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I remember being so nervous when, a year ago, I posted this song, which was my first ever entry in these challenges. It didn’t take long for me to realize there was no need to feel shaky – everyone here is so supportive, and Andrew is always kind with his constructive comments. It’s great to see how people have improved their skills over the years (oh, Marianne, I swoon when listening to you!).
I don’t remember how many times I had to played this song to record it plus it was my first recording. And don’t think I’ve played it better than 4 years ago but at least the sound is better than then.
I am a premium memberHi, this is my Post #2.
The more I practice, the more fun it gets. I may post #3 if I improve significantly more in a week.
Here is “Moon” revisited. I find knowing it off by heart, I am able to get more musicality in it, and I did enjoy adding the voice.
So many great entries!
@marianne – amazing beautiful.I am a premium member.
I revisited “Fields of Gold” from the 08/2023 challenge. I can hear this version is definitely better than my 08/2023 version with not as much trouble with the dreaded bar chords and more “flow”. When the song called for 7th fret barred, I experimented with index sometimes and middle finger sometimes (because I felt my middle finger might be a little stronger?) but I think either finger works on that bar chord. I still hear places where fretting can be cleaner. but it is improved.
There is something I can’t quite put my finger on that I don’t like – probably just the fretting in some place, but maybe it is the way I am strumming (fingernail vs side of my thumb) or the uke sound itself or cutting some notes short, – yeah maybe all the above – haha. If there are any suggestions on something to try, I love this song, so willing to give it a shot to keep improving it!
-NatalieHere’s everyone on page 7 that I hadn’t gotten to.
@lhamilton – I remember recording the performance for this song. It was one of those million takes for me, lol. I remember it was past midnight when I finally got it. Ugh, this was def one of those tunes that kicked my butt.I agree with you, you are playing way more confidently! As you should be, you are a great player! My only advice for this would be to slow it down and focus on keeping the tempo steady and nailing every transition. There’s a lot going on with this tune, which def makes those 2 things challenging to get smoothly.
@misterbones – Last week, I wrote a comment for Sam and I’d echo that same accomplishment for you. Listening to these 2 takes back-to-back, your musicianship has 10x-d! It really is incredible to hear how much you’ve progressed – AND – that you are playing it as a duet! The jumps in timing and musicality is impressive!
@jedart – BIG improvement in fluidity, Jed! Fantastic work 👏Thanks, @Andrew! I notice I was holding my uke more comfortably this time too. And I had a much easier time putting the sound with the video this time. I’ll keep working on this piece. It’s one I really enjoy playing.
Linda
@marianne – It’s amazing how expressive your playing has become. A totally pro performance!
@grannieannie – Your fingerpicking chops have greatly improved! You’ve got it flowing so beautifully now, Annie!
@joe150 – Very well played Joe! You’ve got it coming along nicely. Keep working on keeping it steady. Try working on only one section per day.
@marlongas – The new take def has a better, more natural flow. Playing to a click has always been a topic of debate among musicians. Some swear by it, others hate it because it locks you in.
@leihali – Your strumming technique looks AND sounds way better! You’re getting a soft and sweet tone now, which works perfectly for this tune. Well done Kay!
@lyndallk – You aced the vocal! And I agree, it’s much easier to play with feel when not having to also read. And feel, your performance had that in spades 🙂
@nat-uke – I think you aced your goals with note clarity, barre chords, and flow! You’re also holding the uke properly when compared to the first video. That def helps with all of the above. I think the something you’re talking about is the sound of the down strums. In the first take, you play them with your thumb, in the second take, the nail of your index. The nail gives it a brighter sound. But I think you’re controlling the attack perfectly, so it doesn’t sound harsh.Thank you very much @grannieannie, @lindallk and @Andrew 😊
It’s been lovely listening to everybody’s growth over the years. So inspiring to keep pushing.OK take 2, I’ve discovered the form doesn’t like 2 video links in one post as I’ve lost the post.So the old version first
@Andrew thanks for the challenge – I often feel that I am not progressing and even regressing some days. However, I feel that I achieved my goals for this month although the original post was ~3 years ago so I would hope there is some improvement! I focused upon, dynamics, memorisation, fewer pauses and also speeding up a bit, though once I memorised it I stopped using the tab player and just played it at a speed that sounded right and hopefully achieved the aims. Of course I couldn’t get a recording without some mistakes!Old version December 2021
@akukes73 – You’ve got it flowing beautifully now! Sustain sounds great, as does the overall feel. This is a big improvement! The only thing I’d suggest is working on the ending of Melody A. Starting on beat 2 in bar 5, continuing through bar 7. Try to get that phrase to sound a little more legato instead of staccato. Keep up the great work Ash!
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