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After learning to play their chosen instrument novices often have a burning desire to play in sessions, hoping eventually to be able to take a 'break'. Usually they've learned to play some tunes and may even play them very well, but still can't manage at all on numbers they don't know. A common observation is that they have no idea, learned or intuitive, what chords are involved in a song or tune. But even if they do they usually can't tell (a) when the chord is going to change or has changed, nor (b) what it is going to change to or has changed to. Until a player knows or 'feels' these things s/he can't take part satisfactorily in a jam session and certainly can't take breaks. It's an enormous hurdle. I got over it, but I don't know how exactly, unless it was something to do with my formal musical training. How did you do it? Is there a method that works? What would you suggest? I think it would be a great service if we could get some discussion going on this topic. Please write or Write to The Editor with your views, or phone them in, and he will write a compilation article. Let's nail this down! Let's do it - don't let apathy win once again!! Vinny's Bluegrass Quiz: Who am I?
All correct answers will go into a draw on 19th April. The winner will receive an cassette of pieces they've probably never heard before. Vinny Connelly, Tranmere
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