Short Rock composing challenge

[Highway Star]

The last wAR ZoNe challenge was such fun that, even before the voting is fully complete, I thought I would post one that we could all take a bash at real easily so..... here's the deal!

The bare BT, Drums, bass and a little organ (no puns please!) is 1min 27 seconds long. We can all manage that I'm sure.
Compose both rythm and lead sections (a tasty riff plus lead etc). Sing if you want to but you must have rythm and lead.
Entries with lead only will not go forward to the voting stage
There is a strict time limit. You have until 31st August (2007 LOL) at midnight GMT to get your entries in. (this gives you two full weeks)
No extensions to the date, it is plenty of time for a 1 min 27 second track! The thread will be closed at this time and elligable entries will be logged on a "voting thread"
Voting will last for one week after the closing date so please keep that in mind
For those of you that want a go but do not want to be part of the voting stage, please still have a go but post your version with the words "Just for Fun" at the start of your thread reply. It is important that no one feels pressure to post thinking it will automatically go into a vote. I know the voting stage can be intimidating for some and others just plain do not like the voting aspect but equally, it is important to get involved, I want as many variations as possible!Bossy sod you may be thinking (and you are right!) but.... at least you know for sure what is what.

So....I think I've covered it all, it is a classic Rock style BT that can take a whole load of variations and it is short so I expect a huge number of entries!! (please) from anyone and everyone irrespective of playing experience, and ability.

Off you go then!

Norman

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Farl - that one sounds awesome, man. I can hear some influence in there - not going to say, cause I'm already grooved in. :mrgreen: But, I'm definitely in, though. Are we allowed to modify the backer, lol?

[Highway Star]

Farl - that one sounds awesome, man. I can hear some influence in there - not going to say, cause I'm already grooved in. :mrgreen: But, I'm definitely in, though. Are we allowed to modify the backer, lol?

Ha ha!! All those bloody rules and you got me with a question! LOL The answer is er... yes but not the lenghth of it for the competion....

Norman

[Shep]

Beasty BT Norman, I'll have a shot at this!

[Highway Star]

Beasty BT Norman, I'll have a shot at this!

Nice one Shep!

Norman

[Lyle]

i'm in

[Highway Star]

i'm in

Pukka!!

[ZappaFan]

I'll have a crack at it too

[Highway Star]

I'll have a crack at it too

Fantastic!!!!!! So will I then!

Norman

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Can we make it longer, lol?

[Danny Danzi]

Started workin on mine last night. ;) It's done, I just have to come up with a solo that compliments the rhythm guitars I added. I almost wanna post is as is and let you guys solo over it instead. LOL! The riff is soo killer, any solo I play just takes away from the backing and my rhythm part. LOL!

[ZappaFan]

Started workin on mine last night. ;) It's done, I just have to come up with a solo that compliments the rhythm guitars I added. I almost wanna post is as is and let you guys solo over it instead. LOL! The riff is soo killer, any solo I play just takes away from the backing and my rhythm part. LOL!

Can't wait to hear it Danny. Sounds like it's going to be Rockin' mate.

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Started workin on mine last night. ;) It's done, I just have to come up with a solo that compliments the rhythm guitars I added. I almost wanna post is as is and let you guys solo over it instead. LOL! The riff is soo killer, any solo I play just takes away from the backing and my rhythm part. LOL!



I'm having the same problem, lol :razz:

[Rick]

31st, you say!
might just get by with a little help from my friend who arrives on thursday!!

[Danny Danzi]

Zap: It's rockin, but the solo is killin it! (in a bad way) For the first time in my life, I have no clue what to play over this to where I'm content with it. It's starting to annoy me now. LMAO!!! I almost wanna come up with a new rhythm part, but the one I came up with is soo killer! I gotta think of something...thank God I still have a little time.

Rick L: You too? What gives, how come we're having so much trouble with this? Should be easy, yet for some reason, everytime I hit playback, I cringe and hate what I did. Maybe we're over-thinking this thing. I'm almost ready to fire up my Gary Moore blues tone and let it rip that way instead of trying to be Danny D and ruining the song. LOL!!! Hope you have better luck than me bro! :)

[zombo]

Hey all this stuff sounds so brilliant I must Zombo it !!!

[Danny Danzi]

Hey Norm, I'm done with mine...when and where do I post it?

[mgrowe]

I have a version done but cannot post from my PC still

Anyone got an e-mail I can send it to?

