Re: Beginner transcription...
CLAY MOORE ( cmoore4@ix.netcom.com )
Sat, 28 Dec 1996 18:32:14 -0600
reed wrote:
I think of multiple
> >levels of transcribing, from learning a lick or two (not writing it out),
> >to copying an entire album- bass, drums, etc. While whole solos are a
> >terrific source of study, often one ends up using just a fraction of what
> >was learned in their improv. OTOH, sometimes learning a simple phrase and
> >taking around through different keys and harmonic situations can be a real
> >eye opener. I've heard a few Oscar Peterson solos that didn't go all over
> >the place, and there are plenty of single line oriented pianists like
> >Wynton Kelly, who might be easier to grab onto.
> >
> >Clay
> >
> >
> >
> Everyone has his own approach but....
>
> I don't recommend doing parts of solos.
>
> I think you need to find things that are at a level where you can
> do the whole solo.
>
> I use the whole solo because the whole solo is the development
> of a 32 bar musical idea, or whatever.
>
> I avoid players that can't play a whole chorus at a high level.
>
> reed
>
> >
I often do the partial approach when I'm playing along with a recording
just to get the feel of someone's or some band's time feel, etc., and a
particular phrase catches my ear. Over the course of 25 years I've
written out a lot of solos verbatum, but restricting your aural learning
to *only* doing that seems a bit regimented. I compare this partial
approach to the way we pick up words, ideas, figures of speech, gestures,
and attitudes from people we meet, know and associate with. Just because
they might not all be geniuses doesn't mean we can't learn something from
them.
Clay