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Jeff Ciampa's Studies for Twanger
Jeff Ciampa
Jeff's music at MarkEgan.com
The Twanger is a clever, yet powerful practice device for the serious guitar student and even the novice. Due to the melodic limitations of the Twanger, one is forced to:
1). Think rhythmically
2). Focus on the picking hand.
If the student addresses these two areas with diligence and disciplined practice, much success in technique can be attained.
Below are a few studies I've tried with the Twanger.
Study 1
Set the metronome to a reasonably slow tempo, 50-60. Play 8th notes using alternate picking, i.e., down on the beat, and up on the and. Start by playing one measure of 4/4 time on each string, counting (1+2+3+4+) and keeping track of where you are at all times (ex. 1). Then, play only two beats per string, one beat per string, etc. Try to work in groups of 2, 4 or 8 measures. Then, play 8th notes starting on the and (the and of 4 works well), maintaining the alternate picking as before (ex.2). Remember, you'll be starting with an up stroke. Gradually increase the tempo as you become comfortable. Go as fast as you possibly can, then back it off to a reasonable tempo and play some more.
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Study 2
Using the same metronome technique as Study 1, play 8th note triplets. We'll use sweep, or economy picking. That is, down-up-down on each string. The count is 123-223-323-423, picking down on 1,2,3 & 4 (ex. 3). Then, start on the 2nd triplet (23-123-223-323-423, ex. 4). And then, start on the 3rd triplet (3-123-223-323-423, ex. 5).
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Study 3
Using the same metronome technique as Study 1, play 16th notes using alternate picking.
The count is 1e+a 2e+a 3e+a 4e+a (ex. 6). Then start on the e (ex. 7)., the and (ex. 8). and finally, the a (ex. 9). Again, beat 4 works well for these.
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Ideas
-Try skipping strings.
-Alternate between different rhythms.
-Add rests.
-Play in other time signatures
-Be creative, experiment
Here's an off the wall mind exercise that may or may not improve your guitar playing. I've always been of the opinion that there are certain math-like skills that enhance the understanding of music and the guitar. Try counting from one to fifty. While counting (ascending), try to visualize the numbers descending from fifty at the same time. Then, reverse. Count backwards from 50 while trying to visualize the numbers ascending from one. It's a good way to kill time on the sit up machine, too!
Check out http://www.MarkEgan.com for some of my music.
Jeff Ciampa
Jeff Ciampa's Bio
Jeff is one of the most unique and melodic guitarists on the music scene today. Incorporating Jazz, Rhythm and Blues and Rock styles, Jeff has created a style that is both contemporary and mindful of tradition.
PERFORMING CREDITS
Worldwide appearances at major festivals and jazz clubs with the following musicians: Elements / Mark Egan & Danny Gottleib, Dave Matthews, Bill Evans, Lew Soloff, Jan Ira Bloom, Harvie Swartz, Huston Person, Roy Hargrove, Al MacDowell, Harry Belafonte, Letta Mbulu, Ornette Coleman, Kenia, Jon Lucien, Pete Levin, Terry Silverlight, Matthew Garrison, Jon Werking Cafe
ENGAGEMENTS AND RECORDINGS
. 2001 Grammy nomintion for Bill Evans Soul Insider (assistant engineer)
. Featured guitarist on Freedom Town by Mark Egan
. 2002 Newport Jazz Festival, 2002 St. Lucia Jazz Festival, 2002 St, Kitts Jazz Festival, 1999 JVC Jazz Festival / NYC
. Dave Matthews & The Super Latin Jazz Orchestra / 1999 Japan Tour
. Harry Belafonte TV Special for CBC
. Featured soloist on the soundtrack for the movie Daytrippers
. Featured guitarist on Al MacDowell's Time Peace and Messiah albums (Gramavision)
. Featured guitarist on soundtracks for the HBO film Criminal Justice (music by Elliot Goldenthal), the NBC movie Shadow of a Doubt (Music by Jan Ira Bloom)
. Project Ivan Lins with Brazilian artist Kenia
. Featured guitarist on Terry Silverlight's 1997 release "Let There Be Silverlight"
. Miscellaneous concerts, records, film scores and jingles
SOLO RECORDINGS
. 1997 / Signs of Life with Mark Egan and Danny Gottleib
. 2001 / House of Mirrors with Mark Egan and Danny Gottleib
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Has taught private guitar studies and ensemble studies as well as theory, composition, arranging and song-writing at the following institutions:
. Drummer's Collective, Inc. / DCI Video
. Jazz Heritage Society
. New York School for Commercial Music
. Xaverian Catholic High School
. Village College in Warwick, New York
. Currently teaches privately
OTHER WORK
In addition to recording and performing, Jeff is an accomplished writer and has collaborated with Luiz Bonfa and the late Hazel Sherbill on the Score for the musical Carioca. Jeff underscored the Director's Company production of Brilliant Traces in New York City.
Jeff operates his own recording studio, Natushabi Music in Warwick, New York where he has arranged, produced and recorded numerous projects.