Hi all - I have a bit of weird discussion here. Basically, when I play banjo, without knowing it, I find my mouth either
a) hanging open and looking stupid
b) with my jaw hanging forward and again, looking stupid
I don't find myself in that deep a concentration that the world is just passing by, I can play and think about other things too so I'm not sure it's a concentration thing.
What should I do about this, it's particularly bad when you see it on tape
Different subject possibly....
I find recently, when I'm playing, my right (plucking arm) totally tightens up. I am trying to think about being relaxed the whole time now, but that in itself is a concious decision.
Any other plonkers no this?
I've never had this happen before. Its been goin on about a year now, but I'm only trying to rectifu this recently.
To varying results.
Loads of players make involuntary expressions when they're playing. I know of one female fiddle player who opens her mouth as wide as it will possibly go, much to the amusement of onlookers. Count yourself lucky!
I'm glad you've brought that up. I noticed that I pulled funny faces when playing banjo for students at school, they videoed me on their phones. ( trying to get a session going in lesson, a few played guitar and violin). I uploaded a couple of vids with a mate on you tube.... one feedback froma known source said that my expression made me look as if I had autism.....! So not only do I have I to concentrate on the notes now, but on not looking like a Pi****k when playing.
It's part of violin technique to use downward pressure of the lower jaw on the chin rest to stabilise the instrument when necessary, especially when not using a shoulder rest. Depending on your anatomy you may not actually have to open the mouth when doing this. Using the jaw in this way is much preferable to using the weight of the head and neck, which could cause problems later on down the line.
hmmm...... I suppose I'm lucky to not open too wide. Hugo, could you possibly be getting a little RSI? Try a pressure band on your wrist, I experience muscle pain which cause my arm to get all tight and painful, pressure band helped no end
Hugo - I know exactly what you're talking about, especially if you're on a particularly long set of reels. I discovered that I was putting way too much pressure on the arm rest - your Popeye forearm - the pivot spot to anchor my right picking hand - I was actually cutting off the blood flow to my hand! Naturally, with deprived blood flow and trying to hit triplets at speed, my forearm tightened up badly. Experiment with banjo positioning to ease pressure off your pivot point.
Also - I think it's about time you allowed the opposition parties more access to fair elections and due process. Your "people's revolution" is just a front for you to consolidated more power in your country. Time to step down Hugo Chavez. But best of luck with your banjo playing.
I have mostly rid myself of the stupid mouth positions whilst playing banjo. I got so annoyed at it that I started paying attention to it more. I still do it, but it's mostly when I'm playing something that I don't know very well and concentrating hard. But the fact that I've mostly gotten rid of it makes it even more annoying when I catch myself doing it again...
Which part don't you get Hugo, my pivot point suggestion or my weak attempt at humor via your Hugo Chavez/Venezuelan dictator name? Sometimes my references go a bit awry...
Of course the facial ticks can always be put to good use by chewing gum....
Alternatively, hold a plectrum between the teeth.
Didn't know the story about Martin Carthy.
I made the mistake of telling my wife that I made a certain facial expression every time I missed a note or got lost in a tune.
Before she thought I was just really into the music, but now she counts them and tells me how many times I screwed up.
The most important rule for a conductor of an orchestra or choir is NEVER to show any signs of panic, facial or otherwise, if things start to go wrong. Same applies to any public performer.
Thinks - what happens if a "living statue" performer starts to panic?
When playing banjo....
When playing banjo....
Hi all - I have a bit of weird discussion here. Basically, when I play banjo, without knowing it, I find my mouth either
a) hanging open and looking stupid
b) with my jaw hanging forward and again, looking stupid
I don't find myself in that deep a concentration that the world is just passing by, I can play and think about other things too so I'm not sure it's a concentration thing.
What should I do about this, it's particularly bad when you see it on tape
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by camwebby
Re: When playing banjo....
put a snooker ball in your mouth and then black tape around your head to hold it in place.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by daved
Re: When playing banjo....
Making the correct mouth movements is essential to banjo technique.
Believe me, if your mouth is just hanging open, you don't look half as stupid as those of us who make twitchy lateral lower jaw movements
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Bren
Re: When playing banjo....
Different subject possibly....
I find recently, when I'm playing, my right (plucking arm) totally tightens up. I am trying to think about being relaxed the whole time now, but that in itself is a concious decision.
Any other plonkers no this?
I've never had this happen before. Its been goin on about a year now, but I'm only trying to rectifu this recently.
To varying results.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: When playing banjo....
Loads of players make involuntary expressions when they're playing. I know of one female fiddle player who opens her mouth as wide as it will possibly go, much to the amusement of onlookers. Count yourself lucky!
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Conán McDonnell
Re: When playing banjo....
