Level 1 Final Summary And Objectives

Attached is the dedicated guitar area video

I hope you enjoy this song. It includes many of the lessons learned while completing Level 1 of Guitargate. I've read that by writing down the things you learn that it helps to reinforce those lessons. So with that in mind, here are the things that I was working on.

This is a progression that was made for the "Playing In Key" lesson. It began as a 1/4/5 progression with variations. Michael provided some feedback and suggested to "shoot for a low, middle, and high rhythm part. Or at least a syncopated middle triad part to add to the chords and the melody." I've done my best to incorporate that feedback here by adding the Am section.

Another big effort was to just finish something! I make more than a few mistakes here, and when the time comes, I'll set the record straight. But for now, I wanted to make and record this song, and make the accompanying video at satisfactory level. Making these videos and recording myself have been immensely edifying.

Staying in tune. Seems obvious, but I recorded a lot of versions of the solo and only realized I was out of tune for the last session.

The Spiderwalk and intervals helped with "finger fluency" and finding tones that I enjoy. (Hint, it's the minor third!) Also becoming more aware of strumming patterns helped to develop my sense of rhythm.

Power chords, tone and distortion all play a part here as well. There is what you might call a reversed power chord (G/A) that creates a lovely dissonant sound and the 5/1: E/A grunchy-punch.

Finally, regarding tone. It was fun to play with over-saturated fuzzes, but I really want to build towards working the volume in tandem with my distortion pedal to achieve some grit on the lead parts. Also both parts were recorded with light delay behind them, and reverb was added in Garageband.

This has been a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to moving into the next lessons.

Thank you!

First upload. Love the course so far. Heres a ditty I wrote.

Just a fun little riff I came up with playing around over the last couple of weeks.

Hey Guys. Long time no see! Have some busy weeks behind me. I'm still practicing stuff from level one course, especially chord changes. But I also learned and practiced some little pieces I've found on youtube. Now I want to progress with level two, so I thought it'll be nice if I played you one of those little pieces. This on in particular, I picked up from ActiveMelody.com. I really dig some of the stuff Brian (the host) has to offer there. Especially pieces which you can play without backing tracks. Hope you'll like it :)

Been playing for around six months and stumbled across Michaels channel about a month ago. I liked the way he analyzed live performances in his videos and therefore wanted to give GuitarGate a chance. I now see that it was a good decision, because of the more theory focused approach which I felt that I needed.
I'm currently really invested in blues, so thought that I would play a classic blues song by the great BB. King: "Thrill Is Gone"

Fingerstyle arrangement of Ill Fly Away. Basic progression with a simple melody. Hopefully this gives an example of some of the neat things you can do with a basic I, IV, V progression. Michael I look forward to seeing what you have in the next levels.

This is my first video so it took some learning (& I'll work on the video quality and maybe a better location in the house). I found this site after years of playing but not knowing much and then getting lost in the REACT videos on Youtube. Watching Michael break down Tommy Emmanuel's version of Classical Gas sealed the deal. There's too much knowledge to not hear what you have to offer. Can't wait for more.