Here is another one I wrote fairly quickly. I had an idea for another song and it wasn’t coming together so I tried this idea instead and I was able to get a rough outline in about an hour. I’m not sure about the phaser on the lead guitar. Any thoughts on that? Is the mixing ok? I can’t tell if it is too thin or scooped sounding? Any other problems?
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Great track @Chandler I think. Lots of good sounds and interesting development. I guess it could have more bottom end, depending on the effect you want (I’m not on a sub system). The riff that starts at :23 is good to my ear but it runs through much of the tune and gets tiresome fairly quickly.
The solo is good, I like that it doesn’t jump into the scalar riffs too much which is kind of a cliche with guitar players. The phaser in the ‘A’ part is cool.
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I like the use of synths. Kind of a long intro, but that seems okay. The guitar soloing reminds me a bit of Eric Johnson perhaps. The phaser on lead guitar is probably good. With a fairly long instrumental, something has to move the song along and provide interest, which the soloing and phaser seeems to do pretty well. Sounds like a synth bass … what kind of bass instrument are you using, and MIDI drums (?), guitar sims, etc?
Except for the synth bass, and drums, there’s lots of high end in the mix to my ears. Almost to the extent of sounding brittle (and may give the impression of mid-scooped). It may be appropriate for the style, but I tend to like more of an old vintage ‘tape’ sound, as that’s what I grew up on. The more digital high end style sometimes bothers my ears. Especially the synths could be less piercing, and then they’d be not as obvious and more of ‘backing track’ sounds and general vibe.
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@Chandler I really love your playing. You do a fantastic job of phrasing in a way that holds interest, and as @ingolee said, it’s not just scale riffs. Great job! I think the phaser totally works, and when it switches back off, it gives the song the perfect amount of change happening. I dig this!! 
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@ingolee Thanks. That is good feedback. Perhaps I should have switched up the main riff more.
@Stan_Halen I agree the intro is a bit long, but I wanted to set the mood, though perhaps it is too much.
Yes it is a synth bass and midi drums. I tried to use metal style drums for this instead of synth drums as I though it would be better. I agree the maybe there is too much highend. I wanted things to sound crisp and more modern, but I think I went too far.
@holster Thanks. I generally don’t like using modulation FX on guitar, but I thought it might help break things up. Also I don’t want everything I do to sound the same.
I made another version with a bit less high end. It is only a slight change, but does this sound better.
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Yes, it may be a rather subtle change, but it feels kinder to my ears.
Are you planning to market this song/instrumental, or is it mainly a fun project? Just curious. I’ve been looking at the music industry (sales) aspects again, as I’ve always just done it just for fun.
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Thanks. I’m glad this version is better. This was mainly meant as a fun project. I don’t know if anyone would be interested in buying it. If nothing else I look at it as practice or an ad. Sometimes people ask me to make music for a game or commercial or something, so it is good to have something to show them. Also I feel trying to do a variety of styles keeps me sharp and creative. If I can make some good money with it, I’ll take it though.
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Having some variety may also help if publishing music; see what style has public appeal and might sell. I don’t know what the ‘secret sauce’ is for crafting sell-able music, but some are clearly able to do it. Maybe it’s starting off with that intention, and putting in lots of effort? Some here at IRD, and the past forum (RecordingReview), have done that … and didn’t have much success IIRC. Though there could be some exceptions.
I personally think it is awesome to hear your music (both of you!), and I find it inspiring. Please keep it going! I may not be a huge audience… but it is at least one.
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