Wagon Wheel

[Mr Fixit eh]

Ok, I appreciate all the posts, and I'll get back to replying to each one in a bit...

In the meanwhile, I've not been really happy with either take 1 or take 2. So I spent some time in my 'studio' today to work up take 3. I tried to incorporate some of the great suggestions I got, and I've spent some time practicing with a metronome set to 120 bpm.

'Do let me know what you think of this one.

Wagon Wheel - take 3

Steve

[AJRed]

Nice, I think this version is much better. You might try a vocal harmonized box to thicken the tone of the voice. I'm going to get one when I start playing out. I don't have a good voice so I need something. I mean folks use tons of pedals and effects to improve the tone of a guitar, why not the voice.
That and what you hear is yourself and that uber nice Taylor harmonizing. When you record through two mics you break that apart and without lots of eq'ing and production it may not fully mix optimally back to a harmonic area that is pleasing. I'm listening on anIPhone so I never sound good on one.

You're working through it and that's commendable. Keep it up and it will result in a nice payout.

Chicks dig it!!!

[pugsley-do-rite]

Originally Posted by Mr Fixit eh

Ok, I appreciate all the posts, and I'll get back to replying to each one in a bit...

In the meanwhile, I've not been really happy with either take 1 or take 2. So I spent some time in my 'studio' today to work up take 3. I tried to incorporate some of the great suggestions I got, and I've spent some time practicing with a metronome set to 120 bpm.

'Do let me know what you think of this one.

Wagon Wheel - take 3

Steve

This one is much better. Your playing is more cohesive with the vocals.

[steve223]

I liked the last version also....it gets better every time.
Steve

[noman]

This latest version reminds me a lot of when my buddies use to party. Everyone would bring their guitars and we would just play music. You would fit right in.

[Bob1131]

Well done, Steve! That's such a great song for sing-a-longs!!

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

+1

Solid performance, Steve.

I was also thinking of some advice to spice up this tune as it's not an easy one to play solo. The melody is pretty repetitive and in full band versions there are many instrumental breaks as well as a gradual build up.

Typically in pop music you would want to have the chorus stand out -- and you would also want the song to eventually climax. This can be done via the intensity of the vocals, the intensity of the strumming, the strumming pattern, the chord location (e.g. higher up the neck or down in open position), the amount of bass support, etc.

To replace the instrumental breaks you can play some flatpicking melodies, add a harmonica to the mix, etc.

Thanks for listening and commenting, Mau.

It is indeed a challenge to take the original with countless instruments and parts, and try to make it sound good all by yourself. After reading your comments and reflecting, I tried 'Take 3.'

Wagon Wheel - take 3


Steve

[JoeCharter]

Nice job, Steve. I think your latest version gives the song a direction -- which makes it more interesting to listen to. Vocals are less rushed as well.

Great progress just in one thread!

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by RedJoker

I did a bit of a guitar comparison for my buddies and it happened to be the wagon wheel chord progression. It's a bit fast and I'm a beginner (3.5 months) so take it with a grain of salt.

First guitar is a Squier SA100 with 2 month old strings and the second guitar is my new (to me) Guild D125 with brand new strings. Anyway, don't laugh too much...

http://youtu.be/82fb3GIHL8c

Hi RedJoker,
Thanks for listening and posting. That was a great little teaser video. You should sit down and record a full version.

Steve

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by AJRed

Fine job, thanks for posting.

Thanks for giving a listen, AJ, I appreciate your comment.

steve

[PlaysGuitar]

Sorry I've missed a bunch of your songs - haven't been around much. You've clearly wrestled with this one. I think v1 was good. I liked v2, but it was a bit busy. V3. was the charm - interesting and fun. This will be a crowd pleaser.

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by patentcad

JD and I are working this song up for our duo, it's a tricky song, the lyrics don't flow so great, you have to learn the phrasing. The harmonies on the refrain are very cool. Love this song.

Thanks for listening. I'm glad you're working this up, it's a fun song. You should post a recording once you've got it down. You're also right in that it's not the easiest song to cover.

Cheers,

STeve

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by steve223

I liked the last version also....it gets better every time.
Steve

Thanks for listening, Steve. I appreciate the vote of confidence.

steve

[Simon Fay]

I'm sure that there are many variations on this song -- the only version that I am very familiar with is Matt Anderson's and it is mind blowing. His strumming pattern is very fluid and rhythmic and he sings the melody differently than you are -- I'm not sure if his iteration is unusual or not. Anyway, this link might give you some direction. And I agree, this is a really fun song to sing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0dKtiWTKaA

[Mr Fixit eh]

Originally Posted by noman

This latest version reminds me a lot of when my buddies use to party. Everyone would bring their guitars and we would just play music. You would fit right in.

Thanks for listening, noman. Let me know when you have the next jam

STeve