I'm glad you've brought that up. I noticed that I pulled funny faces when playing banjo for students at school, they videoed me on their phones. ( trying to get a session going in lesson, a few played guitar and violin). I uploaded a couple of vids with a mate on you tube.... one feedback froma known source said that my expression made me look as if I had autism.....! So not only do I have I to concentrate on the notes now, but on not looking like a Pi****k when playing.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by gilezzznik
Re: When playing banjo....
It's part of violin technique to use downward pressure of the lower jaw on the chin rest to stabilise the instrument when necessary, especially when not using a shoulder rest. Depending on your anatomy you may not actually have to open the mouth when doing this. Using the jaw in this way is much preferable to using the weight of the head and neck, which could cause problems later on down the line.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by lazyhound
Re: When playing banjo....
hmmm...... I suppose I'm lucky to not open too wide. Hugo, could you possibly be getting a little RSI? Try a pressure band on your wrist, I experience muscle pain which cause my arm to get all tight and painful, pressure band helped no end
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by camwebby
Re: When playing banjo....
Its right where the muscles on Popeye's arms are. (I don't have any)
My wrists are alright...
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: When playing banjo....
You can also get elbow and shoulder ones, could be worth a shot.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by camwebby
Re: When playing banjo....
pressure band?
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: When playing banjo....
Good suggestion, camw. Probably just the ticket.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Duijera Dubh
Re: When playing banjo....
Hugo - I know exactly what you're talking about, especially if you're on a particularly long set of reels. I discovered that I was putting way too much pressure on the arm rest - your Popeye forearm - the pivot spot to anchor my right picking hand - I was actually cutting off the blood flow to my hand! Naturally, with deprived blood flow and trying to hit triplets at speed, my forearm tightened up badly. Experiment with banjo positioning to ease pressure off your pivot point.
Also - I think it's about time you allowed the opposition parties more access to fair elections and due process. Your "people's revolution" is just a front for you to consolidated more power in your country. Time to step down Hugo Chavez. But best of luck with your banjo playing.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: When playing banjo....
Well Hugo, look on the bright side, at least if your arm seizes up permanently you won't be a w@nker anymore
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Dow
Re: When playing banjo....
Ouch, Dow!
I have mostly rid myself of the stupid mouth positions whilst playing banjo. I got so annoyed at it that I started paying attention to it more. I still do it, but it's mostly when I'm playing something that I don't know very well and concentrating hard. But the fact that I've mostly gotten rid of it makes it even more annoying when I catch myself doing it again...
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Reverend
Re: When playing banjo....
I know, I'm really pushing my luck aren't I?
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Dow
Re: When playing banjo....
Ta Jusa, though I don't really get you.
Touché Dow...That's like something I'd say, so I can't retort.
(Hate when that happens)
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: When playing banjo....
Which part don't you get Hugo, my pivot point suggestion or my weak attempt at humor via your Hugo Chavez/Venezuelan dictator name? Sometimes my references go a bit awry...
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: When playing banjo....
I'm always being reminded not to look so grim when playing banjo. That usually results in pasting a goofy grin on my face, which may be worse.
When Martin Carthy first went on television, it was the task of one of the band members to discreetly kick him as a signal to pull his tongue in.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by oldstrings
Re: When playing banjo....
Of course the facial ticks can always be put to good use by chewing gum....
Alternatively, hold a plectrum between the teeth.
Didn't know the story about Martin Carthy.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Guernsey Pete
Re: When playing banjo....
on banjo, i always get the twitching jaw thing.
its worse when i play the guitar though,
i keep making involuntary "sex faces"
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by DubChieftain
Re: When playing banjo....
It's quite useful to know which way the floor slopes by the side of your mouth you dribble from!
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by Rob
Re: When playing banjo....
I was *ahem* friendly with the band member in question, GP.
# Posted on June 26th 2008 by oldstrings
Re: When playing banjo....
I made the mistake of telling my wife that I made a certain facial expression every time I missed a note or got lost in a tune.
Before she thought I was just really into the music, but now she counts them and tells me how many times I screwed up.
# Posted on June 27th 2008 by CleverName
Re: When playing banjo....
JNE,
I know my handle gets to some people sometimes...don't take it too seriously.
The pivot thingy - I don't get it.
Can you elaborate a little?An Email would be great.
# Posted on June 27th 2008 by Hugo Chavez
Re: When playing banjo....
The most important rule for a conductor of an orchestra or choir is NEVER to show any signs of panic, facial or otherwise, if things start to go wrong. Same applies to any public performer.
Thinks - what happens if a "living statue" performer starts to panic?
# Posted on June 28th 2008 by lazyhound
Re: When playing banjo....
Sorry, mate. Don't you see. You're playing BANJO. How dignified can you be?!
Sorry, I play banjo too - and I get these jokes (?) all the time.
It's our lot in life. Resistance is futile.
# Posted on June 29th 2008 by johnnevin