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Guitarist do you have a story to tell
What is really “underneath it all”? by Rob Metz part 1
When we pick up the guitar or any other instrument and begin to create the music that we will ultimately be known for, what are we really thinking, feeling, expressing?
How many times have we begun to write a song or riff with no clear idea of what we want to express to our listener?
I believe that music is an expression of emotions that we seek to share with others outside of our particular experience. That can only be accomplished through our will to do it. I hear, many times a song that takes for granted the fact that someone has taken the time from their busy lives to pay attention to what has been created for them. Only to be disappointed because the artist did not craft the song appropriately. This is not to say that the artist is bad, just not attentive enough to the finer details of expressing their emotion successfully.
When writing a song the first question that should be answered is “What is this song about?” What universal truth or lack thereof does it express? What makes this song necessary? Why does it have to be written?
When we create a sound, the vibration of that sound travels out into space and can never be repeated at that same moment again. It is forever “what it is”. How much conviction was put into that note? How much passion, anger or love was communicated? Or was it just mindless twiddling?
When we write music it is ultimately created for ourselves and other people to enjoy and appreciate. How disappointing would it be to open a birthday present only to find an empty box because the gift-giver did not take the time to fill the box with a gift? This is exactly how a listener could feel if we do not become masters of communication.
We are capable of expressing many emotions and messages through our art.
EVERYONE has a story to tell.
A great idea to help broaden your horizons would be to study a chord quality that you rarely use. If you mostly play songs that use power chords, why not try a major seventh chord? Or a dominant seventh chord. Maybe learn a finger-style Christmas carol. Assign an emotional definition to the new chords that you learn for future reference. By regularly logging new sounds you will gain the ability to express more emotions and reach a wider audience.
Anger seems to be one of the most expressed emotions in rock and roll. My opinion is that it is the easiest to express. Try to express something deeper. How about mystery, excitement or longing? A great exercise is to sit quietly for a few minutes and imagine how you would feel in a particular situation and imitate the feelings that you have by using notes or chords and record them. Try telling a story without using a single word and ask your friend to explain the story to see if they “get it”.
I think that if this became a regular part of practice that the quality of the song would improve and the experience would be deepened for writer and listener. I do believe that we all have a story to tell and that with a little effort we can all express the reality of what is really underneath it all”.
Check out Rob's Music at Guitar9.com
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