Questions tagged [technique]
For questions about ways to use one's instrument or voice precisely to produce a desired musical effect.
1,030
questions
2
votes
2answers
54 views
If I need to play piano with gloves on, what type of glove will have minimal impact on my technique?
In a comment to How do you disinfect a concert grand piano?, ThisIsMe floated the idea of pianists wearing gloves while they play if disinfecting or overcleaning a piano becomes a problem.
I admit I ...
1
vote
2answers
23 views
Advice for positioning my pinky on the fretboard, it is slightly twisted toward the ring finger
Hi I am a newbie here trying to learn guitar and I have been having issues with using my pinky. As you can see in the first picture, my pinky has the tendency to rotate toward my ring finger. The ...
2
votes
1answer
29 views
(How) Can CPE Bach's *Solfeggietto* (Solfeggio) in C Minor be played left-hand alone?
In researching CPE Bach - Solfeggietto - cross-hand playing style?, I stumbled on the following statement in Wikipedia:
The work is often performed by left-hand alone.
How?
2
votes
1answer
40 views
Piano CPE Bach - Solfegietto - cross-hand playing style?
Many years ago, my piano teacher taught me a cool variation to this piece whereby I cross my hands over to play for one or two measures. I don't remember exactly which part though. All I remember is ...
0
votes
1answer
75 views
What is Les Claypool doing during this live show of Those Damned Blue Collar Tweekers?
During live performances of Those Damned Blue Collar Tweekers, Les does something with his hand when playing the bass during the refrain that I don't understand.
You can pretty clearly see it right ...
3
votes
2answers
112 views
Fingerstyle: what's the angle I should use for plucking?
Do I pluck with 45 or 90 (strictly across the string) degree angle? I'm talking about plucking, not placement.
Google shows various results of 45 and 90 and not all of them are strictly plucking, some ...
0
votes
0answers
41 views
Questions about Zakk Wylde's technique
Is Zakk Wylde's picking technique considered unusual? He rounds his right hand completely to the point that it looks unwieldy. Now he makes it work, there is no denying the result, but I wonder if you ...
1
vote
2answers
63 views
Why am I unable to buzz my lips?
First of all, a little bit of context.
I have been playing the trumpet for one year and a half already. I am undergoing my second change of embochure, so I really want to do things right not to start ...
4
votes
2answers
42 views
Microphone response question
When we have a particular microphone and we use it to record vocals, does the sweet spot of that mike change with different types of voices? Or does it stay situated in one spot?
1
vote
5answers
206 views
Reading and playing sheet music without actually understanding the notes
I'm learning to read music. I'm at the point where I can sight-read basic tunes on the treble and bass clefs (I've almost finished Alfred's Vol. 1). However, I've noticed that my mind always wants to ...
3
votes
4answers
1k views
Is there such a thing as FāÆ position on the piano?
I am practicing a song that uses the FāÆ aeolian scale ascending and the melody sits between the notes FāÆ and CāÆ. If I play this melody with my right hand (in FāÆ position) and place my thumb on FāÆ, my ...
1
vote
1answer
44 views
How to hit the right hole on the harmonica
I have been trying to self-learn the harmonica over the past few days. I notice I sometimes blow/draw from multiple holes when I only want to make a single note. There are a few questions I have ...
1
vote
4answers
114 views
My hand is too small to play a section of the piece
I've been learning The Second Waltz, and there is part I can't play.
As you can see, the bass has notes more than an octave away from each other at times. My hands can reach about an octave, and I ...
2
votes
1answer
117 views
Arpeggiated Chords with Partial Wavy Vertical Lines
Does anyone know how to play an arpeggiated chord when the wavy vertical line beside the chord is not all the way alongside the chord?
Any fingering suggestions for playing the first chord?
Thank you :...
1
vote
3answers
73 views
How can I start playing bagpipe? [closed]
I am going to start bagpipe (either Galician, Scotish or Ireland one), but I have not clue what is the best beginning to play it.
Any tips for this instrument, in terms of music technique, please?
...
5
votes
2answers
306 views
How to play a diamond note on guitar? [duplicate]
Source
Here it is written in diamond notes in the first measure. How should one play them on guitar and also what do they indicate?
2
votes
1answer
114 views
How long does a violin bow technique last?
When reading a sheet music there is some specific bow technique that need to be used on some passages, but I wonder when I will need to switch to my regular bow stroke. For example like in "La ...
