In addition to the musical legacy he left unintentionally turning off this weekend, Captain Beefheart had also assured his estate some years ago, leaving a small information note entitled the "Captain Beefheart's 10 Commandments of Guitar Playing. " No no, do not flee, I will not tell you about guitar lessons Yngwie Malmsteem or cheat codes for guitar hero, but real useful advice given by someone who knows what he's talking about Captain Beefheart. Whole philosophy of the guitar smart, funny and very true to play as Gary Lucas and Marc Ribot and especially not like Steve Vai. Apprentices guitarists, is the Captain speaking.01. Listen to the birds
That's where I got all the music. The birds know how it should sound and where that sound should come. And watch hummingbirds. They fly very fast, but mostly they are not going anywhere.
02. Your guitar is not really a guitar
Your guitar is a divining rod. Use it to find spirits in the other world and bring them back. A guitar is also a fishing rod. If you're good, you'll get a big one.
03. Practise in front of a bush *
Wait until the moon rises and then go out, eat a seed bread and play your guitar to the bush. If the bush does not shake, eat another piece of bread.
04. Walk with the devil
The old Delta blues players called their amp a "devil's box". And they were right. You must be an employer does not discriminate in hiring when you bring someone on the other side. Electricity attracts demons and devils. Other instruments attract other spirits. An acoustic guitar attracts Casper. A mandolin attracts Wendy. But an electric guitar attracts Beelzebub.
05. If you are guilty of thinking, you're fired
If your brain goes into the process, you're missing. You should play like a guy who is drowning, struggling to reach shore. If you can trap that feeling when you have something to fur. (?)
06. Never point your guitar to someone
Your instrument has more power than lightning. Just play a major agreement and run outside to hear it. Make sure you're not in an open space.
07. Always carry your bottle opener
You must have your bottle opener with you and use it when prompted. This is your part of the arrangement. Like One String Sat was a Detroit street musician playing an instrument he had built himself. His song "I need a hundred dollars" is the cream puff. Another carrier opener was Hubert Sumlin, guitarist for Howlin 'Wolf. He stands just standing there like the Statue of Liberty, giving you want to look up her dress to see how he does.
08. Do not wipe the sweat from your instrument
You need that stink on it. Then you must put that stench in your music.
09. Keep your guitar in a dark place
When you do not play, cover your guitar and keep it in a dark place. If you do not play for more than a day be sure to give him a saucer of water.
10. You must have a cover on your motor
Wear a hat when you play and keep it on your head. A hat is a pressure cooker. If you have a roof on your house the hot air can not escape. Even a lima bean to be wrapped in a wet sheet of paper to push.
posted December 19, 2010 11:33
posted December 19, 2010 11:53
