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GMC Forum _ Todd Simpson _ Sunday Shred Fest Challenge!

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 7 2016, 09:14 PM

WELCOME TO THE SATURDAY SHRED CHALLENGE!!!!
Direct Link : http://bitly.com/saturdayshred1



To replace my Saturday Video Chats, I'm going to start a SATURDAY SHRED FEST CHALLENGE. The format is going to be rather open at first. For the first challenge, I'd like to to something in memory of PRINCE who we recently lost, along with a number of great musicians this year. For our first challenge, I'd like you to play a "Prince Influenced" solo over "WHILE MY GUITAR GENTLY WEEPS" which is what Prince played during a Rock and Roll hall of fame performance. In case you missed it, here it is.



This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this classic backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it smile.gif so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance.

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing smile.gif I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your first SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music. smile.gif

DETAILS:
Key: A Minor/Blues (A minor and A blues/Pentatonic will work great!)
Submit: Embed (not paste the link, ask me if you need any help) your youtube vid of you playing over the solo section.
Bask: in the glory of your briliance!!!

DUE DATE: Before Next Sat!!!

BACKING TRACK:

*Four count click in and BAM your on!
 BackingTrack.mp3 ( 1.61MB ) : 1147


SCALES TO USE:

A Minor

A Blues

Posted by: Chris S. May 7 2016, 10:05 PM

I'm game smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 7 2016, 10:08 PM

Welcome aboard!!!! Congrats on being the first player!!!! Look forward to hearing your solo smile.gif You can post preliminary takes if you like, to get feedback from me and the community, or just post the final. It's up to you smile.gif

QUOTE (Chris S. @ May 7 2016, 05:05 PM) *
I'm game smile.gif

Posted by: fzalfa May 7 2016, 11:02 PM

WTF !!!

yes i'm in

Laurent

Posted by: bleez May 8 2016, 08:22 AM

oh hells yes smile.gif

Posted by: fzalfa May 8 2016, 09:56 AM

Hi here

This my early morning takes, no video because i just jump from the bed and do wear nothing....
as i jump from the "padocks" i'm ain't awake.

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/test-8

and

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/test-5

Laurent

Posted by: Phil66 May 8 2016, 09:13 PM

Ok, here's my first improv to this. I really need to learn more pentatonic shapes rolleyes.gif This is a single take after listening to the backing a couple of times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFYq-wZGgwc&feature=youtu.be

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 8 2016, 09:25 PM

Welcome to the SHOW!!!! smile.gif Looking forward to seeing you rip it up smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 7 2016, 06:02 PM) *
WTF !!!

yes i'm in

Laurent


Posted by: Todd Simpson May 8 2016, 10:17 PM

Let me say SUPER CONGRATS on being the first one across the finish line for our first ever SATURDAY SHRED CHALLENGE. Well done smile.gif One to the critique!!

I like what you are doing here in the solo mixing scales and chors and such. I would like to see you move through two ore more octaves of the Pentatonic/Blues scale though. But we can make that more of a "next time" thing smile.gif I noticed you used some MINOR licks as well which is great smile.gif Bouncing back and forth between those two scales is perfect for this.

In short, well done!! You sir are the first to get the SATURDAY SHRED CHALLENGE MISSION BADGE!!!!



Well played!! I look forward to seeing your next weeks Challenge!

Todd


QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 8 2016, 04:13 PM) *
Ok, here's my first improv to this. I really need to learn more pentatonic shapes rolleyes.gif This is a single take after listening to the backing a couple of times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFYq-wZGgwc&feature=youtu.be


Posted by: Phil66 May 8 2016, 10:48 PM

Thanks Todd,
Will these badges show underneath our names?
Cheers buddy

Posted by: Mertay May 8 2016, 10:49 PM

Very interesting, Phil's take sounded ethnic to me smile.gif

Posted by: Phil66 May 8 2016, 10:52 PM

How do you mean Mertay? I am intrigued cool.gif

Posted by: Chris S. May 9 2016, 01:44 AM

Here's my improvisation over the backing - I'm trying to break out of a single position and utilize more fretboard tongue.gif



(Apologizes for the hum tongue.gif )

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 9 2016, 09:44 AM

Not bad!! I like where you are going. Some of the bends are a bit iffy but I like it overall smile.gif You are ready to shoot your vid! Web cam or even phone cam will do!! But you gotta share a vid before we can declare you a VICTOR!

Todd

QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 8 2016, 04:56 AM) *
Hi here

This my early morning takes, no video because i just jump from the bed and do wear nothing....
as i jump from the "padocks" i'm ain't awake.

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/test-8

and

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/test-5

Laurent


*Just in case!!

HOW TO PUT THE GRAPHIC UNDER YOUR NAME/SIGNATURE ON GMC
You can put them under your name in your signature file. Upload the graphic to the web somwhere, anywhere, flickr, photobucket, etc. Then get the link to the picture, or just use the link to the picture from my post in this thread smile.gif here it is. Then got to EDIT SIGNATURE on your inbox for personal message here on the site and click EDIT SIGNATURE on the left hand side.

After you click EDIT SIGNATURE, click on the icon for INSERT IMAGE (next to the pointer icon for insert link) and paste this

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/uploads/monthly_05_2016/post-8794-1462742204.jpg

Here is the link to get to where you can edit your signature if you are logged in.
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=Msg&CODE=01&VID=in

That should do it smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 8 2016, 05:48 PM) *
Thanks Todd,
Will these badges show underneath our names?
Cheers buddy



Can't wait to hear you rip it up bleez!!!

QUOTE (bleez @ May 8 2016, 03:22 AM) *
oh hells yes smile.gif

Posted by: Phil66 May 9 2016, 09:46 AM

Thanks Todd,
Done it but I will resize it when I get home this evening. Needs to be the size of a postage stamp. What does the "81" on it mean? I think it would be good to have the date on it too, or maybe the title of the challenge. WMGGW. wink.gif

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 9 2016, 09:52 AM

NICELY DONE!! I like how you shift up and down the neck in this take and your bends and vibrato work well also! Very inspired stuff here. I do notice you focus on some single string work for a bit, which is something we covered in sat chat so kudos there smile.gif The vibe of play fits the vibe of the song quite well and reminds me of the original solo by Clapton himself. Congrats! BADGED UP!!!



QUOTE (Chris S. @ May 8 2016, 08:44 PM) *
Here's my improvisation over the backing - I'm trying to break out of a single position and utilize more fretboard tongue.gif



(Apologizes for the hum tongue.gif )



Feel free to resize smile.gif It's actually X1 meaning times one or first time. When you complete more, it will be a larger number, e.g. X10, x20, it's just the font making it seem like an 8 smile.gif I chose the angular font as it matched well with the other grahpics. smile.gif


QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 9 2016, 04:46 AM) *
Thanks Todd,
Done it but I will resize it when I get home this evening. Needs to be the size of a postage stamp. What does the "81" on it mean? I think it would be good to have the date on it too, or maybe the title of the challenge. WMGGW. wink.gif
Here is a postage stamp size smile.gif

Cheers

Posted by: Mertay May 9 2016, 10:35 AM

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 8 2016, 09:52 PM) *
How do you mean Mertay? I am intrigued cool.gif


The melody and even tempo of the solo is very Turkish smile.gif I don't listen much of my native music but try to remember a proper example to compare to smile.gif

Posted by: bleez May 9 2016, 11:37 PM

really cool backing to play over. No wonder so many guitarists have covered it smile.gif


Posted by: fzalfa May 10 2016, 02:16 PM

My take with a video..... a bit hard, tired and seriousely drugged......



Laurent

Posted by: Caelumamittendum May 10 2016, 05:01 PM

Here's a quick and dirty take:


Posted by: bleez May 10 2016, 05:16 PM

QUOTE (Chris S. @ May 9 2016, 01:44 AM) *
Here's my improvisation over the backing - I'm trying to break out of a single position and utilize more fretboard tongue.gif

That's a really nice tone duder. I like that a lot.

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ May 10 2016, 05:01 PM) *
Here's a quick and dirty take:

damn! that's some tasty playing, Ben ohmy.gif nice one dude.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum May 10 2016, 05:37 PM

QUOTE (bleez @ May 10 2016, 06:16 PM) *
damn! that's some tasty playing, Ben ohmy.gif nice one dude.


Thanks, bleez, and likewise smile.gif

I was struggling a bit to get my sound to "glue" to the backing track, so it's not as nice as I would have liked it to be.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 10 2016, 08:26 PM

Nicely done!! I like your use of a sort of repetitive motif as a chorus type of bit. Very melodic and soulful the entire way. That's what really works well on this backing IMHO, and you nailed it!!!! Great bending and vibrato as well. Didn't hear one note that was out of place. In short, you KARUSHED IT!!




QUOTE (bleez @ May 9 2016, 06:37 PM) *
really cool backing to play over. No wonder so many guitarists have covered it smile.gif




I like how your tone cuts through the mix and I dig that wah sound. Is that a pedal or auto wah part of a preset? either way, it's working to great effect smile.gif Adds a lot to it. I like your run at the end as well after the song is done and your like 'I'm not done yet!" and you keep playing smile.gif Nice! You have very good technique here as well which I've watched develop over our Saturday sessions. You are more than ready to jump in the shark pool and start shredding it up!! In short.....





QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 10 2016, 09:16 AM) *
My take with a video..... a bit hard, tired and seriousely drugged......



Laurent


BEN! Great to see you in the challenge and I finally get to see that killer guitar in action! I should have bought one when I had the chance!!!! Sounds great. Also, your playing is quite good here. I like the way you transition from some very difficult chops with grace. Getting from arps to tapping and back to picking can me a rough transition and you kept it very smooth. No string noise, nothing missed, just good playing. In short.....








QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ May 10 2016, 12:01 PM) *
Here's a quick and dirty take:



Posted by: fzalfa May 10 2016, 09:42 PM

Thanks Todd

it was a real wha

i was really tired (spend hours at hospital with my wife, nothing serious, it's about new t*ts tongue.gif(seem to be painfull) ) and i have do an error while taking my medecine ( twice this morning, i have forget i allready had taken it) so..... i was in a minimalistic mind state.

This evening i'm in a better shape, so i do others try:

Enjoy



Laurent


Posted by: Todd Simpson May 10 2016, 09:59 PM

WOW! This is an improvement! I liked that last one but I really dig this one smile.gif It's a bit more active and you throw in some trills and other techniques to spice it up!!!! The last take was plenty good enough to badge up, but this one is even better. I can see some of the chops we work on making their way in to your soloing which is great! Some of it though is all you which is also great smile.gif Being able to blend what you learn and what you make up on your own is critical. Well played smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 10 2016, 04:42 PM) *
Thanks Todd

it was a real wha

i was really tired (spend hours at hospital with my wife, nothing serious, it's about new t*ts tongue.gif (seem to be painfull) ) and i have do an error while taking my medecine ( twice this morning, i have forget i allready had taken it) so..... i was in a minimalistic mind state.

This evening i'm in a better shape, so i do others try:

Enjoy



Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 11 2016, 03:05 PM

I wanted to thank and congratulate everyone for their killer leads and participation smile.gif You guys RAWK!! It's great to see some of the licks that we have gone over in chat making their way in to your solos as well. Also great to see stuff we never covered making it in to your solos!!! We still have a few days till the next challenge ( X2 on the mission badge) so if anyone wants to give it a go, please feel free smile.gif

Todd

Posted by: bleez May 11 2016, 06:34 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 10 2016, 08:26 PM) *
Nicely done!! I like your use of a sort of repetitive motif as a chorus type of bit. Very melodic and soulful the entire way. That's what really works well on this backing IMHO, and you nailed it!!!! Great bending and vibrato as well. Didn't hear one note that was out of place. In short, you KARUSHED IT!!

Thanks sarge smile.gif
will you be gracing the backing with t-man shred yourself?

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 11 2016, 08:33 PM

Sure smile.gif I put down some shred in the original video toward the end to give you guys a taste of what it might sound like smile.gif

QUOTE (bleez @ May 11 2016, 01:34 PM) *
Thanks sarge smile.gif
will you be gracing the backing with t-man shred yourself?


Posted by: GeneT95 May 12 2016, 01:51 AM

Quick gritty Take for the SatShredFest. Can't do video yet and gotta do Paradise Lost Vid final first. Maybe I repost vid when I got more time.

https://soundcloud.com/shallowlines/satshredfest1

Posted by: DeGroot May 12 2016, 03:50 AM

This was a cool track to jam to. I'll use better audio next time! Had to get in on the first shredfest challenge.



PS. If anyone is a fan of Vinnie Moore. Look up his cover of this song it is awesome. cool.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 12 2016, 05:12 PM

Spiff take!! Nothing less than I'd expect from you smile.gif I like how you even went "Atonal" for a bit just for texture. Takes stones and skills for such. I like the traditional licks combined with the almost proggy bits as well. Very nice for contrast. I'm very happy you got in on this smile.gif The quality is fine for me so if it works for you then you can just do whatever you did here for the next one as well. As long as I can hear the solo against the backing that's all that matters to me smile.gif Doesn't have to be a big production. But it's up to you!! In short, you KILLED IT!!!



QUOTE (DeGroot @ May 11 2016, 10:50 PM) *
This was a cool track to jam to. I'll use better audio next time! Had to get in on the first shredfest challenge.



PS. If anyone is a fan of Vinnie Moore. Look up his cover of this song it is awesome. cool.gif



Welcome to the SHREDFEST!!! I thought your take was very original. It was gritty and raw which gave it it's own flavor. Sounded very much like a live jam sort of thing which is always cool smile.gif Well done! I hope you can complete your collab vid and get a chance to make a vid for this too so I can give you your first SHRED CHALLENGE mission badge!!!! Cell phone vid is fine, just start the collab playing on your computer, and play along and use web cam/cell phone/whatever and put it on youtube for me. Looking forward to seeing it!

Todd


QUOTE (GeneT95 @ May 11 2016, 08:51 PM) *
Quick gritty Take for the SatShredFest. Can't do video yet and gotta do Paradise Lost Vid final first. Maybe I repost vid when I got more time.

https://soundcloud.com/shallowlines/satshredfest1



QUOTE (bleez @ May 11 2016, 01:34 PM) *
Thanks sarge smile.gif
will you be gracing the backing with t-man shred yourself?


My take starts about the 1 minute mark in this vid.


Posted by: GeneT95 May 13 2016, 12:46 AM

Ah'll right. I did a quick crummy vid. It's blurry cause I had to use the facing camera of my IPhone since set up is a pain using the better front camera.




Posted by: Todd Simpson May 13 2016, 01:02 AM

Nice!! Again very raw and gritty which provides very good contrast to the fluidity of the background. I noticed toward the end and open string type lick with hammer ons that I liked a lot as I do something similar in many of my own solos. Well played and welcome to the club!!!!




QUOTE (GeneT95 @ May 12 2016, 07:46 PM) *
Ah'll right. I did a quick crummy vid. It's blurry cause I had to use the facing camera of my IPhone since set up is a pain using the better front camera.


Posted by: GeneT95 May 13 2016, 01:15 AM

Thanks. The end did indeed use an repeating pull off to an open 6th string while moving up the A minor scale using the 5th and 6th string. I was testing a new setting on my Axe-Fx which is somewhat gritty and harsh. I played a number of notes outside the scale in sections usually a half step down and either bent to the note, tried a wider tremolo, or hammered on to the note in the scale which I think added more grittiness too. And I tried to grip the pick short close to the tip and let my pick hand fingers hit the strings at times which made the notes less fluid and 'guttural' or buzzy.

Great Challenge Idea Todd. Something that can be done quick but still practice some things.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 13 2016, 01:27 AM

Bingo!! smile.gif It's really designed just for that. So that you can jump in and try some things and play around with it a bit as well without having to stress to much. You guys have really done well on this backing track smile.gif Count down has begun to SHRED FEST X2!!!!! Which will start this coming Satu smile.gif

QUOTE (GeneT95 @ May 12 2016, 08:15 PM) *
Thanks. The end did indeed use an repeating pull off to an open 6th string while moving up the A minor scale using the 5th and 6th string. I was testing a new setting on my Axe-Fx which is somewhat gritty and harsh. I played a number of notes outside the scale in sections usually a half step down and either bent to the note, tried a wider tremolo, or hammered on to the note in the scale which I think added more grittiness too. And I gripped the pick short close to the tip and let my pick hand fingers hit the strings at times which made the notes less fluid and 'guttural'

Great Challenge Idea Todd. Something that can be done quick but still practice some things.

Posted by: Chris S. May 13 2016, 02:15 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 13 2016, 12:27 AM) *
Bingo!! smile.gif It's really designed just for that. So that you can jump in and try some things and play around with it a bit as well without having to stress to much. You guys have really done well on this backing track smile.gif Count down has begun to SHRED FEST X2!!!!! Which will start this coming Satu smile.gif

Bring it on! I'm hungry for badges biggrin.gif

Posted by: fzalfa May 13 2016, 12:18 PM

Chris, can you size down your badges , because it's bigger than the message smile.gif

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 14 2016, 03:48 AM

Sure smile.gif I was leaving them big for the first time through. But I'll try to make them about the size of the MISSION badges next time smile.gif

Todd



QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 13 2016, 07:18 AM) *
Chris, can you size down your badges , because it's bigger than the message smile.gif

Laurent


Ask and you shall receive!!! smile.gif

Todd



QUOTE (Chris S. @ May 12 2016, 09:15 PM) *
Bring it on! I'm hungry for badges biggrin.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 14 2016, 09:10 PM

WELCOME TO THE SATURDAY SHRED CHALLENGE X2!!!!
Direct Link : http://bitly.com/saturdayshredx2


This is our SECOND CHALLENGE and so you if you complete the first one and this one you will receive the much coveted X2 Mission Badge! smile.gif Here goes.

This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance.

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

DETAILS:
Key: D Minor/Blues (D minor and D blues/Pentatonic will work great!)
Submit: Embed (not paste the link, ask me if you need any help) your youtube vid of you playing over the solo section.
Bask: in the glory of your briliance!!!
BPM: 75
CHORDS USED: D Minor to Bflat Major 7

DUE DATE: Before Next Sat!!!

BACKING TRACK:

 x2SatShredFestBacking.mp3 ( 1.76MB ) : 517

LONGER VERSION OF BACKING TRACK
 x2_entire_song.mp3 ( 3.26MB ) : 133


SCALES TO USE:



Posted by: fzalfa May 14 2016, 11:10 PM

Hi todd !! very nice BT

possible to have a king size one ?

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Chris S. May 14 2016, 11:38 PM

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 smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 15 2016, 01:04 AM

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 smile.gif So cheers to that!!!

In short, welcome to X2!!



P.S.
Sure smile.gif Whatever you guys need I'll post wink.gif 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 smile.gif But you can play anything you like.

QUOTE (Chris S. @ May 14 2016, 06:38 PM) *
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 smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 15 2016, 03:20 AM

Here is the KING SIZE backing smile.gif Feel free to use whichever one you like in your vids guys!
 x2_entire_song.mp3 ( 3.26MB ) : 143


QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 14 2016, 06:10 PM) *
Hi todd !! very nice BT

possible to have a king size one ?

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: bleez May 15 2016, 05:54 PM

Another cool backing track, Todd smile.gif nice one.


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

Posted by: Phil66 May 15 2016, 08:30 PM

QUOTE (Chris S. @ May 14 2016, 11:38 PM) *
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 smile.gif


I was going to ask exactly that Chris smile.gif

Posted by: Chris S. May 15 2016, 08:32 PM

QUOTE (bleez @ May 15 2016, 04:54 PM) *
Another cool backing track, Todd smile.gif nice one.


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

Smooooooth lines, my friend! smile.gif

Posted by: bleez May 15 2016, 08:49 PM

QUOTE (Chris S. @ May 15 2016, 08:32 PM) *
Smooooooth lines, my friend! smile.gif

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

Posted by: fzalfa May 15 2016, 10:48 PM

this is my today's contribution



Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 16 2016, 10:22 AM

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 smile.gif I like the licks, I like the construction of the solo, I like it all. In short, welcome to X2!!!


QUOTE (bleez @ May 15 2016, 12:54 PM) *
Another cool backing track, Todd smile.gif nice one.


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


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!!!




QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 15 2016, 05:48 PM) *
this is my today's contribution



Laurent

Posted by: fzalfa May 16 2016, 10:31 AM

thanks for watching Todd !

i'll do another take soon

Laurent

Posted by: bleez May 16 2016, 02:55 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 16 2016, 10:22 AM) *
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 smile.gif I like the licks, I like the construction of the solo, I like it all. In short, welcome to X2!!!

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

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 16 2016, 10:32 PM

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 smile.gif Improve a bit, then figure out what goes where, then record.


