I'm talking about people in general, not your band buddies, like at a party and someone hands you a guitar, what do you play? (the 'do you like your own singing voice' thread got me thinking so I started this one)
Also, how well is it received?
I have to bust out the bluegrass flatpicking type stuff if anything.
I've picked up on what kind of music catches people's ear (other than familiar tunes). Country blues is blah to the average person unless it's the harder stuff like Son House or RJ. Same thing for most fingerstyle unless you travel up the neck or it has an interesting(foreign) sound to them. A surprising one that gets people to listen is bluegrass; I guess because it's loud, up tempo, lots of notes, and they probably aren't used to hearing it right in front of them.
I was at a party a few weeks ago and me and a friend were handing a guitar back and forth, I was playing my usual stuff and he wasn't playing anything overly technical but was proficient and could sing well. A guy who didn't play guitar(but listens to rap :winkin: ) was hanging out and not paying much attention. A 3rd guitar player shows up and starts wanking some on the minor pentatonic scale up the neck and non-player guy announces 'So you're the real deal, huh! ' :rolleye: That was eye opening in a way. He was really musically ignorant to have thought nothing of ragtime guitar picking but then be impressed by a few licks up the neck. I imagine he isn't too different from many people who listen to only mainstream music. I'm done venting :blush:
As much as I wished they did, country blues instrumentals do not get the ladies.
Quote from: jeremy3220 on November 14, 2007, 12:42:32 AM
As much as I wished they did, country blues instrumentals do not get the ladies.
:roll :roll
Good thing I'm married then... :wink:...cause thats all I know how to play!!!
I know for a fact that just about everyone out there...especially non players...would rather hear the same friggin tunes that they can here on the classic rock station any day of he week... :yawn :yawn...and you know what...I just can't stand listening to those same tunes again and again....turn on the radio if you want to hear those I'll play something that speaks to me....and thats the Blues....
Hope I don't get divorced or I'm gonna have to start working on some Jack Johnson tunes... :? :rolleye: :whistling:
:cheers
Blue
Beatles, Band, Stones, Dylan, Young, Prine, you know, the usual suspects. One or two of my own if someone asks.
The CD player.
Apparently I'm a hermit, or maybe just a father of two young children, because I can't remember the last time I even had the opportunity to play around other people. :doh
For some reason I have found that playing 'Here Comes the Sun' is a sure fire way to get folks attention. Something about that intro capoed way up there. I've also found that doing a simple blues shuffle will turn a head or two, for the most part....it just _sounds_ cool and it's fun music. I would imagine that country blues or ragtime might be interesting to some, but to most it would probably seem too old or simply too foriegn. Another great song to play for the masses is Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah', played like Jeff Buckley did. The melody is just too beautiful to ignore.
Side note: I've got a buddy who's really good at Travis-style, but it seems lost on most folks when he plays it. I've also seen that over the years if one can play _fast_ they will be seen as the better player in the eyes of most. Popular music has ruined most folks perception of what is "good". As a culture, we are not brought up to think all that deeply about these things, but we think more in the immediate. In othe words, _soul_ is lost on most folks. I stopped trying to impress others with my music years and years ago.
Great thread.
Stairway, Smoke on the Water, and Freebird
Quote from: the creature on November 14, 2007, 01:36:54 PMI stopped trying to impress others with my music years and years ago.
Great thread.
creature, I don't know you personally and I could be totally wrong, and I'm sure if I am you will let me know. But based on the things I've seen you write on this forum I don't think your concerned with impressing others, music or otherwise. :arrow BTW I don't think thats a bad thing. You seem very confident about your beliefs and are very deep in your feelings about whatever the subject may be. I am not saying I agree with everything you say, I am saying I agree that you have the right to your opinion as do I and anyone else. Thats what I like about this forum, everyones got an opinion and they're free to share it. You are definitely not afraid to jump in the fire or even ignite one occasionally. My hats off to you.
I agree that 'Here Comes The Sun' is a good tune to play for others, it's one I have gotton pretty good at. I haven't played for others very many times since I took up guitar again but I used to enjoy it. I just am not at that comfort level yet. Of course I don't drink as much as I used to either, maybe that has something to do with it. I'm just at a point where I am too critical of myself because I don't feel I am as good as I used to be even though I probably am. It's kind of a nervous issue, when I play alone I don't have anyone to impress and the juices flow, I impress myself. But when I get in front of people my muscles tense, I try too hard, I forget lyrics and the fun factor goes out the window. I don't remember it being that way 20 yrs ago when I played in front of people.Oh well maybe soon I will be a Freebird.
I have listened to many members recordings and there is a lot of talent here. You all keep up the good work and be proud of your accomplishments. I have nothing but admiration for all of you.
