Participate in the January 2024 Member Challenge – You Decide What To Work On!

[mark1256]

@leb397 the song is starting to grow on me. I counted 50 different versions on Apple Music. I probably listened to half. Since it is a fiddle song, most are with that instrument and in the key of D. My tab is in C so I have been using a capo to play along. I did find a guitar version that I like.
I did go onto YouTube and found the Sawlon version that you suggested. I do like it and might try using some of it. However, I kind of think some of the background picking detracts from the melody. In any case I’m sure I won’t sound that good…..but I’ll doo my best. My biggest concern is memorizing it. Not a strong point for me. lol.

[Anonymous]

As I’ve tired of playing this, I’m leaving it as done (with playing flaws).
Separately, I experimented playing with the vocal version (of the song), instrumental version and a little of my other instruments. Added the instrumental (seemed like the least worst recording). Have attributed ownership but will remove if needed.
Contains some background noises, sorry.
I intend to play around with expression and a looser style outside of this.
Matt’s video about how to simplify complex arrangements later spurred me onto starting another song. Has more melody notes to seek out which I like for ear training despite simultaneously feeling reluctant to do it (it is progressing). Learning music theory and chords on the to-do list.
Thanks. 🙂
Song: Shadow of a Lonely Man (The Alan Parsons Project). First verse + last chorus. Low G Tenor, tuning: F#, B, D#, G#.
Realized I had 33 chords (below, in order) available to use. I used 26.
C, Gm, A#,  Am7, Dm, Bdim, Bm, Am, G, G7, C, Bm7, E, Am, Dm, D7, G, F, E7, Am, F#m, D7, G, F, E, Cmaj7, Cm, G, Bm7, E7, Cmaj7, Cm, G.

https://youtu.be/rTiYzYSDju8?si=6KYopJ7LKyJaFWmz

[leb397]

@mark1256 I agree with you on Sawlon piece. You have the right idea to compose your own piece from the selections you have found. Love hearing it on original violin. Good luck

[mattukulele]

@rgillof – It’s the up strum making that click, I think. Work on a steeper angle with the thumb nail and practice just the up motion until you get it clean. I totally understand how it feels impossible, so practice different positions and stay patient – you’ll get it!

[Andrew]

@muzikmama – Is this the first song you’ve arranged?

[Anonymous]

@Andrew Yes, it is my first chord melody. I’ve done a few riffs here and there by ear then just strum and pick chords (sometimes add percussives).
All the chords I listed for this song was found from the internet (I think Chordify?), which I just worked with (edited for clarity).
I had to revisit the song several times to work out the missing bits I needed.

[rgillof]

Thanks Matt. I will try that and keep practicing. I appreciate the help.

[Andrew]

@muzikmama – Very cool, I thought you did a great job! But I would recommend starting with songs that have a simple melody and harmony. The one you chose is quite a complex song. Traditional songs like Aura Lee are great starting points when beginning to arrange.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Andrew! Not gonna lie, I was so keen to hear your opinion on this. As always, much appreciated (along with your time), and taken on board.

[gi_gi_]

@TBB That’s interesting because I’m doing Summertime in the key if Gm too 🙂
Love everyone’s work this month. So motivating to see. Hope we can have more months like this one spread throughout the year.

[leslieb]

Andrew, thank you very much for the video. The two different styles of chucks make so much more sense now. I especially appreciate the hints as to how to choose which one fits the style of music. Now off to practice,

Life is good,
Leslie

[The_Bumble_Bard]

@gi_gi_, haha I guess that’s the key of the month this month. 😂 I really look forward to hearing yours. I agree, I love these open-ended challenges; it would be fun to have them a bit more often. But then Andrew very kindly allows a certain amount of creative freedom with all of these challenges, which I (and I’m sure others) appreciate so much. 😊

[lhamilton]

Hi,

I’ve got the arrangement of Farewell to Music relatively figured out and updated the score on MuseScore (mostly) and am concentrating on playing the piece smoothly and comfortably playing a few of the more difficult sections. Memorization is also mostly complete, with occasional pauses. I’m hoping to record late next week.

With respect to the right hand style, I’ve opted for thumb. I managed to damage the third finger on my right hand, piercing the lower part of the nail and it just doesn’t feel stable enough to use for playing — and I like the sound of the thumb playing anyway (luckily).

I’m hoping to use a pickup to mic my low-G uke. I found the leather parts of the strap were creaking too much and think using strap locks may help stop that.

Linda

[ccwuke]

Hi, here’s where I’m at with the Star Wars Medley practice. A bit rough in spots, might need to slow it down a bit and focus on playing cleaner with better dynamics. Good news is I’ve got a lot of it memorised, but its still nice to have to have the tab there if I’m doubting myself or just having a blank 🙂 Hopefully I can improve some more in the next 5-6 days before I attempt to record the final version.

I’m enjoying everyone’s posts and progress reports.

Chris

[nelsonlin2021]

Enjoy seeing everyone’s progress report. Here’s my progress so far on Crossing Hemispheres.

[Author]

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