thanks nashorn. My lazy left hand is just barring chords that are going through a slicer. Up until the time I recorded this, I was playing both hands through the slicer. Since isolating the left hand through the slicer, I found I was able to play off the slicer grooves using my right hand which was a bit of a revelation. You can hear the left hand part I was actually playing at the end of the song when I click off the slicer. I tend NOT to make these types of separation, preferring to play through a single amp with only a pedal compressor in the right hand to emphasize melodies. Emmett has referred to this technique as interwoven hands.
KC - I have been playing Stick for about 22 years, got a degree in music for whatever that's worth (city college, hehe). I think that the law of ten-thousand hours DEFINITELY applies with the Chapman Stick and am stoked you posted it! I have set a goal of one song a week, how long that goes, I don't know. But I definitely feel where you are coming from, just getting through a frickin verse is always a miracle!!!
I have learned to make BIGTIME compromises in arranging for the Stick. It used to be that I tried to do too much with it. These days, I focus on a recognizable melody and then compliment it with simple chords in the left hand. My process is: learn chords, familiarize myself with the key, identify melody, recognize bass line (but not necessarily play it note for note), and then there is a negotiation between both hands, which forces new ideas for counterpoint, fingerbuilding techniques and fretboard knowledge. Anything that gets in the way of the melody is cast out. My mother can't stand songs without a melody and it seems that the apples do not fall far from the tree. There are some really good, creative Stick players here that can solo, loop and improvise with confidence, I am not one of them hehe. I might be able to do that some day - but for now, I like working on songs using that template I outlined. Efficient, realistic short term goals.
My personal experience has been that if I focus on a song, the technique will come in time. I played in bands for so many years, and we played songs! I love songs! So listening, learning and arranging songs for the Stick is my mission! I agree with you - practice is king! I pick 4 songs a month and then pick at them, singling out the harder ones for later in the month. in so long as I hit that goal, I get a cookie! I am already planning my tunes for the holidays - Noelle, Silent Night, Dreidel Song and Unforgettable. We'll see if I hit that mark!
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That's a tough schedule to keep up!