Hi Bruce, Sounds great. Always enjoy your versions of the tunes. Was hoping to hear a solo here but next time I guess. You have a lot of nice guitars! My brother is a painter and he's got more guitars than me!
Thanks Duke! And thanks for noticing the guitars! ;-) I'm so in love with them. My favorite two (at the moment) are my '67 335 and my custom shop "nocaster" Tele; sometimes I just sit and look at them and bask in their beauty. Each time I put one of them around my neck, I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be able to play a guitar this nice.
That's your brother's work on the cover of your "Acoustic Blues & Roots" albums, isn't it? It's really beautiful and peaceful. He seems to really evoke that sense of tranquility in his landscapes that I've seen.
I will be *delighted* to make you a version with a solo if you promise to comment on it! I'm the beneficiary of what I gain as a guitarist by working on the videos, but I sure do appreciate hearing your comments and acknowledgement along the way!
Thanks again, Duke! I'll post a version with a solo for you soon. Best, Bruce
Sounds good Bruce. You should try to make your solo more conversational and build slowly to a bit more dramatic conclusion. All very good playing here just trying give you a way to view building it. Duke
Ha! ;-) Thanks a bunch, Peter! It was kind of a lucky take; at one point you can see me looking down at my hands and being happily surprised. Duke certainly gave us an inspirational lesson on this one! Take care!
Hey Duke! This one was a bit trickier than I thought it would be for reasons that I can't explain, but I feel like it's been really good for my playing and confidence. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks, Duke! Best, Bruce
And Peter -- WOW! Nice job, man! That really sounds great; I can hear how much you've put into this one. Well worth the effort. The way you simplified the ideas to keep them within your technique was a great choice to make. I wish more guitar players would self-edit by about 70%. ;-) But seriously, really nice work.
Ha! ;-) Thanks a bunch, Peter! It was kind of a lucky take; at one point you can see me looking down at my hands and being happily surprised. Duke certainly gave us an inspirational lesson on this one! Take care!
Very good Bruce, You are doing good at straying from my solo and playing your own lines. I would lighten up your pick attack a bit, it will help your flow. Good job, you are sounding better all the time.
Thanks, Duke! It's nothing fancy, just an app on my phone called "MetroTimer". I felt like I was getting the groove when the metronome started to sound hip. ;-) The pickups on this 335 are so responsive! They whisper when you play light and howl when you dig in, like playing a tenor sax. It's so much fun to play, I feel like I'm singing through it. Thanks again for the kind words; great to have you back! Best, Bruce
Hey Duke! I jumped right into soloing. Just picked up (well, it jumped into my arms and I couldn't put it down) a vintage 335 and I feel like it's given my playing a real boost. It feels easier to stay relaxed with it than some other guitars. Would love to hear what you think about this one when you get the chance! Thanks, Bruce
What a great tune and so much fun to play! I'd never heard the Kenny Burrell version before; it's really amazing! Here's my version of the head. I decided to try using octaves instead of single notes for the end of the phrase and I think it works nicely. I haven't really pushed myself to do much with octaves and I think perhaps it's a technique I should get more comfortable with. Thanks for the great lesson! Looking forward to hearing your soloing ideas! Bruce
Unfortunately, it's hard for me to get just a little natural distortion. I live in a small apartment with lots of neighbors, so even with small amps, it's hard to play loud enough. I have one of those little Marshall 5 amp jobs, and it's WAY too loud at full 5 amps, but it has the switch for headphone mode, which allows me to get distortion at a low volume, which is what I did. I have an old TS-9, and have used it sometimes, but I always feel like it gets in the way somehow. Maybe I'll have to check out one of these bad monkeys.
Alright, here's another one, with more distortion as suggested by Steve. Distortion is kind of fun, I have to admit. Thanks again for the advice, Steve!
Unfortunately, it's hard for me to get just a little natural distortion. I live in a small apartment with lots of neighbors, so even with small amps, it's hard to play loud enough. I have one of those little Marshall 5 amp jobs, and it's WAY too loud at full 5 amps, but it has the switch for headphone mode, which allows me to get distortion at a low volume, which is what I did. I have an old TS-9, and have used it sometimes, but I always feel like it gets in the way somehow. Maybe I'll have to check out one of these bad monkeys.
