Hi Bleez! This is your personal thread for the http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=43110! As you are already working with Cosmin as a mentor we decided (after some PM messages) that we will only use this thread for posting the lessons that you are working on to give you feedback and to ask me question regarding anything you need.
Awesome
thanks Gab.
now, how do I get my fingers fast enough to play that bit in your sabbath lesson
You have to work on Alternate picking exercises and lessons. I should first know your level on this technique. Do you have anything recorded?
That sounds good. I don't know exactly your level so I will give you the links for the first 2 alternate picking lessons from my http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42832
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42828
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42829
Work on those exercises to improve your Alternate Picking technique... if you want you can post videos here playing those exercises to let me give you some feedback.
at the top of those PDFs in lesson 3 if has 'Moderate 120' so I guess the aim is to have 120 on the metronome?
hey Gab, Ive been trying to get better recording today and as a test I had a go at recording one of your Frusciante styles. I thought I'd post it up for you to have a quick listen.... please excuse the hiss, I didnt quite have the correct settings!
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/frusciante-style
Hi mate! That tempo isn't what I expect from you, it's just the default tempo. Try to play these ones the faster than you can without losing cleanness.
I listened to your recording. There is a hiss in the guitar tone as you said but other big problem is that every kick drum sounds over clipped, check out the backing track's volume to avoid that distorted sound. How did you record this?
For the recording, I had my guitar straight in via the Mic and used Reaper as a DAW and amplitube for the guitar.
Im still getting used to the software but I thought I may just get a toneport / pod type of device.
Hi Gab,
just a quick update. Ive been mostly working on the lessons from cosmin last week however Ive began on your alt picking exercises. I also got myself a line6 toneport ux1 so I am able to do much better recordings. I was wondering if you would like me to post up my recordings of your picking lessons?
I thought I would continue to work on them this week, get them as fast as I can and record it at the weekend for you to have a listen?
that might give you a better idea of my level and how I should proceed.
cheers dude.
Hi Gabe,
I have some of those exercises recorded.
Exercise 1 - the open strings, I tried this this at 150bpm.
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/exercise1-150bpm
Pattern 2 - 100 bpm
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/pattern2-100
I'd be interested to hear how you think I should progress with the Alt Picking and also can I ask, If I have 1 hour per day practise time how much of this would you recommend I spend on alt picking exercises?
And finally
I had a go at your satriani rock lesson over the weekend, excellent riff btw. I think I almost got it, maybe my next recording will be closer but here it is if you would like a listen.
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/sat-style-rock
thanks mate.
Hi man! Great job here! The alternate picking exercises sound good! The first one is just perfect, the other ones are also good but sometimes you loose a bit the timing. The next step for this would be to develop this exercises horizontally and vertically in any 3 notes per string scale.
Here you have an example on how to do it:
AP_Exercises.gp5 ( 3.26K )
: 256
If you have 1 hour for practice, now that we are doing an intensive work on this technique I would use 30 minutes for this. The other half could be used for other techniques.
The Sat Style lesson is sounding good! but check some phrases that has a different timing compared to the original, and also some phrases that sound a bit out of timing. Also check the last lick that sounds a bit weird.
Thanks Gabe, I'll carry on with the AP stuff and try that new exercise. Hopefully get my timing improved.
hey hey
Gab mate, apologies for the lack of updates. I did lose my momentum with the quest for speed a little bit. I had been struggling with the last exercises. I found them difficult to memorise ( my fingers kept playing the wrong patterns! ).
I tried a different pattern which I didnt need to think about playing, the idea that I could then fully concentrate on the speed. I should have asked your advice though, I will do that from now on when I get stuck!
Another problem I had was setting a realistic goal for this task. Im not sure what kind of progress is realistic or what I should aim for. I really dont know if I should expect an increase of 5bpm in a month or 5bpm in a year!
anyway, here is where I am at just now. This is a pattern I saw on one of Todds vids, it is 5-3-2 on the G and 5-3-2 on the D. then I just move up one fret. I go up to the 12th and then back down. ( I hope that makes sense! )
this is at 130BPM -
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/alt-130
150BPM - I really start to lose it at this speed but thought it was useful to let you hear my attempt.
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/alt-150
Over to you my friend, I am willing to do whatever you think is best.
Thanks mate.
