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Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 11 2015, 11:21 AM

Hey GMC'ers!

I'm happy to bring you a new collab and this one is all about the feelings! Let the rain or sun influence your mood when playing your take, anything goes here. Get angry, sad, happy - let the backing track move you. The track was made by Javier Aviles and is taken from this http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/C-Minor-Soul-Blues/.

BACKING TRACK:  Feelings_Collab_85_bpm.mp3 ( 2.33MB ) : 1084

Jam Track for practicing:  Jam_Track_85_bpm.mp3 ( 10.59MB ) : 947

Tempo: 85 bpm

Progression:

Bb | Cm | Cm | Eb
Bb | Fm | Ab | Eb x3
Eb | Bb | Cm

Needed: melodic lead lines and solos!

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/scalegenerator

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/scalegenerator
________

When you decide on your final take, please submit two audio files:

1. Your solo without the backing track.
2. Your solo mixed with the backing track for reference.

Please feel free to let me know if this is your first collab and if you need more info on how these work and how to produce the needed files, I'll be glad to help you out!

Deadline: 15th of July

Who is up for it?

Participants: fzalfa, Kristofer Dahl, bleez, Phil66, Chris S, Opetholic, Jim S, Ricky9, Marek Rojewski, Nick6373, Piotr Kaczor.....

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 11 2015, 11:47 AM

i'am in !

edit: melody done, recording on the way, get uour towel, wou"'ll certainly cry a lot

Laurent

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jun 11 2015, 12:29 PM

IN!

Posted by: bleez Jun 11 2015, 12:43 PM

sounds cool, In

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 11 2015, 12:52 PM

In

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jun 11 2015, 01:10 PM

You've already expressed a lot of feelings right there!! Can't wait to hear your take!

Hopefully you'll show us some as well

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 11 2015, 01:47 PM

Hehehe awesome, I'll prepare the ambience lights and I think I'll also need the bucket to drain the sorrow



Alright, alright!



Awesome Bleez, putting you on the list!



Hehe I can already hear the string breaking

Posted by: Chris S. Jun 11 2015, 02:08 PM

Yeeeeeeeeessssssssss!!!

Okay so maybe techno djent for the NEXT collab right?

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 11 2015, 02:28 PM

But I only do Polka?!

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 11 2015, 03:14 PM

hi

i have do a theme, i must extracts idea and polish this

it's the fist time ever i try to play with harmonics, listen the whole, you'll find them, beware it's a rush.

https://soundcloud.com/dizy-laurent/collab-sad-blues

edit:

a bit more polished

https://soundcloud.com/dizy-laurent/sad-blues-gmc

Laurent

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 11 2015, 11:22 PM

Hey Laurent - great to hear you jamming already. It is very good that you are making recordings of your jams as it will help you to compose a "super take" out of the cool ideas which came out spontaneously.

I have listened to both of your takes and here are my impressions based on one listen each so it should be as objective in terms of what grabs my ear as possible:

Take 2 (polished take): 0:11-0:20 - this is a very nice melody and its catchy, with emotion etc. I liked it phrasing and note choice wise. Thing to pay attention to: note you slide to at approx 0:17! This is the best note in this phrase hands on, its just full of feelings and perfectly lines up with the backing chord. I would use this note and whole section as a base for my take if I were you. You'll notice that you quickly go from the long note at 0:17 (which is IMO "the note"). Try to make that note longer and more sustained and then make a small pause before going for more licks/phrasing. This will evoke more dramatic emotional effect. In this seciton you should polish up on all the expressive elements so be careful with how clean each note sounds and also how fast/slow you slide to and from notes as well as possible hammer-ons and pull-offs usage. It needs to be gentle and smooth for the highest effect on the listener.

Take 1: 1:56-2:16 - this is the best section from this take in my opinion. Harmonics, melody and note choice is pretty strong here. Things to look out for here would be to play notes and keep them sustained for longer so that you can smoothly go from one note to the next one without the previous one "dying" in terms of sustain.

Those sections above are ones I'd "buy" from these jam takes and use them as source for creating a super take which needs to be short, composed and well played. My suggestion would be to start composing a short take using those section above as starting point and main theme/idea. Once you have it composed and it sounds/feels good against the backing track you can work on the actual technical performance and polishing it up.

Tone wise, my suggestion would be to add a bit more warmth to your tone. Try rolling down the treble and gain a bit and maybe increasing bass and mid frequencies. I think that tone like this one for example would really fit the backing well: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Dire-Straits-Inspired/

Looking forward to what you come up with

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 12 2015, 08:30 AM

Hi Bogdan

i try to do a mix with this parts, and do a short take

i'll post today

Laurent

Posted by: Marek Rojewski Jun 12 2015, 12:40 PM

Hi Bogdan:) Is this an video collab, or just an audio one?

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 12 2015, 03:33 PM

This is an audio collab Marek, will you be able to submit your take?
It would be awesome to have you in

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 12 2015, 07:58 PM

hi Bogdan

how does it feel with this one ? need polish , but i love it !

i realy experiment new technics, not always successfully , like harmonics, and more legato.

i have play it with my LP studio, it just come back from the guitarist builder, i have brake the neck.... it work like a charms now very happy !

i use my finger to play, i love to do this way, you can make it vibe under them

https://soundcloud.com/dizy-laurent/test-blues-sad-gmc

Laurent

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 12 2015, 08:57 PM

I'm struggling. I wanted to create a piece that started angry and then gradually calmed down into an almost hypnotic state. I am in a hotel tomorrow night so work will be happening in my head.

Just letting you know I am still into this collab

Posted by: Daeron Jun 12 2015, 10:18 PM

I like this take, Laurent. The melody is nice and reach the sadness/melancolic, the dynamics is good too as you begin very softly. Yes, I like it and I'll follow the evolution of this thread !

