Playing Guitar “In the Pocket” – 5 Easy Steps
When playing in a band, group or combo scenario there’s a term you’ll usually hear known as “in the pocket”.
And no…”in the pocket” does not reference a place to set your hands while on a gig! In uncomplicated terms, as soon as a band is playing “in the pocket”, they are playing musically “in sync” with each other.
To start, it is necessary to realize that a band may be playing a song together on-stage – precisely the same song at exactly the same time – but not truly be playing “in sync” with one another.
It could be compared to the old analogy of an 8 cylinder automobile engine. In the event the engine is just firing on 6 or 7 cylinders, it will still take the car down the road and eventually end up at its location. But along the way the vehicle may hesitate and cough, sputter, creating for a bumpy ride.
Conversely, when the engine is running on all 8 cylinders the journey will soon be smooth and simple – nearly effortless.
When a group is playing “in the pocket” it is working smoothly on all 8 cylinders.
The “pocket” of a song is its “rhythmic center”. The foundation where the rest of the instrumentation, vocals and melodies are layered.
Quite frequently, the phrase “in the pocket player pocket” can be used to spell out the capability of the drummer and bass player to “lock in” to that rhythmic heart of the song. As an effect, many times a drummer or bass player will undoubtedly be positively described as a “pocket player”.
But we, as guitarists, also have the ability to make a contribution for the “pocket” of a tune.
Here are a few things a guitarist can concentrate on to perform “in the pocket” with the group.
1. “Listen to me” compared to. “Listen to us”
It truly is natural, as musicians, to be dedicated to what we’re doing separately. We’re often engrossed in dazzling the crowd with your leads and solos.
But playing “in the pocket” necessitates a bit of a brain shift with that of an individual player, to one of a “team” player.
2. Pay Closer Focus
Instead of focusing on that which we are doing independently – in order to become better “pocket players” – we must spend more time “really listening” to what’s going on around us.
3. Make a Contribution
When you become skillful at actually hearing the different parts of the players around you, now try to concentrate on what your contribution will be to the “pocket”.
Genuinely listen to how what you’re playing on guitar contributes to the general sound of the band as a “whole”.
4. Simple is better….Less is more
Regularly remember a guitarist’s rhythms should complement the base end – not be contrary to it – and that may often be attained most effectively by applying simple techniques and enabling the song to “breathe” with lots of spaces.
5. Sense It!
All technical concerns aside, the capability to play “in the pocket” really comes from learning how to play from the standpoint of “feeling” the music.
Avoid the natural tendency to “over think” everything you do and simply lose yourself in the “feel” of the song – and you’re going to be surprised at how quickly you’ll find yourself “in the pocket”.
In Summary
Keep in mind it is not just the duty of the drummer and bass player to locate the “pocket”.
But quite frequently, it is that fine line that separates good bands from great ones!
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