Rudi

There are contributing artist only voting projects hereabouts. Of course, you could bribe another member to vote your way. I offer such a service for very reasonable rates. Or you could sign up to my sockpuppet creation program and get multiple votes from very inept artists.

Yes. Write = compose = make up = think of... etc etc.

Tascam, Zoom Rowland, Alesis all make tiny multitrack recorders. You can sing (or play) melody, bassline, counterpoint etc in synch and tap out the rhythm using belly slaps or cheek clicks all on different tracks.

This poll is not comprehensive enough to be very serious. I could make it more comprehensive (and boring) but as there is no correct answer, regard it as an opportunity to be opinionated without penalty. Remember, There are good musicians who struggle with lyrics and vice versa. There are people for whom the music is the part they love best and vice versa. It is entirely subjective.

Hi Mahir, 1/ I still dont understand what you mean. I dont use a computer for recording. 2/ I still dont understand this either. We all use sound recordings. Satisfaction depends on how well its realised. 3/ I dont need another product. I'm puzzled Rudi

I like to use monitors mainly, and I wish I had bought bigger ones (they are light on bass). When mixing I now use both NFMs & h-phones.

If you look at a posters profile you will find under 'musical background' a 'getting critique' field. If this is filled out, you will get some idea how to deal with the person concerned. You Simmon, have not filled yours out. Tom, Alistair & me have all put 'give it to me both barrels'. Tom's is a little more detailed than just that.

Ryan & Tom, Human drummers are the first casualty in home recording (then bassists), and I use sampled drums & loops too. But I value drummers above any other band component. Sometimes, you cant find the right drums, and sometimes I cant program them either (not well anyway). So I'm glad I know a drummer or two. On here, I'm glad you fellows are around too.

nice one mike Crown of Creation - Jefferson Airplane

Dave, that is a great audio demo of your style. I think I will try it myself.

Blackberry Boogie - Tennesse Ernie Ford

I dont know what that is. The firm side of the thumb next to the nail. If you are right handed, you can look down at your thumbnail (plan view) and the contact portion is closest to the strings. Pretend you are wearing a thumbpick, and you will have it right. BTW, thumbpicks are no good for strumming. The upstroke will pull it out of position, and very likely right off the thumb.

The thumb edge is ok for both up & down strokes. It wont take long to get calluses though. re: The 'sharp' sound from fingernails. Have you tried strumming further down the neck? (over the upper frets). It will sound more bass-ish and you will lose the harshness of the sound.

You can use fingernails. Its a lot more difficult though. You can also try the soft edge of your thumb, but this is only used for a softer muted sound. Not for general strumming because you lose volume and the top end.

Hi Ryan, Its not been recorded yet. But the tempo will change slowly (rallentando), it will accererate and de-accellerate. Its about 6.5 minutes long and has about 9 time signature changes.

I use a selected drum drum pattern, but sometimes the music will defeat any attempt to use a metronome. Anything with tempo changes or time signature changes will do that. I have a solo instrumental with multiple temp & rhythm changes. Just as well it is unaccompanied!

Rattlesnake Shake - Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac

I got it wrong too. Should've been Chico. Remarkable piece of kit. Is it a prototype?

Hey That thing must have been made for Harpo Marx.

Queen of the New Year - Deacon Blue

The Blimp - Captain Beefheart & the Magic Band (vocal : antenna jimmy semens)

Hi Mike, Where do you stand? I have always strived to be better. It’s a lifelong habit, though I have missed out on a few things that now seem unattainable to me. Are you comfortable with your knowledge / technique? No. The knowledge part needs constant reinforcement. It’s hard to keep it all upstairs. The technique part is easier. It just needs enough practice. But…! I once had someone ask me why I am not better (given the years I have been playing). The answer is that most players consolidate what they learn instead of keep adapting it. Therefore those ‘consolidators’ sound great precisely because they stick to it. Are you pushing boundaries? Technically: about 5%. It used to be much higher. I am self taught, and most of what I have figured out was re-inventing the wheel. But, I have certain techniques (slurs, picking, muting etc) that I have never seen anyone else use; such as downward string bends + vibrato (towards the floor). Knowledge: I have let go of much of the structure that I relied on. I have always played what felt right, and if it was different, I would figure out what it was & how it fitted into the overall scheme of things. Now I care less about what it is, and just play it regardless. Are those boundaries pushing back? Yes. I have to adapt to limitations as I discover them. I hate limitations. They should be shot on sight. Also, there are some ‘ordinary’ techniques that elude me. Since I developed my picking further, much of the hammer on / pull off stuff has stagnated. I simply can’t find those slick pentatonic licks that I hear from many players I enjoy. Are you getting better, staying the same or getting worse? Its improving, but at a much slower rate than formerly. Its an age thing probably. Do the same regiments that helped you long ago keep you going foreward? Regimen has seldom had much to do with my practice. It’s probably why I can practice so much. I never get bored. When practicing I am far more ambitious that I would ever be on a stage, or in a studio, but the content is produced almost subliminally. At weekends I often play the silent guitar while watching tv. When music comes out of the tv, I either fight against it (carry on with what I am doing) or join in with it until it ends. I get a great workout that way. Do you have a set to do list of things to do that you believe will take you to the next level No. I have no clue what the next level might be. I have nothing in my sights. There are some odds and ends that I have never pursued properly. I still dither with them. I am not a competitive player. I don’t measure myself against anyone else. For me, I get far better results by doing things for their own sake. For that reason perhaps, ‘shredding’ is an almost alien concept to me. Rudi

Fire On The Mountain - Marshall Tucker Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhl4UW_gFfY

I listened, but I too have little idea about pigeonholing myself. I cant give you an informed opinion, which is what you want. Good luck

Hi Al, 1. How many of you post 'live' recordings of your stuff on-line? No, not my stuff. The band has had live covers briefly posted up. 2. How many of you go out and play your songs in public? No, not now. I have played my songs at jam nights and a couple of special events, but not for a long while. The gigging band remains a covers outfit.