So yeah you can shred but .....

[ZappaFan]

So here is something a bit different for you guys to get your head around. I am well aware of how good some of you guys are at the shred and speed stuff but how laid back and tasteful can you get. This is a backer I had a jam along with a while back and I just thought it would make a change to get this one up and see how much feeling you guys can put into this. This is without doubt all about tone, taste, feeling and soul. So get tuned up, toned in and chilled out.

What I want to see people really thinking about is how they approach the recording process. If I don't think it's up to scratch be prepared to have it thrown back at you, along with some helpful tips, so you can have another go. At the end I hope we will have a well played, well produced and polished recording. Hopefully this will give us a chance to hone some of those recording techniques.

When you have recorded your bit I want people to post their mixed version of teir bit of the track. plus a sepereate file with just their solo track in it.

So if you fancy a go, get your name up and I'll post the running order shortly.

ZappaFan

[Rob]

IM in Zap

[bigdoug]

I'll have a go zap, but my recording process is not complicated, if that matters?

[stevedak]

Count me in

[Viscolex]

Me me me me me me me me

[ZappaFan]

I'll have a go zap, but my recording process is not complicated, if that matters?

The idea here Bigdoug is to get the best recording we can with the resources available. So no it doesn't matter, all these packages that we use are capable of turning out perfectly acceptable and professional sounding recordings and thats the thing we are going to aim for. This is not intended as a "bit of fun" jam, i wanted to use it as an exercise to help us develop and produce better results. It may be worth us looking back and previous jams and recordings just to see where they could have been improved and apply those lessons to this recording. I hope that those people that feel they already have that knowledge and skills will offer advice to the others as we work throught this. I dont really want this to be a "quick jam" it may be that the longer it takes the better the result will be.

The main reason for choosing this BT is that it is pretty "clean" I have jammed around with this tracks for hours on end and have reallised that if you aren't careful with your lead tone and composition it gets real dirty and mudded up. So, hopefully, it is going to force us to play cleany and produce a good quality sound.

Hope that all makes sense.

ZappaFan

[Highway Star]

That BT is about as melancholy as I feel at the moment so put me in Mr Z please.

Farl

[Stempy]

Don't mind if I do. Shredding's for monkeys.

[Six]

Cool... lounge-music... someone pass me a dry martini... I'm up for this.

[ZappaFan]

Okay lets get this going then :

rlee111 up first

[Mr Smith]

Hey Zap great idea mate.. can you explain what you mean by "approach the recording process" ? Maybe when everyone posts they should give details as to the software used, how they altered their volumes, and what effects they added to their solo track etc etc.

Pete

[Shep]

Hey zappa you sent me this backing track some time ago and its great! Could i be included please? ;-)

[ZappaFan]

Hey Zap great idea mate.. can you explain what you mean by "approach the recording process" ? Maybe when everyone posts they should give details as to the software used, how they altered their volumes, and what effects they added to their solo track etc etc.

Pete

Indeed mate, thats the plan, then the rest of us can rip it apart and say, "hey did you think of trying this, or that, and so on"

[ZappaFan]

Hey zappa you sent me this backing track some time ago and its great! Could i be included please? ;-)

Sure shep, lets see how it goes eh ? I dont see this being a 2 day jam, but a more drawn out "collaboration", i hope it works and we end up with something that we can all be proud to put our name to at the end of it.

[Rob]

OK first thing Im sorry i got the first bit because the next bit is so much better once you get into the correct scale sounds 'ba utifull'

So although Im glad to be in the jam I would have liked a crack at another section.

Classic BT by the way zap.

I have used Audacity with added vsts, I usually add some compression, eq, reverb then I normalize. I dont know if this is correct but seems to work out ok for me.

[petermoran555]

me please if theres spaces left :D

ace BT.

[zeusse]

I need to hit my mellow side it there's room left or a cancellation

[bigdoug]

do you want me to go second zap?

[ZappaFan]

Well has anybody got any comments, suggestions or critique of what Rob has done ? I thought people would at least enter into the spirit of what I was trying to do here.

IMPO i think there are some areas in the solo that go a little off key and that the levels within the mix could do with soem jiggery pokery done. What you say Rob, have you had a chance to listen this back again ? I was hoping that others would join in and discuss the parts as we post them up.

But hey how wrong I was.

So indeed just carry on Bigdoug .........

[ZappaFan]

Is it me or are people not grasping what I was trying to achieve here ?

[Viscolex]

yea i get you zapp,i agree that some parts sound totaly of key and stand out badly, but mixing was good enough.......... thou.......if we need some critisim here, i thought it was so amature playing, u can do way better rob.......

[Rob]

Well has anybody got any comments, suggestions or critique of what Rob has done ? I thought people would at least enter into the spirit of what I was trying to do here.

IMPO i think there are some areas in the solo that go a little off key and that the levels within the mix could do with soem jiggery pokery done. What you say Rob, have you had a chance to listen this back again ? I was hoping that others would join in and discuss the parts as we post them up.

But hey how wrong I was.

So indeed just carry on Bigdoug .........

