Music Theory Monday | 20: Noodling is Important!
Added 2021-03-01 13:00:07 +0000 UTCWhere to Start • Lesson Archive • Recommended Lesson Plan • Book a Private Lesson
Hi Everyone,
In this lesson I talk about noodling - what it is first, then how to use it to "hear what you sound like." From there I give some strategies for how to gradually get from the mindful, deliberate mindset where effective practice happens, to the place where you can implement that stuff in the flow state of noodling. Essentially, if you train your noodly autopilot, you can get to a place where you're taking a solo without having to think too hard about it! This takes practice, and this lesson is about how to practice that.
Here are my jam tracks: SPJ Jam tracks
The previous MTM lessons were all about deliberately and purposefully making melodies - this lesson is about leaving that alone sometimes and just flowing.
Please, if you feel comfortable, share your "baseline noodling" right now on the community forum and in a few weeks after practicing "injecting one thing into your noodling" I'd love for you to share a follow up post about it.
More from this series:
Other helpful links:
Scott's Recommended Lesson Plan
Searchable Lesson Archive
How to Join the Community Forum
Scott's Jam Tracks
SPJ Live YouTube Channel
Scott's Main YouTube Channel
Comments
I love noodling around. I found out that it‘s most effective with my eyes closed or in the dark. That’s the best way for my fingers to learn where to go in collaboration with my ears. And when I hit a wrong note I know the next good one can’t be too far away so I try bending to it or slide down to it.
Timm Delfs
2022-07-18 09:16:55 +0000 UTCAwesome!
Scott Paul Johnson
2021-08-22 02:06:12 +0000 UTCScott, you didn't mention Heidegger. I listen closely to you! Fantastic! When I say practice over performance, I have in mind the way you presented the blues in the MTM series--great singing by the way.
Ken Keffer
2021-08-21 23:39:37 +0000 UTCDid I mention Heidegger in this video? I can't remember! If I did then yeah, I've been thinking about the differences between Heidegger and Descartes a lot lately and feeling like I really related to certain aspects of Heidegger's mindset. If I didn't mention Heidegger, WOAH! Cool coincidence! I will say that you're on to something with his hammer concept. And you're spot on that I want the guitar to "disappear in use" in the same kind of way. I've been on a general Philosophy kick the past couple years. I can't get enough
Scott Paul Johnson
2021-08-21 23:33:05 +0000 UTCThanks! One of your more musical and philosophical sessions, like the "Being Human" one, if I recall in your Guitar Music Theory. I've thought from the beginning that you're very Heideggerian, by the way. See section 15 of Being and Time for the hammer discussion--just what you're saying. The hammer disappears in use. This, too: I think they way you teach and have us practice is actually superior to performance. Give me a discussion and practice of a Beatles song any day over an actual performance by the group!
Ken Keffer
2021-08-21 17:02:57 +0000 UTCThanks Scott. Loving your lessons, btw. Keep up the good work!
Marc Cohen
2021-03-04 17:12:54 +0000 UTCI should have linked the jam tracks in the description! I fixed it, but you can also find them here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcoYnbB6Ykf5CDLqpMeUVpw
Scott Paul Johnson
2021-03-04 17:10:26 +0000 UTCHi Scott! Where do those backing tracks come from?
Marc Cohen
2021-03-04 16:00:14 +0000 UTCGood way to start adding more tapping in. thanks!
Leah Nicole
2021-03-01 21:44:20 +0000 UTCGood post. I’ve like the ideas on practicing specific things such as pull-offs, skipping strings, etc during noodling.
Daniel
2021-03-01 19:47:22 +0000 UTC