Hi Bleez, cool clips! I can notice your improvement comparing this takes with the previous one that you had posted. As you said, in the 150 bpm you start to lose your timing and synchronization of both hands. Set a slower tempo and continue working, maybe 145 bpm?
Regarding your question about the time that you need to increase your speed, it's impossible to preview. It depends on mostly on how many time you practice it every day. Sincerely I wouldn't care about how may time it takes. You just have to focus on it and work diary 1 or 2 hours. You will really note the improvements.
So continue working on these ones and please tell me... What about start working on this lesson?
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-picking-thirds/
hi Gab, just checking in with a quick update
Still need to put some time into the lesson to get though it without mistakes
Ive also been continuing with the tempo exercise. I have been trying to get it at 145bpm and also pushing for 150 but unfortunately Im still not 100% yet. Its frustrating!
I recorded a couple of attempts today, some parts are ok but Im still messy in other places...... more practice needed
at 150bpm
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/150-2
Hi Bleez! Thanks for the update! You lose the synchronization in some parts but you are on the right track! You have to be patient and keep on practicing. Are you also working on the thirds lesson?
Hi Gab, just wanted to let you know that Im still working on that 'thirds' lesson! I haven't disappeared
I had just over a week away from the guitar completely as I was getting frustrated at my lack of progress but I am back practising and working through the lesson you suggested.
Its not easy being a rockstar huh
hahahaha thanks for the update!
Hi mate,
Still struggling to get that speed exercise up to 150 bpm. Im okay at 140 but when I push it to 145 - 150 it goes a bit off. I started to include an easier exercise as well just to see if it helped.
Ive recorded an attempt at the 'more difficult' exercise;
145 BPM
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/sp-145
230 BPM - This one is my current fastest speed.
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/sp-230
Although, after I uploaded these I wondered if it would be better for me to record video instead of just audio? incase my technique is really wrong.
I've been learning your 'stoner rock' lesson ( the first one ) recently and I got on really well with it ( I think so anyway! ) so I began working on your Alice in chains lesson. The fast lead parts are challenging but hopefully I'll get it up to speed. Its an awesome sounding lesson, I'll let you know if I manage it.
Hi Bleez! Good job mate! It's cool to see you working hard! I can notice that the second exercise is a bit more precise than the first one. However in both you don't sound 100% tight and clean. Keep on practicing them and maybe continue at a slower tempo first. Providing a video would be really awesome to see exactly your hands movements and posture.
Hi gab,
I recorded a couple of those exercises tonight at different angles. I dont know if these will be helpful at all. If not, I can do them again but at different angles, whatever you think will be best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxNchiFuD8Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWkCDNu7u98 - the metronome didnt come out as loud in this take, dont know why!
Thanks for taking the time to check them out mate.
Hi Bleez, I'm not sure but it seems that you are moving a bit your right hands fingers when you are picking. If this is happening, let me suggest you that you should avoid it. The movement must come from the wrist when you are playing alternate picking. Other thing that I note is that you lose synchronicity because your left hand moves faster than your right hand, this happens clearer in the first take.
thanks for the video Gab. Ive not seen that dude before, and it was very helpful. Im really paying attention to my pick fingers now. thanks.
also mate, following on from your songwriting thread, I have a few riffs that Im working on and I thought it would be great to get your opinion on this one in particular. Unfortunately I dont have a drum program at the moment but I am looking to get set up with EZ Drummer maybe next month or so, I already have a cheap bass which I'll use if the songs turn out to be okay.
Its a stoner rock type track in the style of 'Kyuss', 'sasquatch', 'Unida'.... y'know the type of thing
I think the format I played in this demo would be : 'Intro - Verse - Bridge or chorus - Verse - Bridge or Chorus - Repeat intro" but that could change!
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/riffage1
you need to 'play' the drums in your mind when you listen to it
This sounds great mate! I can imagine in my mind all the rhythmic section as well as some vocals and guitar arrangements. Maybe you can get Hype Canvas which is a VSTi that includes all the instruments, it's not high quality but it really works for demos. I think that you could use the riff that appears after the verse as a bridge and maybe compose a memorial chorus, a good stoner style progression with a catchy melody. The track would also need a solo or part C to be even more complete. By the way this is really good, congrats!
hey dude
Ive added a chorus into that stoner riff, Ive been playing it for about a week on and off.... I think it fits in, would you have a quick listen?
the format so far is - intro riff - verse - bridge - verse - bridge - chorus - verse
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/troll
appreciate any thoughts you have on these, thanks dude.
