Not to purposely come across as some Robben Ford expert, Bob........but in my humble opinion this is precisely what Robben aims for with all his music and solos and I believe you can tell Robert's captured this essence here quite nicely!! I personally like the advanced version but this is only a preference as both these solos are equally challenging and I've learned from a certain MGA member played regularly and joyously also throughout certain pockets of New Hampshire!! One thing Robben also consistently preaches in his workshops is constantly honing one's craft..........so you have this in common as practice does tend to often make perfect!!  Jim C.

Thanks Jim for those encouraging thoughts.  Havent really heard much Robben Ford but really enjoying it so far.  Are you playing gigs?

I probably should be........I'm really into acoustic blues and even though Roberto doesn't believe me.......I find these licks and transposing most to acoustic blues a great and fun challenge! Plus they work........and for the most part with the exception of most licks below the 12th fret they work out quite nicely!! I play at least the first 12 licks of the advanced Robben Ford solo on acoustic and then others from the balance of this course and his advanced blues solo course, Bar Blues and even Got Some MOJO Working.......I've jammed with a few folks and they're impressed......so, thank you very much Roberto!!!  Jim C.

Would love to hear you play. I also love acoustic guitar. Something really old school. Can't get that sound any other way.. And it shows when playing electric guitar.   I learnt acoustically and took up electric much later.  You really have to work to get the tones, bends,  trills etc and not rely on the amp. I think that adds a uniqueness to one's technique and styles 

Cool man! Timing is of crucial importance here. You mostly did excellent. A few spots you were early. It's hard to describe, but I think we notice when we hear it. I am always struggling with perfecting my timing too. It's a life long quest! A good idea is to record a solo 10 times and pick the best one, and make note of where there are issues.

Furthermore, I think the downbeats are most important/noticeable. It can sound really cool to be a bit behind, almost dragging, but if you end a lick on a downbeat perfectly, it can sound super sweet.

Yeah Thanks for the feedback Robert. Timing IS the key between a good performance and a great one.  I think it is what separates performers.  Its our heart beat.  Each one in unique and therefore each cover will have its nuances.   Its far easier to play your own music than someone elses as you are already within the moment  and know it intimately.

One little "secret" I do........I go unplugged! here I don't mean acoustic but with a solid body Strat or Tele (or even a semi hollow if you have one which gives you a bit of an edge). I find if you can make an unamplified solid body sound pretty good with zero effects (no reverb, master, treble or especially pedals) then imagine how it sounds with the full force of all amplification and effects. Plus..........the wife appreciates this late at night when she's trying to go to sleep early!!  :>)  Jim C.

Craig, I absolutely love that lesson and you really made good work of it in your solo recording.  Two aspects stuck out as hi-lights: 1.  I heard your playing style and approach to the notes shine through the performance; and 2.  You really caught your stride as the performance progresses- it just gets better as you ease into the zone.  Both of these points make the lesson performance unique and good listening!  Thanks, Brother.

Posted by: Clayton

Craig, I absolutely love that lesson and you really made good work of it in your solo recording.  Two aspects stuck out as hi-lights: 1.  I heard your playing style and approach to the notes shine through the performance; and 2.  You really caught your stride as the performance progresses- it just gets better as you ease into the zone.  Both of these points make the lesson performance unique and good listening!  Thanks, Brother.

 

Hey Clayton great to hear from you. Thanks for the feedback.  After listening to it many times and comparing it to the original it still needs refining I feel. It just doesnt have quite the right "movement",  needs to be more dynamic and "bright". Still having a great time playing this one .  A labor of love.

I started with the Robben Ford advanced solo first for some reason, didn't see the intermediate solo until I was committed. I really like the feel of this piece as it moves through the chord changes. The licks are a stretch for me technically which is good but learning the licks is just the beginning getting the timing and smoothness down take a lot of wood shedding. I agree with some of the comments above like I may just have it all down after I play it another 100 times! 

Chris,  the Robben Ford course was the material that brought me to join the MGA.  Robert's lesson materials are excellent.  

Keep at it!