I have some questions about playing in the pocket.
I have never really thought about this concept until Ben brought it up at Athens Cabin Camp.
For context I play mostly at church with a full band, drums and all.
I play acoustic guitar, mandolin and electric guitar (not all at the same time…but will play 2 through out the service, we play 7-9 songs per service) our worship leader typically plays rhythm acoustic guitar and I find space to fill with my instrument.
So on most songs She and our bass and drummer create the pocket, I try and lay back and play in it.
Typically on the first song we play for communion I will play acoustic guitar with a vocalist, then as the band comes back from communion they jump in and build it, so in these cases I am creating the pocket.
On some more “driving” songs I find my self playing rhythm on the front side of pocket, but depending on the skill level of our drummer on that service it can pull him into a faster tempo.
On songs where I play more lead parts on the electric, I find myself playing on the leading edge of the pocket and it sounds rushed. I need to relax and let the music flow.
My question is, am I thinking about the pocket correctly? Or am I over thinking this…. I tend to do that….
but any tips on staying off of the leading edge of the pocket? Relaxing and letting it flow?
This week I am trying by loading the songs into the amazing slow downer and playing them at a much faster tempo, then playing at a much slower tempo, then going back to regular to force myself to listen to music and space I am filling.
Any tips would be appreciated
Thanks!