Solo of the Month (SotM) #96 - Challenge

stratman3142

This is the 96th solo of the Month (SotM) Challenge.

The challenge is now open and ends at midnight 24th July 2023

Discussion:

Thanks to @susbemol for this backing track

You can download the backing track from Soundcloud below:

https://soundcloud.com/thefretboard/sotm96-susbemol-dramatic-equaliser?si=3f714da415684e54b2343ae194302bc4&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Title: Dynamic Equaliser

Tempo: 79 bpm

Structure/Chords:

The bass just pedals in E and the chords are basically:

|:   Em   |   D  |  Em   |  Em  : | (first 8 bars)

|:   Em   |   D   |  A  |  A  : |

|:   Em   |   D   |  Em   |   D   |  Em   |   D   |  A  |  A  : | (last 8 bars)

Record your solo over the top of it and then submit it (ideally in mp3 format) to solos@theFB.co.uk

Also, feel free to comment on how you approached the solo, which will add a bit more interest and maybe we can learn something from each other.

There should be headroom to record your solo. Try to set a level without excessive master limiting, because we want to avoid loudness wars.

Voting will start soon after the submission deadline, with each voter selecting their 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice.

First choice gets 5 points - Second choice gets 3 points - Third choice gets 1 point

The order and scores of the top three entries will be announced soon after the voting ends.

No prizes. It's just for fun.

As people submit their entries, I'll post them below to hopefully promote some discussion on approaches used for the solo:

https://soundcloud.com/thefretboard/sets/sotm96-2023-07?si=7773a51ccdd94adc9d43a6358ffcd633&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

digitalkettle

stratman3142

digitalkettle said:

I need to hire you as a proof reader. Edited now, to include a space between the : and the | to avoid an angry face.
Although I did wonder whether to leave it for humorous effect.
 

stratman3142

Mine's in the playlist.

Guitar: Ibanez AZ2204 neck pickup

DAW: Reaper

Ampsim: Neural DSP Cory Wong.
Just the default sound with the reverb pedal  (The Wash) switched on with its default sound.  

It's the clean sound that I use for test solos, to set the level of backing tracks to ensure sufficient headroom. And it seemed to work for the track in this case.

flying_pie

I've sent one in

I didn't go with a clean tone. I went for gain, reverb, delay and whammy bar as I felt the track called for it, even if it is a bit of a cheesy approach. It definitely felt like something from an American 80s drama

Guitar: PRS Tremonti SE Standard bridge pickup
Amp and interface: Nux Mighty Air - Diesel amp with delay and hall reverb - straight into Reaper through USB

stratman3142

flying_pie said:

I've sent one in

It's in the playlist.

digitalkettle

flying_pie said:

I've sent one in

I didn't go with a clean tone. I went for gain, reverb, delay and whammy bar as I felt the track called for it, even if it is a bit of a cheesy approach. It definitely felt like something from an American 80s drama

Guitar: PRS Tremonti SE Standard bridge pickup
Amp and interface: Nux Mighty Air - Diesel amp with delay and hall reverb - straight into Reaper through USB

Ed Triple-wood...excellent title

digitalkettle

Sent one in!

stratman3142

digitalkettle said:

Sent one in!

It's in the playlist.

susbemol

Just sent one in as well.

It's just an acoustic guitar miked with a single mic. A bit of EQ, comp and tape saturation topped up with reverb and delay from the excellent (and free!) Valhalla Super Massive.

stratman3142

susbemol said:

Just sent one in as well...

It's in the playlist.

fastonebaz

I don't think I'll be able to produce anything this month.  Wore a hole in my trigger finger at the weekend from excessive shooting of lasers at small children.  My early efforts at a solo were rubbish too.

stratman3142

fastonebaz said:

I don't think I'll be able to produce anything this month.  Wore a hole in my trigger finger at the weekend from excessive shooting of lasers at small children...

That's a pity. Hope your finger recovers soon.

So it's 'silence' from you this month  

flying_pie

fastonebaz said:

I don't think I'll be able to produce anything this month.  Wore a hole in my trigger finger at the weekend from excessive shooting of lasers at small children.  My early efforts at a solo were rubbish too.

Sorry to hear that @fastonebaz as this backing track totally suits your style

Hope you showed them little ones who's boss and the injury was worth it!

fastonebaz

Well thanks to mother nature the hole is healing nicely and still a bit sore I managed to have a crack at it.  Couldn't widdle away with any speed so  opted for melodic harmonies.


Sent one in

fastonebaz

Also, I did the unthinkable and moved my reverb before my delay and with some settings tweaking seemed to make my notes sustain forever.  Then compressed it with a steam roller and was good to go.  

digitalkettle

fastonebaz said:

I don't think I'll be able to produce anything this month.  Wore a hole in my trigger finger at the weekend from excessive shooting of lasers at small children.  My early efforts at a solo were rubbish too.

stratman3142

fastonebaz said:

...Sent one in...

It's in the playlist.

Was the 'Squealing Babies' title inspired by your "excessive shooting of lasers at small children".

fastonebaz

Well spotted yes  

Bellycaster

Sent mine in. I used a Strat on Position 2 for most of it. Tremolo and Flanger effect with delay.

stratman3142

Bellycaster said:

Sent mine in...

It's in the playlist.