My first progress video - Ringo Bushi

Playing/Techniques
#1

Hello all!

I really like the idea of progress videos, especially since the more…“normal” people playing shamisen videos there are out there, the less I get depressed watching professionals in awe and dumbfoundedness.

I teach kids here in Japan, and the one thing I try and tell them is don’t be shy, so here I am with my first video playing solo, partaking of my own medicine.

My timing usually wanders around, so I know I need to work on that (but playing with a metronome is sooo dull/hard!), but some things I’ve been trying to work on recently are getting dynamics going by playing hard and soft etc.

also…i gurn…I gurn a lot, I have no idea how to stop it. But basically I kinda “chew” through my music, especially the harder parts. It’s very strange.

Hope you guys like it, and would love any feedback, my skin be thick.

Cheers.

#2

Love your ringo bushi ! You got spirit! Keep it up and post more of these as you further progress into new tunes ! I know a little bit about your background from your messages so it’s even more exciting to watch you progress. I have no doubt you will rule someday! For now just keep going with tunes and playing techniques. You got the feeling of music so that’s what really matters. Technical advancement will come pretty naturally to you the more time you spend practicing!
Anyway strong work! Keep it up!

#3

Nice ringo bushi man, the feel of it reminds me of Takahashi Chikuzan’s version.

#4

I agree with Kevin and Liam!

If you don’t like playing to a metronome, have you tried selecting a recording of the song you are playing and play to that instead? For me it works great. You gotta turn it up loud to hear the differences though :stuck_out_tongue:

#5

Nice Ringo Bushi dude! I sense you’re getting a good feeling for dynamics! :slight_smile: (something which turns a normal piece into an epic performance)

Karl has a good point. A metronome can feel a little binding, so playing along with a recording is a great way to practice keeping a solid beat while feeling fluid and natural.

So awesome to see these progress videos!! This is what it’s all about! :smiley: Again, great dynamics! You’re on to something. :slight_smile:

© 2020 Kyle Abbott