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Comments
Just saying..
I found it too intense overall for the backing. For this particular track, it's quite 'square 1/16 note'y', especially in the latter part and perhaps the phrasing/rhythm could be varied to allow it to flow and breathe more, with more of a nod to the rhythm/groove of the backing.
Being ultra picky, there's a bit that sounds slightly odd around 16s. But kudos for sticking your neck out and posting. You're obviously a very good player with good technique. It's easy being an armchair critic and I'm sure I'd get lots of criticism if I invited comment on doing something similar.
I haven't heard the original song - are you copying the solo note for note? If I had a comment on the composition it would be that it's a tad episodic, like a series of short well-rehearsed sequences put together - so it slightly lacks movement or progression. It's not an f# minor static chord throughout, there's quite a lot of harmonic interest underneath, so you have plenty of opportunity to write something that takes the listener through the harmonies from start to finish in one fell swoop. Rhythmically too you can try breaking away from the disciplined semiquaver approach to make the most of the chord progressions and rhythms, to accentuate the flow of the harmony.
Supportact said: [my style is] probably more an accumulation of limitations and bad habits than a 'style'.
Thanks for the advice though, I appreciate it all
What exactly is it you're looking for critique wise? Knowing that will help give you direction and focus your work.
Is this improv or a composed solo? I'm guessing improv and that's where you're looking for advice?
In any case, I'd think about your phrasing. It tends to lurch from one unrelated phrase to the next. So think about the narrative of the solo.
To help this, think about all the great pop guitar solos (Lukather etc) and compose some of your own. Imagine you're doing a session for the artist in question. Start with just a 4 bar solo and try and make it the perfect melodic pop guitar solo. Then extend it to an 8 bar solo, 16 bar and so on.
To help with the melodic aspect, maybe start with the actual vocal melody and then sing something yourself, really trying to match your playing with it (don't sing what you play!) That will help timing issues too.
Doing the above really helped me become more melodic with my improv which is something I'm constantly striving for, sometimes working, sometimes failing haha it's a constant struggle!
And absolutely no 16ths for the time being!
You've got great chops, and there are flickers of really nice lines so try and inhabit a different headspace for a bit and see where it takes you.
Keeps us updated
JM build | Pedalboard plans
I've got the melody worked out now and some of the chordal tone stuff so I can work on that.
But as this is a composed solo perhaps try out that approach while being a little more selective with where you show off your legato technique? It may give your flashy passages more impact when you do them?
All in my opinion of course.
It has a lot of what are becoming stock licks for me, but I'm quite pleased with how it all fitted together. One thing I did a fair bit is mirror the vocal melody, either in exact notes or rhythmic ideas - this is an easy way of making a solo really sound like it belongs there.
As far as critique for the OP's own solo - the technique is all there and sounds good, and although timing was brought up I don't think that's a major worry. I would, however, work on the pitching and smoothness of the vibrato/bending a little bit, and in terms of phrasing, something that might immediately make it fit better would be ending phrases on A, rather than F# - think of it as A major pentatonic rather than F# minor pentatonic. Same notes, I know, but it does make a difference. Also, kudos for putting your playing out there, I wish more people on here would!
Good technique! Nice phrases. Can come across like little exercises when there are a number of flashy ascending and descending patterns. I would definitely throw one in there near the end of the solo but maybe think more melody to start the solo off and build up to the end? I think Andy Timmons talks about that in those vids. Great work though! Its a great way to get some good feedback. Constructive. If everyone started uploading what they are working on we would all benefit from this
@Bucket does a solo which sounds written and has structure and fits the feel of the song - also moves around the fretboard and has some good timing - but hey it's nice playing by both of you
I posted one recently that I wrote to play on Left Outside Alone and it's one of the highlights of our set So the band say - not me - I'm just doing my job haha
No need to make excuses about not being warmed up etc..it's a bad habit us musicians have - post and be confident! You are a good player and we can all nitpick other people's work but it's good to get constructive feedback.