Please, if you leave a critical comment of this band’s song, make sure it is also constructive. Thanks everyone, and major kudos to this band for putting their song out there into the world!
I thought the song was really good. Again even though I have been playing since’63, I know nothing about song writing. Over the years I have learned that sometimes less is more. I liked the chorus and the turnaround. For me I’d like song less busy. However, the fact that they put this together so quickly is mind blowing. Great job. A little help from Justin should do the trick. Again GREAT JOB
That's not a "reaction", that's a "dissection". Much better. I was reluctant to click on a "reaction" video because I don't buy them. If some of these people have lived under a rock most of their lives, and are reacting to songs they should have heard by now, I really don't care their "reaction". Thank God yours wasn't one of those. As a guitar player and song writer I very much enjoyed it.
Great sound, really - guitars and singer in particular. I didn't hear too much of the bass (although listening on large speakers). The drumming could be a little tighter, if possible.
Gentlemen, I've served in many dad bands. I've known other dad bands. I've had dad bands with friends of mine. Gentlemen, this is no dad band... Very nicely done!
Warren Haynes was the reason at age 47 I figured I should try one of them things with 2 extra strings. Found a Dad band shortly after. I called them The 5 Man Drinking Band Been impersonating a guitarist for over 10 years now. I wonder what they did with the tune ? Personally I would have thrown a middle 8 using some _borrowed_ chords to extend out of the first solo which was quite melodic. That modal modulation is fun to solo over, to outline the outside tense feeling it gives before locking back into what the ear is expecting. Would love to hear the final result.
Well this takes a whole different approach than any other guitar channel. What an awesome way to interact with your followers. It totally makes us all a part of the content. Great idea and awesome job Justin. Oh and great job “Dad Band”.
This song dissection is GREAT! Thanks for letting us amateurs peak into your world of professionalism... loved it!! Shout out to Tim and his band for taking upper cuts and body blows for our education... 🥰
Just because a musician doesn't make a living from music doesn't mean they any less talented than those who do or who are well known. I've played with a ton of guys that no one has ever heard of that were as good or better than the "pros". The two people, a bass player and drummer I'm in a band with now are top line players. I'm with Worm Grunter and not many people know who were are and we have full time jobs but have about 75 years of playing time between the 3 of us.
This talented dad band has written a good tune! A good producer is worth his weight in gold and these fellows are very fortunate to have access to one! Great video! I’d love to see how the song progresses to the final product.
I watched this vid thinking that I was going to unsubscribe afterwards. Just too many guitar channels to keep up with. This was excellent. This wasn't a "reaction" video. This was a straight up music lesson for guitarists and bands who want to write their own songs. I'm glad you didn't shy away from saying things that were relevant but could maybe hurt feelings. You stated your opinions with tact and it all sounded insightful and useful. I hope you do more of these.
I appreciate this comment. I am trying to play the RU-vid game a little bit (although it’s way outside my comfort zone, lol) while still offering legit content. Cheers!
Justin, I think it's super cool that you did that. I've been a subscriber and occasional viewer but that video really made me want to watch you do regularly. Your positive attitude and indulgence for us amateur musicians really stands out. Thank you. And to the guys that put up this song, thanks for being our collective guinea pig and great job/great song!
So. A whole album of songs like this, please. Seriously. The world needs more albums with this type of playing, singing and passion. I thought both solos were great. Very different. If solo #2 creates a little space between notes as recommended, it would be pretty freaking complete. It is so close. Please record a full album of tunes like this, Dad band!
For years, as a singer with a big ego, I always told my band's guitarist (also my younger brother) to stop playing over my vocals and find the spaces. Good to know it's best practice too! 🤘
I’m session keys player from the UK. This is pure gold! Great song and very tasteful playing from the band. I played with Kara Grainger, who is a Nashville based musician, last year on her UK tour and had to learn the keys parts that had been played by some of the top Nashville players. They are on another level. Justin’s analysis and playing are wonderful. I’d love to put some Hammond on this track!
This is a REALLY great concept. For a long time I have hoped someone would do it. Finally :-) Having a Pro to listen to us happy amateurs and give feedback. Great. Im all in….
Thank you to the band for putting their song up into the spotlight for analysis like that. I thought it was really well done and for a first take, great job. I thought it had a real Skynyrd feel to it and definitely that 70's jamming vibe. I've heard a saying before, "don't bore us, get to the chorus", which is what Justin talked about. Thank you Justin for the very insightful breakdown and useful suggestions. Maybe bringing back a little of that 70's vibe could be a good thing for radio today!! Looking forward to hearing updates on this project!!
