Feb 2026 Challenge – Sunjamr Steve

[sunjamr]

Hi everyone – I had to opt out of the last 3 challenges due to a thumb injury (caused by excessive fingerstyle playing), but after 3 months of self-imposed physical therapy I’ve just about got it cured. Even so, I’m going to use a pick for a while longer, just to give my thumb a bit more rest. So the reason I chose EP354 is that it can easily be played with a pick.

February has some of the hottest days of the summer here in New Zealand. It was 32C when I recorded this, and the coolest place I could find was under some of my banana trees. So I balanced my Zoom H1 audio recorder on my leg and just played the lesson through several times. I used my Taylor GS Mini guitar, and I think the sound quality coming from the Zoom H1 is pretty decent. Luckily the sheep were on the other side of the hill, so they aren’t included in the audio.

Sunjamr Steve

[Dieter]

Excellent multi-instrumental performance under the palm trees. That’s where you’d love to be and make music.

Dieter

[Michael L]

Hi Steve, really nice groove and mix on this one. Good steady tempo on the acoustic to hold it all down.
Hope the thumb heals up quickly. It looks like under the banana trees is the place to be. Hey, that’s a great name for a song; Under The Banana Trees, but Sunjamr.

[Richard G]

Looks to be the coolest place to play the blues Steve. Good choice of posting and well played to boot. That’s a versatile number, I remember posting it myself some while back.

Richard

[Michael Krailo]

This is one of my favorites to play in Drop D on acoustic, you did it justice Steve. Sounds great.

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

[AndréM]

Phew 32 degrees!
It’s freezing cold here in Gatineau.
Nice rendition Steve with that GS mini, I have the same one.
I just posted playing it in the showcase.

AndréM

AndréM

[JoeD1]

That was quite good Steve. As well as interesting, entertaining, and educational. Glad to hear your thumb is doing better.

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

[Guido]

You brought back to me very nice memories, Steve, this drop D song is on the first pieces I showcased here in AM some years ago!

And you played it brilliantly, and moreover adding the bass and your original melody over was just magic! Recorded beautifully as well.

Loved your rendition, and a bit of envy because I would like to have a garden like this (I live in a condo 😅!)

Guido

[Carpa]

Played great 👌

[Mark T]

That was just wonderful, Steve – really nice phrasing and tone, and all parts complemented perfectly 👍🎶😎

[Author]

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