Thanks folks for your input!

Hi Dan, yeah, I put three different tones. I do that a lot of times with instrumentals because, and this is my A.D.D. at work, I get bored hearing the same tone over the same phrases (verse chorus etc). I try to make my instrumentals almost as if they were being sung by a vocalist. In the case of this song, it is kind of like the Temptations where one verse could be Eddie, another David, and another, Otis. Coming from a background of musicians that were great vocalists, quartets, and duets and not being able to carry a tune with a handle when it comes to my voice, I use my guitar to be the voice; hence the more melodic and less busy Satriani/Vai style which I do touch upon in other songs.

The goal of this song was to be a "toe tapper" as one posted. A Paul McCartney style of instrumental if he were to write one; happy melodies that you find yourself singing or whistling to after you've listened.

I did break my carnal rule as one who has A.D.D. in that of "No Song Shalt Last More Than Three Minutes." I think I just started really digging on these RB tracks and got carried away. Remember, this is the first one I had written using BIAB/RB. Again, thanks to the multiple guitar voicings and harmonica it actually moves along to my ears.

Jazz Sax, Thanks for your thought on the melody. If I can impress a sax player, I am humbled. Yes, the only parts I recorded were the guitar melodies. That is a cool Real Band Track however, isn’t it?

George, Less is definitely more. And I have truly come to appreciate the ears of an expert mastering engineer. I used Cakewalk’s Boost to balance and master the track. I had several different systems I played it on and the only thing I found was that it was slightly lower (overall) than that of a professionally mastered song. On your system, what instruments were lost and which were too forward?

Mario, I would love to funk the rhythm up a little. But, I liked the Real Band’s guitar overall sound that I kept it despite the fact that it does overlook some chords in the progression. Plus, and correct me if I am wrong, the RB tracks cannot be tweaked other than by the chords it plays. (Again, still learning.) If it can, I would love to learn how.

Danny C, Thank you. Again, like a McCartney tune, the melody has a hook. I walked around whistling that for several weeks before posting it. I even questioned the Roto Tube amp on the first verse. When I tried the other sounds that I used on the track, it just did not jump at me as it did with the Roto… my hats off to the guys who blow me away with it in that of John Mayer and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Kemmrich, Thank you. I am glad it worked well on your PC.

Russel, Awesome visual. Being one who lives at the beach, I guess it has seeped out of my pores and into the guitar! I picture it as a driving by the beach song. You know, the convertible down type stuff. Very visual. You sound like me where when you hear a tune you automatically have a visual track in your mind of images that you equate to the audio.

Mglinert, Like I shared with Russel, sometimes I like to take drives and get lost. The joy of the journey is when you find your way back to the familiar again. I like to do that with my music again because it is instrumental I feel you have to work a litter harder than a lyrical piece to keep the attention of the listener. Often they tune out much quicker because they are not hearing the familiar sound of a voice guiding them through the song and thus anticipating where they are going based upon its lyrical story.

Toucher, my thoughts exactly. I have been having a blast with this toy every spare moment I am afforded to do so in between entertaining my 5 year old! My plan is to delve a little deeper with every composition. That is why I truly appreciate this discussion board. I have learned so much from you all!

Thanks again to all,
RickeG