Vision Music

[nylenny]

After transcribing daily for several years, it finally hit me; transcribing is THE overall approach to learning music.

Everything I now learn, I endeavor to approach by ear. Whether it be memorization, learning new pieces, or finding lines to go over progressions. This has made my practicing efficient, because I am no longer doing specific "exercises." Also, more of my practice time is now using my "ear" with some intensity.

Some specifics: I review material by playing along with recordings. I study theory by transcribing the Good Vibes Guitar Solos series. I practice reading by writing out things I hear. I learn new tunes by transcribing the bass line.

I'm curious if others have reached this realization.

[Larry_DC]

[nylenny]

Larry_DC said:

[nylenny]

Larry, I should add that I've discovered some tricks to increase the amount of time I'm spending on transcribing.

For example, I try to practice classical guitar technique every day. So I play along with a Good Vibes solo while stressing a particular right hand fingering (imim, amam, etc).

I hit my theory practice with the Good Vibes solos -- I play along with a solo slowly (and I rotate the solos I play along with daily), while identifying how each note relates to the harmony (3rd, 5th, etc), and I try to see the underlying CAGED shape beneath the riff.

To review repetoire, I play along with recorded versions (for example, I review Blue Monk playing along with the Thelonius Monk recording). Once I got organized with this method, it became a lot easier than it sounds.

It also helps to keep a journal, so that you rotate what you're working on. The trick for me is to try to nail all this stuff in a reasonable period of time every day.

[nylenny]

The other secret I've discovered to getting a lot done in a short timeframe (I am always pressed for practice time) is to hit as many things as possible at once. For example, I will transcribe a Good Vibes solo while analyzing the theory, trying to memorize the progression, hitting a specific technique area (like relaxing my hands) and thinking about chord shapes all at once. It is mentally exhausting, but it squeezes a lot of work into a short time frame.

[Larry_DC]

[nylenny]

The avoid tones are the best! Especially b7 over a major seventh chord!

[Larry_DC]

And the natural 7th over a dominant.