Gee Baby, ... my first chordmelody

holgit · #1 04-25-2010, 11:04 AM

Hello,

yesterday I finished my first chordmelody-arrangement. It's "Gee Baby, Ain't I Good To You".

I think it is very simple and not stunningly beautiful until now

. What would you suggest to make it better? Would like to learn more ...

Thank you in advance!

Holgit

jseaberry · #2 04-25-2010, 05:59 PM

Well, it seems that 1) your chords are all of very close to the same density, same type voicings: no wider or closer intervals which would add more interest; 2) the chord hits in the "A" section are very predictable, no syncopation or unexpectedness in them. The bridge does have a variety of accented beats as opposed to the "A" section, but the "A" section does not really swing as the beats are so heavily, rigidly marked.

mr. beaumont · #3 04-25-2010, 07:40 PM

I agree with JSea, the A section, in particular, is a little stiff--but I'd also like to add--First one? Damn good! Keep at it.

It took me about 5 or 6 songs to come up with a "shell" that I kept in rotation. It's a great way to learn....Good on ya!

jseaberry · #4 04-25-2010, 07:46 PM

Damn!!! I missed that where you said it was your first one!!!! My apologies then if you felt I was too harsh. Like Nike says "Just DO it"!!!! That's OK for your first try.

mr. beaumont · #5 04-25-2010, 07:50 PM

it's all good-- your comments were a hundred times more helpful than the usual, "wow, that's great" comments a lot of folks get.

to the OP, you're on the right track, take the criticism to heart, and know we're being constructive, not punitive. You're gonna be damn good at this in a six months or so!

jseaberry · #6 04-25-2010, 07:52 PM

Yeah, it's hard not to be discouraging.

amusiathread · #7 04-26-2010, 04:00 AM

I was in the same boat less than a year ago tackling CM. You're not kidding, it can be pretty tough. I found that the Joe Pass' "Unforgettable" album has some great material to study. It's all pretty slow and accessible, and his playing has some beautiful subtitles rhythmically that can make a HUGE difference in your playing.

As far as your arrangement, I do really like some of the chords you chose. There's some nice dissonance in there. Keep it up and have fun.

GodinFan · #8 04-26-2010, 07:46 AM

One more small thing - the melody has been notated at actual pitch. The TAB is correct, but the formal notation should be one octave higher.

holgit · #9 04-26-2010, 02:48 PM

Hello,

thanks a lot for your advices. It's very helpful to get some good hints. And no, jseaberry you were not harsh or discouraging!:-) I am motivated to change some things to make it better.

I will try to integrate some other voicings, sometimes in a syncopated way, and a little bit of "swing" ;-) The audio-file is exported from the software "tabledit". When I play it on the guitar it sounds better (I hope).

Once again, thanks!

holgit

holgit · #10 04-26-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amusiathread

I was in the same boat less than a year ago tackling CM. You're not kidding, it can be pretty tough. I found that the Joe Pass' "Unforgettable" album has some great material to study. It's all pretty slow and accessible, and his playing has some beautiful subtitles rhythmically that can make a HUGE difference in your playing.

I bought the Joe Pass CD a few minutes ago - I am very eager ... Thanks for this hint.

holgit

holgit · #11 04-26-2010, 03:03 PM

ah, yes - you're right. I have to use the "8va" key... after that it is notated an octave higher.

amusiathread · #12 04-26-2010, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by holgit

I bought the Joe Pass CD a few minutes ago - I am very eager ... Thanks for this hint.

holgit

Cool, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I think it's particularly relevant here because very often the only difference between an excellent CM arrangement and an average one is the rhythmic approach. Intervals and melody are important too, but swing and rhythm go a really long way.

When checking out the cd, look for basslines (often in the middle of the chord, not always under it), some parts of the melody aren't even played, only implied. Also his attention to treating every chord differently. It's good stuff, full of subtitles which go way beyond what you'll catch with the first listen. So take your time with it and enjoy!

holgit · #13 04-28-2010, 02:00 PM

It's really good! I've heard it several times until now. It sounds very nice and I got an idea what you're meaning - bass lines, implied melody notes ...

But I must confess I can't hear the whole cd all at once. This sort of music makes me nervous after half an hour

- maybe I need a little bit time to accustome to it.

amusiathread · #14 04-28-2010, 04:25 PM

I was the same way with the cd at first. Overall, I really prefer his up-tempo stuff, and this disc is mostly ballads. But it's great educational material.