Recently a new drummer moved into my guitar room and is playing whatever and whenever I like (beatbuddy pedal to play along to any style of drum grooves you like - I was fed up with the metronome). So I thought I try and “produce” a simple backing track for me to jam along. Then I had the idea to share this file in this community so everybody who likes to practice can have it. Would be fun to do a little “improvisation challenge” everybody can join in. It’s not about showing off but to share ideas and hear what others might “think musically”. Here is my version:
Would be great to hear some other versions. I had the rule (for myself) that I won’t be doing more than 3 takes and take the one I am most satisfied with in “all I can say under 2 minutes”
Pretty impressive Eric, I liked the use of the 6/8 timing rather than 4/4 for the backing track makes it a bit different from what I’m used to so this could be fun!
@TheMadman_tobyjenner@DarrellW yes, usually most of the backing tracks are in 4/4 and it felt easier (for me) to play in 6/8. Don’t know why. Hope you guys also have fun playing around with it.
I love a smooth 6/8 blues vibe and you’ve got some sweet sounds going on here Eric.
If this takes off and others jump on it could take up residence as a challenge in the Challenges area.
Very nice, Eric. I did intend to try jamming over it, but couldn’t find the groove or good notes! I’m working on the Major Maestro course, and as per input from @TheMadman_tobyjenner and @DarrellW I figured I would just use the relative major key and focus on the chord tones from F#m. So, I started with A major. Then I changed the key in Reaper to Em to see if it would be easier playing in G major - but it wasn’t! Anyway I like the backing track, the timing (and your playing!), so I bookmarked this topic and will revisit at some later date.
Hi Mari The reason it’s not working is your in the Key of A note F#m. Yes the Relative Major to F#m
is A but you can’t think in A. You need the tonal center to be F#.
This is why advice like this isn’t all that good for someone who is just starting out.
When soloing in a Minor Key you need to be playing in a minor scale. Start with the
F# minor pentatonic. Use the eBG strings only to start.
Hi Mari, thanks anyway for your feedback. If you start with the minor pentatonic you can use this track and it doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s a goo practice to visualize the pentatonic shape and finding ‘your’ tone. Like @stitch said. Start with the F#min pentatonic shape (first position) and give it a go. Nothing can go wrong then.
Good luck with the major series! Lot’s to digest. Always good to take your time. I do
