Participate in the July 2016 Member Challenge – Open Challenge

[Bryce-AKguitar]

Hi Active Melody Community!

Please watch the video above and read instructions below carefully as things have changed a little for this month’s challenge.

I am blown away by how many members participated in the June EP065 challenge!!! We had 30+ participants! I saw many new faces and many familiar faces who’s playing is improving leaps and bounds.

Brian’s birthday is in early August. In honor of our teacher, I want to dedicate July’s Challenge to him. This is an open challenge. I want you to pick your favorite Active Melody lesson or the one that got you hooked on Active Melody and show us your playing.

**If you need assistance with how to record yourself and post to the forum see the following post and/or private message me and I will be happy to help you out.**

How To Record Yourself with Better Audio and with a Jam Track

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GOALS FOR JULY 2016 MEMBER CHALLENGE:

1. All Playing Levels: Have Fun! Show Brian how much your playing has improved.

2. Participation Goal: 20 Active Melody Member Participant Videos/MP3 posted.

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GROUND RULES FOR PARTICIPATION:

1. Pick the lesson you want to do as soon as possible. This can be from the Beginner’s course, Hendrix course, or any other Active Melody lesson.

2. Reply to this post with the lesson “EP” number or Pre “EP” title and commit yourself to submitting it by the deadline.

3. Post your Youtube, Vimeo, or Soundcloud links of you playing your selected lesson anytime between Friday, August 5th to Sunday, August 7th. (i.e. The first weekend of August.) Please do not submit earlier. I think it is fun to see everyone’s posts at once.

4. Submit individually in the “Showcase Your Playing” forum. Title your posts “July 2016 Open Challenge Response – [Your AM Screen Name]”

5. Have fun and don’t be intimidated by these challenges!!! Use these challenges to help you set goals and complete them by a deadline. You can also use this as an opportunity to chat with your fellow Active Melody members and share tips or tricks on this challenge that you think are useful.

I look forward to seeing everyone’s posts! Happy Picking!

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

Topic

[greenandyella]

Hey Bryce,
As long as its not considered lame I am going to do EP065 again and follow it up/extend it with EP066
Cheers
Chris

[Badger (4FingerPhil)]

Yey! Bryce! Great Idea!! Wow!!, ok, I will make my choice this evening when I am home from Work and make a start on it tomorrow night, really looking forward to this one, cheers Phil

[Doug T]

Albert King Style Blues Guitar Lesson – EP101 John has this on his cloud and is one of my favorites so I’ll do EP101

[Swiss Elk (Jeff)]

Bryce,

Count me in for EP144. It was what got me started playing leads when I joined last January. I never was able to complete it with the backing track, so even though I’m familiar with the lesson content, the challenge is still there.

What a great idea for this topic!

Swiss Elk

You can lead a horse to water, you can't change a horse's ass!

[charjo]

Great idea , Bryce. My first thought is that I’ll redo Clapton’s Peaches and Diesel as taught by Brian on his YouTube channel. It has two guitar parts, so I will try to “focus” my efforts and bring some split screen video technology. Maybe I should invite my son over!
John

[bri-uklefty]

Nice one Bryce and on impulse I’ll go with EP102 BB King style.
It’s homage to the great BB King and also the great Brian for getting me to even attempt and play that piece in style of BB King wow.
It was one of my early posts last September; so hopefully this time with more confidence, blues feel and with the backing track.
Cheers Bri

[Vojtech]

bri-uklefty wrote:

Nice one Bryce and on impulse I’ll go with EP102 BB King style.
It’s homage to the great BB King and also the great Brian for getting me to even attempt and play that piece in style of BB King wow.
It was one of my early posts last September; so hopefully this time with more confidence, blues feel and with the backing track.
Cheers Bri

Bri Born in Britain Brings Brian BB‘s Blues for Birthday Because of Bryce from … Alaska.

Thats like … fate or something. And Bryce needs to move to Barbados.

I’ll do Key to the Highway lesson 🙂

My Youtube Playlist

[sunburst]

Bryce, Great idea and with all the NEWER special features like sound slice and tab along with the jamtracks..it should be easy fun! I’m going to pick by searching my favorites here..or maybe search for artists here in search bar to pick one and use the tabs and jamtracks! looking forward playing another challenge and a pre-happy birthday in August Brian!

