What is it about bikes and music?
#1
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What is it about bikes and music?
Hi,
This is on-topic because I know many of you are musicians as well as cyclists. I just pulled the trigger on an entry level guitar. I am so excited! I was going to buy a banjo because I love how it sounds and I took a few lessons in high school, but decided that a guitar is a better choice due to the sheer volume of great songs I can learn to play. Next: guitar lessons! So, tell me. How do y'all juggle cycling and music, too?
It looks just like this:
This is on-topic because I know many of you are musicians as well as cyclists. I just pulled the trigger on an entry level guitar. I am so excited! I was going to buy a banjo because I love how it sounds and I took a few lessons in high school, but decided that a guitar is a better choice due to the sheer volume of great songs I can learn to play. Next: guitar lessons! So, tell me. How do y'all juggle cycling and music, too?
It looks just like this:
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#2
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its simple wake and ride, only stop riding when you can no longer walk
then sit on the couch and play, you wont be able to do anything else.
then sit on the couch and play, you wont be able to do anything else.
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Bikes and music go together.
I used to true wheels by plucking f# on the spokes. Now I just use a spoke tension guage. For the non wheelbuilders, plucking your spokes every now and then will tell you when one is unhappy. Then you can have it taken care of before...................
I used to true wheels by plucking f# on the spokes. Now I just use a spoke tension guage. For the non wheelbuilders, plucking your spokes every now and then will tell you when one is unhappy. Then you can have it taken care of before...................
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Just remember ... don't play AND ride at the same time! Unless it is something that is hands free.
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"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
#5
Senior Member
Hi,
This is on-topic because I know many of you are musicians as well as cyclists. I just pulled the trigger on an entry level guitar. I am so excited! I was going to buy a banjo because I love how it sounds and I took a few lessons in high school, but decided that a guitar is a better choice due to the sheer volume of great songs I can learn to play. Next: guitar lessons! So, tell me. How do y'all juggle cycling and music, too?
It looks just like this:
This is on-topic because I know many of you are musicians as well as cyclists. I just pulled the trigger on an entry level guitar. I am so excited! I was going to buy a banjo because I love how it sounds and I took a few lessons in high school, but decided that a guitar is a better choice due to the sheer volume of great songs I can learn to play. Next: guitar lessons! So, tell me. How do y'all juggle cycling and music, too?
It looks just like this:
I sing in big choirs that perform with orchestras, and am a former classic guitarist. I think through my music that I'm rehearsing or my old favorite guitar pieces as I ride, so music is a part of my cycling. My breath isn't good enough to actually sing as I bike - good singing requires its own focus. However, pedaling cadence can be a good metronome.
Working is really what cuts into my singing, guitar, and biking - money is truly the root of all evil!
Our local guitar store has some really slick soft guitar cases with a number of grab handles, pockets and BACKPACK STRAPS! You can carry your guitar on your back as you bike to your lesson, with all your music and necessities (wallet, keys, Kleenex, et cetera) in the guitar case.
One reason I'm a former guitarist is that engineering school eliminated guitar practice time and choral singing. I was able to get back into singing and restore my skills pretty readily, but not so on guitar. I can still plunk through some of my favorites, but I'm not as fast, flexible, or expressive as I was.
TruF, I'd assume you'll not start guitar with a manic intensity that will significantly cut into other activities, 'cep maybe for some TV. At the very least it will take some time for your hand muscles to tone up, and for your left fingertips to callous from fretting. All guitarists have these issues. If you do any right hand finger styles you'll have developmental phases for your right hand as well. These two issues, muscular development and left hand callousing /acclimation, will impose their own limits on how much time you can put into it at the outset.
Mrs. Road Fan teaches piano, and especially loves to teach students our own age.
Road Fan
#6
My other car is a bike
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I may not be able to play and ride, but it looks like some cyclists take their guitars for a ride:
And this place looks way cool:"Bicycles 101 in Florence is your place on the Oregon coast for bicycles and guitars"
Looks like I'm a perfect fit for a certain demographic.