Thanks

[Highway Star]

Hey Norm, I'm done with mine...when and where do I post it?

Well... fisrt off, thanks for taking the time to have a bash at the challenge, much appreciated matey!!

As for posting, I'm tempted to ask no-one to post their entries until near to the closing date. The reason? Well... I think it would be good for us all to come up with something without having heard anyone elses version. What do you guys think? A mass unveiling of all entries in the last 24 hours before the closing deadline. If anyone is going to bo "out of town" during that time then they could be sent to admin to post up. Good idea? or not.... some opinions would be good.

Norman

[Highway Star]

I have a version done but cannot post from my PC still

Anyone got an e-mail I can send it to?

Thanks

Hi Mike, Thanks for having a go at this, have a look at my reply to Danny re. posting. I'll have a word with Rick or Zapp and see about where we post them. Perhaps we could have someone with a fast connection load up all of the entries at once? Or perhaps they could put them up in a "hidden" thread as they get them and then make it visable to everyone? Watch this space..... LOL

Norman

Norman

[Danny Danzi]

Norm, I think that's a great idea. I kinda figured you were gonna do some sort of secret posting or something to where people wouldn't be able to hear anything to use as food for thought. I totally like that idea man. Just let us know when we can post and where to do it when it's time. :) Thanks for the reply man.

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

:mrgreen:

[ZappaFan]

I will set up an email addy that I can PM to everyone when the closing date is a bit nearer and of course after I have my attempt done.

[Guitarpima]

Put my name in the PM Zap. I've been working on it.

[Highway Star]

I will set up an email addy that I can PM to everyone when the closing date is a bit nearer and of course after I have my attempt done.

Cheers Neal!

Norm

[Guitarpima]

I just finished mine. I went old school with this. Please remind me when to post it or Email it or whatever your doing.

[ZappaFan]

Zap: It's rockin, but the solo is killin it! (in a bad way) For the first time in my life, I have no clue what to play over this to where I'm content with it. It's starting to annoy me now. LMAO!!! I almost wanna come up with a new rhythm part, but the one I came up with is soo killer! I gotta think of something...thank God I still have a little time.

Plenty of time actually Danny. I am sure you'll come up with something special, you always do.

[Highway Star]

Well!! This is going good!

So far we have: -

Norman
Rick L
Shep
Kirk
Zapp
Danny D
Rick
Zombo
Mike
Guitarpima

And still 11 days to go! Any more to come??

Norman

[Stempy]

Well I've been quite ill recently but seem to be on the road to recovery now so hopefully I'll churn out something before the deadline, got a bit of catching up to do as I have been able to play for about a month.

[ZappaFan]

Well I've been quite ill recently but seem to be on the road to recovery now so hopefully I'll churn out something before the deadline, got a bit of catching up to do as I have been able to play for about a month.

Sorry to hear that you've been unwell mate and am glad to see you back.

[Highway Star]

Well I've been quite ill recently but seem to be on the road to recovery now so hopefully I'll churn out something before the deadline, got a bit of catching up to do as I have been able to play for about a month.

Glad to hear you are on the mend Stempy mate, I wondered where you had been! Looking forward to hearing your take if you get round to it. Still ages to go as yet so.... hopefully.... Don't forget though, wait 'til you see where to post it.

Norman

[Danny Danzi]

Stempy, I too am sorry to hear that. I hope your recovery is smooth and quick. I'll keep you in my prayers....glad to have you back man. :)

[Highway Star]

Well... mine is done!! Rough as guts but I really like it! LOL nearly 2 bloody hours it took me with chosing tones mixing etc for 1 min 27 seconds!! Like a couple of others I liked my rythm so much I didn't want to put anything over it! (not that my "soloing" is all that anyhow!) but hey... it's very "Old School" and it's done!!

Norman

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Stemp - good to see you back, bro! This might be just the thing to help you get back on your feet, so to speak. :mrgreen: Looking forward to your take...

We got one heck of a turnout! I don't know if VBulletin can give us more than ten entries to vote on, though!

[Highway Star]

Stemp - good to see you back, bro! This might be just the thing to help you get back on your feet, so to speak. :mrgreen: Looking forward to your take...

We got one heck of a turnout! I don't know if VBulletin can give us more than ten entries to vote on, though!

Yep, never seen this many for a challenge on 6SH before! LOL 2 polls..... that'll sort it!

