Cover: "Europa (Earth's Cry Heaven's Smile)" -- Santana

[DocNrock]

This is one I was actually going to use a backing track and mix it with the guitar parts.  But none of the backing tracks I found were full-length! 

So, back to playing along with the studio recording.  Oh well, it's kind of like playing a song with training wheels.  :laughing7:

Warmoth guitar thread:  http://unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=24566.0

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=339Boh7NTdA[/youtube]

 

[Logrinn]

Very impressive.
I myself am lousy at copying songs. Don't have that good an ear. And how were you able to memorize all this?
I'm awed.

 

[DocNrock]

Very impressive.
I myself am lousy at copying songs. Don't have that good an ear. And how were you able to memorize all this?
I'm awed.

Thank you, Logrinn.  Too kind. 

It takes a while to memorize.  I use a program called Slow Gold to break the song up into as many sections (loop points) as I need, and then learn them individually.  The program allows me to slow sections down without changing the pitch, then gradually speed them up as they are learned.  One I have them all learned individually, I can remove loop points one by one and stitch the parts together until I have the whole song learned, in continuity.  This song took about a month at about 2 hours a day, almost daily.

I also use tablature for songs, wherever possible.  But, sometimes I still have to have to use my ears.  As I'm sure you know, not all tabs are 100% accurate.  Then, you have to pick that section out, for yourself.  I used to be awful at transcribing.  But, I'm slowly getting better, as in slightly less than awful.  :laughing7:  It just takes practice and time (sound familiar?).  And, it definitely helps if the tab gets you to the right spot on the neck and you've learned the key/mode from the rest of the transcription.  Then, the selection of notes becomes more limited.

Honestly, I've been playing for 33 years and should be a lot better than I am for that length of time.  Only love for the instrument, time, and practice has overcome a lack of talent just to get to this point.  :laughing7:

I've seen videos of people who have been playing for one or two years who just blow my mind!

 

[Logrinn]

I use a program called Slow Gold

I definitely need to check that out. I know of the slowing down principle and of programs that allow you to do that, but I had never heard of the multiple loop point thing. Seems very handy.

I've seen videos of people who have been playing for one or two years who just blow my mind!

Tell me about it. I've actually played for forty years, but these kids nowadays ... 

Don't get me wrong. When I look at them and hear them I see a great source of inspiration for me and it makes me want to play and learn even more.

 

[DocNrock]

Here ya go, Logrinn.  Slow Blast is the free version.  Slow Gold costs $39.95.  To me, it is worth it, for all the flexibility it has.

http://www.worldwidewoodshed.com/

 

[Logrinn]

Wow, great!
Thank you very much.
ccasion14:

 

[fdesalvo]

Man- that's cool. It's been amazing following your progression!  ccasion14:

 

[Surf n Music]

Well done Doc. And thanks for the tip on the slow gold. Was just thinking how much I needed something like this. I'll finally be able to slow down some of those blistering Stevie parts!!

 

[DocNrock]

Well done Doc. And thanks for the tip on the slow gold. Was just thinking how much I needed something like this. I'll finally be able to slow down some of those blistering Stevie parts!!

Thank you, Eric!  For me, Slow Gold is a must for any challenging lick.  Especially for identifying and copying subtle nuances in the notes. 

Man- that's cool. It's been amazing following your progression!  ccasion14:

Thank you, Frank!  Your progression has been pretty amazing, too!

 

[Cagey]

Excellent job, doc! I really enjoyed that, especially since it's one of my favorite instrumental electric pieces of all time. Never did learn how to play it, though. But, you've nailed it!

As for the tab vs. tempo-changing software, been down that road and am still on it. Tab is not always accurate and sometimes unavailable, so the audio tools are your best bet, but a combination is nice if you can do it. Only way to go if you ask me. I hadn't heard of the software you're using, but it looks like good stuff. There are some other products out there that I've used such as "The Amazing Slow Downer" (Windows, Mac,  Android and iPhone/iPad). Basically the same thing. Free trial available. Also, a much more robust application called Audacity for the same platforms, which is all free. It may be more complex than many want, though. Audacity is to ProTools what GIMP is to Photoshop. 95% there, at 0% of the price.

 

[DocNrock]

Excellent job, doc! I really enjoyed that, especially since it's one of my favorite instrumental electric pieces of all time. Never did learn how to play it, though. But, you've nailed it!

As for the tab vs. tempo-changing software, been down that road and am still on it. Tab is not always accurate and sometimes unavailable, so the audio tools are your best bet, but a combination is nice if you can do it. Only way to go if you ask me. I hadn't heard of the software you're using, but it looks like good stuff. There are some other products out there that I've used such as "The Amazing Slow Downer" (Windows, Mac,  Android and iPhone/iPad). Basically the same thing. Free trial available. Also, a much more robust application called Audacity for the same platforms, which is all free. It may be more complex than many want, though. Audacity is to ProTools what GIMP is to Photoshop. 95% there, at 0% of the price.