Hi mate! I am glad of hearing from you!!
Now the first track sounds complete, I love the chorus that you created for this one. I tried singing some melodies over it and now it could be converted in the stoner catchy song that I was talking about. I cant wait to hear this one with the drums and bass.. and also some vocals! The next step would be to have the whole structure and the drum and bass (do you know how to do this?). Once you have the whole structure, a part C and a solo could be added... what do you think?
The new one also sound cool, and its style is directly connected to the first one. The overall feeling reminds me to the great band Down by Phil Anselmo. I like the cuts at the chorus but I would work a bit more that section. You play the idea 3 times, I would play it twice and then add a variation to give the chorus an harmonic and melodic resolution to once again make the tune catchier.
thanks Gab, its definitely encouraging to get your feedback on these tracks.
dont quite have the spare cash for a drum program just yet but I will soon, its my top priority because I really want to get some drums down I have a bass so I'll start working on getting the bass line written.
Im trying to come up with some vocal lines, I dont have anything for the first track yet ( I have some ideas for the second track though )
hey Gabe
Im still working on bits for those other songs but I also have an idea for a slower type of song with a bit of a fat bass line.
I have the basic bass line down but I am having difficulty telling what the key is! I think it is in 'D' but tbh I could be very wrong!
would you mind taking a quick listen and maybe give me an idea of what scales I can use over this?
Ive tried to work it out but Im a bit lost. The notes in the bassline are D A D C A C A C .
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/drown-bass
I downloaded a free drum program until I have something better, I know the drums I have put on are not very good but its just for a guide!
thanks mate.
Hi mate! That's a minor progression so the scales that you can use over it are D minor and D Pentatonic minor. However there are two modes that could also be used over this one... one is D Dorian and the other is D Myxolydian, but this last one would convert the D in a major chord.
Wou! I love how this track is evolving!! The drums and the rhythm guitar sound cool! The solo ideas are good too... maybe the first melody is a bit "predictable" and the overall solo could be worked a bit more but this is becoming a great track!
This track came to mind when I heard your song, maybe you can get some inspiration from it.
yeah... I'll work some more on the melody / lead part, I think you're right about it being too predictable. I thought it sounded okay at the time but Im sure I can do better
Ive not heard that band you posted, its quite a cool sounding song, thanks for that. I'll give that a good listen.
cheers bro.
hey bro. worked on that intro some more. Tried a different approach to the lead part and done a little bit more with the drums.
I tried for a more spaced and laid back approach to the lead part this time
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/intro
Now we are talking! this is amazing mate! the intro has a perfect vibe. Well done!
hey Gabe
Ive added in a chorus to that last song and wondered if you'd have a listen.
After the second chorus I think Im going to add in a new riff......... then maybe a guitar solo
http://soundcloud.com/bleez666/prog3-11
Cool! That's a very dark chorus... do you have some melodies in mind for it?
hi mate,
Ive got some more work done on this song, thought you might have another listen and see what you think.
I have a new drum track on it and Ive added a new middle section which is really grungy / stoner stuff but I think it works
after the new section I have some lead guitar but I just improvised this for now just to get the idea of how a solo might sound here, I will definitely go back and work on a better solo
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/141212-1
Hey mate! This track turned out killer! I like the different ideas! and the overall sound/style. Also the drums sound really good, what vsti are you using?
So what's the next step now?? Are you going to add vocals?
hi mate, Ive been working on another track over the last couple of weeks. Its been a bit easier to put together than the last one. I think Im 95% done. I just need to tidy the ending and do some proper lead over it as Im just improvising the solo at the moment.
I dont think Ive really got the initial levels perfect, it's a bit messy sounding in places, so I still need to work on that side of things.
anyway, its a bit of a rocker type tune and I know you are the expert on this style
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/full-karr
Wou!! Awesome track! I really liked this one! I can imagine the Spiritual Beggars style vocals over this one!! I think that you are ready to start your rocker/stoner band... have you thought on this??
hi gabe
here's one of the ideas I was talking about. I thought it sounded a little bit in the 'Hawkwind' mode. Ive put a couple of comments so you can see where I would have the vocals coming in.
So far it goes to the second chorus, Im not toally sure where it would go after that
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/warped-3g
Id love to hear your thoughts on it, mate.
