Beginners' update

[Pen]

I don't know.....  I bet the mando building class is going to be just incredible.  I built a dulcimer when I was in college at UK and it was an incredible experience.  I learned so much.  In fact, I have a good story to tell about it.

I was having difficulty on an element of the project, and my prof. recommended I go see a friend of his, Homer Ledford, in Winchester KY.  He had built thousands of dulcimers.  So I call him up and he agrees to help me out on the project.  I spend a few hours in his shop and he's a great help.  We go up to his living room and sit down afterwards and are having a glass of iced tea, when the doorbell rings.  Who walks in but Bill Monroe.  For the next 30 minutes or so, I get to visit with one of my hero's.

Anyway, don't discount the personal benifit of building your own instrument.  You'll feel a connection to it unlike any instrument you ever buy.  There's always next year for taking the class.  Maybe I can join you for the class next year!

[Pen]

Advanced smanced.  Here's a secret a lot of ppl may not know about picking circles.  If you can't burn it up on your instrument - bring something else to the table.  Ability is by NO means the only thing that makes a jam successful.

-Memorize the words to some songs.  I can't tell you how many jams I've been at no one knew any words.  BORING!
-Organize it.  Meet the people, bring them together and have the extra chairs ready at your area.  Making it comfortable for players makes them want to stay and make music.
-Supply the snacks and cold beverages.  Food & Bev is a great way to keep people around.
-Be nice (or - in your case - just be yourself).  I've left a few circles becouse it just wasn't fun.

As my grandaddy used to tell me (and it sort of applies here), there are no stupid people, we're all just ignorant on different subjects.  One thing I've noticed about Rockygrass and Telluride, most circles are very welcoming of lower skill levels as long as you follow the basic rules of jamming.

[Pen]

LOL - no kiddin.  We played a wedding a few weeks back that was sorta high up (maybe 8k feet).  Coming from Denver area, I was running late.  I knew I may not have time to warm up at the gig, so I warmed up real fast (and tuned up) at the house.  Indeed, traffic sucked and I got there with little time to spare.

Everything was setup, and I pretty much had time to grab a beer, plug in and go.  Man, I was like a half step out of tune.  That first song was just UGLY!

On another note - I got a ticket for Saturday.  If you have a change in plans and decide to attend - let me know.  Would be great to meet you landshark.

Be well!

[Pen]

Goodness - what I wouldn't give.....

Next June I'll have a 3 year old and a 5 month runnin around.  I wouldn't enjoy it by myself without the wife - and I'm not sure how much fun I'd have with the 2 kids (1 boy and 1 who knows!) at that age.  It may be a few more years before I'm ready to do the multi-day camping at festivals with the family.  I know plenty of peeps that do it, I just don't see how.  I took my son to the fireworks up in Avon last weekend and he was all over the place.  It was so much work to keep him close.  The kid just doesn't sit still.  Plus, he sees any instrument and he's up banging on it.  Not sure how some of the pickers would like that!

On another note - our band played the Stanley Hotel up in Estes last weekend (on their front lawn no less).  What a view.  Prettiest gig we've had.  Days like that I'm just amazed we get payed to play music.  Drove right past Rockygrass site and got me jonesing for the festival.  I only get to come 1 day - but my word am I looking forward to it.  If you happen to find your way down there, we'll find room on our tarp for ya!

[MandoGeek]

Haven't posted in about a million years, I am finally thinking about taking lessons. I know it will motivate me to practice, which I don't have too much of at the moment. Anyone have any suggestions about mando lessons in the Denver or Boulder area, not overpriced. I'm not working a ton of hours anymore so can't afford to pay too much, but that goes two ways, now that I'm not working so much I have time to play.
How did your mando turn out Miki? My goal is to practice so next summer we can rock it at TBG.
Beth

[MandoGeek]

Had my first lesson yesterday and then practiced for about an hour when I got home from work, my fingertips are still numb  OK not all of them just the index and middle finger of my left hand. Any suggestions and will this get better?
Beth

[Pen]

lol - just endure the pain.  If it really gets to hurting and you still need or want to play, put some super glue on your finger tips.

A couple weeks of diligent practice and you'll be all toughened up.  GL Beth!

[TheBanjomatic]

Had my first lesson yesterday and then practiced for about an hour when I got home from work, my fingertips are still numb  OK not all of them just the index and middle finger of my left hand. Any suggestions and will this get better?
Beth

My suggestion is to work with all your fingers so they hurt equally :-p

Got a lesson tomorrow afternoon myself, first one since before Telluride, I feel like I've already grown a ton since then.

[Pen]

Started working on Brilliancy last night - not as hard as I thought it would be.  Still not easy though.

Good evening.  Watching the Rox beat up on Pitt (muted of course) while I practice.

[MandoGeek]

Well my left hand fingertips are still numb, starting to get used to the feeling. I have almost got Angeline the Baker down flat, however I can't seem to be able to get the rhythm down.  You know the whole toe tapping, hand strumming deal. I think I may get a metronome and see if that helps. Pen I don't have any blisters yet, just starting to build up some callouses. I'll keep you posted.
Beth

[MandoGeek]

Nice, I would be afraid I'd land on my arse  , Ouch. I need to just go for it, my next lesson is this thursday, oh and I didn't have to buy a metronome, they have an app for that. Crazy.
Beth

[Boogiefool]

Started working on Brilliancy last night - not as hard as I thought it would be.  Still not easy though.

Good evening.  Watching the Rox beat up on Pitt (muted of course) while I practice.

That's a bit of a challenge isn't it? Are you working from tab or by ear?

 Listening to: Matt Flinner

[Pen]

Both actually.  I have tab - but listened to a variety of examples on youtube to get it in my head.

I'm glad I saw your post.  Like many song projects, I spend a couple days on it and then forget about it if I'm not learning it for a gig or to play with a friend.  I'll run through it again some today.  See how much I remember!

[Sap]

I want to learn this song and I think it is by Bob Dylan. It goes like this
"She's got everything she needs
she's an artist
she don't look back"

Somebody help me put a title , composer and voice to this song that has been creepin in my head the last few days.....

 :huhBob  Dylan What a great song. Some of the best tunes are the simple ones

i think this is it -   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OBiwnQ_4f4

[Sap]

YESSSSSSS!!!!!! Thanks bob! Tonight is yer pretty girls first tutor session with Greg! Let me know what she thinks...

Man I needed to hear that song, I have been humming it since last Friday ! I have never seen Bob Dylan live. Wonder if he gives a good live show. When I was younger I use to think he sounded out of tune... was it just me?

you're welcome!  I like that song.   You're gonna learn it on mando?  sweet.   I can't wait til Janet starts plucking around the house.   Unfortunately, she had to postpone her lesson until next week.  She's got a fever and sore throat and all that.  It's going thru the house, so i'm probably next. 

Ha, that's a funny question about Bob Dylan because Brian and I were just talking about this.  I like his music, but often like other people's versions better.  We saw him in concert a summer or two ago, and we were not impressed.  Brian sayz that Bob is hit or miss, and the hits are special.   He's coming in concert again soon.