Essential Secrets 85: Create an Emotional Roadmap
Essential Secrets
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Secret 85:
Create an Emotional Roadmap
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Putting Real Feelings Into Your Performances
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Music communicates powerfully by sending listeners on emotional odysseys. The
technical process for infusing your playing with emotions was covered in Secret 39, “Show
Some Emotion.” Here, you’ll take it a step further.
As you prepare to learn a song, decide on the emotional content of the various sections of
the song. Following this emotional roadmap when you perform will have a big impact on
your audience. Giving your music emotions will also change how you play your bass.
First, you’ll have goals beyond merely figuring out the notes so that the learning process
is more exciting. This excitement will make you more interested in the outcome of your
practicing, and you’ll feel a greater connection to your upcoming performance.
Second, you’ll play better than usual. Going for a specific emotion as you learn a section
gives you a level of focus that alters your technique as if by magic. Without giving it
conscious thought, you will adjust your sound to accommodate the desired emotion. Most
bassists do this backwards. They plan out a specific technique hoping that it will make the
notes feel right. Instead, you should focus solely on the emotion. You’ll be surprised at how
creative you can be with your technique when you want to express feelings.
Third, you’ll learn more quickly and save time. Don’t make the mistake of learning the
notes first and thinking of the emotions you want to convey later. When you start working on
the notes, remember the feeling you’re trying to achieve. The emotion will work its way into
your muscle memory from the very beginning, and your muscles will learn to play the notes
with the appropriate tone, articulations, and dynamics.
Performing perfectly with no emotion is boring and robotic. Plan the emotions you want
to communicate in your music to give both you and your listeners a more meaningful
experience. Never perform without an emotional roadmap.
Books by David Motto:
 THE TEN MINUTE BASS VIRTUOSO -EBOOK/PDF- |
 ESSENTIAL SIGHTREADING STUDIES FOR ELECTRIC BASS COMPLETE 3-VOL. SET -EBOOK/PDF VERSION- |