I have been playing and recording similar quality music since the 70`s. I like the song and the criticism was right on. In my experience I absolutely go for proper length. Short and sweet works much of the time. This is a great channel I just found today .
I agree. I got to where I would rather listen to a cover band live than the original because of how they would stretch the song out. It got old after awhile.
I love the way you describe the guitar 'responding' to the vocal line. I play harmonica, and one thing I always remind myself, constantly... 'you are NOT a lead instrument, you are an accent instrument, respond, add and fill, don't lead, that ain't your job' Well except when, in limited times, I get a solo, and it is. But I repeat that over and over, 'not a lead instrument, do the counterpoint thing, respond, set up the next change, be a good collaborator!'
I noticed in your comment about the guitar and the vocals. I see you caught that too. I'm not a professional anything but I love music. I do play a little guitar and i'd dabble and somewhat production. And I think. He was absolutely positively correct on that point. It's nice to see that other people are like minded, such as myself and notice that kudos to you 😂❤
This was very cool. Would love to see more like this if people send stuff in. That tip about taking breaths and making sure not to take away/compete with the vocal is gold 🙏🙏
To the band: Kudos! for being open to improving the song. And, it's a very good tune. I would listen to the song again. Justin, keep up the great work! Very interesting watching and hearing how you break the song down into it's components. Especially the advice you give.
Brilliant. I love those breaks in the vocal to add some special sauce as an answer/lead into the next vocal phrase. Really lovely song, too. Perfect for those little licks to enhance the space between vocals. I LOVE doing this little stuff that adds so much. NEVER compete with the vocals!!!
Wow! You guys are so much more than a mere dad band. I would pay money for this when it comes out. Loved the guitars and vocals. Your singer is great. I am not a musician, but I am a music lover.
Man, it’s so cool how you broke this down. It’s so helpful the way you went through it. All of the comments were edifying and I learned a ton. side note, loving the vibe and lighting in the studio and the audio quality is top notch as usual
Really pleasantly surprised at how good these guys sounded, but would never have thought of the things you suggested, brilliant! I’m so glad your video came up on my suggestions. Subscribing now.
"That melody is interesting, so it distracts from the vocal, because they're happening at the same time." A simple summary of one of the hardest lessons in songwriting (for me, at least). There isn't room in a song for every idea... not even for every great idea. But that doesn't mean it's easy to decide what ideas to keep (and which to save for later). Especially in a group. Thanks for the video!
Your advice is right on target. If they make those changes, this song will sound much more cohesive, which will make it have a larger impact to the listener.
Once you pointed out the competing guitar and vocal, my eyes(ears) were opened. I really appreciated hearing some alternatives. Your thoughts were delivered with great respect. New sub.
Dude you're cool as hell. I'm glad I found your channel. Best of luck going forward. You're inspiring to me. I hope to take my music as far as I can, and listening to people like you makes me feel like I'm a part of it. Thanks for making these videos.
Thank you so much for making this video. Very generous of you to share your insights. ...and to the gentleman who was brave enough to send his band's song in to Justin, good on you mate. Keep going - you're making some great music!
Tim's band song was great! The vocalist is especially good, realizing that this is the first workup of the song. This will be SUPER GOOD when it is polished a bit. Thanks for bringing it to us!
You know, I'm a jazz trumpet player and every bit of advice you give applies to jazz (how to comp without getting in the way, how to construct a solo in phrases that breathe and cross bar lines, how to create a story arc both to a solo and to a whole song). Music really is a universal language.
Hey now!!! This is a really cool idea. The reveal of the song. Your reaction. The obvious ear training needed to hear and call out the progression. Then the thinking out loud comments about song elements. Hope you do more of this.
Thanks, Justin for being so generous with your well earned wisdom. It's a help to all of us to follow along so thanks also to the band that sent it in. BTW your lead singer sounds damn good guys. Nice going
Very interesting and valid comments 👍 As you said it’s a good song and it can get even better after your tuning 👌 I will benefit a lot my self practicing this when making songs😊
Justin. I appreciate you taking the time to show how your process works. For me as a recording drummer, it sheds some light on how great guitarists think. Your critique was completely positive and that’s a skill in itself. You seem to have a bright future ahead. Thanks.
I really love this. As someone who does mixing, I really appreciated what you said. This is just great producer advice here. You started with a great song to review, it was great to see you be so humble and helpful. It’s always esteemed as being “negative” is the mark of expertise but you proved here what actual expertise looks like. I’d love more like this.
