Mike Caren

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Blues A Rama Muddy Waters Dec 19, 2011

@bluesman .. Sorry, there was a bug with the Slowest and Slow videos playing.  It's fixed. My suggestion is to take a look at these two videos and loop each lick / page with the looper.  What works for me is to listen to a section 10 times in a row until it is stuck in my head.  Then I start trying to figure out how to play it with the sheet music / video.  Hope that helps.

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: How Long Blues Lesson 3 Dec 17, 2011

Hi Duke .. I really love this lesson and the series.  I don't usually start with the melody when I solo .. which is probably a big mistake.  I used the backing tracking on Lesson 4 to play along with what you covered here .. and then improvised a bit around it.    Any feedback would be great.  Thanks!

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Blues A Rama Muddy Waters Dec 17, 2011

@brianjfa  Yes the arrow going up means bending the notes and the 1/4, 1/2 etc. is how much.  Althought we capture it as best we can, it's best to really listen intenting on the exact phrasing and intonation Duke plays.  I've come to the conclusion that tab is best for figuring out where your fingers should be ... but the ultimate reference is the audio in the recording.  As Jerry Portnoy (Muddy Waters and Eric C harp player) says ... you want the music fixed in your mind first, then try the create it yourself.   Hope that helps.

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Catfish Blues Main Riff Dec 12, 2011

@Corey .. wil do for getting the groove, thanks for the advice.  

For the pinky, I'm talking about your left fingering hand.  I usually take my fingers off of the E chord to play the low E string on licks like that ... and I noticed you use your pinky which let's you keep ringing the E chord which is really nice.  It's a little hard for me to unlearn my old way ... but worth it as how you do it is better for songs like this.

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Catfish Blues Main Riff Dec 09, 2011

Hi Corey .. The groove you have on this song is unbelievable.  I have it totally stuck in my head.  This is going to be a great one to learn.  For me .. the hardest part will probably be to really fall into the song and make music as opposed to playing notes (hope that sentence makes sense to people).  

I like how you play the low E string with your pinky.  That's new to me .. and it really helps as it let's you keep your other fingers on the E.   The brushes and other right hand techniques are great too .. definitely looking forward to learning those.

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Everybody Ought To Change Lesson 4 Dec 06, 2011

Hi Corey .. I'm enjoying those turnarounds / endings.  Especially the first more harmonic one.  Great series .. will try and post a video in the next couple days for your feedback.  Thanks!

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: How Long Blues Lesson 2 Dec 05, 2011

Love that turnaround Duke!  Thank you.

 

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: How Long Blues Chords Dec 01, 2011

Hi Duke .. any feedback on the video below?  I'm starting to get the fingering .. but need work on really falling into the groove.  

I'm tempted to play more, slide into the chords etc.  ... but that's probably wrong right?

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Everybody Ought To Change Lesson 3 Nov 28, 2011

Hi Corey .. I'm enjoying the new licks.  Any tips on the video below?

Not sure why .. but kinda having fun electrifying it.  I really like that second riff you taught.  I don't have quite the right feel of it yet, but I like bending it as you can really make it express a lot.

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: How Long Blues Chords Nov 27, 2011

Hi Duke .. beautiful chord progression.  I'm enjoying that 9th chord too!  Really looking forward to this series as I love music like this (I remember the first time I heard Jimmy Witherspoon .. and was just blown away).  I've never figured out how to improvise and solo on these type of progressions ... so looking forward to finally learning that with you.

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Blues After Hours Lesson 5 Nov 22, 2011

Hi Duke .. I'm really enjoying this lesson.  Thank you.  The lead lines are beautiful.  I especially like the last couple riffs where you play a lead and then hit the chord.  Ahh.  Love it!!

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Everybody Ought To Change Lesson 2 Nov 18, 2011

Playing the more complex turnaround .. and the first shape reminded me of this funky blues rhythm.   It's funny how one thing will jog something else out of your mind ...

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Everybody Ought To Change Lesson 2 Nov 18, 2011

Hi Corey .. really enjoying this lesson .. thanks!  Probably the hardest part for me is the new D7 riff, and getting the timing just right.  Really like the more complex walk down too .. beautiful .. that one is going to take me a bit too .. but well worth it!

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Blues A Rama B.B. King Oct 30, 2011

Nice find Jason. All fixed.

 

Mike Caren
Mike Caren commented on: Moten Swing Lesson Oct 19, 2011

Hi Duke .. I enjoyed this lesson a lot.  Especially the 3rd practice track.

 
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