Todd

QUOTE (bleez @ May 16 2016, 09:55 AM) *
thanks Todd, much appreciated smile.gif progress is something I never really notice too much. Its great to hear that there is some of it about biggrin.gif

Posted by: DeGroot May 17 2016, 01:01 AM

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. cool.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson May 17 2016, 11:11 PM

Thanks! Jake E Lee is one of Fave Players. I've "borrowed" many of lick/phrase from the guy smile.gif 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 smile.gif

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 smile.gif In short. WELCOME TO X2!!!!





QUOTE (DeGroot @ May 16 2016, 08:01 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. cool.gif



Posted by: DeGroot May 18 2016, 01:47 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 17 2016, 10:11 PM) *
Thanks! Jake E Lee is one of Fave Players. I've "borrowed" many of lick/phrase from the guy smile.gif 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 smile.gif

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 smile.gif 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. smile.gif

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!

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 18 2016, 02:18 AM

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


QUOTE (DeGroot @ May 17 2016, 08:47 PM) *
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. smile.gif

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!


Posted by: Phil66 May 19 2016, 08:54 PM

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&feature=youtu.be

Posted by: Chris S. May 19 2016, 09:19 PM

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 19 2016, 07:54 PM) *
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?

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&feature=youtu.be

Nice melodies man! smile.gif

Posted by: Phil66 May 19 2016, 09:27 PM

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.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 20 2016, 03:14 AM

Nice!! The tone seems good to my ears smile.gif 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!!!





QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 19 2016, 03:54 PM) *
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&feature=youtu.be



That was my exact thinking when coming up with this idea smile.gif 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 smile.gif More to come this weekend!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 19 2016, 04:27 PM) *
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.


Posted by: Phil66 May 20 2016, 07:22 AM

Thanks Todd,

The reason I'm always in key is because I always have the scale generator showing. I can never remember where the notes are except for a couple of pentatonic shapes.

Thanks for your kind comments mate.

Phil

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 20 2016, 03:14 AM) *
Nice!! The tone seems good to my ears smile.gif 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 smile.gif 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 smile.gif More to come this weekend!

Todd


Posted by: GeneT95 May 20 2016, 10:59 PM

My take for the week. Now I gotta try to get some files done for Gab's ending Collab.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum May 21 2016, 01:43 PM

Am I making it in time?


Posted by: Todd Simpson May 21 2016, 06:51 PM

Thanks for making a Vid! smile.gif Of course your in! This is one of my fave solos so far actually. Very nice touches all through this. Very melodic and combining blues licks with melodic proggy bits. Even the hang points where you land work great. In short, very well constructed and executed. Not to mention I lOVE that freaking axe!! smile.gif Welcome to X1!!






QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ May 21 2016, 08:43 AM) *
Am I making it in time?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum May 21 2016, 06:56 PM

Should that not be X2 when it's my second solo? biggrin.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 21 2016, 07:53 PM

EGAD your right!! I got carried away wanting to badge it up smile.gif I really liked it. To wit!



QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ May 21 2016, 01:56 PM) *
Should that not be X2 when it's my second solo? biggrin.gif


Nice!! I like your two fingered/open string licks quite a bit. I use something very similar quite often. I noticed you went "Atonal" for a bit and that worked too which is not easy to make sound good IMHO. I like how you put in the right hand tapping to augment the left hand work as well and the transition was quite fluid. Well played!!!!!


QUOTE (GeneT95 @ May 20 2016, 05:59 PM) *
My take for the week. Now I gotta try to get some files done for Gab's ending Collab.





Posted by: fzalfa May 21 2016, 08:00 PM

where is the next challenge !!!!??? Todd !!!!! tongue.gif

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: GeneT95 May 21 2016, 08:45 PM

Thanks Todd. I'm using the weekly ShredFest to test different amp models and Yek's rec settings in my AxeFX. I tend to gravitate to Fusion type tones, or ones a little darker and 'fluidy' but wanna develop tones of other styles and players.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 21 2016, 09:32 PM

!!!SAT SHRED FEST X3!!!!
Direct Link Here: http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx3


You guys have been KILLING IT!!! I thought I'd throw you something that might be a curve ball. But you guys will probably KRUSH it



*This time I'm going to give you an ENTIRE TRACK. No vocals on it. It's a remake of NEVER ENOUGH by the band EPICA that myself and John Wardlaw of the band ANTI-M.

This is our THIRD CHALLENGE and so you if you complete the first one and this one you will receive the much coveted X3 Mission Badge! Here goes.

This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance.

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

DETAILS:


Key: B Minor/Blues (B minor and B blues/Pentatonic will work great!)

Submit: Embed (not paste the link, ask me if you need any help) your youtube vid of you playing over the solo section.

Bask: in the glory of your brilliance!!!

BPM: 105

CHORDS USED: All Power Chords based on B Minor Scale notes.

DUE DATE: Before Next Sat!!!



SCALES TO USE: ( You can use ANY SCALES OR NOTES these are just reference)

B Minor


B Blues


FULL BACKING TRACK
*Pick a section to solo over, any section, or rip it up over the whole thing. Your choice. This is the longest one yet
 NeverEnough_X3.mp3 ( 8.86MB ) : 139

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/cover-version-never-enoughepica-done-by-john-wardlaw-todd-simpson

Posted by: fzalfa May 21 2016, 09:57 PM

In..... and already at work

edit:

Todd, can you provide us the chord grid please ?

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 22 2016, 08:23 PM

I want you guys to trust your ears more than your eyes if possible, as that's part of the challenge. smile.gif Give it a shot without the chord grid if possible. Close your eyes and let your fingers find the notes. Give this one shot and let me know how it goes smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 21 2016, 04:57 PM) *
In..... and already at work

edit:

Todd, can you provide us the chord grid please ?

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 23 2016, 06:59 PM

!!!!!UPDATE ON X3!!!!!!


Here is a more focused and shorter chunk of X3. This song changes key a bit and the chord prog is odd. I've shortened it down to a sweet chunk of the good bit for solo fun and turned the guitars down a bit to give you more of the other instrumentation to work with. Give this a whirl smile.gif

If you need more room, you can loop this track in DAW of choice. Should loop just fine smile.gif

 x3_Focused.mp3 ( 1.54MB ) : 120


https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/x3-challenge-shorterfocusedremixed

Posted by: bleez May 25 2016, 06:47 PM

I tried to do something a little different from the usual stuff I play, seeing as I ALWAYS play the same licks cool.gif also the backing is a bit metal and chuggy so Im out of my comfort zone a bit...... which is usually my cue to plug in a whammy pedal smile.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJQyWmv7cvw

Posted by: GeneT95 May 25 2016, 10:58 PM

Cool take Bleez.

Posted by: GeneT95 May 26 2016, 12:25 AM

Here is my take. I developed a green screen skin to modify in Photoshop, but of course I recorded with my phone in a different format so I had to flip the skin 180 degrees so it ended up upside down. Imagine that. And then the glare at the end by ducking in my bald head. wink.gif

A somewhat middle eastern flavored take.


Posted by: Todd Simpson May 26 2016, 03:14 AM

Wow!! First off, how are you getting Whammy bar dives on a fixed bridge? Please do share your technique! Each one is in key and works well and adds to the impact of the solo. Also, cool intro and very smooth, melodic construction. This works really well over the backing and I know it's not an easy backing to work with which makes it twice as impressive. You use one of my fave double pull off pentatonic licks at the end which not and easy lick to pull off and you do keep good timing and go in and out of the lick very smoothly. Your transition between techiques and various licks is quite good and very flowing. That's one of the keys to a good solo. It's should sound congruous which is one of the toughest bits to learn. You've got a good handle on it. Well played!!!

In short, WELCOME TO X3!!!!!




QUOTE (bleez @ May 25 2016, 01:47 PM) *
I tried to do something a little different from the usual stuff I play, seeing as I ALWAYS play the same licks cool.gif also the backing is a bit metal and chuggy so Im out of my comfort zone a bit...... which is usually my cue to plug in a whammy pedal smile.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJQyWmv7cvw


Well done!! It sounds like the backing is going by about twice as fast as the original track? Did you speed it up in your daw? I remember you mentioning speed in one of your emails. Now I get it. With the backing going that fast, you'd really have to shred it to play 8th or 16th notes. Did you intentionally make it faster or did it just happen? Either way it's an entirely original take on the material. I noticed you edited it as well which is also cool. Once I put it out there, you guys can feel free to mod the backing any way you like that you feel would help you to express yourself. So any mods are fair game smile.gif

As for the solo itself I really like the middle eastern vibe it has going. Some bits sound like they should be part of the actual song and the backing sounds a bit empty without them actually. The vocal track takes up that space in the standard version but in the instrumental, there is a big gap where the vocals used to be. You fill it in quite well and make it sound like it was intended to be instrumental. In short...

WELCOME TO X3!!!



QUOTE (GeneT95 @ May 25 2016, 07:25 PM) *
Here is my take. I developed a green screen skin to modify in Photoshop, but of course I recorded with my phone in a different format so I had to flip the skin 180 degrees so it ended up upside down. Imagine that. And then the glare at the end by ducking in my bald head. wink.gif

A somewhat middle eastern flavored take.


Posted by: bleez May 26 2016, 06:52 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 26 2016, 03:14 AM) *
Wow!! First off, how are you getting Whammy bar dives on a fixed bridge? Please do share your technique! Each one is in key and works well and adds to the impact of the solo. Also, cool intro and very smooth, melodic construction. This works really well over the backing and I know it's not an easy backing to work with which makes it twice as impressive. You use one of my fave double pull off pentatonic licks at the end which not and easy lick to pull off and you do keep good timing and go in and out of the lick very smoothly. Your transition between techiques and various licks is quite good and very flowing. That's one of the keys to a good solo. It's should sound congruous which is one of the toughest bits to learn. You've got a good handle on it. Well played!!!

thank you sir biggrin.gif I got the whammy bar dives by using the power of my mind....... and a digitech whammy DT pedal cool.gif


QUOTE (GeneT95 @ May 25 2016, 10:58 PM) *
Cool take Bleez.

thanks dude smile.gif



Posted by: GeneT95 May 26 2016, 12:27 PM

What a bonehead I am. Not intentional. Once you mentioned it, I realized the error. So focused on figuring something out for it I didn't realize that Live incorrectly set the import clip's BPM to about 76 and then warped it to match the projects set bpm of 105, which essentially increased the clip's actual BPM to probably around 140..........

If I have time, I'll check it out in the correctly exposed timing. wink.gif

And not sure what you mean by edit?? Aside from the wrong BPM, the backing isn't edited. The solo is a single take. I have trouble syncing the video exactly so maybe that why it seems edited??

Posted by: fzalfa May 26 2016, 02:59 PM

Hi Todd

i wasn"t very inspirated theses day..... but i try and done this:



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Phil66 May 26 2016, 09:35 PM

Ok, I finally got something down, this was so hard to come up with something so it has to be what it is. There is a big fumble at 0:35 when I go into the lead part but I had to submit it as I ran out of time and won't get another chance before Saturday as I'm away this weekend and have to catch up on my stuff for Gab tomorrow.
Unfortunately I didn't explore the fretboard much, stuck with B minor pent, it was enough to come up with something using that never mind trying to tour the fretboard laugh.gif

I don't think I deserve a badge for this one though laugh.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKwbPDo2_Vs&feature=youtu.be

Posted by: bleez May 26 2016, 10:10 PM

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 26 2016, 09:35 PM) *
I don't think I deserve a badge for this one though laugh.gif

dude! I really like your take. Ive listened to it a bunch of times. Im getting a slight stoner rock vibe from it, dunno if its the tone or just your phrasing but it sounds damn good. 0.45 until the end has particularly nice licks.
fine work indeed, Phil.


Posted by: Phil66 May 26 2016, 10:45 PM

Thank you for your kind words Scott, to be honest I don't know what stoner is huh.gif

This was the hardest one to get any ideas for.

Cheers dude I appreciate your words smile.gif

Posted by: Chris S. May 26 2016, 10:48 PM

I know this totally shyte but... rolleyes.gif



It's been a rough week trying to find playing time, this is my improvisation - I played over the backing track once to get a feel and then I hit record and this was the second attempt so it's rather sloppy.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 27 2016, 12:54 AM

Ahh!! Jedi Power and the DT pedal!! That's a combo smile.gif

QUOTE (bleez @ May 26 2016, 01:52 AM) *
thank you sir biggrin.gif I got the whammy bar dives by using the power of my mind....... and a digitech whammy DT pedal cool.gif


I thought the intro was trimmed? It could have just been faded up perhaps? Then again, since it was going faster than I was expected, I could be hearing things that are not there. Either way, it turned out cool smile.gif I thought you meant to speed it up in order to change the sound/vibe of the entire affair which I thought was an original approach smile.gif But even as a happy accident, it's still cool smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (GeneT95 @ May 26 2016, 07:27 AM) *
What a bonehead I am. Not intentional. Once you mentioned it, I realized the error. So focused on figuring something out for it I didn't realize that Live incorrectly set the import clip's BPM to about 76 and then warped it to match the projects set bpm of 105, which essentially increased the clip's actual BPM to probably around 140..........

If I have time, I'll check it out in the correctly exposed timing. wink.gif

And not sure what you mean by edit?? Aside from the wrong BPM, the backing isn't edited. The solo is a single take. I have trouble syncing the video exactly so maybe that why it seems edited??

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 27 2016, 03:24 AM

Very cool take on this. I like the low gain, high emotion thing you have going on quite a bit. It contrasts the backing well and works. Very melodic take and builds toward the end so the tension builds with it. Your bends are spiff as well. smile.gif I think there may be a very slight tuning or intonation issue with just the first note or few but it could just be my ears.

I like the two handed lick you put in there as well smile.gif For only your second take and an improve it's very good indeed. And against a difficult backing. I know this backing has been a challenge. Cheers to you guys for coming up with very original things to play with it that work!!! In short,

WELCOME TO X3!!!!!!



QUOTE (Chris S. @ May 26 2016, 05:48 PM) *
I know this totally shyte but... rolleyes.gif



It's been a rough week trying to find playing time, this is my improvisation - I played over the backing track once to get a feel and then I hit record and this was the second attempt so it's rather sloppy.

Posted by: fzalfa May 27 2016, 04:21 AM

Todd, do you notice my take ?

Chers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 27 2016, 10:38 PM

I don't know how I missed this one!!! Sorry about that sad.gif Shoot me a PM if I seem to miss something if possible sad.gif Onward!

I really like your tone on this one. It sounds almost like a strat with single coils. But you are playing a less paul with humbuckers? How did you get that sound? It works well with backing IMHO!

My FAVE part of your solo is at 1:13 where it looks like you have a fan come in and beat on your arm while you are trying to finish the solo out smile.gif You do a fine job of just playing through the pain and working toward the ending. Well done there smile.gif

Seriously though, I like all three takes. I'm glad you included them all actually. I can see the solo ideas change and grow over each take. I like your use of fret travel here. I can see you putting out vid chats to good work as well! Very nice scale runs going up and going down and you always land on a root to resolve the passage. In short, nicely played!!! and....

WELCOME TO X3!!!!!!


QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 26 2016, 09:59 AM) *
Hi Todd

i wasn"t very inspirated theses day..... but i try and done this:



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 28 2016, 02:46 AM

Phil I seriously appreciate you giving it a go despite being in a time crunch. I noticed you kept the rythm bit up for a decent chunk of the tune which is certainly unexpected smile.gif But a welcome change. I didn't think anyone would jump in an play the rythm part but I was just wrong smile.gif You did get the accents down just right. So well done there smile.gif Your solo works well in context and makes use of the proper scales and notes. However, this is the first one so far that seems like it's just a pinch below the level of play that I've seen from you guys, and you in particular. I"ve been really impressed with the solos I"ve seen so far. While I appreciate you making the effort here, I"m going to go ahead and follow your advice and not badge it, as it seems more like a solo building to it's next stage. When you have a bit more time, I'd say give it one more try and put more PHIL on it!!! Look at this as a test pass. I'll leave the door open for you so that you can turn in version 2.0 of X3 when it's workable for you to do so. I really think you have a bit more in you and I"d love to see it on the fretboard!!!!!! Go ahead and do Gabes thing and just get back to this when you can. X4 is coming this Saturday so you might do a double badge!!!

X3/X4 AWAITS!!!!!


Todd


QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 26 2016, 04:35 PM) *
Ok, I finally got something down, this was so hard to come up with something so it has to be what it is. There is a big fumble at 0:35 when I go into the lead part but I had to submit it as I ran out of time and won't get another chance before Saturday as I'm away this weekend and have to catch up on my stuff for Gab tomorrow.
Unfortunately I didn't explore the fretboard much, stuck with B minor pent, it was enough to come up with something using that never mind trying to tour the fretboard laugh.gif

I don't think I deserve a badge for this one though laugh.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKwbPDo2_Vs&feature=youtu.be


X4 COMING SATURDAY MAY 28th!!!

I"ll post the new X4 on Sat, May 28th. You guys have been on a roll so I"m loooking forward to what you can come up with!!!!


Todd

Posted by: Phil66 May 28 2016, 08:09 AM

Cheers Todd,

I find the first bars difficult as the rhythm has gaps that I can't fill, that's why I went with the rhythm until there are no gaps. Did you notice the little slow down effect on each end note of my rhythm? That's one thing I liked and the other was the notes at 0:45 the rest is horrendous. I really struggled to connect with this one.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum May 28 2016, 11:47 AM

Not sure if I'm totally satisfied with it, but here you go, slight improv in harmonic minor:




Posted by: Todd Simpson May 28 2016, 06:17 PM

NICE!!!!! I think the Harmonic Minor works very well here. I've heard one or two other solos with bits of it thrown in, but using it throughout gives the entire thing a very eastern/nile flavor which is quite cool. Also, your deft use of hammer on/pull off, to create sort of circular licks is working very well here. The melody is kept up throughout in a very Bach almost fugue like manner which is a nice touch as well. The bends work great too and several have a very long arch to reach tone which requires a great deal of control, so kudos there smile.gif In short you killed it. smile.gif

WELCOME TO X3!!!




QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ May 28 2016, 06:47 AM) *
Not sure if I'm totally satisfied with it, but here you go, slight improv in harmonic minor:


Posted by: Todd Simpson May 28 2016, 08:31 PM

!!!SAT SHRED FEST X4!!!!

Direct Link Here:http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx4http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx4

The X3 challenge was a bit of a stretch in many ways but you guys still came to play and came up with some really cool stuff!!!!! To wit, here comes X4! Our first using a MAJOR scale smile.gif



I’ll be including the tablature of course for Major and for the “Blues” scale. Both of which fit well. I want you guys to dig in and see what you can do and don’t be thrown off by the big section with just Bass and drums. The bass is very busy so it will require some though on how to make your licks blend in. Try not to rush it if you are not feeling it, just come back to it. I really want to challenge you guys a bit as that is where growth happens smile.gif


This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance.

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

DETAILS:
Key: D Major (D Major and D Blues Scale will work great!)

Submit: Embed (not paste the link, ask me if you need any help) your youtube vid of you playing over the solo section.

Bask: in the glory of your brilliance!!!

BPM: 120 BPM

CHORDS USED: The rythm guitar was written by Matt Rowles of http://indieatl.com fame. It’s an odd open tuning with him making up chords as he goes. It’s roughly in D Major, so follow your ears! The Bass is played by the amazing http://adamnitti.com/wordpress/. If you have not heard of him, google him and watch some of his vids. He’s just incredible.

DUE DATE: Before Next Sat!!! (May 4th 2016)

SCALES TO USE: ( You can use ANY SCALES OR NOTES these are just reference)

D Major

D Blues


CHALLENGE TRACK!
 x4_challenge.mp3 ( 897.88K ) : 127


Posted by: fzalfa May 28 2016, 08:36 PM

Hi Todd

i'm at my best friend anniversary, tired, and drunk (too much mojito yeah !!!)
but i'm in !

don't know if it's about alcool but i still have ideas !!

cheers !

Laurent

Posted by: Phil66 May 28 2016, 09:17 PM

In

Posted by: bleez May 28 2016, 10:35 PM

this has a bit of a 'Kim Mitchell - go for a soda' vibe to it, how awesome! biggrin.gif
Yeah! rock some Mitchell tongue.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson May 29 2016, 08:19 AM

Sometimes a stiff drink can get ideas going smile.gif Can't wait to hear your take!

Todd


QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 28 2016, 03:36 PM) *
Hi Todd

i'm at my best friend anniversary, tired, and drunk (too much mojito yeah !!!)
but i'm in !

don't know if it's about alcool but i still have ideas !!

cheers !

Laurent


Posted by: fzalfa May 29 2016, 09:29 AM

I'm still almost drunk , but this BT is too short !!!!

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 30 2016, 12:54 AM

It's LOOPABLE!!! smile.gif You can just copy and paste it in your daw over and over and i will loop smile.gif



QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 29 2016, 04:29 AM) *
I'm still almost drunk , but this BT is too short !!!!

