TimeStreams - A Source Of Energy

When we first learn to play chords we usually start out playing each chord for a full bar or four counts. This is good practice as we learn to juggle the notes of each chord and change from one chord to another. However, if we always play each chord for the same length of time it can become boring and dull after awhile. Once the feel of each chord is mastered and we are able to change from one chord to another without much effort, it is time to play with TimeStreams.

TimeStreams is a concept of creating energy by playing chords with different durations. Here is an example:

4/4 [ D(Add9)[E] E(Sus2)[Q] E(Sus2)[Q] E(Sus2)[QE] D(Add9){1} :][ Repeat five times

The chords above are played with the first chord having a short duration and the next three chords having longer durations. The fifth chord is played a full bar to separate each phrase. This is an interesting pattern to practice. This sounds very different than playing each chord for a full bar. When all chords are played for the same duration it is like a pool of water that is very still and has no movement. When chords are given different durations it is like adding ripples to a pool of water. All of the sudden there is energy produced by a changing TimeStream!

You can click on the chord progression above to hear a sample of it.

You will notice the [E] notation appended to the first chord. This represents playing the chord for a duration of an Eighth note. The [Q] tokens represent Quarter notes and the [QE] token represents a Quarter plus an Eighth or a dotted Quarter note. The {1} token represents a full bar of music. This is a special notation I use to write chord progressions in text format. It is a very handy way to share chord progressions on internet forums and blogs.