This is my first recording on Robert's new site. I've been revisiting lessons I've done in the past and decided to redo this one. Solo 2 from Scales You Can Use When you play the blues. It seems to be my go to course. I'm always finding my way back to this one. I think it's the best blues reference any blues player can have as a resource.

Anyway, I did a video and a mp3. I think I played the mp3 much better than the video. At least it sounds better to me anyway. Actually I think I played it much better the very first time I learned it. Didn't know which one to post so I put them both of them out there.

Thanks for listening.

https://app.box.com/s/fsafwlmjj54qp9tw4tl7aes0obda3l7z

Nice work Ivan. You know I'd like to suggest you try it also with some fat overdrive, and see how you feel doing it that way. Just a bit of grease on the tone, you know? Try that and let us know how easy/hard it was to play that solo with a different tone. This is actually a good exercise at any time.

Thanks Robert. I actually had some overdrive added. It's digitial but supposed to model a Ibanez Tube Screamer. I did roll back the drive because I thought it sounded too hairy. I'm also using a Shure 57 mic now so placement is probably a factor too. I'll keep experimenting. 

Thanks again.

Try with a lot more gain, to see how it not only sounds, but how it feels to play with. It's a good thing to try different tones, to see what sounds best. I think you'll find that some things might be easier with more gain, some things harder... let us know what you find out! 

Hot Damn, Ivan's lighting up the recording board!  There definitely has to be a door prize for the first recording posted to the new site- how about I send you some of my old bass strings?

Seriously, buddy, that's an excellent posting and I really enjoy the video content with the performance.  Definitely play with the mic position on the cone.  I try to keep my 57 right up to the speaker screen and perpendicular to the plane of the screen.  

Thanks Clayton.

I might have had the mic too far away....around 2 inches or so. I'll put it up closer next time.

Ivan, that sounded great!

I have to join in with the crowd here. Great job with that Ivan...

Snug it up to the screen.  And I know it's practice room volume but speakers open up their range when you raise their voice level.

Ivan, that sounded absolutely awesome.

Thanks everybody.

Ok Robert took your advice and added some "grease".

I don't usually use a lot of distortion so not sure how much to add. It does make it easier to play. That's for sure. I actually knew this before but I'm from the old world I guess.....like the fender clean tone. Maybe need to change my thinking a little....or a lot!

Anyway, let me know what you think/suggestions/.....more/less "grease"?

Thanks

https://app.box.com/s/fsafwlmjj54qp9tw4tl7aes0obda3l7z

One night I heard my Momma and Poppa talk'n, Poppa said you gotta let that boy boogie woogie, it's in him and it gots to come out!

I love my clean tone too Ivan, but sometimes ya gotta let some dirt fly.  That Rocked- just the classic grit.

Thanks Clayton. Took your advice and placed the mic right up next to the cloth.