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 12 2015, 11:12 PM

Hey Laurent - this was great!
I really like the sound of the LP studio, it fits the backing perfectly.

I'm slightly leaning towards making another suggestion, please don't mind me - this is just for fun and to see what we can get

Just as an experiment and if you have time, you could try the following:

Create another "super take" out of the ideas in this latest one!

Since this latest one sounds like a great take as it is, you could try the following as an experiment:

Shortening the harmonics section in half and connecting it straight to phrasing and licks played at 0:46 till the end. Don't get me wrong, section at 0:25-0:46 is also very nice and has great moments but I think if you'd combine half of the harmonics with licks and phrasing from 0:46 in some way over the backing, you'd get a shorter take which features only WOW leads and carefully chosen notes.

Please let me know what you think about this?

I'm also prepared to "buy" this latest take and/or suggest recording a polished version of it if you want as I think it feels strong as it is and will fit the collab amazingly well. I'm just itchy to see how far we can take it, that's it



Hey Daeron, let me know if you'd like to give this one a go. I'm sure we could work out a cool take together. It can also be in any lenght really as I'm not sure how we'll end up in the final mix of the collab in terms of will I be using all the takes in full or making a sort of "musical medley" out of the "amazing bits" from everyone.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 13 2015, 01:20 AM

That is a good idea Phil! Composing in your head is a very good approach which often leads to more original idea. Please feel free to send your work in progress takes if you wish. Looking forward to checking out your take.

Posted by: Chris S. Jun 13 2015, 02:40 AM

So this is my first take from it:

https://soundcloud.com/stortzmusic/gmc-feeling-collab-take-one

Will definitely develop it a bit further.

Any advice? What do you like and dislike about it?

Thanks

Posted by: Daeron Jun 13 2015, 09:08 AM

Hi Bogdan

I don't feel able to create something at the moment but I like to listen at these collab works !

Posted by: Opetholic Jun 13 2015, 04:10 PM

Hello hello,
I would like to join for this collab if there is space
This is the result of my jamming with the backing track
 collab.mp3 ( 2.98MB ) : 229

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 13 2015, 04:56 PM

nice take my frien Opeth holics

i currently learn faith in the other

Laurent

Posted by: Opetholic Jun 13 2015, 05:05 PM

Thank you Laurent Faith In Others is a beautiful song!! Would like to listen to your rendition if you record it!

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 13 2015, 05:14 PM

Hi Bogdan

i love to do experiments...... deal, i'am your man.

i'll do this tomorow, because tomorow i do play guitar to please my wife

but count on me to do the best as i can

Laurent

yes this song is awesome !! i really love this dramatic feeling

for now i learn the rythmic section, i have a lot to do, but i think it's a good job to learn rythm and chords.

it looks like a jazz chords , not like a 4bar rock one, plesant to learn, pleasant to play

i know it fully for two first minutes edit: now until minutes 6

Laurent

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 13 2015, 11:47 PM

Hey Chris, great to have your take already.
First of all - what I dislike? It is no techno djent!

I have listened to the take and generally you have some really nice ideas in there. I like your tone which fits the backing nicely. What I was missing in the take was a defined and catchy phrasing in terms of rhythm. You had several licks played one after the other using same note values and rhythm (just changing the notes). This even though fits the backing musically as the notes are correct, phrasing wise doesn't feel strong enough if the rhythm is not varied in terms of note values combinations.

Now, my suggestion would be to take the best out of this jam and create a new super take.

If I were you, I'd probably go for these phrases:

0:14-0-16 - great phrase utilizing raking technique!
0:36 -0:45 - this whole section sounds awesome. Pay attention to the bending pitch there but otherwise, tone wise and dynamics wise is very strong sounding.

Maybe try to create another take using the sections and phrasing from the above? As always, my suggestion is to always go for short and strong solo and I think you are almost there. Please jam along using the ideas that you played in those sections and feel free to upload new jams/takes, I'd love to hear how you evolve your take.



Sounds good Daeron!

If you feel about a challenge, I'd suggest to just jam along the backing track using these notes:





Of course, it would be just for fun - you don't need to upload anything here.







It is a pleasure to have you in this one!

0:00-0:25 - I think that this part is pretty strong sounding. It would be worth polishing up. Pay attention to the timing, in the beginning you are rushing in front of the beat with the phrases. Also, double check bending parts that you are reaching the correct pitches.

0:36-0:45 - now this shredding phrasing/licks bit is pretty awesome sounding. In the take you are playing it a bit sloppy but if you could get it down technique wise, I think that it would be a blast to include it as part of the solo.

0-48-0:53 - double stops and bending double stops here sound great. The rest of the take here goes into phrasing which is technically and musically correct but features repetitive phrasing in terms of rhythm. This backing makes it easy to fall into the trap of using "long notes" and "same note values combinations and rhythms" over and over again. To counter this, try to intentionally mix in different rhythms and note values. Split a quarter note into two 8ths, add pauses, combine and experiment

Overall, my suggestion with this take would be to combine the above ideas into a new, shorter and more compressed take.
You could also consider utilizing more double stops and double stop bending to add even more emotion.



Sounds like a plan! Looking forward to hearing what you come up with

Posted by: Jim S. Jun 14 2015, 02:07 AM

I always know by the first few bites if I'll join a collaboration and this one's got the "it". Instantly wrote lyrics for it and sang very nicely through it.

Seeing all the people in this place heavy,
We burrow ourselves until break levy
Across this table our eyes our eyes heavy
Told you I loved you we can now bury

This beautiful friendship took flight when nobody's looking

But I am never gonna wake up.... No I'll never wake up


Even in the silence your voice still rings heavy
Cause I'm drifting through life and you'll be the death of me when time is ready.

But I'm never gonna wake up.


I hope to put something unique to this one!

Posted by: Jim S. Jun 14 2015, 07:08 PM

Here is an acoustic lead that I made for this track. What do you think?

