I often like to talk about great musicians and guitarists.
Especially those who started out during the golden years of music (the 60s and 70s).
…But today instead of talking about the likes of Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Paul Simon, Mark Knopfler, and James Taylor…
I want to talk about a 90s R&B girl band.
Why?
Well, it all began earlier on today…
I was getting a ‘hot stone’ massage courtesy of Emma (who has a salon).
She put some music on, the massage was great for my aching muscles, and it was very relaxing.
She was playing music by the 90s group TLC.
The song “Waterfalls” came on.
I was in a super relaxed state listening to this song.
I know the song because I heard it a lot growing up.
It was a megahit, and I’d hear it on the radio daily.
…BUT today I listened to it in a different way than ever before…
I didn’t do the usual thing that most people do with pop music.
That is when they casually listen to it, maybe hum the lyrics, and then move on with their day.
I was relaxed with my eyes closed so I couldn’t help but listen super deeply to the tune.
I was paying close attention to all the instruments.
The wah-wah guitar parts.
The funky bassline.
The vocal harmonies.
The horns.
The cool grooves of the drums.
Now, this might be a song you don’t care for, but that’s not the point really.
(It’s not my favourite song in the world, but it is a well-written and well-produced pop tune).
So why am I telling you all this?
Is teaching R&B pop songs going to be my future direction for lessons?
Nope, it’s because…
Taking a song you’ve heard a gazillion times and listening to it differently is powerful.
This sort of deep listening is great for the ear.
Being able to isolate instruments in your ear, listen on a super deep level, and appreciate everything else that goes into a song is a good skill.
I find this a really good way to connect what you hear from your ears to your brain to your musical soul.
Maybe it sounds cheesy, but “connecting” with music as much as possible is powerful.
…And far better than “superficially” listening to it.
It’s one of those skills that won’t make you a better guitarist overnight but…
It will add to your ability to be a better musician over time.
I’ve found all the best musicians I know tend to have the skill or desire to listen to music on a deeper level
I call it “immersive listening” and I urge you to try it.
We don’t always have to have our guitar in hand to become better musicians, and this is just one subtle way that will help.
You can do it consciously or if you’re like me, you might just do it without realising sometimes.
Anyway, it’s worth taking a song you’ve heard many times and giving it some “immersive listening”.
I hope you got some use from this.
If you did, and you want more from me, then you might like to check out the:
Guitar Domination Super eBook Bundle
Have a great day… From TLC’s new and biggest fan. Haha.
Dan Thorpe
Guitar Domination
P.S. This post was originally taken from Dan Thorpe’s private email list. To get blog posts like this sent to you which are full of great tips to make fingerpicking, strumming, and learning guitar more enjoyable (especially if you are over 40) join Dan’s list. It’s 100% free, HERE.
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