Captain Beefheart's 10 Commandments of Guitar Playing (1996)
Captain Beefheart's "10 Commandments of Guitar Playing" combines unconventional advice, emphasizing listening to nature, instinctual playing, and the spiritual connection with instruments, reflecting his unique philosophy on music.
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Captain Beefheart's "10 Commandments of Guitar Playing" offers unconventional advice for musicians. The first commandment emphasizes listening to birds, suggesting that their sounds are foundational to music. He encourages viewing the guitar as a divining rod or fishing rod, used to connect with spirits. Practicing in front of a bush under the moonlight is recommended, with the idea that if the bush doesn't shake, one should continue eating multi-grain bread. He advises musicians to embrace the "devil box" of electric guitars, acknowledging the spiritual implications of different instruments.
Beefheart warns against overthinking while playing, advocating for a raw, instinctual approach. He humorously suggests never pointing a guitar at anyone due to its power and to always carry a "church key" as a metaphorical tool for creativity. He believes that sweat on the instrument is essential for authentic music and recommends keeping the guitar in a dark place when not in use, even placing a saucer of water with it. Lastly, he likens wearing a hat to maintaining pressure in a creative environment, essential for growth. These commandments reflect Beefheart's unique philosophy on music, blending mysticism, humor, and practical advice, showcasing his eccentric yet profound approach to guitar playing.
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12 commentsI watched a Beefheart documentary once where a fan said something to the effect of "It sounds like noise but if you listen closely, each band member is playing a totally different time signature and key". I mean yeah. That's pretty much what it sounds like lol.
One of nature's great prototypes...
CBAHMB is overlooked in the history of rock unfortunately - like most great artists - but Safe as Milk is breathtaking
And some lists of advice for songwriters from a couple of songwriters: https://indiemusicfeedback.com/words-of-advice-for-musicians...
Some are weird: Don't wipe the sweat off your instrument
Thank you for sharing!
Zappa music, otoh, reveals the genius behind it once you pay attention. Then again, half of his catalog is just self-indulgent wankery he himself admitted he funded through the juvenile songs.
Listen to “Inca Roads” or the whole “Zappa in NY” album and you’ll see Zappa’s greatness.
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