Norman

[Rick]

i can up the poll to whatever we need +!!!!!

[Highway Star]

i can up the poll to whatever we need +!!!!!


Nice!! But..... just out of curiosity, and with so many entries.... would it be possible to have 2 or 3 votes per person?? In the past when a challenge was between 2 or 3 folk it was easy to pick a favourite but with 11 (so far!) it would be nice for everyone to vote for their top 2 or 3. That would spread it around a bit and make for a close contest (I think) any thoughts anyone?? (if it is even possible).

I'm not trying to change the rules, just evolving the thread a bit!

Norman

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Hmmm... I could see where this could be like where the top three can go to the finals and so forth, but what will the prize be - LOL?!!!

[Highway Star]

Hmmm... I could see where this could be like where the top three can go to the finals and so forth, but what will the prize be - LOL?!!!

Hadn't thought of it that way, just say 3 votes per person and someone should come out top. As for a prize.... great idea!! I'll donate one! Easy to post anywhere worldwide, a nice new shiney set of D'Addario's !! 9's or10's, the winner to choose!

Norman

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Maybe we could make it easier on everyone to vote, like say have everyone choose three categories, like best production, best tone, best overall, or best riff or lead - something to that effect.

[Highway Star]

Maybe we could make it easier on everyone to vote, like say have everyone choose three categories, like best production, best tone, best overall, or best riff or lead - something to that effect.
Do you think that would make it easier? Possibly, I don't know but I guess we had better ask Rick what is possible....

Norman

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

It would be cool if we could do that, but maybe we can just leave that up to each individual voter to work out with the honor system - that is, if VBullettin can even allow more than one vote per person. What say there, Rick?

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

BTW - very nice gesture with the strings, IMA. :mrgreen: Heaven knows I'm going to need them, 'cause I'm tearing this one up, boys! :razz: :mrgreen:

[Danny Danzi]

I'm not so sure on the production part Rick L. The reason being, the backing is self produced as is and it's tough to really count production as guitar rhythm and lead in my humble opinion. Guitar tones are like scotch...you either like them or hate them, ya know? ;)

Personally, I think voting for the one you liked the most makes it the easiest. Voting for your 3 best could work also...I dunno....I hate decisions...I'm just glad I'm done with my take on the tune. LOL! ;)

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

I'm not so sure on the production part Rick L. The reason being, the backing is self produced as is and it's tough to really count production as guitar rhythm and lead in my humble opinion. Guitar tones are like scotch...you either like them or hate them, ya know? ;)

Personally, I think voting for the one you liked the most makes it the easiest. Voting for your 3 best could work also...I dunno....I hate decisions...I'm just glad I'm done with my take on the tune. LOL! ;)



Sounds good to me - whatever works that we can agree on, is my story and I'm stickin' to it, lol

[Guitarpima]

I agree about not voting on production. Just let the music speak for itself.

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

The music may very well speak for itself, but that doesn't necessarily mean people are going to vote for it. One man's garbage is another man's treasure...

We have one heck of a free-for-all goin' on here - let the show go on, man!

[Stempy]

Thank you guys for the words of encouragement, I now have the rhythm track down and my fingers are sore through lack of playing, just got to put the lead down and I'll be done.

[Highway Star]

Thank you guys for the words of encouragement, I now have the rhythm track down and my fingers are sore through lack of playing, just got to put the lead down and I'll be done.


Well done mate!! They'll soon harden up again!! LOL

Norman

[Danny Danzi]

The music may very well speak for itself, but that doesn't necessarily mean people are going to vote for it. One man's garbage is another man's treasure...

We have one heck of a free-for-all goin' on here - let the show go on, man!

Hey Rick, I just wanted to let you know man....I wasn't bashing your production comment at all. I just felt most of what "I" consider production has to do with drums sounds, bass, guitars and the whole package. To me, if you really listen to this backing, the keys are buried in the mix completely once we add in our monster guitar tones, the kick drum is non-existent due to the bass guitar being a bit too loud in the backing mix, and the cymbals have a strange sound going on. Almost like a broken shaker was used or there was an artifact picked up due to mp3 encoding.

This leaves us with just lead and rhythm guitars to judge production wise. I feel that would be pretty tough to judge on the whole due to subjectivity. Of course this same sujectivity can come into play when judging an entire mix production wise, but we can pretty much all tell when there is a pro mix going on as opposed to someone that used soundcard midi sounds or a casio drum machine.

