Oct 25 Challenge Based on Lesson VG 30

[John H]

Based on Brian’s VG 30/(Grateful Dead Jam). It’s reminiscent of the Dead’s tune Tennessee Jed (Euorpe ’72) album. It’s got the reoccurring motif, with some envelope filter wah (Jerry style). I do throw in the Sugar Magnolia lick to stir things up. The lesson is all over the fingerboard. Naturally, I had to confine it all into one position (frets 5-8). Additionally, I tried to combine the mixolydian with minor pentatonic scales while adding some chromatic notes to cement that Garcia vibe. It’s all played in one position, which in some ways was confining but still fun. The guitar is a bit loud in context with the rest of the backing track. Didn’t have the gutzpa to remix. Hope you like.

[Jennifer D]

John that was great, I’ve just looked up Grateful Dead Jam because I hadn’t heard it before, it’s a bit slower than your version. I like your lively version, superbly played.

[Denise]

John, I love it! I like that reoccurring motif and the wah effect. Great playing and mixing minor and Mixolydian.
I love that lick at 1:32!!!
Hey, you inspired me to check out Jerry Garcia style.
Promise me, that we’ll do a collab next year!?
Denise

More Blues!

[John H]

Absolutely, or sooner. Thank you for the kind words.

JH

[Ivan]

Nicely done John…👍

Ivan

[Bill]

Sweet playing John! I like both versions, great ideas. I like the chromatics, approaching notes from half step below and walking up. Adds such character.

[AndréM]

Excellent bro.
I can hear the Garcia vibe.

AndréM

AndréM

[Michael L]

Great jam John! The wah effect adds nicely to those licks. Upbeat and smooth playing, lots of fun!

[JoeD1]

Nice one John…I definitely heard the Sugar Magnolia licks throughout.

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

[Reuben B]

What a groove John. Great bends combined with those notes run. The wah-wah just takes it to the next level. Pretty awesome. I think you had too much fun on this one!

[JoLa]

So groovy, I loved it, John! I could just get up and dance to it!
It also sounded fantastic with the wah pedal (envelope filter?), what a fun effect! And I was fascinated by your picking hand moving with the rhythm and hitting all the strings so perfectly, what a skill (I wish I had).

🎸JoLa

[Manfred M]

Limiting yourself to one box can’t stop you from spreading that great Garcia vibe, John. It’s great to hear the different effect. And your playing is outstanding.

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom
The next Meetup will be at the beginning of next year 2026

A detailed announcement will be posted here in the forum in good time.

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

[Martin W]

Nice groove , you packed a lot into that one position with lots of detail and nuances with the chromatic movement etc . The 2nd cycle with the wah effect was a cool move .

Martin

[James B]

Great jamming groove, John. I thought of “Sugar Magnolia” too.

James

[Alan L]

I know that lesson well. I like how you kept the spirit of the melody intact but boiled it down to that position. And some fancy fingers on the last verse!

[Dieter]

Great imaginative perormance.

Dieter

[Guido]

Great groovy rendition John! Wonderful combination of strumming and licks, brilliantly played. Loved especially the “wha-wha” version!

Guido

[Werner]

Wow John, just wow.
I have been watching the video before reading your post and my first thought was “that´s the Dead?” and there you go!
Love the wah-wah, it´s just next level. Awesome!
Thank you!
Werner.

[Catherine Arsenault]

Loved your submission John great tone and that Wah!!!!!!

[Serena C]

Great choice John and great rendition!

If I wasn't making mistakes I wouldn't be the kind of player I want to be. Perfection is dangerous.
It's all about taking risks, sometimes you get to some place, sometimes you get to a different place. (Brian May)

[charjo]

Great jam, John. Love the chromatics and how you followed the chords. The wah effect really suited the piece.
John

[Andy N]

Jerry Garcia in a (pentatonic) box 👍. Very cool how you mixed in those mixolydian licks and such a great vibe. Enjoyed the wah effect too. Been messing around with envelopes and filters recently. You can get some wild sounds!

[Jonathan Amos]

You look very comfortable with all those licks and handled the one position confinement very naturally.

Jonathan Amos, Matsuyama, Japan

The farther one travels the less one knows.

[David H]

Ah, classic Dead! You sure did it proud, very cool.

[Author]

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