ELP From The Beginning by skaladar

[skaladar]

Why I chose a level 7 song as my inaugural upload is beyond me but I did so “there it is” (to steal a line from the song) . Despite the pained look on my face I did enjoy making the video. *makes mental note to smile from time to time*. Numerous interruption during the day were beginning to get to me.

This is the song that helped me find my way to TG and for that I will always be grateful. It is still very much a work in progress for me as is evident by the occasional missed notes, hand watching and other stumbles. I’ve been doing most of my practice with vocals but in the interest of being merciful I’ll wait til I get that (and the playing) more polished before following up.

Oh, and as I expect some may be wondering, I am obviously using a small amp, mostly for the equalizer but I did add a bit of chorus which I think begins to approach making the guitar sound more like a 12 string. I also played all the arpeggios as cross picking rather than alternate picking. I did so because I am also working on another Greg Lake song, “Still You Turn Me On” and he plays both songs using a cross picking technique. It wasn’t until recently that I realized the lesson on this song shows only the intro arpeggio being cross picked.

Enough chatter from me. To borrow another line from ELP … “Welcome to the Show” Please be painfully honest in any comments. I could use the criticism

EDIT: Yikes, I've just listened to this again and I clearly missed a few repeated measures going into what would be Verse 1 & 3. I guess I'm more used to playing it with the vocals but it serves me right for not having a chart in front of me and relying on my memory.

Ken

[millponddave]

Ken, I am working on that song as well and finding it rather hard. It falls under the "have a song that is too hard in the mix of stuff to practice"
Nice job with your effort!

Dave

[Chasplaya]

HI Ken brave taking on a 7, but well done certainly coming along nicely and within reach, a couple of points, though... Firstly you don't exactly look comfortable a bit scrunched over on the couch which makes it difficult for you to get the right hand forward and under that neck, I am an absolute shocker with this and every so often remember and sit up, trouble is the chair in front of my PC is a swivel rocker officer chair, I also play my guitars in same chair and its not good lol! Last point on song itself the open A between chords I think you delay it slightly too long, it should almost be struck whilst your fingers are on the move to the next chord. As for cross picking I think Neil teaches it that way, can't recall might need to look back, anyway it works so no hassles.

Great job for your first upload.

[lueders]

Ken, That was TriPpY :woohoo: :silly: :cheer:

And what a gutsy move! A number 7...I like your style! I thought the effect worked with this and actually makes
good sense. You should start posting like wildfire, that was great! I only tried to play this like once so I am not even
gonna pretend I can give you anything but praise! Thanks for this cool, post!!!

[Craig]

Ken,
Nice first post! The first one is the hardest...you will have that song nailed in no time. Keep up the good work!
Craig

[tovo]

Ken I absolutely love to see a first video, and yours was pretty damn good. I would have preferred it without effects, but that's just personal preference, certainly the added chorus worked quite nicely. I know all about bad sitting position, so I agree with Chas it would help to sit up a bit. I know the camera introduces a lot of stress and it was showing, so I think that mental note to smile would be a good one! Next one will be easier for sure, but I thought it was a great bit of work.

[michelew]

Ken,

That definitely is a challenging looking song. Add camera and first post nerves to the mix and that could have been a recipe for disaster. But, you pulled it off just fine.

I haven't even looked at this lesson, so I can't give you any advice. But, it sounds like it is coming together nicely for you. I'm sure that with some expert advice from Neil and our experienced players you'll be nailing it in no time.

Welcome to the video poster club. Believe me each one gets a little easier. I still haven't managed the smiling myself and I now have a number of them under my belt. Frankly, I think smiling in videos is over-rated ...well... for those of us that find sitting in front of the camera nerve-wracking anyway. No guts no glory.


Great job Ken.

Keep them coming.

Michele

[BobR]

Hi Ken,

Very nice first post. I thought it sounded pretty good with the effects. Will be good to see your next post.

Bob

[Music Junkie]

Hey Ken!

Congrats on your first upload! Just great to read you on the forum and even more so to watch you as well!

Painfully honest? Haha, well we don't need to be, because you did a good job on this one!

I think Chas mentioned a little bit of a delay between some chords wich I noticed as well, although you kept coming back on track again, so I guess you have an internal metronome (you used to drum right?). Also pay attention for the, I think it was a hammer on-pull off on the 6th string here and there, it could be more clean.

As for the crosspicking, I think you did pretty well on that!

So, no painful stuff in here Ken, you're very well on your way of nailing this one, good job! Willl be looking forward to another post of you!

Ness

[willem]

Ken,that came along,,,I do have one suggestion but it is my taste,,you were plugged in right? i think you can get a more nicer video sound unplugged,,when you look at other vids from members you noticed they work with mikes etc.. i don' t know if you met our specialist Al(coustic) but maybe you can give it a look or search,,,


I did enjoy your upload,thanks for sharing.