Now, there are a few things we could judge on if we needed to.

1. We could judge how well the written rhythm tracks went with the backing.

2. We could judge the lead guitar characteristics. Meaning, melody, technique, easy to play, hard to play, shreddiness, feel, etc. This way we stay away from judging actual tonality....unless of course everyone feels actual tone sound is something to judge on also. Which of course, it is a very important part of guitar playing. But the problem we face there is subjectivity depending on our voters tastes. If the majority of our site likes old Stones, Beatles or Frank Zappa type classic rock, shredders or people with heavy guitar sounds may not fair too well in the "tone category to those members.

The flip side to that is those that favor hard rock, metal or shred (if they are the majority) the classic rockers or blues guys may not get a proper nod of approval. For example, as much as I love classic rock, I hate the tones of Townsend, Page, Steve Howe from Yes, and many others from the 60's. The tones just always bothered me eventhough I love songs from those artists to this day. So I'm not so sure judging actual guitar tone may be a good idea.

Personally, it may be best to make it as easy as possible an just pick the one you like the best and try to set your personal preferences aside. If my thing is hard rock/metal and a guy posts up a melodic jazz piece that takes me on more of a journey than the rock pieces that were presented, by all means I have to vote for the jazz guy. This is kinda how I handle my voting on guitarwar.com. I try to seperate my personal preference from what is actually being delivered to me....if that makes any sense.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. I just wanted you to know that I didn't mean any harm in my post about the production thing and wanted to explain my reasons to you. ;)

[Rick]

i think it only allows 1 vote per poll.
haven't seen an option to change it..

[Highway Star]

i think it only allows 1 vote per poll.
haven't seen an option to change it..

Good, That is sorted then!! LOL

I'm really looking forward to hearing them and there's still a week to go!

Norman

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Anyway, sorry for the long post. I just wanted you to know that I didn't mean any harm in my post about the production thing and wanted to explain my reasons to you. ;)


No worries, bro! I was just offering up a few suggestions as examples without taking any thought to them, so it's no matter to me - I'm easy to work with. :mrgreen:

[zombo]

I will set up an email addy that I can PM to everyone when the closing date is a bit nearer and of course after I have my attempt done.


Hi Zap I just finished mine I know what Danny Danzi meant now I got some rhythm sorted but tried to solo something over it but I did finish it let me know when to post !!
:-)

[Lyle]

:cry: sorry guys

i'm gonna have to back out of this one :cry:

[Danny Danzi]

LOL Zombo, I still wish I could delete my lead part! It's a decent lead, but I love the rhythm part soo much better. ;)

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

I couldn't figure anything out but just rock it out as best as I could, lol

[ZappaFan]

My head hurts ............. :wall:

[Guitarpima]

I don't know what the big fuss is about. I had not problem coming up with something. I can't play as well as some of you guys but I am more versatile than most. I am eagerly awaiting to hear all the entries.

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

;)

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

It ain't easy bein' cheesy... :mrgreen:

[Dude]

It ain't easy bein' cheesy... :mrgreen:

.... but it's cool to be a fool!!! (Man....)

Dude

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Four more days left, man... 8)

[Shep]

Hi guys, it's 50/50 with me whether I finish this jam or not as Vista is being a right plonker, please forgive me if I cannot make this competition. I'll honestly try my best to fix it as I'm starting to miss the old nights in the jamroom!

[Highway Star]

29th today..... Closing date is looming....

We had...Well!! This is going good!

The list was: -

Norman - Done
Rick L - Done
Shep - Doubtful
Kirk - Pulled out
Zapp - ?
Danny D - Done
Rick - ?
Zombo - Done
Mike - ?
Guitarpima - Done
Stempy - ?

Come on guys.... It is less than 2 minutes long....

Any more completed?

Norman

Edited..

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Zombo's got his done

[Highway Star]

Zombo's got his done

Oops!! Thanks, I'll edit the list.

Norman

[ZappaFan]

I am still struggling, just keeps deteriorating into a 12 bar'ish mush of nothing, ARRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH !!!

[Highway Star]

I am still struggling, just keeps deteriorating into a 12 bar'ish mush of nothing, ARRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHH !!!

LOL Been there!! My recording resembles that comment!! LOL

Norman

[Stempy]

Mine's done and bursting to get off my hard drive...