Laurent



It's in a Major key so yeah it's got the "Happy Rock" sorta vibe smile.gif


QUOTE (bleez @ May 28 2016, 05:35 PM) *
this has a bit of a 'Kim Mitchell - go for a soda' vibe to it, how awesome! biggrin.gif
Yeah! rock some Mitchell tongue.gif



Can't wait to hear it!!! smile.gif

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 28 2016, 04:17 PM) *
In


Posted by: Phil66 May 30 2016, 10:28 AM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ May 29 2016, 09:29 AM) *
I'm still almost drunk , but this BT is too short !!!!

Laurent


In some daws like Reaper you can drag the end of the wav and it recreates it or as Todd said copy and paste it or hit the loop button for practicing.

Posted by: DeGroot Jun 1 2016, 01:55 AM

Ok, here is my mini-take. smile.gif Wish I played it a wee-bit cleaner. Look forward to hearing the other takes!



Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 1 2016, 05:03 AM

Nice Jam!!! Is that strat scalloped? Is it an Yngwie model? I"ve always wanted to try one and I"ve yet to see one in the wild. It works great with you playing it on this backing for sure!! I fear I made it way to short this time as I was hoping your solo would go on since it was building up to something insane! It's a loopable backing as I"m going to try to make all of them so if you need more solo time, cut/paste the backing on one track in the daw and you can make them as long as you like smile.gif

On to the critique!!

What can I say other than freaking WOW. A variety of tones via pickup switching (which was time perfectly so as not to get in the way of the lead) is icing on the cake in the solo. I really dig the nice clean, long runs your doing here and how they combine with traditional blues chops. It's sorta the blues meets prog thing that you do really well. Almost like a Jazz guy but with a bit more aggression which is what makes it so cool smile.gif

It was PLENTY clean BTW smile.gif The purpose of our weekly shred fest is to allow you express yourself on a weekly basis, musically, and provide you with feedback and an audience of other players. It's a great place to swap licks from other folks and see how other players interpret a giving backing.

Lastly I LOVE how you threw in some Inversion licks as well as a couple of hammer/pull licks that we have done in our Video Chat series. They fit in perfectly. In short you FRIGGIN KILLED IT!! You've set a good bar here. Welcome to X3!! (even though it's the x4 challenge, the badges are done by how many you complete) Can't wait to hear who's next!!






QUOTE (DeGroot @ May 31 2016, 08:55 PM) *
Ok, here is my mini-take. smile.gif Wish I played it a wee-bit cleaner. Look forward to hearing the other takes!



Posted by: DeGroot Jun 1 2016, 05:49 AM

Thanks! Really glad you liked it. smile.gif It is a YJM model. I've had it around a while (I think I grabbed it around 2005 used). I hope you get you hands on one to try out. I think you would really dig it.

In hindsight, I should've expanded this track! I kinda ended it abruptly and felt like it should continue.... especially with the open drum/bass part. Next time!

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 1 2016, 04:03 AM) *
Nice Jam!!! Is that strat scalloped? Is it an Yngwie model? I"ve always wanted to try one and I"ve yet to see one in the wild. It works great with you playing it on this backing for sure!! I fear I made it way to short this time as I was hoping your solo would go on since it was building up to something insane! It's a loopable backing as I"m going to try to make all of them so if you need more solo time, cut/paste the backing on one track in the daw and you can make them as long as you like smile.gif

On to the critique!!

What can I say other than freaking WOW. A variety of tones via pickup switching (which was time perfectly so as not to get in the way of the lead) is icing on the cake in the solo. I really dig the nice clean, long runs your doing here and how they combine with traditional blues chops. It's sorta the blues meets prog thing that you do really well. Almost like a Jazz guy but with a bit more aggression which is what makes it so cool smile.gif

It was PLENTY clean BTW smile.gif The purpose of our weekly shred fest is to allow you express yourself on a weekly basis, musically, and provide you with feedback and an audience of other players. It's a great place to swap licks from other folks and see how other players interpret a giving backing.

Lastly I LOVE how you threw in some Inversion licks as well as a couple of hammer/pull licks that we have done in our Video Chat series. They fit in perfectly. In short you FRIGGIN KILLED IT!! You've set a good bar here. Welcome to X3!! (even though it's the x4 challenge, the badges are done by how many you complete) Can't wait to hear who's next!!



Posted by: Phil66 Jun 1 2016, 09:14 PM

Hello Todd,

I have failed the challenge. I can't come up with anything at all for X3, well I can come up with plenty of wiggling but nothing that fits the track. Everything I come up is just too generic for that specific backing and I like my stuff to fit the feeling as best as possible and that track is pretty specific on the feeling front. I even tried mimicking the strings/synth to no avail so, I am not only the first entrant into the first ever Saturday Shred Fest Challenge (X1) I am also the first flop laugh.gif

I've had much hassle this week doing lengthy emails to PRS as you know so I've had hardly any time anyway, also I think it has affected my drive to come up with stuff, I'm feeling a little uninspired about guitar at the moment and my mom has to go into hospital on Friday for a fairly big operation (hip replacement and she's 78) so I will be visiting her when i would normally be practising so this weekend and into next week will be even more of an issue for practising. I'll try something for X4 tomorrow, it sounds a bit more like I can do something with that.

Cheers buddy.

Posted by: bleez Jun 1 2016, 10:41 PM

QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 1 2016, 01:55 AM) *
Ok, here is my mini-take. smile.gif Wish I played it a wee-bit cleaner. Look forward to hearing the other takes!

damn Joe, that was bad ass cool.gif awesome playing!


here's what Ive got for X4, wish I could have stole a few licks from Mr DeGroot though smile.gif




Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 2 2016, 01:07 AM


Nice!! I like your single finger slide technique. It reminds me of George Lynches vibrato technique. I do notice you borrowing a couple of Degroot licks but that's perfectly fine smile.gif You play them well and they fit great. They are also licks from our video chat sessions so we have come full circle smile.gif

Also, my fave part was your use of dynamics during the bass/drum part. You backed off on the picking strength and got a very much more subtle tone just using your fingers. Then made it more intense by just picking harder when the guitars came back in. This is a very good use of dynamic picking to increase and decrease the tension in a solo. The dynamics (range between loudest and quietest note) is what gives solos much of their memorability. It's something that you usually see if players with 10 years of experience or more. You appear to have a great grasp of it. Well played smile.gif

In short. Welcome to X4!!!


QUOTE (bleez @ Jun 1 2016, 05:41 PM) *
damn Joe, that was bad ass cool.gif awesome playing!
here's what Ive got for X4, wish I could have stole a few licks from Mr DeGroot though smile.gif






Chris, No worries. X3 was simply hard to solo over. I wanted to throw out a curve ball but I didn't realize it was a crazy curve ball from Mars. You are not the only one who had issues working with this track. It was pretty much most of the folks that tried it. I'll be a little less cruel in future tracks if I can at all help it!!

Best of luck to your Mom during her operation. I"ll be sending positive vibes/thoughts/prayers your way as I'm sure everyone at GMC will be smile.gif

I hope you get a chance to give x4 a shot. I"m sure it will RAWK!! smile.gif

Todd


QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 1 2016, 04:14 PM) *
Hello Todd,

I have failed the challenge. I can't come up with anything at all for X3, well I can come up with plenty of wiggling but nothing that fits the track. Everything I come up is just too generic for that specific backing and I like my stuff to fit the feeling as best as possible and that track is pretty specific on the feeling front. I even tried mimicking the strings/synth to no avail so, I am not only the first entrant into the first ever Saturday Shred Fest Challenge (X1) I am also the first flop laugh.gif

I've had much hassle this week doing lengthy emails to PRS as you know so I've had hardly any time anyway, also I think it has affected my drive to come up with stuff, I'm feeling a little uninspired about guitar at the moment and my mom has to go into hospital on Friday for a fairly big operation (hip replacement and she's 78) so I will be visiting her when i would normally be practising so this weekend and into next week will be even more of an issue for practising. I'll try something for X4 tomorrow, it sounds a bit more like I can do something with that.

Cheers buddy.



I hope I get to try one as well smile.gif Been wanting to for a looooong time!!! Yeah your solo got cut off by the short track a bit but it still worked and sounded cool smile.gif If at all possible, I'll try to make all of them loopable so you can get more distance if needed smile.gif
QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 1 2016, 12:49 AM) *
Thanks! Really glad you liked it. smile.gif It is a YJM model. I've had it around a while (I think I grabbed it around 2005 used). I hope you get you hands on one to try out. I think you would really dig it.

In hindsight, I should've expanded this track! I kinda ended it abruptly and felt like it should continue.... especially with the open drum/bass part. Next time!



Posted by: DeGroot Jun 2 2016, 02:29 AM

QUOTE (bleez @ Jun 1 2016, 09:41 PM) *
damn Joe, that was bad ass cool.gif awesome playing!


here's what Ive got for X4, wish I could have stole a few licks from Mr DeGroot though smile.gif


Thanks Scott. Of course, plenty of ideas I've lifted from around these parts. ph34r.gif Very solid playing on your take man! I get a strong 70's vibe off it.

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 2 2016, 07:17 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 2 2016, 01:07 AM) *
Chris, No worries. X3 was simply hard to solo over. I wanted to throw out a curve ball but I didn't realize it was a crazy curve ball from Mars. You are not the only one who had issues working with this track. It was pretty much most of the folks that tried it. I'll be a little less cruel in future tracks if I can at all help it!!

Best of luck to your Mom during her operation. I"ll be sending positive vibes/thoughts/prayers your way as I'm sure everyone at GMC will be smile.gif

I hope you get a chance to give x4 a shot. I"m sure it will RAWK!! smile.gif

Todd



Thanks Pete wink.gif

Posted by: bleez Jun 2 2016, 03:09 PM

Thanks for that, Todd. I must admit I thought you had gone quite insane with this notion of a backing in major key, but I really enjoyed trying to play over it...... but dont tell anyone that cool.gif

QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 2 2016, 02:29 AM) *
I get a strong 70's vibe off it.

Awesome, thanks. my most favourite of all decades! biggrin.gif

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 2 2016, 07:17 AM) *
Thanks Pete wink.gif

made me LOL smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 2 2016, 08:22 PM

Sorry about calling you "chris" there sad.gif Typing too fast and getting your handle mudged with someone else sad.gif

Pete signing off smile.gif

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 2 2016, 02:17 AM) *
Thanks Pete wink.gif


Posted by: Phil66 Jun 2 2016, 08:26 PM

No worries mate, just a bit of banter smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 4 2016, 04:46 AM

LAST CHANCE FOR X4!!!! smile.gif You can submit a take all the way up to Saturday night. The next challenge will go up Saturday around our old chat time, e.g. 4pm est 8pm GMT. Going to make this next one a bit more easy to work with and hopefully get a few more folks inspired to solo! smile.gif

Todd

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 4 2016, 07:52 AM

not really inspirated with this X4

show us the #5 !

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 4 2016, 09:28 PM

!!!SAT SHRED FEST X5!!!!

Direct Link Here:http://%20http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx5http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx5

Onward!! X5 is in the key of E Minor. So any lick in E Blues/Minor should fit just fine smile.gif

SHRED FEST X5 VID


X5 DOWNLOAD MP3
 x5.mp3 ( 2.69MB ) : 129


https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/saturday-shred-fest-x5-e-minor-night-time-birdsthe-gathering

This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance.

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

DETAILS:

Key: E Minor (E Minor and E Blues Scale will work great!)

Submit: Embed (not paste the link, ask me if you need any help) your youtube vid of you playing over the solo section.

Bask: in the glory of your brilliance!!!

BPM: 98 BPM

DUE DATE: Before Next Sat!!! (June 11, 2016)

SCALES TO USE: ( You can use ANY SCALES OR NOTES these are just reference)

E Minor


E Blues

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 4 2016, 09:31 PM

Sorry Todd,

I had some ideas for the last one but as you know I've had a lot of personal stuff to deal with. I'll see what I can do with this one.

Thanks for everything buddy.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 4 2016, 09:57 PM

No worries smile.gif Looking forward to hearing your X5 take!! smile.gif

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 4 2016, 04:31 PM) *
Sorry Todd,

I had some ideas for the last one but as you know I've had a lot of personal stuff to deal with. I'll see what I can do with this one.

Thanks for everything buddy.

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 4 2016, 10:44 PM

I might still post an x4 take but don't expect a badge wink.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 6 2016, 04:13 AM

I' love to hear your x4 take whenever you can smile.gif I'm all ears! Don't forget about X5 though!

Todd


QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 4 2016, 05:44 PM) *
I might still post an x4 take but don't expect a badge wink.gif

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 8 2016, 09:47 AM

Hi Todd

This is my take about X5, some issue i have.... it really start at 0:28



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 9 2016, 05:07 AM

Impressive!! I dig your starting lick at :28 sec. It reminds me of something I'd play smile.gif Also, I realy dig how you went all Egyptian sounding toward the end. It fits perfectly with the backing and I'm stoked to see you interpreting these tracks in an original way. The best part of this for me is hearing things that I don't expect. Your technique is very solid from the 28 start point and your muting is spot on. I can see a TON of progress in your playing compared with when we first started in vid chat lessons. You have come a long way and now can improvise a solo over pretty much anything I throw at you. Super Congrats! That's something some folks never, ever quite get. It's a very important step imho in your journey as a musician. In short,


WELCOME TO X4!!! (Your fourth challenge vid)




Well done smile.gif I'm looking forward to your next solo!

Todd



QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jun 8 2016, 04:47 AM) *
Hi Todd

This is my take about X5, some issue i have.... it really start at 0:28



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 9 2016, 03:49 PM

Hi Todd

thanks for watching !

i'll try to do another (better) take

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: DeGroot Jun 10 2016, 02:54 AM

Was jamming along to this a little bit everyday. Just let the camera roll here and recorded two improv takes after warming up for a while. I think I like the second take better. smile.gif



Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 10 2016, 07:43 AM

NICE!! I really dig what you did over the chorus part in the first solo with the sweep picking bit. Works well and it hit me sideways like "wait, what?" and I had to rewind. Very nice. You do get points for the Arcturus shirt as well as that spiff guitar smile.gif Been looking for one like it again recently.

I like the melodic start off in the second version quite a bit as well. Also the way you transition between scale shapes is pretty darn smooth. There is no gap, no adjustment, just straight in to the next shape, smooth as glass. Also, very fine vibrato control. In short, you combine an enormous amount of technique, melody and precision/speed in to a very short space. Kudos!!!!!!

Welcome to X4!!!!



QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 9 2016, 09:54 PM) *
Was jamming along to this a little bit everyday. Just let the camera roll here and recorded two improv takes after warming up for a while. I think I like the second take better. smile.gif



Posted by: fzalfa Jun 10 2016, 07:34 PM

a day, i'll play like Degroot !! a day....

Laurent

Posted by: DeGroot Jun 11 2016, 01:11 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 10 2016, 06:43 AM) *
NICE!! I really dig what you did over the chorus part in the first solo with the sweep picking bit. Works well and it hit me sideways like "wait, what?" and I had to rewind. Very nice. You do get points for the Arcturus shirt as well as that spiff guitar smile.gif Been looking for one like it again recently.

I like the melodic start off in the second version quite a bit as well. Also the way you transition between scale shapes is pretty darn smooth. There is no gap, no adjustment, just straight in to the next shape, smooth as glass. Also, very fine vibrato control. In short, you combine an enormous amount of technique, melody and precision/speed in to a very short space. Kudos!!!!!!

Welcome to X4!!!!




Thanks Todd! Yeah, I dig the Hamer. The neck is a bit thick for a "shredder" guitar but I don't mind. The fret wire could be beefier. It is a fun guitar to play. Still want to try a Hamer USA and see what all the fuss is about. smile.gif Never see them in a guitar store though.

P.S. Arcturus is one of my all time favorite bands!!

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jun 10 2016, 06:34 PM) *
a day, i'll play like Degroot !! a day....

Laurent



Laurent, your playing is going upward. It is impressive to see. Keep it going!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 11 2016, 04:02 AM

The USA models have a pinch thinner neck from what I gather and have a rabid following among fans. I have never seen one in the wild either. Only on ebay and such for crazy prices. I almost had the Hamer neck shaved down like I did with my Dean Razorback. It also has the benefit of removing the layer of clear coat which already made it feel thinner, then I had him take it down more and now it feels like what every Dean should feel like IMHO smile.gif He did warn me that shaving a neck down to a thin profile can destabilize the neck or even cause the truss to pop the through wood. It was a cheap guitar so what the heck. Turned it in to a real shredder.smile.gif

Arcturus deserves to be bigger than they are IMHO. I hope this latest CD of theirs gets them on some bigger tours and allows them the audience they deserve smile.gif You have fine taste in music, guitars and licks to be sure smile.gif


QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 10 2016, 08:11 PM) *
Thanks Todd! Yeah, I dig the Hamer. The neck is a bit thick for a "shredder" guitar but I don't mind. The fret wire could be beefier. It is a fun guitar to play. Still want to try a Hamer USA and see what all the fuss is about. smile.gif Never see them in a guitar store though.

P.S. Arcturus is one of my all time favorite bands!!

Laurent, your playing is going upward. It is impressive to see. Keep it going!

Posted by: DeGroot Jun 11 2016, 04:44 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 11 2016, 03:02 AM) *
The USA models have a pinch thinner neck from what I gather and have a rabid following among fans. I have never seen one in the wild either. Only on ebay and such for crazy prices. I almost had the Hamer neck shaved down like I did with my Dean Razorback. It also has the benefit of removing the layer of clear coat which already made it feel thinner, then I had him take it down more and now it feels like what every Dean should feel like IMHO smile.gif He did warn me that shaving a neck down to a thin profile can destabilize the neck or even cause the truss to pop the through wood. It was a cheap guitar so what the heck. Turned it in to a real shredder.smile.gif

Arcturus deserves to be bigger than they are IMHO. I hope this latest CD of theirs gets them on some bigger tours and allows them the audience they deserve smile.gif You have fine taste in music, guitars and licks to be sure smile.gif


That is awesome cool.gif I never thought of shaving down a guitar neck before. That is cool that it worked out well for your Razorback! I can see the Hamer being shaved down and being a real fast neck. I kinda grew up on my LP so every time I play a thin neck I feel like I got a bit of phantom limb. The Wizard style necks do play faster for sure though.

Yeah, Arcturus seems to be on "supergroup" status. I'm just glad they put something out here and there. Everything they put out is top notch, IMO. Been a fan from the get go.smile.gif

Posted by: bleez Jun 11 2016, 04:14 PM

By the beard of Odin, I found this backing to be the most difficult so far. It sucks when you wanna play some runs that your ability is sadly about 5 years away for actually being able to play! cool.gif
I ended up getting a bit riffy in places as I just couldn't play enough 'solo' type lead to sound interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL8EsP6PlBk

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 11 2016, 06:54 PM

Very Spiff!!! The entire thing works for me. I fear you may be vastly underestimating your ability here. It's got an almost Greg Almond vibe too it which is very different than what I was expecting and therefore a cool thing smile.gif I love hearing solos that I don't hear in my head when a backing plays and yours and Degroots both qualify. Your licks here are well done and the notes are well chosen. The bends up to note are clean and clear and don't end up being sharp/flat which is something folks struggle with quite often for years.

The use of harmonics, combined with the kill switch effect is very cool and adds to the ambient vibe of the solo. I also like how you sorta combine a rythm bit directly in to the solo. It's part rythm part solo and works well. The big hurdle in this one is that chorus part and you guys navigated it very deftly. In short...


WELCOME TO X5!!!



PREPARE FOR x6!!!
*I will be posting the X6 CHALLENGE later today smile.gif I"m going to try to make it more fun and less "pull your hair out" frustrating this time as you guys have earned it smile.gif I've made many of these quite challenging on purpose and you guys have done well putting something together for them. I fear I may have scared some folks off with some of these backings so It's time to balance it out a bit.


QUOTE (bleez @ Jun 11 2016, 11:14 AM) *
By the beard of Odin, I found this backing to be the most difficult so far. It sucks when you wanna play some runs that your ability is sadly about 5 years away for actually being able to play! cool.gif
I ended up getting a bit riffy in places as I just couldn't play enough 'solo' type lead to sound interesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL8EsP6PlBk

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 11 2016, 08:17 PM

!!!SAT SHRED FEST X6!!!!
Direct Link Here:http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx6

Now for something completely different. I've been pushing the boundaries of backings lately so I thought I'd balance it out with something else. Enjoy smile.gif

*DOWNLOAD: Plexi Patch for 11 rack used in vid.
 GMC_Blues_x6.tfx.zip ( 1.26K ) : 75


For this one, you can use any form of A Flat Blues that works for you and feel free to use really any note from any scale or non scale that you think works. No limits. Just trust your ears!


----
This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance.

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.
---
DETAILS:

Key: A Flat Blues (A Flat Blues Scale for starters)

Submit: Embed (not paste the link, ask me if you need any help) your youtube vid of you playing over the solo section.

