Boodang

Going back to my ‘tonal centre’ comment, on my set list I always write the key of the song that way it instantly puts a visual roadmap on the fretboard so if play a wrong note at least it won’t be a bum note!

Yeah, at first I thought this was a novel way of getting me replaced but since then the guitarist has been overly friendly on WhatsApp and reckons he's going to sort things with the percussionist. So I think maybe genuinely oblivious at the time but beginning to realise he might have messed up. Normally I'd be a bit more stressed about it but as it turns out I have other projects which might prove to be more promising. But it's also interesting that because I'm more sanguine about it I'll probably deal with the situation better, not fly off the handle and we'll probably sort it out like sensible adults rather than egotistical musicians which is a good thing as there are long standing friendships involved. Maybe a lesson for the future... which I'll promptly forget about the next time something like this happens!

Does it help to play the track backwards?!

There's always been an undercurrent of tension in our covers band, but in all other respects we're best mates. But... our lead guitarist latest epic might be seriously misjudged. I was going away on holiday, not back for 5 weeks. We didn't have anything planned but we're all in other bands, and I said that obviously there were no issues with musicians we know depping for me. There was a possible gig the weekend before I went away, but we all got told by our guitarist to stand down. Then, a couple of days beforehand I got asked if I could do the sound at the gig in question, so I assumed the guitarist other band had got it, which I had no issue with but also by then I had made other arrangements. Our percussionist was invited to turn up to add his 'rock 'n roll' energy... which is another way of saying can you help shift our gear! Turns out the band was our covers outfit with me replaced, our percussionist not invited on stage, and our setlist. Percussionist suitable pee'd off and resigned on the spot, thinking about it, I was asked to do the sound for my own band! Apparently guitarist other band was going to do it but then couldn't but has still yet to explain how it ended up as our band minus me! In the meantime they've got some gigs with a dep, using the same setlist but are using a new name! Not sure what's going on as I'm still on holiday until next week. Have a feeling my other bands might becoming my main band. Guitarist is still sending overly friendly texts so maybe he feels guilty. Being fired is one thing, band splitting up and reforming without you is a classic, but being asked to become the bands soundman is a new one!!

Unless you're learning a modal jazz number most songs will have a key. With a new song I'll play over it by ear to find the root, the one note that feels the tonal centre, then play scales until you find one where all the notes fit (usually diatonic but sometimes altered in some way/ have a chromatic element). Easiest way to start is that it's usually quite obvious if it's basically major or minor in some way. Once you have the key, and the relative major if it's not already that, then apart from incidentals /passing chords, you'll have the structure. This is how I learn a song, as I find knowing the tonal centre just makes finding the notes so much easier. If you haven't done so, then Rick Beato's (or someone's equivalent) ear training course is worthwhile and will improve your musicianship.

A mate of mine used to run a drum shop. Punters would come in, ask for advise, try out gear, then save 5 quid buying online. We now don't have a drum shop locally to try out stuff. Of course that doesn't mean retail can get away with shoddy service but it would be a crying shame if we lost actually shops. So far I've had really good experiences using Andertons and, despite the odd communication hiccup, bass direct have been good with advise.

One of the greatest albums ever.

Wembley last night.

Roobarb and custard theme tune. For the dvd box set I bought, the intro is played on DB as a walking line. Super cool.

Just saw Green Day at Wembley last night, my daughter grew up listening to them and got us tickets. A masterclass in how to do a big gig. At first I thought it would be a good gig but shame it's not a more intimate venue but as it turns out they're masters of the big crowd it felt good that we shared the music with so many people. And I have to say the playing was faultless and such energy consistently delivered over 2 and a half hours was impressive. Also, Maid of Ace kicked off the afternoon and I'm definitely a new fan.

Just got an email from Doc Llyod to say they have 25 death rays available online. I already have one but anyone want one now is your chance. Interesting compressor, the side chain is logarithmic... oh and it looks good on your pedal board!

The second clip sounds like a robot duck trapped down a deep well!

Ooh, just thought of another option... get the keys to play the bass synth, you can take a break, nip off to the bar and heckle while having a pint.

We've tried that but it's a bit messy... plus they complain a lot when you do it!

… so much easier than trying to find a one armed keys player!

We solved this problem by only employing one armed keyboard players.

Well, a Moog Phatty isn’t an effect and would make for a cool look on stage.

Do a Michael League and have a Moog Phatty on a stand next to you so you play synth bass or BG therefore making the keys redundant in this instance. Alternatively, a synth bass pedal like the EHX mono synth?

Many moons ago I had lessons with Hubbard. The main thing I took away was the importance of correct fingers/hand/wrist/arm/body posture to ensure the mechanics of your playing doesn’t inhibit you. I think this is important and not necessary something that is easy to learn naturally but sets you up for a life time of playing. After that, it’s what inspires you… always learn songs you like and delve into what inspires you.

What's with the bass drum reso head?!

When I'm back in the UK (which is not often) I live just around the corner from McCathy's. It's changed hands over the years and at one stage it was quite rough..... what's it like now? PS Just down the side street to thew place, there are two cracking Indian restaurants that are worth visiting... Rose of India and Golden Curry.... if you like curries that is.

Well, for a tip on how to sound like the Eagles check out Wings of Pegasus on YouTube..... and prepared to be dismayed!

Short scale, light and in a nice red.... tempted to get one myself actually. PS just listened to the sound samples on the Thomann site.... has a really good tone. Even more tempted now!

Well, maybe there’s a 4th category…. how many Hendrix tributes do you find?! The main reason is that even I can play the chords but I can’t sound like Jimi… but our guitarist can, even if he is right handed! My point being not just Hendrix but anyone who has the gift where the talent to sound like someone is key, so theatrics are a bonus but not essential.

Well… this thread has convinced me. I’ve told our guitarist in our Hendrix tribute that at the next gig he has to play left handed… after all, he only has to turn the guitar around the other way!