Hey everyone. Ive been checking out this forum for a while and you guys have a lot of very useful knowledge. I was hoping some of you would give me some feedback on my audition tape for America's Got Talent. This is my rendition of Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-9cl3rYrsQ

Nice shredding dude!

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Neal
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http://www.guitartricks.com/channel/

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Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate that.

Outstanding playing, excellent skills. Great work.

...but

What I was waiting for was the 'zing' moment. You absolutely have great skill and wonderful compositional skills and all are very, very evident. My question is, where would I find that moment that puts it over the top? What I hoped to hear was something of a build up to crescendo. Realizing that the limitations are within a pre-existing composition, I still waited for a build up to a pay off moment (ie - Dream Theater Metropolis middle instrumental section). Understanding the limitation of the song, it was that 'thing' I hoped for.

Seeing as a I no longer have nearly the shred skills I used to, I feel a little guilty with the critique but I think to stand out in the millions of submissions, that's going to be the deal. I get this from a guitar shredder competition I was in in '89. Two of the least skilled players were in the top 3 (the winner was easily the best though). What they did do is capitalize on dynamic in lieu of their shred skills. Big lesson I learned.

So, great stuff and I have nothing negative to say but just a little to add.

That was... well unbelievable. very very VERY well played

Great playing. Although, a little criticism. There is an awful lot of shredding, and I think you should save the shredding for that "zing" moment as Jeff stated. It seems to be very fast, almost all the time. Agreed; a show like that will not focus solely on the fact that you can play that fast, nor will it take you very far. Anyone who watches that can recognize you can play; but you should work to find a way to where you can work in your chops into a manner that appeals to the ears of not just guitarists, or fans of the guitar. Hopefully this makes sense. Your playing is great, and I am always a fan of MJ renditions. Peep out this cover of Smooth Criminal by ALIEN ANT FARM. I am sure you have heard this, but I feel they did it justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cJB2Z_aTEQ

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Douglas Showalter
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