I have decided to try and make the switch over to DADGAD tuning. This has taken a bit of thought for me, as I am quite familiar with Orkney tuning (CGDGCD), recorded an album in that tuning, and am happy playing backup in it. But I feel I am somewhat of a simplistic guitarist, only really playing in two positions in Orkney. In the key of C or G without a capo, or in the key of D or A with a capo at the second fret. I like to play backup with a capo at the second fret, but then if i want to flatpick a tune there is no open middle D string. So I end up taking the capo off, and all this switching back and forth messes with my knowledge of the notes on the fingerboard. I feel I am locked into playing my arrangements by muscle memory, and cannot be spontanous or free musically when I play. Of course could be a problem in any tuning.

DADGAD to me seems a bit more versatile, perhaps due to the bass strings not being tuned down so low. It works well for celtic backup, and without a capo the keys of D, A, G, and C are readily available, with Bb and F seeming doable. I can flatpick tunes but also switch over to fingerstyle arrangements.

I am having a good time working through Doug Young’s DADGAD book. Its very insightful and well laid out. I am going to strive and really do the work to learn my chords, scales, inversions, and modes all over the neck, so i can be a more complete guitarist.

One thing that has given me some trouble is with my 2nd string tuned to A it seems to go out of tune as I go up the neck. I use medium guage strings, but am thinking about swapping out the 2nd string for a heavier one. Do folks out there have any other suggestions?

Check out Pierre Bensusan below playing in DADGAD. Humbling and inspiring. I think it certainly shows that DADGAD can be used for a variety of sounds.

Hi Folks,

My apologies for lack of meaningful blog updates lately. My holiday season was chaotic as usual, then for the past few weeks I have been moving into a new house. Things are still a mess, but I am excited, as I will have a music room/studio. It will be nice to have a space where I can shut the door and try to be more productive.

I want to talk about performance, and how it can really be a catalyst for improving your playing. I think that playing for an audience forces you on executing the music, concentrating on the big picture and not fretting on the little details that one deals with during practice.

As guitarists, a lot of our practice time is focused on the details. Is my tone even and consistent, are there any string buzzes or squeaks? Am I playing with enough volume, and is there any excess tension anywhere? I think this all good and neccessary; the music needs to sound smooth, polished, and relaxed if the listener is going to enjoy it.

But I also feel after a certain amount of this, one can benefit most just by going out and performing. It can be as simple as a three song open mic, a small gig at a coffee shop, or something more formal where folks are sitting down and attentively listening.

A lot of musicians better than myself have said there is no substitute for playing out as much as you can, and I am inclined to agree. It forces you to “get out of your own way” and just deliver the music at best you can. There is no time to go back and dwell over a finger squeak or a missed note, the music just goes on. And I think often times you may suprise yourself by how well you play.

Case in point, I was filling in today for a friend at a coffee shop gig. I have not been super consistent with my practice time lately, due to moving and being busy. My technique has been feeling ok, but I have not been overly happy with my tone, and certain right hand finger combinations are feeling awkward. But I just went out and played the music I knew, and told myself to have a good time and play confidently.

It went great; I felt totally relaxed, and it was great to be out gigging after some time off. I had several nice conversations with folks about my music, and people seemed to enjoy it.

If you have a body of music and are feeling the desire to share it with others, go out and play! This can be as simple as inviting a few friends over for an informal living room show, or you could go out and setup a gig a local coffee shop or other appropriate venue. You might be surprised at how much it jumpstarts your playing.

Anton

I came across this blog entry by Danny Barnes, and thought i would post a link here.  Its great advice for those wanting to make a living playing music, or really any sort of self employed person.

How To Make a Living Playing Music.

Anton