Most of us have their favourite songs that they like to play, just chords or singing along or playing the tune over the chord progression. I am no exception; there are quite a few songs where I love just the chord progression as a BT for improvisation, as I’m no singer ;), not any more at least…
I’ve permitted myself to link just two examples to show what I mean
The first is Mark Knopfler’s song still from the Dire Straits era, “Fade To Black”, a moody, jazzy ballad with lots of great guitar playing (well, what else could we expect?)
Here’s my attempt to improvise over the awesome chord progression. I tried to make it my own, but couldn’t help throwing in some MK’s riffs… So, here it is:
…and one more, “It’s Probably Me” by Sting, where I used a drum computer for the BT, which I don’t do often. This is just my interpretation which may or may not appeal to you. I enjoyed playing it, and the solo line is pure improvisation, not prepared beforehand except for some scale testing:
Tomasz, What a treat for the ears. Really great playing, tone and improvising. I see you joined JG in '22. Can you give us a brief bio as far as music? From the sounds of your offerings you are a pretty accomplished player.
I really enjoyed these posts.
@oldhead49: Dave - thanks so much for the kind words, I really appreciate that. Very encouraging…
Actually I joined the JG website around 2015, that was before the site changed its layout and the manner of the contents’ presentation.
I wrote a bit about the history of my guitar playing in my re-introduction post. I’m 71, retired so having a lot of time to practice and record. True I started playing many years ago but have never been a professional guitarist; my playing has never had anything to do with what I did for a living. Also I don’t have a formal education in music or anything related to it. All I have learned I’ve learned myself by listening and playing, playing and listening. OK, I’ve watched a number of YT tutorials (including some excellent Justin’s lessons, especially ones pertaining to the jazz harmony) - that’s all. No private lessons, no courses.
Playing guitar is all my life now, as I’m ageing and not being completely well… That’s why it is so important to me to be able to share my music with my friends and with people of similar interests, just like the members of these forums.
Thanks for that response. I was on the old platform also, but don’t remember you. Sorry.
You are not in that boat alone. I’m pushing 76, fighting med issues since 2011 and ongoing. I keep my sanity sometimes with playing music.
Thanks again for the bio.
What a lovely tone Tomasz. Both recordings were a great listen. Mellow and relaxed. I’m also in my 70’s and coming apart at the seams. It looks like a few of us turn to guitars for something.
I do appreciate all the kind words posted here… They sound so encouraging and are the best reward I could get for my efforts. I’m soooo glad you liked the recordings.
I’d also like to emphasize that I am fully aware of all possible flaws and inaccuracies that may have occurred in my playing and, especially, the process of recording my music. I’m constantly working on improvements (there’s always room for them, right? )
Wow! That is just beautiful guitar work. So clean and expressive! Mark Knopfler is my favorite singer songwriter, but his stuff is way beyond my level. I would love to be able to play the guitar like that.
You have no idea how grateful I am for your kind and encouraging words, friends. I don’t publish my music anywhere; I don’t even have an account on any social media, I just upload my recordings to SoundCloud to be able to share them here, so the fact that my playing has met some appreciation here means really a lot to me. What’s even more important is that I’m now a member of a community of a similar passion and dedication…