First are the I IV and V in the Key of G. Next is the I iv ii V in the Key of A. While all the chords are used, it is aimless and practically tuneless. Mama said there be days like this.

I have a question. For most of the forms 1 - 4, I can see how the octaves are a part of the corresponding chord shapes. The CAGED chords. However, I have difficulty targeting the higher octave of Shape 5, or in CAGED terms moving from the high octave in the E shape to the 1 of the D shape. It feels like there's a gap in the pattern here. Any help on how to see the connective tissue between these two?

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!

Note: Actual run time 0:00 - 8:30ish
After that point they go into segue which leads into Mercury Blues. It doesn’t pan out in this video, but will light your butt on fire. Seriously, get the album or listen on Archive.org!

Hi Michael,

Relatively new to the community. Was gifted a lifetime membership for my birthday by my dearest life-long friend, (HI FREAK!) Love that guy!

For this reacts request I wanted to offer you something a little older, a little unusual, and elegant. Zero at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, 10-15-92. This video is excerpted from a three night run that culminated in the “Chance in a Million” album.

When considering what to say about Steve as a player and this performance, what I appreciate about his playing aren't things like techniques, touch, tone, phrasing, etc. Rather, it is his PATIENCE that stands out to me. To my ear this tune is an event that unfolds over time and space, and for a moment will shimmer and dance for you. My hope is that you’ll buy the ticket, take the ride and perhaps feel a little transformed on the other side.

FYI: quick roll call with a few tasty deets. These ain’t your run-o-the-mill schlubs!
Drums: Greg Anton (co-wrote with with Robert Hunter)
Bass: Bobby Vega (Tower of Power, Etta James, Booker T)
Keys/ Elec. Piano: Pete Sears (Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship)
Keys/ Piano: Nicky Hopkins (Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Who)
Guitar: Steve Kimock

Chonkin' in and out of time for this one. Mostly wanted to get this posted so that I could move on to the next steps. I'll just say, should have used a metronome, but as with the playing of the song... I was rushing. Lol.

Lest we take ourselves too seriously. This was done while Mama wrapped our babe in scarlet covers and took him for a walk.

And yeah, that's probably somebody's national anthem somewhere... sure, let's go with that.

Lest we take ourselves too seriously. This was done while the Mama and the Little One were out on a walk, so, time to crank the amp! Lol!

All three progressions. Had a little 'spare' time during the holidays ( you can see our tree in the background! ) Enjoying playing with triads even though we've not covered that yet in this course. Enjoying creating tracks in Garageband, the effort being to try to record it all in one sitting.

This is pretty much me as I am and it would be valuable to receive feed back. I really don't know what I don't know, if you know what I mean. What are some next steps for my playing to continue to grow?

I do love to overcook things. This was as much a challenge of playing only power chords, which I am un-used to, but also about trying to film and get that track lined up. So, what the hey, let's have some fun!

Once told a friend, jokingly, that effects are fun but don't help me play any better. To which he responded, anything that gets you playing the guitar makes you play better. Love that dude.

Working the Down, Down, Down/up, Down/up pattern through this series of chords. This took me a few days to navigate not only the rhythm, but also to create as smooth of transitions as I can. Ran through the whole list of suggested pairs of chords one after the other.

Still struggling to get the index finger to correctly barre the strings. I can feel the way I pull the guitar into my body to make it more forceful. Would love some input and suggestions.

Noticed a number of ways to make improvements.

A tour of the space and gear that I use for the Guitargate Community.

Note: My explanation isn't clear, but during recording onto my phone I wear both pairs of earphones simultaneously so that there isn't any issues with latency. #GuitarHacks!

Signal Chain:
Fender Jazzmaster
TC Electronics Poly Tune
MuTron Envelope Filter
EHX Big Muff Pi
Wampler Mini Ego Compressor
Maxon EQ
JHS Screamer
Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive
Volume Pedal
Fender Pinwheel
TC Electronics Flashback 2x4 delay pedal
EHX 720 looper
Vox Pathfinder 10 or Fender Vibro Champ Reverb amp