BPM: 88 BPM

CHORDS USED: 1/4/5 Blues in A flat. A flat is more of a keyboard guys key than a guitar players as it limits the open string licks you can use. So that's the only curve ball on this one smile.gif

DUE DATE: Before Next Sat!!! (June 18, 2016)

SCALES TO USE:
( You can use ANY SCALES OR NOTES these are just reference)

A Flat Blues Scale



BACKING TRACK

Shorter Version
 x6blues_Shorter.mp3 ( 1.62MB ) : 82


Longer Version
 x6_blues_Longer.mp3 ( 3.19MB ) : 83


https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/x6-blues-saturday-shred-fest

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 11 2016, 08:45 PM

Yeahhh !!!!!!!

i'm born to play on this !

Laurent

Posted by: bleez Jun 11 2016, 10:17 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 11 2016, 06:54 PM) *
Very Spiff!!! The entire thing works for me. I fear you may be vastly underestimating your ability here. It's got an almost Greg Almond vibe too it which is very different than what I was expecting and therefore a cool thing smile.gif I love hearing solos that I don't hear in my head when a backing plays and yours and Degroots both qualify. Your licks here are well done and the notes are well chosen. The bends up to note are clean and clear and don't end up being sharp/flat which is something folks struggle with quite often for years.

The use of harmonics, combined with the kill switch effect is very cool and adds to the ambient vibe of the solo. I also like how you sorta combine a rythm bit directly in to the solo. It's part rythm part solo and works well. The big hurdle in this one is that chorus part and you guys navigated it very deftly. In short...

Thanks Todd smile.gif it took me a while to dig out any sort of melodic line in X5 but it was fun none the less.
so.... a bit of blues huh? sounds good to me, dude cool.gif

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jun 12 2016, 05:00 PM

Hi, here is a quick sample from me. Its just improvisation over the latest backing track. I hope you can here some Gary Moore influences here smile.gif

Enjoy wink.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 12 2016, 07:24 PM

WOW!! I gotta say I'm hugely impressed by your take here. It's got Gary Moore written all over it with your own style clearly present as well. Your vibrato technique is what makes it your own IMHO. The licks all work well IMHO and the sense of timing and overall feel is top notch. This is a really well put together blues solo. I must admit I didn't know that your playing was at this level until watching this vid. You've got some serious blues chops going on. Flat out nice!!!

Your technique is spot on, your bends are clean and clear and hit the right note, you muting is good to which is important in preventing unwanted sounds just as picking is important to create the sounds we do want. Everything comes together here and works as a piece. In short.....

YOU FREAKING KILLED IT!!!!!!!

Welcome to your first badge!!!






QUOTE (Anders Karlsson @ Jun 12 2016, 12:00 PM) *
Hi, here is a quick sample from me. Its just improvisation over the latest backing track. I hope you can here some Gary Moore influences here smile.gif

Enjoy wink.gif


Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jun 12 2016, 08:59 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 12 2016, 06:24 PM) *
WOW!! I gotta say I'm hugely impressed by your take here. It's got Gary Moore written all over it with your own style clearly present as well. Your vibrato technique is what makes it your own IMHO. The licks all work well IMHO and the sense of timing and overall feel is top notch. This is a really well put together blues solo. I must admit I didn't know that your playing was at this level until watching this vid. You've got some serious blues chops going on. Flat out nice!!!

Your technique is spot on, your bends are clean and clear and hit the right note, you muting is good to which is important in preventing unwanted sounds just as picking is important to create the sounds we do want. Everything comes together here and works as a piece. In short.....

YOU FREAKING KILLED IT!!!!!!!

Welcome to your first badge!!!



Thanks Todd. It was fun playing this piece:)

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 14 2016, 03:50 PM

Hi Todd

this is my take, maybe i can do 'better' but i like it !



always some "errors", wow !! must be drunk for the 10 first seconds.....

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 14 2016, 06:50 PM

Another take..... always f***in errors.... damn, what did i do !!??



Laurent

Posted by: bleez Jun 14 2016, 10:43 PM

Dont think Ive played in this key before, no idea what scales I was using cool.gif hopefully most of the notes work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83QrSpR00uU

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 15 2016, 03:36 PM

Well done!! I liked the bit about 1 minute in quite a bit. A very nice use of an unexpected lick. Nice smile.gif The entire solo works well and has an almost BB King vibe partially due to your vibrato. There were a couple of spots where the bends may have been just a pinch shy or a note landing may not have been perfectly in key, but being that it's blues, it's not supposed to be perfect. It's supposed to "feel"and it does!

I didn't know you were this good as blues playing or I would have included blues backings long ago. Blues soloing is an art in itself as some folks just can't seem to shift away from their standard back of licks and make it sound "bluesy". You make it sound very bluesy indeed. I liked this solo a bit better than the second but i"m glad to see you revisiting solos and trying to reinterpret yourown work. In short, you killed it and welcome to x5 smile.gif"



QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jun 14 2016, 01:50 PM) *
Another take..... always f***in errors.... damn, what did i do !!??



Laurent


For a guy in Tat sleeves, wearing a Bathory shirt, you sure you play a very very convincing blues man!!!!! smile.gif This is a well constructed and well executed solo that has wads of bluesy vibe through and through. I like your inclusion of a traditional blues concluding lick at the end as a bonus. That lick let's folks know that it's either the end of the "Turn Around" (going back to 1) or the end of the tune, or in this case, both smile.gif

Also, killer blues tone! Blues tone is a tricky thing. Too much gain and it sounds too rock, too little gain and you get no sustain. You hit it square in middle and it really works. Some killer licks, some killer playing and some killer tone. In short, welcome to X6!!!!!!




QUOTE (bleez @ Jun 14 2016, 05:43 PM) *
Dont think Ive played in this key before, no idea what scales I was using cool.gif hopefully most of the notes work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83QrSpR00uU

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 16 2016, 03:17 AM

Hi guys, this is turning great! I could miss the opportunity to give a try to this backing. Here is a quick try.




I've used Ab minor Pentatonic bur also borrowed some notes from dominant arpeggios and major Pentatonic scales.

Posted by: DeGroot Jun 16 2016, 04:21 AM

Man, really great takes this week! My take is mostly improv here. I think I used the same turnaround as bleez at the end. biggrin.gif



Posted by: bleez Jun 16 2016, 02:51 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 15 2016, 03:36 PM) *
For a guy in Tat sleeves, wearing a Bathory shirt, you sure you play a very very convincing blues man!!!!! smile.gif

LOL! awesome! thanks dude smile.gif blues can be really cold and depressing... I like that cool.gif

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jun 16 2016, 03:17 AM) *
Hi guys, this is turning great! I could miss the opportunity to give a try to this backing. Here is a quick try.

that was some tasty playing, Gab. the delay youre using sounds great.

QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 16 2016, 04:21 AM) *
Man, really great takes this week! My take is mostly improv here. I think I used the same turnaround as bleez at the end. biggrin.gif

LOL! the jimmy page to my Taurus laugh.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 16 2016, 08:18 PM

Very nice!!!! A killer take from the Gabe man here. A virtual clinic in Blues playing in just a couple of minutes. Notice how he combines traditional blues licks other scale forms thrown in just for flavor? Also his tone is perfect for the backing. Overall, a killer take to be sure. Thanks for this Gabe and needless to say, you just badged up smile.gif




QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jun 15 2016, 10:17 PM) *
Hi guys, this is turning great! I could miss the opportunity to give a try to this backing. Here is a quick try.




I've used Ab minor Pentatonic bur also borrowed some notes from dominant arpeggios and major Pentatonic scales.


NICE!! Yet another killer take!!! If I'd had known I'd have done blues long ago smile.gif You guys are blues nuts!!! Each one of these has been way beyond my expectations. Continued of course by Degroot. Notice here how he not only uses the traditional bits but also adds pinch harmonics in here and there on top of the vibrato just for extra punch. This is made all the more impressive in that he's using a very blues/non-gainy tone, which makes grabbing pinch harmonics tough as hell IMHO.

The solo just flows naturally from his fingers and we are at the end of it before we realize it. That is the mark of a really good solo. When it's over and you are like "wait, what? didn't it just start?"Very well done here. My name is GROOOOT!!! (Guardians of the Galaxy reference) you just badged up..


QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 15 2016, 11:21 PM) *
Man, really great takes this week! My take is mostly improv here. I think I used the same turnaround as bleez at the end. biggrin.gif



Posted by: Phil66 Jun 16 2016, 09:20 PM

OK, another one that doesn't deserve a badge laugh.gif

So many ideas in my head that don't make it to my fingers, I really like all the other entries and was hoping to steel some bit & pieces wink.gif

Wrong guitar for the blues too but I went with it as I had it in my hands laugh.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDPk5ODyg_E&feature=youtu.be

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 17 2016, 01:35 PM

Tried my luck with this too:


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 17 2016, 03:11 PM

First off, I love that guitar smile.gif Vintage crackleburst if one of my faves. Is it a Jackson? A very cool choice for the blues collab just because it's the last thing I expected to see smile.gif On to your take!!! I like your take on this and I can hear you experimenting in an Atonal Jazz style, which is also entirely unexpected and part of why I like it smile.gif

This is what I love seeing. Stuff that just hits me sideways and leaves me wanting to put it on a loop to try to deconstruct it. Also, your tone works well and it takes stones to play with nearly zero gain/distortion. I like your solo here and you played well for the entire backing. In short, you just BADGED UP!!!!.....



QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 16 2016, 04:20 PM) *
OK, another one that doesn't deserve a badge laugh.gif

So many ideas in my head that don't make it to my fingers, I really like all the other entries and was hoping to steel some bit & pieces wink.gif

Wrong guitar for the blues too but I went with it as I had it in my hands laugh.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDPk5ODyg_E&feature=youtu.be


Quite a spiff take here to be sure. I love the first bend that doesn't resolve but instead just hangs and leaves the tension in the air. Then the transition to proggy bits and back to blues bits is again seamless. As if John Petrucci and BB King were taking turns and leaving no gaps to allow you to tell who is playing. Very cool.

On a side note, I still love your Ibby smile.gif One day I will have one by goodness, just like it. Maybe the red one if I can find one again smile.gif Most tone comes from the fingers and you are putting a TON of tone in to that guitar. I love the tone you are making here. If the rest is coming from BIAS then you have gotten really good at programming BIAS. Sounds like a tube amp with speaker breakup. If anyone doubts that software can sound like vintange amp with a nice microphone on it, I'd just show them this clip smile.gif In short, you KRUSHED it and badged up!!!



QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jun 17 2016, 08:35 AM) *
Tried my luck with this too:


Posted by: Phil66 Jun 17 2016, 08:01 PM

Thanks Todd,

Is "Atonal Jazz style" a euphemism for having poor timing and playing out of key? laugh.gif

I've redone the video because I was in a hurry and I mixed in the camera mic along with the SM57 rolleyes.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SnrlEBuJQE&feature=youtu.be


The guitar is a Squier HMIII, serial number E947967, it has a Schaller floating trem (locked out) and two PAF Pro Di Marzios.



Cheers buddy

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 17 2016, 03:11 PM) *
First off, I love that guitar smile.gif Vintage crackleburst if one of my faves. Is it a Jackson? A very cool choice for the blues collab just because it's the last thing I expected to see smile.gif On to your take!!! I like your take on this and I can hear you experimenting in an Atonal Jazz style, which is also entirely unexpected and part of why I like it smile.gif

This is what I love seeing. Stuff that just hits me sideways and leaves me wanting to put it on a loop to try to deconstruct it. Also, your tone works well and it takes stones to play with nearly zero gain/distortion. I like your solo here and you played well for the entire backing. In short, you just BADGED UP!!!!.....


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 18 2016, 07:40 PM

!!!SAT SHRED FEST X7!!!!
Direct Link Here:http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx7

Today's challenge is based on the key of G Major. It's got some Bluegrass influences in it (I'm originally from Kentucky "The Bluegrass State" so why the heck not?) It' also one of the few we have done in a Major Key. Take note of the ROOT notes on the third fret and beyond. Returning to them will help resolve nearly any lick/phrase. Jump in!!


---
DETAILS:

Key: G Major (G Major Scale for starters)

BPM: 75 BPM

CHORDS USED: 1/3/4/5 Rooted on G Major

DUE DATE: Before Next Sat!!! (June 25th, 2016)

SCALES TO USE:
( You can use ANY SCALES OR NOTES these are just reference)
*Feel free to use any notes/scales/techniques that sound good to your ears

G Major Scale (Entire Neck)


BACKING TRACK (Loopable in your DAW of choice)
 Loopable_GMajor.mp3 ( 1.55MB ) : 97


https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/g-major-backing-track-x7-solo-challenge

*DOWNLOAD: x7 Patch for 11 rack used in vid. (Notice the Parametric E.Q. is the first thing in the chain. This lets you shape the tone PRE gain stage)
 GMC_X7.tfx.zip ( 1.23K ) : 87



This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance.

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.


2.)Submit: Embed (not paste the link, ask me if you need any help) your youtube vid of you playing over the solo section.

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 18 2016, 08:02 PM

I'm in Todd !

edit: have allready do a try, and i'll love it !!

Laurent

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 19 2016, 01:55 PM

Hi Todd

this is called -"how to get an idea"



hope you'll enjoy !!


edit:

cannot resist to do another take !



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jun 19 2016, 06:25 PM

Hi there, here is my take over the latest backing track. I really like this backing, sounds like southern rock. As you can se i like double stops, bendings and of course alternate picking smile.gif

Enjoy wink.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 19 2016, 10:57 PM

NICE!!!! DUDE!!!! Your intro lick here is pretty freakin killer I must say. Well played, articulate and the palm mute is spot on. Your note choice here is splendid and resolving the licks to G to let them settle in happens in just the right spots IMHO.

Very good alternate picking on this one as well. This is probably my favorite solo of yours. It's melodic, it's got shreddy bits, it's always under control and sounds intentional. In short, it's just very well done indeed. The backing does have a "Southern" Vibe to it smile.gif Being born in Kentucky and rasied in Georgia, bits of Bluegrass and Southern Rock are just part of my DNA at this point smile.gif It's very cool to know that folks as far away as Sweden have an appreciation of Southern Rock! Back to your solo, in a word.......SCORE!!!!!!!!

P.S. Bonus points for that killer looking Ibby!! S series? What model?




QUOTE (Anders Karlsson @ Jun 19 2016, 01:25 PM) *
Hi there, here is my take over the latest backing track. I really like this backing, sounds like southern rock. As you can se i like double stops, bendings and of course alternate picking smile.gif

Enjoy wink.gif



Some very interesting "Idea takes!" I sent you a PM as well with some suggestions. Give it a read and see what you think smile.gif



QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jun 19 2016, 08:55 AM) *
Hi Todd

this is called -"how to get an idea"


cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jun 20 2016, 09:43 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 19 2016, 09:57 PM) *
P.S. Bonus points for that killer looking Ibby!! S series? What model?


Its a Prestige S. I dont know the number but i can check it out. Really like this one, think i have to buy one more;) I would like to try Andy Timmons or Steve Vai:s guitar. Saw that you bought one recently. Looks very nice:)

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 20 2016, 10:56 AM

here is another take

i try to stay in the G major as i can !



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jun 20 2016, 09:42 PM

As I wrote before I really like this backing track, so i had to do a second rec. Just jamming around here and trying to be so melodic as i can (no fast patterns). I am jamming around the G and trying to find some nice patterns.

There are some misses here and there (especially timing), i dont like the camera staring at me.
I really need to practice in front of the camera, its always hard for me to perfom when the camera is running, is this just only a problem for me??

Anyway.....enjoy wink.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 21 2016, 07:13 PM

NOW YOUR TALKING!!! smile.gif That's just killer work. I loved it. You explore the melody quite well and nail several shreddy licks in the process. Your playing is precise and still organic. It flows along and has peaks and valleys of melody and tension, ending with resolution at the root key.

It's a great example of how to solo in a somewhat strange key IMHO. We don't do a lot of work with the major scale or with major arrangements. This is partially my fault as I"m a bit of Metal Head and thus drift often towards Minor keys and scales. In doing so I often create lessons along those lines. This is part of why I wanted to switch to something semi bizarre like bluegrass/country in a happy key. To balance out all of the focus on Minor and Pentatonic structures, and you NAILED IT!!!

WELCOME TO X6!!



QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jun 20 2016, 05:56 AM) *
here is another take

i try to stay in the G major as i can !



cheers

Laurent


Spiff!! I really like how you used chordal structures in the start of the solo! This is something I have not seen much of in this round and it sounds great and really works IMHO. Great take. Melodic through and through. Very lyrical in it's approach. It completes the backing and makes it sound like a song instead of just a solo. Well done smile.gif

CAMERA PANGS

It's not just you. When I first started recording my playing, my fingers would freeze the moment I hit record and I could no longer play correctly. Bits that I'd practiced suddenly seemed difficult the moment the camera was on me. I had the same problem playing in front of people. It's quite common. It's why I decided to make my own youtube channel all those years ago when youtube first started. It forced me to get used to the camera. Eventually I came to enjoy recording my performances and really enjoying the live video chat lessons we used to do smile.gif Just like playing guitar, playing in front of a camera or audience requires repetition and practice. I'd suggest recording yourself as often as you can stand and putting it up on youtube. Do short examples, lessons, jams, anything. Just do it often. It will change the way you feel about the camera smile.gif
Here is my youtube channel btw.

http://www.youtube.com/techniqueswithtodd

and this is the first video I ever made. I had my bed in the background (before I learned that was a no no) This was 10 years ago if you can believe that. smile.gif I was using a web cam only.



QUOTE (Anders Karlsson @ Jun 20 2016, 04:42 PM) *
As I wrote before I really like this backing track, so i had to do a second rec. Just jamming around here and trying to be so melodic as i can (no fast patterns). I am jamming around the G and trying to find some nice patterns.

There are some misses here and there (especially timing), i dont like the camera staring at me.
I really need to practice in front of the camera, its always hard for me to perfom when the camera is running, is this just only a problem for me??

Anyway.....enjoy wink.gif


Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jun 21 2016, 08:16 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 21 2016, 06:13 PM) *
NOW YOUR TALKING!!! smile.gif That's just killer work. I loved it. You explore the melody quite well and nail several shreddy licks in the process. Your playing is precise and still organic. It flows along and has peaks and valleys of melody and tension, ending with resolution at the root key.

It's a great example of how to solo in a somewhat strange key IMHO. We don't do a lot of work with the major scale or with major arrangements. This is partially my fault as I"m a bit of Metal Head and thus drift often towards Minor keys and scales. In doing so I often create lessons along those lines. This is part of why I wanted to switch to something semi bizarre like bluegrass/country in a happy key. To balance out all of the focus on Minor and Pentatonic structures, and you NAILED IT!!!

Your badge is forthcoming. I wanted to reply as soon as I watched a few times. I'll build your badge as soon as I get back to my studio. Well done!!



Spiff!! I really like how you used chordal structures in the start of the solo! This is something I have not seen much of in this round and it sounds great and really works IMHO. Great take. Melodic through and through. Very lyrical in it's approach. It completes the backing and makes it sound like a song instead of just a solo. Well done smile.gif

CAMERA PANGS

It's not just you. When I first started recording my playing, my fingers would freeze the moment I hit record and I could no longer play correctly. Bits that I'd practiced suddenly seemed difficult the moment the camera was on me. I had the same problem playing in front of people. It's quite common. It's why I decided to make my own youtube channel all those years ago when youtube first started. It forced me to get used to the camera. Eventually I came to enjoy recording my performances and really enjoying the live video chat lessons we used to do smile.gif Just like playing guitar, playing in front of a camera or audience requires repetition and practice. I'd suggest recording yourself as often as you can stand and putting it up on youtube. Do short examples, lessons, jams, anything. Just do it often. It will change the way you feel about the camera smile.gif
Here is my youtube channel btw.

http://www.youtube.com/techniqueswithtodd

and this is the first video I ever made. I had my bed in the background (before I learned that was a no no) This was 10 years ago if you can believe that. smile.gif I was using a web cam only.




Thanks Todd, I'll have that in mind:)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 21 2016, 09:04 PM

Almost missed this!!! Wanted to take a moment to give it some feedback smile.gif I like your playing here and it works well with the backing smile.gif One thing though is that you look like you are working out of E Flat Minor when the key of the backing is A flat. It's always a good idea to try to base licks around the key that a given backing is in. Of course it's cool to go off and be atonal as well, but more of a spice than a full meal sort of thing. Make sense??