Sunburst John

[Scott M]

Hey Bryce, I’m slowly working my way through the blues lead course so I’m going to take a shot at classic 12 bar lesson EP149.

Scott

[sunburst]

I’m going to try entering all Brian’s Mark Knopfler lessons, just reviewed his back in 2010 lego26 which I want to do on my standard les paul fingerstyle.. going to try improving my audio /video presence too.. that last one was aweful.. going to play through a straight class A cub Laney 15w or 1 watt it features… i also use a fender g dec 15watt amp with built in digital multi affects .. but I think the class A tube amp sounds better even for amateur recordings. cheers!

Sunburst John

[Debra]

Hey Bryce,
Well, so many options….However, in honor of Brian’s birthday I am going to continue with EP066. Maybe I will combine them both (65,66) in some unique way that my muse will dictate. This sounds like fun!
Cheers, Debra

[Don D.]

Thanks, Bryce, great idea!

I’m going to try “Elmore James Style Rhythm and Lead (Simulated Slide)—EP122,” one I’ve been taking little bites of (Elmore James is one of my favorite musicians, Brian captured an integral part of his style in this lesson). I have a feeling I may have just bitten more than I can chew, but that’s what these challenges are good for.

Don D.
Active Melody
Forum Moderator

[Badger (4FingerPhil)]

Ok Folks! I’m in trouble! As My gorgeous girlfriend Lisa has chosen for me!! And quite a challenge it is! we are Going for Funky Blues EP147. It is quite up tempo, and I may struggle to keep up with the Jam track. I like the fact that it has a mixture of strum techniques and fast licks. Right, I’m on it! See you in a month!!! Cheers Phil

[JiminFla]

I am going to go with one of the early ones, ep066. I also got my video issue worked out so you should have the complete package this time.

Jim Reedy

[Chris T]

Hey Bryce, I hope you are taking notes. There is so much to choose from, but I have settled on EP085, it’s one I started briefly but didn’t find the time to give to it. You’re wise making us commit in writing. Looking forward to it.

[Lights]

I have run out of bullets because of rapid posting last two month, but I promise to learn something new, must be plenty of time. B.t.w., is “Stairway To Heaven” allowed? L.O.L.

[Tremelow]

What a splendid idea Bryce! Love it. I’ll use it as an opportunity to finally get a go at EP083. It is one of the first lessons here on AM that I wanted to learn. It’s got a very nice 50’s feel to it and its turnaround lick is so good, I just need to have it in my repertoire.

[Billy]

My open choice for the July challenge is going to be EP 154 Gypsy Waltz G Minor Blues…. (no laughing at the back!)

..Billy..

[Duffy P]

I am in for this month. Sorry I missed the last, the submissions were very impressive. I decided to do something very far out of my wheelhouse, so EP001-3 for me, Brian’s first EP lesson and his first country lesson.

[Bryce-AKguitar]

Me and Humanity will be working on:

BB King Ballad Guitar Lesson – Slow Blues in The Key of C – EP041

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[scotty117]

Bryce, my entry will be ep086. Bo Diddley style lesson. I remember this being one of the first lessons I tried when I joined, it has a nice feel to it. Should be fun, thanks for the great idea…Scott.

[Jeff Y]

Im in 149 for me

Classic 12 Bar Blues Rhythm and Lead (Easy) – EP149

[scattercreek]

Ok Bryce,

I’ll commit to EP 140 and also all 3 levels of EP 142. I just did level 3 on 142 before, so I need to work level 3 in with levels one and two. Wish me luck.

Gene

Gene

[Badger (4FingerPhil)]

Great choice Bryce, EP041 is the the track that I first found on youtube and went on to become a premium member. Good luck with this one. Nice smooth bends with light and shade my friend, cheers Phil

[Tom Van Bladel]

I might regret it, but I’ll try Acoustic Blues Guitar Lesson – LEG005, albeit at a lot slower tempo…

Acoustic Blues Guitar Lesson – LEG005

… simply because this is where I got to know about AM on Youtube. In search for more, I visited the AM site and took me 10 seconds to decide to subscribe. Never regretted it!

July is also holiday travel month over here, so there’s only 2 weeks available. Missed last month. Don’t want to miss this one.

Regards,

Tom

[Havasumark]

I have not been able to participate in the monthly challenges for a bit. I always thought retirement would bring me more time to do the things I’ve always wanted to do (like play guitar), but so much for that theory. LoL!!!

