2nd Eastman video - with Argentines

Rob MacKillop

Okay, thanks.

rgrice

Far be it from me to offer any advice to your masterful ability, but I do think Bones and Jay are apt in their advice, tho as noted it is a personal thing. Accent and damp the hell out of the 2 and 4 to provide contrast to 1 and 3. Also, this description from somewhere really helped me: the little catch in the 1 and 3 is like a swingin hi hat,and to further that analogy the 2 and 4 would be a snare or the closed hi hat.

Rob MacKillop

Cheers, Robbie.

stuology

For Le Pompe, the main work is done by the right hand, the left hand should dampen the strings in more or less the same way on each beat, with the right hand alternating between a stroke which pushes through the strings (1 and 3) and one which whips them (2 and 4). I appreciate that doesn't make much sense but if you watch videos of people like Hono playing, keep an eye on what their right hand is doing. Also, some trade secrets which I've picked up over the years:

- if using a regular pick like a Dunlop, use the rounded edge
- although everyone will tell you to use the left hand for dampening, many players also use the top of their fingers on the right hand to lightly brush the strings during the stroke, which gives Le Pompe that distinctive, soft chk sound. It's hard to describe but a lot of players end up with black marks on the top of their right hand and this is why. I'm afraid it can be quite painful to begin with ...
- you are quite forceful with your strokes, which a lot of British players are, but it's not needed, a lot of the top players I've watched up close are quite soft with their strokes

Rob MacKillop

Thanks. I often use the rounded edge. You've given me much to think about and try out. Cheers.

jeffmatz

Light and whiplike is the way, like stuology says... Play too hard, play too loud, and nothing is more irritating than a too loud rhythm player!

Also, keep the grip on the pick very light. Done right, the rhythm isn't much physical exertion, even on a fast tune.

And yes, the "finger brush" is a very cool sound...it becomes kind of the "hi hat" to the "drum kit" and if you get that going, you don't have to concern yourself as much with the "ornamental" upstroke.

rgrice

@stuology is right I didn't even think of it as it's become second nature! Really further dries out the chop on 2 and 4.

Rob MacKillop

It seems the pompe has changed since Django's day, no? Developed other subtleties.

Rob MacKillop

Dennis has sorted me out: djangobooks.com/blog/the-secrets-of-authentic-gypsy-jazz-rhythm/

stuology

I strongly recommend you book tickets for March Manouche, which is selling out fast (it sold out by January last year and tickets are apparently going even more quickly this year). Denis will be there.

https://www.marchmanouche.co.uk