Fragmentitis problems

Jack-Flash-Jr

One of the biggest problems I've had getting re-accustomed to jamming in a band setting is ditching fragmentitis. This happens when you play alone a lot and are not motivated or required to learn an entire song... so I end up with a ton of licks, intros, solos, bridges and outros (lots of fragments) - none of which from the same song. I should be learning an entire piece/song start to finish... but those little tidbits all over Guitar Techniques magazine are so tempting though!

baseline

Yep. I have the same problem, the wife keeps asking me why I don’t play the full song, and like yourself I only play the bits I like a riff or bit of the rhythm , so now my new goal is to learn the song in it’s entirety. I am sur this will help when I want to start jamming with other musos. :?

Gearhead

Is it not the opposite when it comes to jamming? If you can only play the song as is, then you're guaranteed to be playing the album version whereas the others play the live version that has two more choruses and a solo on the verse repeat. Imho fragmentitis is a step towards improv, and improv is part of being a musician rather than a jukebox.

Bob-Dubery

Learning complete compositions helps to put the little pieces together and allows you to examine them in context.

DonovanB

I think gearhead is right there. The only time you need to play the full song is when you are performing it or practicing with intent to perform.

I like to learn little bits, or the solos that I like and want to take inspiration from. Then I use that as practice for when I create my own solos...

Jack-Flash-Jr

DonovanB wrote: I think gearhead is right there. The only time you need to play the full song is when you are performing it or practicing with intent to perform.

Exactly! Incidently, when I write I also tend to leave things incomplete... not good.

PeteM

IMHO it takes many year's of playing, particularly with other musicians, before you can enter the improv arena. Over the years, I've heard many bands doing the improv/jamming thing and producing a cacophony of sound. They may think it sounds good but are way off the mark. I reckon it's a good idea to learn form and structure first before entering improvisation - and this you get from learning and playing a song from A to Z, whether it is a cover or your own composition.