It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 3:59 pm




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
 Tap Theory - Don't Know Why by Norah Jones 
Author Message
Master Contributor
Master Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2015 1:07 pm
Posts: 1113
Post Tap Theory - Don't Know Why by Norah Jones
Hey everyone, here's another Jam Session Series. In this one, I'm using a combo muting/plucking technique to capture an "upright bass" kind of sound. This is a good arrangement for new players, especially those of us coming from the bass. As always, tabs and more at http://www.patreon.com/jgoldbergmusic.


_________________
-Josh

http://www.patreon.com/jgoldbergmusic
http://www.facebook.com/jgoldbergmusic
http://www.facebook.com/GEPHband
http://www.facebook.com/thebodyenglish
http://www.facebook.com/theafrocircus


Mon Jul 24, 2017 11:04 am
Profile
Artisan Contributor
Artisan Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:38 pm
Posts: 681
Location: Cary, NC
Post Re: Tap Theory - Don't Know Why by Norah Jones
This is an effective sound, but how does it fit in the greater context of the Stick? Said another way, if this is all you are trying to do, why not pick an easier instrument to do it on? Can you rapidly shift into other techniques off of this technique? Or does this mainly cut down on gear at a gig when playing multiple roles? I am not trying to attack, I am just confused on the value.

_________________
Daniel Marks
#6133
Rosewood Grand, PASV4


Tue Jul 25, 2017 9:23 am
Profile
Master Contributor
Master Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2015 1:07 pm
Posts: 1113
Post Re: Tap Theory - Don't Know Why by Norah Jones
That's a good question and I'm glad you asked! It is an easy technique to switch in and out of and I picked this tune to demonstrate the technique throughout the whole song.

I had mentioned that my "Jam Session Series" is designed to fit the Stick right in with bands of any size, starting at the bass role. This is just another example of that. Let's say you're at a gig and this song gets called, so you play it like this. The next song to get called is a Stevie Wonder tune and there's no horn section. Good news! You switch to a tapping technique and cover the horn section yourself!

In an original music context, it's just one more sound to add to the arsenal. You'll hear this technique pop up in a few places on the upcoming GEPH album as well as on the upcoming Body English album (whenever we finally manage to get the ball rolling on that).

To me, one of the biggest positives of the Stick is that it's a musical Swiss Army knife. Just like a Swiss Army knife, one doesn't unfold every tool the knife has for every situation, one picks and chooses the right tool for the job. This video was a demonstration of this particular tool.

_________________
-Josh

http://www.patreon.com/jgoldbergmusic
http://www.facebook.com/jgoldbergmusic
http://www.facebook.com/GEPHband
http://www.facebook.com/thebodyenglish
http://www.facebook.com/theafrocircus


Tue Jul 25, 2017 9:40 am
Profile
Elite Contributor
Elite Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 22, 2007 7:45 pm
Posts: 1730
Location: Leelanau County, MI
Post Re: Tap Theory - Don't Know Why by Norah Jones
I use this technique somewhat often when adding a bass line to a loop. Specifically a bass line that I want to sound more like a traditional bass. Very easy to switch in and out of and the timbre is definitely different.

_________________
Glenn
http://www.121normal.com


Tue Jul 25, 2017 10:45 am
Profile My Photo Gallery
Artisan Contributor
Artisan Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:38 pm
Posts: 681
Location: Cary, NC
Post Re: Tap Theory - Don't Know Why by Norah Jones
Thanks to both of you for the clarity!

_________________
Daniel Marks
#6133
Rosewood Grand, PASV4


Tue Jul 25, 2017 12:54 pm
Profile
Elite Contributor
Elite Contributor
User avatar

Joined: Sun May 18, 2014 9:43 am
Posts: 4039
Post Re: Tap Theory - Don't Know Why by Norah Jones
Y'know, stuff like this is so useful. The benefit of just jumping on the instrument and playing something, even if it's simple is so huge! Simple music is not "dumbed down", it's just as valid as the complicated stuff. I really believe that distilling things to their simplest building blocks is an important step in learning. Mine anyways... With the Stick especially, I find it really useful to sometimes play single note lines. Sometimes you just need a win... Sometimes the tune calls for something with some space...

Put your favourite song on, and play along. You don't have to be Beethoven, you just rock out, easy as that. So what if you are only using one side; the important thing is that you're playing. Plus, when you play along with the record, well nothing beats that feeling... and you could probably learn, like 20 riffs in that way in one night. Cool. Or... you could spend hours, days, weeks, months maybe even years playing the instrument the way we think it's supposed to be played. The instrument doesn't care, and your audience doesn't either; play what you want, just sound good. Nirvana sold a record or two, as has Johnny Cash...

Now one thing to keep in mind when one is playing in an ensemble is how important it is to have space. The Stick could very easily be that instrument that takes up every frequency; bass, minds, and the highs; effectively stepping on every other musician in the group's toes. I know I've been in at least one group where the keyboardist can't seem to understand that the bass player wants to play those bass notes... haha gotta "support the soloist" , sometimes it's a guitarist, or a violinist, maybe a singer, etc etc. And I gotta say, playing Stick with another guitarist is certainly my least favourite situation heh, I think that the pick attack has a really overpowering percussive effect that can really drown out aspects of the Stick (Melody side) So I'm thinking we have to experiment...

Anyways, in my opinion stuff like this opens up a new dimension for the instrument, we don't see the Stick I'm many ensembles, not like bass, drums and guitar; New stuff has to start somewhere, so thanks for posting this stuff, Josh. Swiss Army knife indeed. Cool.

Peace, out.

_________________
GUITAR RULES
https://www.facebook.com/scottsguitarstuffMy FB Page


Fri Jul 28, 2017 9:09 pm
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 23 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  

board3 Portal - based on phpBB3 Portal Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group. Designed by Vjacheslav Trushkin for Free Forums/DivisionCore.
Heavily modified by Stickist.com. Stickist.com is an authorized Chapman Stick® site. The Chapman Stick® and NS/Stick™ and their marks are federally registered trademarks exclusively licensed to Stick Enterprises, Inc., and are used on Stickist.com and NSstickist.com with SEI's permission.
Click here for more information.