“March 2026 Challenge Response – John. E

[John E]

This is my first Challenge submission.
Its in the key of F Major and targets the chord tones plus their associated scale notes.
For many years I improvised using the key of a tune(Major, minor and pentatonic)and was never really happy with the results. Then I happened across “Active Melody” and saw how Brian created really interesting melodies targeting ‘chord tones’. This is now my ‘Go to’ method so a big thank you to Brian !

Hers is the vimeo link to my attempt.
https://vimeo.com/1180069221

I’m still learning so any comments are very welcome – thank you.
regards to all…
JE

[John H]

Welcome John
This sounds great. You obviously know how to play, navigating the fretboard with ease. Beautiful chord progression and tone. You do a nice job ‘hitting’ those target notes and chord tones. Your gonna love the AM community, with so many opportunities for growth and fellowship.

John

[Michael Krailo]

He sure does know how to play. That was some fine playing on your first submission. I liked the fact that you stood up to play it in performing mode.

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

[Pap]

John, welcome to the challenges and you did a fantastic job on this. I love that you can hear the chord changes. Was it all imrov or did you map it out first? Nice work! Pap

[John E]

Thank you for your kind words – much appreciated.
I came up with a chord progression which I liked, and after a few play through’s the melody kind of suggested itself to me.
verse – F – C – Dm – F – Gm -F – C – C7
chorus – Eb – Bb x3

I started improvising over the chord changes, and gradually the thing came alive.
Then a quick recording session before I forgot what I played!

[Alan L]

Link not working for me. Anyone else?

[James B]

I’m not able to view it either.

James

[Michael L]

Hi John, welcome to the challenges! Great first submission, well played and mixed. Fun listening.

[JoeD1]

Welcome to the Challenges John. I listened to it earlier and thought it was very well done. So I came back to listen again but now it just brings up a broken link. Would you please try to fix that so I can listen again?! (Maybe you could just try posting it again in this message thread.)

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 Krailo]

John, you probably already found out that editing your post is not possible after a certain period of time. Maybe an admin can help you edit it or you can try and fix your original link on Vimeo. I had the same problem in the past as well and just learned to make sure the link was working before posting due to the editing restrictions.

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

[sunjamr]

Hmmm…. I can’t open it here in NZ. Why don’t you just post it on Youtube, John? Do you not have a Youtube account?

Sunjamr Steve

[Michael Krailo]

I saw the original video and he is a great player, so I hope he gets it back online again for all to see.

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

[AndréM]

Can’t see the video.
Maybe upload with You tube in AM.

AndréM

AndréM

[Werner]

I can’t see the video either. But never mind—welcome to the challenges!

Werner

[John E]

I don’t have a YouTube account. Looks like that’s the way to go!
I’ve renewed the link.
https://vimeo.com/1180069221

I hope it now works for you.
regards
John

Thank you all for looking.

[Laurel C]

Sorry, I am not able to see it with this link either.

[Manfred M]

Welcome to the challenges, John. The link worked for me, so I can say you made a wonderful debut here. A very nice, catchy melody and really well played. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you.

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be May/June
There will be a detailed announcement here in the forum
I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[charjo]

Welcome to the challenges, John. It’s a real skill to hear the chord changes and see the triad shapes all over the fretboard. Well done, great first submission.
John

[John E]

Hello all.
I have created a youtube account and uploaded the video.
I’m not computer savvy so until I post this I won’t know if the link works —fingers crossed.

regards to all…

[Paul S.]

Looks like you’ve got your video issues resolved. Welcome to the AM community. You will find it very supportive.

This was a catchy composition with hints of Dire Straits, I think, probably from both the melody and the tone.
I like the way your lead followed the chord changes, too.

Nicely done,

[Denise]

Welcome to the AM submissions!
That sounds great. I like that chord progression. Very well played.
Hope to hear more from you.

More Blues!

[JoLa]

Hi John,
This was so very well played already, great sound with soloing over the chord changes, and a nice bright mood of the song. It seems you have found a perfect place with the skills you already possess, glad you have joined us for the monthly challenge as well! Welcome!

🎸JoLa

[Laurel C]

So glad you persevered with the posting John. Welcome to the challenges and with the skills you have brought to the table. So well played and beautiful tone.

[Martin W]

Hi John , congrats on your first challenge submission, sounds great ,the study of following the changes has paid off , you navigate the fretboard well hitting those chord tones creating a very pleasing melody .
Well played keep em coming.

Martin

[Dieter]

Sounds wonderful melodic.

Dieter

[Alan L]

Hey John, thought I’d check back. Original link is now working, but I see you added other options too!

Anyways… great playing! That chord progression is catchy. I wouldn’t have guessed you are thinking “chord tones;” the lead is musical, melodic and natural. Bravo! 🙌

[Raffaele S]

The first one was great, Giovanni….I’m also quite new to the challenges, mine was the third, but I intend to continue because I’m passionate about this beautiful family….I hope the same for you…good luck!

[snakechisler]

That was well played
well recorded
and
had good video

what’s not to like

[John E]

You are all so kind – Thank you.
I shall take a keen interest in all your submissions.
regards to you all.
John

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