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... finale lined up. These shows rely on the participant pulling something big at the end. Ok, I think I will enter, and I hope you know the whole band has to be there, I do need a bass line and drumbeat. Fine, no skin off my Back, Sam, the word is back. Ok, time to start learning some new stuff, only a week to the big day.
After the little session that morning, I went home, and watched Sams DVD. I suppose I shouldnt have taken it but who cares. I skipped it all right up to the duel, it was impressive. Two people, Steve Vai and Ry Cooder, Steve plays rock guitar and Cooder plays Blues, it makes an interesting combination.
Each guitarist starts off with an opening riff, melody, and then they square up and start playing little bits at a time, getting more and more complex each time their turn comes up, then after a few minutes of battling riffs, each guitarist breaks out a solo. The judges then rate them and the winner gets to have the opponents set-up, (guitar plus his / her amp). I was watching the duel, I was sitting on the edge of my seat when I heard Ry Cooder's finale; a classical riff by finger picking. Now, for a guitarist, playing classical is like walking on water. It is so hard to pull off; I think Ive found my finale. I stopped the DVD, went onto the internet and printed off the tabs for this.
A massive ten page tab; I raved to my room, locked myself in and promised myself I was not leaving the house until I learnt this tune for the day of the contest. Day after day, I went at it, fingers getting sore and red, the strings wearing out, I didnt care; all I wanted was to achieve this riff. Never have I worked so hard to accomplish something; I felt like a beginner again. After a week of practising, I felt I was ready for the contest. The day of all days had arrived; I packed up my gear, met with Sam and our drummer Paul, and set off.
Walking up to the Astoria, the concert hall where this was being held, I was thinking about that Mai kid, and how he could be doing this in a couple of years. Its a bit of a strange thought, but it kept coming across my mind. We walked into the reception, filled out the application forms, and only had one hour to practice. It was easy for Sam and Paul, all they needed to do was to improvise, I had to learn a classical riff. All my hard work had vanished into the beads of sweat pouring down my face. I picked up my guitar, my fingers did not recognise this foreign object, and I felt like I had forgotten everything I had ever learnt.
Sam was right, I do crack under pressure. Hey are you alright? a distant voice said. I recognised this voice. Huh? It startled me, hey, Jay, what you doing here?
Well, Jay started, it looks like Im up against you. Damn, this guy goes crazy when he plays live. He is a good friend of mine, but his live performing outshines mine by a mile. He plays rock whilst I like to play blues. With those few words, Jay left. I was left standing there when a another voice shouted, Ok, Listen Up, Band 1 and Band 2 will go out in the next ten minutes.
The bands that are competing next are, Salaries and Entry No. 4. It was the announcer; I knew I was up against a tough challenger. How did I get myself into this? Walking onto the stage, seeing my challenger; thought not much of him at the time. I couldnt, my mind was going a mile a minute.
I glanced to my left; hundreds upon thousands of people have come to see this. My nerves shot to hell, I picked it up, plugged it in, waiting for Jays opening riff. Although his riff did not sound anything like Steve Vais, it got me into the duelling state. I found myself actually believing that I was in that Crossroads duel. He finished his riff; I walked over picked up my guitar and played away. I was surprised at how fluently I was playing, usually I mess up at the start, but it felt like a waterfall.
I felt I did quite well in my start. We both walked up to each other, squared up, and Jay gave me a friendly wink, which was quite strange of him. For some reason, I thought he knew what I was planning. Anyway, we exchanged riffs for about eight minutes, each one tougher to pull off than the last. Throughout my parts I kept glancing up to see Mai, no luck, he didnt even show up, and it was his idea! After a long, agonising start, Jay broke out to his solo.
I must admit, it was impressive, even I felt that I had to clap at the end of it. I was readying my-self for my big finale. I took the stage, spotlight shone on me like a fireball. I glanced up to see so many people, this is it, and it is now or never. I threw my pick into the crowd, and began I felt my heart racing as I hit every note on that stage. My hand travelling up the fretboard, my fingers picking each string, it felt great to have accomplished such a tune.
I ended with a sharp chord. I looked into the crowd with a big grin plastered onto my face. I turned to look at Jay; he just stood there, in awe. I could see the judges doing some final notes.
Just as I thought they were going to announce the winner, Jay started to play. I couldnt quite recognise the tune, but it got clearer. It was my tune; he is just playing my riff, just faster. I stood there in anger, surely this is not allowed, the competition is over between us, I have won. When the swine finished, the crowd had the same reaction as when I had done it.
You little creep, you cant do that Jay! I screamed Really? Looks like I just did, replying coldly. I was angry enough at what he had done, but what came next really made my blood boil; And the winner is, Jay, for that outstanding unique riff! It was announced, I just couldnt believe it, and I remember telling someone that these things were rigged. I threw my guitar down and paced towards the backstage area.
I grabbed my bag, and went right out of the door; never again will I take part in this. The next morning we were back at school, and I was teaching Mai again. So, why didnt you show up yesterday? I asked. Oh, I had other things to do, Mai answered. Like what?
Well, it doesnt matter what I was doing. Oh before I forget, I wont need you to teach me anymore, I heard that Jay pulled off some classical stuff last night! What! ? Who did you hear this from? I demanded. Everyone is talking about it!
You heard wrong, well, yes he did do it, but he stole it off me! I did it first then he just copied me! I told you these things are rigged! Yeah, yeah, whatever. Likely story. Anyway, Im off, see you around...
With that, he just ran out of the door. Great, Now I Have To Find A New Pupil.
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Research essay sample on Picked Up My Guitar Ry Cooder Jay
