Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Want to be a Great Jazz/R&B Musician? Bet You Didn't Think of This

Anyone who loves jazz, blues, and R&B knows the tops hits from Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and just about every other great artist of the genre. Musicians all around have emulated and imitated their styles. But it takes a trained ear to distinguish just how complex and creative the musical styles and rhythms are within these A-list albums. Musicians working on their jazz, blues, and R&B musical styles need to know some very discreet but largely effective tips and tricks within the genre if they ever want to walk on the illustrious road to greatness.


Different Instruments
The Jazz/R&B genre is infamous for incorporating unique, uncommon, and interesting instruments, anything from soup spoons to steel pans to make some great tunes and catchy singles. If you've fallen into a rut within the same rhythms and time signatures, pick up a new instrument. Investing in a quality harmonica can really spice up any jazz/R&B band, and learning about common harmonica keys can step your music up in ways you couldn't even imagine. Musician's Friend has a wide selection of nearly every instrument you might think of to incorporate. Looking into "scat" singing and unique vocal skills could launch your singing career, too. Nowadays, musicians can simply speak through a mic and add some auto-tuning and synthesizing to transform their vocals; it takes real talent to master the art of voice. Use reliable music sources like Musician's Friend to answer questions and be inspired by.


Learn As Many Songs As You Can
We've all been there. You're at a party and someone pulls out a guitar, and everyone wants you to play. By learning some of the famous, catchiest, most well-known songs, you can entertain any crowd and captivate any audience with a killer cover. Plus, you will inevitably expand your understanding of different musical styles, perhaps very unlike your own. Good musicians make a style; great musicians learn many styles.


Intellect
Professional music isn't for everyone. On the contrary, the amount of time, effort, energy, and diligence required from any who call themselves "great" is astronomical. Memorize your instrument, don't play and look at what your hands are doing. Listen to music - a lot of it. Compare notes on what the greats have done, and how you differ and sound the same. Have patience. Not everyone can be great, and it's up to the chosen few to pioneer new styles, hit, and stories of diligence to inspire generations.

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