Visceral guitar theory

I'm going to take a chance, and write a blog article after a full bottle of Albarino, which is my favorite type of wine.

Me 'n my gal Debe went to one of three Spanish places I consider worthy. I love going out to dine, but have particularly pursued Spanish authentic. Follow me on twitter (tcoz_tweet) or facebook (google my name) if you want to know more.
I was at NGW (National Guitar Workshop) last week, you can read my article about it by looking to the links to the left (lazy html).
I'm moving forward from the NGW...and it's a lot to move forward from. But I've rebuilt my kit, and rebuilt my thinking of guitar playing. I'm a different player, thank you NGW. Shameless plug for her, Jane Getter is easily one of the best instructors evah.

Fanboi anyway, I clocked out of my tech project today (read Tcoz Tech Wire for a great pointer all you ECMA cats) and of course said, "eh, got some time, I should play guitar."
I worked it, metronome ticking, foot tapping. I was on, and happy, running pentatonic licks, adding fourths...etc, presto, ON the beat. Alternating thirds, fourths, string skipping patterns...like I said, the NGW is worth it.

I recorded it. I record everything now. It was ok, sharp, a little mechanical, but on...so ok.

I came home later after the meal and the wine. Debe was tired, she went right to bed, I went into the studio, loops waiting.

I started up the same loops (thank you Boss RS-20) I was so on over the tracks I laid out, I was amazed. Not at my "greatness", but sort of in the way you go "wow" when you see a really good photograph of yourself. There's nothing really different about you, you're just shinin' the light right.

I recorded it. It was, rough, but it swung swing on the first beat, which is very musical. I was surprised in fact...I tended to hold the first note of a run..just..a.little, andthenrun into the next beat. Hard to describe, sort of like water flowing when being dumped suddenly, it doesn't all move at once, but when it does, here it comes.

Anyway, it led me to some thoughts about visceral guitar playing. That is, the raw sensation of playing guitar. Perhaps I actually know enough about it after 25 years to say something.

- Don't practice in front of a mirror.
- It is GOOD to have a mirror and watch yourself play guitar.
- Practice with a metronome, always.
- Every now and then, turn off the metronome.
- You should stand, wear your strap, and MOVE.
- Always practice sitting down.
- Be humble.
- Nevermind all that.

Hope that makes sense. See you out there.