Chet Song Help

bradm

Hello all, I'm new here. I'm working on Chet's Song. On the main theme I can't work out whether I'm better off using downstrokes for the picked notes on the 4th string (the D and B flat) or alternate picking. I'd like to know what Jim does but I can't tell from the YouTube video. Advice gratefully received.

Brad

bradm

Anyone?

jigonzav

Hi Brad,
I think that Jim picks the notes of the 4th string using alternate picking.
Take care! Chet song main theme is not easy. Is a complex combination of hibryd and alternate picking. I have
take a lots of lessons and Chet song is still one of my favourite!!!
Sorry for the english
Saludos
Juan Ignacio

CJG

Hi Brad, and welcome to the Forum! You should check out Jim's "Lessons by Mail." I ordered Chet Song a few months back (at Juan's recommendation - thanks Juan!) from the site and was surpised by how easily it's demonstrated. The lesson demonstrates a really cool hybrid picking approach that is amazingly simple once you get the hang of it. In addition, the lesson gives you an easy to follow roadmap for creating your own improv over the main theme and underlying chord progression. I have beeen noodling on this for a few months now and really getting into jamming in the major scale, as well as incorporating 3rds and 6ths into my improv. Needless to say, I highly recommend checking out the digitial lesson. Jim has a great style of teaching and a unique notation method that is a snap to pick up and makes a whole lot more sense than both traditional notation and tablature.

JimCampilongo

Hi Brad- I employ downstrokes on that pattern. It starts to feel motorized and natural in no time -Jim

bradm

Thanks so much guys. It's especially nice to have Jim's input - I felt downstrokes had the right sound and feel but was concerned about developing speed without alternate picking. It's inspiring to know how Jim gets it!

CJG, I should have probably made clear I was working on Chet Song based on Jim's downloaded lesson. I think they're great. I started with Twister (had to) which I play at about half speed, Workin' Man Blues and now Chet Song. Where to next I wonder....

CJG

Glad to hear that you are digging the digital lessons. Yes, Twister is a MUST learn right? I totally understand. Keep doing it at a comfortable speed and, like most of Jim's tunes, it will gradually and organically come together. Next lesson? How is your fingerpicking? I am big fan of Travis Basics and Beyond. Travis was my first lesson and still one of my faves. If you are new to chord melodies you may want to check out Over the Rainbow. You get to learn a bunch of new chords and end up with a really nice song to add to your repertoire. Of course, if you are looking to improve on blues playing, ALL of the Playing the Blues lessons are killer - especially Nailing the Changes. Let us know what direction you want to go in with your playing and I am sure there are quite a few of us who can shoot you some suggestions!