2
votes
3answers
76 views
Playing legato while staccato in Rachmaninoff's “Etude-Tableaux Op. 33”
In Rachmaninoff's 'Ćtude-Tableaux Op.33 No.4 in D-minor' there are plenty of places where you are supposed to play staccato while playing legato in the left hand (for example, measures 32-34 below). ...
2
votes
3answers
115 views
Proper repeated note fingering on piano?
Is there a proper fingering for playing a fast repeated notes on the piano? I understand that using multiple fingers to play to the repeated note is the best way to go but does it matter which ...
-1
votes
3answers
146 views
How many repetitions of a piece I'm learning should I do before the notes become permanently embedded in my memory? [closed]
Do people forget songs once they master it and don't practice it for months and years? I am practicing many songs and doing ear training and scales and chords and many things in parallel. Hence have ...
0
votes
1answer
80 views
Can anyone please tell me how to play this in “La Campanella”?
I can't play the grace notes. Either it gets out of sync or there is a noticeable delay.
0
votes
1answer
129 views
What's the trampoline sound in some solo piano recordings?
I listen to classical music while I study. I've noticed a couple songs that have a kind of springing, trampoline-like sound in them. What is that? Is it an artifact of a specific play style or some ...
1
vote
1answer
60 views
How to practice trumpet with mouthpiece alone?
I heard that trumpeters in a mariachi band are not allowed to pick up the trumpet until they have mastered playing with just the mouthpiece. How would I go about replicating this technique of ...
10
votes
5answers
847 views
Are notes played on the beat [always] played louder?
I know that the 4/4 time signature is played as [ONE-two-Three-four]. But in the third beat of the first measure there are two 8th notes; the first one coinciding with the beat. So would they be ...
2
votes
3answers
110 views
How to practice this kind of complex tuplet structures appeared in Scriabin's Poem Op.32 and his Etude Op.42 No.2?
Recently, I have put a lot of efforts in practicing Scriabin's Poem Op.32 No.1 and his Etude Op.42 No.2. But I've found it really hard to master the complex rhythm structures.
In bar 16 of his poem ...
1
vote
3answers
108 views
While playing a song / melody, Why does my timing of hitting the chords go wrong?
Hello to all the music fraternity, mentors and experts. I am struggling long time now with the problem of playing the chords correctly at the required places while playing any song or melody. I am ...
3
votes
2answers
55 views
Are middle eastern flutes generally played with the left hand closer to the mouth?
I've seen different people on the internet play middle eastern flutes like the Ney and Kaval either with their left hand or right hand closer to the mouth. I'm unsure which of these is best for me to ...
3
votes
5answers
185 views
Block chord progressions on piano: how to improve landing fingers accurately and timely one after another
I dread block chords (just beginning to learn piano). They are much trickier than broken chords, as they require placing multiple fingers on respective correct keys all at once and land on the next ...
3
votes
1answer
131 views
Correct technique for multi string legato pull-offs
Here I tabbed out the tablature of legato line on two string i.e. G and D String.
I am self taught intermediate guitar player, still learning. I am trying to figure out solution or correct way to ...
1
vote
2answers
85 views
What's more important: Straight bow, or flexible grip?
I've been formulating my bowing philosophy.
Itzhak Perlman has a phenomenal bow hold--his grip is very flexible, and it makes his playing look very natural. His index and pinky fingers occasionally ...
0
votes
2answers
89 views
Piano Rhapsody of a Theme of Paganini: Varation 18: Confusing note count [duplicate]
I am studying Variation 18 from a Rhapsody of a Theme of Paganini. I have stumbled uppon a confusing set of notes. I see this comming back in the measures. In the first picture below you start, for ...
0
votes
2answers
76 views
Celtic folk music bass technique
Few days ago I joined a Celtic folk music band as a bass player.
I've never play that kind of music, but I found it very different to play compared to rock music, especially with the right hand.
...
0
votes
0answers
24 views
How to improve improvisation (darbuka / doumbek) hand drum
A few years ago, I bought an instructional DVD on how to play the darbuka, and now, all these years later, I have more or less got the all the featured beats down.
The issue is I tend to sound a bit ...
