Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents also. I have participated in about 8 of these over the last 2 years and I had the wrong impression when I first started. Some of the backing tracks are long. I used to think that you had to shred or play as fast as you could over the whole track because to me thats what a solo was. But then I learned that you can let the song breath a little and add small lead fills here and there. When I submitted my first entry I thought I was going to throw up because I was so nervous because it was so basic and I was such a beginner. But I got nothing but support and good advice. This can be an incredible learning tool and you get get some good advice and learn lots by participating. Now I look forward to these every month. Even when work or something gets in the way and I am not able to submit and entry I still enjoy checking out other peoples entries. Like I said just my 2 cents. :)