March 2026 Challenge Response – Michael L

[Michael L]

I was inspired this month by Brian’s amazing lesson EP632 which came out as we were working on this challenge. This lesson got my mind working in minor modality. I put together my own chord progression and played in a different style than the lesson, but there are close parallels.

This is about 70% improv, 30% planned. My phrasing is a bit more verbose than I would prefer, but it’s tricky to sustain a long improv. It makes sense why many tunes have improv sections of only 8 to 16 bars before moving to another instrument or different song section.

Overall, I was happy with the result. Hope you enjoy it too.

[wannaplayblues]

Beautiful – and excellent videography!

"I hear you talkin' son, but you 'aint sayin' nothin'" - Will McFarlane quoting Muddy Waters hearing a really fast guitar player

[Michael Krailo]

Impeccable groove. Just a phenomenal example of creating music and capturing a really good acoustic sound. I like how both of your selves smiled at each other at the end.

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

[Alan L]

That chord progression is great and has some clever jazzy surprises in it. The lead just soars, just the right amount of repetition and lots of ear catching licks. You nailed it! 🤩

[James B]

Wonderful composition, Michael. Your phrasing is melodic throughout the piece and flows along so fluidly. Bravo 👏👏👏

James

[JoeD1]

That was beautiful Michael. The video was great and I thought you played a wonderful lead throughout the entire song (something I struggle to do). Truly, that was a beautiful sounding piece.

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

[Guido]

Brilliant composition Michael! Very smooth, relaxing, melodic and very well played: both parts harmonize and complement each other beautifully. Great video production too, it looks really like you’re playing with a friend on the couch!

Guido

[Raffaele S]

This lesson evidently escaped me…..however, you have made it your own in an exemplary manner….beautiful interpretation

[sunjamr]

I knew you would do something really cool, Michael. You could get a job playing in a restaurant in Coconut Grove in Miami. Well played!

Sunjamr Steve

[Pap]

Nice job on this project Michael. The chord progression was really nice and your solo improv hit all the chord changes. You have a good ear. Also, well coreographed. Cheers. Pap

[AndréM]

Very nice soulful latin grove.
Both of you played very well.

AndréM

AndréM

[Werner]

What a cool post. Like Steve said, let’s head to Coconut Grove

Thank you

Werner

[John H]

Michael
Bravo! What an enjoyable duet. Love the vibe created by your smooth rhythm (Interesting chord progression). The rhythm provided time for your lead to breathe-and it really did. This was such a combination of cool, classy and fun. Well done. Your playing is coming along nicely. You are ready for the big time! Thanks for sharing.

John

[charjo]

That had me smiling start to finish, Michael and Michael. Sooo pretty. I loved seeing the interaction between the jammers, could be fun seeing them encouraging each other even more.
John

[Mark T]

Well, I listened to this three times so far, Michael – you’ve submitted an excellent performance, and had me thinking of sitting in a beachside bar, just chilling – beautifully done. – Mark 👍🎶😎

[Wayne Nunez]

What a nice job Micheal,this duet sounds very good and has such great acoustic feel!

[Manfred M]

What a great duo, Michael. That was just beautiful. And the sound was so clear. Your improvisation is so fluid and captivating. I really enjoyed it.

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

[Laurel C]

Michael, that was a beautiful harmonious exchange between yourselves. Music that takes you somewhere like Hawaii in my mind. Classy and engaging.

[JoLa]

Woow! Michael & Michael Duo – I looooved it! Watching you two jam together was like getting extras of a favorite dessert, the interaction was priceless! And the music was a pure delight, one of my favorite chill bossanova influenced vibes, your playing was super sweet! The Taylor sounds so good no matter whether you play lead or rhythm, loved the gentle rhythm strums you played – reminiscent of Rio cafe or something like that 🍷☕️ You better be happy with it, it was a truly outstanding listen , 8-16 bars of it would not have been enough 😉

🎸JoLa

[Dieter]

Sounds very Caribbean, great jazzy performance.

Dieter

[Martin W]

Hi Michael, for me this has to be one of your best to date , the clever use of the video was apparent from the off and looked very natural with the interaction from you both .
The rhythm and lead was very tasteful, I agree with the other comments, you captured the beachside summer vibe perfectly.

Martin

[Denise]

Great jazzy chord progression.
Your playing makes me want to enjoy the summer on the sunny beach.
Very tasty lead.

More Blues!

[Paul S.]

You had me at the little intro.
This was really terrific by both of you.
The chord progression was sophisticated and the melody did a great job of following it. I loved the samba-esk style and jazzy approach and the balance between the two guitars.

[Bruce D]

Michael,
Very relaxing composition you came up with. Nicely played.

Bruce

Just focus on the notes you DID get right . . . Frank Vignola

[snakechisler]

Really tasteful dual acoustic, style = mellow

Well played recorded and edited

[Author]

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