Janek, I'd just like to say thank you for all the knowledge you freely share and all that you do. You give me regular shots of inspiration, without bullshit. I've been playing most of my life and my playing has improved in every aspect, whatever the style, since studying your work. Cheers mate!
I think this applies to most 'hard' tunes. Hard often just means unfamiliar. Tunes like Pinocchio, Humpty Dumpty, The Sorcerer, and yes, Giant Steps, are difficult because they contain harmonic elements that are unfamiliar to many players. Spending time breaking them down like you do here helps get the changes under our fingers - and why these tunes are still relevant 50+ years on!
One of the best explanations on how to pursue musical growth no matter what the level. 3 core concepts, hope it reaches everyone interested in personal musical development.
I like very much about how you speaking about not-easy things (and Giant Steps are riddiculous for me even to track harmony roots with my voice). I learn music so much and practise by alone listening and maybe repeating it in my mind (or humming in some different situations like working, shopping or driving :D ). It’s so good idea! And another thing is that T-shirt. Some moments i see „Thor”, but sometimes then „n” revealed for „Thorn”. For this i think that You are truly bass-Hero, but even heroes have their thorns which struggle with - so i wish You Janek alot of strengh, wisdom and love to way of life and breaktrough when becoming hard. Greetings from PL 🇵🇱👋
Great video! I love this approach for talking about practicing, listening and repetition. While also stripping away the mystique of Giant Steps, love it as I do….
Janek saying “Not as hard as you think” is like a web developer saying “You can build a full stack website easily in 15 minutes.” 😝 You are da man, Janek! I definitely admire your talent and musical knowledge.
I have always thought Giant Steps became more famously difficult than Moment's Notice, which is equally tough, because the piano player got scorched during his solo and that take made the record. Basically the thinking is/ was "IF THE JAZZ GOD CAN'T DO IT IT MUST BE IMPOSSIBLE." Which, to be totally fair, it is really hard.
All of the content in the book is applicable to all basses no matter how they're strung. I just happen to be using a 5-string bass in this video as it's my main instrument.
Totally irrelevant question to this video but i trust and respect your opinion. Thinking of buying the boss cs2 to pair with my boss oc2.I play an early 70s japanese greco violin bass that already is thumpy and sounds like the strings are muted even when they are not[ thats why i got it...i like this sound]. Will the cs2 act like a boost before the oc2 to compensate for a bit of volume loss? Also considering the kinematic by dreadbox. Thank you.
I have a CS-2 and haven't used it in at least 10 years. I guess it really depends on the sound you're going for. If the CS-2 does what you want, then it's the perfect pedal for you. For me, it hasn't been relevant for anything I've done in the last ten years, so it's sat on the shelf that entire time.
They ship worldwide via amazon. The link to the US store is here: www.amazon.com/Decoding-Giant-Steps-Janek-Gwizdala/dp/B0C2SPBR79/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RSTUE21X8VN6&keywords=janek+gwizdala+giant+steps&qid=1689808496&sprefix=janek+gwizdala+giant+step%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1
Giant Steps isn't that hard. Here is THE BOOK about THAT SONG which isn't THAT hard! Also, listen to gazzilion of other versions of that song, so you can play it, but first discipline yourself and repeat and repeat and repeat until you can play it. It isn't that hard BECAUSE there are harder songs. TBH, creating video titles that are not click baits ISN'T THAT HARD.
It would appear that you don't really understand the term "clickbait". That would refer to a sensationalized or misleading title to draw you in and then serve you with different information. This video clearly shows how Giant Steps is actually not as hard as most people make it out to be, by virtue of the fact that it is built up entirely of the most common cadence in western music. I then provide three concepts to help develop your ability in the area of V-I cadences, and if you follow the guidance, you will undoubtedly become better at this skill. Clickbait, this is not. This is writing a title that makes you look, and then delivering on the promise of what it claims.
@@janekgwizdala It's not at all hard in theory, which is why you need a process, as you pointed out, to make it not be as hard in practice. A consistent and focused practice approach applied over time to make the unfamiliar practical aspects become familiar will yield insight and improvement. Again, as you pointed it, your progress in hitting faster tempos depends heavily on your current abilities and how much time you want to dedicate to it. All the work put into this tune will help with other tunes consisting of V-I progressions. There are no free lunches to do this without putting in the work.
Janek, I'd just like to say thank you for all the knowledge you freely share and all that you do. You give me regular shots of inspiration, without bullshit. I've been playing most of my life and my playing has improved in every aspect, whatever the style, since studying your work. Cheers mate!
The almighty GwizD. Thank you for all the musical growth you sir have helped to inspire. Much love my friend🤘🤘
I think this applies to most 'hard' tunes. Hard often just means unfamiliar. Tunes like Pinocchio, Humpty Dumpty, The Sorcerer, and yes, Giant Steps, are difficult because they contain harmonic elements that are unfamiliar to many players. Spending time breaking them down like you do here helps get the changes under our fingers - and why these tunes are still relevant 50+ years on!
