Satriani
Phrasing
So you've learnt some scales, and it still SUCKS when you actually play them over a chord progression. Well, phrasing is very important and it is the story you're trying to tell when u play. Imagine speaking English with no pauses or breaks in your sentences. Like one of those old school teachers with that voice like a drone. Who wants to hear that? Well avoid it by learning phrasing!
Phrase : A phrase is a group of notes being played together to form a musical "idea"
Period phrase : A period phrase is a phrase that ends with the root note. This leaves the listener with a sense that the idea is done or complete. It has a "finished" sound.
Comma phrase : A comma phrase is a phrase ending in a note other than the root note. This leaves the listener with the feeling there must be something more to come. The idea does not sound "finished" yet.
So in essence, what is phrasing?It is simply the art of phrasing and using both comma and period phrases together to form whole solos, etc
NorioDS
I'd like to add to your definition to say that phrasing is the also the stuff you don't play between all your notes. The silent parts, the long vibratos, etc. But, come to think of it, that probably should be called the "feeling" not the "phrasing" ?
Satriani
100% correct. Good phrasing is what gives the music it's feel, especially rhythmically, so well spotted!
Renesongs
Loving it - Keep them coming Meir. I have been playing and teaching for well over 30 years and that is the best description of phrasing that I have seen 8)