Hey Steve, thanks for the advice! I can always use it. I have basically zero experience playing lead guitar outside of my guitar room, except for noodling at the guitar shop. I played this through my '65 Vibro-Champ turned up to 8 or 9, but I was taking Duke's advice about playing the strings super lightly, so no matter how loud I cranked it up, it always sounded whispery. The amp was just aching to break up -- you can hear it a bit on my so-called "lead" part. So maybe I took it too far with the lightness, though it made it a lot less painful on my fingers and easier for me to keep the groove going because my fingers weren't getting sore and tired. I haven't played a lot with different string thickness. I usually use 11s, though I have smooth wound 12s on my ES-175 (which keeps it challenging!) and I have a guitar or two (my Strat, I think) with 10s on them. I've never tried anything lighter than that. I'll do some experimenting with my sound and see if I can get a bit more of a bite in it. Maybe I'll try it today on my Epi Casino. That might give it more character. Thanks again for the kind words and good advice, Steve!
Hey Duke. So here's another try at this. I practiced playing it along with JLH and I think I've got a much better handle on the groove now. There's a kind of a bubble you feel when the vocal and the guitar go together just right.
And Steve, cool stuff! Nice hearing you sing. Thanks Duke!
Hey Bruce, sounds good. If you have a small amp (5 watts) that you can crank, i think it adds to the vintage of the track - notice Duke's track has that breaking up sound. Thick strings would also help here - they were all wound G sets back in the day.
According to Duke's website, his tour dates keep him in Europe until the end of the month. So these lessons must be taped and I don't expect any feedback until at least the beginning of next month.
Hey Steve, thanks for the advice! I can always use it. I have basically zero experience playing lead guitar outside of my guitar room, except for noodling at the guitar shop. I played this through my '65 Vibro-Champ turned up to 8 or 9, but I was taking Duke's advice about playing the strings super lightly, so no matter how loud I cranked it up, it always sounded whispery. The amp was just aching to break up -- you can hear it a bit on my so-called "lead" part. So maybe I took it too far with the lightness, though it made it a lot less painful on my fingers and easier for me to keep the groove going because my fingers weren't getting sore and tired. I haven't played a lot with different string thickness. I usually use 11s, though I have smooth wound 12s on my ES-175 (which keeps it challenging!) and I have a guitar or two (my Strat, I think) with 10s on them. I've never tried anything lighter than that. I'll do some experimenting with my sound and see if I can get a bit more of a bite in it. Maybe I'll try it today on my Epi Casino. That might give it more character. Thanks again for the kind words and good advice, Steve!
Yes, Duke said to keep it light. But to emulate the tone on his track it needs to break up. He has an overdrive pedal - a bad monkey. But i don't think he is using it here. Its all that airline guitar and amp. And your 11s are a great gauge for this.
Hey Duke! Glad to read on your Facebook page how much you are enjoying Poland! I'll bet the food is amazing! Here's another attempt at Little Wheel. It really is such an elusive groove that you lay down with amazing authority. Thanks for the great lesson. Would love to hear any thoughts. Best, Bruce
Hey Duke! You are so right, getting this feel is really hard. I'm watching you play, it but I still can't figure out how to make all that sound come out. I'll keep working on it, but I wanted to share something I've been working on with you; it's my chord melody arrangement of "Don't Blame Me". Hope you like it! I'll keep working on the JLH and thinking about playing old guitars. Take care, Bruce.
Cool stuff, Jean Michel!
Super cool licks! Thanks Duke!
Thank you, Duke!! I stole a lick from "Live At The Regal". ;-)
Here's a Blues in C tribute to Lucy Mae, Duke's doggie.
Thanks Bruce, And I'm sure Lucy thanks you too. Nice verse and really great BB style soloing! 👍
Thank you, Duke!! I stole a lick from "Live At The Regal". ;-)
Hey Duke! So here's my initial version of this one. Great tune! I haven't listened to enough Big Maceo. Best, Bruce
Hi Bruce, Sounds great. Always enjoy your versions of the tunes. Was hoping to hear a solo here but next time I guess. You have a lot of nice guitars! My brother is a painter and he's got more guitars than me!