Dont know if I agree with you on being off key (we do have different ears lol) but the levels in the mix are low thats where I need help on because on the recording side of things i dont know which order to apply the effects like eq and compression, plus do you select the whole track and the guitar bit and then normalise things like that

[Rob]

yea i get you zapp,i agree that some parts sound totaly of key and stand out badly, but mixing was good enough.......... thou.......if we need some critisim here, i thought it was so amature playing, u can do way better rob.......

I cant even take you seriously sorry. I am an amateur.

[zeusse]

Now just remember folks critiquing(hope that's spelled right) somones work is a tough thing so remember to expect some things that might kill a little of your ego. I for one know I have week areas and want to be ripped apart on something like this...my skins thick..and I'll try not to cry in my beer. So as I listened to Robs piece I thought the mix was alright because mine aren't that great and thats an area I'm still learning too. As far as the lick goes I would agree with Viscolex that I did expect a little more from you Rob you have impressed me with most of your posts so my expectations were high, but then again we are looking at a jazz piece here and the complexities of key changes will throw a loop into your normal comfort zone..but that is the point here...the tone was a little more distortion than was necessary for this but I did see what you were trying to do and being the first to post is also hard when their isn't anything else to compare to..once again making this a good challenge..considering also you might not have played any jazz type pieces before I would consider your solo to be more bluesy than jazz not that thats a bad thing but all and all a fair effort. Ok if I get a crack at this you can rip me to death...LOL

[Stempy]

I got the idea, just didn't want to be the first to say bad things.

But basically I just have to agree with the other comments, slightly off key in a couple of places, a bit quiet and lacking a bit in imagination. You can do much better than this, so I would say, have another go before Big Doug gets in.

This is from one amateur to another, so I'm not saying I could do any better, just that if the idea is to improve our playing towards a more professional jam then I think perhaps a little more effort is needed.

[Rob]

Listen this is what this whole post is all about its a learning curve for us all, critique is the one thing you should learn to suck up and just come back with something better, please dont ever feel bad about saying something is bad otherwise I will never or you wont ever get better. BASTARDS !!!!! lol

[bigdoug]

thats the spirit rob, have an other go cause I am now bricking it, and need time to steel myself against critisism, and to practise. :smile:
Yeah zap its a good idea and I'm with you all the way lets get stuck in :thumb:

[Rob]

by the way I still cannot agree that its out of key I was playing a paticular c scale so the notes might not have been what I play normaly the scale was harmonic minor I thought the notes fitted ok just didnt think I was very smooth edit: Fluent

[ZappaFan]

Right here we go. It was only one tiny bit that sounded a bit off to me Rob and that was at around 9:03:000 just an odd note that made me go, ooh err !! Other than that I think it sounded pretty good rob, I have heard you hit a sweeter tone before now but thats not to say that this was bad in any way. One thing with guitar tone is that you have gone for a Jazz guitar type tone which mellows back into the track, one alternative it tried here was to take it back into the mix volume wise and then dirty the tone up to give more bite. This seemed to contrast well with the laid back BT. Have a bit more of a noodle with guitar tone and see what you think. If you want to have a chat about what i mean, and maybe i could show you and example, shout me into the jamroom.

As for the recording iIMPO i wouldnt tbe doing anything with that as regards effects until after the rest if the recording. I might adjust the level as regards gain on the guitar track but mothing more. The main reason being that it would be mice to keep some continuity as regards things like reverb across the whole of the track. So i would say try and keep the track clean until we get nearer to doing a final mix.

Well thats all my opinion so if anyone else has any input lets hear it. I know this is difficult putting a track together via committee but I thought it would be a chance to work together rather than in competition.

ZappaFan

[Six]

Given the style of BT I would suggest no overdrive at all... when creating the tone think of a clean Gibson ES335... when composing your section keep it simple, uncluttered and soulful.
If I understood it properly, this is more to do with recording processes and methods than technical playing ability.
To play over the beginning section of the track as Rob did is very challenging and I would have used that as a prelude to the jam, rather than stick the guitar in right from the beginning. Taking that into account, I think it was a very good attempt with only a couple of 'off pitch' notes.
Perhaps if everyone did their section before the constructive critisism kicks in, then we could make comparisons between the different players to work out who did what and why in order to help everyone improve, after all, a comment made to anyone would be more useful if we could say "Like Doug did in bar two of his section" instead of "A bit off key, try again"

I agree that any effects should be added in the final mix, so Zap, I guess you're the sound engineer :0)

[ZappaFan]

Whilst I understand what you are saying here in relation to viewing the finished thing and then critiquing each part. If you were to do that I am not sure that it would flow as a complete thing. If you were to say to player 3 go back and try your bit again, that could then have a relative effect on the following piece and it may no longer sound in right in context to the new preceeding part. That would be like changing a lyric within the middle of a song and expecting it all to still make sense.

MPO again.