And this place looks way cool:"Bicycles 101 in Florence is your place on the Oregon coast for bicycles and guitars"
Looks like I'm a perfect fit for a certain demographic.
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#7
My other car is a bike
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Now THAT is a worthwhile addition to a cycling life!
I sing in big choirs that perform with orchestras, and am a former classic guitarist. I think through my music that I'm rehearsing or my old favorite guitar pieces as I ride, so music is a part of my cycling. My breath isn't good enough to actually sing as I bike - good singing requires its own focus. However, pedaling cadence can be a good metronome.
Working is really what cuts into my singing, guitar, and biking - money is truly the root of all evil!
Our local guitar store has some really slick soft guitar cases with a number of grab handles, pockets and BACKPACK STRAPS! You can carry your guitar on your back as you bike to your lesson, with all your music and necessities (wallet, keys, Kleenex, et cetera) in the guitar case.
One reason I'm a former guitarist is that engineering school eliminated guitar practice time and choral singing. I was able to get back into singing and restore my skills pretty readily, but not so on guitar. I can still plunk through some of my favorites, but I'm not as fast, flexible, or expressive as I was.
TruF, I'd assume you'll not start guitar with a manic intensity that will significantly cut into other activities, 'cep maybe for some TV. At the very least it will take some time for your hand muscles to tone up, and for your left fingertips to callous from fretting. All guitarists have these issues. If you do any right hand finger styles you'll have developmental phases for your right hand as well. These two issues, muscular development and left hand callousing /acclimation, will impose their own limits on how much time you can put into it at the outset.
Mrs. Road Fan teaches piano, and especially loves to teach students our own age.
Road Fan
I sing in big choirs that perform with orchestras, and am a former classic guitarist. I think through my music that I'm rehearsing or my old favorite guitar pieces as I ride, so music is a part of my cycling. My breath isn't good enough to actually sing as I bike - good singing requires its own focus. However, pedaling cadence can be a good metronome.
Working is really what cuts into my singing, guitar, and biking - money is truly the root of all evil!
Our local guitar store has some really slick soft guitar cases with a number of grab handles, pockets and BACKPACK STRAPS! You can carry your guitar on your back as you bike to your lesson, with all your music and necessities (wallet, keys, Kleenex, et cetera) in the guitar case.
One reason I'm a former guitarist is that engineering school eliminated guitar practice time and choral singing. I was able to get back into singing and restore my skills pretty readily, but not so on guitar. I can still plunk through some of my favorites, but I'm not as fast, flexible, or expressive as I was.
TruF, I'd assume you'll not start guitar with a manic intensity that will significantly cut into other activities, 'cep maybe for some TV. At the very least it will take some time for your hand muscles to tone up, and for your left fingertips to callous from fretting. All guitarists have these issues. If you do any right hand finger styles you'll have developmental phases for your right hand as well. These two issues, muscular development and left hand callousing /acclimation, will impose their own limits on how much time you can put into it at the outset.
Mrs. Road Fan teaches piano, and especially loves to teach students our own age.
Road Fan
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#8
My other car is a bike
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In looking for bike and guitar images, I found this. Maybe after I have some guitar-playing time under my belt I'll change my avatar...
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#9
Senior Member
I got one of those cases! I couldn't believe how expensive the hard cases are. And my finger already has a groove in it from only about 15 minutes of practicing. I bought the guitar from a local music store. Had a bunch of bikes parked out in front. Lots of people milling about. Reminded me of a bike shop. LMS instead of LBS?
Bikes and guitars are both cultures unto themselves. So yes, you;ll need a LMS just like you need a LBS. Same issues exist with regards to product quality, after-sales services, and intelligent selection of accessories and ongoing supplies, not to mention on-line sales v. local sales
My grade-school Three Musketeers, from 7th grade through sophomore year we biked together at least 16 miles a day the length of the North Side of Chicago, along Lake Michigan. One was a really gifted guitarist. I'm still sad he didn't become an architect, but he is one of the best guitar technicians I've ever known.
the grooves are the beginning ...
