July 2026 Challenge

This topic has 16 replies, 16 voices, and was last updated 9 hours, 35 minutes ago by sciencefiction.

Viewing 15 reply threads

Author

Posts
- August 14, 2026 at 4:47 am #420524
  charjo
  Moderator
  Happy Challenge weekend,
  
  I recorded a backing track with Aadd9, C#m9, F#m11. All the chords are from the key of E major and have the open B and E strings ringing out so E major works very well.
  The lead is formed around triads of E major with E major pentatonic runs. I tried to make the lead memorable by using call and response, repetition, repetition with variation and space between phrases.
  Hope you enjoy.
  
  John
- August 14, 2026 at 5:04 am #420534
  Brendan G
  Participant
  I most definitely enjoyed it.
  It was all quality.
- August 14, 2026 at 5:08 am #420536
  wannaplayblues
  Participant
  Beautifully melodic!
  
  "I hear you talkin' son, but you 'aint sayin' nothin'" - Will McFarlane quoting Muddy Waters hearing a really fast guitar player
- August 14, 2026 at 5:11 am #420540
  Ben C
  Participant
  This is so smooth and professional sounding. You knocked this one out of the park
- August 14, 2026 at 5:26 am #420552
  Richard G
  Participant
  Loved the repeating motif throughout John. Top quality improvising with plenty of space to breathe.
  
  Richard
- August 14, 2026 at 6:07 am #420568
  Mike W
  Participant
  You succeeded in making the lead memorable and enjoyable, using the elements that you described but also the note choices. Very stylish submission.
- August 14, 2026 at 7:31 am #420587
  JoeD1
  Participant
  Very smoothly played John. Excellent submission.
  
  Joe
  
  The sight of a touch, or the scent of a sound,
  Or the strength of an Oak with roots deep in the ground.
  --Graeme Edge
- August 14, 2026 at 7:35 am #420590
  Michael Krailo
  Participant
  Oh, it’s memorable alright. That was nicely constructed. The thing that strikes me is how none of the chords indicate the key of the song other than what you pointed out. Fascinating.
  
  Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.
  - This reply was modified 22 hours, 1 minute ago by Michael Krailo.
  - August 14, 2026 at 9:13 am #420596
    charjo
    Moderator
    C#m is the relative minor of E major. You could probably put some C#m phrases over this.
    John
- August 14, 2026 at 9:27 am #420600
  Werner
  Participant
  A very romantic composition, performed with just the right feeling. A love song
  
  Thank you very much,
  
  Werner
- August 14, 2026 at 11:18 am #420621
  AndréM
  Participant
  I always enjoy what you do bro.
  Awesome composition.
  
  AndréM
  
  AndréM
- August 14, 2026 at 12:36 pm #420641
  Denise
  Participant
  I like everything, your rhythm and lead.
  Great chord progression. The repetitive theme with call & response sound wonderful….yes very memorable.
  Very pro sounding playing. Great attacks on the strings. A tone to die for.
  My aim is to play like you when I am retired.
  
  More Blues!
- August 14, 2026 at 1:03 pm #420645
  Alan L
  Participant
  Really captivating melodies, and you covered a lot of fretboard on this one! And that tone is outstanding! 🤩
- August 14, 2026 at 2:02 pm #420661
  James B
  Participant
  A great piece of music played beautifully. Your touch and tone and musical skills are on display with this tune. Great post, John.
  
  James
- August 14, 2026 at 2:42 pm #420687
  Michael L
  Participant
  Hi John, sounding really great, so melodic! I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m always struck by how relaxed you look while playing. I don’t see any visible tension in your hands or arms, and it really lets the music flow. A pleasure, as always.
- August 14, 2026 at 4:58 pm #420721
  sunjamr
  Participant
  Very creative, not boring in the least. And I was just thinking to myself, “I really need to start using F#m11 more often.” You have achieved the goal of the challenge using a unique approach, so A+ for you!
  
  Sunjamr Steve
- August 14, 2026 at 8:01 pm #420745
  sciencefiction
  Participant
  Excellent composition, John, and played to perfection. So smooth. I always enjoy watching your fingers move so effortlessly along the fret board.
  Larry
Author

Posts