Hey all -been away from DV for most of the weekend so I'm a bit behnd on the latest entries and scoop.

PJ: Awesome stuff man! The first one get's respect from me because jazz is just one of those things I just can't get a handle on - I just can't figure out what the structure of it is, what patterns make it 'jazz'. I spoke to a jazz piano player once who was playing some awesome stuff, and I asked him how one knows which chords to drop in where and after what and I couldn't really get a straight answer. I guess it's mostly improvisation and a knowledge of what something will sound like before you actually play it. I've composed some jazzy pieces in the past, but I have to admit that most of the structure was made up of 'happy accidents' and combinations that just happened to sound right.

As far as enjoyment, though, that second one really got me. I tend to enjoy pieces of that 'style' I guess. Not sure how to explain it, it's like where the instrument is playing all the parts (like an entire orchestra) - rhythm, melody, etc.

TJ's you can tell by all the open strings he strategically places all through his composition - that requires going wherever the notes are on the strings you aren't letting ring
Yup, if you're not carefull you'll end up with pretzel fingers! Fortunately, I capped the neck up somewhat high, so the frets were much closer. What - it's NOT cheating!! LOL!

Oneironaut: I can't watch YouTube stuff from work, but I'll check it out when I get home tonight for sure. It sounds like there's a bunch of stuff you incorporated in the piece. The pick squeal thing is something that you'll get the feel for- not necessarily something you have to think about. Sometimes it's a matter of adjusting how you hold the pick that can make a big difference.

Quote Originally Posted by Oneironaut
What sucks is that, when I'd gotten the squeal right, I would mess up later in the song and have to start all over again.
LOL! Yup, happens with me too. It's like you're coming up to a specific part and you start getting nervous, so you focus on that one part coming up, then when you perform it you temporarily 'blank out' the following portion, then fuck up one of the easiest parts!

Ranma, no luck so far downloading yours. I'm wondering if it's being hosted on a site that's being blocked here at work. Will try again from home.