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 14 2015, 11:22 PM

WOW man, I didn't expect this!

It's awesome to have your vocals over this one.

Here are my impressions on the recording:

The vocal melodies and singing in this section is perfect, I wouldn't change a thing :

"Seeing all the people in this place heavy,
We burrow ourselves until break levy
Across this table our eyes our eyes heavy
Told you I loved you we can now bury"

...now the rest of the vocal melodies feel like they are not there yet. Don't get me wrong, they are good but somehow they feel like you were running out of ideas for the phrasing and note choice. The first verse sounds really good in terms of the melody and everything. I'd suggest re-working the rest in a similar manner and maybe going for a 2x verse 1x chorus type of structure. I think that the 2nd verse melody and others till the end were not on the level of the first verse phrasing and melody wise. Maybe simplify it and sing using the same melody again and then make a catchy chorus melody? You currently go for a bit of verse>bridge>chorus kind of melody structure with your singing.

Overall this was really fresh and your voice is so expressive - great job man!



00:00-0:23 - phrasing is really nice and interesting, it just that the timing feels to be rushed and you end up playing in front of the beat. Try playing the same thing laid back. This means you should essentially try being a bit late on purpose. I think that it would make solo really blend with the backing track then.

0:26-0:46 - what I imagined in this part when listening to it is the addition of double stops or even triads (mini chord strums) in this section over some of the notes, especially ones you pluck repeatedly several times. Something like this maybe but in the correct style of music Link : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Around-The-World-Russia/ ; http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Double-Stop-Melody/

00:47-end - I think that this was the most interesting part of the solo. What I'm missing in general would be playing more horizontally and changing positions. Acoustic guitar can sound awesome in lower positions on the neck and utilizing bass strings and then moving horizontally up the neck.

Overall, this was very fresh and the licks will fit the collab really well. First thing that came to my mind was the Scorpions Acoustica live album and solos from it :

Posted by: Chris S. Jun 15 2015, 01:52 AM

Hey Bogdan!

Not sure if I took a few steps forward or a few steps backward with this one:

https://soundcloud.com/stortzmusic/gmc-feelings-collab-take-two

The playing is a bit sloppy - my goal was to get some new ideas down rather than focusing on keeping it clean.

Any thoughts, mate?

Thanks!

EDIT: Forgot to cut the end of the track

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 15 2015, 06:56 PM

Hi Bogdan

this is the requested take...... i'm not conviced, but i'have done it

https://soundcloud.com/dizy-laurent/feelings-collab-v1-wtb

the guitar only track

tell me.... but personally i prefer the first take, i have the files if necessary !

[attachment=42217:Feelings_Collab_V1.mp3]

Laurent

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 15 2015, 10:31 PM

Let's go for this take Chris, I like it. With polishing it should work very well in the track!
Please concentrate on 0:24 section, there are some minor bugs in there otherwise pretty strong take theme wise.



Hey Laurent - this is it!
I have compared it with the original take and this one feels much stronger as it is defined, you play it well and rehearsed. You have captured really good feelings in this one, I think it will work well in the collab final mix. Please make the soundcloud take which is in the mix with the backing track downloadable (I need a file with the backing track and guitar only for mixing purposes).

Posted by: Ricky9 Jun 16 2015, 06:10 AM

I also would like to join if there is time, Here is my rough draft, criticism highly requested.

https://soundcloud.com/rickynine/feelings-colabmp3

Posted by: Opetholic Jun 16 2015, 08:23 PM

Hi Bogdan,
Thanks for the feedback
I chopped off my jamming and came up with the message I want to give for this track
 collab_2.mp3 ( 1.28MB ) : 192

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 16 2015, 09:23 PM

nice take Opethfriend

Daeron, i don't care about what you say, you can do nice stuff, you have give the proof at my collab project !

be honest and do a try

Laurent

Posted by: Daeron Jun 16 2015, 09:28 PM

In BB King Collab, that was easier for me because I had the mix made with the others jamming. I had to listen the jam and then imagine something that could fit.

Here, it's like a blank page and I don't know where to go !

Posted by: fzalfa Jun 16 2015, 10:16 PM

don't matter, work in the same way, listen the other contrib , the metric is simple, and it loop everytime, so you cannot be wrong !

Laurent

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 16 2015, 10:49 PM

Hey Ricky9, great to have you in this one!
There is a lot of time, we've just started this collab.

Here I go with my comments, I tried to be detailed

0:03-0:15 : octaves are a great and fresh idea! What I'm noticing and this is a tendency in other parts of your improv is that you like to stick to same rhythm patterns in your phrasing. When I say rhythm, I'm referring to a combination of note values. Phrasing is composed both of using different notes (pitches) and note values (duration of notes). To make the phrasing interesting, trick is to avoid playing the exact same rhythm patterns (random example : 2x 8th notes followed by 1 quarter note followed by 2x 8th notes) as then even though we change notes, the section remains too similar and starts to feel repetitive. I'm mention this because in the octaves section you play the same rhythm twice and the groove you chose slightly breaks the flow of the melody (it stops). Here you can see a good example of changing rhythm in the phrasing when playing with octaves: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Rhythm-Soul-Octaves/ ; http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/wes-montgomery-style-octaves/ ...I'd suggest changing the 2nd repetition of the octaves part with a more developed melody and rhythm, possibly going for higher positions on the guitar for more open sound.

0:15-0:24 - this is interesting question and answer phrasing. What I'm reacting this when listening to it is the straight 8th notes run which starts the lick. It sounds just a bit like a scale exercise. Maybe try to spice it up and change the first repetition of it in terms of breaking down the run to different note durations (you can break 2x 8th notes into 1 quarter note). it is an interesting lick, it just needs more dynamics and tricks to make it feel more expressive.

0:26-0:47 - this part sounds like ok jamming but it doesn't have the x factor previous parts/licks have. We could skip this section.

