Practice diary - post 8

Section 1 – Practice updates

In technical development, we looked at how to use all of the 6 pentatonic shapes. I found this to be very helpful as it could broaden my soloing style, as I am now able to play the same licks in different positions on the neck. So I found this to be very useful when needing to play a low lick high up on the neck.

In critical listening we continued looking at our transposition work. I found this to be very hard as I am not very educated in theory, so I found it confusing.

Throughout stylistic awareness, we looked at playing ‘could you be loved’ by Bob Marley. I found this to be fairly easy to play although nerves got the best of me at time throughout the performance, so I forgot to play some of the chords.

Throughout band skills, we continued rehearsing with the bands. First I practiced with Matlinda’s band (Miracles) and we got some pin pointers from the teacher. This really helped our band develop as at first we were only playing basic chords but now we include embellishments and some licks. I then briefly practiced with Lauren’s band. This was useful as I managed to learn the main repeating lick throughout the song. After all of my lectures were over, I went and practiced with Laurens group for around an hour and a half. This was really good as we managed to get everything together and polish the song.

section 2 - other/ personal study

As stated in the previous blog post, I have been practicing ‘Georgia on my mind’ by Ray Charles. I feel that I have made good progress on the song however it is very hard to learn so i feel that i might be another couple of weeks before i learn it with all of the embellishments.