The Session >> Discussions >> My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
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My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
A few weeks ago someone asked me what the clip on tuner on my strummy doodah was (I too can’t believe that they hadn’t seen one before, but there you go!). I said it was like a ‘SatNav’ but instead indicated to me what chords to play.
But I think I have an idea how such an invention could work for real…
What one needs is a combination of tech devices:
1. the device that analyses the notes and names the tune as in ‘TunePal’’
2. the device in electronic metronomes that measures the tempo
3. the device that analyses notes of a piece an automatically bungs in the harmony like a Sibelius plug in
Together they would recognize (and name) the tune, suss the tempo and accordingly change the chord to play and display it on the clip on tuner type podule.
Maybe you could limit the chord choices on a sliding scale from ‘usual Trad’ stuff like D & G & Em right up to K blunt demented 17ths and so forth.
Maybe you could have an optional database for different chordal harmonizations sourced from different well known versions, then if there were more than one backer (heaven forbid!) they could be guaranteed to be reading off the same hymn sheet for once assuming they agreed ground rules to start with!
The podule could also be a tuner, metronome, hot water bottle sharpener and reed counter.
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
There are already harmonising apps on the iPhone, so this isn't too far off. If I didn't see such a thing as a tool of the devil, I'd have a go at writing one myself.
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
It's an interesting concept. But surely, would not an owner of such a marvelous device deny its existence and when quized, just claim it was a simple clip on tuner on their strummy doodah? 'cause it doesn't sound very cool to need one does it?
But aahhh, would not someone as devious as Yaalhouse do the double negative to hide the truth?
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
They came up with an equally irrelevant gizmo on The Big Bang Theory recently; an app for your mobile, where you photographed a formula that was giving you difficulties, and by means of handwriting-recognition software and a lot of backup technology it solved the problem for you.
Usually, as previously remarked, it's called a brain.
But there's no cure for schight backers.
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
"I don't understand? Schight backing covers up crappy fiddle playing and it's a problem if perfect backing exposes crappy fiddle playing? Hmmm."
Hmmm indeed! it seems we're essential in a session then!
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Backer, you are not following the logic are you. Backing, whether schight or perfect (and all in between) covers up everything.
Do you really hold the delusion that great backing makes great fiddle playing sound greater? (with the proviso, of course, that it may well sound better to you, but then your not listening to the fiddle playing are you.)
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
llig, forgive me for not following "the" logic. Backing, by definition doesn't cover up anything, it embellishes, or backs up the lead instrument(s). In that context, if you can follow, I would certainly be listening to the fiddle playing if I was backing a fiddle player, listening , not necessarily admiring. I'd be inclined to leave that to the fiddle player.
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
but what about fictitious? This is the one that bugs me most about strummers. They make up stuff that's not in the tune. They embellish the story of the tune with harmonic lines that are not in that story
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
"Backing, by definition doesn't cover up anything,"
Where did this definition come from? I assumed we were talking about the habit of playing guitars or bouzoukis or pianos while another person plays a tune, which often involves covering up bit of the tune itself.
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I don't think that the habit (it is a habit) of playing fretty strummy things while another person playing a tune is necessarily called backing.
I'd say backing was that thing "where you find the inherent rhythm and play quietly and subtlely". You know ... irritating ... or at best, pointless and irrelevant.
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I'd be surprised if a device such as this doesn't already exist. There is already software that will tell you 'the chords' to a notated tune - and the technology undoubtedly exists to adapt this for sound files or live music.. The problem is, it works on logic - i.e. "a particular section, length x beats, of the tune contains these notes, ergo this is the correct chord", not on musical sensibility. Consequently, the results can be quite bizarre - perhaps a useful too for people that like to find strange chords to back with. But if the clueless were to get hold of this device and put all their faith in it (After all, who'd argue with a machine? They're infallible), the consequences would be far worse than just letting people strum a 3-chord trick with the changes in the wrong places.
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I find that when I'm on form in a session, doing my backing,.....(backing in general now, not just mine!) ........ that it triggers a kind of Musical Autism in some "lead" players, although I would never make a diagnosis, but I have given advice a few times and usually the sufferers improve with time and patience, lots of patience.
My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
A few weeks ago someone asked me what the clip on tuner on my strummy doodah was (I too can’t believe that they hadn’t seen one before, but there you go!). I said it was like a ‘SatNav’ but instead indicated to me what chords to play.
But I think I have an idea how such an invention could work for real…
What one needs is a combination of tech devices:
1. the device that analyses the notes and names the tune as in ‘TunePal’’
2. the device in electronic metronomes that measures the tempo
3. the device that analyses notes of a piece an automatically bungs in the harmony like a Sibelius plug in
Together they would recognize (and name) the tune, suss the tempo and accordingly change the chord to play and display it on the clip on tuner type podule.
Maybe you could limit the chord choices on a sliding scale from ‘usual Trad’ stuff like D & G & Em right up to K blunt demented 17ths and so forth.
Maybe you could have an optional database for different chordal harmonizations sourced from different well known versions, then if there were more than one backer (heaven forbid!) they could be guaranteed to be reading off the same hymn sheet for once assuming they agreed ground rules to start with!
The podule could also be a tuner, metronome, hot water bottle sharpener and reed counter.
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by yhaalhouse
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Brilliant, sure-fire, can't miss. Looking for R&D investment capital, then?
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by fidkid
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Perhaps they could be modelled in form of fireplace...
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by yhaalhouse
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I have one of these already! It's called a brain.
