Hindsight is 20-20 vision!
With GT reaching its 300th issue we’ve been reflecting on the vast amount of tuition we’ve presented you since March 1994. To augment this, we’ve been in touch with a colourful array of our celebrity friends to reflect on their early developments as musicians. Looking back, what areas did they feel could have improved their early years of playing? Read on to check out their fascinating replies...
1 JOHN MCLAUGHLIN
Founding father of jazz-rock fusion guitar
1) A technique based ‘I wish’.
I wish I could have had either a drum kit and teacher, or the possibility to learn and be able to articulate the fundamentals of rhythm. In improvised music, 99% of the time we play with drummers, and to fully understand what they are playing is essential in this world.
2) A theory based ‘I wish’
The harmonic foundation that is used in contemporary jazz for the past 60 years is founded upon the music of Ravel, Satie, Fauré, Scriabin and others such as Bartok and Stravinsky. It would have been extremely useful to have had an opportunity to learn the harmonic techniques of these composers.
3) One thing related to music I wish I had done earlier.
I should have taken singing lessons!
2 JOE SATRIANI
New York’s titan of instrumental rock
1) A technique based ‘I wish’
I wish I had found my most comfortable ‘right hand position’ at the start. I’ve gone through three radical shifts in how I anchor or float my picking hand. At first it was resting my palm right above the bridge, at the muting spot, very effective but not without limitations. Then I tried no anchoring but dropped that after many trials and tribulations. Next was resting my fingers on the pickguard area which was good for some stuff but not everything. So now I use all three whenever they seem appropriate. I’m still searching!
2) A theory based ‘I wish’
All theories are equally golden and dangerous. It’s good to remember that in music there are no rules, only cause and effect. The key to embracing and utilising this approach is to learn all the cause and effect situations, remember them and apply accordingly. Example: If you want people to sing along with your melody don’t make it complicated. That’s an easy one. If you want people to get up and dance to your song don’t make it dreadfully slow or painfully fast. That’s easy to understand too. Theories get dangerous when they stifle creativity and lead you down the path of mediocrity. Free your mind, your guitar will follow.
3) One music-related thing I wish I had done earlier
I wish I had pursued learning recording studio techniques alongside my writing and playing studies. Perhaps a job at a local studio would have been the right move when I was in my teens. I can’t help thinking it would have opened my eyes and ears to the wonders of the recording studio. However, my path led me to the stage, which helped me build my live performance chops, which I still rely on to this day. After answering these three questions I’m reminded of an old Scottish proverb, “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.” So true!