Hi Bleez! I love the main riff and feeling of this tune! It sounds killer and couldn't avoid singing melodic ideas over it! I think that it needs in any moment (maybe after all these sections, in the part C) to move to another chord like the Vi chord, then move to Vii and finally get back to I. That's one example, what it needs is some harmonic movement since the whole thing keeps around the root. Does it make sense?
Yeah! I remember that song by Crobot that you shared here at the site! They rock.
This is my template for analysing songs... do you think that you could start with one of these songs?
Name of the song:
Name of the band:
Structure // What is happening? // Chords & Scales
Structure: You will divide the tune in Intro - Riff - Verse - Pre chorus- - Chorus - Solo - Part C and so... You can add the letters A, B, C to the sections when you find different ones in the same tune (Ex: Verse A, Verse B, Chorus, Solo A, Solo)
what is happening?: Here you will describe each part. You can explain how is the part, if it has vocals, screams, melodies, harmonizations, how much is last, how many measures, etc. Every information that could be useful to understand the part.
Chords & Scales: Here you will post the tonality, the chord progression and the scales used for the melodies and solos.
I shall get to work on that, dude.
well, I could have chosen an easier song in terms of structure because the 'verse/pre/chorus' type of thing really wasn't obvious to me but any excuse to listen to this track a million times is worth it
Name of the song: Legend of the spaceborne killer
Name of the band: Crobot
Structure:
intro / verse a / Alternate Verse 1 / pre / chorus
intro / verse b / Alternate Verse 2 / pre / chorus
part c
alternate Chorus / pre / alternate chorus
What is happening:
Intro - No vocals, Lasts 4 bars and is a progression over 2 bars which is repeated twice, drums follow the guitar closely accenting each note.
Verse A- Vocals begin. guitar sustains an E chord as the vocal melody is sung over 2 bars. Once the line has been sung the progression used in the intro is played over 2 bars with the drums following the guitars closely with accents. This is repeated 4 times, however in the final 2 bars it is altered : the progression is not used, instead the guitar continues to sustain the chord played in the first two bars and the drums also play a straight beat.
Alternate Verse 1 - vocals sung over a sustained chord progression. played over 4 bars. the chords resolve except the final chord which resolves into the pre-chorus
pre-chorus - same format as the previous alternate verse 1 but with different chords.
chorus - vocal sings one line while music sustains from final chord of previous pre chorus
verse b - same structure as verse A
alternate verse 2 - some lead added which almost echoes vocal melody
Part C - lead guitar driven riff played over 4 bars. Variation of the alternate chorus riff.
Alternate chorus - the single vocal line used previously is now repeated over a pentatonic style riff, played over 4 bars.
Chords & Scales -
They tune half a step down for this track. I wasn't able to work our all the chords but I think the riff is based in E minor pentatonic. The guitar seems to playing mostly in position 3 of the E minor pent.
some of the chord progressions seem to be using C - D - E with some variations including B and A ( I think! )
I dont know if Ive got the correct details here, I never analysed a song before and its not easy!
Hi mate! I'm a bit loss with some of the sections that you described, could you please add the time of each part (the minutes and seconds...).
Thanks!!
indeed I confused myself a little as well trying to do this!
intro -> 00:00 - 0:08
verse A -> 0:08- 0.35
Alternate Verse 1 -> 0.35 - 0:58
pre -> 0:59 - 1:20
chorus -> 1:20 - 1:22
intro -> 1:22 - 1:30
verse b -> 1:30 - 1:55
Alternate Verse 2 -> 1:56 - 2:19
pre -> 2:20 - 2:40
chorus -> 2:40 - 2:43
part c -> 2:43 - 2:56
alternate Chorus -> 2:57 - 3:10
pre -> 3:10 - 3:31
alternate chorus -> 3:32- end
I changed my mind a few times on what each section was but I kinda felt the chorus was just the single line "He's got something in his hands" as they repeat this towards the end of the song in a more chorus - like way........ maybe
Hi mate! Well, we started with a really tricky track! From my point of view, the problem here is that the pre is even more catchy and melodic than the chorus and this makes a feel confused. By the way, we are analyzing this to incorporate ideas to our background, so if this works, and we like it, we can do it in our songs! Let me say that this happens on a Cirse's song... the pre is more catchy than the chorus and people usually says that the chorus of the song is the pre, but the track works and it's one of the hits among Cirse's fans. This one:
From my point of view, the correct structure is:
intro -> 00:00 - 0:08
verse A -> 0:08- 0.35
pre -> 0.35 - 0:58
chorus -> 0:59 - 1:22
The repetition of the that phrase in the end is what I would call the coda. Let me know what you think!
yeah, you've got the correct structure there Gabe
I think I made it far too complicated but your structure seems to nail it.
