When we think of the tunes we like, we tend to think of our perception of their merit exclusively in the acoustic realm. In other words, we tend to think of the tunes we like as those we think sound the best. Nothing much more to it.
But recently, I’ve realized that there’s another important dimension, at least for me (and I suspect for others as well) that I hadn’t previously considered. Not consciously, at least.
Yet, having given it a bit more thought, I’ve realized that this other dimension does factor in to my overall affinity for a tune. Quite a bit, really.
And that is how the tune actually feels when I play it. You might refer to this as the “kinesthetic signature” of a tune – the actual sensation of movements experienced during the playing of it. And, just like the melody, something that lives on in memory.
After reflecting in my mind through multiple tunes, I realize that each tune I play has its own kinesthetic signature, a certain way it feels to play it that’s part of every tune memory I have. And it’s a dimension that’s dissociated from the sound, but yet still intimately connected to my relationship with any given tune (and I think a major factor in which tunes I instinctively gravitate towards when I just grab my banjo and start to play).
I do think there’s a special magic that happens when both the sound and the kinesthetics are working in tandem. These are those tunes that just seem to play themselves.
Recently I posted a tune I wrote entitled “Pink Kitchen Girl.” One of the responses I received was that it was a fun tune to play – as in the actual movement of the fingers was fun. In other words, its kinesthetic signature enhanced the overall enjoyment of it. It was this response that prompted me to think more deeply about this aspect of playing music.
And that’s when it occurred to me that this is something I’ve always cared a good bit about, and something I take into consideration when arranging or composing a tune. Yes, the sound I’m after is top priority, but I also enjoy it when the tune is just physically fun to play.
This week’s tune, “Bill Cheatham,” has a kinesthetic signature I enjoy. In particular, it’s the delightful run up the neck that opens the B part, especially when executed with a series of drop thumbs. Irrespective of the final sound, that’s just a fun thing to do.
Incidentally, I do think this is reflected in the final product. The more fun we’re having, the more natural and effortless things feel under our fingers, the better the end result will be. It’s inevitable.
Anyhow, I’d be curious to know if any of you have an awareness of this aspect of tunes (not whether it’s hard or easy, but whether it feels good once you’ve learned it). Let me know in the comments section if so. And let me know if there are any particular tunes whose “kinesthetic signature” you particularly enjoy.
Bill Cheatham
aEAC#E tuning, Brainjo level 3-4
Notes on the tab:
The first run through the A part I’ve tabbed straight ahead, as I play it the very first time in the video. The second time through is a more syncopated sound, which I stick to for the remainder of the tune because..you know…I can’t help myself!
Notes in parentheses are “skip” notes. To learn more about these, check out my [free] video lesson on the subject.
For more on reading tabs in general, check out my complete guide on reading banjo tabs.
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John says
August 15, 2015 at 5:50 pmJosh this is a great arrangement, I’ve always loved this tune. Thanks JR
Josh says
August 15, 2015 at 6:33 pmThanks, JR – it’s certainly stood the test of time for good reason!
garycrockett says
August 16, 2015 at 11:19 pmSweet stuff Josh – thanks
Josh says
August 17, 2015 at 10:36 amThanks, Gary!
Josh says
August 18, 2015 at 11:30 pmYou bet, Gary!
Blake says
August 15, 2015 at 6:12 pmThe kinesthetic feel of “Little Sadie” is very satisfying to me. From the chord progression to the drop thumb licks, it just feels good to play! And, as always, awesome arrangement and sweet playing, keep ’em coming.
Josh says
August 15, 2015 at 6:38 pmAh, good one, Blake – and thanks for the kind words!
Tyler says
August 15, 2015 at 6:32 pmHi Josh. I couldn’t agree with you more, and would add that for me, the
“feel” of playing clawhammer is one half of what makes it a therapeutic experience. Having to find the line between disciplining myself to hit clean, clear notes and abandoning myself to the rhythm of movement takes me a very restorative place. Another great example of this kind of tune is Coloured Aristocracy…I lose myself in that one. I’d love to hear your (and other’s!) suggestions about more!
Thanks for making this a discussion point. I’d never heard of the term “kinaesthetic” before…it’s like you’re a brain doctor or something!
Josh says
August 15, 2015 at 6:37 pmHaha!!!
Great point about clawhammer, too. As a style, it just feels good to play – I play fingerstyle as well, but clawhammer is definitely physically more fun to play. You get the physical satisfaction you might draw from playing the drums, plus the melodic satisfaction from playing a stringed instrument. And you’re totally right about having to restrain oneself at times from total rhythmic abandon (at least when there are others within earshot!).
And +1 on Colored Aristocracy, for sure.
Man I love the banjo.
Mark Pollock says
August 15, 2015 at 6:56 pmOne tune that I truly enjoy playing is “Darlin’ Cory”. Something about that tuning, combined with the slippery hand motions, makes that tune just a pleasure to play, and the motions also give me a push to put more umpf into my singing.