0:48-end - this part of the solo rocks. I like how smooth you play it, the phrasing here is more interesting and you also play it a bit bouncy and swingy which is great.

My suggestion for a final take would be to rework 0:00-0:24 section per comments above and connect it straight to 0:48-end licks you played. This should work well for the collab track.





Great please send me all the files :

1. Guitar solo with the backing track
2. Guitar solo without the backing

I think that this take sounds very nice and I really like that it is focused. Great job man!
There is a small tendency of rushing a bit here and there but I think I can fix it in the final mix but moving the whole take just a bit behind the beat making it "late on purpose"



What I'd do and which I'd suggest everyone (hint hint) is to steal some licks from this lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/C-Minor-Soul-Blues/

Especially ones which are played when the backing track stops, everyone seems to be making a pause there instead of a solo which functions as a bridge.

Seriously, you could listen to the lesson to get inspiration and then even sing a short melody. In the end, I'll probably need only short bits of solos for the final mix to make it effective and diverse.

You can use the notes from the C minor pentatonic scale or C minor scale as a notes choice/pallet.

Posted by: Ricky9 Jun 17 2015, 12:38 AM

Thanks for the feedback Bogdan, i will definitely work on this, that's what makes this colabs so awesome. Having direct feedback from you guys just makes u better players, Thanks a lot. See you soon with a new take.

Posted by: Jim S. Jun 17 2015, 05:49 PM

Hey Bogdan the scorpions were one of my first bands I ever listened to. Rock you like a hurricane!!!!!! So cheesy yet good it its own right.
As for the collab, your suggestions are great and I will try and bring it all together in a new take. You were right about the vocal phrasing and the guitar solo. If I can combine them it will sound really great! Have a good day!

Posted by: Opetholic Jun 17 2015, 06:58 PM

Hi Bogdan,

Thanks for the kind words
I am attaching here the solo without backing track, and the one with the backing track you already have.
 collab_2_nb.mp3 ( 1.16MB ) : 176

Posted by: Ricky9 Jun 17 2015, 07:06 PM

ok guys here we go take 2, pls let mek now what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/rickynine/feelings-colabtake-2mp3

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 17 2015, 11:42 PM

Awesome, thanks for the files Opetholic!
Can't wait to see how your takes will fit in the final mix.



Wow, this was great Ricky! I'm really impressed by this take.
I love your feeling, dynamics and tone in this one. Please send me all the files (solo with the backing track and take without the backing track included). Solo wise, I'm feeling that the section 0:48-end feels weaker than the rest of the solo in terms of not having a clear path, defined melody etc. Sounds more like jamming and extra section which you were not sure what to put in. General impression is that your solo perfectly ends at 0:48 so I think we can just skip the later section in the final mix as the rest of the solo is really well defined and has a great vibe and story. Which gear/guitar did you use to record this one?

Posted by: Ricky9 Jun 18 2015, 12:48 AM

No Bogdan, I want to thank you for pushing me do better and for that i thank you again. As far as recording i use my ibanez 8 string iron label with dimarzio ionizer pickups. Those pups are great for all kind of styles of music not just metal like most people belive strings are for, second i use my boos gt-10 which i finally figure out how to setup for recording thanks to some guy on youtube( thanks god for youtube) and lastly my daw is magix music maker 2015. Not much done as far as tone done in the daw other that regular mixing stuff and compression. Ok here are the files, let me know if you need anything else.

 feelings_colabsolo.MP3 ( 2.33MB ) : 169

 feelings_colabtake_2.MP3 ( 2.33MB ) : 180

Posted by: Marek Rojewski Jun 18 2015, 09:59 AM

Hi Bogdan, here is my "to work upon" take, some spaces aren't filled yet with the licks I want, and there is much cleaning to be done, but decided to share already and ask for feedback

 feelings.mp3 ( 1.18MB ) : 189


Cheers

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 18 2015, 09:44 PM

Thanks for the files Ricky! Very interesting, I didn't expect this one to be recorded on an ibanez guitar.
You managed to get a very smooth and quality sound which fits the backing track really well! Can't wait to see how it turns out in the final mix.



Great to have you in the collab Marek!

I have listened to your take and here are my impressions :

Tone wise : this is what jumps at me before anything else. The is room to improve the guitar tone. First detail is that there is too much reverb and/or delay. Usual rule is that when you can clearly hear the effect applied, then there is too much of it. I'd start here making it much more subtle. Next, I'd check if the character of the tone can be improved by lowering the amount of gain. Currently, the guitar tone is too sharp and sounds too "digital" in the lack of better words. Maybe post what kind of gear you have and others could help with dialing in a more organic sounding tone. Sorry for writing a paragraph about tone, but I think that having a good tone is a big thing as if the tone is not very good it casts a huge shadow on the whole performance for the end listener.

Phrasing/solo impressions :

00:00-14 : this section is interesting phrasing wise. I like how you throw in the pinch harmonic in there.

00:14-00:24 : this ascending section where you repeat the same motive going up the neck is a good idea but there are two details to consider. The repetitive motive needs to be more catchy to motivate repetition and the ending lick needs to be extra strong and well thought of to serve as a sort of climax. In this version you end up on bended note which feels to be slightly off pitch. Try making a stronger ending there, possibly on a higher note and possibly do a huge bend with added vibrato on top of the bend if possible.

Now the rest of the take to me feels a bit too drafty at this stage. I mean it is ok but feels like jamming and like you are looking for "the licks" to use. So, instead of commenting about what could have been done there, I'd like to outline some of the individual licks which I found cool sounding :

0:33 - cool and effective pinch harmonics lick
0:42 - again another cool pinch harmonics lick (take care of bending here)
0:55 - cool note choice for ending a phrase
1:04-end - interesting licks here

My general impression based on this take is that you tried to go for more of "licks" approach in composing this solo. It is a bit noticeable that you are having a bit of trouble with the "rhythm phrasing". When coming up with cool solo phrases, we need to worry about tons of factors such as note choice, timing, dynamics, expressive techniques etc. I have a feeling that in this take you have focused more on the note choice aspect rather than timing. This results in a lot of notes being played with the same rhythm (note durations) pattern which gives a solo a repetitive and predictive feeling.