#10
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Pretty soon you'll be looking to get an acoustic/electric guitar (my preference for an all-round tool) and then maybe a hardshell electric, or maybe a hollow-body electric, maybe a great big dreadnaught.
n+1 applies to guitars as well as bikes.
n+1 applies to guitars as well as bikes.
#14
Senior Member
Think bikes are expensive, wait till she falls in love with a classic L-5!
#15
My other car is a bike
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No, no. Not me in the photo. I think the sweet, young thing works for the Bikes 101 store in Florence. Snagged it off Google Images.
The grooves are in the beginning? I'm afraid to ask what comes next... Guess the guitar requires I harden my fingertips the same way cycling required I harden my arse!
The grooves are in the beginning? I'm afraid to ask what comes next... Guess the guitar requires I harden my fingertips the same way cycling required I harden my arse!
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#17
My other car is a bike
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Oh-oh. I hear hubby in the next room strumming my guitar. This could be interesting...
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#18
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No, no. Not me in the photo. I think the sweet, young thing works for the Bikes 101 store in Florence. Snagged it off Google Images.
The grooves are in the beginning? I'm afraid to ask what comes next... Guess the guitar requires I harden my fingertips the same way cycling required I harden my arse!
The grooves are in the beginning? I'm afraid to ask what comes next... Guess the guitar requires I harden my fingertips the same way cycling required I harden my arse!
I don't know what you look like, so I use my imagination! but her guitar looks just like yours.
Mrs. Road Fan just bought about 50 Washburn guitars for her high school guitar class. Made in China, play decently at least when new, easy to tune, and real shiny. We'll see how they hold up! The ones they started with from last year have rough frets - can't imagine how that happenned!
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Good for you! I am excited about your new journey!
Sometimes I will go for an early morning ride before our barbershop group meets at 8:30 and our gospel group at 9:15.
We gave a concert last week to a nursing home, and I played the guitar as I sang the lead for "It is Well With My Soul."
First verse I sing solo with the group backing me up with humming harmony.
Second verse we all sing in unison
Third verse we all sing in harmony, but I sing lead through all 3 verses.
I sing the "It is well" and they echo to the guitar strums G G D7 "It is well", then D7 D7 G and third time G G and D7.
I wish I was a better guitar player, though. I really am lousy. I haven't spent the time, and singing and playing, at the same time especially with the backups, is difficult for me.
We are putting together a Christmas medley of about 45 minutes. So far, we alreadyy have 4 requests for performing it for audiences.
Have fun. You will love it.
Sometimes I will go for an early morning ride before our barbershop group meets at 8:30 and our gospel group at 9:15.
We gave a concert last week to a nursing home, and I played the guitar as I sang the lead for "It is Well With My Soul."
First verse I sing solo with the group backing me up with humming harmony.
Second verse we all sing in unison
Third verse we all sing in harmony, but I sing lead through all 3 verses.
I sing the "It is well" and they echo to the guitar strums G G D7 "It is well", then D7 D7 G and third time G G and D7.
I wish I was a better guitar player, though. I really am lousy. I haven't spent the time, and singing and playing, at the same time especially with the backups, is difficult for me.
We are putting together a Christmas medley of about 45 minutes. So far, we alreadyy have 4 requests for performing it for audiences.
Have fun. You will love it.
Last edited by DnvrFox; 09-27-08 at 09:25 PM.
#20
Senior Member
Singing and playing together has always eluded me. I can sing well, and once upon a time I could play well, but never together.
I can chew gum and pedal a bike, tho!
I like the idea of the chords reversing in your song! Lead in barbershop is the same as second tenor, right?
I can chew gum and pedal a bike, tho!
