Thought: Appreciating music, should have liked it years ago.
December 4th, 2008Used to have little of respect for Linkin Park. Compared to the sort of respect for guitar virtuoso’s like Joe Satriani or Steve Vai… In my old vocabulary, the guitar parts or sections played by guys like Brad Delson are simple, predictable and the easy-way-out to make a song. Blurred between the lines of performance and songwriting, I then judge every musician who play in modern bands creating modern music as boring or uninteresting. Further more, my music buddies are frequent listeners of stuff by Deep Purple, ELP, Jimi Hendrix and the leagues that stay in line with them, where technique matters.
Judging with what I knew as good music, I started to mix match what I identify as ‘good musicanship’ with songs I play in my band. I thought Nu-Metal needed more guitar solos and flashy parts. Bass parts needed to be slinky and groovy in rock. Guitar effects are secondary stuff.
I was recently introduced into the world of songwriting and composition when I joined my current band. I learned that proper structuring should take over the song and not performance in musicianship by broadening my concept of appreciation towards music. I learned the importance of consistency and tight rhythm in playing an instrument. Saw the importance of keeping things clear and the importance of silence and dynamics in music.
Now, still a fan of dynamic guitar solo’s, still enjoy the old farts as much as I do last time; but with a new found love for clearly build, tight and tasteful rhythm, covered with a catchy tune using memorable tone and consistency.
Last Tuesday, I spend about 8 hours in the studio trying to lay down my guitar parts for recording. Thought that if I learned how to appreciate music in a different matter, with the proper application, probably 2 hours will do the job.
