June 2019 Challenge Response – Tremelow

[Tremelow]

As ususal, the challenge was a great learning experienc and a lot of fun at the same time. Also as usual, I got completely messed up with my time management, so what you are about to hear is an impromptu improvisation. Only the first 8 notes are what I had planned to play. Initially, I wanted to make an original composition, where I change between major and minor, just like the lesson suggested. I had the intro (ie the first 8 notes) down in no time, but then ran into problems, because a part in the backing track didn’t correspond to C or Aminor. I lost too much time trying to figure it out and I didn’t want to listen to Brian’s composition because I didn’t want to get influenced.

What I learned:
I need to get faster at deciding on a sequence of notes that I want to put into the composition. Trying out different licks was great and I am sure it helped me in getting better aquainted with the fretboard. But I spent too much time with experimentation.
This morning I was still trying to figure something out, but too late. Eventually, I decided to improvise based on the Aminor pentatonic scale, using patterns 1, 2, 4, and 5.

Anyway, this is it. I hope you still find something in there that you like.

Topic

[James B]

Nice job Tremelow, I can relate to your indecision about what to play. Try this, try that and end up scraping it all. Yep, I can relate. But you found some nice phrases in there.

James

[Richard S]

Well played Trem. We can all relate to freezing at what to play.
Am pentatonic works as it is the Cmaj pentatonic scale. It all works except that pesky Bbsus2. When analyzed the progression is really in key of F making the C the 5th. That then opens up the fretboard to Cmixolydian which gives the piece a new flavor.

Richard S

[Jeff F]

Yes that Bb had me puzzled a bit until somebody told me in was C myx. Nicely done 👍🏼

[bluesheki]

A tasty interpretation, like it.
My rule is, everything that sounds good is good.
And your improvisation is nice.

Bluesheki

[WBlues]

Of course, I find some things that I like and like; in fact, everything was quite useful (as James said), and I believe in your sounds to have recognized your thoughts. First, you do everything right if you do not listen to the original often. You are free in your improvisation. The second step, which you have already described, is to study the backing racket; until the first loop. One point I solve differently. I do not want to serve major and minor necessarily. I adjust my basic pattern; major or minor. What I like better right now (minor maybe). When I then develop my ideas, I try to insert major (depending on what I have preselected). As already said here; everything that sounds good is good (Bluesheki).
However, many roads lead to Rome. Overall, I really liked your approaches and ideas. I think that’s how improvisation begins. Well done Kevin!

Wilfried

[Lights]

Nice improvisations ‘ol buddy and sounds well indeed.

[sunjamr]

Don’t beat yourself up, Trem. That was very good. I agree with Bluesheki – if it sounds good, it is good. And what you played sounded good. You did ramble a bit toward the end, but the rambling was all within the allowable framework. That’s just the way improv goes for most of us.

Sunjamr Steve

[JoLa]

Yeah, I also think this was good and melodic, Tremelow. It’s a higher skill to be able to noodle impromptu and come up with meaningful phrases and yet you did just that. And with this soothing tone, I could listen to it for hours 🙂

JoLa

[bluesguitarlvr]

Trem,
Great tone and you had some super good phrases in there. I find it’s tough to put it all together also so you’re not the only one. Really enjoyed it!
Tim

[snakechisler]

Some nice phrases

I tend to always learn the lesson and if I get the time construct round it or deconstruct phrases into my stuff.

The lesson has some great signature licks in there to work round

My opinion hope it helps nice contribution enjoyed it

[Scott M]

Solid rendition, tasty runs and bends delivered with a real sense of feel. Great stuff Trem!

Scott

[Bernard R]

That was a very good piece of improvisation. Well done!

I wouldn’t get to hung up on use of minor or major notes. If we simply incorporate notes around the basic minor pentatonic scale, we’ll stumble on major notes and natural minor notes etc. Just go for what sounds good, and don’t let the theory drive your playing.
Thanks
Bernard

[Hide (ひで）]

I do think you have several very good ideas here. But I agree, deciding what to play when doesn’t come easy (for me for sure). And the tone is good. I like it!

[Dieter]

very laid back playing.

Dieter

[Brian]

Nice improvising – I enjoyed that.

[Don D.]

Kevin, that was great! I think that was the best I’ve ever heard you playing, you’re really running away with it.

Don D.
Active Melody
Forum Moderator

[Dave K]

Nice and mellow with a some really cool licks in there. You played it well and kept your improv interesting.

[Phil B]

I really liked this. I do think that if you can hum the tune then it should help you to play it. So I try to listen as many time as I can to the track (or just the backing track) until the melody is in my head. I find this helps me with timing and coming up with ideas that I can then practise.

[Gary W]

I really enjoyed that – give yourself more credit. That was a fine improv and the tone was beautiful.
Gary

[kubrider]

Kevin I think you have the right idea, trial and error. Over time hopefully it’ll become more natural for us. I thought your “off the cuff” improv was quite good.
Rob

[Author]

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