Welcome to the Acoustic Guitar Community.
Evolution of Open Mikes
When an open mike first starts out there is a good mix of acts. About 50% or more are worth listening to the rest are painful to endure. Over time the acts that are worth listening to get tired of the tonally challenged capo dependent “singer songwriters” and stop coming. You can figure out what is left.
I hear introductions to songs that go something like this, “Here is a song that I wrote this afternoon, haven’t worked out all the chords yet or the words” then proceeds to try 5 different capo positions to get the right key. Now the song starts and we are treated to 99 verses of off key dribble.
To be fair there are some good open mikes run by really good performers but are few and far between, if only they weren’t an hours drive one way.
The question: Am I the only one that see’s this?
Views: 67
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Phil Manuel on
-
Well, I see your point, and I've certainly seen a fair share of those folks at "open mikes", but you know, I've seen "professional acts" do the same thing. As far as the "the tonally challenged capo dependent “singer songwriters", not sure what you mean exactly, but using a capo is not a bad thing in my mind. You'ld be hard pressed to put folks like Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, and Norman Blake down for using a capo.
In the end, I give all the folks who get up in front of folks some due respect for having the courage to take heat for taking the stage. That's the way it's always been in my experience, and the best performers eventually stop coming to open mikes as they get their act together and move to playing paying gigs. Just saying...
-
Permalink Reply by Daryl Kosinski on -
I am refering to the "capo dependent" not the "capo users" you listed. Lets face it most of us are not the people you listed. I say learn to play the guitar first and you will find a capo is not needed. I tried one about 45 years ago and found it way too limiting and pitched it.
-
-
Well, I disagree about using a capo. I play in jams with folks who play other instruments, as well as, find using a capo useful when playing to retain the use of open chords. No, I'm not saying that we all are on the same plane as those I listed. What I'm saying is those folks listed found using a capo useful and in no way detracts from their musicianship.
If you've tossed your capo, good for you, but it's just plain silly to dismiss folks just because they use a capo.
-
Permalink Reply by Daryl Kosinski on
-
I do not dismiss guitar players because they use one.
-
Permalink Reply by tom blegen on -
I think the beauty of open mics is the variety. We get all kinds at them here from those playing their first song in public to pros passing through. I guess if I want to see a polished show I'd pay for it. But I kinda like it when the homeless guys belt out songs with out of tune guitars, they're passionate. Sometimes I'm surprised and get to see someone who's really good. It's worth the wait. By the way, I'm a happy capo user...
Check Out the Latest in Acoustic Guitar
Featured Title
Free e-newsletter!
Sign up for Acoustic Guitar Weekly—the weekly e-mail newsletter that delivers coverage of players and gear, lessons and technique tips, and advice about performing and recording. Get it now!
Badge
FOLLOW US!
Be alerted to the latest articles on AcousticGuitar.com, including lessons, CD, guitar, and gear reviews, how-to tips, and player profiles.
© 2013 Created by Acoustic Guitar.