I know that there is a lot to take in from this feedback, but I think it would be really worth it in the end.

As I'm practical person myself, I usually like to keep things organized and clean so if I were you I'd probably do the following :

1. Play with the guitar tone until I find a smooth, warm sounding tone which suits a ballad kind of backing track and blends in.
2. Take what was being play until 0:14 and build upon it. To achieve unbiased melody, I'd probably try to sing the rest of the solo over the backing track and once I find something I like, I'd try to find out how to play it on the guitar.
3. When composing the solo, I would force myself to be aware of my rhythm choices and which note durations I play. I would try to stay away from repeating same patterns or playing too many notes in a row using a same note duration. This should lead to more fresh sounding phrasing.
4. I'd concentrate on coming up with a short and focused take which has a sort of "intro-verse-chorus (culmination)" structure. It doesn't have to be as long as the provided backing track

I'm really looking forward to hear what you think about all this Marek?

Posted by: bleez Jun 20 2015, 01:59 PM

Here's my efforts -
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/in-the-the-feels-collab

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 21 2015, 01:28 AM

Great, I'll be back with detailed feedback as soon as I check out the take on my monitoring speakers.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 21 2015, 04:55 PM

00:00-0:07 - first phrase ends on a note which sounds a bit weak. The safest option for notes which end the phrase and which are played as "long, sustained" notes is to use the notes from which the backing chords are made of. These are essentially notes found within arpeggios of the backing chords. This way you are guaranteed that you are using one of the strong notes and usual "rule" is to use these strong notes in two occasions: when chord changes happen and to end phrases and land on strong notes when they are accented in some way (in this case played as a long sustained note).

0:23-0:26 - great job play a cool lick in "solo" section where backing stops. It really worked well and feels catchy.

0:26-0:36 - this section is decent phrasing and note choice wise but slightly feels repetitive in relation to what you played in the previous sections. This is also the first section of the track where it comes to light that the solo is lacking in dynamics. Dynamics refer to many different things, so my suggestion would be to concentrate on varying the picking strength. Try accenting some notes by picking them louder and then playing some phrases really really soft. With this kind of solo, I was honestly waiting for it to climax and explode by changing a pickup position and really digging in and going for screaming notes higher up the neck and increasing playing intensity.

0:37-0:49 - this part sounds ok for a jam, but for a composed solo it feels more like an exercise and the phrasing didn't turn out as strong as in other parts of the take. I'd suggest skipping this section completely.

0:48-end - now this is the section which kinda hints for what I was imagining in your take when it comes to "climax" section but it would really need to be a bit stronger to achive the WOW effect (and we should all aim for WOWness in our playing ).

My final suggestion would be to start a climax section at 0:37. This way you end up with a shorter, but more defined solo which is always good. Also, tweak the 0:26-0:36 to feature more dynamics and act as a bridge to the climax section. It needs to be more intense than intro licks but leave room for ending section to explode. I'm suggesting all these details as I think you could pull it off. You've been practicing some cool blues lessons lately so I know you have some cool licks under your fingers. Let's take this solo to a pro level!

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 21 2015, 08:57 PM

OK, for me this is the hardest collab I have done, I'm just not getting anything from the backing. I really wanted to start angry and get happier but I just can't get anything.

I've put my bit of noodling down, maybe you can nudge me in the right direction. I think it all comes down to not having much of a lick library in my fingers. I have so much in my head but can't get it to my fingers.

Oh well, here is probably my worst piece ever submitted

https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/feelings-very-much-in-progress

Cheers Bogdan

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 21 2015, 10:29 PM

Hey Phil, this was a pleasant surprise after reading your intro where you hinted it sucks

Now, I'm completely serious in opinion that this is really good material. Let me tell you why, first of all I really liked that you went for a shorter solo. This is really important as the backing track is very long and one can get really tempted to go for the full length which can really go into jam/noodle mode easily.

Your take sounds pretty strong to me as it is, here are some things I'd suggest :

- 0:17-0:23 - try to come up with something cooler for this section
- 0:23 - long note sounds amazing! Great job there.
- Try playing with effects, I can really hear some crazy amount of reverb and/or delay in this solo - just for fun and to see if you can get the long notes to sound like landscape. Thing of the band Verve or Oasis vibes with atmosphere.

Overall, very nice take man. The guitar sound is high quality and I like that you went for the clean tone. Is that a strat guitar maybe?

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 21 2015, 10:46 PM

Thanks Bogdan,

I am amazed that you like it. Yes it is a Strat. It's my new Mexican HSH Strat see http://www.gak.co.uk/rs/pictures/tn1_109841.jpg

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: bleez Jun 22 2015, 08:19 AM

Im not sure about the pro level part but I'll have another go at it

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 22 2015, 10:57 AM

That is the beauty of music, you can get away with anything!
If you have a decent sound and stick to what you are comfortable playing, you can get away with a "pro" sounding label.
Pro doesn't necessarily mean playing fast or technically breathtaking There is a big tendency for everyone to try to play above their level technically which often results in sloppy sounding performance. Sometimes it is hard to judge "how much" of playing the song really needs. Pros do this amazingly well, they can judge the song and play it just right and what song needs. Even if it is the simplest solo in the world, they really lay it down. I really believe that we can all pull off a "pro" sounding take if we stick to our strengths and work hard on it.

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 22 2015, 08:34 PM

Thanks for your advice Bogdan.

