Autumn Leaves Melody

[Dr. Cheese]

Learning to read as a senior citizen has been interesting. This melody is simple but I had a mental block reading it until a few minutes ago.

 

[g-dude]

Are you reading the melody in treble clef or bass clef?

Give the song a shot playing it lower using open strings and what not. I suspect you’ll find it easier.

One thing I like to do sometimes is to listen to the song and follow along with the sheet music - I think it makes it easier to get the phrasing and to develop the ear memory for what’s going on. Also, right before you start playing the song, run through the scales a couple of times to really lock in where your fingers are going to go.

Once you’re starting to get sick of it, you can punctuate the phrases with some double stops.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Are you reading the melody in treble clef or bass clef?

Give the song a shot playing it lower using open strings and what not. I suspect you’ll find it easier.

One thing I like to do sometimes is to listen to the song and follow along with the sheet music - I think it makes it easier to get the phrasing and to develop the ear memory for what’s going on. Also, right before you start playing the song, run through the scales a couple of times to really lock in where your fingers are going to go.

Once you’re starting to get sick of it, you can punctuate the phrases with some double stops.

I am reading in the bass clef, but playing in the upper register. My teacher had me look at the scales since it matches them so closely. I just played it again:

 

[g-dude]

I am reading in the bass clef, but playing in the upper register. My teacher had me look at the scales since it matches them so closely. I just played it again:

I would suggest you also try playing it in a lower register for one specific reason - you can also work on walking basslines or playing an accompaniment with a two to the bar feel...and then start to mix the elements together.

For example, imagine playing the first phrase, then swapping to a walking bassline for the next phrase, then back to the melody...etc.

This is a piece that you can actually spend weeks on, doing different things, and having a good time doing it.

When you start to feel really confident, then play along with a recording or a backing track.

At some point, you may need a break from this song - when that time comes, “I Got Rhythm” is a great one to pivot to.

Keep it up and have fun!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I would suggest you also try playing it in a lower register for one specific reason - you can also work on walking basslines or playing an accompaniment with a two to the bar feel...and then start to mix the elements together.

For example, imagine playing the first phrase, then swapping to a walking bassline for the next phrase, then back to the melody...etc.

This is a piece that you can actually spend weeks on, doing different things, and having a good time doing it.

When you start to feel really confident, then play along with a recording or a backing track.

At some point, you may need a break from this song - when that time comes, “I Got Rhythm” is a great one to pivot to.

Keep it up and have fun!

I actually practiced walking with chord tones before learning the melody. Your plan sounds very much like the plan my teacher has for me.

 

[joelns]

Now do it with a looper. Lay in the chords (or parts of chords, I like the 3rd and 7th), walk a bass line over it, and lastly play the melody. For me, it's really good practice.

 

[g-dude]

I actually practiced walking with chord tones before learning the melody. Your plan sounds very much like the plan my teacher has for me.

Well, I cribbed it from what my upright bass teacher had me do!