Hey guys,

I've recently been listening to John McLaughlin a lot. And while I love his playing, I don't quite comprehend what's he's playing.. :(

I think this is because I'm not accustomed to hearing chromatic harmony and all the advanced techniques found in his playing.

So when I'm listening to something, on a more intellectual level than just enjoyment, what should I be listening for?

What do you "hear" when you listen to someone as advanced as McLaughlin?

If I can't really understand what he's playing does this mean I'm not ready to listen to him?

Have a listen to one of my favorite tracks of John playing one of Bill Evan's tunes. It's called "Very Early":

http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/s/Very+Early/1gnY2O

Voices......everywhere.....can you hear them???

They keep calling.....over and over and over.....the only thing to stop them is the two fingered TRILL on two different strings accompanied with sarod in a minor second interval!!!

Hit the 4 open strings every once in a while as well!!!!!

That freaks them out!