[Highway Star]

Mine's done and bursting to get off my hard drive...
Nice!!! How are the fingers!! LOL

Norman

[Stempy]

beginning to harden up again, but not quite up to speed, therefore my entry is a bit slow.

[Danny Danzi]

Norm, is there a standard mp3 encoding we have to use? Or can we use the highest one since this tune is so short? That's the only thing I need to do is mess with mp3 encoding on my end, but my master wave file is complete. Get back to me when you get a minute...thanks man. ;)

[Rick_Lamoreaux]

Save it as 192kbps 44.1khz - that's what I'm doing, and anything greater than that is just overkill.

[ZappaFan]

Guys, I think for the first time ever I am going to have to finally pass on one of these jams. I hate saying I am going to do something then not follow through with it, but I am just busted for ideas on this.

Sorry

[Rick]

where are we on this?
i seem to be in on it and really can't remember saying i would be.

[Highway Star]

31st, you say!
might just get by with a little help from my friend who arrives on thursday!!

I took this as you having a bash...

Sorry if I took it the wrong way.

Norman

[Highway Star]

Guys, I think for the first time ever I am going to have to finally pass on one of these jams. I hate saying I am going to do something then not follow through with it, but I am just busted for ideas on this.

Sorry

No problem, happens to us all at times. Would you be so kind as to arrange the posts though?????? Please....

Norman

[Rick]

no w00ries normski!
so its tomorrow, ok if i can i will but i doubt it.
i currently have feet hands!

[Guitarpima]

Do we post out bits here or what? I have to post mine later tonight. I don't know if I will be able to post tommorow. Well, it will be tommorow for GMT. You never did specify a time zone though. So I will post after midnight. :lol:

[Danny Danzi]

Is this where we have to post our versions? I thought there would be an email link or something?

[ZappaFan]

I'll PM the email addy to everyone involved sometime tomorrow and after I have all the entries I will upload them ready for the the vote to commence. I hope that answers the question Mr D.

Good luck men !!! I look forward to hearing all the entries. :thumb:

[Danny Danzi]

Yes sir Zap it does. Thank you! :)

[Stempy]

I was wondering myself where to send it, so that's answered me too.

[Highway Star]

Thanks Neil matey!!

Norman

[Danny Danzi]

Norm, I just gotta share this with you man as I know you'll have a laugh. From the first time I've seen you post, I've always thought to myself..."man that Norm guy looks a bit strange in his photo". Then the more I looked at it, the more it seemed to look familiar to me, but I couldn't place it. So I'm on the site with a friend of mine earlier tonight and he says "damn...that Norm guy looks like that crazy dude from that movie" and alarms went off in my head. I then took your name into consideration along with the face and I put 2 and 2 together..which equals 5 1/2 here in New Jersey! LOL!! Man, I feel like a dope. LMAO!!!!! You Psycho! ;)

[Highway Star]

Norm, I just gotta share this with you man as I know you'll have a laugh. From the first time I've seen you post, I've always thought to myself..."man that Norm guy looks a bit strange in his photo". Then the more I looked at it, the more it seemed to look familiar to me, but I couldn't place it. So I'm on the site with a friend of mine earlier tonight and he says "damn...that Norm guy looks like that crazy dude from that movie" and alarms went off in my head. I then took your name into consideration along with the face and I put 2 and 2 together..which equals 5 1/2 here in New Jersey! LOL!! Man, I feel like a dope. LMAO!!!!! You Psycho! ;)

Danny mate....... I have just wiped a tear from my eyes! I'm sat in the office and a couple of guys wondered why I burst out laughing!

Look at my location...... Bates Motel....

PMSL

Thanks for sharing, it has made my day!!

Norman (Bates - Mrs..... that is)


The last line in the film is (I think) .... he wouldn't hurt a fly....

Told you I wanted to be anonymous.... so does Mother....

[ZappaFan]

So I have this as the list of entries are there any more ?

Norman - Done
Rick L - Done
Danny D - Done
Zombo - Done
Guitarpima - Done
Stempy - Done

I will PM you all shortly with the addy

[ZappaFan]

The competition has now gone to the polls so no more entries can be submitted in it. If however you feel you want to have a crack at it just for fun then download the backer and have a go and post your track back up in this thread.

If not then at least make sure you support the guys that did have a go by listening to their fine efforts and casting your vote here http://www.6stringheaven.com/forum/vb/showthread.php?t=4767