For this new challenge, I’m going to make the time. I’m going to give EP158 my best shot. I like these slow blues styles, and I would like to improve my finger style playing so, this lesson is perfect.

Mark

[Jeem]

Bryce & the AM Gang.

I like this idea! I’m usually so busy at work and slow enough learning the new ones that a month just doesn’t give me enough time to get something presentable. I’m going with my absolute favorite AM lesson. EP-058 Voodoo-Catfish Blues. I’ll even attempt to tone down the “dirt”! (a little anyway!).

Jim

[sunjamr]

The problem is, I have about 50 favorite lessons, which makes it very hard to choose. I love playing 12 bar blues in E, but if you move to a key farther up the neck, you can do things that don’t work in E. My short little fingers don’t work so well in G, where the frets are kind of far apart. So just for fun, I think I’ll go up the neck where the frets are a bit closer together: EP127 – Solo Blues in A. And, what I think I’ll do is make my own jam track, then try to transpose some licks from other lessons that were in different keys. It’s a good thing we have more than a month to get this together.

Sunjamr Steve

[Mark O]

July’s gonna be a busy month for me but I’m hoping to be able to do ep119 Clapton Cream. This was the first lesson that I saw of Brian’s on YouTube… even though I have several dozen favorites, this is as good as any with which to pay homage to Brian to. Like Sunjamr Steve, I think I will make my own jam track and try to expand a bit on it. Can’t promise video (not sure if I have the right equipment for this, plus I’m Polish so I have that going against me!) but should be able to do audio. Looking forward to not only making my first AM lesson contribution but hearing everyone’s submissions. You all picked them for a reason- I suspect we will all see/hear some very good efforts!

Mark

[Stephen B]

Do believe I’ll go for EP155, groovin slow. Cheers everybody

[Michael H.]

I’ll give EP149 a shot. Love the classic 12 bar blues and this has some fun blues licks to boot.

[JohnP NC]

Hi Bryce;

Great idea. I will do EP145, Fingerstyle Delta Blues lessons. It was the lesson I found on Youtube that led me to this site. Really like that one.

Have a great 4th! John

[CKL]

Cool challenge this one! I’m gonna submit my shot at EP114 (Electric version).
Looking forward to all the submissions 🙂

Rock on ?

– Chris

[strattastic]

Key to the highway or EP118 were what brought me here and they start off my noodling when I pick up my electric guitar, so I’ll try a submit for Brian’s birthday. He may not thank me tho.

Nice idea Bryce.

George

[Patrick van Rijn]

Great challenge! And yes, too many lessons to choose from.

Tom (@tom van bladel) already mentioned that July is travelling holiday month in The Netherlands, so ‘unfortunately’ I am abroad soon with no (!) guitar within reach for weeks… How on earth could I let my beloved wife book this kind of holiday trip?!

Anyway, I will use this sabbatical to run through all the 159+ lessons, pick the finest and study like crazy the first week of August!

Regards,
Patrik

Patrick

[Martin G]

I need to get a handle on a good “music store” piece…one that allows you to pick up and demo a guitar in a guitar store and sound like you know your way around the fretboard…..I choose EP 155 for that purpose. Some of the licks are challenging but overall, I believe it’s do-able. Hopefully this time I will not get my weekends confused….;-)

BTW….reviewed many of last weeks posts and was impressed at how well everyone sounded……Bravo!

A nice weekend to all….

Marty

[DaveS]

Hi Bryce great idea for Brians birthday, I shall be attempting the EP028 SRV lesson
and maybe with a bit of my own improvisation, should be fun.

[Jdub]

I will give EP127 a go. Im half way through it but still needs a lot of work.

[allanm]

HI Bryce
I am going to try EP119, this will be my first attempt at a challenge, so not sure how it will go.
cheers
Allan

[bwade913]

Great idea Bryce! I am going to do EP026 the delta blues slide lesson since it played a big role in my early development as a slide player and because it was the video that brought me to Active Melody. I may do it several ways; on a standard acoustic as Brian did it, on an acoustic resonator and on an electric. I’m also having fun with the new EP158 lesson (JJ Cale) and so I’m working on that as well. – Bret

[kubrider]

Wow, just read through all of these. So many great lessons. For me it’s Gypsy Waltz EP154, been wanting to do this since I first heard it now is my opportunity.
Rob

[richard t]

Time to join the monthly challenge. I will attempt EP153.