:cheers :beer :beer :beer :coffee :coffee
Quote from: Mr_LV19E on November 14, 2007, 08:56:32 PM
creature, I don't know you personally and I could be totally wrong, and I'm sure if I am you will let me know. But based on the things I've seen you write on this forum I don't think your concerned with impressing others, music or otherwise. :arrow BTW I don't think thats a bad thing. You seem very confident about your beliefs and are very deep in your feelings about whatever the subject may be. I am not saying I agree with everything you say, I am saying I agree that you have the right to your opinion as do I and anyone else. Thats what I like about this forum, everyones got an opinion and they're free to share it. You are definitely not afraid to jump in the fire or even ignite one occasionally. My hats off to you.
Hey, thanks for the kind words. In reality, most of the feathers that I ruffle here would not get ruffled if we were all sitting around with our guitars, drinking a nice cup of coffee (or ale) and possibly enjoying a pipe or cigar together. There are certain things that get lost in the translation of a thought to a written post and then to the other side of the screen; that's where the confusion comes in sometimes. I won't claim to not be opinionated, because I am...and I'd venture to say that most folks who take the time to write on a message board are somewhat so themselves. The folks who aren't very opinionated just read the threads and don't participate.
At any rate, I believe this is one of the best forums on the net and I enjoy the people here and the discussions.
And now, to address your troulbes about playing infront of others: When I play infront of others (which I don't do much anymore) I try to keep the rule of the 3 C's: Calm, Comfortable, and Confident. Staying calm is obviously a must, being comfortable with the tune is also a must...I NEVER wing a song or take too many risks, those things are for when you play alone. Confidence is alsmost more important than talent, IMO. I'm not talking about being cocky, but just being sure you can play it and that you are playing well. Somewhere in all of this the goal becomes less about trying to get others to think you're a great player and more about trying to make great music that makes you feel great about making it. To me music is joyful, and when the joy is gone something is wrong.
I'd venture to guess that you are probably way better than you think you are as well. Most folks are. Look at it this way: if you can play an instrument with any skill at all, you can do something that the vast majority of the people on this planet cannot do (that includes most who've ever lived on this planet). That doesn't make us "better" than others...and I don't believe that musicians or artists are "special", but it is a unique gifting that is worthy of being taken seriously and being done with excellence.
Focus on the 3 C's and seek out joyful music that makes you glad to be alive. That is contagious and it WILL move others.
:coffee
Quote from: the creature on November 14, 2007, 09:22:56 PM
Focus on the 3 C's and seek out joyful music that makes you glad to be alive. That is contagious and it WILL move others.
Hey thanks creature, I'll try to focus on the three C's and try not to sing the blues. :wink:
:cheers
"I just am not at that comfort level yet"
I know this thread started out talking about music that wins people over but if you are wanting to share your art you really have to forget about pleasing your audience; unless in some complex way that is part of your art :winkin: I won't hesitate to subject someone to the torment of folk music on the guitar or stereo, no one is safe! I think one ought to just do their thing, and it's not up to them to decide what the audience will like; cause like I said the audience doesn't matter unless they are part of the art. I think thats why I like Dylan so much, because he cares so little about mine and the rest of his fans' opinions. So take the mindset of an artist and not a caterer.
...unless you're picking up chicks, then abandon the art ship and cater away :laughin:
Quote from: jeremy3220 on November 15, 2007, 01:13:14 AM
...unless you're picking up chicks, then abandon the art ship and cater away :laughin:
The only kind of chicks I can pick up anymore are the small furry kind, old back you know.
In the past when people came to visit and heard that I can play the piano, I was always embarrased that I couldn't sit down and play a tune because I did not have the music in front of me. Now that I am learning guitar I want to avoid that problem.
Right now, I mostly play classical on my CG but but I am learning on my Larrivee to play John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane" fingerstyle. No singing by me, but everyone should recognize the tune and might start singing themselves.
For those that are not comfortable playing for others, playing songs that most people do not know might be better as they won't know if you make a mistake! ha ha
Quote from: Wondermutt on November 16, 2007, 11:55:51 AM
For those that are not comfortable playing for others, playing songs that most people do not know might be better as they won't know if you make a mistake! ha ha
Very good point.
Usually I'll play "Mr. Bo Jangles" or "City of New Orleans", something like that. It usually gets well received no matter what the age.
Anything by the Beatles. U2 comes in handy. Early Dave Matthews. "Wonderwall" is always a fun sing-along... if you can take everyone imitating Liam Gallagher's braying delivery. :bgrin:
I spend most of my time playing the "texas troubadour" type stuff... Guy Clark, Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert Earl Keen, maybe a little Steve Earle, etc... I find it to be mostly positive, good story type stuff. I add a little blues, (MJH, Lightnin' Hopkins type songs) and a few solo harmonica/vocal songs to round out a set. Seems to get a real good reception when people hear it.
I've been playing solo at open mics for about 2 years and find that I can hold the interest of people from the teens to the older crowd pretty well with this type of music. I am just getting into hosting an acoustic music night at a local coffee shop, the owner is really into what I'm doing and wants to promote it enough to allow me to have a "Bill and a few close friends" type night...