It makes the rest of the song simpler as well because we now have :
intro -> 00:00 - 0:08
verse A -> 0:08- 0.35
pre -> 0.35 - 0:58
chorus -> 0:59 - 1:22
which is basically repeated, Then......
at 2:43 they bring in a new riff , although this might be considered a solo?
Chorus tail ( coda ) -> 2:57 - 3:10
chorus -> 3:11 - 3:34
Chorus tail ( coda ) -> 3:35 - end
that might be the structure of the song?
hey dude
before I go too far with the next song I thought I should post up the initial structure..... or what I think the structure is!
Im using a different band but it sounds like a very similar style of song.
Name of the song: Back from the dead
Name of the band: stone riders
intro
00:30 - 01:08 verse 1
01:09 - 01:31 chorus
01:32 - 02:00 verse 2
02:01 - 02:21 chorus
02:21 - 02:25 - bridge
02:26 - 02:36 part c
02:36 - 03:05 solo
03:06 - 03:25 middle 8
03:26 - 03:35 part c
03:36 - 03:56 chorus
03:56 - end chorus tail
now, Im not sure if you can actually have 2 'part C's' but its the same riff.... maybe its a bridge!
What a great song!!! Your analysis is PERFECT mate.
We can call it part C, and incorporate this idea of repeating a part C, before and after a guitar solo, it's a cool idea and works great because it's a very short part but emotive as a part C usually is. In this track I feel that once again the verse is even catchier than the chorus, did you notice it?
hi Gab, thought I'd post up another track Ive been working on. I was trying to go for a classic black sabbath type of style.
my mate said he would like to re-record the first solo at 3:14 so that part will change but the second solo at 3:31 is without doubt the fastest guitar part Ive played I thought I might keep that in!
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/sabbatha-speed-1
wouuu there are no words to describe how good this is!!! The riffs are killer, and the overall sound is so powerful. I love how it starts, it's a combination of Sabbath, with Slash, Zakk Wylde, Alice In Chains, but at the same time it has its own personality... are you working in collab with other guitarist?
I can't wait to hear this song with vocals!!
Congratulations!
thanks very much dude, your opinion means a lot to me.
Its quite funny that I always seem to play things with that vibe of 90s rock even when I try to play 70s Doom rock
I played the song to the guitarist from my old band and he was into playing a solo on it, which will be cool coz he's very good, way better than me
Ive started practicing vocals..... i aint easy! I'll work some more on them but if I cant manage then I might just get the music sounding as good as I can and try to find someone else to sing over it.
hi mate,
Ive been working on your first alice in chains lesson, and was just wondering if you had any audio of you playing the lesson?
Basically Im playing it along with that backing but slowed down and I think Im messing up the timing. I thought that it might help if I had an audio of you playing it I could put that into Reaper, slow it down, and play along.
I had a look on youtube as I know you have a bunch of lessons on there and I could have got the audio from that but I dont think that lesson is up.
it doesnt matter if you dont have it, I know its quite and old lesson now, but I thought Id ask just in case.
guitar and backing would be cool but if it's a hassle to find then dont worry about it.
the lead part is kinda fast and when Im playing it slow it's quite difficult to tell if Im properly in time.
btw, you should totally bump that lesson up to a level 4
Ok mate, I will cehck today at my studio and let you know! I reviewed the lesson and yeah, it should be 4. We will fix it, Thanks!
Hi Gab,
I posted up half a song I had been working on a few months ago. Ive been working some more on it and have what might be a finished version. I thought you might like to check it out and give me your thoughts on it?
Its just straight from Reaper so its a rough version. Ive put some comments on the track as to where I think the vocals would come in.
It's a bit in the hawkwind groove, also I trying to get a slightly similar feel to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wVy9XzXOak
anyway.... if you have a spare 5 minutes, mate. Have a wee listen, thanks
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/warped
Hi mate! Thanks for sharing your new son in progress! I heard the whole thing and there are very cool ideas there! I will give you comments that I think that could help you make it cooler. Have in mind that some of this comments can be subjective and just because of my tastes.
