September 2026 Challenge Response: Jonathan Amos EP290

[Jonathan Amos]

For this month’s “play a feeling” challenge I chose Brian’s ready-made “Soulful Blues Lead Guitar Lesson”. In it he says, “The emotion you can get out of a few notes is amazing.” Very true though he does not say what kind of emotion. I thought the piece evoked sadness but my wife said it made her feel nostalgic. Personally, I would say that most emotion in music is a unique musical emotion. Usually the music wins me over first, it can get me very high and it might be years later that I bother to pay attention to the lyrics.

First section is the lead from Brian’s lesson, followed by my own simple melody. Brian said it was a simple lesson but I found it quite challenging enough to play reasonably well. I also added an extra guitar track to the backing.

Jonathan Amos, Matsuyama, Japan

• This topic was modified 13 hours, 47 minutes ago by Jonathan Amos.

[charjo]

Oh, I remember that one well, Jonathan. Beautiful melody and those plaintive bends, I love your additions.
I think I posted this some years ago as the Jun 2019 Challenge. I even got a comment from Brian, I wish he would do that occasionally nowadays.

John

• This reply was modified 13 hours, 25 minutes ago by charjo.

[Mike W]

Terrific submission Jonathan. I had to listen to Brian’s lesson again so I could tell what was original and what was yours. Great idea to modify the backing track – I don’t remember anyone doing that before – it worked really well. I imagine that Brian would be really pleased with what you’ve done to his EP to make it your own.

[Michael Krailo]

That was awesome Jonathan. That lesson is going in my favorites. I’ve never heard it before. You definitely did some serious work on that phrasing. That’s the whole key to all of this guitar stuff. The tempo allows for a deeper emotional connection to the melody.

Root note patterns >>> CAGED shapes >>> TRIAD'S. Just put in the work and watch your guitar skills soar.

[Martin W]

I also remember this one it’s a great one to get under your fingers I agree it’s deceptively challenging in places , always nice to add your own ideas and yours is no exception they fit the track perfectly.
I liked what you did with the backing it almost adds to the intensity.

Martin

[JoeD1]

Very well performed Jonathan and your additional improv was perfect. I agree with your wife…nostalgic.

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

[James B]

Most enjoyable, Jonathan. Love that lesson and your additions served it nicely. The added guitar track enhanced it too. Great job holding pitch on those bends.

James

[AndréM]

Jonathan I love your version, play is awesome, great tone.
Funny like John this was my first post when I joined AM in June 2019.
To me it is peacefulness and a relaxing moment.
I think this one is one of the best Brian wrote.
Yep that was the time when Brian was writing comments in our posts.
Anyway great work Jo.

AndréM

AndréM

• This reply was modified 10 hours, 35 minutes ago by AndréM.

[Wayne Nunez]

One of my favorite lessons,and you did a fantastic job Jonathan, well played friend!

[Manfred M]

That’s awesome, Jonathan, and you play it so skillfully and with such feeling that it touches the heart. Even though it sounds a little sad, it still puts you in a wonderful mood. Great job!

Take the chance to meet your AM friends on Zoom.
The next Meetup will take place on October 31

For more information click here

I look forward to meet you.
Manfred

• This reply was modified 9 hours, 32 minutes ago by Manfred M.

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