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by Michael Eskin
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Ah, you're one up on me there, Michael!
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by fidkid
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
You mean something like this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNCLnAvwdlU
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by John Galt
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
"I have one of these already! It's called a brain"
I've been meaning to pick up one of those. Maybe after the holiday madness.
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
There are already harmonising apps on the iPhone, so this isn't too far off. If I didn't see such a thing as a tool of the devil, I'd have a go at writing one myself.
# Posted on December 5th 2011 by JerryH
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Combine that with the Les Paul Robot Guitar ...
http://www.gibson.com/robotguitar/
... and you no longer have to play. Just hold it - at a distance -
or lay it on a chair, but not too close
I've always found playing an actual instrument to be a bit --- you
know --- whatever
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by Hup
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
It's an interesting concept. But surely, would not an owner of such a marvelous device deny its existence and when quized, just claim it was a simple clip on tuner on their strummy doodah? 'cause it doesn't sound very cool to need one does it?
But aahhh, would not someone as devious as Yaalhouse do the double negative to hide the truth?
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by ...
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Thanks hup, that's just pricelesss. What was it--"Tap three times lightly with the LED string indicator in the appropriate position, and...."
Or--train your ears, and do it in 2-3 seconds, just by turning the key/knob/tuner yourself.
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by John Galt
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
All watched over by machines of loving grace...
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by AlBrown
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Argh, ye youngins and yer fancy gizmos. Back in the day we had our own invention for this, it was called a guitar necklace.
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by Whiddler
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
We have to go back to this old clip. Nothing more required: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bexIdm0awwo
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by RichardB
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
They came up with an equally irrelevant gizmo on The Big Bang Theory recently; an app for your mobile, where you photographed a formula that was giving you difficulties, and by means of handwriting-recognition software and a lot of backup technology it solved the problem for you.
Usually, as previously remarked, it's called a brain.
But there's no cure for schight backers.
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by Guernsey Pete
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
What a great idea, perfect backing, only problem is it might expose all the crappy fiddle playing.
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by Backer
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I don't understand? Schight backing covers up crappy fiddle playing and it's a problem if perfect backing exposes crappy fiddle playing? Hmmm.
# Posted on December 6th 2011 by ...
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I found this documentary.
Please turn to 4:08.
It may shed some light on the origins of backers.
(and, perhaps, "closed" bagpiping methods.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkz83VFEk1A
Note example of a simple proto-bodhran played by a simple proto-bodhranist at left of group during re-enactment of the first open session.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Piece
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
"I don't understand? Schight backing covers up crappy fiddle playing and it's a problem if perfect backing exposes crappy fiddle playing? Hmmm."
Hmmm indeed! it seems we're essential in a session then!
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Backer
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Lousy backing makes my lousy piping even worse. Bad news all round.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by DrSilverSpear
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Grit your teeth lads, we're going nowhere.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Backer
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Backer, you are not following the logic are you. Backing, whether schight or perfect (and all in between) covers up everything.
Do you really hold the delusion that great backing makes great fiddle playing sound greater? (with the proviso, of course, that it may well sound better to you, but then your not listening to the fiddle playing are you.)
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by ...
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
doh, "you're"
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by ...
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Maybe we just need to "Back Up And Push"
Laurence
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by fauxcelt
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
llig, forgive me for not following "the" logic. Backing, by definition doesn't cover up anything, it embellishes, or backs up the lead instrument(s). In that context, if you can follow, I would certainly be listening to the fiddle playing if I was backing a fiddle player, listening , not necessarily admiring. I'd be inclined to leave that to the fiddle player.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Backer
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
Ha, "embelish"? That's telling.
Of the two definitions of the word, I'm sure you like to think that you are improving the music with your decoration of it.
Or are your additions fictitious and fanciful?
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by ...
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I prefer to think "ornament or adorn". And yes, fanciful as well. Not high art though, just enough to have a little fun I suppose.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Backer
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
but what about fictitious? This is the one that bugs me most about strummers. They make up stuff that's not in the tune. They embellish the story of the tune with harmonic lines that are not in that story
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by ...
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
"Backing, by definition doesn't cover up anything,"
Where did this definition come from? I assumed we were talking about the habit of playing guitars or bouzoukis or pianos while another person plays a tune, which often involves covering up bit of the tune itself.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I don't think that the habit (it is a habit) of playing fretty strummy things while another person playing a tune is necessarily called backing.
I'd say backing was that thing "where you find the inherent rhythm and play quietly and subtlely". You know ... irritating ... or at best, pointless and irrelevant.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by ...
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I'd be surprised if a device such as this doesn't already exist. There is already software that will tell you 'the chords' to a notated tune - and the technology undoubtedly exists to adapt this for sound files or live music.. The problem is, it works on logic - i.e. "a particular section, length x beats, of the tune contains these notes, ergo this is the correct chord", not on musical sensibility. Consequently, the results can be quite bizarre - perhaps a useful too for people that like to find strange chords to back with. But if the clueless were to get hold of this device and put all their faith in it (After all, who'd argue with a machine? They're infallible), the consequences would be far worse than just letting people strum a 3-chord trick with the changes in the wrong places.
# Posted on December 7th 2011 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: My invention could be the answer for confused and schight backers...
I find that when I'm on form in a session, doing my backing,.....(backing in general now, not just mine!) ........ that it triggers a kind of Musical Autism in some "lead" players, although I would never make a diagnosis, but I have given advice a few times and usually the sufferers improve with time and patience, lots of patience.
# Posted on December 10th 2011 by Backer