Solo #4 Licks

[Alexander]

Hello Jamie,
Here are licks 3&4 from Solo 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JOdPPvSmkc

[Jamie]

Very tasty there Alex......that's all I got to say!

[Alexander]

Wow, coming from you, Jamie, that's say a heck of a lot. Thanks for making my day. I was having one of those evil depressing days, you know when the demon's dancing around telling you that every endeavor you ever undertook has been a waste of time and you suck at all that you do I was having a hard time writing today, picking up the guitar or doing anything I do, but as soon I read that it all just lifted and now I'm chomping at the bit to get some practice in

[chefrusso]

I agree Alex. Tasty, real tasty! I think those demons have been visiting me lately too, but seeing your progress makes me realize that demons only have power if you give it to them. I'm going to beat mine into submission later on tonight when I practice!

[Jamie]

Yep, I guess we could call them our "aspiration demons". They seem to be a part of the process of simply being a person who aspires to be better every day, sets high goals and works towards them. I guess if you are not trying to get anywhere, no obstacles appear to block your progress.

So, I guess we get good at what we are doing, keepin' on keepin' on.

In any case Alex, I'm glad I lifted you out of the demon's power for the day! You deserve it on your playing and progress. That demon, in this case, don't know what the h**l he's talking about!

[Alexander]

Thanks Chef
Thanks Jamie,
"Aspiration Demons" I like that. That really makes it clear what they're focus is and how to combat them...Persistence that'll stop those suckers every time
This inspired me to get back today and work through a little further with licks 5 & 6 - next is to work 'em up and then string them together - especially that little rhythm (or counting) change between 5 & 6
btw - I know you know this, since you created the solos but these are great, they get more and more interesting. It's really a cool sense of accomplishment feeling them come together. A few months ago when I heard those triplets at that end of this one I was like "no way" but by the time I've worked with the triplet in solo 3 so much it's very clear how count these. What I'm saying is they really progress well. Cool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA4rLVJTFk8

[chefrusso]

Great preliminary work Alex. That's a great example of slow tempo practice. Looks great so far and I'm sure it'll come up nicely with the BPA. I think that 1 1/2 bend could come up a tad more, but it's hard for me to tell because I'm listening to this while I'm at work. That bend is a tough one!

[Alexander]

Thanks Chef,
I think you're hearing it pretty accurately. I have hit that note but it's not at all consistent right now. I definitely have to practice just that bend alone, I think, a lot more so till it become 2nd nature to bend it there...actually that goes for all bends I remember you were saying that you practiced the bending to a very slow count.
Also, good that you pointed out that that was "slow-tempo" I think it's good for anybody starting out or who is not familiar yet with what the BPA terms mean, that where I'm at with those licks are "slow tempo" not "no-tempo" I got there doing "no tempo" - next step, inch the BPM up.

[chefrusso]

You've just got to build up a little strength there, that's all. Like I said, this is a really tough one in the beginning, and I still remember how tough it was to do. Good news is that I'm much more consistent with these big bends now, so you'll have that to look forward to! Just keep at it.