Playing technique vs practice technique

[drfrankencopter]

Lately I've been noticing that how I play when practicing is very different from how I play in a live or even improvising over backing tracks situation.

When practicing I tend to use a light touch with both picking and fretting hands, whereas when really playing, the level of intensity is greatly increased and I am much more forceful with my picking. This really slows me down in the picking department, and pretty much forces me into legato for any quick lines.

So, here's the philosophical question, if I want to improve my picking accuracy while playing, do I try to make a conscious effort to reduce the aggressiveness of my playing and make my live technique more like my practice technique, or should I try and add more intensity to my practicing (i.e. practice like as if I was playing live)?

Anyone else notice this? How do you deal with it?

Cheers

Kris

[dkaplowitz]

Originally Posted by drfrankencopter

So, here's the philosophical question, if I want to improve my picking accuracy while playing, do I try to make a conscious effort to reduce the aggressiveness of my playing and make my live technique more like my practice technique, or should I try and add more intensity to my practicing (i.e. practice like as if I was playing live)?

HarryJ hipped me to some great dynamics exercises. Basically the idea is to consciously spend some time (not all of it) practicing very soft picking (the pick almost falls from your fingers) and very loud picking (as aggressive as you can cleanly play). I still have a long way to go, but it's helped my playing immensely since I started (control, dynamics, etc.).

[Dave Orban]

Originally Posted by dkaplowitz

HarryJ hipped me to some great dynamics exercises. Basically the idea is to consciously spend some time (not all of it) practicing very soft picking (the pick almost falls from your fingers) and very loud picking (as aggressive as you can cleanly play). I still have a long way to go, but it's helped my playing immensely since I started (control, dynamics, etc.).

And Harry sure knows what in hell he's talking about...!

[dkaplowitz]

Originally Posted by Dave Orban

And Harry sure knows what in hell he's talking about...!

Word! The man knows of what he speaks! Aside from being an astoundingly good player, he's one of the best teachers I've ever had the fortune of having lessons with.

[Icculus]

I'm glad you guys have so much good to say about Harry. Kapolowitz... I took your advice (my old name was GivenToWail) and I'm going back for my 2nd lesson on Monday.

[dkaplowitz]

Originally Posted by Icculus

I'm glad you guys have so much good to say about Harry. Kapolowitz... I took your advice (my old name was GivenToWail) and I'm going back for my 2nd lesson on Monday.

Hey, glad to hear it. Hope you get as much out of it as I did. I'm looking forward to more myself.

[jimmy peters]

all of the good teachers in the world , can not stop the ADRENOLIN rush of a full house.
when you are practicing, try to picture your self on stage looking at no empty seats.

good luck
jimmy peters

[jspax7]

The more you play live, the more relaxed you will become. There is no substitute for live playing experience.

One suggestion, Turn your amp up louder than usual. The volume may influence how hard you pick.

Props to Harryj. I don't know him personally, but his reputation speaks for itself. I always tune in to his posts, and visit his website occasionally.