than 2 notes per click than 4 notes per click and when you feel comfortable with those try to combine them. Make sure to start at a slow tempo and work your way up from there. When you play one note per click make sure you begin on one and end on 4. For the others try to end on 4.

 

[Johnny Spradlin]

Should I ignore the drummer and count, or is the drummer my boss?

 

[idssdi]

If your drummer is able to properly keep time he kinda is your metronome when you play with him. So no don’t ignore him unless he really is all over the place.