August 2026 Challenge Response – Ben C

[Ben C]

Hi everyone,

This month for the ‘struggle challenge’ I chose to work on learning a full piece.

Since relearning guitar I’ve only ever learnt full Active Melody lessons, but never a full song by a band or artist I like. I’ve played full solos, bass lines and have learnt fun riffs but learning all the parts to a song and putting it together is new to me.

I chose Slow Dancing In a Burning Room by John Mayer as it’s a brilliant song and I wanted to see if I could manage it. Some parts are simplified but I’m happy with what I put together.

I split the original track up and only kept the vocals, drums and some ambient parts like keyboard chords which I couldn’t replicate myself. Everything else heard on this is my playing.

Thanks you all for taking the time to watch. Another challenge completed!

Edit: I’ve been notified by YouTube that my video is blocked in ‘some territories’ so this may not be viewable by everyone…

• This topic was modified 1 day, 6 hours ago by Ben C.

[Michael Krailo]

I could see it, yeah. You somehow got around the copyright thing for now, but it could get removed if it gets flagged. Glad I was able to view it. Great job and great song choice.

Root note patterns >>> CAGED shapes >>> TRIAD'S. Just put in the work and watch your guitar skills soar.

[Ben C]

Weirdly it didn’t specify what regions can’t view. Thanks for watching!

[JoeD1]

Well done Ben. Nice cover! I know it must have been a lot of work to put it together but it was worth it.

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

[Ben C]

Yeah this was definitely the most time consuming submission I’ve done. Thanks for checking it out

[Martin W]

Very well put together, it’s a classic for sure and you nailed all the parts.
I’m loving that tone from the Pacifica …….so smooth !
Shame about the copyright issue it’s ok in the UK though.

Martin

[Ben C]

Thanks Martin. The Pacifica was just using tones direct from a Yamaha THR amp on one of the factory presets. Such a great no fuss setup

[AndréM]

No problem viewing it here in Québec.
You did a great job putting this together, I know by experience.
What are you using to split the tracks?

AndréM

AndréM

[Ben C]

Yeah it was quite an effort but should be simpler next time as I kind of know what I’m doing.

I use an app called Moises. All you need to do is upload an mp3 track and it automatically splits it and you can then save the audio. There’s also a desktop application.

I did a recording below to show you.

[AndréM]

Thx Ben, do you to pay something for it

AndréM

[Dieter]

Really great multi-instrumental performance.

Dieter

[Ben C]

Thanks Dieter 🙂

[Michael Krailo]

I’ve heard of that app, but never tried it. I’m a little scared of the YouTube algo canceling out my hard work for copyright infringement. Even though the tracks are split, we still would be stealing parts of the copyrighted track. So even if it gets through today, they could slam it down tomorrow. I think keeping the vocals is probably not a good way to go. But bass, rhythm, and drums should be good.

You got me interested now.

Root note patterns >>> CAGED shapes >>> TRIAD'S. Just put in the work and watch your guitar skills soar.

[Ben C]

For my other uploads that I used it with its not been an issue. YouTube just states I can’t earn any money from my videos, but that’s about it. I guess it depends on what tracks you use but regardless it’s a great tool

[James B]

Well done, all around, Ben. Quite an ambitious project for your first full song. Great job of playing and mixing the separate instruments into the track. Sounds great.

James

[Ben C]

Thanks very much for checking it out 🙂

[AndréM]

Hi Ben, I downloaded free desktop version but I couldn’t make it work.
I guess you need the paying version.

AndréM

[Ben C]

That’s strange. Even the free version should work. I think I paid £5 or so for a month. I’m going to do a list of songs and cancel my subscription then resubscribe again when I need more.

I can download some songs for you if you like. Send me a direct message with some songs and what you want removed etc and I can email you some

[AndréM]

I was able to isolate the vocal in the app then I exported it.
But when I imported it in my DAW all the instruments were still there.
Thx for your offer.
The vocal I was trying to import was FAst cars Tracy Chapman.

Thx

AndréM

[Ben C]

I’ve got the vocals ready for you. Send me a message with your email address and I’ll send it to you 🙂

[Alan L]

That’s an ambitious project, and it came out well! Great work

[Ben C]

Thanks very much Alan

[Don Patton jr]

Hi Ben,
An ambitious project and good results Ben!
Your guitar and bass playing fit in perfectly. Good job on piecing this all together for your video as well! 👍🎶🎵

Don P

[Ben C]

Thanks Don, appreciate it

[Wayne Nunez]

Wow sounded great!

[Ben C]

Thanks Wayne!

[Lights]

You band really deserves Mayer’s singing, Ben!
Lights.

[Mike W]

Very impressive production Ben. Quite apart from the technical aspects your own input was super.

[Author]

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