[Mr Smith]

I've jammed over this track dozens of times and came to the conclusion that you really need to follow each chord and it's a good idea to make a mental note of exactly what chords are in this progression and when you need to change key. Jazz is an odd style and even the pro's sound off key at times (for lack of a better description). There is a part in the BT that is quite hard to follow and it takes a bit of concious noodling to find the right notes to make the transition. You basically need to change keys with your leed and then back again after the weird transition resolves back to the root of the progression. I hope I'm explaining this clearly enough. Anyway Jazz is a complex beast and a little research might be in order before anyone will play this BT without sounding off key at the transition.
Some jazz guitarists change key for every chord in a jazz progression. Personally that does my head in really because I like to stay in one key as much as possible. Are there any jazz players here that would like to offer some advice?

BTW this isn't directed at you Rob, I was just offering my thoughts of this particular backing track since it is jazz and not what we're all used to.

For the sake of consistency please forward any flames and/or complaints to 'icouldntcareless@blablabla.com ('icouldntcareless@blablabla.com')'

[Highway Star]

Well, I'm not really sure what all the fuss is about?? I'm also in no mood to suck up to anyone.... but I've just listened a few times and.... remembering that none of us regulars are professional musicians, I think Robs opening bash was not bad at all. I guess it is personal preferance but, if I had to "critique", I would have used a cleaner tone but hell, who am I to compalin about tone when you hear some of the shockers I have played! So, not bad Rob, especially for "first up".

Farl

[stevedak]

If I can offer an opinion here--it might be a good idea, for this track especially, to begin our guitar bits after the intro...it seems that playing over the already present electric piano solo bit is confusing things a bit, at least to my ears. Keeping the track as clean and uncluttered as possible would be the best way to achieve what we're going for here, imho. I realize this will limit the space available...if a lot of us want a go at this, maybe we can make it a 2 part experiment?

[bloodandtears]

imho rob this bt gives scope to go out of the box. which you did.. all credit to you.. it fit.. levels where fine on my head phones..

[Six]

If I can offer an opinion here--it might be a good idea, for this track especially, to begin our guitar bits after the intro...it seems that playing over the already present electric piano solo bit is confusing things a bit, at least to my ears. Keeping the track as clean and uncluttered as possible would be the best way to achieve what we're going for here, imho. I realize this will limit the space available...if a lot of us want a go at this, maybe we can make it a 2 part experiment?

Begin after the leccy piano intro... surely the best option, and what I would prefer to hear. Not only would it make for easier composition of the first persons guitar part (in this case - Rob) but would also be more pleasing to the ear.

The BT seems to be comfortably divided into a 'verse & chorus' type layout, so I would suggest we each play over one verse and chorus then pass it on. I hope that makes sense.

I have no problem with 'critique on the fly' if it makes the whole process easier.

Good luck everyone, especially me, I'll need it...lol

[Rob]

i dont mind starting again if nobody else minds I will have another listen tonight and try and clean my tone up a bit. Or if Bigdoug just wants to carry on from where I left off I dont mind that either. whatever!!

[ZappaFan]

Maybe this is all just a bit too much for us to get to grips with. I suggest we just treat it as a jam and everyone carry on and do thier bit in the order they put there name forward.

ZappaFan

[zeusse]

We can always rip it to shreds anyways when its finished

[Rob]

I have done it again this one runs into the next bit but overall its not that long if you let the piano bits just play. Tried to just use c pent for those whos ears dont work outside that scale, use it or bin it.

[zeusse]

That was much better Rob massive improvement over the first one I think. Much more refined and better structure nice work:thumb:

[Six]

And here's the proof that constructive criticism works.
Great stuff Rob. A big improvement. Well done.

[bigdoug]

yeah I liked that one better to, will do my bit today

[ZappaFan]

Hye Rob i liked that one a whole lot more than the first, prefer that tone too, nice one mate

[bigdoug]

Like a lamb to the slaughter here's my bit :smile: I have only loaded the track if you want the other bit on its own let me know zap.

[Stempy]

A bit of a harsh tone for the style of the piece, a bit too much treble maybe, ok for rock n roll but doesn't suit jazz IMHO

[ZappaFan]

I was thinking along similar lines as Stempy on this one Bigdoug, nice playing but the tone lets it down a bit mate. Other than that you done an okay job there.

[bigdoug]

it sounded better here but was a bit more top endy (to coin a new technical term) once made into an mp3 ?

[ZappaFan]

it sounded better here but was a bit more top endy (to coin a new technical term) once made into an mp3 ?

That can be an issue sometimes with MP3's best to check it after the conversion. You could add some EQ to your guitar track to compnsate then convert it again.

[Rob]

it sounded better here but was a bit more top endy (to coin a new technical term) once made into an mp3 ?

You are doing ok bigdoug considering, I know you are very new to recording remember me talking about effects plugins (VST's) audacity website tells you how to use them, a bit of EQ like zap said can make all the difference. Nice playing to more blues to my ears tho

[Six]

I can only reiterate what has already been said really: bit too trebly - sounds like bridge rather than neck pickup which may have worked better, bit too grainy - I would suggest a totally undistorted tone to improve things.
I can't offer much advice with regard to the actual recording side of things, on that score we're both relative newbies.
I hope everyones advice will help you to come back with something even better.

Best of luck.

[mmitch_19]

Nice playing BigDoug

[Master Tang]

Zappa, this is a great idea, and I commend you for doing this. I for one would like to know what the the players have used for modeling/amping/miking.


