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A strategy for increasing reading speed for guitarists(or other musos) Impediments to reading fluency may be from any number of sources, including the following: You, Your gear, The chart, and the Playing conditions. Let’s deal with each in turn. Playing conditions. You need to try to avoid sight reading in the first place. Preparation is what you need to bring to every playing opportunity, so get charts ahead of rehearsal times, and make sure they are really clear, well lit and annotated to your requirements. Be really aware of your Musical director’s style of conducting, and use your peripheral vision when reading chart, so you can sense the beats while reading chart. Get seating height and angles right for you. Get best foldback you can, so you can get good sonic idea of your place in band. Don’t allow wind, or other players distract you. The Chart. Get any unknowns, like expression marks and unfamiliar Italian terms translated. Make sure the Arrangement is understood. 1st time, 2nd time, D.C. or Segnos and Codas etc. have to be clear. Try to see the forest, rather than the trees, when you pre-read the chart. If there are any unfamiliar chords, but no time to conquer new voicing before your rehearsal, consider replacing with the closest chord you do know… but make it your mission to learn that unfamiliar chord for next time. Your Gear Get intonation and action adjusted. A high action will slow you down, and bad intonation will make you doubt your skills. Soft picks for rhythm and harder picks for lead… but avoid extremes. Don’t put up with hums,crackles and pops if amplified. Balance with ensemble to help you hear your role and to boost confidence. Your strap height must be helping you play, not look cool. You Be rested, relaxed and receptive. If you have to… fake it till you make it. Make music making your reason for playing, and eliminate from your mind anything that disturbs that aim. Left hand nails short, and fingerboard pressure minimised. Don’t forget to breathe well while playing. Be thinking about efficiency. Alternate picking, even attack in scales and clean chords with smooth transitions between them is your aim. Smile, but don’t tap your foot. For next time: Playing efficiency through knowing multiple chord voicings, barre chords and alternative fingerings. Key notes and open strings on fretboard for finding notes. De-tuning as shortcut for playing with W.W and brass and capos for transposing. |
AuthorGary Gallagher is a music specialist teacher who wants to share what he has learned about music and appreciates your contribution too, by making comments and questions. Archives
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