steelmooch
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2010
- Posts
- 280
Hello, all...and thanks for your time and consideration.
It's difficult asking a question like this one on a "guitar" message board - lots of negativity and snark...not a lot of help.
Since I know there are some basic strummers on here, I thought I'd ask the question in a more friendly environment. Please be kind.
I've been strumming and singing country, bluegrass, folk, and classic rock-type songs for probably 15 years. Basic 3-5 chord arrangements in standard position on the guitar, and my singing carries the melody and "makes" the songs. My wife & kids have fun with it at home, in the travel trailer, and around the campfire...and that's what I really care about.
I've not gotten any better as a player in that time...but in honestly, I don't really aspire to become a technically proficient player. (Is that strange to say?) I don't have the time or the inclination at this point in my life...I just want to enjoy some music with my family from time to time when we can.
I'd like to add in a few basic things that make my playing sound 25% better...so that maybe I'm more comfortable playing rhythm with other people or in front of other people.
I've tried "alternating bass" and "bass runs", but found them to be unsustainable with my infrequent practice. Having a few social beverages around the campfire also leads to those techniques getting "scrapped", if you know what I mean.
I've had a little bit of success with some hammer-ons...especially hammering on the pinky in the "D" chord in certain songs that merit it.
Touching the bass string first instead of hitting the entire chord...trying to sweep in with the pick hand and "randomize" the played strings of a chord instead of droning on with every string every time...etc.
Still not hearing quite what I'd like to. When I watch basic, stripped-down acoustic performances on YouTube (especially by singers who aren't really great guitar players), I think to myself..."he/she isn't really doing anything that different than I do...it's subtle...but it sounds so much better than what I'm doing!".
Are some of the campfire strummers out there able to recommend specific skills that I'd be able to see on YouTube and practice on my own? Or even to recommend a print/online resource for "people who just want to strum/sing a little bit better without investing the time to complete an instructional series?"
Thanks a lot and happy travels, everyone...hope everyone up north with me is staying warm.
It's difficult asking a question like this one on a "guitar" message board - lots of negativity and snark...not a lot of help.
Since I know there are some basic strummers on here, I thought I'd ask the question in a more friendly environment. Please be kind.
I've been strumming and singing country, bluegrass, folk, and classic rock-type songs for probably 15 years. Basic 3-5 chord arrangements in standard position on the guitar, and my singing carries the melody and "makes" the songs. My wife & kids have fun with it at home, in the travel trailer, and around the campfire...and that's what I really care about.
I've not gotten any better as a player in that time...but in honestly, I don't really aspire to become a technically proficient player. (Is that strange to say?) I don't have the time or the inclination at this point in my life...I just want to enjoy some music with my family from time to time when we can.
I'd like to add in a few basic things that make my playing sound 25% better...so that maybe I'm more comfortable playing rhythm with other people or in front of other people.
I've tried "alternating bass" and "bass runs", but found them to be unsustainable with my infrequent practice. Having a few social beverages around the campfire also leads to those techniques getting "scrapped", if you know what I mean.
I've had a little bit of success with some hammer-ons...especially hammering on the pinky in the "D" chord in certain songs that merit it.
Touching the bass string first instead of hitting the entire chord...trying to sweep in with the pick hand and "randomize" the played strings of a chord instead of droning on with every string every time...etc.
Still not hearing quite what I'd like to. When I watch basic, stripped-down acoustic performances on YouTube (especially by singers who aren't really great guitar players), I think to myself..."he/she isn't really doing anything that different than I do...it's subtle...but it sounds so much better than what I'm doing!".
Are some of the campfire strummers out there able to recommend specific skills that I'd be able to see on YouTube and practice on my own? Or even to recommend a print/online resource for "people who just want to strum/sing a little bit better without investing the time to complete an instructional series?"
Thanks a lot and happy travels, everyone...hope everyone up north with me is staying warm.