I would recommend a bit different way of doing this though, so it becomes a learning curve for everyone including the listeners.

Try this, use the backtrack in the original post by Zappa, and then everyone that plays on it uploads time synced tracks. Guitars only, no mix. So you use that little count in from the start, all the way through the end of your playing. Then, everyone else dloads the players one at a time, and each of us gets to play engineer with all the tracks involved.

Players, upload your tracks dry except for basic tones in the way of gain, bass treble, you get it, and then it is becumbant upon each engineer to get them to sound cohesive. The engineer will also be responsible any time based FX, such as reverb, delay, what have you.

The benefits of this would really help people understand mixing, EQ, FX use, and a host of other situations. It's easy to mix one's own stuff, as you are used to the tones, but trying to get 4 or 5 different tones to mesh through a tune such as this will help to clarify the roles of EQ and panning, as well as a nice FX balance.


Zappa, please tell me if I've overstepped the bounds here with a bit different take on how this could become a true learning experience not only for the players, but for all involved.

J

[ZappaFan]

Zappa, this is a great idea, and I commend you for doing this. I for one would like to know what the the players have used for modeling/amping/miking.


I would recommend a bit different way of doing this though, so it becomes a learning curve for everyone including the listeners.

Try this, use the backtrack in the original post by Zappa, and then everyone that plays on it uploads time synced tracks. Guitars only, no mix. So you use that little count in from the start, all the way through the end of your playing. Then, everyone else dloads the players one at a time, and each of us gets to play engineer with all the tracks involved.

Players, upload your tracks dry except for basic tones in the way of gain, bass treble, you get it, and then it is becumbant upon each engineer to get them to sound cohesive. The enginner will also be responsible any time based FX, such as reverb, delay, what have you.

The benefits of this would really help people understand mixing, EQ, FX use, and a host of other situations. It's easy to mix one's own stuff, as you are used to the tones, but trying to get 4 or 5 different tones to mesh through a tune such as this will help to clarify the roles of EQ and panning, as well as a nice FX balance.


Zappa, please tell me if I've overstepped the bounds here with a bit different take on how this could become a true learning experience not only for the players, but for all involved.

J

Overstepped the bound, not at all Master Tang. Having heard some of the fine work you have done, how could you. I much appreciate any input on this. All ideas are gratefully accepted. Thats an interesting idea and I would be like to hear what other people think of it. So guys what say you ? Change of plan ?

ZappaFan

[bigdoug]

to complex for me

[Viscolex]

yea, sounds wait to complex in a way.......

[Master Tang]

Actually not complex at all.

Here's what happens to the jams on here as a rule.

The pass around uses an mp3 to .wav and then back again on every pass. Figuring and average of 30% loss of quality on every conversion, and you have 7 or so conversions you lose quite a bit of quality and quickly. Let alone the fact that one guitar here or there may be hotter than the preceding or following one, as well as introducing digital artifacts into the tones.

Using the initial HQ backtrack, and then one person plugging other players into it makes for a MUCH cleaner end product as there has been only one conversion back to .wav, and back to mp3.

I'll tell ya what, if you all want, do the tracks, guitar only, and I'll d-load the backtrack, and solos, and mix it. So each of the players that have done a track so far, just upload your track, (solo guitar) from the initial count in, until just after you are done playing in your section. Each guitar track starting from the beginning will get progressively longer. So the count in followed by a progressively longer silent spot, then the solo.

I'll be happy to tell you all the steps I do along the way as it progresses.


:)

J

[ZappaFan]

People could just carry on turning out badly produced jams and recordings then eh ? The idea here was to provide a method and plan of how to help people get to grips with the recording process while using a simple bt. Destined to die the death due to lack of interest and apathy I think.

Oh well I tried.

[Master Tang]

BTW Zappa, that is a KILLER backtrack:D

J

[Viscolex]

:/

[ZappaFan]

BTW Zappa, that is a KILLER backtrack:D

J

Found it just laying in a dusty corner over at Guitars101 :lol:

[stevedak]

ok...I'll carry on in hopes of keeping this one alive. I think this a great idea, a good chance to swap personal recording techniques and philosophies...

The gear I used was as follows: Variax 300, ES-335 Model-->POD XT Pro, Cali Crunch model (Mesa Boogie mk II) into a 4 x 12 20w model cab-->TonePort UX2 Interface-->computer via USB, Cubase SX 3 software. No plug-ins were used at all, instead I used the POD's Cavernous Reverb setting and a bit of the Tube Screamer stomp set for low drive/high gain, just to give some bite and clarity. I rolled back the guitar's volume knob and switched from the front p/u to the rear during the second part of the solo for a cleaner, more dynamic sound.

Apologies to BigDoug if you were planning on re-doing your bit, I can easily drop mine back in later, or re-record if the resposes are negative. :nervous:

I'll post the in/out times tomorrow, feeling a bit knackered right now--rough week.

[Stempy]

Liked the second half better than the first, but this is my favourite so far.

I think the mixing thing is a good idea, I'd be happy to have a shot at doing a final mix down.

[Rob]

ok...I'll carry on in hopes of keeping this one alive. I think this a great idea, a good chance to swap personal recording techniques and philosophies...

