I performed these at Open Mic 27. After the last I was encouraged by others to post up my dry run videos, so here they are.
The live performance went OK. A couple of flubs in What’s Up? but I think Powderfinger was pretty well done.
Really enjoying playing the songs for an OM. Maybe as time goes, I will again become more disciplined at working to improve, but for now that is a little on again, off again.
For those that missed the OM and may not watch the video, Powederfinger comes with an interesting story.
Young first recorded it in '76 in a late night session with his producer Briggs, with 9 other songs. The set included classics such as Pocahontas and Captain Kennedy. The record company decreed that they were not worthy to be released as an album and should be recorded with a full band. Powderfinger was eventually recorded with Crazy Horse for the Rust Never Sleeps album. In 2017 Young released the original recordings on the album Hitchiker to some critical acclaim.
Well played David, you’re certainly “back on your A-game” …
Enjoyed both of your OM performances today too; perhaps bias but 4NB just pipped it for me …
Well performed, David
Although I am familiar with the song Powderfinger, I never payed attention to the lyrics.
The title had always let me believe it was about cocaine
Reading them now, a lot of them fit in well in that context, in a metaphorical way
Unfortunately, I missed the OM and will catch up with the recording whenever time permits. But gladly, you shared your dry runs that are an excellent appetizer!
The way you made “What’s up” your own was most enjoyable, very well played and sung. I don’t know “Powderfinger”, but I thoroughly enjoyed your version. Lovely melody line picking!
Very nice job on both songs David. What’s up is one of my “go to “ songs when anyone asks me to play something. Great crowd pleaser and you nailed ut.
Very enjoyable and entertaining!
Oh David, Powderfinger is so good. Another one to put on my long circular list of songs I’d love to do but will never manage to get half of them done.
Whats up was good too!
Great to catch up with you in the OM Dave. Really enjoyed both songs. 4NB is a favourite of mine so thanks, Powderfinger I’ve never heard but you opened my eyes, thanks it’s a great song
Great sound too and nice balance between the mic and guitar.
@beejay56 Thanks Brian. Glad giving some attention to dynamics and varying things worked out. And the ultimate is to be able to put the same into the vocal. Transforms one from simple playing, to performing, and the ultimate end goal being entertaining.
@Elixir1253 Thanks Colin. Glad you did. I am enjoying playing again, happy just playing and singing a few songs
@brianlarsen Thanks Brian. Funny, told somebody at work about the song and they had the same reaction. And in the 70s, given all he did, quite possible that it was metaphorical. I always figured it more literally. But that’s the sign of a good, nay great, song is it not?
@Lisa_S Thanks Lisa. The OM was great, sure you’ll enjoy it. I am trying to add a little something extra in when I can, so glad it worked for you. In later versions, he added a riff between verses which I didn’t want to attempt, so decided to try my own thing instead.
@Eddie_09 Thanks Eddie. It is a good one for that purpose and readily invites sing along in the chorus. Just need to play it regularly to keep the lyrics in memory
@Willsie Thanks John. It is. The live versions with Crazy Horse are great, and some solo acoustic versions with harmonica. I could make a long list of just Neil Young songs, some that I may never attain the ability to play but still so many.
@CD02 Thanks and likewise, Craig. The PlayAcoustic pedal that Ron uses to such great effect really does help with sound. I’ve done with and without tests and the difference is quite noticeable. And I think even more so when producing the recording in OBS, where you can use a few other tricks. Maybe you can hear some subtle difference in these two recordings?
Hi Dave,
There are subtle differences, I put it down to different setup. The biggest difference for me is in the tone of the guitar, again I wasn’t sure it’s that was just the way it was recorded or some clever setting tweaking
I’ve pondered over a pedal along those lines and think I must have watched 100 online reviews and demos of the TC Helicon and the Digitech Trio+, different pedals I know but whilst I’d love to be able to tap in some harmonies occasionally I think the Trio+ will be better for progressing my guitar journey at this stage.
@CD02 Thanks Craig. Glad you can hear it. In both recordings the guitar is recorded through the PlayAcoustic. One is direct via the Interface into Zoom, and recorded in Zoom. The other recorded in OBS.
In OBS I double the guitar track. The PayAcoustic output allows either a single mixed feed or a separate track for vocal and guitar. Once doubled I can pan the tracks in OBS and tinker with the level of each plus put them slightly (40ms) out of time sync. This is known as the Haas Effect which helps to create the sense of greater width, a fuller sound.
Based on what we heard on Saturday, I’d agree with your choice. The Trio will give you lots more creative options. Another good option is a looper. Some say that a looper ‘should’ be the first pedal you pick up. Being able to record a rhythm and then jam over it is a great way to progress. Provided of course that improv over rhythm is something that is on your radar.
I guess the crux is to understand your goals and aspirations. If you want to pursue a path that is more like Ron’s then you may eventually want both Trio and PlayAcoustic (or similar). I actually did do at least one performance at an OM using both my Trio and PlayAcoustic. Also did one with a looper and electric guitar, plus I think an overdrive pedal.
If you like to play lead and have an electric then a looper and overdrive pedal make a great combo and can do well without spending a lot of money.
@JackPK Jacek, as you progress I agree. If you reach the point of having a pedalboard then I would be surprised if such a guitarist didn’t include a looper.
Perhaps not as clear cut earlier on. If you are not that into lead play or wanting to create layered soundscapes live but fancy writing some simple acoustic original songs then maybe the Trio is a better bet to add bass and drums? And if you want to perform or record for AVOYP without the fuss of a DAW just into OBS then maybe a PlayAcoustic that adds some basic fx to voice and guitar is the way to go.
So what you want to achieve is key to making the appropriate call for a first pedal
I’m one of Justin’s new recommended teachers. I’m still new to the community and trying to catch up with everything.
I think your strumming and time keeping was pretty solid, which isn’t always easy when playing on our own. Nice accurate picking on Powderfinger too. Well done.
I noticed you changed the key of What’s Up from the original. Was that to suit your voice? If so, good idea.
The only thing I would suggest trying would be to use the barre chord version of Bm instead of the slightly simplified shape you used. Can you play barre chords yet? They are tricky to begin with but well worth the effort. They sound much fuller and open up so many more possibilities. Here’s a link to Justin teaching how to play an A shape minor barre chord, which you could use for the Bm:
Sorry if you can already do this but just chose not to for that particular performance. I’m still trying to figure out everyone’s level of experience and ability.
I think you did a great job though. Keep up the good work.
Feel free to send me a message if you want any help or advice about anything guitar related.
Thanks David, great info, and makes total sense now listening to it again. A clever bit of work on your part
I’ve had a basic looper (RC1) for quite a while and it works nicely to improve some timing and overdub the odd piece, but the RC1 on its own has its limitations of course.
Sounded great David! I could listen to you sing and play for hours. I’m looking forward to watching the latest OM video as I couldn’t make it, but hope to sit in the audience for the next one!
Nice job on both Dave. I actually prefer the former. Just cuz I like the song. Very steady and deliberate yet soft and easy to listen to throughout.
Thoroughly enjoyed.
Also, I need to upgrade my recordings, so I appreciate the recording suggestions in this thread.
@Dave_Birnie Thanks Dave, and appreciate the feedback. Did we meet at the last Team Meeting? I’m terrible with all the names, and was a while back already.
No, just always learned it with those chords from the early days working through the previous Beginner Course.
No worries. I can play the full barre and chose this version for this song as I found it easier to go from C to Bm like that. I suppose I could have opted for the full barre version and used the A-shape barre for the C in that section.
