James McCann

James McCann
James Mccann commented on: Keep Me From Blowing Away Singing and Communicating Emotion Mar 28, 2016

Hi there Chris, I didn't want to waste your time by putting the whole song because I know it could be long; the advice you gave was great and really helps me as a singer song writer because pulling emotions make the song's meaning really come to life and hit home. Great lesson, thanks again!

James McCann
James Mccann commented on: Keep Me From Blowing Away Singing and Communicating Emotion Mar 28, 2016

Chris Eldridge
Chris Eldridge Mar 28, 2016

James, you have a beautiful voice! Great to hear you sing this. One quick word of feedback: make sure you're actually saying all of the words. Sometimes the first word of the phrase can get dropped or swallowed (I'm as guilty of this as anyone), but you want to try and get all of the little words in there. 

James McCann
James Mccann commented on: Nashville Blues Norman's Melody Mar 17, 2016

Chris Eldridge
Chris Eldridge Mar 27, 2016

Hey James, if it feels better for you to keep your fingers out, by all means go for it! I actually put my fingers out sometimes too depending on how I'm feeling. The only rule is that if you notice that something that you are doing is causing tension, then don't do it! Find another way. So if for you, tucking your ring finger and pinky under cause you tension then set them free.

Re playing, you are pulling a robust powerful tone which is great. It all sounds and looks good until the last phrase which jumps ahead a touch (maybe a 16th early?) and also loses the groove a bit. Watch your video again and notice how your whole being tenses up for that last phrase. Your right arm and hand tense up, but also your face tenses up quite a bit which tells me that that part is something that you're not as comfortable with. So try playing it very slowly 10 times (preferably along with my video at 50%), making sure that you know the part. While you are doing this, be mindful of any tension in your body and mind. If you tense up, just acknowledge it and keep going. Eventually if you keep acknowledging it, the tension somehow becomes disarmed. Gradually bring it back up to speed.

James McCann
James Mccann commented on: You Don't Know My Mind Soloing and Playing to the Guitar's Strengths Jan 09, 2016

wow, that excersice actually was REALLY mentally challenging me on how to think about being a more economy of motion picker. Its helping a ton already, Thanks a ton! Also, this may seem like a small stupid question, but I cant seem to find a great flatpick that doesn't slip or chip away, do you have any recommendations?

James McCann
James Mccann commented on: You Don't Know My Mind Soloing and Playing to the Guitar's Strengths Jan 09, 2016

I'm not sure if my up strokes are correct and would love feedback on that. Also I recognized I sped up towards the end, so I will get a metronome to that bad boy ahah

Chris Eldridge
Chris Eldridge Jan 09, 2016

 
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