This is my version of Leonard Cohen’s Famous Blue Raincoart as taught by Jerry’s Guitar Bar. I had no idea how loud the strings squeaked when sliding from one barre chord to the next, the mic on the Gopro really picks that up. I’ll work on that going forward, I need to lift my hand off completely when I change I guess… Other than that and one poor chord change I’m happy with the results enough to post. I also need to start using a metronome when I practice, as I sped up slightly as the song went on. Any ideas on how to find out the accurate speeds of songs so I can set the metronome correctly?
NIce! And you made it through the whole song so well!
I have the same problems with squeeking strings… sometimes I can improve on it like you said lifting the fingers a bit more, depending on how quick or which changes they are, but I’ll have to work on it too quite a bit more.
For the speed of songs, you can search in google, or years ago I used a free software tool that helped with it, but I forgot about the name but you can simply start with a feeling and the song running and tweaking your metronome speed until it’s synchronized.
Some metronomes also have a tapping function - you tap with your finger/mouse in the speed of the beat and your metronome measures it.
In my experience it doesn’t work 100% at first try, but you’ll be close and have to tweak the speed only a tiny bit afterwards
It’s always nice to see your performances and progress!
Hey Benji–
Justin’s $3 metronome app has the tapping option–and it supports his (our) endeavors.
Nice job, really nice job.
I fell in love with Suzanne in the early 70s, and have been a Leonard Cohen fan since then.
Well done–keep it up.
Squeaky strings? I have D’Addario “Chromes” on a guitar. They’re definitely not as “bright” (and 3x more expensive!) but squeak is way down, and they last longer.
But,
For what it’s worth, I really didn’t notice it too much. Listen to some John Renbourn and you’ll hear lots of squeaking, just goes with the territory!
Cheers,
Bruce
Ah, forgot to mention it… the Elixirs I use also decreased sqeaking to some degree.
Hey thanks domi7! Yeah, I think that’s just a challenge with acoustic guitars, and like I said, the cheap mic on the Gopro really accentuates it unfortunately. But I do remember Justin emphasizing to lift the hand completely when changing frets when barring in the Twist and Shout Beatles version lesson, so yeah, work in progress. Leonard Cohen plays a classical guitar I believe, and I don’t think those strings squeal as much…
Hey thanks Bruce. I’ll make a note of that and see if those strings are available here in Vietnam, great info. Like any other guitarist I’m always up for trying new kit! I’m a huge fan of Suzanne and Leonard Cohen in general as well. I learned Hallelujah as taught by Justin. His playing style doesn’t change much between songs so I think I’ll keep returning to Leonard Cohen periodically, and continue to learn some more of my faves now that I’m learning that picking style.
Okay, I’ll add that to my list…
Hello Benji,
I really enjoyed this one. I like chord progression… it touches me like its “urgent” or how to say it.
I think you got really great core, you can perform whole song and sing at the same time. Now you will just polish it with metronome and with tips above.
About that faster parts… I dont know how you feel at that time, but maybe “take a breath” and chill could be answer. With metronome of course.
Its really strange how often I recommend to use metronome, because I am not doing it.
Thank you for sharing