Thanks Duke! And thanks for noticing the guitars! ;-) I'm so in love with them. My favorite two (at the moment) are my '67 335 and my custom shop "nocaster" Tele; sometimes I just sit and look at them and bask in their beauty. Each time I put one of them around my neck, I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be able to play a guitar this nice.
That's your brother's work on the cover of your "Acoustic Blues & Roots" albums, isn't it? It's really beautiful and peaceful. He seems to really evoke that sense of tranquility in his landscapes that I've seen.
I will be *delighted* to make you a version with a solo if you promise to comment on it! I'm the beneficiary of what I gain as a guitarist by working on the videos, but I sure do appreciate hearing your comments and acknowledgement along the way!
Thanks again, Duke! I'll post a version with a solo for you soon. Best, Bruce
Hey Duke! So here's my take on the Slow Blues in C. I would love to get your feedback on this. Thanks! Bruce
Sounds good Bruce. You should try to make your solo more conversational and build slowly to a bit more dramatic conclusion. All very good playing here just trying give you a way to view building it. Duke
Thanks very much, Duke! I will keep your advice in mind.
Ha! ;-) Thanks a bunch, Peter! It was kind of a lucky take; at one point you can see me looking down at my hands and being happily surprised. Duke certainly gave us an inspirational lesson on this one! Take care!
Hey Duke! This one was a bit trickier than I thought it would be for reasons that I can't explain, but I feel like it's been really good for my playing and confidence. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Thanks, Duke! Best, Bruce
And Peter -- WOW! Nice job, man! That really sounds great; I can hear how much you've put into this one. Well worth the effort. The way you simplified the ideas to keep them within your technique was a great choice to make. I wish more guitar players would self-edit by about 70%. ;-) But seriously, really nice work.
Ha! ;-) Thanks a bunch, Peter! It was kind of a lucky take; at one point you can see me looking down at my hands and being happily surprised. Duke certainly gave us an inspirational lesson on this one! Take care!
Very good Bruce, You are doing good at straying from my solo and playing your own lines. I would lighten up your pick attack a bit, it will help your flow. Good job, you are sounding better all the time.
Thanks Duke!
Thanks, Duke! It's nothing fancy, just an app on my phone called "MetroTimer". I felt like I was getting the groove when the metronome started to sound hip. ;-) The pickups on this 335 are so responsive! They whisper when you play light and howl when you dig in, like playing a tenor sax. It's so much fun to play, I feel like I'm singing through it. Thanks again for the kind words; great to have you back! Best, Bruce
Here's another try with my 335, which distorts pretty nicely on my vibro champ all on its own, without the need for a pedal, which makes me happy.
Hey Duke! I jumped right into soloing. Just picked up (well, it jumped into my arms and I couldn't put it down) a vintage 335 and I feel like it's given my playing a real boost. It feels easier to stay relaxed with it than some other guitars. Would love to hear what you think about this one when you get the chance! Thanks, Bruce
Hey Duke!
What a great tune and so much fun to play! I'd never heard the Kenny Burrell version before; it's really amazing! Here's my version of the head. I decided to try using octaves instead of single notes for the end of the phrase and I think it works nicely. I haven't really pushed myself to do much with octaves and I think perhaps it's a technique I should get more comfortable with. Thanks for the great lesson! Looking forward to hearing your soloing ideas! Bruce
Ok, maybe fourth time's the charm. I think it's better.
Thanks Peter!
Unfortunately, it's hard for me to get just a little natural distortion. I live in a small apartment with lots of neighbors, so even with small amps, it's hard to play loud enough. I have one of those little Marshall 5 amp jobs, and it's WAY too loud at full 5 amps, but it has the switch for headphone mode, which allows me to get distortion at a low volume, which is what I did. I have an old TS-9, and have used it sometimes, but I always feel like it gets in the way somehow. Maybe I'll have to check out one of these bad monkeys.
Alright, here's another one, with more distortion as suggested by Steve. Distortion is kind of fun, I have to admit. Thanks again for the advice, Steve!
And Peter, nice job! I really enjoyed it.
