The Instrumental Soloing Contest II

[MixolydianPony]

THE INSTRUMENTAL SOLOING CONTEST II

WHAT IT IS
Because the first was such an an amazing success with unfathomable participation so many of you want to do it, but didn't enter the first time... THE INSTRUMENTAL SOLOING CONTEST II is now starting.

Inspired by the Winter Rap Off Competition, I decided that we instrumentalists needed something similar. This was originally intended for guitarists, but a solo is a solo, so anyone who plays an instrument can enter. But be aware that I'll be writing this in a manner directed at guitarists, just because I think that way.

The deadline for entries is June 2, which is three weeks from today.

HOW TO ENTER

• Take one of the provided backing tracks (at the bottom of this post), or make one of your own.
• Write and record your solo. What you should aim for is a musical segment that features your instrument as the primary one, and creates a musical idea that goes somewhere. Do not noodle for the allotted time. Compose.
• Mix the solo with the backing track. Do it in such a way that the solo is distinctly clear through the mix. I need to be able to hear it. But don't fret (see what I did there?) too much over the mixing, that's not the point of this competition.
• Upload it to Soundcloud, Mediafire, Youtube, Dropbox, or something where I can listen to it. Post a link to your solo as a reply to this topic.
• Pray to Celestia that I am merciful on your entry.
• You may submit up to two entries.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

• The solo should be around :30 - 1:30 in length. If you go beyond that, I won't knock off points, but please do not submit a 5 minute session of your noodling. The idea of this is to create a concise musical segment that demonstrates your solo composition ability.
• You may overdub for harmonies, or use multiple different instruments, as long as it's all played by you. Do what you want for the backing track if you make your own, but please do not alter your solo in a way that you can not reproduce live (don't speed it up). On that note...
• Guitar effects are fine. But be conservative. Don't ruin your solo with an ear splitting flanger that completely buries any sort of tonality. You're being judged on the notes, not the timbre, but the notes need to be audible.
• You may submit up to two entries.

HOW ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED
If you want to help judge the entries, let me know. As of right now, I will be judging all the entries and I will not be participating. If someone else wants to help me judge, then the judges may participate, but will not judge their own solos.

If there are not a lot of entries, there will be a first place and a second place.
If there are a lot of entries, there will be a grand champion and a winner for each of the categories you're being scored on.

• General Composition / Musicality - The solo flows form one idea to the next, and it goes somewhere in terms of intensity or melodic development, and isn't just random noodling. Noticeable effort was put into the selection of notes, and it sounds like you wanted us to hear every note that you played. This category is also an assessment of the usage of things such as dynamics and articulation. The solo is, overall, enjoyable to listen to.
• Creativity - You don't need to invent a new instrument and play it, but try to be unique, and have a feel to your solo that is distinctly "you". Also, don't play someone else's solo. As impressive as Eruption might be, you didn't write it, so don't submit it.
• Technique - While playing fast isn't the focus, it's a factor. The technique category includes not only speed, but also things such as bends, vibrato, pinched harmonics, and whammy bar stuff.
• Complexity - Be it melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic, show something complex. Be it a weird scale (Phrygian Dominant, anyone?), or weird intervals, or crazy rhythms, play something that's not simplistic.
• Precision - The solo doesn't have noticeable mistakes in it, like accidentally hit open strings, or accidentally muted notes. Don't play fast if it makes you sloppy.

TIPS AND ADVICE
Take note that this is all just my opinion, humbly offered to you as a means of making you better. I do not mean to sound condescending or imply that I know what I'm doing more than you do. This is just some advice I've picked up, that you may or may not want to consider.

• Compose, don't improvise. Unless you're some incredible improviser who can make an improvised solo sound just as good as a carefully composed one, of course.
• The idea of this is not a contest to prove who's the fastest guitar player. You will be judged on composition as a whole, so if you can't shred, don't sweat it.
• Build to a climax. Don't come in at the same intensity you go out. Employ dynamics, move from one scale to another, or do something that makes the solo go somewhere.
• Playing faster isn't the only way to make things more intense.
• Take a musical idea and develop it. Don't just play random notes.
• Just because you're not percussion doesn't mean you shouldn't think about rhythms.
• If you have something to add to this section, let me know.

