Off Topic Guitar Center: King of the Blues

[Jack FFR1846]

Anyone done it? Doing it? Signed up?

I've thought about it the last 2 years and for some reason could never get to the backing track with my computer. I got to them and found one I like. I signed up today. (Blackstone, for you central Mass guys) Going May 5th. They start 6pm. My plan for the moment is to put some 9's on the Al. I've been practicing a bit on my craigslist bang-around guitar so far.

This will be my first. I'm a pushover for a free T shirt.....

 

[metalmarty]

I wish they put on something this cool in the Netherlands. I'ld love to do this! Interesting prizes as well.

Good luck on the 5th, go get em

 

[Danserrano]

GL Jack. Def keep us posted!

 

[straycat113]

Great that you entered Jack, best of luck and knock em dead.

 

[dorianman]

Hey Ev1,

Here's jugding information for KOTB.

Straight from the Guitar Center Rules, "...All contestants will be judged by a panel of 3 independent and credible judges on the following criteria, AUTHENTICITY, ORGINALITY, SKILLS/TECHNIQUE, STAGE PRESENCE, and OVERALL PERFORMANCE. Any ties result in a 2-minute play-off in which contestants will solo without a backing track."

I signed up last week and it'll be my first year in this contest. I'm excited! Thanks to Guitar Center for offering an opportunity like this to budding guitarists.

I did some research and watched several dozen videos of past KOTB performances that people have posted on YouTube. I read the many video comments; I also watched the many finals and winners videos. Here are the tips I've come up with in no particular order that align with what you're being judged on:

1. Have fun!
2. Give plenty of space and air in the backing track. Don't shred on the guitar or play riffs on every beat, every measure through the song.
3. Stand while you play; move around, show some emotion
4. Stick to the blues roots even if you don't stick to it in the whole song. Remember that the contest isn't for metal or hard rock guitar playing.
5. Dress the part: don't show up in shorts and a t-shirt and sandals. You're being judged on appearance also.
6. Come up with a melody for the backing track. Include a intro and ending. I think this is important otherwise the performance doesn't stand to differentiate from other contestants that play riffs and licks.

....good luck.

 

[Spudmurphy]

best of luck. hope to see a video clip?

 

[Jeff R]

Kotb

I judged a couple of rounds at my local GC last year, and I agree with everything dorianman said 110 percent.

 

[browndog]

Good luck Jack. Kill em all.

 

[tommydude]

Good luck!! We want video of the AL in action

 

[Jack FFR1846]

I'm on vacation in Aruba. What do you think I find?

the dragstrip? (yes, but I knew where it was)
the air turbines? (found them)
the beach? (I'm not a beach person)

From our hotel....

From the only music store I found on the island. Sterling AX30, I think. They also had a sterling jp stealth