Here is my improvisation - I know it doesn't really fall into the Shred category but I'm still working on that aspect of my playing, and my primary focus with these is going to be movement across the fretboard, and more interesting melodies/lines.

Anyhoo:



PS:

Would it be possible to post the BPM of the backing track with each challenge ; and if you're feeling super generous the chords?

Thanks

Very spiff solo there. I like the neck travel and the slides add some nice color as well. Also well done combining licks from blues and minor scales. I've always liked how the two scales compliment each other. the key of D can be a bit un natural for some folks to play lead in which is part of why I chose it here, but you seem to be doing just fine So cheers to that!!!

In short, welcome to X2!!



P.S.
Sure Whatever you guys need I'll post No worries that your solo isn't a "shred", like it says in the original, it doesn't have to be. It's just what I am calling this as I"m kinda the shred guy But you can play anything you like.



This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: May 15 2016, 03:32 AM

Here is the KING SIZE backing Feel free to use whichever one you like in your vids guys!
 x2_entire_song.mp3 ( 3.26MB ) Number of downloads: 144

Another cool backing track, Todd nice one.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGCmClRXHoE

I was going to ask exactly that Chris

Smooooooth lines, my friend!

why thank you sir
you have some cool lines yourself, I loved that slide lick you done...... I may well steal that at some point

this is my today's contribution



Laurent

NICE!!! I really like your guitar tone on this one as well. It's just got enough edge on it to be distinct but not overly "gainey" which works really well with the backing. Also, let me say I can see big gains in your play since way back when I first started seeing you play here on GMC. It's great to see this kind of progress and improvising is something that's nearly impossible to teach, everyone has to sort of teach themselves along the way. I must say you've done well I like the licks, I like the construction of the solo, I like it all. In short, welcome to X2!!!




SPIFF!!! I dig the delay on your tone here. It's working really well for what your playing and against the backing. I like the way you build a sort of repeating mantra in to the solo as well as it works almost like a verse/chorus thing. Your improve skills continue to improve at a very fast rate. I still remember the first Santana solo you sent me and how they got better each time. It's great to see you putting some bits we have worked on in chat to good use as well!!! Good hand control, muting, note choice, just all around well played!!!






This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: May 16 2016, 10:25 AM

thanks for watching Todd !

i'll do another take soon

Laurent

thanks Todd, much appreciated progress is something I never really notice too much. Its great to hear that there is some of it about

These improvs are a great way to push yourself. Some of them, I'd say try to do it one one take just to see if you can using pure improve. Then on others take the other approach and map everything out. Eventually, you may settle on a combo of the two which is sorta what I do Improve a bit, then figure out what goes where, then record.


Todd

This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: May 17 2016, 10:53 PM

Here is my little jam. Another fun track to play to! BTW, Todd that sequence at the end of your demo reminds me of Jack E. Lee. Sounds killer.

Thanks! Jake E Lee is one of Fave Players. I've "borrowed" many of lick/phrase from the guy I think he's very under rated as an axe man. My entire palm muted picking approach is based nearly entirely on his work (e.g. Bark at the Moon, etc.). Not that he's the only guy to do it, just that I loved his phrasing and the sounds he gets out of it

On to the critique!!!

First off, WOW. Secondly, I really gotta say man your mastery of 80's inspired techniques is impressive. It's a very 80's style backing and your approach is just freaking perfect. Not only did you blend several iconic 80's licks together, you did so with style and melody so it works as a solo quite well. So very well done there. I really dig how different each of these solos have been given that it's the same backing! The solo with the backing results in an entirely different listening experience with each player putting their own spin on it which is awesome In short. WELCOME TO X2!!!!

Thanks Todd, I really appreciate the feed back! Playing to 80's backings is one of my favorite things to do (no doubt I've borrowed plenty of ideas from those 80s guys). Yes, it is very cool that every one has a different approach to the backing and add their own touch to it.

That is interesting that you emulated some of your technique after Jake E. Lee. He is an awe-inspiring player and he still has the chops!

Jake E Lee has chops for days And all of it is so musical. He's one of the most melodic shreddy guys I've heard. Still love his playing style

Ok,
After a pretty crap week I've put my fingers back onto the fretboard. Maybe the note choice will show my mood, who knows? The Bb sounds wrong to me, it sound like it should be a B to my ears.

I found it difficult to connect to the backing for some reason.

I don't really like the tone but I didn't work on it, I just grabbed something close to what I wanted then I just added some eq afterwards using Cockos Real EQ.

Critique away please.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oryx5Ojno9E...eature=youtu.be


This post has been edited by Phil66: May 19 2016, 09:29 PM

Nice melodies man!

Thanks Chris, I appreciate it, yours was mighty fine as was Scott's, Laurent's and DeGroots. It's a good challenge this, no pressure, just play from the heart as best as your skills allow.

This post has been edited by Phil66: May 19 2016, 09:33 PM

Nice!! The tone seems good to my ears The playing as well! I think you guys might be underestimating your playing a bit! So far all these have been great, even when just done off the cuff. I have not heard one yet that wasn't interesting and not one that I haven't thought was cool. This clip is no exception. It's well played. I like the melodic style you took which is the exact opposite of what I went for when I played over this. Perhaps that's what I like about is that it's original and unexpected.

On the technical side, your always in key, I don't hear any unwanted string noise, you hit the notes you were going for, and it all works as a composition. In short. Welcome to X2!!!








That was my exact thinking when coming up with this idea I wanted something with a bit less pressure and something that would let us all focus on one interpretation/solo at a time. This was the result. I'm thrilled to see you guys jumping in and giving it a go More to come this weekend!

Todd