The gear I used was as follows: Variax 300, ES-335 Model-->POD XT Pro, Cali Crunch model (Mesa Boogie mk II) into a 4 x 12 20w model cab-->TonePort UX2 Interface-->computer via USB, Cubase SX 3 software. No plug-ins were used at all, instead I used the POD's Cavernous Reverb setting and a bit of the Tube Screamer stomp set for low drive/high gain, just to give some bite and clarity. I rolled back the guitar's volume knob and switched from the front p/u to the rear during the second part of the solo for a cleaner, more dynamic sound.

Apologies to BigDoug if you were planning on re-doing your bit, I can easily drop mine back in later, or re-record if the resposes are negative. :nervous:

I'll post the in/out times tomorrow, feeling a bit knackered right now--rough week.


Nice matey enjoyed it that tone was sweet I tend to just pick a tone and use it without altering anything, this has now proved to me that you can get an even better tone by changing a few effects or like you say just rolling back the volume or changing pups half way through, it sounded very well mixed to me, if big doug could get more of a tone like that the 3 pieces would have fitted better. Rep point to ya

OH WELL Ive got to spread it around before I can give it to you!!!

[Six]

I thought that was excellent, full of that jazz 'feel' and fitted the BT very well. The tone, or rather the tones, both worked in their own way though personally I prefered the second for this particular piece.
This should definately be continued and not allowed to die away, it makes a nice departure from the usual screaming leads over chunky riffs, but with three players done the backing track is already over half way through, and I think there are about 12 of us on the list.

This is just a suggestion so feel free to tell be to bugger off, but, how about if we do three different versions, each version having four of us on it. That way everyone would get a chance to do a bit and we could all learn from the process. Of course the first would have to be mixed and tweaked to completion first before moving on to the second and so on, and it could take several weeks altogether, but I think it's got to be worth considering.
What are your views?

P.S. what's the deal with these here rep points/green blobs e.t.c.?

[zeusse]

Nice job Steve but I agree with Stempy the second one was my favorite and I think Six Wheels has a good idea to make this into groups of 3 or 4 because this is a backing track that takes the need for quality not a rush job to squeeze in your part in an alotted time

[bigdoug]

no probs steve I have kids for easter w/end and the guitars are away for the duration. Nice playing by the way

[Viscolex]

here goes,

setup........ Epi Les Paul custom> Zoom gfx-707> line in(thx zombo and zapp)> acoustica MixCraft

On the pedal i just selected Jazz/blues tone and just added a bit more depth to it.......

[ZappaFan]

Just got round to checking this out, Stevedak that sounds great mate, really sweet playing dude.

[ZappaFan]

Vsco too, sounded good but needs to just get a bit more flow into it and sweeten up the tone, IMPO. Visco take more of the track too mate.

[Viscolex]

will i re-do it then?

[ZappaFan]

will i re-do it then?

Yeah go for it mate, use more of the BT.

[stevedak]

Thanks for the great comments guys, it really helps a lot...my thinking on this track was to follow the dynamics of the rhythm, in this case I played a little more aggresively during the first part, which has a bit more energy and drive, and then roll back and mellow out during the quieter second part. In my opinion, it just adds a little more to the up and down quality of the BT.

Btw, great playing all around by everyone so far, I love this idea of getting more personal input on how each of us is approaching their playing, tone, etc on the track. Brilliant idea, Zap. :thumb:

[ZappaFan]

Thanks for the great comments guys, it really helps a lot...my thinking on this track was to follow the dynamics of the rhythm, in this case I played a little more aggresively during the first part, which has a bit more energy and drive, and then roll back and mellow out during the quieter second part. In my opinion, it just adds a little more to the up and down quality of the BT.

Btw, great playing all around by everyone so far, I love this idea of getting more personal input on how each of us is approaching their playing, tone, etc on the track. Brilliant idea, Zap. :thumb:

I thought it might help. I have limited experience of doing all this stuff too, so I hoped it would help.

One of the reasons I just suggested Visco take more of the track is that the dynamics of what you can get away with change as the backing track progresses. You need to just think a little bit in order to get the right tone and feel.

It's different how people perceive this track too. I see it as a very slow blues, whilst others seem to see it as a jazz track. That difference has lead some to approach it from a completely different angle as regards tone and feel, which I find quite interesting. I think is related to how we all see music fitting into different genre's. Whereas in reality the boundaries between genre's criss-cross each other in so many different ways. Well thats what I think anyway.


ZappaFan

[ini]

Just wanted to say that this is a very cool idea Zap mate
and that it is a shame when people come and say "too complex"
or any other excuse like this.

No offense, but if everyone would seriously try to work out what was in Zaps mind, this would be a great help and way of improvement for all participants,
so everyone would win, nothing to loose!
If you don't want to explain everything you did bit by bit, there are enough
other jams where you can do your usual five minute jamming, don't insert yourself into this one if you are not ready to spend some time on this.

Thanks for those who really try and take care of the original idea.

[bigdoug]

well payed visco, and ini I think these comments were aimed at me, try having four kids for a long weekend and see how much free time you have before you jump on my case.

[ini]

I never said those comments were aimed at you.

