This week we again discussed the importance of timing and practiced the two riffs previously practiced. After Dave demonstrated, the group played the riffs in the key of G using the same notes in each but with different timing. The notes in the first riff are played during the first measure in a two measure count while the notes in the second riff are drawn out over the full two measures. The group then practiced combining the two riffs playing them in 12 bars blues format.
In 12 bar blues and staying in the key of G, we each took turns playing one riff over two measures while the others played rhythm, and going around alternating playing the first and second riffs while alternating between banjos and guitars (2 banjo and 2 guitar players this session). We continued playing this for a number of rounds.
Dave then demonstrated playing the same two riffs in the key of G using the 1, 4, 5 progression. The group practiced this for a short period. Although challenging, this is very cool as it begins to build on what we have been learning by combining different riffs and playing them using the 1,4, 5 progression (see previous posts for background).
Due to time, we were unable to practice playing the #4 riff in class or the chosen song "Sweet Home Chicago" from the class material provided. We were to have practiced both during last week and will continue to practice them and plan to play them during the next class.
We again discussed the use of the Drum & Guitar Tracks provided with the class material in practicing the riffs and songs along with Quick Time Player being suggested as a good program to use for this. We also discussed Apple vs Microsoft computers and software used to record music. Dave demonstrated using his Apple computer and suggested this is his preferred system for this application for several reasons including the higher level of protection from viruses that the Apple system offers over Microsoft and the built-in software the Apple provides with their system is intuitive to use and provides good results.