Here is another go, on playback I did notice the timing was way off at 00:42 but didn't have time to re-take.

https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/feelings-still-very-much-in-progress

Thanks

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 22 2015, 11:14 PM

Hey Phil, this was interesting.

I like your tone better in this one and you start with very cool dynamics work.
Now, when comparing this take to the previous one, it is very different so its hard to say.

I kinda find the previous one a bit stronger sounding but this one has better dynamics work and guitar tone.

Here is my feedback for the new take:

0:04-0:14 - awesome dynamics and phrasing

0:14-0:20 - this section sounds a bit weaker phrasing and technique wise. When listening to both previous and this take, I'm noticing some issues with the hammer-on and pull-off techniques. You have a tendency to disregard timing when playing hammer-ons and somehow play them a bit too fast. With pull-offs, I'm not sure if I'm hearing it right but you might not be executing the technique correctly. Do you just lift off your finger from the string or you use the downward motion to actually flick/pluck the string when pulling off? This can make a huge difference in the sound of the pull-off.

I've made two lessons on these techniques, there are some exercises which you could work on to get the techniques in timing:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/How-To-Play-Pull-Offs/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/How-To-Play-Hammer-ons/


0:20-0:25 - sounds cool to me, the ending long note still sounds awesome

0:32-end : now this section is interesting. It reminds me of James Blunt - You're Beautiful. I think you should check out the mini solo in that song and "steal" some ideas. I'm noticing that you are missing a phrase or two to make the section stronger. With the phrases like this it is ok to repeat them as they are strong. Try analyzing the James Blunt solo to see how he fits "question and answer" phrasing. It sounds like human conversation and that makes the phrasing/section interesting. I could use a take with that kind of soloing as it should work really well overdubbed over other solos or vocals.

Maybe work on this take to refine it (you could also use stronger parts from the previous take to make a "super take")?

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 23 2015, 07:55 AM

Thanks Bogdan,

I'm not home at the moment but just to tell you there are no hammer ons or pull offs in that piece, there are only slides, some only a semitone up and back down.

I struggle to remember what I did on the previous take because I completely improvised it

I'll get back to you later.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 23 2015, 08:04 PM

Hello again Bogdan,

OK another take, I lost some of the original so I've just improvised some more.

Let me know what you think please.

https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/feelings-progress-running-out-of-ideas

Cheers

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 23 2015, 09:37 PM

This was smooth Phil!

There are lots of elements I'd "buy" from this take.
Could you please send me all the files (takes with backing and take without backing mixes)?

When it comes to details, I find the ending phrasing a bit weaker (0:42-end) but I don't think its worth re-recording everything just because of this phrase (which we might not end up using in the final mix, depending on how it will be structured).

Overall - I really like the vibe you went and your guitar sounds amazing.

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 23 2015, 09:47 PM

Thanks Bogdan,

The subtle change in tone from the first take was made by switching to single coil on the neck pickup of the Strat

I'll get the files to you tomorrow.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 24 2015, 06:20 PM

Very cool tone choice Mr. Phil!

Anyone else planning to join this one?

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 24 2015, 08:32 PM

Thank you, I appreciate it

Posted by: Chris S. Jun 25 2015, 03:39 AM

Voila'!

Final Take:

https://soundcloud.com/stortzmusic/gmc-feelings-collab-final

Guitar Only (No EQ):

 CollabFinalGuitarOnly.mp3 ( 1.12MB ) : 118


Guitar w/ Backing:

 CollabFinal.mp3 ( 1.12MB ) : 114

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 25 2015, 10:46 PM

Awesome - thanks for your take Chris, I like your slow bends and feelings they produce!

Please make the soundcloud file downloadable.



Here is a quick update

I currently have completed takes and files by: Opetholid, Ricky9, Fzalfa and Chris S.

I'm waiting for final files from: Phil66

I need status update from: Bleez, Jim S (for vocals tracks as well as acoustic solo), Marek Rojewski

There is also plenty of time for anyone else who'd like to join this collab!
If it is your first one, please let me know and I'll help you get involved

Posted by: Chris S. Jun 26 2015, 12:47 AM

Edited my post to include a download with the backing track

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 27 2015, 09:01 AM

Sorry for the delay Bogdan, tracks now supplied. Thanks for this collab

[attachment=42327:Feelings..._backing.wav]

[attachment=42328:Feelings_guitar.wav]

Cheers

Posted by: Jim S. Jun 28 2015, 04:15 AM

https://soundcloud.com/division-bridge/feelings-collab

Here is a little update a late a ding dong.....

Posted by: Nick6373 Jun 28 2015, 07:26 AM

Hey guys, I'm in and here's my take (with my brand new 7-string I got today!!!!!)
https://soundcloud.com/nick-peacock-7/feelings-collab-nick6373
(sorry for being so late, I haven't been on GMC for a pretty long time until today)

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jun 28 2015, 10:44 AM

What an amazing collab! so many cool takes, and fantastic vocals by Jim!!

Here is my contribution, use whatever you like from it.

 kris_feelings_w_backing.mp3 ( 2.04MB ) : 133

 kris_feelings_no_backing.wav ( 19.99MB ) : 135

Posted by: bleez Jun 28 2015, 11:19 AM

Im still working on my take The borderline lesson has taken most of my focus this week, but I'll have a new collab take tonight or tomorrow hopefully


Jim, you've really got a decent voice there. Very impressive vocals, Have you been singing for a long time?
btw I dig the 'shut the f$$K up' at the start! made me LOL!

Posted by: Jim S. Jun 28 2015, 02:35 PM

Hey thanks Kris!


Hey bleez thanks! Singing is new to me but I have been working on a singing program off an on for about 6 months. I'll do vocal exercises at work if no one is around or in my car if I'm on a long trip. I had about 4 too many beers last night and felt brave enough to leave that part in. My dogs ruined about 5 takes last night with all their barking.