[Robotman]

Challenge accepted!

My contribution will be “based on” EP013.

I love delta blues!

See you on or about 5th August!

Jeff “Robotman”

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[konk]

Hey Bryce,

Nice idea! It’s almost an impossible choice though, since there are so many beautiful lessons! I’ll go for EP035 (Cream style guitar solo)!
grtz,
Michel

[Rich F]

Hi Bryce,

That’s a great idea!

I was torn between EP101 and EP102 (I have just noticed that Doug T has chosen EP101, while Bri-UK is going for EP102). Doug, do you mind if I go for EP101 Albert King Style Slow Blues too? I have just discovered this lesson, and I love it.

As Brian says, it is interesting that we can shift to the A Minor pentatonic over the 5 chord, before going back to G minor pentatonic. It does work! But, as Brian asks, why does it work?

Cheers,

Rich F

[Slowblues]

Hi first time posting. I will upload EP088 but it will be on an electric. Cool idea look forward to seeing the uploads!

[leif kjøl]

Hi I am new in this forum. So i do not now how to participate…But I will go with number 146 in my own form…

[Bryce-AKguitar]

@leif-kjol: Hi Leif! You record yourself playing the lesson. It can be an audio or video recording. You post to either Youtube or Soundcloud and post a link to your challenge response on the forum.

If you need help recording take a look at these videos:

How To Record Yourself with Better Audio and with a Jam Track

How To Upload Sound Files of your playing to Soundcloud and Post them to the Forum

If you need help with using the Active Melody Forum system see these videos:

ActiveMelody.com Forum System Tutorial Videos

If you need further assistance contact me at the email below in my signature or on private message me on the AM forum.

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[WBlues]

Hi, am also, of course.
Honestly, I don’t know what I’ll do. I had not given EP065 up to the last challenge really attention. I think the part with EP066 complete, and something of my own to add. I had to play volleyball. Stupid! The liked my shoulder joint-not so much. But on the weekend I will be able to the guitar in the Hand and is definitely set.

Wilfried

Wilfried

[WarrenB]

I’m in with EP147 – ‘Funk the Blues’ !!

[Badger (4FingerPhil)]

Thats the one I have chosen too, good luck Warren, cheers Phil

[Johnny]

Hi Bryce and forum members, I am going to take the plunge BB King Ballad EP041 awesome tune been practicing it for 3 weeks Hmmmmmmm very difficult to get the rhythm timing and tempo for such a slow ballad I will give it a bash!! :):)

JohnnyBB

[Rich F]

Hi Johnny,

Hope your enjoying the Summer heat up there in Gloucester!

That’s a great choice for the Challenge: such a cool lesson!

I am currently practicing Albert King Style Blues: EP101 for the challenge. Also finding the timing difficult here! Thanks for highlighting the EP041 lesson: I will be trying that one later…

Cheers,

Rich F

[Gary W]

Great idea, Bryce. This is a tough choice but I think I’ll go with EP127 – Solo Blues Lesson in A. This is the one that got me to join Active Melody and it’s still my favorite. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone’s submissions.
Gary

[Martyn in France]

I’m in. I’ll have a go at EP153.
Well done Bryce, this is a great way to say ‘happy birthday and thank you Brian’
Martyn

[greg505]

Hi Bryce,

It’s EP81 for me. The Mississippi John Hurt style lesson.

Cheers Greg

[Oren F]

Hey Bryce,

I’ll be doing EP162, wish me luck 🙂

Oren

[Bryce-AKguitar]

Oren (@oren-faifkovgmail-com): That’s the spirit Oren! Way to go!!! Good luck!

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[cobber]

Count me in EP 074

[Adrian Z]

Hi Bryce – I realise it’s past July but if it’s not too late I’d like to have a shot at 129 keys to the highway – with a twist! It will be my first AM challenge

Been a big month at work and haven’t had much time with the guitar but would love to participate to give Brian a big birthday

Now I have to just work out how to record and upload using my iPad . Will search the forum. Did I see somewhere you’d like them uploaded from 5/8

Cheers

[Bryce-AKguitar]

Adrian (@zanettifamily01optusnet-com-au): Yes. This weekend 8/5 – 8/7 is when to post. In this post, I tell you the rules and other helpful recording posts. Let me know if you need more help.

Warm Regards,

-Bryce
Anchorage, Alaska

[Author]

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