Our collaborations keep on getting better and better, and we still continue exploring new styles and sounds. This time I've decided to create a Neo Soul Style backing track in order to create a guitar oriented track that sounds warm, groovy and modern. The cool thing about this one is that both beginner and advanced guitarists will find this one funny to jam.
The tune is in E minor so the first scale choice that I recommend is E Pentatonic minor.
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/scalegenerator
You can add blue note and some other passing notes to this one, and more advanced players can try other minor modes like Aeolian and Dorian and see what they get.
IF YOU NEED HELP LET ME KNOW! I'M HERE TO GUIDE YOU.
IMPORTANT INFO About files required:
In order to make the things easier for compiling takes and mixing I need that each participant shares 3 files:
- Audio file with the mix of the backing and your guitar. - Audio file only with your guitar (If possible this audio should have the same length than the mix version) - Video of you playing the solo, and if it's not possible a picture. (Mp4 format if it's possible)
The best way to share this is compressing in a zip file to be downloaded from here or using sharing service as dropbox, wetransfer, and copying the link here.
If you decide to share your files using soundcloud please remember to "allow downloads".
Thanks!
DEADLINE: February 6th
PS: Are you a new member? A GMC collaboration is based on a backing track over which you can add your playing (solos, arrangements, vocals, other instruments) and share it here. Then I'll mix everything to build a full song.
----------- END RESULT -----------
Posted by: bleez Jan 19 2017, 08:17 AM
that is a seriously cool ass backing track
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 19 2017, 01:17 PM
QUOTE (bleez @ Jan 19 2017, 04:17 AM)
that is a seriously cool ass backing track
I've been jamming over it since I've recorded it yesterday. It's addictive.
You're welcome friend!
Who else would like to join?
Posted by: coffeeman Jan 19 2017, 09:01 PM
I'm in! It's only audio collab, or is it video too?
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 20 2017, 12:17 AM
Video Collab, but as always, I'm sure gab would take a still photo if you don't want to shoot a vid BTW count me in too!
Todd
QUOTE (coffeeman @ Jan 19 2017, 04:01 PM)
I'm in! It's only audio collab, or is it video too?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 20 2017, 12:42 AM
QUOTE (coffeeman @ Jan 19 2017, 05:01 PM)
I'm in! It's only audio collab, or is it video too?
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 19 2017, 08:17 PM)
Video Collab, but as always, I'm sure gab would take a still photo if you don't want to shoot a vid BTW count me in too!
Todd
Cool friends! Welcome!
Yeah, it's a video collab! But I can accept a photo if you can't provide a vid.
Posted by: Phil66 Jan 20 2017, 09:08 PM
Just putting some preliminary ideas out there. Plenty of errors but just winging it. Love the backing but ideas are sparse It does go right to the very end though.
Just putting some preliminary ideas out there. Plenty of errors but just winging it. Love the backing but ideas are sparse It does go right to the very end though.
I'm going to stick with the harmonics for the intro I think they go quite well.
I do too Both of your takes so far have some very cool licks. Good work duder.
Posted by: Phil66 Jan 22 2017, 10:40 PM
Thanks Scott, appreciated
The hard bit is stringing the cool licks together
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 23 2017, 05:40 AM
Nice playing Phil! This new take incorporates some new great stuff! The harmonics at the beginning work great, and the phrasing is very tasty and groovy! I also like the funky rhythm added just after the harmonics, I think that this idea can also work, but it has some timing issues. This could be a good opportunity to tight your funky rhythm playing, so my suggestion is to practice and polish it.
Thanks for your input mate!
Posted by: bleez Jan 23 2017, 07:58 PM
felt like a wah kinda thing
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/neo-soul-take
Posted by: Phil66 Jan 23 2017, 08:46 PM
That's brilliant Scott, puts mine to shame I tried some wah but couldn't get it right, auto wah and T wah just don't seem to cut it, maybe it's the way I had them set up.
This is my favourite of mine so far. The funky rhythm still needs polishing, if I don't get it right maybe someone else could do some there instead. I quite like the lead work though and there is a bit of vibrato in there that just hits me for some reason @ 00:30, it's very subtle but there's something about it I like and I don't know what it is
Not at all sir I like how your takes have been developing, you'll have a cracking solo when you're finished.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 24 2017, 03:03 AM
QUOTE (bleez @ Jan 23 2017, 03:58 PM)
felt like a wah kinda thing
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/neo-soul-take
Feels like you've rocked this one! I love it man. The groove, the note choices, the tone, the wah, everything is perfect! Thanks for taking the time to record a solo for this one.
QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 23 2017, 04:46 PM)
That's brilliant Scott, puts mine to shame I tried some wah but couldn't get it right, auto wah and T wah just don't seem to cut it, maybe it's the way I had them set up.
This is my favourite of mine so far. The funky rhythm still needs polishing, if I don't get it right maybe someone else could do some there instead. I quite like the lead work though and there is a bit of vibrato in there that just hits me for some reason @ 00:30, it's very subtle but there's something about it I like and I don't know what it is
Great job Phil! This one is much tighter! I think that your solo is great and that you should be proud of it! By the way, these collabs are a excuse to train your playing and creativity so it's great to see that your takes get better and better.
This last one is ok, but if you want to continue polishing it, it's also ok! Thanks for joining friend.
Posted by: Phil66 Jan 24 2017, 09:10 AM
Thanks Gab, I will keep on polishing every day as my warm up
Posted by: Sensible Jones Jan 24 2017, 07:34 PM
I'm in!!!
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 24 2017, 09:04 PM
Thought I'd try something different:
Posted by: Phil66 Jan 24 2017, 09:39 PM
Slightly different approach with no rhythm. What parts do you reckon are ok in this? I can take the best bits and throw away the rubbish.
Hi Phil, I don't think that there is rubbish on this one. It's a cool solo! The weakest parts, or maybe the parts that I enjoy less could be great with some more expressing work (dynamics, vibrato, bending, slides).
The parts that I consider less interesting from 19 to 24, 29 to 32 and from 41 to the end. The last part is because I feel that the idea was already used twice in the solo and becomes predictable.
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 24 2017, 10:45 PM
QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jan 24 2017, 09:45 PM)
Yeah! The track needs this mate! Well done. Please share the only keys file!
Thanks, Gab. I've saved the files, so I'll upload if I choose this solo, but I want to do a few more takes to see if I can do better.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 25 2017, 01:36 PM
QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jan 24 2017, 06:45 PM)
Thanks, Gab. I've saved the files, so I'll upload if I choose this solo, but I want to do a few more takes to see if I can do better.
Nice! Thanks Cael.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 1 2017, 01:58 PM
5 days to go guys! How is this going?
Posted by: coffeeman Feb 1 2017, 08:02 PM
I'll try to upload my take tonight!
Posted by: Phil66 Feb 1 2017, 08:48 PM
QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 1 2017, 12:58 PM)
5 days to go guys! How is this going?
Eeeek, the end date has come like a freight train, I'm in London until the 6th, if I don't manage another I can send a pic or create a pseudo video of me playing that you can use with the parts I've already done. Sorry Gab, I've been spending too much time in the bar with Mr Jack White in the town of Struggle
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 1 2017, 11:26 PM
QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 1 2017, 04:48 PM)
Eeeek, the end date has come like a freight train, I'm in London until the 6th, if I don't manage another I can send a pic or create a pseudo video of me playing that you can use with the parts I've already done. Sorry Gab, I've been spending too much time in the bar with Mr Jack White in the town of Struggle
Sure mate! There is a lot of stuff in those takes. Just remember to send me the only guitar files.
Posted by: Phil66 Feb 2 2017, 11:15 AM
Will do buddy, as soon as I return from London
Posted by: Sensible Jones Feb 2 2017, 04:40 PM
Should have mine up tomorrow Gab!!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 2 2017, 06:47 PM
QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 2 2017, 07:15 AM)
Will do buddy, as soon as I return from London
QUOTE (Sensible Jones @ Feb 2 2017, 12:40 PM)
Should have mine up tomorrow Gab!!
Cool guys! Thanks!
Posted by: GeneT95 Feb 2 2017, 09:49 PM
Eeks. Almost missed it. Getting ready to move.
Here are the files. I did three runs at it. Some good and some I shoulda boxed up and packed away. Not sure how well it will fit with the style, but it was fun to play.
Here are the files. I did three runs at it. Some good and some I shoulda boxed up and packed away. Not sure how well it will fit with the style, but it was fun to play.
It's a little bit rushed Gab, but here it is......... https://soundcloud.com/neilwaller/neo-club-collab-bt https://soundcloud.com/neilwaller/neo-club-collab-nbt
Posted by: ChrisGLP Feb 5 2017, 02:53 PM
Hi Gab, I have tried to play some rhythm with my new guitar to this absolutely awesome epic backing...
Wou!! Many great takes here! I'm so happy to open this thread and find your takes.
Thanks Chris, SJ and coffeeman!
I'll start mixing this one this week, so please keep on sharing your takes!
