Dealing with rhythm

[David Haynes]

I’m copying a post from Gregory here (couldn’t ‘move’ it from the public forum). Seems like a topic worthy of more discussion. -dmh

“I wanted to share with the forum something that may help anyone struggling with getting the rhythm straight for Misty. I came at Sudnow Method after being a guitar player for many years. I thought that would give me a leg up on learning piano. Wrong, I think it may have hampered my progress. Long story short, after what I thought was a very long time I was able to play through Misty in a kind of mechanical way. After thinking about it for a while I realized my melody and harmony were out of sync. Guitar players usually play rhythm (chords), or lead (melody). The great guitarists can play both just like a pianist. Dave Sudnow’s method clearly states playing perfectly and in time. Easier said that done for me. Couldn’t quite get the timing right. My solution has been to strip out the melody and concentrate on the rhythm of the chords, playing them in time perfectly. After working on this for a few days I went added back in the melody and it all began to mesh. If any of you are coming from a melody only instrument or guitar and having timing issues you might want to give this a try.”

[David Haynes]

Here are two things that may also help you – assuming that you already have ‘Misty’ well in hand (or whichever song you know the best):

1. Create some movement with your body. Tap your foot, sway back and forth, bob your head, anything to physically connect to the beat of the song.

2. Sing through the song (or hum, but read the lyrics as you do) without playing but also following #1 above. Play around with the melody as you do, finding a rendition that you like. Don’t worry about the written note values. As you internalize the lyrics go back to the piano and try to play that version.

It may help you to find a recorded version you like – with a vocalist – to sing along with. But always tap your foot or sway back and forth. The physical movement creates a sort of reference point that allows you to experiment with the melody without losing the underlying beat.

[Gregory]

Hi David: Very good suggestions. I will give them a try also.

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