Steve Giordano Instructional - The Importance of Scat

[lhurien]

Hey Steve,

This is great stuff. I can't seem to put it together from scales and arps but this way makes a lot of sense to me and comes more naturally. I always was able to play something that was in my head. When I first heard George Benson doing it on Masquerade it came easy to me, but I never pursued it along those lines. Thanks for you videos. The samba lesson was fabulous too. I just found your vids but I will be checking out more of them.

[gupta76]

god bless you steve! thank you for the lessons!

[Feesharp9er]

WOW this video is soooo valuable I keep coming back to it.,..

[Feesharp9er]

AMEN!!!

[mattwolfe3]

What's your view on transcribing? One teacher I had said you should be able to scat sing the solo you want to transcribe for ideas before figuring it out on the guitar and/or writing it out? What's your take on this?

[jzguru1]

Well, obviously transcribing has certain value like using your ear and figuring out how to notate the stuff. In my opinion though, if using it to gain a wider vocabulary, it's too direct. I believe in the power of influence rather a direct copy of someone. Trust in your brain to take in what moves you - let it fester, and become part of your subconscious to manifest as you learn to play what you hear and not what you think. Transcribing is useful but not as a means for finding your own voice.

[joshuamichael]

Steve - Thanks for helping me to get interested in my own music again. I can't thank you enough.

Josh

[bigmick9]

Good videos Steve, nice topics!

[ioldarnech]

I agree but it shouldn't become a habit like it often does. Live players should choose whether they sing or play... unless they have a beautiful voice which is rarely the case.

How many fantastic bass or guitar solos ruined by a guy singing in tune what he's playing but with a crappy vocal tone.

Otherwise, I agree with the importance of this technique as to creating strong melodic lines.

[jzguru1]

Hehe, well to answer your question, rarely does scat mask the sound of an instrument but I do agree I have heard some do it to a point of distraction. Worse yet, Keith Jarret sounds like an animal moaning in pain which is both unnecessary and distracting. In my opinion, he likes the attention. Having said all this however, scat as a means to connect your instrument with your voice and breathing should never be discouraged for fear of sounding obnoxious. It's too important!

Steve Giordano

[ioldarnech]

Yes there is no doubt the benefits are huge. I was even encouraged by my classical guitar teacher to sing every voice when playing polyphonic music. So it's not limited to improvisation.

However, I must say that ranging from Cecil Taylor to Glen Gould (who are undeniably extraordinary musicians) I often wish they would just shut up!

True enough it rarely masks the sound of the instrument but it often ruins it (in my opinion).

So sing what you play : definitely yes but NOT on stage!

[brennenreece]

Awesome and inspiring. I'm reminded again of how much I miss working with you on a regular basis. Keep them coming.