And no one said that you have to do this on one day.
If you don't have enough time on one day, then do it in two, or three.

Isn't the idea of the thread to take as much time as needed to produce the best possible result?

It's sad that I get called a twat just by trying to support this idea,
we always hat a good atmosphere and I don't want to loose it.

[Viscolex]

um lads, can i keep to what i allready did? i wontbe able to record anything for the next few days, just go on

[bigdoug]

I never said those comments were aimed at you.

And no one said that you have to do this on one day.
If you don't have enough time on one day, then do it in two, or three.

Isn't the idea of the thread to take as much time as needed to produce the best possible result?

It's sad that I get called a twat just by trying to support this idea,
we always hat a good atmosphere and I don't want to loose it.
you caught me on a bad day sorry ini i've edited that out.

[Dreamer]

Great post i would love to join this type of jam vary important exercise and a true test to comitment to music.8-)

Im working on a tribute CD to Vinnie Moore right now so after im dune with that maby i can tag along with this post if it hasent been to long.


Peace.8-)

[zeusse]

Just an idea folks so that everyone isn't waiting for the next person maybe just post when you get them done and not worry about a particular order this isn't a normal jam like the others it's more of a classroom project and some have more available time than others.......just an idea!

[Mr Smith]

well payed visco, try having four kids for a long weekend and see how much free time you have....

Hey Doug I totally sympathise with ya mate, I have 4 kids (seperated) and free time is hard to come by, don't feel rushed in any jam mate, take as long as it takes bro.

Pete

[Mr Smith]

Hey Zapp mate, dunno if theres much room on this but if your short on contestants I wouldn't mind a spot please mate.. cheers

Pete

[Highway Star]

So, what is the running order now Mr Z??

[ZappaFan]

Hey there Mr Farley, do you want to drop in and finish this bit off

[ZappaFan]

By the way if anyone wants to record a bit on this just go ahead, pick any slot and what I will do is put some together with the BT and make some alternate mixes. Make sure you post up your bit, mixed with the BT and your solo as a seperate track. Please dont add any reverb or other effects if at all possible as I will add these in the mixing stage.

The track naturally breaks up into 4 slots, with slot 1 including the introduction and slot 4 the outro.

Zapp

[zeusse]

ok Zap I'll get it together in that fashion in week or so I'll go with the next group or the one after doesn't matter to me I'm working on another tune right now anyways so when your ready give a shout. Kinda nervous on this one anyways :nervous:

[Highway Star]

Hey there Mr Farley, do you want to drop in and finish this bit off

Thanks Zapp, I may just have a bash at this one tonight.

Farl

[ZappaFan]

Thanks Zapp, I may just have a bash at this one tonight.

Farl

Mr Farley, if you like take the complete slot that Visco was doing and record right through till the end. Dont know if you have jammed along to this yet Farl but it's a nice BT and really isn't that complicated to play too, it just needs a bit of soul in those fingers, which I know you have in abundance matey, so just enjoy yourself on this one. BTW there is no rush on this so take your time, have a good mess around with tones and stuff, try recording it several times and then pick the one your most happy with. Maybe even post up a couple of different "takes".


ZappaFan


P.S. On another note, I dont seem to have the seperate guitar parts for rlee's second recording or Bigdougs slot. If you guys could amend your original posts for those and add the seperate guitar tracks I would appreciate it.

[Rob]

ZappaFan


P.S. On another note, I dont seem to have the seperate guitar parts for rlee's second recording or Bigdougs slot. If you guys could amend your original posts for those and add the seperate guitar tracks I would appreciate it.

Done Zap

[ZappaFan]

Done Zap

Thanks Rob

[Highway Star]

Mr Farley, if you like take the complete slot that Visco was doing and record right through till the end. Dont know if you have jammed along to this yet Farl but it's a nice BT and really isn't that complicated to play too, it just needs a bit of soul in those fingers, which I know you have in abundance matey, so just enjoy yourself on this one. BTW there is no rush on this so take your time, have a good mess around with tones and stuff, try recording it several times and then pick the one your most happy with. Maybe even post up a couple of different "takes".


ZappaFan



I guess that I've played guitar for about 1 hour in the past week!!!! So no, not jammed along with it as yet but I'm looking forward to doing this one thanks. I'll try to dig out my "soul" fingers and see what I can come up with! LOL

Farl

[Highway Star]

Just spent half an hour on this (a long time in my life at the mo!!) fantastic to Jazz Jam with and I have recorded a bit but hell there is so much scope here!! Please bear with me and it will be done soon, I promise!

Farl (with a smile on my face for a change!)

[ZappaFan]

Just spent half an hour on this (a long time in my life at the mo!!) fantastic to Jazz Jam with and I have recorded a bit but hell there is so much scope here!! Please bear with me and it will be done soon, I promise!

Farl (with a smile on my face for a change!)

Like I said Farl, whenever this is a long term project as I see it. Glad to know that smile is back on ya face. Great to hear. :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

[ZappaFan]

Hey Farley, ya old fossil, how you getting on with this, not asking you to post, just wondering if ya been having fun with it. Give me an update mate, interested to see how you are getting on with it.

