Nobody can play that fast... (feat. Ben Levin) | How to Not Suck at Music #5
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- Опубліковано 3 гру 2017
- Ben Levin and I teach you how to not suck at writing music, and why keeping in mind the limitations of human players is super important if you want your music to not suck.
Thank you so much to Peter M Hughes, simon Van Roij, Dwayne Brumby, Simone De Pascalis and Daniel Mould for their submissions!
If you'd like to submit your entry, please email me at...
howtonotsuckatmusic@gmail.com
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Peace,
Adam
Ben and I are friends, in case anybody can't tell
Adam Neely Oh, we thought you were lovers...
What kind of friends?
Is Ben a Brooklynite too? - A Brooklynite
best fretboards
This was so much fun to watch
LET ME BE YOUR FRETBOARD!!!!!
...baby!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I almost pissed myself when he said that xD
This turned out so well! I hope y'all have a good time!
Ben Levin Great stuff 😊
Ben Levin thanks for your awesome advice on my piece, I think I could put those lines through some midi synths and change the flute and bass clarinet lines to the arpeggios Adam mentioned
I really enjoyed it!
Ben Levin hi! what is the name of the song that you teached? I never got the name of it from the video
That was great! I really enjoyed it.
This is how fanfics start
Adam Neely fanfic? Is it really fanfic if it's about real people?
Justin Scott I'd say so. It's a fictional story writren about 2 real people by a fan of theirs. To me that's a fanfic
"let me be your fretboard"...
OTP right here.
as frank jav cee once said, once you have your own subreddit, it's all down hill from there (www.reddit.com/r/adamneelyfaces/)
“I can’t believe how lonely I am, normally” 😂
I personally think it's really sad
I could totally relate to that. Most of the time being alone is no problem, and when you do get to interact with other people (who are friendly) that you're suddenly hit with how nice it is to have company.
is it odd that it is theopposite for me? when i feel it i mean.
must be low key depression or something.
Same
relatable as shit
Imagine submitting a cover of a song for someone to give feedback on and then getting feedback from the guy who actually plays it. Must be pretty cool!
about that... is that really prog? it felt more like... i dunno, just not prog, i don't have the genre in mind as the only song i can think that is similar to that is from an obscure indie game whose song composer afaik made nothing else,but it just doesn't feel like prog, yet the guy who send that cover wrot "prog rock" in the tags...
A lot of stuff has been mistaken for prog in the last few decades
i can see how that cold've happened.
also something interesting i've noticed nowadays is that as time goes on, in pretty much all kinds of medias genres as a whole are disappearig or merging all together, wonder where that'll bring us one day...
I don't think I ever mentioned prog
At all
@@iota-09 Then it's just a short passage of an entire song out of an entire album of a definitely prog band, I think it can get away at not being supper progy.
7:34 Bromance at its finest
"Those bass fingers, let me be your fretboard"
Ben's feedback sounds so kind.
Freddy Labots When I heard his feedback I actually thought of like a middle school band teacher (not in a bad way) being like, "well... Maybe do this a little differently" as they try not to cringe at Jimmy playing a plastic recorder. Really made my day XD
Feedback guitar omegalulz
Can we get some “bass fingers” or “let me be your fretboard” merch?
I'd buy those for sure, at least the "Let me be your fretboard" one
peter wurst Were you drunk when you wrote this? Lol
@peter wurst what the actual fuck
169th like
@peter wurst breathtaking
“I can’t believe how lonely I am, normally.”
-Ben Levin
It starts with the playful banter. Then the innocent shoulder massage which is enjoyed a little too much. Then the close dancing. If this video had gone on any longer, you would have had to retitle it "How To Suck While Listening to Music." ... not that there is anything wrong with that.
lmao
fudgesauce just fucking go to wattpad already
"How to not SUCC while listening to music"
Do double C's also mean fellatio? I'm not so hip on my gay lingo
How is male affection funny?
I feel like men are their own worst enemies sometimes. It's really sad. I am a man btw.
This bromance needs its own sitcom.
I died when you mentioned the screech trumpet
I was crying imagining that at the wedding as she's walking down
The trumpet player's eyes are all bug-eyed
Everyone in the building goes deaf
Dude, your viewers can really do some serious music huh? That last one was an awesome surprise.
Plus, this video is really cheerful, invite Ben more times!
Bigode Mcbeagles yup. Such a broad spectrum of styles and skill levels. Really great vid!
I volunteer to play trumpet in that wedding band
It's been 3 years. We need a 2021's version of *How To Get Good At Music feat. Ben Levin*
4 now :(
There's that expensive Berkley education at work at 2:39
Berklee*
Ah, right you are. My bad.
10:49 ...
Sandwhaler yup. Berkley is a fraud
@@pribanovaterka But they know CHALUMEAU!!
