July 2026 Challenge Response – JoLa

[JoLa]

Hi Active Melody Friends!

Inspired by a simple arpeggios study in A minor, I tried to create enough space in order to be able to call it a study of space and silence 😊 It took a lot of practice to be able to feel the chord changes and not to rush with the notes. It was also a challenge to play it in a straight “classical” feel rather than swinging the notes. All in all, a great exercise, and by the way, the style of guitar playing that made me dream of guitar playing years ago… (think EC “Rush” soundtrack, “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking” or slower Dire Straits songs)

I had to record it while on a short stay in San Diego this week hence the hotel room situation 😁

🎸JoLa

[Michael Krailo]

Awesome guitar sounds Jola, only thing that would have made it better is some ocean wave lapping.

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

[JoeD1]

Nice guitar playing JoLa! And nice background vids too!

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

[Michael L]

Wow, Jola, one of your best, I think! The measured playing, patient, quiet, and the subtle backing track… it all comes together into an “edge of your seat” piece that leads you on a journey and makes you wonder where it all will lead. Incredible!

[sciencefiction]

Fantastic job, JoLa. This really sounds beautiful. Fantastic spacing between those chords and just all throughout. Top notch composition and great execution!
Larry

[Mike W]

I found that quite haunting Jola. As Michael said, the listener wonders where he is being taken. It was a wonderful, atmospheric composition and you chose the perfect instrument for it. A real tour de force.

[Richard G]

Quietly inspiring JoLa, it takes a special talent to compose that from a blank sheet. I would describe it as ‘restful and thought-provoking’. Maybe San Diego was the trigger, it’s certainly a nice place to visit.

Richard

[Scott W]

I always liked that style of playing. And you pulled it off perfectly.
The back ground video pulled me in also.
Great job

[AndréM]

Awesome composition JoLa.
Nice spacing.
The waves added a beautiful twist to your piece.
Your nylon sounds very good.
Nice video.

AndréM

AndréM

[Brendan G]

Just the right amount of of notes.
Pefect.
I could here the waves.

[sunjamr]

Imagine my surprise when I turned my big screen TV and opened Youtube and there – first thing on my algorithm – was your July 2026 Challenge! How did that happen, and what does it mean? Anyway, I was apparently the first person to watch your post. Sorry I couldn’t leave a comment, because my TV won’t allow it. So here’s my comment:

That was beautiful, mesmerizing even. I loved the video, because it was a rainy winter day outside my window. Good thing you remembered to bring along a guitar. Nice composition, and you even left some space!

Sunjamr Steve

[Denise]

That is beautifully and skillfully played, JoLa! The way you got inspired by that Arpeggio study and then developed the theme in your own composition. I like how the sound of the waves fill in the space. And that background sound and the long bass notes blended so well with the acoustic guitar. Great sound quality. It’s a very memorable piece.

More Blues!

[Author]

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