Catch you laters and have a chat eh ?

ZappaFan

[ZappaFan]

Can anyone help me by sussuing ou what the shords are to this BT. Not one of my strong points and I could do with some help.

Hey Bigdoug did you read my earlier post about a seperate file for your solo.?

Visco, what happened to you playing right up till the end of the track ?

Thanks.

ZappaFan

[bigdoug]

Can anyone help me by sussuing ou what the shords are to this BT. Not one of my strong points and I could do with some help.

Hey Bigdoug did you read my earlier post about a seperate file for your solo.?

Visco, what happened to you playing right up till the end of the track ?

Thanks.

ZappaFan
yes zap I have edited my origional post and added the solo track

[ZappaFan]

yes zap I have edited my origional post and added the solo track

Thanks Bigdoung :lol: :thumb:

[Highway Star]

Well, I've done what I can in the time available. Use it or not, I really do not mind. It's not the best but hey, I've really enjoyed doing it and actually getting to pick up the guitar again!!

So, let's have the comments....

BTW, listening to the guitar bit on its own is weird, should do it more often, I can hear the mistakes better!! LOL

BTW again, I use Cool Edit Pro and it seems to reduce the file sizes so, if you do use it Mr Z, can you mix the guitar only on to another mix? I guess thats why you wanted it this way??

Farl

[zombo]

Cant believe I missed out on this what a gorgeous track great idea too!!

[Rob]

Well, I've done what I can in the time available. Use it or not, I really do not mind. It's not the best but hey, I've really enjoyed doing it and actually getting to pick up the guitar again!!

So, let's have the comments....

BTW, listening to the guitar bit on its own is weird, should do it more often, I can hear the mistakes better!! LOL

BTW again, I use Cool Edit Pro and it seems to reduce the file sizes so, if you do use it Mr Z, can you mix the guitar only oto another mix? I guess thats why you wanted it this way??

Farl

Yea Farley thats what am talking about right there. the bollox mate smooth as a mouses ear!! edit: tried to give you a rep point but it says I have to spread it around hmm feel like an STD!! lol

[Highway Star]

Thanks Rob, I really enjoyed doing this and I'm glad you enjoyed it but I fear it will be my last music post for a while. I need about 30 hours in each day at the moment! Back on the road before 6am!! and home about 8 or 9 pm for he next couple of days! Still, at least I got to play the guitar for a while....

Farl

[ZappaFan]

Here's a bit of a mix of this, just tried to even out the levels and add a tad of reverb and EQ here and there. I mixed this down and EQ'd it using headphones so it may sound a bit "thin" on speakers so let me know. Opinions please ??

Mr Farley stepping in with a late recording there, excellent mate :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:

Nice playing on this guys.


ZappaFan

[bigdoug]

it has made my bit fit much better and it felt more balanced throughout, not so much disjointed. I think its quite good :thumb:

[mmitch_19]

Hey guys it is quite good. Like it a lot.:thumb: :thumb:

[Stempy]

Very nicely tailed off by Farl, just about the perfect tone for the piece I thought.

The first couple of players on the mixdown sound a little distant to me, other than that great.

I must get round to posting a bit myself, been a bit busy lately though.

[stevedak]

Nice mix Zap, a few things though...Rob's bit sounds a bit buried in the mix to me, could be a little hotter...also, you dropped my bit in a beat too late...it still fits (mostly), but I just thought I'd point it out. Excellent job otherwise!

[ZappaFan]

Thanks for the comments. I am going to have another go an see if i can get it soubding a bit better. I think it might help if I use speakers rather than headphones. The levels seem to be totally different when I played it through the speakers.

ZappaFan

[Highway Star]

Just got in from a very long day! (again!) I also think that Robs bit was overley quiet but, other than that, It sounds pretty cool to me!
Thanks for the comments BTW chaps! It goes a long way to help to keep me "at it".

Farl

[Highway Star]

Forgot to mention...

Gibson Les Paul Standard, Neck Pick up, Guitar volume setting 10, tone setting 8 running through GuitarPort with a preset tone called "Doobie This". Adjusted the trebble setting back from 9.5 to 5.5 and the digital delay changed to analogue w/modulation. Converted from mp3 to .wav file with a free bit of software called "mp3-2-wav", recorded on "Cool Edit Pro" saved as a .wav and converted back to mp3 with another bit of free software (cheap skate eh! LOL) called "Audiograbber". I will look at the whole process next time to see just where I am dropping the file size.

Cheers

Farl

[zeusse]

What a terrific jam guys excellent work by everyone:thumb:

[Stempy]

Well, as the first track is now full I've started again with a new intro. I recorded using my Telecoustic played through a mic-ed up Fender practice amp with mid and bass at around 3/4 and treble at 1/3, gain on min, using probably a bit too much delay through my old Korg G3. I then duplicated the track in Pro Tools and raised the pitch by a minor third which I then mixed back in with my original track.

[Stempy]

Judginging by the lack of comments it's obviously rubbish and having listened back to it your right. It never seems to sound quite the same when it's been round the internet a few times.

