Damn, I knew you would be the first to ask me that ;D
It is not often that I would critique an unfinished piece. The reasons are clearcut. If one is currently in the creation process, there are always glaring issues that could be addressed in that way, but it is not fair to the artist or the critic.
If you want to know what I think of you as a guitar player, I can do that. Attempting to refrain from obvious issues of production that you know are there already, I can honestly say that you have chosen a tone that fits your style on these pieces, and your phrasing is also very complimentary to the timing and the tempo.
Your direction on style hits the mark, ala Satriani and Howe, guitarists in that vein. I wondered if you were playing a seven string at times, I thought I heard some reaching octaves, most likely harmonics. I can see that you are conditioned to play in a way that takes up a lot of sonic space, leaving no room for a singer. In that regard, I understand your motive. My cautionary tale might include being cognizant that there are other players on your team and the palette is small. Some well placed pauses, and creative panning could remedy this, but nothing works as well moving into your pocket and defining yourself as part of a whole, rather than the only voice in the choir.
The squeal you hear is most likely your mike technique. You are experiencing some phase cancellation apparently. (I don't know what it is, I just know it when I hear it... Just kidding)
If you are using a direct box, and I don't think you are, the problem is usually a button away. The other remedy depends on how you are miking your amp and it's relationship to everything else. So, hard to diagnose from here.
So, in all honesty, I like your work, and your skills are superior. I rate this a
3 out of a possible
5.
The scale is contracted from these Components, Plus or minus.
1 Composition. Does it follow basic rules of theory and is it within parameters of the reported genre category? (Genre classification errors are not a reason subtract this point, it is just mentioned in the critique as something to look at).
2 Phrasing. Is the pattern something you can follow? If instrumental, is the lead instrument speaking in a sentence like structure. If a vocalist is in the song, do the lyrics connect phonetically, and are they discernible as part of a story line? Verse/Chorus patterns are considered, but not necessarily used as a reason for not awarding this point factor. There are many patterns that are not traditional, but they work. Continuity is what I am seeking here.
3 Musicianship. Self explanatory.
4 Production. Self explanatory. Note* I don't break down the production errors one by one. I give a broad observation and minimal suggestions. If you want me to micro manage it, then hire me as your producer
5 Marketability. Is the material something I would want on my label, and would it sell? I look at the category/genre, and general appeal factor. I then compartmentalize the product in one of these ways.
Right = Instrumental or experimental.
Middle = Popular or Standards of Genre Specific.
Left = Underground, Profane, or Political.
The majority of music that gets a
4 rating is something that could be sold to someone, somewhere. There is a market for everything under the stars if you are at the right place with the right product, at the right time.
My rating of
3 is for what you already are aware of. So not being able to give a minimum of a
4 to any piece negates me from being able to establish your marketing score.
For the sake of this first critique, I would call you a
4.5 to the
Right. The half point deduction is because of the audience you are targeting.
A true
5 would constitute a broad appeal in the
LEFT/RIGHT/MIDDLE grouping. Music that would appeal to everyone in that group, not just one specific audience.
It is only a speculative forecast at best. Audiences are very fickle, and change hats quite often.
Hope that helps.
If you are using a direct box, and I don't think you are, the problem is usually a button away. The other remedy depends on how you are miking your amp and it's relationship to everything else. So, hard to diagnose from here. 