Jimi Michiel

A question to lead players out there....

I come from a classical background but am trying to teach myself how to play lead to make myself more versatile. So far range hasn't been a problem (I've got a comfortable double C, although it could be stronger).

I am, however, struggling with control in the upper register, both getting the actual notes and stylistically. Getting the notes is the hardest thing. I think it's related to my ear (or lack thereof). When I practice, things that I can hear are much easier to play. If I can't hear it, I feel myself tense up and my sound starts to suffer, not to mention that I start missing notes. The obvious solution is to work on my ear training, but I'm wondering if there are any physical things I could also work on (I know, tough question because you can't see me playing...)

Related to that, I'm finding it harder to do the stylistic things that I need to do. I think I've got the right sound in my head (I listen to a lot of Basie and Ellington) but I'm having trouble translating the nuances from me head to my actual playing.

Part of the difficulty is that, along with the classical background, I normally use a very heavy setup with a large mouthpiece. I've got a lightweight Strad with a Schilke 13a4a, which seems like a pretty standard lead setup. It's just really inconsistent right now...

Any advice would be appreciated. Are there any method books out there?

Thanks,
Jimi

40cal

Not that I am even close to being an authority on lead playing, but this is what helped me out.

When I practice licks that are in the upper register I practice them softly. REAL SOFT!!!

I also do lip trills in to the upper register and do trills instead of a step or half step a 3rd of some sort. I do these softly as well.

I think it was Bob Odneal who advocates playing diminished arpeggios in to the upper register. I have yet to try them, but from what other people have told me (who are more in the know than I am) it seems to have some merit as well.

If you have a strong double C you are well ahead of where I'm at.

Good luck.

40

krossum

Jimi-

come down to O'Garas tonight and I'd love to shoot the sh$t re: lead playing w/ you... Cedar Ave is playing from 9-11pm, no cover (I think)... I'll introduce you to the guys and maybe you can sit in on a tune or six.

later
-Kelly

Jimi Michiel

Kelly,

I didn't know you played with them! I was actually planning on heading down there tonight after work (I'll be there around 10). Sh$t will definitely be shot...

Jimi

PS I'm working on the review, sorry it's taken so long.. but the disc sounds great!!!