So when you are working up near the 12th fret, It's important to find the "Root" notes and land on them now and then to "resolve" your licks. Here is a handy chart with the G# (same as A Flat) showing in RED where the root notes are near the 12th fret. Following this, I think you can build on your work so far and make an even better version if you like smile.gif


You are not alone in this at all. When I first starting playing up the neck, I did much the same things as you. It's just a matter of time and practice. smile.gif

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 17 2016, 03:01 PM) *
Thanks Todd,

Is "Atonal Jazz style" a euphemism for having poor timing and playing out of key? laugh.gif

I've redone the video because I was in a hurry and I mixed in the camera mic along with the SM57 rolleyes.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SnrlEBuJQE&feature=youtu.be


The guitar is a Squier HMIII, serial number E947967, it has a Schaller floating trem (locked out) and two PAF Pro Di Marzios.



Cheers buddy


Posted by: Phil66 Jun 21 2016, 09:27 PM

Thanks Todd,

This piece is the same piece that you critiqued https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=56954&view=findpost&p=733710 just with the camera mic taken out of the mix wink.gif

Thanks for the advice on the root note thing wink.gif

Cheers

Phil

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 21 2016, 09:04 PM) *
Almost missed this!!! Wanted to take a moment to give it some feedback smile.gif I like your playing here and it works well with the backing smile.gif One thing though is that you look like you are working out of E Flat Minor when the key of the backing is A flat. It's always a good idea to try to base licks around the key that a given backing is in. Of course it's cool to go off and be atonal as well, but more of a spice than a full meal sort of thing. Make sense??

So when you are working up near the 12th fret, It's important to find the "Root" notes and land on them now and then to "resolve" your licks. Here is a handy chart with the G# (same as A Flat) showing in RED where the root notes are near the 12th fret. Following this, I think you can build on your work so far and make an even better version if you like smile.gif


You are not alone in this at all. When I first starting playing up the neck, I did much the same things as you. It's just a matter of time and practice. smile.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 21 2016, 11:15 PM

Happy to help smile.gif The root bit is one of the bit keys to building good solos IMHO smile.gif It's all about "Tension and Release", e.g. building tension with bends and avoiding the root, then release when you resolve a lick and land on the root. Once you have that down, everything else sorta falls in to place over time with practice smile.gif

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 21 2016, 04:27 PM) *
Thanks Todd,

This piece is the same piece that you critiqued https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=56954&view=findpost&p=733710 just with the camera mic taken out of the mix wink.gif

Thanks for the advice on the root note thing wink.gif

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: bleez Jun 21 2016, 11:45 PM

All these upbeat happy sounding backings are really putting a dent in my infernally dark evil dude image cool.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjdyHikrjx0

Posted by: DeGroot Jun 22 2016, 03:06 AM

Pretty much an improv here again. smile.gif I wanted to put together something more structured and record with a mic (if only I had a little more time this week). It was good challenge to play to this track! smile.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 22 2016, 06:15 AM

Top notch playing just as I"ve come to expect from the GROOT man!!! Say it with me!!! "I AM GROOT!" That tapping bit abourt 1:22 was super spiff as a bonus smile.gif Your playing throughout is a clinic in combining melody with technicality. Nicely done. The bit around 30 seconds in caught my ear as well.

It's filled with left turns that are like "woah, where did that come from, let me rewind that". Which are my fave moments in any solo smile.gif The production quality is plenty good. In a perfect world, there would always be enough time to record in full studio mode with nice mics and everything, but part of the point of this challenge series is to focus more on the playing than the production. So web cam/cell phone, etc. Is more than fine smile.gif

Last of all, I still want that guitar! smile.gif You really do play the heck out of it here. I like your tone that you are getting out of it as well. Is that the neck pickup? Very smooth tone. I know most of it comes from the fingers. And to be sure your fingers are pumping it out! Well played. In short...

Welcome to X6!!





QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 21 2016, 10:06 PM) *
Pretty much an improv here again. smile.gif I wanted to put together something more structured and record with a mic (if only I had a little more time this week). It was good challenge to play to this track! smile.gif



Sorry for all the Happy Go Lucky Major Scale bits!! But like I said before, for a guy in a Bathory shirt and tat sleeves, you can play Happy Bits with the best of them!! I can tell you were a bit stressed just after the take though smile.gif Sort of like "whew!, That's over" kind of expression on your face smile.gif

Your playing here is quite good indeed, as is your tone. The Bendy bits about 20 seconds in all find their mark which is not an easy thing. It's often easy to over bend or under bend and miss the desired note entirely. Also, the lick about 37 seconds in sounds like a pentatonic inversion, which is very cool smile.gif Is that something you just wung or was it from something we did in the past? Either way it work smile.gif

Also, the ending with the sliding works well with the backing and you put a nice bow on it at the end to wrap the solo. It's unresolved in terms of note, but feels resolved in terms of lick. In short, welcome to X7!!!!!



QUOTE (bleez @ Jun 21 2016, 06:45 PM) *
All these upbeat happy sounding backings are really putting a dent in my infernally dark evil dude image cool.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjdyHikrjx0

Posted by: bleez Jun 22 2016, 06:52 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 22 2016, 06:15 AM) *
Also, the lick about 37 seconds in sounds like a pentatonic inversion, which is very cool smile.gif Is that something you just wung or was it from something we did in the past? Either way it work smile.gif

that lick does stand out a bit smile.gif I kinda stole it from Gab! although he played it with more notes and WAY faster.

Posted by: DeGroot Jun 22 2016, 02:10 PM

[quote name='Todd Simpson' date='Jun 22 2016, 05:15 AM' post='733974']
Top notch playing just as I"ve come to expect from the GROOT man!!! Say it with me!!! "I AM GROOT!" That tapping bit abourt 1:22 was super spiff as a bonus smile.gif Your playing throughout is a clinic in combining melody with technicality. Nicely done. The bit around 30 seconds in caught my ear as well.

It's filled with left turns that are like "woah, where did that come from, let me rewind that". Which are my fave moments in any solo smile.gif The production quality is plenty good. In a perfect world, there would always be enough time to record in full studio mode with nice mics and everything, but part of the point of this challenge series is to focus more on the playing than the production. So web cam/cell phone, etc. Is more than fine smile.gif

Last of all, I still want that guitar! smile.gif You really do play the heck out of it here. I like your tone that you are getting out of it as well. Is that the neck pickup? Very smooth tone. I know most of it comes from the fingers. And to be sure your fingers are pumping it out! Well played. In short...

Welcome to X6!!




Thanks T-man! smile.gif I'm using the bridge pickup. Its a Dimarzzio D-activator if I'm not mistaken. I think I roll of the volume a bit as the pickup is a bit hot for this kinda of Major acoustic track (which is backing I plan to revisit for Major improv). Also, cuts off a bit of the high end, I think. In a perfect world and in my head, I'd love to nail down Vinnie Moore's tone from his early days, ala "Time Odyssey".... but also need Vinne Moore fingers as well. biggrin.gif

Btw, that red Xiphos looks and sounds amazing! Did you mention that it has D-activator pickups? Big fan of this pickup.

Lastly, I am GROOT!! laugh.gif



Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 22 2016, 07:33 PM


This is my original black xiphos. The white one feels a pinch thicker on the neck for some reason than the black one and the red one.

I love the D activator smile.gif In the red one, it has D ACTIVATOR X pups which were done just for the limited edition red run of the xpt750. They are modified X2N pickups and have a very Vinnie Moore vibe when you dial back the volume knob. I"ll record a chunk like that to show you what I mean. Not to fizzy or bright, and very focused on a thicker pick attack. smile.gif

QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 22 2016, 09:10 AM) *
..

Btw, that red Xiphos looks and sounds amazing! Did you mention that it has D-activator pickups? Big fan of this pickup.

Lastly, I am GROOT!! laugh.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 23 2016, 12:28 AM

Here is a bit of the VINNIE MOORE tone I was working on. I do love that guys tone smile.gif Whaddya think? I could be going deaf though, so there's that. Still love his tone and playing though smile.gif

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/vinnie-moore-tone-test


QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 22 2016, 09:10 AM) *


Posted by: DeGroot Jun 23 2016, 12:51 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 22 2016, 11:28 PM) *
Here is a bit of the VINNIE MOORE tone I was working on. I do love that guys tone smile.gif Whaddya think? I could be going deaf though, so there's that. Still love his tone and playing though smile.gif

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/vinnie-moore-tone-test


That sounds pretty darn spot on Vinnie to me! Plus, that lick is so grip it and rip it smile.gif love it. Is that the red xiphios we are hearing?

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 23 2016, 08:44 PM

I'm working on this now, sorry for the delay, I have a lot of work with Gab to get done.

smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 24 2016, 12:17 AM

Yes smile.gif It's the red XPT750. It was only made in 2009 so they are getting harder to find. The Activator "X" pickups are quite spiff. You can buy them from Dimarzio aftermarket, even today.

http://www.dimarzio.com/pickups/humbuckers/high-power/d-activator-x-bridge

They really nail the vinnie sound IMHO as they are modded X2N pups which are crazy gainy. They pulled back quite a bit on the gain and thus reduces the fizz/harsh bits.



QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 23 2016, 07:51 AM) *
That sounds pretty darn spot on Vinnie to me! Plus, that lick is so grip it and rip it smile.gif love it. Is that the red xiphios we are hearing?


No worries! We are ready when you are smile.gif

Todd


QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 23 2016, 03:44 PM) *
I'm working on this now, sorry for the delay, I have a lot of work with Gab to get done.

smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 24 2016, 08:31 PM

Two majorly bad takes sad.gif


Posted by: Phil66 Jun 24 2016, 09:16 PM

Nothing there mate wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 24 2016, 09:30 PM

Now there is. Missed an A in the copy/paste smile.gif

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 24 2016, 09:34 PM

smile.gif

This track is trickier than it first seems isn't it?

Posted by: bleez Jun 25 2016, 02:56 PM

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 24 2016, 09:34 PM) *
smile.gif

This track is trickier than it first seems isn't it?

yeah, it is a bit. I ended up just using e minor pent cool.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 25 2016, 06:18 PM

I like em both smile.gif I liked the second one a bit better of the two. I like the way you slink around the beat then lock back in to then slink about, the lock back in again. You always manage to resolve the licks even when it seems you've played yourself out on a limb which is quite a feat smile.gif I like the tone and playing. The slides have a Steve Vai feel to them and the everything was in key and worked for me smile.gif Welcome to x4!





QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jun 24 2016, 03:31 PM) *
Two majorly bad takes sad.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 25 2016, 08:47 PM

*If your badge doesn't match your actual rank, please let me know! smile.gif
!!!SAT SHRED FEST X9!!!!


Direct Link Here:http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx4http://%20http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx9http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx9

The X9 Challenge is here!

Hail to the FUNK!! Let's get a bit Funky with this one. smile.gif Dirty, nasty, gritty, Funk! No the pretty funk!


DETAILS:
DOWNLOAD: mp3 backing
 x9Backing.mp3 ( 1.02MB ) : 83

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/x9-backing-track-f-pentatonic-funk
KEY: F, (Pentatonic Will work here, throw in some natural minor for fun)
BPM: BPM 120
CHORDS USED: F, G#, A# power chords
SCALES TO USE: F Blues Minor, F Natural Minor
F Blues Scale:

F Minor Scale:

DUE DATE: Before Midnight Next Saturday!!! - July 9th, 2016



----------
This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance. EMBED the video in the post (Ask me if you need any help)

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

-----------

BONUS: Custom ELEVEN RACK patch used in the solo section.
 X9_11rackpreset.tfx.zip ( 1.19K ) : 128


Posted by: Phil66 Jun 25 2016, 09:16 PM

Ok I finally managed to come up with something. I was going for a kind of Rubina's Blue Sky Happiness feel but without the skill laugh.gif
It was a total improvisation. There are mistakes aplenty but I kinda find it relaxing to listen to smile.gif I forgot to fade out too and also to edit the end of the video rolleyes.gif

Critique your heart out Todd wink.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVoe7ayIuqc&feature=youtu.be


QUOTE (bleez @ Jun 25 2016, 02:56 PM) *
yeah, it is a bit. I ended up just using e minor pent cool.gif

I like your take Scott, I need to try to fit bends in a bit more like you seem to manage easily. I can do bends when I'm not playing to a backing but when I have a backing I never seem to get time to fit them in laugh.gif

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 25 2016, 10:34 PM

Hi Here !!

This is a "preview"... hope you'll like it



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 25 2016, 10:51 PM

Now that's hitting the roots smile.gif I think you hit every root for three octaves in fact! Is that a new guitar BTW? Looks very spiff wink.gif Nicely done on the solo. You mix in some scale bits, with some bendy bits and find wads of root notes. I think you are starting to hear where the solo "wants" to resolve to a root note, or at least I hope that's what I'm seeing/hearing smile.gif It certainly looks/sounds that way to me smile.gif

Congrats on a cool solo and on your new axe! smile.gif




Well done here. Everything is in time, and in key, and in place.
QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 25 2016, 04:16 PM) *
Ok I finally managed to come up with something. I was going for a kind of Rubina's Blue Sky Happiness feel but without the skill laugh.gif
It was a total improvisation. There are mistakes aplenty but I kinda find it relaxing to listen to smile.gif I forgot to fade out too and also to edit the end of the video rolleyes.gif

Critique your heart out Todd wink.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVoe7ayIuqc&feature=youtu.be



I like your take Scott, I need to try to fit bends in a bit more like you seem to manage easily. I can do bends when I'm not playing to a backing but when I have a backing I never seem to get time to fit them in laugh.gif


This is nice indeed!! Good command of melody and technique. I'd say it's a "Take", but if you want to have another crack at it, or make it a bit longer for the piano, feel free smile.gif But I'd be happy to hear it smile.gif Just let me know.

Todd


QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jun 25 2016, 05:34 PM) *
Hi Here !!

This is a "preview"... hope you'll like it



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 25 2016, 10:55 PM

QUOTE
This is nice indeed!! Good command of melody and technique. I'd say it's a "Take", but if you want to have another crack at it, or make it a bit longer for the piano, feel free But I'd be happy to hear it Just let me know.

Todd


Hi Todd

Of course i'll work on this week !! because i feel i can do ... not "better", but i can polish it a lot.

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 25 2016, 11:15 PM

Thanks Todd

I appreciate your comments. The guitar isn't new but it's recently had some new saddles and the volume pot moved because I couldn't get on with it. Check https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=57127 so I gave it an outing wink.gif

Cheers buddy.



QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 25 2016, 10:51 PM) *
Now that's hitting the roots smile.gif I think you hit every root for three octaves in fact! Is that a new guitar BTW? Looks very spiff wink.gif Nicely done on the solo. You mix in some scale bits, with some bendy bits and find wads of root notes. I think you are starting to hear where the solo "wants" to resolve to a root note, or at least I hope that's what I'm seeing/hearing smile.gif It certainly looks/sounds that way to me smile.gif

Congrats on a cool solo and on your new axe! smile.gif



Well done here. Everything is in time, and in key, and in place.

Todd


Posted by: bleez Jun 26 2016, 09:12 AM

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 25 2016, 09:16 PM) *
I like your take Scott, I need to try to fit bends in a bit more like you seem to manage easily. I can do bends when I'm not playing to a backing but when I have a backing I never seem to get time to fit them in laugh.gif

Thanks smile.gif I know exactly what you mean with the bending. Im still a bit hit or miss with pitch sometimes, it was one of the first things Cosmin told me I needed to work on when I first signed up cool.gif ............ still working on it!

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jun 25 2016, 10:34 PM) *
Hi Here !!

This is a "preview"... hope you'll like it



cheers

Laurent

Laurent, that is sounding really good already! very impressive smile.gif

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 26 2016, 10:23 AM

QUOTE
Laurent, that is sounding really good already! very impressive smile.gif

thank you Bleez ! wink.gif

Laurent

Posted by: DeGroot Jun 29 2016, 02:59 AM


Here's my take for this week. I'm a bit critical of this take but hope you'll enjoy it! smile.gif Really liked playing to this track... Interesting chord shift at the end.


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 30 2016, 04:56 AM

Spiff!! This is a really cool take. I hope everyone gives it a few viewings as it's well worth each one. A splendid combination of technique and melody, all done with casual and nearly effortless style. This is what happens after you practice your brains out for years. You can make it look easy smile.gif As the old saying goes, "True skill is effortless". It's not entirely true of course, because true skill just "seems" effortless. Watching the performance of someone who has practiced for years, you'd think it just came naturally to them. It didn't. In all likelihood, they had to earn it, like we all do.

I dig the swells in the intro, I dig the vibrato and bending, the barring licks at the 12th fret, the pinch harmonics, the double picking, the pull offs, and overall the entire melodic construction. In short, I really like everything about it. smile.gif Congrats and welcome to X6!....




QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 28 2016, 09:59 PM) *
Here's my take for this week. I'm a bit critical of this take but hope you'll enjoy it! smile.gif Really liked playing to this track... Interesting chord shift at the end.


Posted by: DeGroot Jul 1 2016, 01:49 AM

Thanks Todd! Nothing came naturally with me with guitar... had to practice my butt off. I had to give up a good amount of my social life to play guitar. Still feel I have plenty to improve so have to just keep at it.

Btw, I'm giving quite an effort not to screw up here. biggrin.gif Had many takes on this one before I got one that felt okay. Appreciate the comments!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 1 2016, 05:01 AM

I feel your pain! smile.gif Most guys my age have a wife and kids. I can't even manage to keep a girlfriend it seems as I always prioritize music ahead of other things. All I ever really wanted was to be a good guitar player, so hopefully I've at least acheived that smile.gif But yeah, it can mean some serious sacrifice. I'm not much good at balancing out my free time. Maybe I'll figure it out as I go smile.gif

Congrats on a killer take smile.gif

Todd


QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jun 30 2016, 08:49 PM) *
Thanks Todd! Nothing came naturally with me with guitar... had to practice my butt off. I had to give up a good amount of my social life to play guitar. Still feel I have plenty to improve so have to just keep at it.

Btw, I'm giving quite an effort not to screw up here. biggrin.gif Had many takes on this one before I got one that felt okay. Appreciate the comments!


Posted by: fzalfa Jul 1 2016, 09:07 PM

Hi Todd

this is my take. i try to do less notes, and an ending part



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 2 2016, 12:07 AM

I like both takes! I like the second one a pinch better, but they are both good smile.gif Your use of the PINKY is one of my fave things to be honest. It's soooo easy to forget about the pinky and just use the first three fingers for everything. It's good to see you using the pinky in a solo and doing it very naturally. It's a very good habit to get in to as it increases your reach quite a bit.

ON TO THE CRITIQUE! I like your using of SLIDE here quite a bit. It gives the solo a bit of a Steve Vai sort of vibe as well as your use of pull offs/hammer ons. Your bending is spot on as well which is something that takes work. It's very easy to miss a bend and end up hitting the wrong note or not quite making it to the proper one. A very good sense of melodic construction here as well. I can almost hear where you are going before you get there, the solo makes sense as it's own bit of music.

One small thing, and it's really just preference. I notice that you lead off quite a bit with an upstroke. Marty Friedman does this as well. It's not a bad thing, just different than what folks usually do, which is initiate with a down stroke. I've not noticed it before. Have you always done this?

Long story short you KILLED IT!!! Welcome to X7!!!!!!



QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 1 2016, 04:07 PM) *
Hi Todd

this is my take. i try to do less notes, and an ending part



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 2 2016, 07:24 AM

Hi Todd

thanks for watching, i'm glad you enjoyed them

about strike , yes i almost do upward stroke. why ? i don't know why

I already have the X6 badge, i do not updated it my signature , sorry smile.gif

cheers

Laurent

ps: can"t wait until the next Saturday Shred Challenge !!!

Posted by: chris4 Jul 2 2016, 04:35 PM

Hi Todd, hi everybody

I've tried to play an improv on your backing track.

I hope it's not too bad.



Thx

chris

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 2 2016, 06:45 PM

Looks like you have the X5 badge? You skipped one challenge so you are on X6 as of your last take, right?

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 2 2016, 02:24 AM) *
Hi Todd

thanks for watching, i'm glad you enjoyed them

about strike , yes i almost do upward stroke. why ? i don't know why

I already have the X6 badge, i do not updated it my signature , sorry smile.gif

cheers

Laurent

ps: can"t wait until the next Saturday Shred Challenge !!!


Well played! You are "Badged up" based on how many challenges you complete, so as this is your first one, you are on deck for the X1 badge. The good news is, your solo is spiff so congrats you just badged up!!!

I like the melodic approach you took here. Lots of very fluid bends and very good overall technique as well. I did notice a few notes that seemed "off" but I put that down to experimentation so it's fine to throw in some atonal bits now and again smile.gif There will be a new SHRED CHALLENGE going up later today as they go up each Saturday evening. I hope you join us on that one as well so we can get you to X2!!!!

Welcome to the club!!!! smile.gif





QUOTE (chris4 @ Jul 2 2016, 11:35 AM) *
Hi Todd, hi everybody

I've tried to play an improv on your backing track.

I hope it's not too bad.



Thx

chris

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 2 2016, 07:09 PM

Salut Chris, super ton riff !!
tu est d'ou ?

