Better Days Ahead - Pat Metheny - Played by Lot2learn

Please visit my web site at http://www.lot2learn.com where I have the backing track, midi file and notation file available for download.

For STEREO sound click Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDsHJYFcoC4&fmt=18

Better Days Ahead is probably my most favorite Pat Metheny song. The melody is so fantastic (and hard!). The song has a form that is only 23 bars long instead of the usual 24. This song was hard enough for me just to learn the melody and then to add the left hand chords - hello. I still haven't figured-out how to solo on this very well. You'll hear me repeat myself and hit an odd note here and there. I just love this song so much I wanted to post a version even if it still needs a little work. Yes, and I know I'm playing this slower than it is on the album. ;-)

Since many viewers have asked, here is the technical stuff on the production:
Backing track created using Band-in-a-Box software (PGSoftware) using the Real Drums feature.
Roland FP-4 recorded direct to computer using Reaper software.
My piano playing video shot with VuPoint DV-DA1-VP Digital Video Camera on tripod over Roland FP-4 piano.
MIDI keys on-screen piano by PowerTracks Pro (PGSoftware) with screen capture using Camtasia software.
Video compositing and editing using Adobe Premiere Elements software.

Thanks to all for viewing, listening, commenting and subscribing.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jazz
• Piano
• improvisation
• trio
• bass
• drums
• Roland
• FP-4
• band
• box
• bebop
• pat
• metheny
• lyle
• mays
• guitar
• letter
• from
• home
• lot2learn
• roger
• friedman

[nateinunderaminute]

you know you mention in the description that you are limited b/c of your comfortability...to be honest i like you're more subdued improvisational approach to this tune! well done roger!!!

[Lot2learn]

@nateinunderaminute Thanks Nate!

[Kerpaltheballer]

do all your written pdf sheets have the solos as well?

[Lot2learn]

@Kerpaltheballer Yes. The PDF contains every note played by me on the piano in the video above.

[lilchris26]

nice, maybe a bit advanced for me but I may give it a go,If you dont push your self you never advance(hopefully)

[Lot2learn]

@lilchris26 Good attitude! Yes it's a tricky tune, but you can do it! Start at a very slow tempo and just a few measures at a time. That worked for me.

Cheers.

-L2L

[kjazzvid]

Excellent choice in adapting this tune to piano lead - sounds great! Although I haven't actually tried playing this one yet, I know from experience in playing other Metheny tunes that it is probably much more difficult than he (Metheny) makes it sound. Great videos, BTW!

[douglong77]

Lyle Mays has always been in my top Five best mentors! Great work! TY

[Demoras]

Man, I love this tune so much. It really puts me at ease, making me think there are indeed better days ahead :)

[Dattoma]

Im learning this song on piano. It's really hard to improvise if you use 1 scale per chord. Which scales/modes you recommend for this song?

[lilchris26]

@lilchris26 Thanks for replying to me. I found mangoldproget's letter from home 1st and while I can play the beggining part I am struggling to see which notes he plays,and playing by ear isn't one of my strong points then I found your vids. I changed to playing piano style just as a result of youtube,just love all the help you guys give on here.