GMC Lesson Medley

First I want to thank all the GMC students who participated in this medley (see the forum topic here). I know it took some time to get it finished, but I'm happy all of you finally were able to contribute! You all did a fantastic job!!

Twibeard
Great job! No doubt you learned all the notes and the timing is very good.
I would like to hear you “grab the notes” a little more though, and also play with more dynamics (for example: pick the notes on the beats a bit harder). That will add some attitude in your playing.
 
visi0n
Excellent! Very rhythmic and perfect timing. I also like how you add a small vibrato on the chords. That's very tasteful. I have no improvement suggestions.

Stevie Ray Vaughn
This is definitely not an easy solo, but still you did a very nice take. Your timing is great, and you got all the notes down. Though, some of the notes are not very clean and I suspect that you have a bit high action (distance between the strings and the fretboard) which make tapping more difficult. So check your guitar and adjust it if you think this is a problem. I would like the tapping notes and the left hand hammer-ons to be cleaner towards the end. So practice at a slower speed and articulate all the notes.
 
Andrew Cockburn
Perfect! Smart move to chose a solo that don’t push your speed limit. It really looks and sounds effortless. You also add a nice vibrato on the longer notes, which is very tasteful.
No improvement suggestions from me.
 
Smells
Wow! Extremely nice and emotional take. Both bends and vibrato are very important in a solo like this - and you nail them both! All bends are perfect on pitch. I also like that you improvise a few notes. Maybe the last run is a tiny bit sloppy, but I don't find it very disturbing. So, great job Smells! =)

jeff
Very very nice feeling! The vibrato is fast but it sounds just great!! =)
Compared to the original version, the timing is a bit off in the end (I'm not sure if you did this on purpose, but it still sounds very nice) The only problem is the highest note, which is a bit out of pitch, and I think that's because you tense up at that place. So keep in mind to stay relaxed!

Iluha
A fast lick with lots of bends in it is extremely difficult - but you pulled it off very nicely. No trouble with the bends, they're on pitch. But in between them few notes is a bit sloppy. Best advise is to practice few bpm's slower and make sure all the notes are clean, and then work up the speed. Btw, I love the trill at the end. Great job! =)

JVM
Amazing! When I compare your playing to the original lesson I must say there’s not much difference. Bends. timing, etc - just perfect! No improvement suggestions
 
visi0n (take 2)
You look very relaxed yet your playing is extremely expressive. The vibrato is pretty much perfect and you nail the high E bend right on pitch – that’s rare.
Maybe a small timing issue in the fast lick at the end, but still a fantastic take! Great job!

leedbreak
Great!! You definitely have the right technique, and your timing is good!
But I think this solo is a bit to fast for you at full speed at the moment, because many notes are not very clean. So just practice at a slower tempo for a while. Since your technique already is very good, it won't be much work for you to nail perfect it at full speed.

bodo
Awesome! The only pure improvisation in this medley =)
I'm impressed by how you work with your right hand. It seems very relaxed yet you nail all the notes on time. Your vibrato is a bit fast and there's nothing wrong about that, but keep in mind that you must stay on pitch - a few notes are on the edge of going sharp, but other than that your playing is very good.

Nick325
It starts out just great, and your technique is excellent! All the notes are very nice and clean. However, after a while something happens with the timing and you start playing off beat, it gets worse and towards the end you seem a bit lost. I suggest you stomp your foot on the beats when playing this. That way you'll feel the rhythm and it will be easier to play in time.

coffeeman
Over all you did a great job! Most of the notes are clean. Your technique is good, and the timing is also fine on most of the notes. But then sometimes it's a bit sloppy. I think you just could practice a bit slower for a while and then this small problem will solve it self. I also have to give you a plus for wearing that hat! =)

Thanks again,
-- Marcus Lavendell

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