Printable Version of Topic

Click here to view this topic in its original format

GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ New Old User.....aminor 12 Bar Blues Inspired By Gabriel Lesson

Posted by: richmclean Apr 6 2015, 11:27 PM

Hi,
I just joined (again) and immediately started checking out Gabriel Leopardi lessons. Thought I would brush up on some blues phrasing so I checked out his Blues Licks lesson. I enjoyed the lesson then made use of what I learned to record over his backing track. I've attached an mp3 for sharing purposes. Feedback is appreciated.

I hope everyone is having a good day,
Rich

Am12BarBlues_richmclean_InspiredBy_GabrielLeopardi_BluesLicks1.mp3 ( 469.92K ) : 168

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Apr 7 2015, 11:17 PM

Hey Rich - great to have you back!

I think that this was a solid blues improv. What I'd suggest here would be to incorporate more pauses in your playing.
You rip out this take without any pause and the licks individually sound very nice and strong. Try adding pauses in between the phrases to see how it feels.

Here are two lessons on this topic for inspiration:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Improvisation-Breathing/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/the-importance-of-breathing/

Tone wise, the guitar sound was a bit thin and trebish. Try taking away a bit of treble and gain to see if you can get a bit more "body" in the sound. Experiment with the "mid" tone pot on the amp to see how it affects the tone.

I'd love to see another take over this backing where you experiment with adding pauses in between phrases. If you want to take it further, you could also experiment with dynamics (how hard or soft you pick each note) and start the solo playing softly and then working your way up to climax where you would play higher up the neck and really digging into the strings to make them scream.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 9 2015, 04:29 AM

Hi Rich! Welcome to GMC!

Let me say that you started doing what I think is the best you can do with GMC lessons. Learn them and then use the ideas to create your own licks, phrasing and music. It's the best way to get the most from the lessons and to really incorporate what you learn. So, congrats about this move!

Your playing sound consistent on this improvisation. I can notice that you have good and strong picking and very tight timing. When I listen to your solo I have a similar feeling than Bogdan, your phrases don't rest, you don't use silence as a part of your phrasing and this can make your phrasing monotone. If you want to create organic phrases, that go natural and that are felt natural, you need to let them breath, how? Use silences. Here you have an example of what I mean:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-Phrasing/

Listen to that lesson and notice how the Jonathan articulates the different phrases, and how he uses silence to mark the beginning and end of each phrase. He creates a feeling of curiosity in listener, you become anxious of what he will play next, does it happen to you?

I would also work a bit on your tone. I feel that it has too much distortion for this style, and it makes your playing lack dynamics. Try using less distortion, without losing sustain and use dynamics as an expression tool.

Again, your playing is really good, but some feeling and composing adjustment can take it to the next level.

Cheers!

Posted by: richmclean Apr 9 2015, 04:14 PM

Bogdan, Gabriel,

Thank you very much for taking the time to listen to my take and providing your expert opinions and advice. I hear what you are saying about the lack of pauses. I can tell I need to let my guitar breathe. I will check out the suggested lessons and use them to improve my playing. I will also work on improving my tone using your suggestions.

Thank you again. I will post a follow up take once I have improved.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 10 2015, 02:03 PM

Sounds great Rich! Looking forward the follow up takes.