When there’s a clean slate in the studio the first thing I do is pick up the nearest instrument and make some sound. I’m never really sure where it will go, but it starts with a sound. Sometimes, like last night, a curious thought will occur and I’ll follow it for a while. See where the thread leads, if anywhere. My computer soaks it all in and I can sort it out later. I’ve probably learned more from myself by listening to these recordings than I could have from any number of teachers. When I’m alone, I behave in a unique way. I do what comes naturally and it points out my strengths and weaknesses. Most importantly, it’s what I do when I’m alone in the studio that is presented as my work. So this practice of recording brings me quite a bit of good information. From this exercise I have learned:
- I love the six string guitar.
- I prefer to play fingerstyle at all times (electric guitars included).
- If there is no instrument at hand I will torture any recordings I have with piles of processing and ruthless edits.
- The sound of open strings thrills me.
- An out of tune instrument can be interesting but is annoying more often than not.
- Patterns are fun in moderation.
- Mistakes become beautiful with a change of context.
- Practicing a part and getting it right kicks ass over editing every day of the week.
- Improvisation is at the center of life.
I’m sure other people do this. I know they do. I’m not as certain that everyone analyzes things the way I do. Maybe some are pickier about it. Maybe folks don’t listen repeatedly after the fact. What I do know is that this is really useful:
- Capture it.
- Wait 6 or more hours.
- Listen to it.
- Think about it.
- Listen again.
- Repeat.
The procedural aspects of the process build habits. The repetition brings results. It’s a practice.
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