Home › Forums › Showcase Your Playing › What about the August 2018 Lesson Challenge???
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August 7, 2018 at 1:01 am #106871
One week of August has nearly passed, and some of us are wondering whether there will be an August Lesson Challenge. Without Bryce at the helm, the ship needs to be able to sail by itself. Here’s one way this could happen:
Every month we just have an Open Lesson Challenge, and the submittal date starts on the last Friday of the month. So for August, the last Friday is August 31. And you could submit anytime that weekend.
Pros: (1) We seem to get more participation for the open challenges. (2) We all have different musical tastes, and this would allow us to pick a lesson that suits our taste. (3) If it’s a lesson we like, we might try harder to get it perfect.
Cons: (1) It might be too easy. Having to learn a lesson picked by someone else forces us out of our comfort zones and helps us learn new licks and techniques. (2) We might get less participation.
So unless we hear otherwise, or someone has a better idea, what say we just do it? I, for one, would like to start working on my next challenge ASAP.
Sunjamr Steve
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August 7, 2018 at 1:10 am #106872
For this month that sounds like an excellent proposal
Given Brian does 4/5 a month + micro lessons going forward it could run like pick 1 of last months?
With August as a free pick and July voted for as this year
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August 7, 2018 at 1:28 am #106875
Since time is too short to take a decision all together maybe another open challenge it could be the best choice.
But we could do a votation for September and the month after a votation for October and so on.
Just to have a common lesson. It could be funny that we are focused on the same lesson.
We may still have 2 open challenge and the others choosen this way.
It’s just an idea thrown there but maybe too complicated.
Ale -
August 7, 2018 at 2:45 am #106877Anonymous
Hey Steve, thanks for trying to keep a great idea alive. I think the challenge is great learning approach. It instills motivation, comittment and encourages the community to work together and help each other towards the same common goal which is to be the best guitar player that they can be. And it’s a lot of fun doing it!
As far as monthly assignments go, not sure how that could work. But I think a combination of rhythm and lead make an all around guitarist in simplest terms. Now that could be categorized into different ideas such as rhythm, lead, rhythm and lead combined, chord harmony etc…just to mention a few from the AM lessons list. They could be alternated each month combined with different genres…blues, pop, jazz. Etc.
For the month of Aug, it is short notice so I think the open challenge idea would be the easiest approach.
Thanks again Steve for trying to keep this thing going. I appreciate your efforts. I think it’s an essential part of the forum and itwould be a shame to see it disappear.
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August 7, 2018 at 3:33 am #106880
Looks like the end of the set challenges to me, what has it been since Bryce announced his retirement and none of the admin/mod team have run with the chalice.
I’m surprised that we have had no interaction from Brian and to leave the whole of AM community without any direction in this matter is on the wrong side of shitty imho.
Tbh I have not taken part in the challenges for a good few months now, but that has been down to personal problems and nothing to do with not liking the challenges..
Open challenges are the way to go afaics, but then again without someone setting the challenge these are only “Show case your playing”..
Someone needs to contact Brian so we can find out what the future plans are for our community....Billy..
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August 7, 2018 at 3:47 am #106882
Hi Steve, thanks for bringing this up. I agree that the monthly challenge has proven its value and should be kept alive.
For August, I would also opt for an open challenge.
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August 7, 2018 at 4:12 am #106884
With regard to Billy’s comments I think the whole site / Lessons have grown considerably since I started doing / looking at challenges back end of last year.
The sheer amount of work involved in running it is fairly substantial and expanding at a rate of knots, if you change how its currently done (no choice Bryce can’t keep up and needs a life break) it needs a sustainable long term plan given that members are growing all the time and Brian’s back catalogue expands. That’s not something that can be quick fixed it needs doing properly.
A short term answer is we organise ourselves I’ve started Jam Band as my next major challenge and will hopefully do a couple of others during the month as well as keep going on some I’ve already done.
Looking forward to the end of August already to see what everyone comes up with 🙂
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August 7, 2018 at 4:16 am #106885
Hey steve,i emailed brian about the monthly challenges.
He def. Want to keep them alive.
So i’m waiting for a post or comment how to get on with it,
Should be very dissapointing for me if it goes to an end but the promise is a lasting challenge every month😎 -
August 7, 2018 at 4:26 am #106887
Hi,
We definitely have to carry on with challenges because I got addicted to them 🙂
Open challenges seem to be a good idea to me. Thanks Steve for bringing this up.Slawek
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August 7, 2018 at 4:42 am #106889
I was unaware that Bryce announced a retirement. I like the challenges because it forces me to work on a piece that I might otherwise not work on. I hope it continues.
