Musician Forum - Band Discussion Board - BandMix

I don't know if anyone is going to read this or not, and how many others already do this, but oh well! Forums look a bit dead around here as it is.

Anyway, I have a fun tidbit I'll share that I've used to create many-a-new songs. Write down a list of some songs by recording artists you like, hell, even some you don't like. Look online to any tabulature site...I know, I know, you're thinking, "Hey man, I'm the best guitarist ever, I don't need to read tabs I play by ear!", but, there is a reason to this.

Print out the tabs to however many songs meet your heart's (or ink cartridge's) content. Now, strap on that axe (yes bassist, this works for you too) and....play the song backwards. Now, not necisarrly note-for-note of course, it'd probably sound like something Courtney Love-meets-MSI would creat, but change the tabs up a bit. Add a few more notes, mute some, pinch harmonic some, etc. Play with it.

I know this isn't a major technique or tip, but it has definitely helped me out when I felt STUCK, and I don't care HOW GOOD YOU ARE, you know there have been times you plugged in your guitar, but your brain remained on stand-by.

So there you have it, take it or leave it, but please, mess with it. Hours of fun, I guarantee.

Oh Yeah, If it works, Use it. One learns to be self developing when writing originals,cover songs,etc. I use playing cover songs on the weekends as a main influence to originals. I prefer writing with a full Band, Than alone. Let the Band develope a Personality, Cut a CD.

I remember a funny broadcast of Victor Borge. He was playing some unknown piece (on piano), and suddenly he stopped, and looked confused.
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Then he reached forward and turned the music notes right side up; he'd been playing the music upside down . . .