Jomi--
Thanks so much for the kind words.
No, it's not in the lessons. But, here's a song description I wrote for it in the past. Hopefully it answers your questions. If not, let me know.
Happy jamming,
Steve
*******************
Gear: 1999 Taylor 714CE
Neumann TLM103 and AKG C414B TLII mics
Various studio effects. For a full list of studio gear, see
http://www.solidwalnut.com/audioserv...tudiogear.html
This is an interesting acoustic song that I wrote in 1995 and originally recorded on my first CD, Wisdom - Discovery of the Word. When I was originally tracking the song in the studio in 1997, I used a 1995 Martin D-1, a very rich sounding guitar. Deep and boomy like all great dreadnaught Martins.
The day I was tracking this song the UPS driver who stopped in to listen said the song sounded like 'Randy Roades meets a medieval minstrel'. I thought that was pretty cool.
So now, Feb. 2002, I decided to re-record this using my 1999 Taylor 714ce. I couldn't believe it, but this guitar sounds better in the studio than any Martin I've ever recorded. The Indian Rosewood back and sides along with the Red Cedar top produces the most unbelievable dynamic clarity and warmth. And because it's a Grand Auditorium size, it's not nearly as 'boomy' as dreadnaughts (sometimes an engineer trying to capture a dreadnaught over-compresses the incoming signal, sometimes killing true warmth. The 'proximity effect' of boosted bass signals into a mic makes placement critical, especially on a dreadnaught. I think that over-compression was true of some of the tracks on my first CD when using my Martin).
Also, in this new recording, I'm keeping the song entirely guitar-only. Three guitars: the basic fingerstyle rhythm, a highlight rhythm, and the lead.
The UPS driver had a point that day, and the senior engineer had said the same basic thing: this tune definitely had a 'merry minstrel' type of sound. I think what made the song sound like that was a few different things. First, the basic fingerpicking style of the song has me plucking a string on nearly every eighth note of this 6/8 tune at approx 155 bpm, giving it somewhat of a harpsichord-type feel from maybe something written in the 1500's. Also, the second hilight guitar does alot of individual notes and matches the rhythms of the main fingerstyle during the chorus.
The song is in the key of G. The chords in the chorus: G5, D, Em, Bm Cadd12, Cm/A, G. The chords for the interlude: Cmaj7, C, Am, G, D. The chords for the verse: D, Em, A, C, G5/B, Am, G, Dsus4, Cm/A. The lead guitar is using the G major scale, except during the two measures of the Cm/A chord, where it changes to a C melodic minor #7 scale. I guess you could also call that a C major b3 scale.
Intro (last 8 bars of chorus)
Ch
V
Ch
V
Ch
V (lead section)
Ch
Tag
Boring arrangement you say? Not a chance!
A reason that the song stays interesting, plus another reason why it's got that medieval feel, is that there are two different types of rhythm patterns established:
1 2 3
4 5 6,
1 2 3
4 5 6
and
1 2
3 4 5 6,
1 2
3 4 5 6
The second rhythm pattern is found 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th, 11th, 12th and 13th measures of the chorus (out of 16 total measures). You'll hear it first in the intro, which is a rendition of measures 9-16 of the chorus. So, you'll hear it being introduced first in the song in the 3rd, 4th and 5th measures (what happened to the 9th measure equals the 1st? Oh well, I decided to start the song with the primary rhythm).
After each chorus, there is a 4 measure interlude before each verse section (you'll know it's starts when you hear the Cmaj7 chord).
In the verse sections, the second rhythm pattern is found in only the 3rd and 11th measures (out of 16 total).
The second style seems to interject that slow trip-a-let feel and rhythm and give life to the tune. I've heard Alex Lifeson of Rush do something similar during his early days when you heard more acoustic work. It adds a 'change-up', so to speak, and keeps the song from becoming monotonous.
I recorded each guitar track in stereo using AB mic placement using a Neumann TLM103 and a AKG C414B TLII.
I hope you enjoy this, and I sure welcome your feedback.
