Active Melody March 2026 Challenge

[Catherine Arsenault]

Good day you all! Here’s my submission I came up with a pretty simple track to play with and I’ll tell you it took some time to get the rhythm to work so here it is !! Hope you enjoy and as always I love to watch all of your submissions!!

[John H]

Love this Catherine
Sultry, classy, tasty and smooth. Love the LP tone. Your rhythm creates a groove so your lead can breathe. Well done.

John

[Michael Krailo]

That rhythm part was so tasteful with the section of louder chord stabs that was highlighted for a few bars and then returned to normal level. The lead part was pro level musical composing that was very enjoyable to listen to.

Go slow and practice correct technique, and your abilities will dramatically improve.

[Jonathan Amos]

I always look forward to your videos and am never disappointed. This really drew me in.

Jonathan Amos, Matsuyama, Japan

[Pap]

Catherine…first class! Your rhythm was a solid progression. I got the Am to Dm part and could not tell what the other chords were …probably E? Anyway, your solo was also fantastic. Your years of experience come through on all of your playing and I really admire you. Well done! Cheers. Pap

[Mark T]

I could listen to this all day, Catherine – your intonation is nothing short of fantastic! Absolutely loved it. – Mark 👍🎶😎

[Wayne Nunez]

Wonderful job Catherine your playing is always so smooth and inspiring, a pleasure to listen to,fabulous job👍

[AndréM]

Awesome composition Cath.
Very smooth and soulful, tasty playing.
Your are getting pretty good with the hardware and video.

AndréM

AndréM

[JoeD1]

I liked this so much I had to listen a few times Cath! Everything about this was top notch. Everything came through crystal clear in the mix and it had a very atmospheric sound. Well done as always!

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

[James B]

Wonderful submission, Catherine. I’m always in awe of the music you make with your instrument. It’s inspiring.

James

[sunjamr]

Like I’ve said before, I have no idea why you are not world famous, because your talent is absolutely exceptional. One of the things that stands out to me is your skillful use of dynamics, which most of us lack. And how you got that cool jazz tone is beyond me. A first class performance!

Sunjamr Steve

[Catherine Arsenault]

Thank you Steven🥰

[Paul S.]

Do your AM friends get a discount on your next album?
What Sunjamr Steve said.

You should move to Nashville and be a backup guitarist for everybody.

[Catherine Arsenault]

Would have love to if I was quite a few years younger lol😊

[Alan L]

The whole vibe and feel of this, along with the production, is fantastic. I always delight in your lead playing though, you really tell a story and have such tasteful styling. Well done 👍

[Manfred M]

I knew, Catherine, that you could play a wonderful lead guitar. But now I know that you’re also an exceptional rhythm guitarist. And all of that combined makes for a truly unique musical experience. It was first class from start to finish.

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be May/June
There will be a detailed announcement here in the forum
I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Werner]

As I’ve mentioned several times before—you have an extraordinary talent for phrasing, and of course the technique to match. Thank you

Werner

[Gary W]

This is really lovely Catherine. I listened with a Yamaha HS8 pointing at each ear & coildve been in the Albert Hall the production was so good. Love that groove.

Gary

[Catherine Arsenault]

Thanks Gary I’m happy you enjoyed it!!😊

[charjo]

Always so tasteful, Catherine. You must be so happy with the tones you are getting out of the Helix. They come across so clearly in the recordings.
I couldn’t tell if you were using a pick for the lead for the longest time and finally concluded you were using fingers. It gave such a nice warm, soft tone.
John

[Catherine Arsenault]

Your right Charo I only use fingers I struggle to feel that feel with a pick but I’m practicing on that perhaps one day I’ll submit one with me loosing lol I meant using a pick lol thanks for the compliment 🇨🇦😊

[Martin W]

Very classy performance, love the lead phrasing and dynamics the rhythm was a fine springboard to work off .
Sounds like you’ve got familiar with Helix , the tone is superb!

Martin

[Denise]

Masterful performance!
Great phrasing, dynamics.
Loved listening.

More Blues!

[Catherine Arsenault]

Thank you so much Denise!!

[JoLa]

This might be my most favorite jam by you, Catherine! 💙👏✨👏✨👏✨👏✨👏✨👏✨💙

Your style is EXACTLY what electric fingerstyle should sound like, I just loooove it! I can imagine how the rhythm could have been tricky but of course, you found that sweet subtle vibe with the chord bursts, and it’s just perfect! The lead is sublime, bet you would turn pros’ heads if you played that way on a live festival stage somewhere (remember, it is never too late to be discovered, look at Seasick Steve, for example!

What also amazes me about you is how smoothly you transitioned to pro-level recording, you’re just a pure talent with plenty of brains and soul! Maybe posting your music on Spotify could be your next goal? (I’m serious!) You’d get plenty of streams from me, for sure 💕

🎸JoLa

[snakechisler]

Really well recorded
Overall track is a triumph soon balanced

Very enjoyable all-round

[Raffaele S]

The robust sound of the Les Paul is beautiful…Spectacular solo on this beautiful ballad in a minor key…Bravissima, I was literally glued to the listening

[Michael L]

I always enjoy your submissions Catherine, and this is no exception. Really nice rhythm part. I like the small chord stabs, especially when they get syncopated. And the mix is right… just enough of each part. Very enjoyable!

[Dieter]

You really have the perfect blues drive—wonderful performance.

Dieter

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