July 2025 Challenge Response – JoeD1

[JoeD1]

I used this month’s challenge to help further my improv practice learning the Pentatonic scales. It may not sound very good but I’m trying to stay focused on learning scale shapes and licks. So far I’ve learned I need to practice the scales in different keys because they look slightly different on the fretboard in each key. I also learned just knowing the scales doesn’t mean I can improv…I also need to learn some licks and intervals and a bunch of other stuff!

I took the challenge backing track and recorded a rhythm track playing chords and another rhythm track with arpeggios. Then I recorded my vintage blues lead improv track trying to keep in good timing.

I’m hoping this meets the basic requirements of the challenge but if not I figure I’m still learning a lot.

Am / / / – Am / D / – Am / / / – Am / / /

Dm / / / – Dm / / / – Am / / / – Am / / /

Em / / / – Em / / / – Am / / / – Am / / /

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

[KT]

Hi Joe well done enjoyed your improvised backing track and the riffs. 👍

[John H]

Joe
This is very good. I like the steady (smooth) rhythm and the sprite arpeggios. Nicely engineered and choreographed. Keep pumping out the solos. Learning to solo is a never-ending journey. You got this. 🎸

John

[AndréM]

Hey brother you seemed to be getting your chops back.
Like your video announcing what you were going to play.
Well done.

AndréM

AndréM

[JoLa]

This was excellent, Joe! Yeah, it looks like you’re getting back on the horse, great work on that track and a very good recording, including the video edits. Rhythm challenge met 100% and then some!

🎸JoLa

[Laurel C]

Excellent Joe. This comes together in a nice neat package. The three elements and 3 layers.= a great result. You probably don’t realise how good this video is as a learning tool but there are many on YouTube that would benefit from your video in how to put something together as much as I enjoyed watching you do so.

[Dieter]

Excellent performance.

Dieter

[Tremelow]

That was really good, Joe! Great ideas and playing. What else can you want?

[Denise]

Joe, I am glad you are back in the game with the challenges. `Wow, very well done
You played a solid rhythm and I like these arpeggios.
Great lead on top with some tasty licks with enough space for breath.
The recording sound quality is very good.
Denise

More Blues!

[Manfred M]

Hi, Joe nice how you built the whole thing up. And then some really nice lead playing on top of it. But the best part is to see you back on the guitar more often.

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup is expected to take place in November 2025

There will be a detailed announcement here in the forum in good time.

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Alan L]

I like the groove and arpeggios in the rhythm part. Lead is relaxed and heartfelt. Nice work!

[James B]

Nicely put together, Joe. This is exactly what the challenge was all about.

James

[Michael L]

Hi Joe, yes, very nicely done! I like the layered parts and how they all came together. This is a great way to practice the pentatonics in a musical context and explore the possibilities. Sounding pretty good, Sir!

[Andy N]

Great stuff Joe. You’re well and truly back in the game. Solid rhythm part and timing spot on. The lead was very tasty, didn’t sound like scales to me at all. Great little double stop slide in there and you followed the changes too.

[Martin W]

Hi Joe , it’s great to see you back playing again.
You laid down a solid rhythm foundation with a nice mellow lead over the top .
Very well presented with the recording and video editing.

Martin

[Guido]

Excellent arpeggio and then leads over the base rhythm that you created with it, Joe! Very nicely done and enjoyable to listen to!

Guido

[San Luis Rey]

Real nice Joe! You layered those tracks together like a pro. The Guitar Center worthy background is quite impressive.
🎸😊

Mike

[Juxi]

You are getting there, Joe. Well done. 👍🏽 You are right: learning to play licks and have a go-to-repertoire is very important – I am working on that, too. Stay tuned! 👏🏽

Bluesige Grüße
Juxi

[Author]

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