Could you critique my blues improvisation playing?

[blah148]

So here's a vid of me playing some blues and I was wondering if I could get some further advice with my playing

Here's the link:

YouTube - BEST, GREATEST 12 BAR BLUES SOLO, JAM EVER!!

Btw please disregard the title; it's competitive on youtube, what can I say?

[blah148]

And as a pseudo youtuber, I'd really appreciate it if you'd subscribe and rate

Thanks a bunch you guys!

[Baltar Hornbeek]

yo, that was painful. maybe go for more of a percussive statement, and just a little flash.

[derek]

Hmm. Well, on the up side, you do have some skills. On the down side, you need to work on your time, it was all over the place. It was tough to get past the tone, but with inexpensive recording and playback equipment (listening on my laptop), not much you can do about that.

Seemed to focus more on flash than substance. I would have been satisfied to have heard half the notes and licks with a concentration on feel and time. Clearly you have some chops, and just need some polish. Keep up the good work, and welcome to the group.

[robertm2000]

Interesting. You definitely have the basis for some good chops there. Main thing I see - gypsy jazz is a very percussive style and gypsy jazz guitars are not built for much sustain. What you want in blues playing is more of a vocal sound - more sustain. That's why bottleneck guitar was one of the earliest styles-it lets the guitarist do longer, more sustained vocal like lines. And I'd suggest going with an electric guitar for better sustain

Overall, lay back and relax. In blues, playing fast isn't the be all and end all. It's how much of a musical statement you can make. Like the "One note can say more than a whole chorus, if it's the right note played at the right time." It's expression, not speed. Good luck!

[FatJeff]

Not so bad, really. You certainly did express yourself, which is 90% of what it's all about. I think you have some pretty good potential, now you just need to harness it!

One thing to work on would be your tone. It seemed a bit trebly for me. But all in all, good work, and nice job manning up and posting your playing on here!

[C.A.JO.]

Good chops. I won't comment on the sound quality.

I have these suggestions:

1. Time: You tap your foot, that's good! But try to focus more on actually connecting with the beat, when you're playing to get a more lyrical phrasing. It can sound a bit coincidental when you're not paying attention to the beats.

2. Melody: You play a lot! Your chops are good, but try to "tell a story", and not just play all over the place. A good technique to use in this case is to breathe with your phrases. When inhale - don't play... and only play when exhaling. This will force you to pause once in a while and listen where the solo have to go. If you sing what you play, you'll accomplish the same thing.

Try these two things:

1. Focus on time (sync with the beats)
2. Focus on melody (build your solo to a climax)

Both points are really "phrasing"-issues... The key do develop good phrasing is to practice these things:

1. Time, vibrato, bending, legato, dynamics, rhythms, etc.... It's not about WHAT notes you play! It's more about HOW you play the notes. Try to pay attention to this aspect of your playing. To "measure" your phrasing progress - record yourself at least once a month. Save the recordings and try to listen objectively. Is it delightful to listen to? Is your playing in the pocket? How does it sound? What needs work?

[elixzer]

hey man checkout this video John Lee Hooker and Ry Cooder 1992

Listen carefully how it starts. You can hear John Lee Hookers Blues foot tappin your soul, and then Ry Cooder takes on the beat too---it is the underlying BEAT that draws you into the feel of the Blues. Be simple, and feel that beat which is the roots. Tap your foot

[blah148]

wow thanks guys, incredible feedback!!

I'm really fascinated by the idea of playing on exhales and resting on inhales. I think I've also heard that from sax players who have commented that non-breathing instruments like the piano and guitar have the tendency to end up never resting and I guess actually playing with your breathing really leads you in the right direction, thats awesome!

I did record it with my camera (not a camcorder, but a camera on video mode) so the recording quality is about as poor as it gets which is why it came off so trebly, but nonetheless I'd agree with still maintaining a good tone so that's cool too.

[fivebells]

blah, those of us who play alone a lot are prone to being very free with chord changes (that is, we change whenever we feel like it). You don't always have to play 12-bar sets in 4:4 but you do need to be able to keep a structure going under your riffing and lead playing. Be aware of the chord at all times.

Record some chord/bassline tracks, play with a metronome, count out loud as you play. Things will tighten up quickly, and once you've got it tight you'll really be able to get loose.

Post another video in a while, I'd like to see how you're developing.

[blah148]

Hi guys,
thanks for the incredible feedback about my other video

I've got a new one here and its based on robert johnson's 32-20 blues

If you guys would check it out I'd really appreciate it

YouTube - 32-20 Blues by Robert Johnson, (Keith Richards' way)

[elixzer]

This is vast improvement

[abdke99]

looks like you enjoying it very much, thats most important, go for it
all the best

[Baltar Hornbeek]

Impressive playing there, for sure. One thing I think I'd like to hear is more bass root notes....to sort of keep the whole sound thing moving in progress.

[derek]

Timing was better on this one. I felt engaged more, but I agree with Baltar Hornbeek, it was easy to lose the form due to the lack of bass notes or chord punches. Still, much improved. Keep up the good work.