My Gmc Journey, It's just the beginning Options

[Todd Simpson]

Your guitar teacher was quite wise Some killer tunes have been written with only a few chords and an interesting melody. That's what's great about songwriting It can be simple and still be good. Also short and good

Th steps you are making are ok But, don't resume to that and indeed, if the lady muse doesn't come to visit, it's a hell of a job to write a good tune without a good idea.

I for one have had a whole year in which I haven't written anything - 2013 that is I have had some nice ideas since this year and I have recorded them and got them ready for being used at the right moment.

What I wanted to underline, was the fact that you don't and shouldn't become frustrated when you feel that no good ideas are coming Leave the natural flow of things to occur and they will come when you least expect them.



Thank you Todd I had a guitar teacher about 10 years ago and we always had this discussion - 'Chris, show me interesting chords and teach me about harmony!'

He always replied: 'Are you able to build at least 5 different songs with the same three or four chords?' 'You should be able to do that first!'

It took me about 7-8 years to understand what he actually meant

[Cosmin Lupu]

At that time, yeah, he used to be! But in the last 10 years, since that story took place, he kind of choked his personality in order to become John Petrucci - he is totally obsessed with the guy ... too bad - he used to have some nice tunes being written in that period.. but nevertheless, I have learned a lot from him!

[Jim S.]

At that time, yeah, he used to be! But in the last 10 years, since that story took place, he kind of choked his personality in order to become John Petrucci - he is totally obsessed with the guy ... too bad - he used to have some nice tunes being written in that period.. but nevertheless, I have learned a lot from him!

I've always had a man-crush on JP. That nose, that sexy-sexy nose......

[Cosmin Lupu]

I've always had a man-crush on JP. That nose, that sexy-sexy nose......

I think he looks a lot sleeker without that ling hair which is thinning down into oblivion, but nevertheless, who am I to judge his looks? I am interested in his guitar playing But, frankly, I haven't been able to listen to Dream Theater in a LONG time... guess I'm growing old

[Jim S.]

I think he looks a lot sleeker without that ling hair which is thinning down into oblivion, but nevertheless, who am I to judge his looks? I am interested in his guitar playing But, frankly, I haven't been able to listen to Dream Theater in a LONG time... guess I'm growing old

If I remember correctly I believe a few if his solo albums were very impressive. Dream theatre are fairly new to me and I feel the same way. Not sure if I'm digging the voice much. It's like Rush, they have some great hits and awesome musicians but I can't hear it anymore. I too must be getting older..

You've reminded me of a solo from Lifeson, I believe it was on Rush set 3. It set fire to my mind and I never found it again. Could never find it

[Cosmin Lupu]

If I remember correctly I believe a few if his solo albums were very impressive. Dream theatre are fairly new to me and I feel the same way. Not sure if I'm digging the voice much. It's like Rush, they have some great hits and awesome musicians but I can't hear it anymore. I too must be getting older..

You've reminded me of a solo from Lifeson, I believe it was on Rush set 3. It set fire to my mind and I never found it again. Could never find it

Frankly, I can't listen to Dream Theater anymore, simply because I grew tired of this music and aside a few albums, which truly have amazing compositions backed up by tremendous musicianship. the newer stuff is just sports. If I want sports, I'll put on a pair of shorts and start running outside

John's solo album is pretty tight! Here are my favorite tunes off it:

[Jim S.]

So after the New year has begun. I'd like to reflect on where on what I've learned and where I'd like to be after another year. Last year I spent many many hours working with computer software and although I have increased my exposure to writing drums and getting guitar tones, the truth is I need a new computer. Period.

I have also learned to not waste time either so until I get a new computer I'd like to spend that time working on singing and writing original songs. I'd also like to start learning licks just short licks that I can use to warm up and practice the technical stuff.

Honestly not quite sure how far I've come as far as technique this year but I am aware of my hands while I play. They still seem to drift off the guitar into an old hand position I've gotten used to.

I feel more confident and ready to start again as long as I don't wind up in jail... Long story I have court tomorrow.

[Jim S.]

It's been a while since I just updated this with a video and this one is from Soul Comping from Stephane L. I only took the backing and some of his chords. The whole thing is improv and there are some issues with timing and pitch BUT this is tho compare my first improv take. I kind of feel that the real result of practice comes from improvisation. In general musicality has gone up and I'm finding it a little easier resolving phrases even if I
A bit lagging behind the beat.

I'm starting to learn more licks on a regular basis which is a first for me. Anyways this place is great!


Leave off with a joke I saw today.

A C Eb and G walk into a bar, Bartender says "no minors allowed!"