Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jim Morris on February 8, 2019 at 10:13am

https://youtu.be/d4_iQ3D88A8 Here's one of my covers of a Townes Van Zandt/Stones song that you covered just for comparison purposes.

Here's my take on a Tom Petty song

https://youtu.be/ec2jMri-M4I

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JRK on February 10, 2019 at 4:17pm

Those are great covers.  I love the cardboard dulcimer.  Great sound.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Uncle John on February 8, 2019 at 10:28am

Just check out the CBN video sections.  Lots of covers.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Brian Thompson on February 9, 2019 at 12:19am

It's an interesting question and one that will have many opinions, sometimes dependent on playing experience. Whatever view is taken, learning to play a cover can teach you a lot. From a beginner learning three chords to play 'When The Saints...' to a rock band attempting a 'convincing' version of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (full arrangement, with all vocal harmonies), as well as all the technique involved there's the theory (from simple chord names to complex harmony) and composition concepts that underpin a developing (at whatever level) musician's progress. When it comes to 'original' material, and being as all musicians borrow from what has gone before, it is these concepts and ideas that inform and often enrich our own compositions. In order to write you need a vocabulary......

The important thing here I feel, as I used to say to my students (I taught professionally for many years, both covers and original stuff!), whether it's a new theory idea or learning a new chord/playing technique/cover/solo etc, 'don't just learn the lick....learn from the lick', and also, 'try to take it further than where you found it'.

When all said and done, my own preference would always be to hear new, original material rather than covers......BUT.......a cover played really well, especially in a new and original way and working with 'what you've got' can be just as inspiring and enjoyable.....Here is a perfect example in my opinion, and one that I'm sure many members of The Nation will enjoy if they haven't seen it before....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4Ao-iNPPUc

There's room for everything and I think it's important to be open to all approaches when it comes to music. As Les Paul once said, 'you never know what's round the corner till you take a walk....' Wise words.....explore all options.....and keep it real, whether primal or pristine...it's all gravy, baby....

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JRK on February 10, 2019 at 4:32pm

Here is a copy of a cover I did a while back. I have this thing about Stalker love songs. Pop love songs that are really stalker songs  like Every Breath You Take.   I really messed this one up to make it sound like a stalker.  It's a little heavy I don't think a lot of people will like it.   

Attachments:

• JRK - HELLO.mp3, 6.4 MB

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by RTZGUITARS on February 11, 2019 at 5:03am

All songwriter credit someone for their ability so play all the old song you can. If we posted only original songs on this site it would be different.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page