Posted by: bleez Jun 28 2015, 10:10 PM

Hey Bogdan Here's what Ive got after working on your points. Ive dropped the middle part like you suggested and just gone with a shorter take. I really tried to work on building to more of a climax with faster runs and stuff with a bit more wow to it but tbh I just couldnt really play them! I tried to work more on dynamics though.
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/in-the-feels-collab-v2

guitar only
[attachment=42368:bleez_guitar_only.mp3]

I would have guessed you had been singing a lot longer dude, that's impressive. Ive always wondered if singing can be learned like guitar or if you really need to have a natural talent for it.

Posted by: Jim S. Jun 28 2015, 10:45 PM

Honestly I feel that like guitar it can be learned but some people have a more natural ability or where subjected to music early on. Practicing singing takes confidence and it's not quiet. Some of the excel used are very annoying as it tests all parts of your voice in exaggeration. You can't practice quietly and you also need a place where you can open up and let it out.
The thing that most people don't understand is that your singing voice needs to possess your talking voice. Finding a way to mix that voice with you head and chest can be difficult. But just with guitar most of it is technique. Once you learn a technique that takes the stress away from it then you can add life and style.

I do know that if I had started singing as I learned guitar then I would have excelled faster at both. I have so much to say about it, it needs its own post.

Thanks a lot for your kind words, it gives me some much needed motivation to be better!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 29 2015, 12:00 AM

Thanks Chris, I have downloaded the file and I'll let you know if I need anything else!




No problem at all Phil, I got the files and thank you for embellishing this collab!



I love opening the files you send me, they are always full of pleasant surprises and you never know what to expect!
This sounds cool to me, really amazing singing - I wouldn't change a thing. You've managed to capture a lot of emotion in this take. Also the acoustic solo feels much more composed and strong now.

Please send me all the files needed for mixing.



Hi Nick, great to have you in the collab - it is never too late!
I have listened to your take and I get good vibes from it on a first listen.

Here are my impressions and suggestions for possible improovments :

0:03-0:15 - excellent opening phrase. This whole section sounds like a good start to me. Maybe check the notes which you play longer in the ending section of the phrase to see if you can choose ones which sound a bit more stable in relation to the backing track. Usually the trick is to use chord notes here (notes from which the backing chords are built) as they are always your safe bet.

0:15-0:25 - suggestion here would be to add a bit of vibrato to longer sustained notes. Also pay attention to timing, you are playing a bit too ahead of the beat which sounds rushed.

0:25-0:45 - this section sounds the most interesting to me from this take. I’d use this one for the basis for the final take. You seem to run out of ideas in 0:40-0:46 part, maybe double check that.

0:46-end - when listening to this section I can feel that you are jamming and running out of ideas where to go. This sounds ok as a jam, but I’d leave out this section in the final take. Generally, I don’t need full improv takes over the whole backing for the final mix.

Now, having said this my suggestions about the final take would be :

- Use the opening phrase (0:15) and those kind of licks more as well as polish up the performance of the 0:25-0:45 section to create a final take. When I say polish up, I’m mostly referring to choosing stronger notes for those which you land on and play sustained and longer. Longer notes also benefit from added vibrato. Also, try to be more laid back in terms of timing (be late on purpose! ) and check the bending notes to see if they are reaching the correct pitch.

- Fix the guitar tone : currently there is too much gain and reverb in the tone. Try rolling off a bit of treble too. This will help you get a more organic tone. Please double check the guitar tuning before recording.

- General improv/soloing suggestion: maybe experiment with using more of “breathing” in your solos/improv. This means making pauses in the phrases and licks. Pauses are a powerful tool in composing and could potentially freshen up your playing considerably. Here are some lesson examples:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Improvisation-Breathing/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/the-importance-of-breathing/

- Since there was some usage of out-of-scale notes which sound weaker agains the backing track, my suggestion would be to double check the scales used. The safest ones to use would be C pentatonic minor and C Aeolian.

Overall - I think that your take features good material and just needs polishing up. What I especially like about it is that it is quite different when it comes to emotions evoked which will greatly benefit the final mix.




Hehe love this kind of laid back yet ultra groovy playing.
Really smooth playing, the highlight for me are the singing long sustained notes (0:47-end).



Hey Bleez, this is a HUGE difference!
Honestly, there is not a note I don't like in this take. I think you nailed the dynamics, phrasing and correct solo build up and tone changes over the course of the track. This is a great take man, congratulations!

Please send me all the files.

Posted by: Jim S. Jun 29 2015, 01:22 AM

Nick Ill say that there are quite a few spots in your solo which attracted me tonally and seemed to have direction. One that stands out long after hearing your take is the Low B pedal tone that you use. I bet if you could use your wammy bar to spring out of that into a theme off your best spots in the take. Nice Job!




Bleez I really like your take, it sounds great!

Hi Bogdan here are the files you requested. Each stem starts right on 1 so it shouldn't be any issues lining them up. Hey thanks btw, I'm glad you like em'

Posted by: Nick6373 Jun 29 2015, 01:53 AM

Thanks Bogdan, thanks Jim!!
Unfortunately, I don't have a whammy bar . I used a 7-string and the low string was just tuned to C.

Anyways, I've come up with another take keeping what was said in mind!
https://soundcloud.com/nick-peacock-7/feelings-collab-take2-nick6373

I didn't use the entire backing track this time , sorry.

Ohhhh, also, amazing singing Jim!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: bleez Jun 29 2015, 06:46 PM

Thank you kindly sir , I really do appreciate that
I edited the post with the my soundcloud file and attached the guitar only file.

Posted by: Nick6373 Jun 29 2015, 08:58 PM

I added an ending to my revised take:
https://soundcloud.com/nick-peacock-7/feelingcollab2-full
I'm not sure if it should be there or not to be honest.

