Anja said 

This is how I sound when I try to improvize. 

I need an analysis and some insight in what I am doing with the rhythm here. Is this off beat? What does it remind you of? Any input?

I feel like this is me.

Hi Anja,

I really like it.  

This sounds like Oh Susannah to me, with a minor/modal mood and ornaments that lend a Celtic feel to it.  Very nice.

Personally I don’t hear the rhythm as particularly off beat.  In the very beginning, the rhythm sounds a little inconsistent to me.  Once you relax into it and pick up the tempo, it sounds like you are more steady with the rhythm adding a bit of a pulse with your bowing and ornaments.  Very nice, very creative, without getting too exotic which often loses the listener. 

I think most listeners like to feel a steady beat (regardless of whether the emphasis of the piece falls on the upbeat or the downbeat), so I would try to keep doing what you’re doing but work to keep the underlying beat steady (just as you begin to do as the piece progresses).  People like to tap along with the music in some way, so it’s important to remain aware of that.  Also, in a group setting the other musicians need to feel the beat even if you add a break.

This reminds me of the improv sessions Jason at FiddleHed encourages us to create during his group lessons on the topic.

How is this useful, you ask?  With this, I would play through a tune initially in a very spare, simple way.  The next time through, embellish it a bit, and then open up with this lovely, unique fiddling.  Or, in a jam session, play along with the group and then when it’s your turn to take a lead bring out this unique approach to the tune to “make it your own”.

You sound great! Keep at it!

Unfretted