July 2026 Challenge Response – Michael L

[Michael L]

This is an improvisation. I don’t mean that I did not practice, I did, a lot. I discovered quite a bit about going from the I to the V chord and back again. I found landmarks, shapes, and licks. But when I recorded I just played without a specific plan, one take, blemishes and all.

Key of G, the I chord (G) and the V chord (D7) – plus I added color tones, inversions, and voicings which might lead some to say I used additional chords – but they all function as either the tonic or the dominant. To me, it’s only two chords.

I’ll try to view all of your submissions but it may take me into next week. A lot going on in life right now.

[Dieter]

Excellent improvisation with so many ideas. Great performance.

Dieter

[Alan L]

I like the wandering improv! Cool classical/spanish vibes with a hint of blues in there. Good stuff

[JoeD1]

Well, you kept me listening and it was over before I knew it! I heard so many wonderful melodies and ideas. It reminded me of a Greek ballad.

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

[John H]

Michael
Really cool-I like what you are doing here. You have an uncanny ability to “see the fretboard” and how the notes and chords work together. This would be fantastic mic’d up in a massive old church with reverb. Well done and highly entertaining.

John

[Ben C]

Relaxing! I like it a lot

[JoLa]

I always imagine that’s how accomplished musicians improvise – by wandering, exploring the fretboard – and no matter what they do, it always sounds good or at least right. Coupled with the sweet sound of your Taylor, it makes for a wonderful listen. I think it would sound great as a background to a story, a showcase, or an event, or something like that. You had such a good variety of ideas there, Michael. Loved the ending, too 🙂

🎸JoLa

[sunjamr]

Excellent job, Michael! I would have found it very hard to play that with a pick, but it gives a nice amount of attack to the notes. I often just sit around in the evening noodling up and down my fretboard like you have done here. After a while, my brain just knows where to go to put my finger on the note I want next. It’s about playing in “The Zone”.

Sunjamr Steve

[AndréM]

Excellent improvisation.
I agree with the Greek vibe.
you could have jam with a Bousouki player.

AndréM

AndréM

[Mark T]

That was really lovely and relaxing, Michael – nothing wrong with using inversions/variations, to my mind anyway, especially when you come up with a submission like this. – Mark 👍🎶😎

[Martin W]

Nice meandering, tour of the fretboard Michael
Lots of ideas you’ve gleaned from your study
And you never got lost it just flows along .
I agree the inversions etc are still two chords
Just a different way to play them .

Martin

[James B]

Hey Michael,
A classy way to show off two chords. To do this as an improvisation is amazing.

James

[Manfred M]

This seems like a well thought-out piece, not just an improvisation, Michael. I really admire your musicality and your skill in being able to do this. Sounds great!

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be on July 25, 2026

For more information click here

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Mike W]

I think it’s amazing that you play that wonderful music without a backing to keep you on track. Although it didn’t feel like over 4 minutes to the listener, it’s equally amazing that you kept going and kept to time perfectly throughout. Another of your masterpieces Michael.

[Michael Krailo]

Very relaxing to listen to. You have the acoustic recording process down really well. Love it.

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

[Author]

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