Top stuff guys!
I hope everyone knows how lucky they are to be able to instantly have quality bite-size lessons like these.
Definitely my favorite video from both these guys. Weird nerdy chemistry at work here!
I love Ben Levin. I love Adam Neely. I LOVE when they get together and combine thier expertise for us. This is a rare treat I wish happened more often. Much love you guys!
I love how, despite the name of this series, you really try to find the good and the thought behind each and every contribution. As a music teacher, this is exactly how I approach things, but it's a rare thing online, where dissing seems to be par for the course. You really show your love for both music of all kinds and teaching here. Big props man.
Super cool that you're a teacher doing that, feels like too few teachers I've had (even otherwise really good ones) thought about it that way. A tendency I saw when helping classmates with maths, was that many of them would erase the entire solution and do something completely different if they had the wrong answer. Problem is... often that first try was almost right, with only a small error, and the second time was even more wrong. The teacher wasn't actively negative or anything, but of course only focused on the aspects that needed change when correcting them.
When you dont't have any confidence, your first assumption is that everything is wrong/bad. It's so important that you get to hear what you did right too, so you don't throw the baby out with the bathwater and ignore what you did right. Prune the dead branches and keep the good ones, instead of letting the whole tree wither.
Of course you can be overconfident too, but I think it's the same thing, in a way. You want to do a good job, you feel bad cause your work is flawed. Underconfidence and you dismiss your work as worthless, overconfidence and you dismiss the negative feelings themselves. Dissing won't get through to either of the two
15:14 Can't imagine a better compliment for someone's work.
But having listened to it a few times now, I think it would be a let down if you don't show up at the wedding and deliver it live.
"Let me be your fretboard" :]
:]:]:]:]:]:]:]:]
This video feels me with positive ideas.
You always have something useful to say. Never being hard on the ones making mistakes. It is aspiring and I wish more people were like that.
I know too many people who would bash the first piece without thinking about what could be hidden behind.
That.. that was beautiful. Adam is a total sweetheart with Ben around. Loved the episode.
You two are amazing! Positive and refreshing on every level. Even from my lowly perspective as a wanna-be musician I learn from your collaboration. Great work.
I can't stop playing the "holy shit" moment over and over.
Joseph Rollins omg same!!
Me too lmao
Me either!
I'm the same with how he reacts to Jared Yee's sax solo in the 'making of' part of the Clarity video
I was dying at Adam's reaction to the B Major 7th. Then he's says "screech trumpet" and I literally couldn't breath for a good minute because he said exactly what I was thinking as I read the music.
Hey guys! I used in this video a word that is very derogatory in the UK, but utterly neutral in the USA. I apologize! I didn't know.
Named a more iconic duo, I'll wait
I love that last arrangement
You and Ben work really together, it's good to have a bit of banter between questions and it's also good to see you confirm each other's observations.
This was a great video. I really liked having Ben's perspective in the video. It is awesome to hear musicians of your caliber talk shop. I encourage bringing in guests for more of your videos.
Favorite video by far
Adam has a whole video on one instrument going ‘badada’ and the other going ‘dadada’, it's the hocket one.
I have been waiting for another collaboration with Ben. Can't wait to see him again next year. As always great video, I love the way you tackle this, and I'm looking forward to your next upload.
I love your mixture of bantz and total respect for your submitters. You have good manners Adam. So glad I found this channel
you two make a great duo presenting this content!
Remember, they're _just friends_
Oisin Smith yep 😉
Just friends! Nope, nope, nothing else! Nothing more than that!! hahahaha
I had always love seeing you guys toguether in a video, thanks! Great vid!
As a long time subscriber, I thought this episode was an awesome change in style, it was super funny. I love Ben, and would love more of this
It's also important to point out that the kid playing summertime isn't at all playing the changes. He's just playing blues scale stuff floating over the changes rather than getting inside and articulating the harmony.
You and Ben have a great dynamic!
This series is freaking awesome, it gives me a completely different perspective on music writing. Very interesting and informative.
That was fun. I enjoyed the interplay between you two. Also the tidbit from Ben about the spread chords.
I've concluded that the best Adam Neely videos are with Ben..;-))
You guys really are best friends. You should just play more goofy, fun music together. I'd listen/watch the hell out of that.
Guys, you're, really, a very dynamic duo! Good for us! Thank you both!
Merci Ben et Adam! Thanks!
You need to buy some beakers and lab coats because the chemistry here is fantastic.
This video was hilarious, please have Ben with you more often!
Thank you for making this video series. It is very helpful to see common mistakes of different people to remind oneself what to focus on while playing or composing. I think it helps to see that a solid technique and a well organized song and sticking to an idea are more important than making things complicated for just being complex. :)
This channel, along with David Bruce’s, is refreshingly intelligent, down-to-earth, and insightful. Great stuff!
