Johnny B Goode

deefstes

OK, so all guitarists cover Johnny B Goode at some point. I'm a new guitarist (on electric at least) so I figured I'm allowed a go as well and that will be my first submission in the "clips for review" section ?

This is for a gig in March where I'll be performing a few numbers, this being one of them. The intention was not for this to be a fantastic recording. In fact, it's my first try with my new M-Audio Fast Track Pro interface. When playing through the amp I use a footswitch to boost the volume on the solo. Also, I tweak the tone somewhat. I've done none of that for this recording though.

So as I'm saying, the idea is not that this was going to be a superb recording as I didn't really have the time or inclination now to iron out all the little recording techniques (I'm a noob in that dept as well). It will be a live performance eventually so I was more interested in doing a one take recording as that is what will be heard on the night. Of course I didn't add the vocals.

So, while I'd appreciate critique on the recording as well, I'm actually more interested in your critique of my interpretation, technique and delivery - whatever would be of use in a live environment. And don't hold back, I have a thick skin.

I've worked the song and the solo out myself by listening to a few different recordings so it's not really a copy of any one existing recording. I've drawn mostly from Mark Campbell's (Back to the Future) version though.

Equipment used:
Epiphone Les Paul (neck pickup, clean) --> M-Audio Fast Track Pro --> REAPER
No effects or anything.

Clickety -> http://www.box.com/s/0hhub3p36lis0bjo3l2o

Looking forward to your comments.

21Fretter

I know the song but not the song well enough to say if absolutely every little thing in the song is in your recording but of what is played in the recording, you played it awesomely. If you play it that well live, you should be fine!

Out of interest, how long have you been playing?

deefstes

21Fretter wrote: I know the song but not the song well enough to say if absolutely every little thing in the song is in your recording but of what is played in the recording, you played it awesomely. If you play it that well live, you should be fine!

Out of interest, how long have you been playing?

Thanks man. I've been playing guitar for about 18 years but exclusively acoustic. I starting dabbling with electric guitar about 2 years ago. I guess I can't really claim to be a fresh noob but I certainly should be much better than I am.

Ray

deefstes wrote:
21Fretter wrote: I know the song but not the song well enough to say if absolutely every little thing in the song is in your recording but of what is played in the recording, you played it awesomely. If you play it that well live, you should be fine!

Out of interest, how long have you been playing?
Thanks man. I've been playing guitar for about 18 years but exclusively acoustic. I starting dabbling with electric guitar about 2 years ago. I guess I can't really claim to be a fresh noob but I certainly should be much better than I am.

Well, I think yours is a very clean rendition. Cleaner than the original maybe. Well done! Funny I've just been listening to Chuck Berry a few days ago.

Norman86

i like it!!! Well done!! ?

Noob my ass though ?

Its a little slower than the original though hey?

deefstes

Norman86 wrote: Its a little slower than the original though hey?

:-[ Oops, some more work to be done then. I didn't even notice that it was slower because I've listened to so many different versions that I'm not sure anymore what the proper tempo should be. Mark Campbell's certainly is fast, a fair bit faster than Chuck Berry's. Maybe I'll speed it up a bit and see how it goes. I can play it faster when I'm not playing with the backtrack so a faster backtrack might not be a problem. At the gig we'll be a full band so I can have the drummer set a faster tempo. Should be fun.

Norman86

its only a little slower, but i picked it up!
Its not like its snails pace though ?

here's the original i know!

=

Norman86

and speaking of backtrack, what format is your backtrack in?
You could use a program to speed it up if its wav or mp3!
something like ots turntables which can increase the tempo, but not change the pitch! and you can do it on the fly!
Best of all, its free to use!

vic

deefstes wrote:
Norman86 wrote: Its a little slower than the original though hey?
:-[ Oops, some more work to be done then. I didn't even notice that it was slower because I've listened to so many different versions that I'm not sure anymore what the proper tempo should be. Mark Campbell's certainly is fast, a fair bit faster than Chuck Berry's. Maybe I'll speed it up a bit and see how it goes. I can play it faster when I'm not playing with the backtrack so a faster backtrack might not be a problem. At the gig we'll be a full band so I can have the drummer set a faster tempo. Should be fun.

I wanted to ask about that but you have clarified it now....
The tempo is fine and you've done a good job of the intro riff...that Epi sounds great too !
Now try Berry's "Roll over Beethoven"...also a good one with a very similar intro. If you can't find his version, the Beatles also had a good cover of it and it may be worthwhile doing "Beethoven" with your band. 8)