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August 7, 2018 at 4:51 am #106890
Well done for focusing attention on this, Steve. I expect Brian has been planning what he intends to do about the challenges and the forum, but I’m sure he would welcome feedback on the preferred challenge format. Bryce has always done a great job on this in the past and the balance between open challenges and others has always seemed about right to me, but I would also like something in between – say, a particular style or genre, or a choice between two very different lessons, or even a particular key. This may be too extreme, but what about examples of things we have worked on before AM, perhaps as a one-off?
In the present situation another open challenge at the end of August sounds good.
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August 7, 2018 at 5:10 am #106891
Hey steve,i emailed brian about the monthly challenges.
He def. Want to keep them alive.
So i’m waiting for a post or comment how to get on with it,
Should be very dissapointing for me if it goes to an end but the promise is a lasting challenge every month.This is encouraging news, the Monthly challenges are one of the glues which bind Active melody.
..Billy..
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August 7, 2018 at 5:16 am #106892
I’m fairly new to the forum and have only done the July challenge. I’m a long time AM member though so I think I will put my .02 cents in hoping not to offend anyone. Here goes. I like the idea that AM lesson challenge should be from the previous month backwards to the lesson beginnings. Just to keep it alive and get everyone going for August I think we have no choice but to have August be Open Challenge. Maybe just to spice it up we divide it up by 3 or 4 Genres, or Electric vs Accoustic in each genre. I don’t know just throwing it out there. I may be totally off base because I’m not all that clear on how the challenges work.
James M -
August 7, 2018 at 6:44 am #106899Anonymous
It took me a while to figure out what the heck was going on. I get it now, but it does take a bit for new people. There are quite a few of you older members here that know what to do. Might I suggest a few of you get together, perhaps in PM and split up proctoring it for a few months until Brian has a chance to go forward with something more formal? That way one person isn’t overwhelmed with it for more than a month.
August is shot, can’t do anything but an open now, but through the end of the year could be organized pretty easy.
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August 7, 2018 at 6:47 am #106900
What I mean by acoustic vs electric is maybe a song pretty much that Brian did with acoustic and is best that way, we do it with electrics and the challenge is to pull it off the best. I remember seeing in the July challenge a Willie Nelson song done beautifully on electric. Probably too late though to think about that, so I vote to get through August it probably just needs to be an open challenge and come up with something really special for Sept.
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August 7, 2018 at 7:23 am #106903
I like the idea of having open challenges each month for now. It is probably the easiest way to keep the monthly challenge alive until someone takes over. Thanks, Steve!
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August 7, 2018 at 8:18 am #106907
Thank you Steve for starting this discussion. Since Bryce has stepped away it’s been on most of our minds as to where our forum is headed.
I agree with the majority that between now and when we get it all straightened out open challenges make the most sense. Just after Bryce posted his sad news Don had stepped up and volunteered to take over the challenges, perhaps he’s been in touch with Brian regarding this?
Personally I don’t think Brian has a whole lot of time to step in and take over the forum duties but at the same time he realizes it’s importance, hopefully he’s already got something in the works.
And I think we need to be very clear on when to post them, Bryce has always done the last weekend, you are proposing the last Friday. There’s always a bit of confusion so again as long as everyone understands what the last Friday is I think that’s great.
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August 7, 2018 at 4:54 pm #106971
I suggested we say the challenge starts on the last Friday of the month for this reason: Take a look at August. What is the last weekend, is the 25th & 26th? Or is it the weekend of Aug 31, Sept 1, and Sept 2? When does the weekend start, on Friday or on Saturday? In past, when the “last weekend” started in one month and spilled over into the next month, we almost always had members getting confused over when the challenge was due. And then there’s this month, when the last weekend of July happened to be Aug 3 – 5. The key was to read Bryce’s sticky post and see what he defined as the “last weekend of the month”, but not all members knew to do that. So to make the challenge dates be consistent, we would need some ground rules. Something like this:
Option 1: Challenges are due on the last weekend that falls completely within the month. So if Sunday falls within the next month, that would not qualify as the last weekend of the month.
Option 2: Challenges are due on the last Friday of the month, and can be submitted anytime during that weekend. This way, there is no doubt as to when the challenges are due.