Here's the revised take without the ending:
https://soundcloud.com/nick-peacock-7/feelings-collab-take2-nick6373

What do you guys think?

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 30 2015, 12:49 AM

Hi Nick, those are interesting takes!

I can notice improvement in the following areas:

- timing
- tone
- phrasing

Timing: this take features slightly calmer playing but I'd suggest focusing even more on this aspect. With a laid back backing like this one, it can really make a huge difference in the overall impression on the listener. 0:00-0:30 - licks in this section are played a bit ahead of the beat (rushed). Now notice the difference at 0:31-0:36 where you play more on top and behind the beat. This is what you should be aiming for. Just for fun, you can try moving your guitar take just slightly to the right in your DAW in relation to the backing to hear how the solo would sound "laid back". Improvements in this area (timing) would mean a great deal to your playing.

When it comes to tone, even though better it feels there is too much gain and space effects on it (delay/reverb) which make it a bit less organic. What kind of gear are you using to record your take? Another thing which improves the tone is how hard you press down on the frets as well as guitar tuning. Please always double check the guitar tuning to see if it spot on before recording. If this is a new guitar and it came with the strings on, maybe it would be worth to put on a new set if the ones on it area older (less stable tuning wise).

From these two takes, I'd go for the one without the ending. Ending section sounds more like a jam and lacks a bit of melodic structure and overall definition. Usually my thinking in situation like these is that if the section doesn't add anything cool or new which takes the song to a new level, it shouldn't be in the song then.

My overall suggestion would be to practice this solo a bit more to polish up on the licks and performance.
Goal should be to play them clean and with precise timing and sound.




Thank you mister!

@Jim S. - Thanks for the files. Could you please make the sound cloud file available for download (I need the mix file for reference).

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 2 2015, 02:42 PM

I'm setting the deadline for this collab for 15th of July.

There is plenty of time to join this one, anyone else planning to submit a take?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 4 2015, 01:55 PM

I'm struggling a bit with "feeling" this backing track. It doesn't really speak much to me, but maybe I'll try something on it anyway.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 4 2015, 11:47 PM

It would be awesome to have you in this one!
I think the nice trick to do here would be to try singing and then transcribing the melody on the guitar.
Backing track itself feels a bit open and doesn't impose any specific melodies etc to take which can make it feel just like you described as it is more of a blank canvas to paint on.

I do think you should be able to fit anything from slow and bluesy to full on shred.

Maybe just jam out a take to see what first comes out and then go from there?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 5 2015, 02:09 PM

I'll see what I can come up with. Heat is almost unbearable here, so I'm just sitting inside playing guitar all day. I'll give it a go with a few ideas.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 7 2015, 08:12 PM

Sounds like a plan!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 10 2015, 09:31 AM

5 more days left to submit a take, anyone else planning to give it a go?

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 11 2015, 12:15 AM

can i have two take in this project ?

Laurent

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 11 2015, 10:36 PM

I think that it would be more effective (focused) to have 1 take per participant in this one. But, please feel free to send a take just for fun if you wish

Posted by: Piotr Kaczor Jul 13 2015, 12:36 PM

What a great collab! Fantastic backing track. Can I try, Bogdan?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 14 2015, 01:22 PM

Backing track doesn't speak to me at all. I just get more and more frustrated with it, so I'm gonna skip this one.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 14 2015, 04:17 PM

Yes it would be an honor

Posted by: Piotr Kaczor Jul 15 2015, 02:30 PM

I hope it's not too late

Here is my take:

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 15 2015, 05:27 PM

Laurent

Posted by: Sensible Jones Jul 15 2015, 05:48 PM

Beautiful note choices Piotr!!!

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 15 2015, 09:37 PM

Sweet

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 15 2015, 09:51 PM

No problem Cael, don't force it if the track doesn't inspire you!



WOW - this was truly beautiful!
Love the creamy tone

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 19 2015, 03:30 PM

Hey everyone - I'm back with a final mix!

First of all I'd like to say that it was a real pleasure putting this one together and that you all did a great job on polishing up your takes and making them musical. They all worked well together in making the final song possible. Special thanks goes to Jim S. for providing great vocals, it made a big difference to the overall track.

Link to the final mix of the Feelings Collab :
 Feelings_Collab.mp3 ( 7.82MB ) : 218



Cast (in order of appearance) :

fzalfa - 0:00-0:35
Nick6373 - 0:35-0:40
Kristofer Dahl - 0:40-0:52
Jim S. (Vocals) and Phil66 (Guitar) - 0:52-1:33
Bleez - 1:38-1:52
Chris S. and Ricky9 - 2:05
Chris S. - 2:05-2:17
Ricky9 - 2:17-2:38
Opetholic - 2:40-3:00
Kristofer Dahl - 3:00-3:30
Piotr Kaczor - 3:30-end

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 19 2015, 04:18 PM

Thanks Bogdan,

Sounds great, well done everyone. I like the way you mixed my guitar with Jim's vocals The whole take wouldn't be out of place in a late night session at a jazz blues club

Cheers all

Posted by: fzalfa Jul 19 2015, 04:26 PM

damn awesome !!!!!!!

we are fuck'in great !!!

Laurent

Posted by: Ricky9 Jul 19 2015, 05:22 PM

Good job everyone!!! This came out great.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 19 2015, 10:16 PM

Yeah, I really liked how well it worked with the vocals and helped enhance the vibe and make the melodies stronger.




Yes we are!
It always strikes me how cool technology is when it allows us, musicians from all parts of the world, to create unique music together.




BTW - part at 2:29-2:33 rocks. It is very memorable and it gave me somehow John Frusciante vibes.

Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Jul 20 2015, 01:33 PM

Awesome!! I think we did a fantastic job here. Highlights were Jim's vocals and it was also really cool to have Piotr drop in with his trademark lines!

...and there is a http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54696&hl= collab were we could do it all again..!