Laurent

Posted by: chris4 Jul 2 2016, 07:27 PM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 2 2016, 06:09 PM) *
Salut Chris, super ton riff !!
tu est d'ou ?

Laurent

Hello Laurent.
Je suis d'un petit village à côté de Niort.
Merci pour le com. J'aime bien ta presta, bravo.

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 2 2016, 07:35 PM

for the other people i switch to english

i'm from carpentras, in vaucluse

QUOTE
J'aime bien ta presta, bravo.


thank you , i'm still learning wink.gif

Laurent

Posted by: chris4 Jul 2 2016, 07:44 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 2 2016, 05:45 PM) *
Well played! You are "Badged up" based on how many challenges you complete, so as this is your first one, you are on deck for the X1 badge. The good news is, your solo is spiff so congrats you just badged up!!!

I like the melodic approach you took here. Lots of very fluid bends and very good overall technique as well. I did notice a few notes that seemed "off" but I put that down to experimentation so it's fine to throw in some atonal bits now and again smile.gif There will be a new SHRED CHALLENGE going up later today as they go up each Saturday evening. I hope you join us on that one as well so we can get you to X2!!!!

Welcome to the club!!!! smile.gif


Hi Todd. Thx for your comment.

@all...
I have just answered to Laurent that i live in a village near Niort in France, and, i like his inprov.

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 2 2016, 08:50 PM

Sorry I only just made it on deadline day again huh.gif I really struggled with this one, I can't play fast so these powerful heavy tracks are hard for me.

I was having to think about switching patches too and fading out the distorted patch before switching the cleaner patch back in, never done that before and also using an extended pentatonic shape that I am just learning with Gab so there are a few bum notes and mis-timings

Rip it up Todd wink.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5faoOw55er0&feature=youtu.be

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 2 2016, 09:01 PM

Hi Phil

is it an €piphone ? what pickups ?

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 2 2016, 09:40 PM

Nicely done Phil! I am a HUGE fan of that extended version of the pentatonic scale. Especially in the key of regular A, since you can do hammer ons/pull offs, with open strings that are still in key. In this context, it's a bit more tricky as the key is a pinch wonky for guitar players. It's more of a Piano key IMHO. Still, you gripped it and ripped it!

Good neck travel here and much improved sense of melody and resolution. You are resolving the licks at the root much better these days and are getting a handle on scale patterns as well. All of this is part an parcel to becoming a better player. Once those patterns happen without really thinking about them, then you are "there". Until then it's all about repetition. Playing with backings, playing with a metronome, etc. Just play the patterns a LOT until they are almost instinct. At that point, you can focus on the notes that you are hearing in your head instead of finger position. That's the point we are all striving towards smile.gif

In short, welcome to X5!!!!! (P.S. The new Challenge is up!!! Give it a shot!)




QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 2 2016, 03:50 PM) *
Sorry I only just made it on deadline day again huh.gif I really struggled with this one, I can't play fast so these powerful heavy tracks are hard for me.

I was having to think about switching patches too and fading out the distorted patch before switching the cleaner patch back in, never done that before and also using an extended pentatonic shape that I am just learning with Gab so there are a few bum notes and mis-timings

Rip it up Todd wink.gif

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5faoOw55er0&feature=youtu.be

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 2 2016, 10:24 PM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 2 2016, 09:01 PM) *
Hi Phil

is it an €piphone ? what pickups ?

cheers

Laurent


Yes it's an Epiphone , the pickups are from eBay but the man made them himself, it was his own company making them. The are a bit harsh at times, i would like to find something more creamy.

Cheers

Phil


QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 2 2016, 09:40 PM) *
Nicely done Phil! I am a HUGE fan of that extended version of the pentatonic scale. Especially in the key of regular A, since you can do hammer ons/pull offs, with open strings that are still in key. In this context, it's a bit more tricky as the key is a pinch wonky for guitar players. It's more of a Piano key IMHO. Still, you gripped it and ripped it!

Good neck travel here and much improved sense of melody and resolution. You are resolving the licks at the root much better these days and are getting a handle on scale patterns as well. All of this is part an parcel to becoming a better player. Once those patterns happen without really thinking about them, then you are "there". Until then it's all about repetition. Playing with backings, playing with a metronome, etc. Just play the patterns a LOT until they are almost instinct. At that point, you can focus on the notes that you are hearing in your head instead of finger position. That's the point we are all striving towards smile.gif

In short, welcome to X5!!!!! (P.S. The new Challenge is up!!! Give it a shot!)

[attachment=44841:phil66_x5.jpg]


Thanks Todd,

I wasn't pleased with it really but you always spot something deep in there.

Cheers buddy wink.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 2 2016, 11:19 PM

*If your badge doesn't match your actual rank, please let me know!
!!!SAT SHRED FEST X9!!!!


Direct Link Here:http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx4http://%20http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx9http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx9

The X9 Challenge is here!

Hail to the FUNK!! Let's get a bit Funky with this one. Dirty, nasty, gritty, Funk! No the pretty funk!


DETAILS:
DOWNLOAD: mp3 backing
 x9Backing.mp3 ( 1.02MB ) : 88

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/x9-backing-track-f-pentatonic-funk
KEY: F, (Pentatonic Will work here, throw in some natural minor for fun)
BPM: BPM 120
CHORDS USED: F, G#, A# power chords
SCALES TO USE: F Blues Minor, F Natural Minor
F Blues Scale:

F Minor Scale:

DUE DATE: Before Midnight Next Saturday!!! - July 9th, 2016



----------
This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance. EMBED the video in the post (Ask me if you need any help)

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

-----------

BONUS: Custom ELEVEN RACK patch used in the solo section.
 X9_11rackpreset.tfx.zip ( 1.19K ) : 76


Posted by: fzalfa Jul 3 2016, 07:03 AM

let's go !!!

edit: no so easy and inspirating !!

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 5 2016, 01:37 AM

You can do it smile.gif Think FUNKY!! Pentatonic will work well for this smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 3 2016, 02:03 AM) *
let's go !!!

edit: no so easy and inspirating !!

Laurent

Posted by: chris4 Jul 7 2016, 12:27 AM

Hi Todd.
This is my one shot improv on your backing track.


chris

Posted by: DeGroot Jul 7 2016, 02:09 AM

Had to break out the Vox wah for some inspiration. smile.gif




Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 7 2016, 05:18 AM

NICE!!! Well played smile.gif I dig the intro lick and the display of vibrato control. Very nice indeed. The bend works entire time and doesn't drift out of tune, and keeps it's tone through really good finger control. Then the solo switches directions and gets technical which is a great way to create contrast. You even use one of my favorite blues/shred licks by pulling a Paul Gilbert with the three chromatic blues notes. Again very nice smile.gif The entire solo is well executed and conveys an intensity which I don't often see. I can almost feel your connection to music while watching the vid. You are really feeling it which is the real key IMHO smile.gif Well done.

You just LEVELED UP!!!




QUOTE (chris4 @ Jul 6 2016, 07:27 PM) *
Hi Todd.
This is my one shot improv on your backing track.


chris


Just KILLER!!!! Well done from start to finish. The bend at 12 seconds was spot on and really sang with the wah on it. I like the licks you chose also as they remind me of licks I would choose smile.gif Very smooth playing and the wah really does add the special sauce. Working with a wah is an art in itself imho. It's sooooo easy to do it badly and and actually take a way from a solo, but not here. Here you use it to great effect and make the solo really stand out and stick together as Funky bit of Music. The construction is very good and you are killing it all the way to the final chord. In short...

I AM GROOT!!... I Mean...ER....YOU JUST LEVELED UP!!!!




QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jul 6 2016, 09:09 PM) *
Had to break out the Vox wah for some inspiration. smile.gif


Posted by: chris4 Jul 7 2016, 05:54 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 7 2016, 04:18 AM) *
NICE!!! Well played smile.gif I dig the intro lick and the display of vibrato control. Very nice indeed. The bend works entire time and doesn't drift out of tune, and keeps it's tone through really good finger control. Then the solo switches directions and gets technical which is a great way to create contrast. You even use one of my favorite blues/shred licks by pulling a Paul Gilbert with the three chromatic blues notes. Again very nice smile.gif The entire solo is well executed and conveys an intensity which I don't often see. I can almost feel your connection to music while watching the vid. You are really feeling it which is the real key IMHO smile.gif Well done.

You just LEVELED UP!!!


Thank you very much Todd.

Posted by: DeGroot Jul 8 2016, 01:26 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 7 2016, 04:18 AM) *
Just KILLER!!!! Well done from start to finish. The bend at 12 seconds was spot on and really sang with the wah on it. I like the licks you chose also as they remind me of licks I would choose smile.gif Very smooth playing and the wah really does add the special sauce. Working with a wah is an art in itself imho. It's sooooo easy to do it badly and and actually take a way from a solo, but not here. Here you use it to great effect and make the solo really stand out and stick together as Funky bit of Music. The construction is very good and you are killing it all the way to the final chord. In short...

I AM GROOT!!... I Mean...ER....YOU JUST LEVELED UP!!!!




Thanks Todd! smile.gif I agree playing a Wah can be touchy. I had to find the sweet spots since I haven't played it in so long. Glad I broke it out for this one. It was also fun to play something funky which is something I haven't done in a while. smile.gif

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 8 2016, 02:43 PM

sorry but, i had shake my guitar's neck for hours, and nothing come.....

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 8 2016, 09:05 PM

Todd, I'm really really sorry but I'm going to have to sit this one out. I can't come up with anything that fits the backing, just random twiddling to the tempo but it just doesn't sound right.

YOU HAVE WON THIS WEEKS CHALLENGE, against me anyway cool.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 9 2016, 08:56 PM

!!!SAT SHRED FEST X10!!!!


Direct Link Here:http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx8http://bit.ly/saturdayshredfestx10...

The X10 Challenge is here!! smile.gif Time to Redeem yourself to the God's of Guitar (You know, Vai and those guys) buy submitting a killer take smile.gif

*This solo section is from a collaboration I did with a German singer called ALEXA. Here is my Solo from the music vid that was part of the final.


DETAILS:

DOWNLOAD: mp3 backing
 x10Backing_GiveMeTime.mp3 ( 1.52MB ) : 81

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/x10-backing-givemetime
KEY: F Minor
BPM: BPM 120
CHORDS USED: F Minor Power Chords (3 Descending Whole Tones from the Root)
SCALES TO USE: F Minor

DUE DATE: Before Midnight Next Saturday!!! - July 16, 2016
----------

This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance. EMBED the video in the post (Ask me if you need any help)

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.


-----------

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 9 2016, 08:59 PM

Hi Todd

This is my playground !!!! i love it

Laurent

ps: possible to have a longer or a fine loopable one ??

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 9 2016, 10:59 PM

it's me again....

this is a preview about what i catched while turning around it.



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 11 2016, 11:55 PM

You are getting it! smile.gif It's they KEY that is going to throw folks off. Just remember, that the fretboard starts again at the 12th fret. The Minor scale starts over again on the 13th Fret as that is F. So you can move all your licks up and start them at the 13th fret smile.gif

Todd

Anyone else got a quick demo of their progress?

Todd


QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 9 2016, 05:59 PM) *
it's me again....

this is a preview about what i catched while turning around it.



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 12 2016, 12:01 AM

I had something, but my computer is playing up, and I think I'll have to reinstall everything. Somehow things seems to be all virused up. sad.gif Not only that, but my graphics cards and sound card are playing up too.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 13 2016, 01:28 AM

Sorry to hear your rig is active up.

Good news is that you can literally use anything. Even software on your phone to record a take.

I was hoping this take would be an easy one, but it seems the key of F Minor is lot more complicated that I thought. So far only FZALFA have braved the divide and submitted a progress take.

I hope for folks are able to work out a take smile.gif It just needs to be you playing against the backing. It can be all pinch harmonics if that's what works for a given take. DOn't be shy folks smile.gif Give it a try on video.


QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 11 2016, 07:01 PM) *
I had something, but my computer is playing up, and I think I'll have to reinstall everything. Somehow things seems to be all virused up. sad.gif Not only that, but my graphics cards and sound card are playing up too.

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 13 2016, 09:58 AM

Hi Todd

Another Take, my left hand is a bit rigid because cold.



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 13 2016, 09:45 PM

Now that's what I'm talking about smile.gif NICE!!! Your soloing gets better with each one of these that we do. I know the Key is wacky, as it's not one favored by guitar folks typically. It's more a keyboard players key in general. Folks that have played with keyboard musicians will probably know what I'm talking about. There are certain keys on piano that are just a bit easier to deal with. Just like the key of E and A are a bit easier to handle on guitar.

The reason I chose this was that it's NOT in E or A. It's in F. So if your hands run to the 12th fret to start noodling, your out of key. I wanted to force folks to learn to shift their scales a bit. Very happy to see FZALFA pick up the glove and take on the challenge.

Very spiff solo indeed. Never out of key, the melody progressed and sounded intentional, I can almost hear you wanting to land on certain notes at certain times. This is really the start of becoming a really good solo player. Being able to "feel" the music to know instinctively what note or lack thereof would fit best. Well done smile.gif

You just LEVELED UP!!!!!!



QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 13 2016, 04:58 AM) *
Hi Todd

Another Take, my left hand is a bit rigid because cold.



cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 15 2016, 08:55 PM

Another poor one but I've been like a headless chicken this week, not had much time at all. First time I've really listened to the backing.
I can't seem to get quick playing into my head and hands at the same time so always take it down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gWWyYDbT74&feature=youtu.be

WOW! I've just watched this and realised my guitar is drowning out the backing. Sorry. Remixed it, it was hard because for some reason my guitar goes quiet after about 10 seconds. I know there is a way to fix this somewhere in Reaper but haven't had time tonight. I shoul dhave re-recorded but no time so here is a Souncloud of the remix. Sorry Todd. It's crap anyway laugh.gif
https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/give-me-time-2

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 16 2016, 10:04 PM

!!!SAT SHRED FEST X11!!!!

Direct Link Here:http://bitly.com/saturdayshredfestx8http://bit.ly/saturdayshredfestx10

The X11 Challenge is here!! One more chance at F MINOR (1st and 13th Fret E string is your ROOT note). This seemed to really throw a LOT of folks off last time, so I thought I'd try once again. You guys can solo in F MINOR. I'm sure of it. Please don't be shy and think your take isn't good enough. Anyone with the gumption to submit a take will move forward here.

*This solo section is from another collab with my German Singer friend ALEXA. Same key as last time so anything you worked up will work here.


DETAILS:

DOWNLOAD: mp3 backing
 X11_Challenge_Backing.mp3 ( 2.83MB ) : 90

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/x11-challenge-backing-forever-moon-solo-section
KEY: F Minor
BPM: BPM 140.1
CHORDS USED: F Minor Power Chords (3 Descending Whole Tones from the Root)
SCALES TO USE: F Minor

DUE DATE: Before Midnight Next Saturday!!! - July 23, 2016

*Demo Example for Ideas smile.gif Can be SLOW or any speed you like.

----------

This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance. EMBED the video in the post (Ask me if you need any help)

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHILL66 X10 DEBRIEF/REVIEW

First off WELL DONE on making a take. You are only one of two tolks that managed it for this challenge. I appreciate that his one threw everyone else off but you two who pushed through and did it anyway. Cheers for that smile.gif On to the debrief!!

First off another NICE guitar. You have a much better collection than I do for sure. It looks like you are up for investing in some truly fine instruments which always a good thing imho smile.gif It certainly doesn't hurt to hvae some high quality ibby guitars to learn on!

I liked your solo here quite a bit smile.gif You are always in key and on time. You don't drift out of key or time for the entire solo. I notice you seemed like you were using an octave/wah or something to transpose notes? I'm all for using fx, for this type of effect though you could do it with your hands with a slide up to another octave, still it's a creative use of fx which is always worth points smile.gif

You have good technique and hand control here. You don't have any unwanted noise or random bits getting in the way. In short, a well constructed and well played solo smile.gif I look forward to hearing your X11 Solo!

In short, you just LEVELED UP!!



Todd
QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 15 2016, 03:55 PM) *
Another poor one but I've been like a headless chicken this week, not had much time at all. First time I've really listened to the backing.
I can't seem to get quick playing into my head and hands at the same time so always take it down.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gWWyYDbT74&feature=youtu.be

WOW! I've just watched this and realised my guitar is drowning out the backing. Sorry. Remixed it, it was hard because for some reason my guitar goes quiet after about 10 seconds. I know there is a way to fix this somewhere in Reaper but haven't had time tonight. I shoul dhave re-recorded but no time so here is a Souncloud of the remix. Sorry Todd. It's crap anyway laugh.gif
https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/give-me-time-2

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 17 2016, 02:43 PM

Is the tempo really 120bpm? Reaper doesn't seem to align it very well at 120. Seems more like 140 ish to me? 141 to be precise?

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 17 2016, 08:39 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 16 2016, 10:04 PM) *
PHILL66 X10 DEBRIEF/REVIEW
[/size][/font][/color]
First off WELL DONE on making a take. You are only one of two tolks that managed it for this challenge. I appreciate that his one threw everyone else off but you two who pushed through and did it anyway. Cheers for that smile.gif On to the debrief!!

First off another NICE guitar. You have a much better collection than I do for sure. It looks like you are up for investing in some truly fine instruments which always a good thing imho smile.gif It certainly doesn't hurt to hvae some high quality ibby guitars to learn on!

I liked your solo here quite a bit smile.gif You are always in key and on time. You don't drift out of key or time for the entire solo. I notice you seemed like you were using an octave/wah or something to transpose notes? I'm all for using fx, for this type of effect though you could do it with your hands with a slide up to another octave, still it's a creative use of fx which is always worth points smile.gif

You have good technique and hand control here. You don't have any unwanted noise or random bits getting in the way. In short, a well constructed and well played solo smile.gif I look forward to hearing your X11 Solo!

In short, you just LEVELED UP!!



Todd


Thanks Todd,

I don't think my collection is anywhere near as good as yours smile.gif I know I could have used my fingers to go up an octave but you don't get that spaceship kind of transition sound wink.gif

Cheers for the kind comments

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 17 2016, 11:00 PM

Great to see your computer must be working again! I hope you can join us on this one! Love to have your take smile.gif 140.1, it detects as 70.5 in bpm detector in logic. Either way will work. smile.gif


I usually j

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 17 2016, 09:43 AM) *
Is the tempo really 120bpm? Reaper doesn't seem to align it very well at 120. Seems more like 140 ish to me? 141 to be precise?


You definately have way nicer guitars to be sure smile.gif I usually collect older instruments as new Ibby's, especially prestige guitars can get a bit pricey smile.gif I did buy a used prestige once. But when I got it, the neck was a bit twisted so I sent it back. To get the really slim neck profile nowadays, you have to get the titanium reinforced HP Wizard neck which only comes on some of their most expensive guitars. That black prestige ibby you have is quite nice smile.gif What model is it?

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 17 2016, 03:39 PM) *
Thanks Todd,

I don't think my collection is anywhere near as good as yours smile.gif I know I could have used my fingers to go up an octave but you don't get that spaceship kind of transition sound wink.gif

Cheers for the kind comments

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 18 2016, 08:00 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 17 2016, 11:00 PM) *
You definately have way nicer guitars to be sure smile.gif I usually collect older instruments as new Ibby's, especially prestige guitars can get a bit pricey smile.gif I did buy a used prestige once. But when I got it, the neck was a bit twisted so I sent it back. To get the really slim neck profile nowadays, you have to get the titanium reinforced HP Wizard neck which only comes on some of their most expensive guitars. That black prestige ibby you have is quite nice smile.gif What model is it?


Thanks Todd, it's the lower end of the Prestige range I think, it's an RG1570 with Edge trem and Wizard Prestige neck. The Guitar Data Project says: "Your guitar was made at the Fuji-gen Plant, Japan in 2009. Production Number: 274". On the back of the headstock it says "Made by Team J Craft Japan" it has two dark stripes of wood almost an inch apart on the back of the neck (5 piece). Here is the Ibanez Wiki page about the model http://ibanez.wikia.com/wiki/RG1570. I got it from my luthier for £450 with a Team J Craft hard fitted case. It was ex dem. It could do with better pickups to be honest, they're a little bit muddy at times.

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 19 2016, 03:50 PM

Still a lovely prestige in great shape with an amazing neck profile. Let me know if you ever end up selling it as I'd like a crack at bidding! smile.gif Personally, I'd say keep it until the end of time. A good ibby in great shape is thing of beauty after all. My fave ibbys are horrible shape as I've gigged with them for years but I still love them smile.gif

Anything made in the Fuji plant is worth owning/keeping imho. The Jcraft badge is certainly a bonus smile.gif It just means that the guitar was hand assembled by the Jcraft team. On new prestige guitars you don't see that badge as "Prestige" has come to mean much the same thing. Now you might see J-Custom which is slightly different, and indicates typically Japan only ibbys, one off ibbys, etc. These differ from LACS ibbys which are L.A. Custom Shop axes. LACS ibbys have LA as the first two letters in the serial number typically. These are custom, hand built guitars done for high end customers and endorsed artists.

