That's interesting because everyone keeps telling me to try and play behind the beat, which is something that I find very hard to do on my own. With CDs, no problem, but by myself it's hard because I'm not used to thinking about it.

Did it sound like I was rushing too much? In the first video I was nervous and I know I was rushing, but in the second video I was comfortable and I didn't feel like I was rushing.


Thanks. Whenever I let someone play it they're usually surprised by how good it feels and sounds. I bet it I gave it to them blindfolded they'd swear it was a Fender.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

Squiers are Fenders. Still made to Fender specs, just made in Korea, Indonesia, wherever. They take a little more work to get great but, they still have the potential.

Finally had a chance to watch the video. Your playing, and stage presence have really evolved. People in your area better watch out for next year. You are way ahead of the curve for your age.

Your attention to phrasing is really showing. Nice variation in technique and feel. You seem more natural, and fluid.

As for what Niki was saying about playing ahead or behind the beat, I think you are developing that naturally. I have always heard of it being called pushing, or pulling the beat. It is an aspect that top players share. A natural feel for dynamics. i don't think it's something you should force, as some people telling you to play behind the beat. What you might want to do is start listening to a bunch of old Stones( not just the hits, but whole old album sides,). Keith really works the beat. listening closely to players who do this, while being aware of what they are doing is a great way to develop a feel for it. Stones are hardly the only example, but I think a great place to jump in, if you want to expand your repertoire.

Great job. I'll say it again, your playing is very mature, especially for your age. I have friends who have played longer than you've been alive that don't have it as together as you do.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Thanks. Luckily my parents have a massive Rolling Stones collection on vinyl. And I just found a working turntable last month, so I'm definately going to go dig those records out of the closet.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

I think you can safely forget about what others are telling you about having to play behind the beat Tex. What we all need to do is learn to move around the beat. Like the hendrix example i gave earlier being behind the beat for chord work is generaly good. Not if everyone else is behind the beat though. For instance you generaly need to be behind the bassist, not bass drum or snare. The vocalist as the prominent lead instrument needs to be infront of the beat. Then you as guitarist need to move infront of the beat when solo'ing, because you are leading the band (hence the term lead solo) and the vocalist has dropped out. Every member of your band has their individual personal space around the beat of a song. The difference between a seasoned well rehearsed band and a band of people who can play excellently but rehearse together rarely, becomes apparent when you hear them vying for position. The better the musicians the quicker it will be sorted out. The better the band the less chance of it needing sorting out, and consequently a more relaxed/easier sounding band.

As 12B said keef is a absolute genius at moving in these patterns seamlessly. A absolute study in changing rhythm patterns within songs. I think the vocalist/lead guitarist types have it a little easier. They have already set their own lead guitar beat with their vocal, well before the lead guitar starts. The hard part is playing rhythm behind and singing in front of the beat.

Rest assured your doing absolutely right to solo infront of the beat. Its the only time a guitar should be prominently at the front, your leading the song at that point.

_________________
No no and no

Spinning vinyl and playing along is still one of my favorite pass-times. There is no digital equivalent to lifting the needle, and moving it back to replay a certain passage or phrase.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

OK, that makes a lot of sense. I never thought about it that way.

And wow, the thought of playing guitar behind the beat and singing in front of the beat just gave me a new found respect for people who can do that.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

I like the crackly noises that records make too, and the way they sound. And playing with them is a lot of fun. I'm still pretty bad at guessing how far back to move the needle though. My Dad was a DJ, so he can hit it spot on.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

Of coarse what Niki left out, is Keef(and the other greats,) will occasionally throw out the rules, and push where others might pull, and pull where others might push, to add a dynamic shift to the music.

I say just listen to what they're doing, and you'll develop your own feel, you've already started to. It's really trickier to describe. Sort of like explaining to someone how to catch a baseball. It's easier to try it out, than it is to sit down and do the math problems and figure out the vectors.

_________________
I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Two quick questions about the competition, are the backing tracks the same from year to year? Do you perform the same song through each level?

_________________
Tune Low, Play Hard & Floor it!

1. Mostly. I think they added about five new tracks and took out five from the old list. I didn't compete last time around so I'm not sure about that.

2. Yes, I kept the same song and most people do. But you can change if you want.

_________________
Website: http://www.rebeccalaird.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalairdmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beckslaird
Instagram: http://instagram.com/beckslaird

texasguitarslinger,

Awesome. You have tallent. Loved the video.

RK

_________________
RK

2007 Fender Highway 1
2012 American Deluxe
2015 MIM Dave Murray HHH
2010 Fender Blacktop
1987 Fender Avalon Acoustic
2012 Marshall DSL 15 watt head