As a songwriter, I’m currently finding inspiration in experimenting with different guitar tunings. I find that it gets me out of familiar patterns - both chordally and melodically. Half the time, I’m not even immediately sure EXACTLY what chord I’m playing. It kind of forces me to turn my left brain off and go with the right side for awhile…
Here’s the tuning I’m really digging right now: C G D G B D (low to high)
Any other songwriters care to share ways that you are inspired to get out of familiar patterns?
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May 31, 2006 at 10:21 am
ERO
I know that feeling… these guys who don’t have a clue what they’re doing write some of the most beautiful stuff, then they go off to school, get educated (like I did) and get locked in the box…
I understand and empathize…
June 2, 2006 at 5:51 pm
onelouder
that’s true, although i think people can fall into patterns regardless of whether they have a musical education or not.
for me, my musical education is a blessing and a curse. it has helped me to be nimble and flexible in certain situations where i’ve been thrown a curveball - singer needs a different key, guitar player is playing the wrong chord and doesn’t know how to fix it, etc. But it has also ingrained certain “rules” that have tended to form a box.
thanks for your post.