3
votes
2answers
183 views
Chords in Rachmaninoff's 2nd piano concerto
I am currently practicing the first movement of the 2nd Rachmaninoff piano concerto. Luckily I have no troubles reaching the chords in the left hand (Maybe because I am left-handed? The only time it ...
24
votes
6answers
7k views
Why do some pianists occasionally play their hands at different times?
Piano is not my main instrument, but I have always been taught that the same rhythms should always sound together. In other words, if both hands play on the downbeat of the measure, both hands should ...
2
votes
3answers
129 views
Chopin - Étude in A minor, Op.25 No.11 “Winterwind” Pedalling Discrepancies Between Sheet Music and Performances
The nub of the question is: why are there pedalling discrepancies that most performers I listen to follow identically, but are almost universally not listed in any variations of scores and how could I ...
1
vote
1answer
65 views
I am struggling with fingerboard muscle memory on the violin. Are there exercises, besides scales, that can help me?
I'm an adult learning violin for 5 months now. No tape or any markings on the fingerboard.
I can't seem to gain muscle memory when it comes to placing fingers.
I have an idea of where they should go,...
4
votes
5answers
2k views
Are my hands too small for chord embellishments?
Iāve been playing guitar for about a year and Iām learning to play RnB style chord embellishments and right now they seem absolutely impossible. Playing an Emin7 and hammering on the 10th fret seems ...
2
votes
1answer
27 views
Are there any practice regimens or recommendations related to recovery or rehabilitation of skills due to a cervical spine condition?
In 12/2019 I lost the feelings in my fingers and had significant pain in my shoulder and arm. The condition was treated successfully and I am having regular physical therapy from a sports and medicine ...
2
votes
0answers
67 views
What is is called when you repeatedly press strings on a guitar and strum at the same time?
What is is called when you repeatedly press strings on a guitar and strum at the same time? If you do it fast enough on an acoustic guitar it will make a wah-wah-wah-wah sound. This is without a pedal,...
2
votes
0answers
69 views
What are some of the mechanics of playing guitar with your teeth?
if you were to begin a Jimi Hendrix tribute band and you want to do this...
Is there any specific mechanics or techniques you need to master to be able to play like ...
1
vote
4answers
103 views
What is the proper way to fret (R-3-m7-9-5) chords (on the fifth string)?
I'm sorry about the somewhat vague title, but my knowledge of chord notation is somewhat limited.
I've always had some issues when it comes to fretting this type of chord. If I leave the fifth out ...
1
vote
2answers
142 views
How to do basic guitar spider exercise correctly?
I have just given the most basic spider exercise a go and realise I am not 100% clear what counts as a "doing it correctly". I'm playing A A# B C B A# A on string 1 by slowly holding down fingers 1 2 ...
2
votes
3answers
196 views
How exactly is this measure in Chopin's etude supposed to be played?
How am I supposed to play the staccato in the following section? I also don't understand when composers write 8th on bottom and then a 16th on top. Why do composers do this?
2
votes
1answer
77 views
Why tilt a violin bow inward? (I.e., stick towards bridge, not towards scroll)
In this recording of Jascha Heifetz he frequently tilts the bow inwards (by which I mean towards the bridge instead of "outwards" towards the scroll). Here's a frame showing it:
I have never seen ...
-5
votes
2answers
92 views
How does one compose in a certain style of a musician or musicians? [closed]
How do you compose in the style of a musician, or musicians that has a peculiar sound, but make it uniquely yours? I want to make my own accompaniment tracks on my keyboard and play in different ...
0
votes
3answers
88 views
What is a musical pattern and how do you use it in style?
In music theory what is a music pattern as it relates to style? Here is a quote I got from this website to help one get my question about style... and the use of "musical pattern. " "Style refers to ...
1
vote
1answer
53 views
High notes in the mix voice
When singing high notes, is mixed voice the same thing as head voice? Is mixed voice just a bridge between head and chest, and when you sing higher, it is actually your head voice?
15
votes
12answers
4k views
I have been practicing a song for 3 hours straight but I keep making mistakes. How can I get it right?
There is this one song I have to play for school but every time I try to play it, I make a mistake. I did this for 3 hours straight and I sent an email to my teacher and he gave me some advice but it ...
2
votes
1answer
66 views
Which string instruments/playing techniques were used for Nashville Sound country music?
I've been delving into the history of a particular style of country music called "Nashville Sound" recently, which involved a lot of string sections in songs. Some websites describe them as being "...
