Originally Posted by: ShredfastHey 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

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.