Also, Ibby Guitars coming from Japan get hand finishing on their necks, whereas Ibby's coming from other countries are machine finished. This can lead to imperfections, (e.g. frets too sharp/sticking out) that sometimes, but not always happen on some ibbys from other places, as well as intonation issues. I"ve had some cheap import ibby's that were great. Some not so great. Bit of a gamble. All the Japanese Ibbys I"ve played, I'd keep for my personal collection. smile.gif

I do like the XPT750 which is indonesian. Indo Ibby's get a really bad rap as some are not very good. This one was a special edition only made for one year. I also bought an xpt700 which is similar yet the neck felt entirely different even though both are said to be Wizard II necks. They sure dont feel the same. I kept the 750 and sold the 700. 2009 was a banner year for Ibby's IMHO and my PGM30 (Paul Gilbert Sig Model) is also 2009 featuring the original Wizard neck, now called the "Super Wizard" (available only on really pricey ibbys) which is 17mm at the nut. Thinnest, fastest neck I've ever played and the reason folks still look for old RG5xx guitars on Ebay and such smile.gif

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 18 2016, 03:00 PM) *
Thanks Todd, it's the lower end of the Prestige range I think, it's an RG1570 with Edge trem and Wizard Prestige neck. The Guitar Data Project says: "Your guitar was made at the Fuji-gen Plant, Japan in 2009. Production Number: 274". On the back of the headstock it says "Made by Team J Craft Japan" it has two dark stripes of wood almost an inch apart on the back of the neck (5 piece). Here is the Ibanez Wiki page about the model http://ibanez.wikia.com/wiki/RG1570. I got it from my luthier for £450 with a Team J Craft hard fitted case. It was ex dem. It could do with better pickups to be honest, they're a little bit muddy at times.

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 19 2016, 08:28 PM

Glad you approve Todd smile.gif I won't go one further, this should be on another thread wink.gif but here is the back of the headstock in case you can see anything untoward. I do love the guitar, except the pickups, they aren't great unsure.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 19 2016, 11:01 PM

Nice smile.gif I'm looking forward to your X11 take!! Givem Hell!!

Todd



QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 19 2016, 03:28 PM) *
Glad you approve Todd smile.gif I won't go one further, this should be on another thread wink.gif but here is the back of the headstock in case you can see anything untoward. I do love the guitar, ...



Working better at 140.5 for your solo? Looking forward to hearing it smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 17 2016, 09:43 AM) *
Is the tempo really 120bpm? Reaper doesn't seem to align it very well at 120. Seems more like 140 ish to me? 141 to be precise?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 20 2016, 03:19 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 20 2016, 12:01 AM) *
Working better at 140.5 for your solo? Looking forward to hearing it smile.gif

Todd


Reaper seems to align the beats at 141 for me. Anyway, I've not really worked too much on it, but I'll give it a whirl soon.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 20 2016, 06:54 PM

Great smile.gif Looking forward to hearing your take!!

Todd


QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 20 2016, 10:19 AM) *
Reaper seems to align the beats at 141 for me. Anyway, I've not really worked too much on it, but I'll give it a whirl soon.

Posted by: DeGroot Jul 21 2016, 03:01 AM

Trying to hash out a couple ideas. smile.gif I see what you mean by F minor being a keyboardist type of key!


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 21 2016, 03:41 PM

WOW!!! I seriously love what you are doing here. That bit about 32 seconds in is killer. Can you do a little vid showing it slow? I'd love to learn that lick myself smile.gif I"d say this will work just fine as a final! If you are up for calling it a final, I'm up for giving it a critique. Just let me know smile.gif

Also, to your point, yes. F Minor is NOT a popular key for playing lead. It robs the player of many licks based on open strings. Some are still available, but its much more limited. Also, it forces you to transpose all your scales by one fret if you are used to playing in E, playing in F just feels odd. You are doing a great job with it here. I wanted to try F again to push you guys further and give you a chance to tackle something challenging and you have smile.gif Congratulations!!!!!

Todd



QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jul 20 2016, 10:01 PM) *
Trying to hash out a couple ideas. smile.gif I see what you mean by F minor being a keyboardist type of key!



Posted by: DeGroot Jul 21 2016, 05:14 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 21 2016, 02:41 PM) *
WOW!!! I seriously love what you are doing here. That bit about 32 seconds in is killer. Can you do a little vid showing it slow? I'd love to learn that lick myself smile.gif I"d say this will work just fine as a final! If you are up for calling it a final, I'm up for giving it a critique. Just let me know smile.gif

Also, to your point, yes. F Minor is NOT a popular key for playing lead. It robs the player of many licks based on open strings. Some are still available, but its much more limited. Also, it forces you to transpose all your scales by one fret if you are used to playing in E, playing in F just feels odd. You are doing a great job with it here. I wanted to try F again to push you guys further and give you a chance to tackle something challenging and you have smile.gif Congratulations!!!!!

Todd

Thanks smile.gif please critique when you get a chance. I'll be away from my guitar until the weekend. I'll shoot a vid for the lick then!

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 21 2016, 09:06 PM

Sorry buddy,

Just had no time this week, work has been crazy as and working late. As you know I'm leaving for the airport tomorrow so had a go tonight, couldn't get anything out of my head, it's not the backing or the key it's just lack of time to get the tune in my head.

Looking forward to the next one when I return. Probably X13.

Cheers wink.gif

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 19 2016, 11:01 PM) *
Nice smile.gif I'm looking forward to your X11 take!! Givem Hell!!
Todd


Posted by: DeGroot Jul 22 2016, 04:10 PM

Meant to ask about that tapping lick in you solo. Sounds awesome! I couldn't figure out how you were playing it.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 22 2016, 06:27 PM

GROOOT!! Where to begin!! How about the beginning? First off, I dig the PEDAL POINT lick at about 13 seconds in. Nice. Then about 22 seconds in you do a really cool run that sounds like something I may have done myself in that part and also reminds me of SATCH. Double Nice! Then that spiff bit at 27 seconds that you are gonna have to play really slow and make a vid to share with us!!!! Please!!!! I like the second take as well and I can see the road map of the solo you had in your head and how you played around with it during both takes.

Bottom line, LOVED IT. Most of all, I like how you were not afraid to leave bits in that were not perfect. That's the ENTIRE POINT OF THE CHALLENGE. Not to submit a perfect take, just to submit an honest snapshot of your playing at this point in your journey, whatever that might be. I have noticed that folks seem honestly afraid to post unless they feel their solo is perfect. This is the root of performance anxiety/stage fright. FIGHT IT FOLKS. Submit something, anything. Share your playing with the group. Just doing that will make you a better player in the long run.

As for this Solo, GROOT KILLED IT!!!!!






QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jul 20 2016, 10:01 PM) *
Trying to hash out a couple ideas. smile.gif I see what you mean by F minor being a keyboardist type of key!


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 22 2016, 07:12 PM

Can you give me a time reference in the vid for the part you are talking about? I'd be happy to break it down so it made more sense in a quick vid smile.gif

QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jul 22 2016, 11:10 AM) *
Meant to ask about that tapping lick in you solo. Sounds awesome! I couldn't figure out how you were playing it.

Posted by: DeGroot Jul 23 2016, 12:33 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 22 2016, 06:12 PM) *
Can you give me a time reference in the vid for the part you are talking about? I'd be happy to break it down so it made more sense in a quick vid smile.gif


the part I'm refering to is from :10-:13. Would love to know whats going on there. Sound like some kind of double tapping?
Really dig that melodic sequence from :20-:23 too. The whole solo sounds fantastic! cool.gif

Posted by: DeGroot Jul 23 2016, 04:28 PM

Here is a quick video of that lick you asked for and for anyone who might be interested. It is very Andy LaRoque influenced. I've never really broken down a lick before on video but I'm happy you asked! smile.gif




Posted by: fzalfa Jul 23 2016, 05:47 PM

Hi Todd

sorry to do post something, but i'm not really inspirated...

let's see the next one !!! biggrin.gif

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: bleez Jul 23 2016, 10:18 PM

aww man Ive hardly picked up a guitar for the last 3 weeks huh.gif which sucks balls and I'll never get close to playing those awesome licks that Mr DeGroot rips out with such apparent ease! ( fantastic take btw Joe ) unless I get my head back in the game.
Bring on the next challenge Todd, I'll need to get back on this smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 23 2016, 10:45 PM

!!!SAT SHRED FEST X12!!!!

Direct Link Here: http://bit.ly/saturdayshredx12

X12!!! "SHOUT" (Hard Rock Version of course) SOLO SECTION in G MINOR (3rd Fret, 15th fret Minor Scale)


DETAILS:
DOWNLOAD: mp3 backing
 x12_Backing.mp3 ( 2.27MB ) : 77

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/shout-tears-for-fears-metal-version-cover-solo-section-g-minor
KEY: G Minor
BPM: 110
SCALES TO USE: G Minor

DUE DATE: Before Midnight Next Saturday!!!
*Demo Example for Ideas Can be SLOW or any speed you like.

We are using a more familiar key this time, and one that is easier to work in, and allows open string licks on the G string. I'm hoping this will encourage folks to give it a whirl smile.gif Don't be shy people!

----------

This is NOT A COLLAB but something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't have to shred, it just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance. EMBED the video in the post (Ask me if you need any help)

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 23 2016, 10:49 PM

Hi Todd

GREAT !!!!! i really love this one

but , can you made the MP3 downloadable plz wink.gif

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 23 2016, 11:48 PM

GROOT!! Here is a demo of the bits @ 10 and 20 seconds in the solo in question from X11. Thanks much for breaking down your solo a bit as well!!!

Your ears were spot on, the first bit is a "Double Tapping" thing. The second bit can be done with alt picking or using picking/hammer ons. smile.gif




QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jul 22 2016, 07:33 PM) *
the part I'm refering to is from :10-:13. Would love to know whats going on there. Sound like some kind of double tapping?
Really dig that melodic sequence from :20-:23 too. The whole solo sounds fantastic! cool.gif


It's ready for ya smile.gif I put the mp3 directly in the post as well.


X12 SOLO CHALLENGE DIRECT LINK!

http://bit.ly/saturdayshredx12



QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 23 2016, 05:49 PM) *
Hi Todd

GREAT !!!!! i really love this one

but , can you made the MP3 downloadable plz wink.gif

cheers

Laurent


Let me know if you have any issues with the tempo or what not. I hope you can put up a take on this one! Is your Ibanez fixed and ready to go?

http://bit.ly/saturdayshredx12

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 17 2016, 09:43 AM) *
Is the tempo really 120bpm? Reaper doesn't seem to align it very well at 120. Seems more like 140 ish to me? 141 to be precise?

Posted by: DeGroot Jul 24 2016, 12:13 AM


Excellent! Thanks for the break down. Look forward to trying those licks out and getting into this week's challenge. smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 25 2016, 01:57 AM

Can't wait to see your take! smile.gif For anyone who may have missed it, here is the link to THIS WEEKS CHALLENGE!!!! (Based on a Metal version of SHOUT by tears for frears)

X12 SOLO CHALLENGE DIRECT LINK!




http://bit.ly/saturdayshredx12



QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jul 23 2016, 07:13 PM) *
Excellent! Thanks for the break down. Look forward to trying those licks out and getting into this week's challenge. smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 27 2016, 10:56 AM

Any luck so far with this backing? Tried to use something everyone had heard this time and something in a more easy key to encourage folks to put themselves out there a bit more smile.gif The last several have not been getting much traction it seems so I decided not to use anything I wrote as the first one got wads of traction and it was a cover. Thus a cover smile.gif

Anyone have any questions BTW? I"m really hoping you guys dig in to this one and show me what you've learned as far as how to actually play a Guitar Solo, or really just express your creativity on the instrument, which is the entire point of GMC after all wink.gif Look forward to hearing your takes!

http://bit.ly/saturdayshredx12


Todd


QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 23 2016, 05:49 PM) *
Hi Todd

GREAT !!!!! i really love this one

but , can you made the MP3 downloadable plz wink.gif

cheers

Laurent
[size="5"][/size]

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 27 2016, 12:59 PM

Hi Todd

this is a teaser of my take, to reach the needed level to be able to catch my ideas i still need to work alot !

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/tapedeck-2-jul-27-13-51-26

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 27 2016, 08:12 PM

I dig it! very cooll alt picking bit in the start and then sort of egyptian sounding thing. Can't wait to see your final vid smile.gif congrats!

Todd


QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 27 2016, 07:59 AM) *
Hi Todd

this is a teaser of my take, to reach the needed level to be able to catch my ideas i still need to work alot !

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/tapedeck-2-jul-27-13-51-26

cheers

Laurent

Posted by: DeGroot Jul 29 2016, 01:56 AM

Here is short clip for critique. smile.gif It was tricky for me to keep things in time with this rhythm.


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 29 2016, 07:22 PM

JUST BLISTERING!!! Now this is just awesome smile.gif I"m afraid you maybe have scared off pretty much everyboy else who was even thinking about making a take. But it's worth it cause this is just killer!!! If we were only gonna get one take, I'm glad this is the one smile.gif Thanks very much for taking the time and having the stones to put yourself out there and take a stab at it. This is a "80's Pop" song that was never meant for Metal or Shredding or anything like that, but you have turned it in to a MONSTER Steve Vai crazy fest worthy of Song and Story. I also like the dynamics. How you smooth out at the end and get more melodic to take a break from the insanity. Just freakin saaawweeeeeett!!!! We still have One More Day so I'm hoping other folks step up and take the Challenge!!!

You sir have more than earned this badge smile.gif

Also, congrats are in order!! You are the ONLY person to have earned the X10 Badge smile.gif






Todd

QUOTE (DeGroot @ Jul 28 2016, 08:56 PM) *
Here is short clip for critique. smile.gif It was tricky for me to keep things in time with this rhythm.


Posted by: DeGroot Jul 30 2016, 12:16 AM

Thank you Todd smile.gif Always a pleasure to throw down for the Challenge! Glad to see that X10 on my badge as well! Hopefully more takes will follow this week. fzalfa's take sounded very creative with the tremelo picking.

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 29 2016, 06:22 PM) *
JUST BLISTERING!!! Now this is just awesome smile.gif I"m afraid you maybe have scared off pretty much everyboy else who was even thinking about making a take. But it's worth it cause this is just killer!!! If we were only gonna get one take, I'm glad this is the one smile.gif Thanks very much for taking the time and having the stones to put yourself out there and take a stab at it. This is a "80's Pop" song that was never meant for Metal or Shredding or anything like that, but you have turned it in to a MONSTER Steve Vai crazy fest worthy of Song and Story. I also like the dynamics. How you smooth out at the end and get more melodic to take a break from the insanity. Just freakin saaawweeeeeett!!!! We still have One More Day so I'm hoping other folks step up and take the Challenge!!!

You sir have more than earned this badge smile.gif

Also, congrats are in order!! You are the ONLY person to have earned the X10 Badge smile.gif






Todd


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 30 2016, 09:17 PM

BEN'S TAKE X13!!
First off, thanks much for participating smile.gif I've been trying to figure out what sort of backings might encourage folks as it seems that lately folks have not been very encouraged to participate despite my best efforts. I wanted to ask, what kind of backings you personally would prefer as you are one of our regular contributors? Would you like covers of songs you like? Care to suggest some? Or original music? Something created by a GMCer? Or other local/regional talent? I'm pretty flexible smile.gif I want to try to encourage people to let go of being shy and thinking their take isn't good enough to share and just jump in, like you did ;0)

It does make it a bit tricky when I get submissions after I have put up the challenge for the week as they take the last slot over from the challenge so people click the link on the front and don't see the challenge.

In this case, I'm deleting what was in this post and replacing it with bens vid so that the new challenge can be the last post on the thread for now so folks can find it easily smile.gif

On to the debrief!!!
Bens Vid


NICE!!!! First off, I can't believe how quickly you came up with this!!! It's a KILLER take and you put it up just minutes after I posted the challenge!!! That's what I call turnaround!!! It's also a GREAT example for other people. You didn't stress over it, didn't think it wasn't good enough, didn't worry about working on it too long, just listened to the track and played what you felt. Bingo. That's the entire point of this smile.gif As for the playing......

KILLER Bending. That two stage bend at the head of the lead is great. Also, great use of Vibrato and great use of multi finger tapping (The Advanced Version of tapping, using more than two fingers on the right hand) and using it in a scale context, not just on one string. In short, it's a great solo and I'm stoked you shared it smile.gif You sir have ....


!!!!LEVELED UP!!!!!



Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 30 2016, 10:11 PM

This was right up my alley.


Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 30 2016, 11:20 PM

!!! SAT SHRED FEST X-13 !!!!

Direct Link Here: http://bit.ly/saturdayshredx13




X-13!!! This is a backing that is in C MINOR. So C PENTATONIC/BLUES, C NATURAL MINOR will work great! Remember to land on the root now and then (The Root Notes are in BLUE in the scale tablature chart). Also, DON"T MOVE TO THE 12th FRET and play the blues or minor scale!!! (That's the wrong key). This one Starts on the E on the 8th and 20th fret.

DETAILS:
DOWNLOAD: mp3 backing
 X13_Backing_SeeMeInShadow.mp3 ( 2.37MB ) : 67


https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/backingtrack_cminor
KEY: C Minor
BPM: 110
SCALES TO USE: C Pentatonic Minor, C Blues, C Natural Minor



DUE DATE: Before Midnight Next Saturday!!!
*Can be SLOW or any speed you like, doesn't have to shred or be fast.
----------

This is something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it, so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance. EMBED the video in the post (Ask me if you need any help)

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 31 2016, 01:23 PM

I have a few questions Todd, I'm interested but have been hesitant since you started this. I only have so much time to practice and even though you say to just "let go" that approach won't produce something I'm satisfied with. Ideally I would use this to start developing my rudimentary composition skills, rather than just ripping out the stale licks I'm trying to move away from.

Does it have to be "live" video? If I could record just audio & punch-in/out I might be able to reach for more challenging ideas without having to spend all my weekly practice time getting competent in my composition. Does that violate the spirit of the challenge?

I'm not very experienced with writing my own solos, I don't want everything to just be pentatonic blues over track X. That doesn't offer me a lot of development for the time. Maybe I'm just thinking too hard about this, I would really like to start applying all of the work I've been doing instead of just waiting forever to be "good enough" to start.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 31 2016, 02:49 PM

Thanks for the critique, Todd smile.gif It's actually X13, the new one and not X12, as you might have accidentaly written smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 31 2016, 06:40 PM

Yup, that would be my bad. I Did make some references to specific chunks of the x13 solo which is what I thought I was writing about. Duh. Good catch!

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 31 2016, 09:49 AM) *
Thanks for the critique, Todd smile.gif It's actually X13, the new one and not X12, as you might have accidentaly written smile.gif



I hear ya smile.gif The good news is that, you really don't need to be "satisfied" with your take in order to benefit from making it. It's that very thing that keeps many musicians from progressing as fast as they might otherwise. Since they think a given take is "crap" they don't share it. Thus, they rob themselves of the chance to have other folks find things that did work, and rob themselves of any feedback that may make the next one better.

That's sorta the point of this entire "challenge". To let your instincts guide your fingers and don't be afraid to submit your first take, mistakes and everything. Even if you are unsatisfied with it. Being able to share things that you are not happy with is crucial to making progress IMHO. If you only share the takes you like, that satisfy you, you've taken out the chance for most of the meaningful feedback. I urge you and everyone, to be brave and put up first takes, or any takes. It's really worth doing for your long term growth as a musician. Embrace the Journey my friend smile.gif

The only way to get better at "soloing" is to do a LOT of it. If you make it too easy by doing it in retakes, punch ins, then none of it is really in context. We won't see that you have trouble shifting from one pattern to another, so we can't give any advice on how to improve. It might be better clinically, but this isn't a clinic. It's a learning environment for folks who are still learning smile.gif

You nailed it when you said "i'd like to start applying what I've learned instead of waiting to be good enough." Guess what. This is how you get "good enough" by jumping in with both feet, and making a few mistakes here and there and relying on your musical instincts to guide you through a solo. That's the secret. That's what I want you and everyone to do smile.gif Forget composition. Just feel it. That's how great solos get great IMHO. It's a dance between the notes in the backing and the solo notes on top. Improvissation doesn't come from too much overthinking. It comes from the moment.

Try it smile.gif You will be surprised how quickly you "get good". Stop waiting smile.gif just play.


Todd


QUOTE (yoncopin @ Jul 31 2016, 08:23 AM) *
I have a few questions Todd, I'm interested but have been hesitant since you started this. I only have so much time to practice and even though you say to just "let go" that approach won't produce something I'm satisfied with. Ideally I would use this to start developing my rudimentary composition skills, rather than just ripping out the stale licks I'm trying to move away from.

