My Thoughts on a Recent Joe Satriani Article in Guitar Player---Why You Need To Play Songs 10's If Not a Hundered TimesTo Get Them Down Right

By Mark Grove

Joe Says...and I'm paraphrasing.As time goes on your band plays the same song to big and small crowds.That's when the song should really start to mature.

The song then literally takes on a life different from when you learned it,started playing it and slowly got it down.As you play a song more and more you find elements of the song and in your playing, that floor you.

You're actually capable of a certain phrasing in a particular song.

Or you keep making a lot small mistakes that drive you nuts.If you're
a serious player you push by the mistakes and keep practicing so you
kill the song on stage,jamming and studio session work.

Playing the song with other players other than your band can bring
in dynamics you may never have thought of and actually stretched
your playing on particular aspects of the song.

If your band need to play the song constantly to get it,do it.
That shows determination and grit.Try playing that song without
effects if you use them.Use Analog methods to record that song
can also make you become more creative as a player as well,and
use less to become a better player on a song.

How Players Should Cover Other Musicians Material:

This goes along with this article on getting songs down,because
you need to play cover material,and even your own material your
way.First of all stop playing note for note.It won't help your
playing in the long run.Don't copy the phrasing either.

Drives me insane when players use the same phrasing.But don't
get so caught up in being different that the original concept
of an original or cover gets so blurred--you don't know the
song--and neither does your audience.

Make sure your original intentions ring true in your song and
you get songs down,and your playing gets better.Learn from
other players,in different situations and don't just use effects
and digital recording tools to cover up and make your material
better than it really is.

Start with blues and using Analog recording,and expand from there
guys.

Much success to all players.

Mark G---If you need help with anything music related email me.

mdgrove@rock.com