To be clear, I’m talking about what he’s doing at the end of some phrases (I.e. not the pitch bending thing). It looks like it *should* be producing a glissando,, but I can’t hear it. Is that what you’re describing too?
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It is, yes. I think he’s just sliding his way around instinctually because that’s his style of playing - but barely producing a sound. Also I think this is a recording laid over the video of his work. Like he’s playing the same thing but not “live” to the camera as such.
I've always wondered that too. Dampening the string? Returning to a "home position" kinda thing? In my own case, it's a relaxation exercise, kinda "shake it out" but I'm a newbie. (Don't pianists do a sort same "shake it, return to home" thing as well?
I see what you mean. It does contribute musically sometimes. Like when he plays the 3 string chords and the slide down sort of fades. Other slides do nothing. I've seen other guitarists do this. I'm not sure how they pick up the habit but I think that's all it is.
It may have something to do with settling in and being comfortable with the groove. Not every motion on an instrument results in a musical contribution. Sometimes it's the musician doing something for themselves to stay grounded in the piece.
I do this myself sometimes. My technique is nowhere near as good as this but it’s habit - almost like taking a breath before coming back in again for the next phrase or part of the arrangement.
Exactly. Whatever it takes to push you into the music. I'm retired from professional playing. But when I looked back at performances I had a few quirky movements of my own. But it was all just part of delivering the music the way I felt it.
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I wondered if it was achieving an effect or just shaking off tension or something. Thanks for the explanation.
Also some movements look redundant to those who don’t play, but help with tension, mobility, etc.