FURTHER NOTES

• If you think one of these rules or something is stupid, tell me. I'm open to negotiations.
• If you would like to help me judge, that'd be great. I want more judges. Just PM me or post in this thread.
• This post will likely be updated as I put further thought into the rules and incorporate suggestions, so check back often to see if anything changes. I'll probably rewrite this to be more concise and logically laid out, and just make more sense in general.
• I'm a friendly person. Feel free to PM me if you have questions, comments, concerns, or just want random conversation for no reason whatsoever.
• And finally: "For those about to rock, we salute you."

BACKING TRACKS

These aren't fantastic, but they're a starting point if you don't feel like making your own.

• Jazz (-ish) in E Minor (Swung 8ths) 120bpm - Suggested Scales: Any diatonic mode of E minor
• Blues Rock in E (Straight 8ths) 160bpm - Suggested scales: E Blues (no, really?), E Minor Pentatonic
• Metal in B Minor 160bpm - Suggested scales: B Minor, B Minor Pentatonic, B Blues, F# Phrygian

[Rainbow_Rage]

I'm in assuming I can get access to my horn before the summer, otherwise I'd have to wait until August which is too late (round 3 maybe?). I have some questions though

Do not noodle for the allotted time.

Does this mean no noodling at all? For example, could I end the track with a chord held for 4 bars to noodle over? The solo would be composed for the most part and this would be more of a flourish at the end.

---

Creativity - You don't need to invent a new instrument and play it, but try to be unique, and have a feel to your solo that is distinctly "you". Also, don't play someone else's solo. As impressive as Eruption might be, you didn't write it, so don't submit it.

I agree that it should be written by the participant, but what about feeding off the ideas of others or maybe putting an allusion to a famous solo phrase in?

---

While playing fast isn't the focus, it's a factor.

So we're being judged by the speed of the solo? Does this mean slow solos are automatically penalized no matter how musically profound they may be?

---

Compose, don't improvise

Haha, right...

This one isn't really a question, but soloing and improvisation go hand in hand. In fact, I actually use the two words interchangeably. Obviously it will be planned out, but improve and ad lib are a big factor.

---

Will alternate technique be permitted, or to we have to play our instruments the way they are intended to be played?


Everything else looks dandy to me, I'll know by the end of the week whether or not I'll be able to participate.

[Pashoo]

I'm in assuming I can get access to my horn...

...

Will alternate technique be permitted, or to we have to play our instruments the way they are intended to be played?

French Horn drum set?

Also, I'd totally play a bass solo if I didn't drop stop playing bass a while ago.

[MixolydianPony]

I'm in assuming I can get access to my horn before the summer, otherwise I'd have to wait until August which is too late (round 3 maybe?). I have some questions though

Do not noodle for the allotted time.

Does this mean no noodling at all? For example, could I end the track with a chord held for 4 bars to noodle over? The solo would be composed for the most part and this would be more of a flourish at the end.

I wouldn't really consider that noodling. What I mean by noodling is when someone just plays a bunch of notes in a scale more or less randomly without trying to develop licks and ideas out of it for 2 minutes and calls it a solo.

Creativity - You don't need to invent a new instrument and play it, but try to be unique, and have a feel to your solo that is distinctly "you". Also, don't play someone else's solo. As impressive as Eruption might be, you didn't write it, so don't submit it.

I agree that it should be written by the participant, but what about feeding off the ideas of others or maybe putting an allusion to a famous solo phrase in?

References are fine, just don't steal a whole solo.

While playing fast isn't the focus, it's a factor.

So we're being judged by the speed of the solo? Does this mean slow solos are automatically penalized no matter how musically profound they may be?

The tempo has no effect on score, if that's what you're asking.

What I meant by this statement was that shredders would receive a little compensation for the insane amount of work they put into playing fast. But the thing is, if you're shredding, there's no time for delicate, precise vibrato, and dynamics, and varied articulation, so really, you could match the score of someone shredding 16th notes at 160bpm with a few long, beautiful notes that have delicate attack, crescendo, hold perfectly, then add vibrato as they fade away. The "Technique" section is not just speed. It's everything relating to how the notes are played.

Compose, don't improvise

Haha, right...

This one isn't really a question, but soloing and improvisation go hand in hand. In fact, I actually use the two words interchangeably. Obviously it will be planned out, but improve and ad lib are a big factor.

I recognize this fact, and perhaps I should specify more... this is about composing a solo. Sitting down and writing it out, then playing it. I may do another contest which is improvisation, but this one is more about seeing what people can do given a length of time to perfect every aspect of the notes they play and how they play them. This contest isn't so much about what you can do on the spot.