Thank you for giving it a look/listen, Kevin.  Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the kind words. 

I've actually been using progressive versions of Slow Gold since around 1998, when I first learned of it.  Somewhere along the way, I heard of "The Amazing Slow Downer," but never checked it out because Slow Gold did everything I needed it to do.  I've played around a bit with Audacity, but did not know it did variable speed loops.  I thought it was just recording software.

But, you are absolutely right.  Tab is not always available.  Although, it seems every day another transcription makes its way to the web.  But, along with that, comes the proliferation of inaccurate tabs.  When I learned "The Loner," the one quick lick in the song near the end was completely wrong in the tab that I had.  But, it was in the correct spot on the neck.  Knowing the majority of the song was G minor pentatonic with a few passing tones, once slowed down it was easy to transcribe that lick, myself. 

By the way, did you ever do anything with the BK/Camphor Burl VIP body? 

 

[Cagey]

No, still waiting on a neck. I have one here I could use, but it needs fretting and I just haven't gotten around to doing it. Damn arthritis and other ailments pick the damndest times to flare up. Just got out of the hospital last week after a bout with pancreatitus that may have been due to a cyst they saw in there with the MRI. Have to go back for further testing to find out if I'll see next Christmas from above ground.

 

[bagman67]

Dang, Cagey - we're counting on you to be too dang ornery and/or cussed to succumb to the miscellaneous medical indignities of late middle age.  Hang in there, sir. 

 

[Cagey]

Yeah, it's a trial. I just got a new granddaughter last month, too. Have to be around long enough to teach her to smoke, drink, cuss, etc.

 

[Glimmer]

Not to derail this thread, but Cagey, very sorry to learn of your troubles! For whatever it's worth, will be sending positive thoughts through the aethers in your direction (hey, I'm Californian!).

And smoking, drinking, cussing are only a few of the skills she'll need. You must have a few others you can impart.

 

[Cagey]

Well, you kinda have to grow into old age and treachery, so that's up to her.

 

[stratamania]

Great job Doc...

Cagey, hope things pan out for you.

 

[DocNrock]

Great job Doc...

Cagey, hope things pan out for you.

Thank you, John.  Thanks for taking the time to look and listen.  :icon_thumright:

No, still waiting on a neck. I have one here I could use, but it needs fretting and I just haven't gotten around to doing it. Damn arthritis and other ailments pick the damndest times to flare up. Just got out of the hospital last week after a bout with pancreatitus that may have been due to a cyst they saw in there with the MRI. Have to go back for further testing to find out if I'll see next Christmas from above ground.

So sorry to hear about the bout of pancreatitis.  I've taken care of a lot of patients with that condition.  Runs the spectrum from an overnight bout of severe pain that spontaneously resolves to necrotizing pancreatitis.  Necrotizing pancreatitis carries a 25% mortality.  Be lucky you didn't have that!  I've definitely seen people die from that.  The ones who survive are typically in the ICU for over a month! 

Did they identify any gallstones on the MRI (MRCP - test of choice for stones that got out of the gallbladder and into the common bile duct), or did you have an ultrasound (test of choice for stones in the gallbladder).  Were you yellow (jaundice) before or during the pain?  If they found gallstones, you need that gallbladder out soon.  Once one has an episode of gallstone pancreatitis, 50% of patients with gallstones will get another attack within 90 days.

Gallstones in the common bile duct and alcohol are the two most common causes of pancreatitis.  But, there are many causes: high triglyceride level, high calcium, some medications, and idiopathic.  Idiopathic means the cause is unknown.

What organ contained the cyst that was seen on MRI?  Odd for a cyst anywhere to cause pancreatitis, unless it is a choledochal cyst.  But choledochal cysts are not quite rare, but very uncommon.

I definitely want to acknowledge you and try to help.  I'm sure you don't want your private health info in the interwebs.  Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about this. 

I hope you feel better.  :icon_thumright: 

 

[Cagey]

No gall bladder issues. High triglycerides, though.

The cyst they saw was on/in the pancreas, so I'll be going back soon for more work. Endoscopic ultrasound, and depending on what that shows, perhaps a biopsy?

 

[DocNrock]

But, you've nailed it!

Funny, I know you didn't mean it this way, but that sentence reminded me of the various internet memes where someone tries to copy some beautiful recipe, only to have a slouch of food on a plate...with the comment..."Nailed It!"  :toothy12: