[steve]

I think we all agree here that Bob is a phenomenal rhythm guitarist. The way he slides through chords blows my mind. I can't really describe the sound, but I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. Does anybody know the structure behind his playing, how he achieves such sounds? Any info would be great, a video of his techniques would be very beneficial if anyone's up for the task. Thanks!

[st stephen]

go to www.darkstarorchestra.com, and ask rob eaton the rhythm guitar player for dso. He is really truly amazing at emulating bobby.

[strumminsix]

I play Bobby stuff in my current bands.

What exactly are you looking for and maybe I can make a vid?

I'll give you a tip - Learn barre chords in different shapes.

For example E, B, C#m, F#m can be played off the 4th fret.

Bobby uses that sort of thing perfectly.

Additionally, he realizes chord constructs and voicing order.

For example a major chord is 1 3 5

If you play an open E you play: 1 5 1 3 5 1
If you play an open G you play: 1 3 5 1 3/5 1
If you play a triad of any chord you play 1 3 5

Being able to hear those differences is key!

Then you get to inversions and partials so instead play a 1 5 powerchord, play it 5 1. If you are playing blues instead of 1 3 5 7 play only the 3 7 and invert 3 7 since you know darn well the bassist and/or key's left hand will have the 1 and 5 (there's a cool trick for this that I can show if you don't know!)

Does this help?

[Jimkkc]

I have said this in previous links, but an easy way to get a grasp of Bobby's playing is to watch the "View From the Vault" series - I believe the Pittsbourgh '90 DVD has a close-up of Bobby during the "mellowing out" phase of Let it Grow -

Strumminsix - when you say play the 3 and the 7, do you mean the 3 and 7 note? chord? This is probably an absurdly dumb question, but the "trick" you describe sounds pretty cool and I know just enough music theory stuff to get lost!

[hesgone95]

SS-That trick sounds cool, I'd love to see it if you have time to put it together. Take it easy

[strumminsix]

Strumminsix - when you say play the 3 and the 7, do you mean the 3 and 7 note? chord? This is probably an absurdly dumb question, but the "trick" you describe sounds pretty cool and I know just enough music theory stuff to get lost!

Yup, just the 3 & 7 it is great! Not a dumb question!

Here is a 1 4 5 ( or I IV V if you prefer ) in G

Code: Select all

   G7  C7  D7
G --4---3---5---
D --3---2---4---

What you are playing there:
G7 = F & B (the 7 and 3 respectively)
C7 = E & A# (the 3 and 7 respectively)
D7 = F# & C ((the 3 and 7 respectively)

Make sense???? Hope it helps.

Sorry this is quick I'm slammed here at work

[/code]

[steve]

i see what you're saying. when i get home i'll figure out a tune for the vid. right now im thinking half-step and brown-eyed women, both early '70s versions.

[bucketorain]

[quote="strumminsix"]
Additionally, he realizes chord constructs and voicing order.

For example a major chord is 1 3 5

If you play an open E you play: 1 5 1 3 5 1
If you play an open G you play: 1 3 5 1 3/5 1
If you play a triad of any chord you play 1 3 5

Being able to hear those differences is key!

quote]

Sorry to have to ask this but what does the "1 3 5" represent?

[strumminsix]

Sorry to have to ask this but what does the "1 3 5" represent?

The first, third and fifth notes in the scale which make the chord.

[Django]

I use the 3 & 7 thing also, mainly for blues. Note: you can also wrap your thumb over the neck and park it on the low E string at the 3rd fret (for the above example), it gives you a cool pedal point for those half step chord changes. Just play the three notes fingerstyle and leave it there for all three chord fragments or slide it up to the fifth fret on the D7.
But I didn't know that was a Bob trademark, I was wondering about the concept of how he would bridge the bass notes of Phil's and Jerry's notes to cement it all together (as Jerry said he did in Guitar Player). Any insite on that technique, strummin?

[Mick]

For example E, B, C#m, F#m can be played off the 4th fret.

Strummin': Quick question, since I seem to be having a brain cramp on this. You have said the above before, and it clicked in my brain that E can be played with the C shape, barring the 4th fret. B can be played the standard 4 string way [x2444x], or can be played 6 string using the "G" shape and a barre on 4 (if your fingers are long and flexible enough for this, I really struggle with this one though). C#m can be played using the Am shape and a barre on 4. I can't figure out how to play F#m off the 4th fret though, is there something obvious I am missing?

[steve]

I can't figure out how to play F#m off the 4th fret though, is there something obvious I am missing?

bar the fourth and play a Dm shape a fret above the bar

[Mick]

I can't figure out how to play F#m off the 4th fret though, is there something obvious I am missing?

bar the fourth and play a Dm shape a fret above the bar

I'm afraid I don't understand this either. Can someone post what the frets played would be?

[shakedown_04092]

I can't figure out how to play F#m off the 4th fret though, is there something obvious I am missing?

bar the fourth and play a Dm shape a fret above the bar

I'm afraid I don't understand this either. Can someone post what the frets played would be?

What he's saying is just take a Dm and move it up 4 frets, though you have to readjust your finger position:

F#m

e 5 (pinkie)
B 7 (middle)
G 6 (ring)
D 4 (index)
A x
E x

Mick: I also struggle w/ that G-shaped chord you mentioned, as I guess most people would because it's such a strech to hit. I use that chord, but very seldom. It really does sound great though. All I can say is keep practicing it and it'll get easier.

[IamDocWatson]

i use that G shape alot but not full.bob does also

i just play it like this..
say for the B chord

e-7--pinky
B-4
G-4--first finger bar the 4th fret
D-4
A-6--ring
E-x

or move up the pinky and play it like this...

e-x
B-7
G-4
D-4
A-6
E-x

if u cant stretch for the F#m try it this way

e-5---or 9
B-7
G-6
D-7
A-x
E-x