Ask a Teacher: Phrasing

Terry: I have been having trouble putting my lead playing together then i heard of a word called phrasing do you have anything on this?

Peter: Phrasing refers to the way you play a musical idea. It involves the rhythms and dynamics that you use to help you express whatever it is you are trying to express. For example do you play it like you are angry or do you play it quiet and sensitive. The main thing is the musical idea must be going somewhere and not played like a computer with every note the same volume and rhythm. There is no right or wrong way to phrase-just how it is you are feeling at that particular time. It is much like when we give a speech. If we say every word with the same volume and emphasis we put people to sleep. We must "phrase" to give each word, sentence, and paragraph it's intended meaning.