The song is lovely. I especially love the intro melody: it immediately sets the tone and serves as a perfect on ramp for the vocals, which are beautiful. Well done. And Justin, your approach to analyzing a song and providing feedback is priceless. No nonsense, immediately applicable, and just plain smart. Thank you, ALL of you.
@timothyhansen3975 I totally get it - I am not nearly confident/courageous enough to share my playing with someone if that caliber. But rest assured l, that song and your band are rock solid. It’s not easy to write a part that immediately sets a clear tone/mood, and you nailed it.
Very interesting to hear your constructive criticism of this tune. Extremely cool of you to do this for someone...very gracious. I'm really enjoying your channel since recently coming across it. Learning music is a lifelong endeavour... getting a lot from you. Best regards from Montreal Canada. ~Glenn
What a wealth of knowledge you've imparted here, Justin. Thank you for taking the time to record this - and hats off to 'dad band' guitarist for reaching out to you. Would love to hear in a subsequent video what comes out of you going back and working further on what is already a great song.
This video is incredibly constructive. As a 57 year-old beginner, I'm trying to absorb as much as I can about guitar. I love Justin's feedback. The song was compelling, and I genuinely liked it. I loved this content, and I am 100% subscribing in the hopes that this video is typical of your channel.
We're the same age (I'm 56) and have been playing for 44 years. Yes, listen to everything in as much detail as possible. Ask yourself what others are doing and why. Here's a tip however, each player is themself so don't necessarily try to copy them. Many players can't answer why they do what they do because they are expressing their inner feelings and they change from day to day. You will find you own sound once you get past the coordination part and start doing things from muscle memory and repetition. Good luck brother and welcome to the wonder world of guitars.
Such a patient and thoughtful analysis and response. I'm a Tim in an old man band that has stepped on our singer more times than I'd like to admit. Thanks for the gentle but thorough reminder. Love your channel. Thanks to the band for risking the heat. Well done!
I think it's great you took the time to do this for the band at the same time bringing us in (the audience) to hear your thoughts as a professional guitarist very interesting. Ty
Reminds me of Richie Kotzen. If you haven't heard him check him out. Richie can play but personally I'm not a fan of his tone a lot of times. His newest album Im liking the tone there.
This is a great niche for this channel. Most hobbyist musicians don’t have access to this sort of feedback. I’m sure you would have no shortage of folks who would like advice in this arena.
I haven't kept any inventory, but there is a greater than even chance that I learned more about solo composition and song structure from this amazing video than from 30 years of playing and catching instruction where I can. Incredibly relatable and immediately useful insights! Thanks so much - keep it up
Oh, Justin - you just started a thing!!! This was fun. +++ Dear Dad Jammers (Iam one as well) - the guitar playing really drove the song - the chops are definitely there - agree with Justin's take on the pocket - and was learning a lot as he gave his feedback. Your singer has a great voice(!) ala - Warren Haynes - totally dig it - felt some Skynrd and jam band vibe - so gents well done! - one thing - I would revisit the drum fills - the backbeat is good and seems to keep the time - but the fills keep the song's energy and movement in those breaks - a quick fix after only one take in one night! You could be opening for Gov't Mule soon - record it! P.S. I loved the second solo going for it - man, that's what you gotta do it after a long week at work - but the pocket comment is truth coming from a master - lesson learned for me as well - because I like to just go for it. Welcome feedback from Dad band on instruments, pedals, and what they used to record.
@@markdouglas1994 Recorded with a Zoom H4NPro, using the built-in mics. I edited just a little in Mixcraft -- minimum compression, a little reverb and EQ.
I just discovered your channel and subscribed immediately..I follow Tim Pierce and a few others..Thank You for posting this , I feel like it’s added value to me so kudos!! My ten cents..this is a great song I agree you should consider trimming some feathers you would still get the feeling of this piece across because it’s so powerful. I also agree the second solo can be better sometimes less is more..I like the attack it’s like it builds to this crescendo but it doesn’t speak to me like the rest of the song. Good job!!!❤
Firstly, well done to the dad band for putting themselves on the line. It takes some bottle to put yourself out there and take the hits. Really enjoyed your commentary Justin, another great video.
I thought your ideas about the length were very keen and thoughtful. if it was live at a summer jam, they it could be this length, but definately shorter for airplay on AM/FM radio
This was so insightful! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to give your input. And to the gentleman who sent it, good job friend! I’m very excited to see a part 2 of this song, with maybe a second band take based on your feedback.