Now, I'll probably add this statement above... But one thing that can work well, even in this context, is to have a general idea of the solo beforehand, but improvise pieces of it. I would consider that "composed," since there was planning beforehand. Like saying, "I'm going to start with this riff in G Dorian, then slide up the D string to and E and switch to E Locrian, and really emphasize the b2nd and b5th... etc. etc."

Will alternate technique be permitted, or to we have to play our instruments the way they are intended to be played?

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by this, but is the answer is probably no, play it however you want, just don't suck.

[Rainbow_Rage]

Compose, don't improvise

Haha, right...

This one isn't really a question, but soloing and improvisation go hand in hand. In fact, I actually use the two words interchangeably. Obviously it will be planned out, but improve and ad lib are a big factor.

I recognize this fact, and perhaps I should specify more... this is about composing a solo. Sitting down and writing it out, then playing it. I may do another contest which is improvisation, but this one is more about seeing what people can do given a length of time to perfect every aspect of the notes they play and how they play them. This contest isn't so much about what you can do on the spot.

Now, I'll probably add this statement above... But one thing that can work well, even in this context, is to have a general idea of the solo beforehand, but improvise pieces of it. I would consider that "composed," since there was planning beforehand. Like saying, "I'm going to start with this riff in G Dorian, then slide up the D string to and E and switch to E Locrian, and really emphasize the b2nd and b5th... etc. etc."

This is actually exactly what I'm talking aboot. Noone (noone serious) goes in to a solo and just wings it. Chords, scales, licks and phrases are all planned out in advance. I for sure won't even go as basic as you decribe. All my notes and rhythms will be written out barring, depending on the style I go with, noodling at the end or doing a solo break. What will be ad-libbed is the articulations, dynamics, grace notes and that sort of thing that gives it a little flair. Since the backing track will be pre-made and not live recorded along with the solo, there is not chance that the drums or bass will be doing something fancy nor will there be other soloists to feed off of so this allows for the solo to be premeditated to a much greater extent (which is the whole point of this competition).

I think we have the same understanding of what is acceptable here but we may be using different definitions of improvisation. I'm just making sure that I don't need to write out every. single. detail, but in all honesty, if I do it right you wouldn't be able to tell anyway. If I don't do it right I'll throw it out, use it as a learning experience, and try again.

Will alternate technique be permitted, or to we have to play our instruments the way they are intended to be played?

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by this, but is the answer is probably no, play it however you want, just don't suck.

"alternate technique" is getting sound out of you instrument by means other than the traditional way. This is most common for percussion, there are plenty of ways to get a sound out of a drum or symbol, but string and wind instruments are capable of it too although it is much rarer. This probably won't come up as I have no plans on using it, but it's good to know just in case I find a spot where it would fit very well.

French Horn drum set?

Sadly, I don't own own a French Horn so I'd be doing this on my Trumpet or, if I'm feeling adventurous, my Trombone (now I wish I had a Flugel, and a Cornet, and a C Trumpet. Oh god I hope I don't blow all my money on instruments next semester. Maybe I can borrow some from the Mil Band).

[Rainbow_Rage]

I improvised my solo.
Not the rhythm part, just the guitar solo.

Is it still "valid"?

Like I mention in my post, if you did it right you shouldn't be able to tell the difference.

[Gray Ham]

I'll participate with my trusty trumpet (if I get a better mic in time).

[LunchBagMusic]

Maybe I can get my shit together for this.

lolnope exams.

Hold a contest the third and I am so in.

[Applejinx]

Where are the backing tracks? I'm always doing stuff from scratch, I'd like to do somethin' over music by somepony else for a change

[LunchBagMusic]

are you saying you...
*takes off sunglasses*
Dropped the bass?

*YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!*

[HumbleEarthBrony]

I would like to enter this. If I can make some money Memorial Day weekend, count me in.
What's a good, economical microphone I could buy (I play the saxophone, but wouldn't mind recording some vocals in the future as well)?

[ChromaticChaosPony]

I just noticed this. I hope that school doesn't interfere, but I'm worried that I may not have time to do this and set up the pony metal album collaboration project at the same time. I might be able to do this, but there's only a 40% chance I will be able to do this. Besides, my last entry was terrible and the recording only worked through the left speaker because I forgot to double track and pan/eq/mix it.

[ChromaticChaosPony]

Maybe I'll just work on something for this, and change it slightly later to put on the album.