"Let me be your fretboard" hahahaha
Adam + Ben. The best bromance youtube has to offer right now.
Great videos Adam, keep up the excelent work!
You need to have this guy in more of your videos! I always enjoy your work and the insights you share but this one really stood out as both hilarious and highly informative. I think sharing the spotlight with your friend ups the production value--having a second perspective really leads to some great discussion and, at least in this case, a goofier end result.
Keep up the excellent work! And I hope you'll consider having guests on your channel more often 👍
That was fun guys. Good stuff.
I want a Ben Levin, where did you get him ?!
I think it was the Amazon Black Friday sale, I saw some pretty cool ones but they were sold out. High demand.
I was fortunate to find one at a garage sale.
I built my own for only 100 bucks
Pretty amazing
You can find one anywhere stuffed toys are sold.
Bens additional input is perfect! Keep doin these together please
One of your best videos so far!
Power couple name ideas.
Benam Leevly
Aden Neely
Badam Leevy
Bendam Neeley
I personally like, Bendem Lovely.
Bend the Knee
or.......
Bent Knee
I smell a conspiracy
Bam Nevin
Adam levin
the bromance is strong in these two
This video was absolutely amazing. Thank you guys!
I'm so happy to see Ben on your channel again!
you guys are quickly becoming my favorite celebrity power couple
Adam Neely's Dance lessons
Really solid advice guys! You both rock! Or maybe even jazz!! Have a good one and continue to be awesome! Thanks
One of my favorite vids from your channel.. I hope this dude posts a video of his wedding when that trumpet becomes the center of attention.
Fantastic! Adam is clearly a very driven and intelligent person. It was nice seeing a more relaxed and whimsical side to him. Ben also added to the usual Adam mix with some well-phrased observations and comments.
Hej Adam (and Ben!), great video as always!
Watching these "How to not suck" videos always motivates me to submit something, but at the same time I feel like my actual weakness in music is my method of practicing. I suck at practicing music.
I can easily sit down for an hour or two repeating the same difficult passage until I have it down, but more often than not I find it hard to find a balance between technique, musicality, and repertoire.
Over the last couple of years I've found myself spending a lot of time memorising the inversions of closed+spread triads, the geometry of the fretboard, the shapes of various arpeggios, scales, and studying a lot of Jazz theory.
When I sit down to improvise or play my instrument(guitar) however, I never feel like the time I've spent practicing has actually made me a better player.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how to effectively balance and develop as a musician through practice, and how to balance the different aspects of playing an instrument well.
Thanks again for all the videos!
I know this is a from a while ago but if you are still struggling with this you might want to check out Benny Greb's book Effective Practicing for Musicians. I've been using his system for maybe half a year and have found it to be really good at getting me to actually advance. And it has gotten me past much of the more psychological frustrations I had before about learning an instrument. Can't recommend it enough.
I have that exact same thinline 72 that Ben is playing and that makes me happy, because I’ve literally never seen another guitarist play one lol
I really liked this format of video. Keep on working on it dude...! Great analisys and btw it was funny too haha. Peace!
loved watching you two music nerd friends hanging out together :)
I’m surprised that you didn’t bring up how difficult it would be to keep the ensemble in sync on that last piece!
Great stuff as always! Also, THANK-YOU for introducing me to Ben and his band Bent Knee! They're really quite extraordinary. I just wish they played outside the US. Come to the UK please, Ben! Cheers!
Adam and Ben are awesome!!
Just wanna say, I play alto sax, and that high D isn’t really that bad to play. As long as you have a good musician playing it, it can be *soft* or *screamy* as you like.
You can even make it sound like a clarinet if you modify your embouchure 😄
How would a composer signal the desire for the embrouchure change? Is there good notation for that?
3countylaugh
I’m pretty sure there’s no notation for that , you’d just have to write “played softly” above the stave, and the player should be able to adjust naturally 😜
I didn't know this guy was in bent knee! Kinda lame how I discovered them (through rock band 4 DLC) but holy shit I have nothing but the utmost respect for that band! Such a cool unique group.
But Great Video! I always can’t wait for your video! Keep up the great work!
Love all the Ben x Adam collabs!
"[. . .] Bathe in screech trumpet."
-A. Neely
... I can't afford a recurring patreon right now, but I'd love to buy y'all a beer JUST for that.
"Oh those base finger, let me be your fretboard"
amazing, I have learned so much from Ben, big fan
I'm just always amazed by how well you know other instruments registers and play styles.
Adam, love you, love your channel. FYI, an intermediate-advanced alto saxophonist should be able to hit a high D gently. Keep up the good work.
