First off, Thank You to everyone for showing such an interest in reading what I had to write in my "A Minor Pentatonic" blog entry.  As of tonight (11-08-08) it has well over 1,000 hits.  The question now begs - why? It's not much of a read, so please, someone, help me understand what attracted so many folks to it.

Also, there is no counter on the audio files, so there is no idea how many "readers" were also "listeners."  And if the blog wasn't much to read, the attached audio files were even less to listen to (ouch!) - (although the "before" and "after" comparison using the sound processing was a bit worth the fun, wasn't it?)

But what really puzzles me is the complete lack of feedback.  Of the 1,116 hits so far, the one and only comment is from a SAMI staff member. It is a kind comment, and I am grateful, but when I plucked-up the courage to post some audio I had hoped for a few constructive pointers from some of you more talented and experienced players.  After all, that's the whole idea behind being able to upload audio in the first place, isn't it?  To get input from others on how to improve?

So, if there are any good sports who are willing to share some wisdom (other than suggesting I use my guitar for kindling after listening to my audio uploads, that is), I would be most grateful.  Besides, what fun is just peeking at someone else's blog compared to being able rip on their playing ability while hiding behind a screen name?

'till then,

kaldune

I have always wanted a Les Paul guitar - a REAL Les Paul - a Gibson, not any other, only a Gibson.

Well, recently I was celebrating (or should I say suffering through) one of those "milestone" birthdays. You know, one of "The Big XO's" where your closest friends rent yard signs announcing to the world how old you are, send you cards telling you the number of candleson your cake are a fire hazard, and buy you presents like canes with rearview mirrors and slow moving vehicle signs.

Well, my wife was passing through Nashville, TN and stopped at the Gibson Showcase store, mostly on a lark, and when the salesguy asked if he could show her anything, she naturally asked for a Les Paul.  Now, that might not seem like such a big deal - of course Gibson would have Les Pauls in the shop - but what they never seem to have (and I've been to this shop two previous years in a row) are LEFT-HANDED, Gibson, Les Pauls.

As fate would have it - on this particular occasion, not only did the Gibson Showcase have an official Gibson Les Paul - they handed my wife a 1959 Reissue Gibson Les Paul from the Gibson Custom Shop - Left-Handed !  The guitar-gods had, finally, after 34 years, smiled upon me and placed within my grasp the holy-grail of all guitars (granted, it was a re-issue, not an original '59, but for a left-handed player that's closer than you ever dream of getting - AND it was a beautiful, hand-made, cherry-burst finish, from the Custom Shop [see photo in gallery]).

Most guys stumble across stuff like this and then begin the long and tedious process of trying to convince their wives of letting them have it - but in this case it was My Wife who called me - and all she said was, "Happy Birthday."

Is my wife a keeper - or what !

I saw Don's lesson on the A minor Pentatonic solo highlighted as the "Featured Lesson" on the Home Page and just had to take a look since the A-min Pentatonic scale was the first thing I ever picked-out by ear listening to Eric Clapton albums (yes, the vinyl ones) back when they were "first editions."

I also thought I'd try a little experiment with it - I thought I would record a solo part for it perfectly clean (ouch - it is downright painful to listen to - sorry mates) and then go back and add a bit of processing to the exact same track.

It is amazing what a little sound effects will do for the "listen-ability" of a solo. Listen to both tracks (if you can make it all the way through the clean version, that is) and keep in mind it is exactly the same lead part in both files. Truly remarkable what a bit of gain, a smidge of chorus, and a dash of EQ can do. I guess it's a lot like some new paint and wallpaper on an old house, sometimes, eh?

As always, your comments are welcome - that's what make's logging-on fun - seeing what everyone has to say and what new files they've uploaded.

'till then,

kaldune

Well, I've taken the leap, joined and become a member, completed the enrollment form, watched the "how to use..." videos, and have familiarized myself with the contents and navigation of the site, Sooooo....

It's time to stop "getting ready" and time to start doing.  I have my first assignment, I've printed out the TAB, now I just need the courageand determination to sit down and start banging away at it. === Wish me luck.