Posted by: Phil66 Feb 5 2017, 10:33 PM
Gab,
Sorry, I've been pushed hard for time today. I got home from London and found out that my mom was rushed into hospital again yesterday, she didn't want me to find out while I was in London because 1: She "didn't want to ruin my break away", bless her, and 2: She didn't want me rushing back up the motorway. Anyway I've been to see her, she is ok but has to stay in so I'll try to make a new video tomorrow with a new take and send you all of the guitar only files so that maybe you can fit them in with the video somehow if you use any from the older takes.
OK, I did another take with a new more melodic idea (I think).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjVBWmIkyuM
Here are the files including the mix files and guitar only files for my other attempts, I have no video for them though. Let me know if you need anything else Gab.
I'm sorry about your mother Phil. I hope that she gets better soon.
Thanks for the takes guys. I'll start mixing this one on tomorrow's morning.
Posted by: Phil66 Feb 7 2017, 09:35 AM
Thanks Gab
Mom's out of hospital. She has got to for weekly chest x-rays to find out why she has to keep being admitted to hospital with these attacks.
I hope the last take and video are OK Cheers
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Feb 7 2017, 05:41 PM
It does not look like I'll be able to submit anything useful in time - but it seems there will no shortage of cool takes anyway!!
Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 7 2017, 08:57 PM
Here you go, Gabriel. Sorry, been busy with starting school again, and I thought I'd already uploaded, but apparently not. Can you extract video from youtube?
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 7 2017, 09:19 PM
Any chance to push back just a few days maybe til Friday? I invited everyone to solo over your backing as part of the sunday shred challenge (Which I meant to ask your permission for btw, though I fear I forgot to) so I'm hoping there will be some cool takes to share in the collab this week If not I understand.
Todd
QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 6 2017, 06:29 PM)
I'm sorry about your mother Phil. I hope that she gets better soon.
Thanks for the takes guys. I'll start mixing this one on tomorrow's morning.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 8 2017, 01:22 PM
QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Feb 7 2017, 04:57 PM)
Here you go, Gabriel. Sorry, been busy with starting school again, and I thought I'd already uploaded, but apparently not. Can you extract video from youtube?
Thanks a lot Cael!
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 7 2017, 05:19 PM)
Any chance to push back just a few days maybe til Friday? I invited everyone to solo over your backing as part of the sunday shred challenge (Which I meant to ask your permission for btw, though I fear I forgot to) so I'm hoping there will be some cool takes to share in the collab this week If not I understand.
Todd
Really?? I'm so happy of reading this Todd! Ok! I'll start giving shape to the song, but I'll wait until the weekend to receive more takes! Thanks friend.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2017, 02:03 AM
Thanks much!
Todd
QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 8 2017, 08:22 AM)
Thanks a lot Cael!
Really?? I'm so happy of reading this Todd! Ok! I'll start giving shape to the song, but I'll wait until the weekend to receive more takes! Thanks friend.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 11 2017, 04:08 PM
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 8 2017, 10:03 PM)
Thanks much!
Todd
Please keep me updated!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 11 2017, 06:10 PM
Here is the link to where the submissions being for the collab. I"ve asked asked all the students to submit to you directly via the link I've provided. I fear they may be expecting me to send you their takes. Let me know if you need guitar only takes from anyone below this link and I'll get them for you!
I'm rendering out my take and it keeps crashing for some reason but I'll render something out, even if its without color corection. The magic bullet plugin is great but sometimes just acts strange and refuses to render.
Ok I used a tone I made that has a very U2/EDGE vibe to it on this one. Also, I'm not "Shredding" for the first time maybe ever. I'm doing more of a texture type of thing.
Here is my take with backing https://www.dropbox.com/s/z1u66tazekxbddn/with_backing.aif?dl=0 Without Backing https://www.dropbox.com/s/rvyhkd3p2q6wfbw/without_backing.aif?dl=0 and Preview/ Video
dropbox link to vid (uploading now) https://www.dropbox.com/s/x94e6cpr7dxsu98/soul720.mov?dl=0
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 12 2017, 05:28 PM
Downloaded Todd! Thanks a lot!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 12 2017, 10:19 PM
Sure thing I went for the exact opposite of what I usually play. I hope you can integrate BENS keyboard parts as well, they were really cool
Todd
QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 12 2017, 12:28 PM)
Downloaded Todd! Thanks a lot!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 14 2017, 01:06 AM
I have the mix and it's beautiful! Working on the vid!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 14 2017, 03:11 AM
Awesome!!!
Todd
QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 13 2017, 08:06 PM)
I have the mix and it's beautiful! Working on the vid!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 14 2017, 09:45 PM
Are you ready to hear a new GMC masterpiece??