I've now remixed it as it was a bit hot and I've reduced the mix of the minor third track but it would possibly be better without it alltogether. Just experimenting really. I've also deleted the original posting and replaced it with this new one. Hopefully it will be more usable should anyone wish to add to it.

[Rob]

Missed it sorry stempy thought jam had finished, I have just listened to the second one playing is nice but quiet in the mix needs to be more out in front imo.

[Mr Smith]

Judginging by the lack of comments it's obviously rubbish and having listened back to it your right. It never seems to sound quite the same when it's been round the internet a few times.

I've now remixed it as it was a bit hot and I've reduced the mix of the minor third track but it would possibly be better without it alltogether. Just experimenting really. I've also deleted the original posting and replaced it with this new one. Hopefully it will be more usable should anyone wish to add to it.

Very tasteful Mr Stemp! Your lead volume seamed ok to me but probably could have gone up a notch.

Pete

[Stempy]

I reduced the volume as in my first shot it was too loud, perhaps I went too far! I assumed this was an ongoing thing but maybe I'm mistaken. Anyway, no matter as it's all good practice.:)

[ZappaFan]

Sorry Stempy mate, have been very busy over the last few days and hadn't had a chance to have a listen but will do very shortly mate. Great taht you took time to have a go mate. Comments will follow very soon ......

ZappaFan

[Six]

Excellent work by everyone :thumb:

Well hopefully we're going to continue this with a few different versions as previously suggested to enable everyone to have a crack at this great BT, so I've taken the liberty of starting off version 2.

1894

1895

I couldn't help using a few effects to colour the sound slightly. The patch I created on my Korg AX300G is called 'Still Water' and consists of subtle amounts of Compression, Reverb, Chorus and Modulated Delay.
It was recorded via line-in into Cakewalk Guitar Tracks Pro.

[bigdoug]

stempy and sixwheels thought both tracks were great, I like the chance to hear so many diffrent takes on the same track :thumb:

[wahwah]

Guys, I recorded possibly the best track I've ever done since I nearly had my eye taken out by Harold a LONG time ago...can I post that up? ...or have I missed the point and this is a jam?! :redface:

[ZappaFan]

Guys, I recorded possibly the best track I've ever done since I nearly had my eye taken out by Harold a LONG time ago...can I post that up? ...or have I missed the point and this is a jam?! :redface:

Silly question ..... get it posted up. :thumb: :thumb:

[ZappaFan]

Hey Stempy thats sounding way cool mate, very realxed playing and has a good vibe to it. I think it could have done with a bit more variation in the dynamics though.

[ZappaFan]

Good stuff from Sixwheels too on this one.

[Highway Star]

Hey Stempy, You were right mate! I did not quite know what to make of the first one you did but.... the revised version sounds vey laid back to me. Nice one!

Farl

[Highway Star]

Nice tone and feel from Sixwheels as well. Great track to jam to Zapp!

Farl

[zeusse]

that's wonderful playing buy all you guys I don't know if I can hit this one but I will try should have something by tomorrow

[zeusse]

Ok here is my sloshy little attemp at trying to be a lounge act hold the laughter to a minimum.....I did

[bigdoug]

slither...... lounge lizard, great read on the tricky track, nice tone :thumb:

[wahwah]

Ok guys, sorry I missed this on but I've posted my version in the 'My Music' section. I spent hours doing it cos of exactly the reason this thread was put up...I don't shred but want to get better at blues, fusion etc (must be an age thing!)

Anyway, check it out. :thumb:

[zombo]

Ok guys, sorry I missed this on but I've posted my version in the 'My Music' section. I spent hours doing it cos of exactly the reason this thread was put up...I don't shred but want to get better at blues, fusion etc (must be an age thing!)

Anyway, check it out. :thumb:

Flammin Nora Chris that is gorgeous you made me cry man so much feel in it and you took the option of keeping it clean a little dirty it has to be that way I think so!
Gorgeous playing Chris I just can't praise you enough you have so much variation it never gets boring and your little intervals just make it more exciting awesome playing I am well impressed mate !!

[zombo]

I just have to do this track as well but I can only live in the shadow of wah wah

[wahwah]

Flammin Nora Chris that is gorgeous you made me cry man so much feel in it and you took the option of keeping it clean a little dirty it has to be that way I think so!
Gorgeous playing Chris I just can't praise you enough you have so much variation it never gets boring and your little intervals just make it more exciting awesome playing I am well impressed mate !!


Hey, that's very kind! By the time I finished recording the lead tracks, I was crying cos it was 4am and I was locked out of the house by the long suffering herindoors! Seriously tho', I thought I'd done good work and there were a few bends that I got first time...one especially very high up at 1:36. I put this forward for a bending and vibrato competiton on G101 and lost and I was GUTTED! Don't get me wrong, the other entry was great but people who knew my playing didn't seem to get off on what I thought was good work. Sorry if this is a bit up my own arse but it's all about the effort put in for me. If I do a bad job, I'll be the first to admit it! And being totally honest, it'll take about 100-150 takes to get this complete. I write as I go along and if I'm not inspired by what I hear, I wipe and do it again! Drive's the wife and neighbours mad! But that's how I work.

Thanks for the kind words mate...t'was a labour of love that garnered exactly £0.00 again! :)