Does it have to be "live" video? If I could record just audio & punch-in/out I might be able to reach for more challenging ideas without having to spend all my weekly practice time getting competent in my composition. Does that violate the spirit of the challenge?

I'm not very experienced with writing my own solos, I don't want everything to just be pentatonic blues over track X. That doesn't offer me a lot of development for the time. Maybe I'm just thinking too hard about this, I would really like to start applying all of the work I've been doing instead of just waiting forever to be "good enough" to start.

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 31 2016, 07:09 PM

Thanks for the pep talk, I tried playing it for a while on a loop and just kept recording. This was my favorite take, and I had a lot of fun smile.gif


Posted by: fzalfa Jul 31 2016, 08:38 PM

Hi Todd

This is on take, i remember to have played on this BT somewhere , but i can't remember !



Cheers

Laurent

Posted by: bleez Jul 31 2016, 11:07 PM

Very cool backing track, Todd. smile.gif


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM5hSBtznjQ

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 1 2016, 01:52 AM

YONCOPIN--------------------------------------------------------
Now your talkin!! smile.gif That's a great way to do it. Just let it loop, and feel your way through it. Then later pick which take you liked best. Sometimes, you will listen back and get really shocked at how good your playing was on a given take that you maybe forgot you even did!

DEBRIEF!!!!!!


WELL PLAYED! I can tell you are trying to react emotionally to the context of the backing track. This is the super secret special sauce of becoming a really good lead player. It's not about chaining a bunch of impressive licks together. There are TONS of guys that can do that, just watch you tube for a bit and you'll see. What is lacking IMHO are players that try to connect with a backing emotionally and then use their guitar as a vehicle of personal expression rather than a sort of "Hey check this out" kind of thing. It's understandable that new players want to play really cool bits, sure smile.gif It's far better to understand that really cool bits don't happen in a vacuum. They happen in context. The context of a song. You really nailed it here!!

In addition to making the emotional connection to the music (which you can actually "feel" when you connect to it), you have some very good technique here. Your timing is solid, your note choice is spot on, your bends and vibrato are working well and your note choice is good. In short, welcome to the club!!!!!!! (P.S. Let me know if I get your level incorrect. I Have you listed as level 1, )

YOU JUST LEVELED UP!!!!






QUOTE (yoncopin @ Jul 31 2016, 02:09 PM) *
Thanks for the pep talk, I tried playing it for a while on a loop and just kept recording. This was my favorite take, and I had a lot of fun smile.gif



FZALFA----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nicely Done!! I like all of them smile.gif It has an almost Egyptian flair to it in many parts which was unexpected but very cool. Your solo had a lot of feeling in it which is great. also it had some memorable melody lines which is the key to a good solo. Building a solo is like writing a song. There are some bits you can come back to like a chorus in a song smile.gif Also, like a song or story, every solo should have a start, a middle and an ending, that's fairly clear to the listener. It should add tension and finally resolve and you did just that and did it with style wink.gif

In short!......

YOU JUST LEVELED UP!!!!





QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 31 2016, 03:38 PM) *
Hi Todd

This is on take, i remember to have played on this BT somewhere , but i can't remember !



Cheers

Laurent

Posted by: chris4 Aug 1 2016, 09:26 AM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Jul 31 2016, 07:38 PM) *
Hi Todd

This is on take, i remember to have played on this BT somewhere , but i can't remember !



Cheers

Laurent


This is the same as the Sat x8

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 1 2016, 11:29 AM

QUOTE (chris4 @ Aug 1 2016, 10:26 AM) *
This is the same as the Sat x8


I think I've gone blind. I can't find X8 in the thread.

Posted by: chris4 Aug 1 2016, 11:54 AM

I don't find it too. But, i remember my take :

QUOTE (chris4 @ Jul 2 2016, 03:35 PM) *
Hi Todd, hi everybody

I've tried to play an improv on your backing track.

I hope it's not too bad.



Thx

chris



QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Aug 1 2016, 10:29 AM) *
I think I've gone blind. I can't find X8 in the thread.


Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 1 2016, 01:06 PM

This would be my bad, as I tracked it incorrectly and thought I had not used that tune yet.The good news is, that we got some good responses from folks that missed it last time smile.gif I'll make sure to have a fresh one for you next weekend!

QUOTE (chris4 @ Aug 1 2016, 04:26 AM) *
This is the same as the Sat x8



It's not just you, I must have written over it with another post at some point. Apologies for the confusion sad.gif Great takes on it this time around though!! A new track will be waiting on deck for Next Sat smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (chris4 @ Aug 1 2016, 06:54 AM) *
I don't find it too. But, i remember my take :

Posted by: chris4 Aug 1 2016, 01:44 PM

There are no worries Todd. It can happen to everyone.

Have a nice day. wink.gif

Translate with google translation.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 1 2016, 02:05 PM

Bleez you seriously knocked this one out of the park. From the use of dynamics/volume-gain control at the head and tail of the tune, to the variety of licks in center that switch between various modal forms, the solo is just flat out killer. I can hear more and more of you in the solos the more you play. That in itself is wonderful thing smile.gif Moving from just linking licks together, to reacting with emotional context to the mood of a given backing is a huge leap. It's a leap some folks never quite make so I'm glad to see you taking the jump smile.gif


QUOTE (bleez @ Jul 31 2016, 06:07 PM) *
Very cool backing track, Todd. smile.gif


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM5hSBtznjQ

Posted by: bleez Aug 1 2016, 06:08 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 1 2016, 02:05 PM) *
Bleez you seriously knocked this one out of the park. From the use of dynamics/volume-gain control at the head and tail of the tune, to the variety of licks in center that switch between various modal forms, the solo is just flat out killer. I can hear more and more of you in the solos the more you play. That in itself is wonderful thing smile.gif Moving from just linking licks together, to reacting with emotional context to the mood of a given backing is a huge leap. It's a leap some folks never quite make so I'm glad to see you taking the jump smile.gif




Thank you Sir. I appreciate the kind words.

Ive been devoid of inspiration this last month and struggled to pick up my guitar for any serious practice. Im gonna refer back to these comments next time my mojo disappears biggrin.gif


Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 1 2016, 06:13 PM

You guys really killed it this time around!!! Let's consider the first time around (Challenge 8) as a warmup up. I knew you guys could dig in to this backing and you have. Well freaking done!!

The next Challenge, #14, will be nice and meaty to sink your teeth in to!!


Todd

Posted by: fzalfa Aug 1 2016, 07:02 PM

This declaration means one thing !!!



LET'S DO ANOTHER TAKE !!!!


Laurent

Posted by: fzalfa Aug 2 2016, 10:09 AM

this morning i get up, i feed the child and i done that. (with a new pick, that help)

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/tapedeck-2-aug-02-11-06-15

Cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 3 2016, 11:06 PM

Nice!!! Your sense of harmony and melody is getting better with each take. I can really hear you responding to the backing track. It really is like a dance, following the backing and trying to add layers that make it more intense. smile.gif Well done!!


Todd


QUOTE (fzalfa @ Aug 2 2016, 05:09 AM) *
this morning i get up, i feed the child and i done that. (with a new pick, that help)

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/tapedeck-2-aug-02-11-06-15

Cheers

Laurent


Posted by: bleez Aug 3 2016, 11:24 PM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Aug 2 2016, 10:09 AM) *
this morning i get up, i feed the child and i done that. (with a new pick, that help)

https://soundcloud.com/laurent-377054242/tapedeck-2-aug-02-11-06-15

Cheers

Laurent

Nice playing, dude. I really like the tone you've got here.

Posted by: fzalfa Aug 3 2016, 11:50 PM

QUOTE
Nice playing, dude. I really like the tone you've got here.


Thanks Bleez

i can share the GR preset if you want it

Cheers

Laurent

Posted by: DeGroot Aug 4 2016, 02:19 AM

Came up with something different this time around. smile.gif Love playing to epic tracks like these.




Posted by: bleez Aug 4 2016, 07:03 AM

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Aug 3 2016, 11:50 PM) *
Thanks Bleez

i can share the GR preset if you want it

Cheers

Laurent


Thanks but unfortunately, I dont have Guitar Rig.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 4 2016, 05:47 PM

YES PLEASE! I'll share it in the guitar rig thread! Take a screen grab if you can and share a zip file of the preset and I'll add it to the thread and credit you of course smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (fzalfa @ Aug 3 2016, 06:50 PM) *
Thanks Bleez

i can share the GR preset if you want it

Cheers

Laurent

Posted by: fzalfa Aug 4 2016, 06:03 PM

Hi Todd

This is the file:

 Laurent_s_madness.rar ( 6.33K ) : 48


cheers

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 4 2016, 06:06 PM

Folks this is a CLINIC being put on by Mr Groot. Notice the sheer variety of licks, the submlime control of his vibrato, the effortless touch on the pick, nice smile.gif One of my fave bits is that two stage bend around 8-10 seconds. It's hard enough to hit one note in a bend, much less nail both perfectly. Miss it by a fraction of a centimeter and it sounds flat or sharp. But nope, nailed it. Then I noticed some first finger planted, other finger pulloff stuff that looked quite spiff and reminded me of bits I might play myself as I love that kinda thing smile.gif And anybody that said 27 fret guitars were not needed, never tried to solo in Odd keys where you run out of frets smile.gif Nice use of the upper decks. I"m very gratified to see that guitar working out so well. You really do it justice. In short...

WELCOME TO X11!!!!


QUOTE (DeGroot @ Aug 3 2016, 09:19 PM) *
Came up with something different this time around. smile.gif Love playing to epic tracks like these.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 4 2016, 06:06 PM



Shot directly, audio and video at the same time, no synching up, using DSLR camera + webcam. How nifty is this not? Program is called SparkoCam smile.gif

Posted by: fzalfa Aug 4 2016, 06:21 PM

Yes Ben !! i love it !

Laurent

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 4 2016, 06:24 PM

Thanks, Laurent smile.gif I still need to get the angles right with the two cameras, but it's so nice to be able to record videos directly and not having to synch up in a video editing software smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 4 2016, 08:08 PM

KILLER!!! Notice again folks the variety of techniques employed and the subtle control of vibrato and the delicate yet precise control of each bend, direct to the note. Not sharp, not flat, spot on. Even throws in some sweeps and octave licks. It's just packed with cool licks that really work in the context of the song. Yet again showing how playing with a backing is a bit different than playing "against" a backing. Note choice, vibrato speed/duration, note length, etc. Each of these choices determine the emotional impact of the solo. In the final analysis that's what we are really trying to do. Get folks to feel something when they hear us play smile.gif Well done.

WELCOME TO X6!!!




QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Aug 4 2016, 01:06 PM) *


Shot directly, audio and video at the same time, no synching up, using DSLR camera + webcam. How nifty is this not? Program is called SparkoCam smile.gif


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 4 2016, 08:30 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 4 2016, 09:08 PM) *
KILLER!!! Notice again folks the variety of techniques employed and the subtle control of vibrato and the delicate yet precise control of each bend, direct to the note. Not sharp, not flat, spot on. Even throws in some sweeps and octave licks. It's just packed with cool licks that really work in the context of the song. Yet again showing how playing with a backing is a bit different than playing "against" a backing. Note choice, vibrato speed/duration, note length, etc. Each of these choices determine the emotional impact of the solo. In the final analysis that's what we are really trying to do. Get folks to feel something when they hear us play smile.gif Well done.

WELCOME TO X6!!!



Hah, thanks for the second critique. You didn't have to do a second one smile.gif I was just showing off my new setup smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 4 2016, 11:51 PM

You earned it smile.gif

Todd

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Aug 4 2016, 03:30 PM) *
Hah, thanks for the second critique. You didn't have to do a second one smile.gif I was just showing off my new setup smile.gif

Posted by: DeGroot Aug 5 2016, 12:42 PM

Thanks Todd. smile.gif Yeah, the Hamer turned out to be a real nice player! It's a keeper. smile.gif Putting the Jason Becker bridge pickup gave it new life.


QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 4 2016, 05:06 PM) *
Folks this is a CLINIC being put on by Mr Groot. Notice the sheer variety of licks, the submlime control of his vibrato, the effortless touch on the pick, nice smile.gif One of my fave bits is that two stage bend around 8-10 seconds. It's hard enough to hit one note in a bend, much less nail both perfectly. Miss it by a fraction of a centimeter and it sounds flat or sharp. But nope, nailed it. Then I noticed some first finger planted, other finger pulloff stuff that looked quite spiff and reminded me of bits I might play myself as I love that kinda thing smile.gif And anybody that said 27 fret guitars were not needed, never tried to solo in Odd keys where you run out of frets smile.gif Nice use of the upper decks. I"m very gratified to see that guitar working out so well. You really do it justice. In short...

WELCOME TO X11!!!!



Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 5 2016, 12:55 PM

Your take was great, DeGroot. Some lovely lines in there smile.gif

Posted by: DeGroot Aug 5 2016, 09:00 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Aug 5 2016, 11:55 AM) *
Your take was great, DeGroot. Some lovely lines in there smile.gif

Thanks Cael! Very nice takes, man.That Ibby looks and sounds great smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 6 2016, 02:12 PM

QUOTE (DeGroot @ Aug 5 2016, 10:00 PM) *
Thanks Cael! Very nice takes, man.That Ibby looks and sounds great smile.gif


It's a shred machine! Even if I'm not a true shredder yet! I can't believe how low the bridge sits in it. smile.gif

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 6 2016, 09:21 PM

!!! SAT SHRED FEST X-14 !!!!

Direct Link Here: http://bit.ly/saturdayshredx14

!!!!!X-14!!!!


X-14!!! This backing has a "NEO-CLASSICAL" vibe to it. This is the first neoclassical pieces we have done in the sat Shred fest. I think you guys are gonna kill it smile.gif

DETAILS:
DOWNLOAD: mp3 backing  x14.mp3 ( 1.32MB ) : 62

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/saturday-shred-fest-x14
KEY: B Minor
BPM: 80BPM
SCALES TO USE: B Natural Minor

DUE DATE: Before Midnight Next Saturday!!!
*Can be SLOW or any speed you like, doesn't have to shred or be fast.
----------

This is something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it, so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance. EMBED the video in the post (Ask me if you need any help)

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

Posted by: DeGroot Aug 9 2016, 03:00 AM

Here is my take for this week smile.gif Definitely called for something Neo-classical.


Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 10 2016, 06:18 AM

NICE!! If this is the only one we get for this challenge, it would be enough. It may well be the only one we get, as the backing is quite challenging. I did expect that you might be the first to give it a go and I"m glad you did. This is a really cool take. I like the intro with the open string work and then the Jason Becker Sweep/Speed Pick/Crescendo Vibrato follow up. You really ripped the solo section to bits. The tone was quite spiff as well!! I gotta say congrats on that not only for composition but execution as well. In short, you just

LEVELED UP!!!!



QUOTE (DeGroot @ Aug 8 2016, 10:00 PM) *
Here is my take for this week smile.gif Definitely called for something Neo-classical.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 10 2016, 01:27 PM

QUOTE (DeGroot @ Aug 9 2016, 04:00 AM) *
Here is my take for this week smile.gif Definitely called for something Neo-classical.



Great take, DeGroot! I've struggled a bit with the backing track, as there's a lot going on, and I don't feel like it really calls for a solo. Maybe I'll add some more ambient stuff.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 10 2016, 09:13 PM

Is this in B minor? I'm playing a B note over this just to test it and it sounds awful, even though my guitar is tuned perfectly.

Posted by: DeGroot Aug 10 2016, 11:03 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 10 2016, 05:18 AM) *
NICE!! If this is the only one we get for this challenge, it would be enough. It may well be the only one we get, as the backing is quite challenging. I did expect that you might be the first to give it a go and I"m glad you did. This is a really cool take. I like the intro with the open string work and then the Jason Becker Sweep/Speed Pick/Crescendo Vibrato follow up. You really ripped the solo section to bits. The tone was quite spiff as well!! I gotta say congrats on that not only for composition but execution as well. In short, you just

LEVELED UP!!!!



Thanks! smile.gif I always appreciate you taking the time to listen and give a thorough critique. It was tough to play over since it is a busy backing as Cael mentioned.

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Aug 10 2016, 12:27 PM) *
Great take, DeGroot! I've struggled a bit with the backing track, as there's a lot going on, and I don't feel like it really calls for a solo. Maybe I'll add some more ambient stuff.


Thanks for taking a listen! I found the root B doesn't work over the opening section if you let it ring out to long. The fifth sounds good (F#). Also F# Phygian mode sounds good through out. Also noticed the last section shifts and B harmonic minor works perfect ( I use it a bit at the end of my open B string section).

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 11 2016, 04:00 AM

Well said smile.gif Despite being written in B, it's so busy that holding a B will create dissonance. Phrygian Mode will work well and at the last bar, Harmonic Minor will work as the "Turn around" is in Harmonic Minor. It's a complex bit to solo over for sure. Even through written in B Minor, there re so many excursions in to other keys that static devotion to the root is tough to pull off. However, notice the open B string lick that Degroot uses as his intro. IT's a great example of using B but popping in other notes to make it work.


Did you watch my solo example? I too used the open B and used a B Sweep, and the second octave of B Minor for a fast descending run.


Todd


QUOTE (DeGroot @ Aug 10 2016, 06:03 PM) *
Thanks! smile.gif I always appreciate you taking the time to listen and give a thorough critique. It was tough to play over since it is a busy backing as Cael mentioned.



Thanks for taking a listen! I found the root B doesn't work over the opening section if you let it ring out to long. The fifth sounds good (F#). Also F# Phygian mode sounds good through out. Also noticed the last section shifts and B harmonic minor works perfect ( I use it a bit at the end of my open B string section).

Posted by: DeGroot Aug 11 2016, 04:26 AM

Yes, I watched your video example a couple times! smile.gif I was struggling a bit for ideas at first. Meant to mention it... borrowed your idea of using the open B string and played around within that. Got me out of a rut and was able to put the solo together.

BTW, that Ibby PG is awesome. I hardly ever see them in that color. Does that also have the original Wizard neck?



QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 11 2016, 03:00 AM) *
Well said smile.gif Despite being written in B, it's so busy that holding a B will create dissonance. Phrygian Mode will work well and at the last bar, Harmonic Minor will work as the "Turn around" is in Harmonic Minor. It's a complex bit to solo over for sure. Even through written in B Minor, there re so many excursions in to other keys that static devotion to the root is tough to pull off. However, notice the open B string lick that Degroot uses as his intro. IT's a great example of using B but popping in other notes to make it work.


Did you watch my solo example? I too used the open B and used a B Sweep, and the second octave of B Minor for a fast descending run.


Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 12 2016, 12:02 AM

Well thanks smile.gif Yeah, the open B seemed a good choice for the intro smile.gif

Just got that PGM30, and yeah it has the original Wizard Neck which is awesome. It's the original Paul Gilbert colors (yup, Pink and blue) as well. I've got two guitars with original wizards and I love em both. That guitar went to the wizard II the year after the one I have.

Here is the brood with the new gal smile.gif



QUOTE (DeGroot @ Aug 10 2016, 11:26 PM) *
Yes, I watched your video example a couple times! smile.gif I was struggling a bit for ideas at first. Meant to mention it... borrowed your idea of using the open B string and played around within that. Got me out of a rut and was able to put the solo together.

BTW, that Ibby PG is awesome. I hardly ever see them in that color. Does that also have the original Wizard neck?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 13 2016, 11:03 PM

!!! SAT SHRED FEST X-15 !!!!

Direct Link Here: http://bit.ly/saturdayshredx15

!!!!!X-15!!!!


X-15!!! (EXPERIMENTAL) "TRY" to see if you can use your LEFT HAND on this one. Just try to do some "left only" licks, if possible. If that doesn't work, just play regularly. But give it a shot It's a great way to work on your left hand strength!

DETAILS:
DOWNLOAD: mp3 backing  x15.mp3 ( 1.09MB ) : 55

https://soundcloud.com/techniqueswithtodd/saturday-shred-fest-x15
KEY: B Minor
BPM: 175BPM
SCALES TO USE: B Natural Minor

DUE DATE: Before Midnight Next Saturday!!!
*Can be SLOW or any speed you like, doesn't have to shred or be fast.
----------

This is something new. It's a "Challenge" I challenge you to play anything over this backing. It just has to have you in it playing like you really mean it!!! That's it, so here is what I need.

1.)Reply to this post with a youtube video of your performance. EMBED the video in the post (Ask me if you need any help)

That's it, no files, no transfers, just you playing I will give you feedback on your submission and you will get your updated SHRED FEST MISSION BADGE for having the stones to put yourself out there and for making the time to make music.

Posted by: fzalfa Aug 16 2016, 08:55 PM

Hi Todd

This is my take !!!



hope you like it, becasue i really like it, something a bit crazy done in few minutes after being shooted by an idea !!

cheers

Laurent

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