Cool, but be careful, too much and it'll sound lke an electric kazoo :)
Thanks Peter!
Unfortunately, it's hard for me to get just a little natural distortion. I live in a small apartment with lots of neighbors, so even with small amps, it's hard to play loud enough. I have one of those little Marshall 5 amp jobs, and it's WAY too loud at full 5 amps, but it has the switch for headphone mode, which allows me to get distortion at a low volume, which is what I did. I have an old TS-9, and have used it sometimes, but I always feel like it gets in the way somehow. Maybe I'll have to check out one of these bad monkeys.
I like this one also. Love Casinos!
Hey Steve, thanks for the advice! I can always use it. I have basically zero experience playing lead guitar outside of my guitar room, except for noodling at the guitar shop. I played this through my '65 Vibro-Champ turned up to 8 or 9, but I was taking Duke's advice about playing the strings super lightly, so no matter how loud I cranked it up, it always sounded whispery. The amp was just aching to break up -- you can hear it a bit on my so-called "lead" part. So maybe I took it too far with the lightness, though it made it a lot less painful on my fingers and easier for me to keep the groove going because my fingers weren't getting sore and tired. I haven't played a lot with different string thickness. I usually use 11s, though I have smooth wound 12s on my ES-175 (which keeps it challenging!) and I have a guitar or two (my Strat, I think) with 10s on them. I've never tried anything lighter than that. I'll do some experimenting with my sound and see if I can get a bit more of a bite in it. Maybe I'll try it today on my Epi Casino. That might give it more character. Thanks again for the kind words and good advice, Steve!
Hey Duke. So here's another try at this. I practiced playing it along with JLH and I think I've got a much better handle on the groove now. There's a kind of a bubble you feel when the vocal and the guitar go together just right.
And Steve, cool stuff! Nice hearing you sing. Thanks Duke!
Bruce
Hey Bruce, sounds good. If you have a small amp (5 watts) that you can crank, i think it adds to the vintage of the track - notice Duke's track has that breaking up sound. Thick strings would also help here - they were all wound G sets back in the day.
According to Duke's website, his tour dates keep him in Europe until the end of the month. So these lessons must be taped and I don't expect any feedback until at least the beginning of next month.
Cheers
Steve
Hey Steve, thanks for the advice! I can always use it. I have basically zero experience playing lead guitar outside of my guitar room, except for noodling at the guitar shop. I played this through my '65 Vibro-Champ turned up to 8 or 9, but I was taking Duke's advice about playing the strings super lightly, so no matter how loud I cranked it up, it always sounded whispery. The amp was just aching to break up -- you can hear it a bit on my so-called "lead" part. So maybe I took it too far with the lightness, though it made it a lot less painful on my fingers and easier for me to keep the groove going because my fingers weren't getting sore and tired. I haven't played a lot with different string thickness. I usually use 11s, though I have smooth wound 12s on my ES-175 (which keeps it challenging!) and I have a guitar or two (my Strat, I think) with 10s on them. I've never tried anything lighter than that. I'll do some experimenting with my sound and see if I can get a bit more of a bite in it. Maybe I'll try it today on my Epi Casino. That might give it more character. Thanks again for the kind words and good advice, Steve!
Hey Bruce
Yes, Duke said to keep it light. But to emulate the tone on his track it needs to break up. He has an overdrive pedal - a bad monkey. But i don't think he is using it here. Its all that airline guitar and amp. And your 11s are a great gauge for this.
Hey Duke! Glad to read on your Facebook page how much you are enjoying Poland! I'll bet the food is amazing! Here's another attempt at Little Wheel. It really is such an elusive groove that you lay down with amazing authority. Thanks for the great lesson. Would love to hear any thoughts. Best, Bruce
Hey Duke! You are so right, getting this feel is really hard. I'm watching you play, it but I still can't figure out how to make all that sound come out. I'll keep working on it, but I wanted to share something I've been working on with you; it's my chord melody arrangement of "Don't Blame Me". Hope you like it! I'll keep working on the JLH and thinking about playing old guitars. Take care, Bruce.
Cool! Please pass along my regards to him if you get a chance. Have fun! Bruce