NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/alt/guitar/9955

Internet Message Format | 1992-11-17 | 1.9 KB

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From: [e-mail] (Jim Napier)
Newsgroups: alt.guitar
Subject: Improvisational focus (WAS: Re: Blues Soloing [help!])
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 16 Nov 92 21:12:29 GMT
References: <[e-mail]> <[e-mail]>
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Organization: AMES Dept., UC San Diego
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This is a tangent to the discussion of blues playing that goes more into the
psychological side of improvisation. One of the followup posters said that the
thing to do was to get away from jamming to records and start playing with
other people. One problem I have always had is that as soon as I'm with others
or playing in front of people my mind goes blank. I'm so focused on where I
am that any creative improvisational ability is washed away and I find myself
repeating stiff phrases and groping for the right notes (or any notes that
sound like anything related to the song). I've never mastered the art of
centering myself on the instrument while improvising with other musicians.
I have no problem when I play by myself or to albums and quite enjoy the freedom
of expression that improvisation provides. I guess for me the main problem is
that the freedom of thought necessary to improvise properly is at odds with
the fact that I'm completely aware that others are observing me. How do others
deal with such distractions? Is this just a case of plain old stage fright?

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Jim Napier
Systems Administration
Applied Mechanics & Engineering Sciences Dept.
UC San Diego
[phone]
[e-mail]

"Shut up before I have to tell you to shut up."
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