Tabs vs Learning by ear!

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 25 Mar 2009 2:40 pm

Yep i'm with ya on that one Jeff!

I don't think i will ever phrase anything as Paul or any other pro but i don't think they would play something i did the same either!

So it seems that alot of players kind of do the same as i do with tabs and or hearing what's played!

Thanks for the comment!
Oh yea, i am by no means putting my playing at the level of Paul or any other pro!!

kenny

J D Sauser · Post by **J D Sauser** » 26 Mar 2009 6:54 am

I've been quite outspoken on the issue too many times, which made me a few friends and a good bunch of not so friends. At the end of all days, it boils down to some thoughts as simple as these:

1) Music is about what you're hearing, eventually, so why take turns into graphics, charts and other unrelated things.?
2) IF you want to sound, play and gain the creativity of your idols, what seems more logical then to learn how they did learn?

I've said it once face to face to a tab defender. He explained to me he wanted to play everything like Buddy Emmons and that tab would reveal each note to him. I told him, that if he wanted to play like BE, he would have to be able to do every thing like BE. I asked him to do a simple exercise (and the reader can do it right here too, if willing):

First stand up facing the screen, loosen up and then turn 90 degrees to the left.

Walk 10 steps and then come back and face the screen again.

Now scroll down.

And now do that again, walk the 10 steps, but this time, do it like Buddy Emmons (or your particular hero) would do it!

Playing music is as individual as the person who does it!
If you want to learn to (learn to) play like a particular person, you won't even get close just by skimming the final result... you'd have to approach it like that person.

... J-D.

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 26 Mar 2009 12:30 pm

Yep, pretty much what i was saying about feeling and emotion in what you play.

I think i heard the Big E say one time to play things your own way and with your own feel. Tbas still help get you in the right place but you put the style on it!

Thanks amn!
kenny

Bobby Boggs · Post by **Bobby Boggs** » 26 Mar 2009 7:32 pm

I think what i'm saying is that new players can spend too much time on paper! Study is an absolute but playing what you also feel is as well.

Yep.

I told him, that if he wanted to play like BE, he would have to be able to do every thing like BE

Sorry, don't agree with that statement.

However,No one could play exactly like anyone. Be it Buddy Emmons or Kenny Martin.But if Emmons is his favorite player.And that's who he wants to try to sound like. Tab can get him there faster. However if you don't have a good hear and touch. You're never going to sound good if you copy someone. Or if you do your own thing.

Just a personal opinion here. But to me. If you're going to copy, say a popular into, turn-around, What ever. Then you should at least play the correct notes. There are several guys teaching on You-Tube. One comes to mind. He teaches the intro or turnaround to be like so and so played it. And it's just wrong. I don't see how anyone can benefit from this.But again just an opinion. Thanks for your ear.

I do need to add. There are guys like Mickey and Kenny who are doing a good job.I guess you just have to be careful who you learn from.

Just remember. If it don't sound exactly right. It probably ain't right.

Kenny Martin · Post by **Kenny Martin** » 27 Mar 2009 3:56 am

Thanks Bobby!

Coming from the player you are its sound advice!
We've met but it has been many years!!

I play part time with Boyd Burdette up in Central, SC.

Need to get together one day!
Take care man!

kenny