-Bill
Well I picked up the guitar rather late in life so I'm well past the "impressing the ladies" stage. I really dont' intentionally try to impress anyone for that matter. When asked to "play something" I will normally play something original with emphasis on the song rather than the singer / player. If they are expecting showmanship or fancy licks they are going to be dissapointed.
One thing I have done occassionally, (others probably do this one as well) is to take the guitar and quickly tune to an open D or G and play some 12 bar bottleneck blues. If I don't have a slide handy I will use a beer bottle instead. This is often-times something that people are not used to hearing or seeing and provides a visual surprise as well as a unique sound.
I like to learn unexpected songs and whip them out on people when they think they're being funny. Example: You have an acoustic guitar in your hands, some dude says 'Hey, know any Jamiroquai?', sarcastically, his buddies chuckle. You ask if he's serious, he says 'Absolutely'. Then you proceed to play Jamiroquai's 'Virtual insanity' in it's entirety. I've learned some funny stuff so I can surprise people. I learned the Bluegrass version of 'Gin & Juice', which is totally hilarious. 'Dead or alive' by Bon Jovi, 'Here I go again' by Whitesnake, mixed in the 'The Joker' by Steve Miller, that one is fun. They are expecting you to play James Taylor or John Denver, but what they don't expect at all is for you to whip out some 'Tainted love', followed by Incubus, immediately followed by 'Tiny Dancer'.
If I'm playing for people, in general, it's a paying gig...but occasionally some friends and I will do a "song circle" at a festival, (not a jam...we want to share new original songs, and listen to each other's new songs...and not with everybody playing along wiht songs they don't know )
At family things, I don't play. My relatives will buy tickets to see me play in venues, but will sit around an talk while I'm playing a song they've requested at a family gathering, so I just say "Naw, let's put a CD on, OK?"
Quote from: aaronjnoone on December 23, 2007, 11:44:01 AM
I like to learn unexpected songs and whip them out...
:+1: I spent 10 years on the road in a band that played 60% cover material, and although I never had to play anything I didn't enjoy, now I play simply to enjoy myself. These days, once a week, I play with some friends who mostly play folk music and I play along and sing harmonies. When it's my turn to do a tune, I like to play a song generally not thought of in acoustic terms, like, The Wind Cries Mary, Burning of The Midnight Lamp, A Whiter Shade of Pale or Born To Be Wild. I also like to reach back into my memory banks and re-arrange old pop stuff like The Night Has a Thousand Eyes, Run To Him, or Hey Baby (Bruce Channel). Several people have posted that impressing people is no longer a priority, and I agree wholeheartedly. At this stage of the game it's about having fun.
dg
What do I play when other people are around? What I always play - blues, ragtime and gospel. I'm way past the point of trying to 'impress' anyone with my guitar picking although sometimes I manage to impress myself. Isn't playing music about self expression? Isn't it about saying with the guitar and vocals what you can't ordinarily say? If no one hears our music then what are we playing it for?
Pic
I brought my D-03R to a work get-together last summer and by far the biggest hit of the night was the Indigo Girls' "Closer to Fine," which I had to play at least three times. That seems to have become something of a modern singalong classic, at least among people under 45. Beatles, Dylan, Neil Young and Grateful Dead tunes ("Ripple" and "Uncle John's Band") went over well too. And one of the senior partners at my old firm surprised me by knowing all the words to "The Weight".
I'm bringing my guitar tonight to a party full of people who love '80s indie pop, so I'm expecting a whole different list of faves. I didn't have time today to brush up on my Smiths and Cure, but I know a lot of the REM songbook, so that should work.
QuoteIf no one hears our music then what are we playing it for?
If I play a song in the woods and no one's around, does anyone care? I personally love to play anything and everything. I love to play for people and get them involved. It's a passion. Performance is what I love, some people don't like it, some do.
Quote from: NevadaPic on December 29, 2007, 07:56:44 PM
If no one hears our music then what are we playing it for?
Pic
That's simple: the love of music itself. I don't see what difference it makes if anyone is listening. I do art for the love of art. I play music for the love of music. I don't care if anyone else ever sees it or hears it, really. Don't get me wrong, it's nice if someone likes it, but if a person is playing for the crowd, they're doing it for the wrong reason, in my view. It should start and end with the love of the craft, and whatever happens from there, so be it.
I'm probably not mature enough to be "over" wanting to impress people (or at least share the music with them). While I really do enjoy playing all by myself, once I've got something down, I really want to share it with someone else.
That said, I'm notoriously bad a figuring out what other people want to hear. It's made worse by the fact that I'm pretty ecclectic, playing stuff like Weezer, The Cure, Casey Chambers, some religious music, an Irish folk song, and then an original piece. It works well if I'm playing at a block party, or the farmers market, but when I get with a small group and play something, it seems like I always choose the wrong genre. :tongue:
:donut :donut2