Truth is binary. Either it is false or it is true (you feel it or not). Truth can have different angles of insertion, but it always has to direct to the same essence. Same as 'feeling the groove'.
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Is it possible to teach "Groove"?
- Thread starter mambo4
- Start date
I'm absolutely sure groove (whatever we actually mean by that) can be learned. Not so sure it can be taught.
Groove Master
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No, I don't think it necessarily can. Probably most things that can be learned can be taught, but I can think of a number of things I've learned from experience that no one actually taught me, or ever could have.
But that's a small point, really. The larger point is that "groove," however you define it--and I would say it's not really well defined--IS something you can get better at, however you do it.
Groove Master
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I teach groove and I wrote a book on it and the main thing is that it works with my students big time (no puns intended
).The main thing is that I tried to understand what makes a groove-player and I worked at defining it and I've created exercices that would help increase what I believe being the right aspects that make something groove. To me it was evident because I did my own research at defining groove for myself.
I teach groove and I wrote a book on it and the main thing is that it works with my students big time (no puns intended
The main thing is that I tried to understand what makes a groove-player and I worked at defining it and I've created exercices that would help increase what I believe being the right aspects that make something groove. To me it was evident because I did my own research at defining groove for myself.
That's cool. Great work, and I mean that sincerely. I still tend to think that learning this stuff is more self-actuated than inculcated, but you clearly have a lot of experience in this, so maybe you're right.
In any case, to me the larger point is still that it's never a matter if "you have it or you don't," and if you don't you're stuck with your grooveless self. Groove is not some mystical thing that only some are allowed to have. Assuming some basic level of musical aptitude, you can always learn to groove better ... by whatever means work for you.
I think the general lack of a definition is precisely what leads folks to believe groove is unteachable.
Those who I have seen approach teaching with any success (like Wooten and @Groove Master ) did so by first attempting to define what groove actually is.
The 33% who voted No often respond to attempts to define groove
by claiming "that's not what groove really is"
... the ever receding "Groove of the Gaps" argument
Groove Master
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This is where teaching comes to place:help the student understand and feel the music he or she is playing.
Many responses echo this.
Perhaps "Can you teach ' Feel' " would have been a better question.