Don't know about sax, but I learned to hit notes like that gently on clarinet. It's hard as heck to keep it in tune, but it's not easy to keep the upper register in tune anyways.
That said, even in this form, it was too much I feel. So bringing it down could be better.
As an alto sax player, I think I wanna disagree with you about that point you made in that last composition. That high D really isn't that screechy. I think it actually has a lot of potential to be really beautiful, and if you play it an octave down, that middle D on sax is just so ungodly sharp all the time, so it won't be worth it anyway. Personally, I think leaving in the high D is absolutely fine. Secondly, in measure 19, I'm pretty sure there's no way to play that super low G on alto. And even if there was (which there could be. correct me if i'm wrong.) I'm pretty sure it would sound terrible. The alto is just really not a good instrument for low notes like that. It can do those high notes surprisingly well, but it's the direct inverse of the bari when it comes to sound quality between the low and high registers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there's my 2 cents. Awesome video as always! :)
Billy Lipoff both of those things I agree with. High D (concert f)is really not a "screechy" note for good sax players and that low concert G is well outside the range of a sax which stops at the Db above that.
Fellow alto player... came here to say this exact thing. With a full embouchure and breath support high D can sound really nice. If paired with the clarinet dropped down an octave, I think that opening would work just fine
Billy Lipoff Another fellow sax play here. I agree with you guys, that high D is totally fine and if anything makes the song really grab your attention at the beginning. If you really want to hear screeching saxophone, I'd reccomend listening to the sax quartet XAS by Iannis Xenakis, which requires the alto sax player to play the same Super high concert Bb that was written for the trumpet in this piece. Anyway, I'd also like to point out that the low g is well within the range of an alto sax, which goes to the Db below that on the bass clef (or low C if you cover the bell with your knee). I also disagree with the point about the sax's low register. It's very expressive and beautiful, and Sousa wrote a lot for that range in the trio sections of his marches.
Billy Lipoff for the middle octave D you can fix the intonation by adding the low B key.
otherwise, i totally agree with it. that top D can really sing, and we all hate playing low.
I loved the first composition!
Loving these vids.
On Alto sax that D is actually super easy to play coz its so stable and nice for tuning. Any intermediate player could play it very quietly to balance.
As a bass clarinet player I will say the first composition is playable with the exception of the multiphonics used as those specific ones are not playable though others are. Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe second series is far more difficult for a bass clarinet player to play.
I like how when they dance, the bass player gets to lead
TravisPilgrim Awwwwwww
Damn! Love it. Keep killing it my dudes!
Great videos man... Love them! I subscribed.
This is def going on my top 10 anime romances list.
hey Adam! when will you make more music? I already listened to everything I want more.
Sanjou Nemu ditto
making music to the level i want to and making youtube videos at the same time is crazy time consuming. i can promise a thing on december 18, though, and then more actualy music in january/february
Adam Neely absolutely understandable
This was awesome! Ben and Adam for the win!
I hope you did more with Ben Levin! This was fun but I want to see more of Ben's wild creativity.
Hey Adam,
I think a lot about when you talk about "writing for the sake of complexity" and how it isn't always the best route to go about when writing music. The problem I have with myself is that I find myself really liking to just try these wild things (generally weird time signatures) and trying to write things around it just to try and do it. But it's not out of some sort of spectacle or anything, I just find it fun to experiment in this way. Do you think this is different than what you describe, or should I try to work with a different focus?
Thanks in advance man
(i'm not Adam and I hope that he answers your question because it is a great question)
But yes, I think it's different, because writing with the flow can lead to resolutions quite complex or quite simple, and all of this is because of your approachs and what you listen
Maybe we have a line between the flow and the sake of complexity but if you feel that a song can lead to a complex way because it fits better for the song, maybe for you, the writer, it's the best choice (all up to you, in the end)
At least you win experience and write better and better
I agree with the person above me, there's a difference between doing weird time signatures and such for fun and experimentation and doing it to show off.
I believe there's a lot of truth behind what Adam said there, but there's also the fact that it's quite subjective as well. Proof? well, you do enjoy "complex" music. So do I actually... the thing is, there are lots of variables that can make make sound better, or more "coherent", for instance, composing within the most suitable tesitures of the instruments and "going crazy", if needed, within what's humanely possible to play. Check Frank Zappa's "Approximate" or "Uncle Meat/Dog Breath variations".
You can also split an otherwise (too) fast line for a single player into "one note for you, one note for me" thing... there are a bunch of examples on King Crimson's music for that. Obviously, that last example demands extremely virtuoso musicians as well. Etc, etc... keep it up!
Bromance of the Year
Such a great video. Please please please try to do more videos together if you can? :) I love you both, Adam and Ben!
That first piece sounded awesome. You could also get a similar effect by breaking up those lines into short bursts and dividing it up between players/sections.