BITTER - Too long since my last post
Damn, I can't believe it's been over a year since I last made an entry here. Lots has happened. My job has been intense and wonderful, putting in tons of hours. My son's having a blast playing hockey. My wife is getting more involved in politics as a progressive Democrat.
In music, I ended up stopping jazz guitar lessons after work got so hectic, but I had gotten into a routine of playing almost every morning before work. I was making great progress, but work got even more intense, and I started slacking again. Trying to redouble my efforts now and get back into a routine. I had changed my picking style completely after struggling with speed and accuracy for many years. When I first started playing, I gripped the pick with my thumb, index and middle finger. An early teacher told me I would have more success using a more traditional grip of thumb and index finger alone, so I went in that direction, always playing even up and down strokes. Unfortunately, I've always had trouble jumping strings that way. Finally, earlier this year, I was able to catch Steve Morse playing with Dixie Dregs and The Steve Morse Band. I remembered that Steve uses the three finger grip like I used to, and he has such amazing speed and control. I decided to dedicate some time to trying it out again, and it has done wonders for my picking style. I have a lot more strength, speed, and accuracy, and I'm able to do string jumps much easier, which is great for arpeggios. Thanks Steve!!
Speaking of guitar gods, I was able to see Allan Holdsworth this year as well. Talk about other-worldy. I had the opportunity to see Allan years ago and was blown away then, and he is even better now. His band was smokin', but the sound was unfortunately quite bad. Still, a treat to be able to see a master at close range in an intimate setting.
I also went to see The Allman Brothers Band for the first time, thanks to my bud Terry (who was also responsible for my seeing Steve and Allan). What an amazing show. The vibe was great, it was like being back in the 70's again. People dancing and laughing, a lot of pot floating around, and a packed house at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheater in Mansfield, MA. They put on a great show, and there was some monster playing by the entire band. I'm going to see Gov't Mule on Friday night, again thanks to Terry. Can't wait for that.
That's mostly it for me for now, I'll post again after the Mule concert, and hopefully be more regular at updating this.
In music, I ended up stopping jazz guitar lessons after work got so hectic, but I had gotten into a routine of playing almost every morning before work. I was making great progress, but work got even more intense, and I started slacking again. Trying to redouble my efforts now and get back into a routine. I had changed my picking style completely after struggling with speed and accuracy for many years. When I first started playing, I gripped the pick with my thumb, index and middle finger. An early teacher told me I would have more success using a more traditional grip of thumb and index finger alone, so I went in that direction, always playing even up and down strokes. Unfortunately, I've always had trouble jumping strings that way. Finally, earlier this year, I was able to catch Steve Morse playing with Dixie Dregs and The Steve Morse Band. I remembered that Steve uses the three finger grip like I used to, and he has such amazing speed and control. I decided to dedicate some time to trying it out again, and it has done wonders for my picking style. I have a lot more strength, speed, and accuracy, and I'm able to do string jumps much easier, which is great for arpeggios. Thanks Steve!!
Speaking of guitar gods, I was able to see Allan Holdsworth this year as well. Talk about other-worldy. I had the opportunity to see Allan years ago and was blown away then, and he is even better now. His band was smokin', but the sound was unfortunately quite bad. Still, a treat to be able to see a master at close range in an intimate setting.
I also went to see The Allman Brothers Band for the first time, thanks to my bud Terry (who was also responsible for my seeing Steve and Allan). What an amazing show. The vibe was great, it was like being back in the 70's again. People dancing and laughing, a lot of pot floating around, and a packed house at the Verizon Wireless Ampitheater in Mansfield, MA. They put on a great show, and there was some monster playing by the entire band. I'm going to see Gov't Mule on Friday night, again thanks to Terry. Can't wait for that.
That's mostly it for me for now, I'll post again after the Mule concert, and hopefully be more regular at updating this.
posted by Bitter Old Man at 1:05 PM
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