Josh says
August 16, 2015 at 11:31 amOh yes, good one. That’s one that definitely needs to appear in the tune of the week as well.
roscoe says
August 15, 2015 at 7:15 pmI know exactly what you’re talking about! I think I particularly love banjo over guitar for that reason.I think it’s why clawhammer is so appealing! I played guitar for years but never got half the satisfaction that i get from simple banjo playing. I’m a beginner so songs like Walking Boss and cripple creek are where im feeling this aspect of banjo playin. It just feels good. Got the over the falls song down now and I can’t quit playing that now thanks to you. I think my wife might be sick of it though haha. Thanks again for the awesome resources! Can’t thank you enough!
Josh says
August 16, 2015 at 11:31 amHa, you bet, Roscoe!! I agree about the satisfaction you get playing clawhammer banjo compared with guitar – I do like the guitar, but it’s still not quite the same.
And just tell your wife it’s all my fault.
Sandra allen says
August 16, 2015 at 5:41 amReally enjoyed the tune…… Light and upbeat….
Toe tapping fun…….
Thanks for the entertainment……
Just keep on keeping on…..
Josh says
August 16, 2015 at 11:31 amThanks, Sandra!
simon alexander says
August 16, 2015 at 8:13 amThat’s a really interesting take on banjo playing..I recently started playing kitchen girl and discovered the concept that what matters so much is the feel of the tune and the strings under the fingers as you play.a very good friend told me he could never feel depressed when he played banjo because the whole sound and feel of the instrument made him smile.
Josh says
August 16, 2015 at 11:26 amGood point, Simon. It certainly adds a whole other reason to appreciate the banjo.
Les Caraher says
August 16, 2015 at 11:15 amVery nice version of Bill Cheatum. I have a different, certainly not better, take on the tune because my drop-thumb is a bit of a rebel. One learns to compensate for one’s limitations.
Old Mother Flanagan is one of my favorite tunes because of its kinesthetic feel. It just seems to flow out naturally from my fingertips. It is just pure pleasure to play it, particularly solo. It isn’t quite the same thing when I play with a fiddler. I wonder why?
Josh says
August 16, 2015 at 11:29 amYes! Had just thought of Old Mother Flanagan as one of those tunes with a great kinesthetic feel – and one that matches up really nicely with the melody. Definitely one that feels like it plays itself.
I agree on playing it with a fiddler as well; I think perhaps it’s quite natural to give it a particular swing when playing it on the banjo, and the fiddler may not necessarily play it that way. So you’re left to adapt to stay in sync. Interesting observation!
JP says
August 16, 2015 at 12:34 pmWatching the video then noticing the tuning aEAC#E. I would expect to see a capo?
Am I missing something before I attempt to tune up? or should I grab a capo.
Thanks!
Josh says
August 18, 2015 at 11:32 pmHey JP – you can either use a capo or tune up, whatever suits you! (the capo is a bit faster, of course).
bruce michael baillie says
August 16, 2015 at 4:09 pmI think you’re TOTALLY right in your comments about how some tunes actually FEEL GOOD to play. This is sometimes I’ve felt myself for a long time but never really spoken about, you’ve articulated and vindicated what I’ve felt myself. Sometimes the hand movements and the sound just ‘gel’.
Right on brother Banjoist!!!
Josh says
August 18, 2015 at 11:31 pmHaha, thanks Bruce! Looks like there are several folks who feel this way – kind of surprising now that it’s not something you hear more about.
Mark Bliss says
August 17, 2015 at 1:29 amAlthough I had never heard it called an “kinesthetic signature” I have been very aware of the feeling that some songs have patterns that are just fun. Whatever the instrument, I have discovered there are “patterns{ that sometimes cause some kind of heightened synaptic activity. They just click and I have a sense of “seeing” them.
I have to note that I find them easier or faster to learn as well…….
Thanks Josh! Another fine tutorial that gets me playing AND thinking.
Josh says
August 18, 2015 at 11:30 pmTotally agree, Mark. Some tunes just click and become effortless, even ones that might seem technically challenging on paper.
Sean Quinn says
August 17, 2015 at 2:06 amJosh, I know exactly what you mean. Your arrangement of Nancy is the first example that comes to my mind, a current favorite of mine for just that reason. I love the opening triplet and pull-offs and the way the right hand moves across all four long strings.
I really enjoy your weekly, tabs, man. I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned, how much I love playing them and seeing your videos, especially the ones with your kids. You’re doing a great thing here.
Josh says
August 18, 2015 at 10:35 pmThat’s crazy you mentioned Nancy – that’s the one I play most when I absent mindedly grab my banjo and start playing! And in writing this post I realized that this was the reason why. I was wondering if anyone would mention it. Very cool.
And thanks so much for the kind words. Really appreciate it.
Chrissie says
August 19, 2015 at 9:50 amBill Cheatam is just fab. The skips, although more complex than I am used to – usually just letting the fifth string pop – but with the thumb dropping right down, it just takes it to a new level for me. So rhythmic. Thanks Josh, I feel that I have moved on a bit now.
Phil B says
August 20, 2015 at 5:09 amRight on. It is definitely the drumb rhythm – string melody combo that makes clawhammer so nice.
I would suppose that the songs that we each enjoy to play the most are those with an appealing kinesthetic signature. For the flowing left hand fingering, I love Double C, and D.
Keep naming favorite songs.
Phil B says
August 20, 2015 at 5:12 amLike Soldiers Joy and other D tunes with a 1st string run on the B-part.