Either way sounds fine with me.
Sunjamr Steve
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August 7, 2018 at 8:33 am #106914
I hope these continue, it’s a great way for members to interact with each other. I’m pretty impressed with the way we all encourage, compliment and in general “act nicely” with each other! No small feat these days. Let’s keep it going.
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August 7, 2018 at 8:51 am #106916
I would like we do the same thing, picking our own lesson/ even a couple lessons like even mixor match two in the same key tempo…that’s fun too. if I remember, the monthly randoms challenges make more participants and Brian stockpiled enough ..hundreds to choose from so I say one two or three is cool too for monthly submissions.( what you feel like playing rather what you have to do lesson is more relaxing and fun.
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August 7, 2018 at 9:58 am #106920
An open challenge each month is the only way I can see this thing can work, unless someone takes over Bryce’s forum administration duties.
I think Steve has a good idea unless someone steps forward to take over.
This thread underscores how valuable Bryce was to this community. -
August 7, 2018 at 9:59 am #106921
I’d rather do ‘ open challenges ‘ each month so you don’t spend a month learning a lesson you’re not interested in. Just my 2 cents.
Tim -
August 7, 2018 at 10:08 am #106923
I think that we have to do an open challenge for this month. However after this month I don’t like the idea of doing open challenges. One thing I’ve learned from being involved in the last five challenges is that I would not have learned to play these songs unless they were part of the challenge. However, after I learn the songs I realize that I learned techniques that could help me with any future song that I learned.
I really think that we need another moderator to keep these challenges going. They help a newer guitarist like me stay focused.
Also, does anyone know where the thread is to when Bryce announced his retirement? I can’t seem to find it.
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August 7, 2018 at 10:39 am #106924
Charles I’m wondering if maybe that thread has been pulled down? I couldn’t find it either.
Rob -
August 7, 2018 at 10:46 am #106925
Charles I’m wondering if maybe that thread has been pulled down? I couldn’t find it either.
RobI cant find it either, also it is not in Bryce’s forum posting history, So looks like it has been pulled.
..Billy..
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August 7, 2018 at 11:04 am #106926
Well, I vote we do an open challenge due September 2 at midnight. Someone should just take the bull by the horn‘s and post that. I think as a group we should vote for a September challenge unless a new moderator comes forward in the next week.
What you guys think?
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August 7, 2018 at 11:38 am #106928
I have to agree with Charles, for the reasons he mentions – expanding our horizons by taking on a song that we maybe overlooked or thought was too tough for us. I kind of like to see other folks’ take on the lesson.
After all we already have a Forum section where you can play whatever you want, it’s called Showcase Your Playing.
My vote is for continuing the format the way it is, with occasional open challenges. Honestly I can see people losing interest in participating if it’s just play whatever you want format.
Just my 2 cents worth.
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August 7, 2018 at 12:33 pm #106932
I would be surprised if there is not a plan in place behind the scenes, however if not then I’d agree with Jeff. While an occasional open challenge would be ok it would replicate the Showcase Your Playing and I’d worry people would lose interest. I personally like the current format as it forces me to learn stuff I normally might skip or have overlooked. I also like to see the same lesson played by multiple people to see all the different creative directions they take it. I always learn from this.
-Doug
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August 7, 2018 at 1:12 pm #106935
Thank you, Steve, for posting the question we all have had on our minds.
The monthly challenges are one of the reasons I love AM because just like Slawek mentioned, they got me addicted which in turn motivates me to practice more and force me to leave my comfort zone. But not just that. I believe the monthly challenges bring us members closer together and spark great interactions and just getting to know each other and follow each other’s progress and draw inspirations. That’s just priceless.
I also fully agree that only open challenges from now on will not have the same motivating and educational effect and may die off due to lack of interest…
The fact is that without Bryce, it will never be the same. However, having said that, I believe in Brian and his ingenuity and like Doug said, I’d be surprised if he was not working on something behind the scenes. Unless Brian has a different idea, I think we definitely need a new Forum Leader to fill the void…In the meantime, I am practicing a few lessons so I plan on being ready to post something at the end of August.
🎸JoLa
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August 7, 2018 at 1:44 pm #106939
I’ve enjoyed participating in the monthly challenges the past couple of years. I’m definitely in the the camp of primarily having a fixed lesson for all with a couple of open challenges thrown in into the mix over the the course of the year. Having a fixed lesson has got me playing things I wouldn’t normally consider and I always enjoy hearing and learning from other members takes on the fixed lesson. We already have the Showcase Your Playing forum to post members playing Brian’s lessons that are of particular interest to them, although this forum has seemed to evolve into a catch all for original and cover tunes as well as members playing Brian’s lessons.