You really analyzed each facet of the song in a way that helped me understand what makes a song memorable and listenable. From my own perspective as the electric guitar guy in our band -- I could *hear* the first solo more clearly than I could hear the second. Either because of the type of guitar/effects/amp they each used . . . I don't think it was the register they were playing in that made the second solo harder for me to follow . . . but yeah, that second solo could function real well as an outro as you pointed out. I liked the hooks, I see where it's way better not to submerge good stuff under the vocalist (I'll do better, I promise), and I think maybe even some additional instruments (acoustic guitar sound) would be sweet. Anyway, thank you JO. In our "country/pop/Americana cover band", I do like to take a solo . . . but I'd rather not if it's not helping the song. Short is good too.
Man, great advice. New to your channel, but have followed Uncle Larry for a couple years now. I like your approach and the way you offer advice to this guy. The ability to dissect a song so quickly is quite a gift. Nice.
Justin...I have watched hundreds of "how to" guitar videos. Rarely do I watch then to the end. This one got full play and I probably learned more from this than almost all the others. Thanks
So good Justin. I actually am influenced by your approach and actually recorded guitars a couple of weeks ago on song I wrote and was so happy with the result. Just trying to be tasteful and serve the song. Thanks for what you do man. 🙏🏻
New to the channel, great video with a solid new song and super constructive comments on how to hone it down to point whereby at the end you want to go back and listen again. ( the 'leave them wanting more' syndrome ) I'm sure the band will benefit greatly from your knowledge. Subscribed, thanks.
So cool that you take time to give feedback to a dad band song. In general just a big thanks for sharing your point of views in these great videos you make. Best regards - Jonas.
First time I’ve seen this channel and I’m absolutely hooked! Really enjoyed that song, and the analysis was just brilliant. I shall be working my way through your older videos!
Man. I watched a few of your videos. But this one I think is my most favorite. And I love what you told. The guy about playing while the guy was singing. That was such great advice 'm not a professional anything. But I knew that and I'll tell you how. Jimi Hendrix, while he would sing between his phrases. He would throw in little trill's hammer ons and pull off. I would recommend they listen to some of his stuff especially little wing and the wind cries mary. Sorry, I'm a little late to the party. Just saw the video in my feed. Have a blessed one and have a happy holiday
I thought that was awesome Justin, I know you kept saying ‘criticism’ but you know what I totally looked at all your comments nothing more than feedback and this is exactly what a producer for the song would be giving them. Song was great and well recorded for first take, hopefully the band will polish up the song using your feedback and look forward to hearing it in the future
Justin - thank you so much for this excellent review, dissection and comments on the song. Very informative, especially for us amature artists. I play different instruments, so often I play and record multiple parts in home studio. Love this type of constructive review. I really liked the song, especially for a first take. To me it had a Warren Haynes type of feel. Nice job Dad Band!
Man, you have hit gold! This is awesome to have a super talented and kind session player breakdown an amateur (dad) bands efforts. I’m in this same position too and and am so hungry for this type of advice. I watched this vid 3 times. We guitarist download so much fretboard knowledge, try and get it under our fingers and then we feel we need a 10 minute song to barely get half of it out. But that’s exactly not the point - you can show what you know by not being there. I know you are doing a favour here but this is a stand alone segment. So so valuable and not being done on tube - I absolutely love it. You would have everyone emailing them in , you could pick different ones for different reasons and one day I bet you send a couple of stoked dad bands into the charts. I’m gonna go and grab my Tele now - energised.
Great video. During my first ever professional recording session with a singer, the producer comes out after the 1st take and calmly says to me "please, please stop stomping on the vocals. Just put your phrasing in between the vocalist's phrasing and it will sound great." It made immediate sense and made everything much better.
I actually like the second solo how it is. To me, it gives the song an overall dynamic or mood change that keeps the song interesting. I do agree with trimming the fat…it’s always a challenge. I’d say repeating the first verse is not necessary. If you really want to cut some extra for radio, drop the second solo too. Tom Petty’s secret to songwriting: “don’t bore us, get to the chorus”…watch his documentary! 😎👍
Here is a quote from Charles Dubreuil of the very popular Canadian band "Les Trois Accords" that confirm some of your remarks about the guitar solo : "For months, Alex [Alexandre Parr] had put together a sickening solo for Dans mon corps, of which he was super proud. Once in the studio, he plays it for Gus (the producer), who answers him on the talk back: “Can you just dub the vocal melody, please?” Alex was in &%$!!"*, but he tried it, and Gus just said, "That's perfect, we keep that." It was a good lesson for Alex, PL [Pierre-Luc Boisvert, bass] and me: the goal, when we play, is not to flatter our ego and end up in Guitar World magazine or Modern Drummer. The goal is to serve the tune.
