The Chapman Stick Arrived

On October 5 my Chapman stick arrived. I have to admit that although I have played Bass for over 30 years, I am a bit nervous at how easily I will be able to pick this up.

My musical journey on this instrument is exciting and mysterious. How will this instrument in my hands respond to my ideas?

When I took it out of its case I knew exactly how to put it on because I had been studying the stick online seriously for over 4 months.

Now because I know and understand music (I can read music and have composed music for television and for myself over the years) I am not starting from zero. Also having played bass and guitar for so many years, I am comfortable with fingers touching strings.

When I got acquainted with the instrument over the first few hours there were 2 challenges:

1) The different tuning. The bass especially because it is tuned in 5ths and the strings ascend in reverse.

2) The newness of hand taping with the right hand

I did manage to work out the bass riff for “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder and “I’m a Man”, Steve Winwood. It does sound cool. However, it starts to sound interesting when I put the chords over it.

Now off to play… tamiflu 75 mg.

The Chapman Stick at the Border

My new Chapman Stick is sitting at the border, the studio is starting to shape up and I’m putting in 1 hour a day playing bass and guitar.

Tracking my stick’s trip on UPS, just waiting for customs to clear… Gee sounds like an Arlo Guthrie song.

This Chapman stick is made from Mahogany — This is what my stick looks like but the inlays and tuning keys are different

Playing an hour a day, here is my first discovery.

It’s interesting how at times you seem to be spinning your wheels. So much effort trying to get a bit of traction. And at times forward momentum is sooooo… slow that it almost feels like going backwards.

That’s how my playing feels why not try these out.

However, I know from experience when I played regularly, that if you just keep doing it consistently, you allow your EARS to guide you. So when the moment comes when the muse materializes, even if for only for an instant, a leap in ability, confidence, excitement and joy takes place.

I can’t wait! Lets play…

Back on the Path to Musicianship

It’s Friday and I have to admit, it’s time to move forward pop over to these guys. I have started composing again and it came at the most unusual time.

Bass fingers — Working it out in the high end

Jamming with the Writer

The first piece came to me while reading an acoustic guitar magazine. I was just noodling a bit with 2 of the chords in the exercise given by the writer.

It’s like jamming with the writer and you come up with a different riff. Then you develop it over a few days. Not intentionally, but sort of like living and breathing the piece. Adding and subtracting from it each time you pick up your instrument.

I have since added a chorus and have started developing a 3rd bridge type part.

Hopefully soon I will put up the first demo.

What accidental or “on purpose” composing experience have you had lately?

Getting the Logistics of Your Studio Organized

Decided to get my studio set up.

So where do you put what and what should be in reach?

The studio prior to set up — A view from a length view

In my situation I use audio and video in the studio, plus some web programming. So where do you start?

I have a main computer work station (web, R and D, uploading and video. The music audio computer is a separate station.

Now the room is about 15′ by 11′ and 8’4″ ceilings. Hard wood floors and plastered walls. 1 window and a single door entry.

There is the placement of the equipment, monitoring position, acoustic treatment and a video back drop for video-webcasting.

studio-082410-2 — The studio prior to set up from the width

Stay tuned to see how I pull this of.

Do you have any ideas, challenges and/or solutions for home based studios? Please feel free to share your thoughts