Scott
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August 7, 2018 at 2:12 pm #106946
Should I consolidate the current Challenge posts? I mentioned that I was willing to do the necessary cut and paste for this month, maybe next, but no one said any more about it, so I let it slide.
Don D.
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August 7, 2018 at 5:04 pm #106972
I vote you should jump in and do it. What would be the harm?
Sunjamr Steve
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August 7, 2018 at 9:32 pm #107003
Thank you and you’re welcome. I was a little hesitant to jump in, but I can easily do this every month for the foreseeable future.
Don D.
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August 7, 2018 at 6:51 pm #106982
Thanks Don for consolidating participants for the July open challenge!
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August 7, 2018 at 9:33 pm #107004
It’s my pleasure to handle that.
Don D.
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August 7, 2018 at 2:32 pm #106953
I don’t see what harm that would do.
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August 7, 2018 at 10:03 pm #107006
Hey Charles, thank you for the encouragement. It was when I saw your reply that I set about putting it together. It’s my pleasure to hook them up.
Don D.
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August 7, 2018 at 4:50 pm #106970
Well focused Steve. I haven’t posted any playing for a long while having suffered many difficulties with my companions health. But that is personal and the challenges are a great thing and obviously only an open challenges could really succeeds for this month.
One important point for the future is if the declaration of the challenge is properly mandated, suppose it was made a rule that to be entered you must lay down the piece you are proposing at the beginning of the challenge say the first or second week of the month. That would leave most people thinking i would like to improve on this lesson etc and would perhaps add focus as there would be little point in making an entry of something that you no longer require to practice very much.
If you wanted to narrow it down a bit one could say any lesson that is a standalone piece perhaps for September
I Hope that adds a useful thought or two.
Regards
JohnStrat -
August 7, 2018 at 11:50 pm #107010
Thanks Don.
The melody of the notes is what expresses the art of music . 🙂 6stringerPete
It really is all about ”melody”. The melody comes from a language from our heart. Our heart is the muscle in music harmony. The melody is the sweetness that it pumps into our musical thoughts on the fretboard. 🙂 6 stringer Pete
Pete
Active Melody
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August 8, 2018 at 5:24 am #107033
De nada, you’re welcome, Pete. I can usually do it right away, but Monday was one of my busiest days in a long time (good thing).
Don D.
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August 8, 2018 at 1:43 am #107015
Thanks Don!!
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August 8, 2018 at 5:27 am #107034
No big deal, you’re welcome. It’s a pleasure doing it. If I had more time, I’d like to comment on each one.
Don D.
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August 8, 2018 at 2:03 am #107018
First of all, good kick Steve and sorry for my late replay!
Well, I think that all of us, even for different reasons, find these monthly challenges very good. It is important team spirit, community and mutual support. We are all at different levels.
We always have different goals in our personal advancement.
Therefore, the open challenges should not be underestimated.Variant 1:
Open Challenge:
On the weekend we post, we briefly describe what our personal goal was in the chosen lesson.Goals could be:
To play the lesson.
The lesson to play and expand.
Generally the so far learned to apply to a backing track.
Or what ever.So we could define our own learning goals.
Variant 2:
Predefined challenges:
Furthermore, I have found that, if we play the same lesson but completely different results come out. Everyone plays in their own way; I also find that very interesting. We have enough examples.Accordingly, the given lesson should not be underestimated.
As a result, both versions are good for the future.
Steve has made a proposal regarding submission.
I am for the approach of his “Option 2”.
We should manifest it.Rgds
WilfriedPlay guitar just like you live; don't get bogged down in theory, it's just a tool without feeling.
Wilfried
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August 8, 2018 at 5:36 am #107035
Thanks for your intervention and offer, Don. Challenges due on the last Fri of the month makes a lot of sense and gives a little extra time for Aug. Are we agreed on an open challenge for Aug and a vote for the next few months following. Steve, I’m okay if you make the decision.
John-
August 8, 2018 at 7:30 am #107039
For sure, John, my pleasure to help out.
Not seeing a Challenge post from you caused me some concern. I was sure I must have missed it, which led me to triple check everything and find a misspelled name. I just hope that I didn’t overlook your song.
Don D.
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