I like the idea of the chords reversing in your song! Lead in barbershop is the same as second tenor, right?
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Lead is lead - usually the melody, and it is second tenor.
I sing baritone, the most difficult part, IMHO, and often sung in falsetto, with tremendous ranges.
"What is barbershop harmony? Very simple, barbershop differs from the glee club harmonization primarily in that the second tenor or barbershop "lead" usually carries the melody. The first tenor always harmonizes above the lead. The bass serves as the foundation and the baritone or "bari" fills in the spaces. His notes often are above those of the lead. There are usually four notes in each chord. Although the Society has a vast musical library and dozens of members arranging music, all barbershop singers must use their ears in order to fine tune each chord."
I sing baritone, the most difficult part, IMHO, and often sung in falsetto, with tremendous ranges.
"What is barbershop harmony? Very simple, barbershop differs from the glee club harmonization primarily in that the second tenor or barbershop "lead" usually carries the melody. The first tenor always harmonizes above the lead. The bass serves as the foundation and the baritone or "bari" fills in the spaces. His notes often are above those of the lead. There are usually four notes in each chord. Although the Society has a vast musical library and dozens of members arranging music, all barbershop singers must use their ears in order to fine tune each chord."
#22
Senior Member
Lead is lead - usually the melody, and it is second tenor.
I sing baritone, the most difficult part, IMHO, and often sung in falsetto, with tremendous ranges.
"What is barbershop harmony? Very simple, barbershop differs from the glee club harmonization primarily in that the second tenor or barbershop "lead" usually carries the melody. The first tenor always harmonizes above the lead. The bass serves as the foundation and the baritone or "bari" fills in the spaces. His notes often are above those of the lead. There are usually four notes in each chord. Although the Society has a vast musical library and dozens of members arranging music, all barbershop singers must use their ears in order to fine tune each chord."
I sing baritone, the most difficult part, IMHO, and often sung in falsetto, with tremendous ranges.
"What is barbershop harmony? Very simple, barbershop differs from the glee club harmonization primarily in that the second tenor or barbershop "lead" usually carries the melody. The first tenor always harmonizes above the lead. The bass serves as the foundation and the baritone or "bari" fills in the spaces. His notes often are above those of the lead. There are usually four notes in each chord. Although the Society has a vast musical library and dozens of members arranging music, all barbershop singers must use their ears in order to fine tune each chord."
Tremendous ranges? Try the baritone part of Beethoven's 9th, the Ode to Joy. It's singing that requires a recovery ride (note restoration of cycling content)! On a good day I can reach everything, and when I'm smart enough I can drop out when I won't make a note.
I would say using one's ears is a critical skill for all singing!
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One of my goals for this Christmas program this year is a solo by me of one of the recitatives for bass for Handel's Messiah.
That will be an entirely new singing experience for me!
RECITATIVE. (Accompanied - Bass)
For Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
That will be an entirely new singing experience for me!
RECITATIVE. (Accompanied - Bass)
For Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
Last edited by DnvrFox; 09-27-08 at 09:50 PM.
#24
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My husband's father was in The Peninsulaires Barbershop Chorus until last year. Great fun to watch them perform and compete. Very unique sound. I have a lot to learn about music, not just guitar. I have to learn how to read music and all the jargon.
Wow, Denver. Our leader is not only a cyclist, but a musician, too. I love this forum!
Wow, Denver. Our leader is not only a cyclist, but a musician, too. I love this forum!
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#25
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One of my goals for this Christmas program this year is a solo by me of one of the recitatives for bass for Handel's Messiah.
That will be an entirely new singing experience for me!
RECITATIVE. (Accompanied - Bass)
For Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
That will be an entirely new singing experience for me!
RECITATIVE. (Accompanied - Bass)
For Behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people; but the Lord shall rise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee, and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.
We do Messiah twice every year. I have done in this chorus for 5 years, and back in college in Chicago for about 7. Never get tired of it!