Critique My Playing - Rolling in the Deep [Audio Included]

[michaelkoss]

I recorded myself playing Adele's Rolling in the Deep and I was hoping you guys could critique it. I know I had a missed note around 2:12 but I'm sure the experts around here can pick out 2 to 3 more things I can improve upon.

I really do want some constructive criticism. While hearing "that was awesome, I couldn't find anything wrong with it" would be awesome, I know that would be sugar-coating I've only been playing for about 2 months, so I know there has to be something.

http://okcthundercast.com/personal/m...ss%20Cover.mp3

The original song is panned a bit left and my bass is panned a bit right.

Thanks everyone!

[didgeribass]

Originally Posted by michaelkoss

I recorded myself playing Adele's Rolling in the Deep and I was hoping you guys could critique it...

haha, I had to learn this one for the audition last Tuesday

Overall, I think you did a pretty good job. In my opinion:

- between 0:50 and 0:59 the notes you play didn't sound correct to my ears. they should be the same as in 0:40 to 0:49;

- a couple of times, I had the feeling you're not steady on the beat (like the beginning of chorus at 1:50). But you will surely be when you've practiced it enough with a metronome Acually, I need to practice the song to the metronome too!

- the band I auditioned for doesn't have a keyboard player. I played the keyboard part between 1:17 and 1:36.

- I thought there was a small lick the bass plays at 2:43 and 2:48. At least on the version of the song that I have.

But I would say you nailed 99% of the song - which is more than I did at the audition

[michaelkoss]

Thanks for the response. I had already lost hope in someone replying. I'll check out he areas you highlighted when I get home from work tonight.

I know I need to lock into the drums a little more to nail the beat better. I'm working on it :-)

[colcifer]

Amazon.com: Live at Filmore West (Dlx): Aretha Franklin: Music

[pmorlen]

I would echo some of didgeribass' comments:
1) timing was off in parts of the song - nothing that more practice won't correct.
2) the chord progression you played in the 1st verse was not correct. I believe the root notes in the back half of the verses are:
|Ab|Bb|G|Ab|
|Ab|Bb|G|G|

3) after the 4 bar break with the hand clap, try playing an octave pattern, instead of just C on the 'and' of each beat. Also in the 2nd and 4th bar of this 4 bar pattern, there is a Bb on the last beat before returning to the C.

I hope this helps

[Marton]

Apart from the chord progression in the verse verse that was already mentioned, try to work on your timing, you tend to rush a little bit. Really sit on the beat, with a groove like that you almost have to play after the beat (well you don't really, that just a state of mind).

Also, once in a while there is a note that pop out. Practice your control over the dynamics to be able to get all the notes of an equal volume.

That said, for 2 months beginner player, your playing is pretty good .