By the way Mixolydian, I'm not sure if you're into extreme metal, but the album will have no shortage of progressive. One thing that might be an issue is that the guitarists (especially me) we be using low drop tunings, such as drop B. I will also be using my 8 string for some of the stuff. If you can down tune that far, you can be the last guitarist (we already have 3-4, including myself). I'm sure you coulod find something to do if you want to get in on this.

[Gnarrkhaz]

Fu**. You made a different thread for this? Why did nobody tell me?

Lucky for me i saw Kyoga's entry in my subscription box on YouTube!

[MixolydianPony]

Maybe I'll just work on something for this, and change it slightly later to put on the album.

By the way Mixolydian, I'm not sure if you're into extreme metal, but the album will have no shortage of progressive. One thing that might be an issue is that the guitarists (especially me) we be using low drop tunings, such as drop B. I will also be using my 8 string for some of the stuff. If you can down tune that far, you can be the last guitarist (we already have 3-4, including myself). I'm sure you coulod find something to do if you want to get in on this.

I do not own a guitar that can be tuned below E standard without excessive fret buzz.

[Gnarrkhaz]

I'm halfway through with composing. Yes, Kyoga, some of us still have to compose. Seriously, why even bother. You're going to win anyway.

[Rainbow_Rage]

well, my flights have been booked so it looks very likely that I'll be able to get home for a week and do this thing. Now I need to compose a killer solo though. I'm thinking something mellow

[Warbalist]

I do not own a guitar that can be tuned below E standard without excessive fret buzz.

I do not own a guitar that allows me to play anything but grunge when I'm tuned a half-step down, what now?! /dropmicrophone

Soon as you post those backing tracks, I'm in.

[Applejinx]

ARE there going to be official backing tracks? Otherwise it's just 'compose a song'. I like the idea of restrictions- everypony needing to work with the same conditions. If not that's okay too but then I have to get moving thinking up a solo-type song, when half the time I'm trying to think in other directions entirely...

[MixolydianPony]

The first backing track is up, I'm going to make as many as I can before I pass out for the night.

[ChromaticChaosPony]

Can you reupload the backing track? It says that the folder does not exist on dropbox.

[MixolydianPony]

I think it's working now. I'm a tad on the stupid side, don't mind me.

Also, Kyoga is going to help judge. As such, I will participate but not score my own entry, and he will be permitted to enter but not score his own entry.

http://soundcloud.com/mixolydian-pony/my-mlr-soloing-contest-solo



I'm going to pass out now. More backing tracks tomorrow. Probably an upbeat acoustic one, a slow ballad-y one, and maybe an 80's hair metal one. Anything else I should try and include?

[Rainbow_Rage]

Blues Rock in E... Suggested scales: E Blues (no, really?)

Ya think?


We'll I get back home tomorrow so I'll get mine up in a couple of days (fear my trumpet-metal). I haven't touched my horn in about a year though. Am I going to get nailed if I stay away from high-range stuff?

[ChromaticChaosPony]

I'm going to pass out now. More backing tracks tomorrow. Probably an upbeat acoustic one, a slow ballad-y one, and maybe an 80's hair metal one. Anything else I should try and include?

Could you please try to make a downtempo progressive death metal backing in the style of Opeth, Meshuggah or very heavy Dream Theater stuff (like A Nightmare to Remember) in an odd time signature? Could it also be in the key of B flat minor? I was thinking of doing something with a downbeat, progressive, and evil sound to it, using 7 strings on my 8 string guitar. And I wanted it to be extremely heavy. If not, I'll just use the metal backing and add on to it. I can't make a drumbeat (lack drums and software that can make beats decently), so I can't make my own backing track.

[MixolydianPony]

I'm going to pass out now. More backing tracks tomorrow. Probably an upbeat acoustic one, a slow ballad-y one, and maybe an 80's hair metal one. Anything else I should try and include?

Could you please try to make a downtempo progressive death metal backing in the style of Opeth, Meshuggah or very heavy Dream Theater stuff (like A Nightmare to Remember) in an odd time signature? Could it also be in the key of B flat minor? I was thinking of doing something with a downbeat, progressive, and evil sound to it, using 7 strings on my 8 string guitar. And I wanted it to be extremely heavy. If not, I'll just use the metal backing and add on to it. I can't make a drumbeat (lack drums and software that can make beats decently), so I can't make my own backing track.

You want the whole thing in one odd time, or a bunch of changing times? And by downbeat, were you thinking like 100bpm or 80bpm?

Also, I can't get much "heavier" than what you've already heard from me.