One of the best explanations on how to pursue musical growth no matter what the level. 3 core concepts, hope it reaches everyone interested in personal musical development.
I like very much about how you speaking about not-easy things (and Giant Steps are riddiculous for me even to track harmony roots with my voice).
I learn music so much and practise by alone listening and maybe repeating it in my mind (or humming in some different situations like working, shopping or driving :D ). It’s so good idea!
And another thing is that T-shirt. Some moments i see „Thor”, but sometimes then „n” revealed for „Thorn”.
For this i think that You are truly bass-Hero, but even heroes have their thorns which struggle with - so i wish You Janek alot of strengh, wisdom and love to way of life and breaktrough when becoming hard.
Greetings from PL 🇵🇱👋
Great video! I love this approach for talking about practicing, listening and repetition. While also stripping away the mystique of Giant Steps, love it as I do….
Thank you Janek!
YES ! Your comment at 6:40, about not having to think and be theory based while playing. THANK YOU SIFU, TEACH ME !!!
Janek saying “Not as hard as you think” is like a web developer saying “You can build a full stack website easily in 15 minutes.” 😝 You are da man, Janek! I definitely admire your talent and musical knowledge.
Just incredible!
Well done!
I have always thought Giant Steps became more famously difficult than Moment's Notice, which is equally tough, because the piano player got scorched during his solo and that take made the record. Basically the thinking is/ was "IF THE JAZZ GOD CAN'T DO IT IT MUST BE IMPOSSIBLE." Which, to be totally fair, it is really hard.
Immerse yourself in what it is you love and what it is you’re trying to learn! 👌
God bless Janek.
Thanks 🙏
Isn't the book "based" on a 4 string bass though? I was just wondering because here you are demonstrating 5. Thanks
All of the content in the book is applicable to all basses no matter how they're strung. I just happen to be using a 5-string bass in this video as it's my main instrument.
"Not As Hard As You Think" - tried it really slow, lost 2 fingers, 1 eye, and my will to live
😂
PODRIAS COLOCAR LOS SUBTITULOS? SALUDOS DESDE ARGENTINA :)
I need one of your signature basses in my life lol...but bright yellow😂
Totally irrelevant question to this video but i trust and respect your opinion. Thinking of buying the boss cs2 to pair with my boss oc2.I play an early 70s japanese greco violin bass that already is thumpy and sounds like the strings are muted even when they are not[ thats why i got it...i like this sound]. Will the cs2 act like a boost before the oc2 to compensate for a bit of volume loss? Also considering the kinematic by dreadbox. Thank you.
I have a CS-2 and haven't used it in at least 10 years. I guess it really depends on the sound you're going for. If the CS-2 does what you want, then it's the perfect pedal for you. For me, it hasn't been relevant for anything I've done in the last ten years, so it's sat on the shelf that entire time.
@@janekgwizdala Thanks.
Where is Janek?
what is the photo that is behind you?
it looks like it could be a companion shot for the great day in harlem picture…
Exactly. The owner of the 55bar did this in 2022 with all of us that had played there so much over the years.
@@janekgwizdala what a cool thing to do, looks like i can stop trying to find one online…
thank you for taking the time to reply…
fantastic, it would be important to provide subtitles for the videos.🙂
how do I get a hard copy of the book?
They ship worldwide via amazon. The link to the US store is here: www.amazon.com/Decoding-Giant-Steps-Janek-Gwizdala/dp/B0C2SPBR79/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3RSTUE21X8VN6&keywords=janek+gwizdala+giant+steps&qid=1689808496&sprefix=janek+gwizdala+giant+step%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1
@@janekgwizdala Ordered!!
Anyone else think giant steps is incredibly catchy?
some would say countdown is way harder
Reason #1: you're not a sax player
Giant Steps isn't that hard. Here is THE BOOK about THAT SONG which isn't THAT hard! Also, listen to gazzilion of other versions of that song, so you can play it, but first discipline yourself and repeat and repeat and repeat until you can play it. It isn't that hard BECAUSE there are harder songs. TBH, creating video titles that are not click baits ISN'T THAT HARD.
It would appear that you don't really understand the term "clickbait". That would refer to a sensationalized or misleading title to draw you in and then serve you with different information. This video clearly shows how Giant Steps is actually not as hard as most people make it out to be, by virtue of the fact that it is built up entirely of the most common cadence in western music. I then provide three concepts to help develop your ability in the area of V-I cadences, and if you follow the guidance, you will undoubtedly become better at this skill.
Clickbait, this is not. This is writing a title that makes you look, and then delivering on the promise of what it claims.
@@janekgwizdala It's not at all hard in theory, which is why you need a process, as you pointed out, to make it not be as hard in practice. A consistent and focused practice approach applied over time to make the unfamiliar practical aspects become familiar will yield insight and improvement. Again, as you pointed it, your progress in hitting faster tempos depends heavily on your current abilities and how much time you want to dedicate to it. All the work put into this tune will help with other tunes consisting of V-I progressions. There are no free lunches to do this without putting in the work.