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 Musings and update for the new year... 
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Post Musings and update for the new year...
Well, a lot's happened since I last updated this thread. First, I developed cubital tunnel syndrome (similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, but affecting the ulnar nerve at the elbow) as a result, my hand goes numb in the last two fingers if I flex my elbow much beyond 90 degrees... this makes base side playing difficult to say the least. I almost quit in frustration.

But, I can't get this instrument out of my head. So, I started trying different positions - a lower positioning, playing it horizontal like a guitar, none of which worked. Then I came across Paigano's old post on playing lap style. I tried it, and voila! No more numbness. (also helped with being able to focus on the strings since it is all the same distance).

So, I am now playing in straight 4ths, with a unified tuning. By this I mean the note pattern is unbroken / not shifted when transitioning from the bass to the melody side. (It does drop an octave down at the 6th string. The only other change was because I found hitting low E on the 'X' fret was more difficult than on the 1st fret, I detuned it 1/2 step. So on the first fret, EADGCF from low to high 12th string to 8th, then the pattern continues on the second fret BEADGC.

Anyhow. The next thing that happened was I watched Josh's video on 3 note per string rudiments, based on Bob Culbertson's video. viewtopic.php?f=15&t=12644&hilit=note+pattern

At first, it just didn't gel. Which is frustrating. But then I made a mock up of the stick, and with the three major scales (starting with root on the index, then middle finger, then third finger). But i printed them so that they ran into each other in a continuation. Then, I could see the 3 note rudiments, and suddenly it just clicked. (I attached the file, hope it loads).

Josh, so helpful. Thank you.

So the last thing that happened was Scott (Jayesskerr) sent me a PM on some tips for learning to play by ear. It was pretty simple actually. Put on some music you like and play with it. Play something. Just do it. Pick out a base line. Even if its just one repeating note that changes with the chord changes. Do it for the whole song. Don't stop. Do it again.

Pretty embarrassed that I assumed I couldn't play by ear without ever really trying. So cool. Not good at it, but I can do it. Damn. Who'd have thought it?

Anyhow, that's what I "accomplished" in the past few months: I nearly quit. I persevered anyhow and figure out how to solve my "issue". Learned some fundamentals, and learned a little about playing by ear.

New years resolution: Practice more. Gee, isn't that basic?


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Wed Jan 03, 2018 2:43 pm
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Post Re: Musings and update for the new year...
ArmyDoc wrote:
Anyhow, that's what I "accomplished" in the past few months: I nearly quit. I persevered anyhow and figure out how to solve my "issue". Learned some fundamentals, and learned a little about playing by ear.


I'm so excited and happy for you, Doc! Also, a wee bit glad that some of my crazy experiments and my oversharing have been helpful to someone else at all.

I see you've been listening to a bunch of us and taking what works for you. Good for you! And you're also adding to the discussion, and helping the next person along. :ugeek:

We all have our rocks in the stream coming down from Stick Mountain.

Congratulations on your accomplishments and new discoveries, Doc! Rock it out!

--Steve Sink, Paigan0

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Wed Jan 03, 2018 3:22 pm
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Post Re: Musings and update for the new year...
Quote:
"We all have our rocks in the stream coming down from Stick Mountain.


To which I say, roll with it.

Something that has helped me as well is to attach a time element to your study time. Mark up your score with your progress, things you've learned.

We are what we do repeatedly - so tap on! I'm glad to hear the army of oversharing Stickists helped you bring it into reality. Josh and Steve do have other things they know lots about, but you might not ever know it given their (our lol...) preoccupation with hoping these same boulders rolling down Stick Mountain.

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Wed Jan 03, 2018 3:55 pm
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Post Re: Musings and update for the new year...
Sounds like you made heaps of progress, and can have fun playing your instrument of choice without any discomfort - sounds like wins all around, my man.

Rock on, Armydoc!

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Wed Jan 03, 2018 6:31 pm
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Post Re: Musings and update for the new year...
Man I am sorry to hear about your nerve issues. Any instrumentalist knows the fear, frustration and dread those conditions bring about. It sounds like from a real dark moment your perseverance and an all-angles approach led you to some silver and possibly gold linings around that particular rain cloud.

Also man thank YOU, getting feedback like yours is always very exciting and gratifying, and it makes me want to work harder to make even better videos and become an even better teacher, both on the semi-limited scope of the internet and one on one.

Keep up the good work!

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Wed Jan 03, 2018 7:28 pm
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