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I've taken up the Samurai principle of "From one thing, know many," and applied it to rhythm. Now that I am wading into Ableton Live Session Clips, I find myself in need of being able to tap out rhythms on a velocity pad or keyboard to lay down some basic percussion. And so, why not record some percussion like hand drums and other percussion doo-dads? Enter, the egg shaker.
I am well aware that hand percussion looks a lot easier than it is to perform, and the shaker takes this to another level of action to create the rhythm response. So I knew that taking up this device would be challenging, requiring me to start at Fundamentals and learn rhythm patterns while practicing consistently to instill patterns, motions, and intuitive feel. The result?
Right from the beginning I am humbled, challenged, and my limits laid bare, BUT I am also enjoying every little discovery, the incremental progress, and it is just plain fun. It's also Very accessible and portable, easy to pick up and work in a 5 minute session. I believe I will gain in discipline and rhythm skills that will transfer to any musical endeavor and make me a better listener.
This won't be "over easy" but I am sure the practice will keep my music "sunny side up."
Posted : February 4, 2021 12:17
Bluesiline reacted
Clayton, thank you for your information. I’m a layperson and I've consulted the internet for further information.
I listened to some sound examples and I can imagine that this percussion instrument can extend the feeling for rhythm while shaking in different directions and creating various sounds. As you describe it, must be really challenging.
Will you use the egg shaker only as a practice tool or also as a rhythm accompaniment during your guitar recordings?
Enjoy gaining new experiences, Birgit
Posted : February 5, 2021 03:09
Clayton reacted
Topic starter
I will definitely use the egg shaker as a music maker to accompany and help develop guitar projects. There are a lot of different sounds and feels that one can create with a shaker. And once recorded into audio, effects can be added to morph the sound.
But yes, It is equally a personal rhythm development tool that has me exploring new rhythms and how to think about them. And as I sharpen my rhythm practice with seemingly simple device I am tuning my ears to listen to percussion and the groove.
From one thing....
Posted : February 5, 2021 06:51
Bluesiline reacted
It also helps when making omelettes. 😀
Joking aside, it's a great and effective rhythm device that can be harder than it seems. You gotta lock in with the time. Great practice tool for any musician!
Posted : February 22, 2021 19:08
Topic starter
@robert, It IS HARDER THAN IT SEEMS, and at first it will test your resolve. Here you pick up this simple object and it humiliates you in a matter of seconds. But that's what is great, it tests your foundation, assumptions, motor skills, and makes you listen so much more.
I've moved on to home-made Clave sticks, basic polyrhythms 3:4 & 4:3, and yes, the Conga! It is Son Clave, Rumba, and Salsa time. Really cool, as a bass player I tuned to the bass drum, hi-hat and snare, but that's not the same thing as knowing HOW TO CONSTRUCT a percussion pattern.
Now there's a lot of this influence in blues and New Orleans jazz/blues. AND let's not forget Carlos, and the rock based Richie Valens, Bo Diddley, Buddy Holly, Steve Winwood, Little Feat, on and on.
Where am I going? Be a better rounded musician, expand influences, get in the meditative flow of percussion, and learn to build songs with strong percussion rhythms.
Where do I plan to use it? Oh the funk accent of hand percussion permeates the ether.
Posted : February 23, 2021 09:21
robert and Bluesiline reacted