Rhythm Tune Up

[Dolamon]

I just got a copy of John McGann's Rhythm Tune up DVD and got rolled over slowly. Some very basic questions I didn't know how to ask ... were answered within the first two minutes of the DVD.

I didn't know where to post this as virtually anyone who plays - anything - on any instrument can benefit from this DVD. His explanation of how to use a metronome is worth the price of admission. Then there's the rest of the CD which is equivalent to about two years of drumming lessons.

Thanks John - a great product and the last five minutes is hypnotic.

[jmcgann]

Aw shucks, thanks. That was one of the most fun projects I've done- challenging to be on camera, but I was working with two top notch pros (Andy Volk and Lyle Sorenson) who were great coaches.

I wanted to make the DVD accessable to anyone, on any instrument. The idea is to present ways to think about rhythm and timing that can make the biggest improvements in your overall playing. It's not to "be able to play like a metronome"; working with the metronome teaches you (among other things) to listen and hear beyond your own head- essential for playing in a band and communicating with other players.

Metronome work doesn't make you play "mechanically" unless you WANT to sound like Devo or something

Thanks Dolamon, delighted to hear that it is useful for you!

[Dolamon]

I forgot one thing (actually got flabbergast'd when I went back to the DVD and discovered where), John explains the Shuffle Beat on his Zeidler (?). Well that was an incredible can't-stop-the-grin exploration. I knew that was possible and probable but elegant?

In John McGann's hands - you betcha.

What surprised me was working with the very basic exercises for a few minutes with a metronome set up properly (Per JMcG), my playing just seemed to tighten up and become fluid. How did that happen so rapidly? In all honesty, I'd been thinking of taking a series of drumming classes - buying a dumbek or a conga and getting my hands numb in pursuit of an ingrained groove ... I may decide to take a class later but have saved a ton of money - right now - by getting this CD first.

Tasty -

[Mike Buesseler]

I must be a pushover...just ordered the Rhythm Tune Up and The Bazouki OM book. I'm getting an OM in March. Might as well be ready. I love all of John's stuff I've seen so far.

Dolaman, you really have me looking forward to that rhythm book....

[luckylarue]

Hey Dolamon,

You're definitely on the right path. Rhythm is the key. Sometimes I can forget how essential it is to mandolin (or any kind of music). With John, it's gotta be good. Cheers!

[asicard]

I also give John McGann's "Rhythm Tune up DVD" a BIG thumbs up!!! The presentation of ideas and content are excellent.

I laughed when I first saw the DVD case/cover. There's a picture of an electronic metronome surrounded by a glowing halo. The image is iconic - like a renaissance painting depicting the "Holy Grail!" Hmmmm... maybe there's a connection there!

Oh yeah, John’s musical interludes between segments are SWEET!!

[evanreilly]

Well, what would you expect, other than sweet, from a guy who is Professor of Mandolin at the Berkely College of Music?
I mean, really, now..... <G>
I still have the big Franz metronome that I bought when I took lessons from Professor McGann. And I use it frequently.

[luckylarue]

Mmmm...DEVO on mandolin - Whip It Good! #Better yet, a Devo tribute album done by the top bluegrass musicians. #John, let's get on this before someone else does! #I'll call NPR.

Hey, where's my emoticons?

[jmcgann]

thanks y'all!

[TerryA]

Does "Rythm Tuneup" go into playing ahead of and behind
the beat? If so, is it just mentioned or explained?

---
TerryA

[jmcgann]

Explained and demonstrated!

[TerryA]

I'll definitely be ordering this dvd. I've been intrigued by
this topic ever since I read what Michael Doucet said about
Hector Duhon and Octa Clark; "one pushing and the other
pulling" (I assume this is the same thing as ahead of and
behind the beat). Amazing how one thing leads to another.

---
TerryA