Posted by: bleez Feb 14 2017, 11:18 PM
QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 14 2017, 08:45 PM)
Are you ready to hear a new GMC masterpiece??
Aw man! 4 times I clicked that before I realised it wasn't a video
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 14 2017, 11:45 PM
QUOTE (bleez @ Feb 14 2017, 07:18 PM)
Aw man! 4 times I clicked that before I realised it wasn't a video
Posted by: GeneT95 Feb 14 2017, 11:57 PM
Don't worry bleez. I'm sure your clicking wasn't worse then me first putting on headphones, then clicking to the last page, and realizing I had been duped.
I left the headphones on a while. Thought it might make me feel better.
Posted by: Kristofer Dahl Feb 15 2017, 10:58 AM
Aaaand the wait is over:
Well done guys - we have started exploring such cool genres recently!
Posted by: bleez Feb 15 2017, 01:11 PM
Hell yes that turned out brilliant. where did the vocal / rap parts come from? they were great.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 15 2017, 01:16 PM
I love it! Great job everybody!
For the vocals I've used different hip hop and soul samples that I've found in youtube. I think that it's a cool trick to make instrumental music say something else.
Posted by: Sensible Jones Feb 15 2017, 03:16 PM
Yet another awesome job by everyone!!! Especially Gab for putting it all together!! Can't wait to see what we're doing next!!!
Posted by: Phil66 Feb 15 2017, 08:59 PM
Brilliant, well done everybody especially you Mr Leopardi Sir, another incredible video I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone when I say thank you for putting the time and effort in for us to create a video as good as this, hopefully it will not only inspire us but it will inspire others to have a go.
I love this, it's one of my favourite and has actually made me want to get into some https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo_soul and Hip Hop but maybe some of the more hard core stuff rather than the commercial stuff I've heard.
Can't wait for the next one, come on people, it doesn't matter if you only play one note, it will make the mix somewhere so venture out of the darkness and join us, everyone is more than welcome
Posted by: ChrisGLP Feb 16 2017, 06:34 AM
The video with these voices is awesome.... Thx Gab!
Hey bleez... how have you done this incredible epic sound... a patch for the hd500x?
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 16 2017, 07:04 AM
Super congrats to everyone on another killer tune and job well done by Gabe in writing this and putting it all together! It's a HUGE job to get all this to work together!
Todd
Posted by: bleez Feb 16 2017, 09:28 AM
QUOTE (ChrisGLP @ Feb 16 2017, 05:34 AM)
Hey bleez... how have you done this incredible epic sound... a patch for the hd500x?
thanks dude I got a Kemper...... and we are very happy together The profile I used there was a '69 Marshall + Timmy pedal from MBritt ( with my crybaby in the front )
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 17 2017, 02:59 AM
I think I"m the only guy without a kemper!! So you got a kemper and an 11 rack? All you need now is an AXE FX and HELIX and you are set for life
Todd
QUOTE (bleez @ Feb 16 2017, 04:28 AM)
thanks dude I got a Kemper...... and we are very happy together The profile I used there was a '69 Marshall + Timmy pedal from MBritt ( with my crybaby in the front )
Posted by: bleez Feb 17 2017, 09:41 AM
QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 17 2017, 01:59 AM)
I think I"m the only guy without a kemper!! So you got a kemper and an 11 rack? All you need now is an AXE FX and HELIX and you are set for life
Todd
yes please, all of those would be great, also throw in one of those sick looking headrush boards to help me bust out a few sarah longfield licks
My plan was to sell the 11R and throw the proceeds at the kemper because despite my cavalier purchase of the KPA Im not rich by any means but I cant bring myself to get rid of the 11R!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 18 2017, 04:58 AM
I too can't bring myself to sell my 11r. I just like it too much and I've spent too much time making presets that I like. It's one of the few processors that I've been able to tweak and get the tone I was really looking for. Before that, the only other thing able to do it for me was OVERLOUD TH2. Then again, I"ve yet to try an Axe or Kemper But I do hope to own both at some pont. Also, the resale value of the 11r is only about $250 or so, and for that price, I'll keep it Since avid stopped development on them, they got nice and cheap which is how I bought one start with. The original price was over a thousand bux.
Todd
QUOTE (bleez @ Feb 17 2017, 04:41 AM)
yes please, all of those would be great, also throw in one of those sick looking headrush boards to help me bust out a few sarah longfield licks
My plan was to sell the 11R and throw the proceeds at the kemper because despite my cavalier purchase of the KPA Im not rich by any means but I cant bring myself to get rid of the 11R!