I would try to find the way to make it more entertained to hear. How? Some ideas that come to mind:
1. Use different tones. Combine them to get different textures. I'm now listening to the refference song and it's cool how they use different guitar tones, start with cleaner sound and then a more fuzzy one. Clean tones with chorus, flanger, and many other things are used there. The bass also goes from a tone with drive to another with flanger or phaser. Experiment with it!
2. Dynamics. This is related to the previous point. Try to create different textures and moments where everything becomes calmer and other parts where everything explodes.
3. Make the chorus more catchy, try to fin a progression movement that could help you create melodies with a more catchy, melodic or maybe dramatic evolution.
4. Add a guitar solo!
There must be more ways to make it cooler, but this are some ideas. Once again let me say that the ideas recorded there are very good! Just need some work to make the overall brilliant.
Keep on rocking.
thanks gab I do like your ideas and Im going to try and use them.
I had tried before with an acoustic part but struggled to find interesting chords, regular open type chords just didnt feel 'right'. I'll try again but this time I'll learn more unusual chords and see if I can get something.
Some of the tones used in that 'Mountain' song were so effective, I will experiment with some flange / chorus and stuff.
Also the drums they used in the verses were awesome, not a 'regular' drum beat just really cool accents and 'hits'. I'd like do something like that.
In your opinion, would you change what I have for the chorus to maybe a more chord based riff or add some chords behind the notes which I have currently?
Hi mate! Cool to know that the comments are useful! Regarding the chorus, I would try keeping the riff like that but moving the bass. A possible movement could be: I - VII - VI. (just an example). This could make the riff move and you will be able to create a cooler vocal melody for the chorus.
hey dude,
here's where I am just now with the kyuss lesson -
Good take man!! Just some work on the groove of riffs like the last one and you will have it perfectly! Well done!
hi mate, been trying to tidy up the kyuss lesson. made another recording tonight -
what do you think?
Hi mate! Well done! It's much better now! The only part that could be even better is the riff that starts at 00:29, it could be groovy. The other sections are just perfect.
thanks for the help with the rec take, mate
hey Gab, just a quick question about your http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/dark-atmosphere-lesson/. Im almost able to play it up to speed except for that monster Bm9 chord dude, I even tried using my right hand to place my left fingers into the correct shape LOL! still couldn't get close to it!
Ive been playing that chord in a different position but was just wondering if I were to try a rec take of the lesson would I need to play that chord in the same position you play it?
Ohh I had forgotten this lesson. I love the feel of it and it will be great to find it at REC!
If you play the same notes, and sound like the lesson, it will be ok. We can count it as if you learnt the lesson by ear.
However you could try the stretches that Petrucci shares in the warming up section of this Rock Discipline video to be able to play these shapes in the future.
hi mate, I managed to get your dark opeth style lesson up to speed. do you think that monster Bm9 chord works in the position I play it at?
Im still amazed at the way you play it in the lesson. Even the chord before it, the really stretched out one, man, I JUST make that and no more
great sounding lesson though dude.
Hi mate! Great to hear again from you here! I think that your take on this lesson is excellent! I don't care about the different position used for the monster chord, it sounds the same. Well one!
hi mate, I was reading your post in the 'less is more' topic and wondered if you would have a listen to the ideas Ive been working on for it.
any suggestions would be great
cheers.
Hi mate! This is very nice! I can notice some moments in which your heart becomes visible.
here are some comments that come to mind:
1. I would work on the tone: less metal sound, less treble, a bit less gain, but still with sustain. I think that this type of phrasing would work great with a deeper tone, combined with some delay.
2. There is a very cool moment that ends around 00:35 which seems to be the most dramatic part, but suddenly it ends at 00:38. I think that you should keep on making it grow some more measure to finally search for the release. Just at 00:38 you sould go higher in the neck, and play more dramatic phrases / bends... that's what I was waiting for...
3. Once you find the correct tone, give the overall more feeling. Practice it until you don't have to think too much on what you play and just feel it.
hey Gab, I was playing around with some songwriting again I came up with a couple of riffs and wondered if you'd have a listen and let me know your thoughts?
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/unida-style
I had been listening to the band 'Unida' and took 'inspiration' from their song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE3gaxVJUJI. I wanted to try and catch the same kind of groove, after reading some of the posts in your 'Stealing songs' thread.... I dont feel too bad for 'borrowing' their style LOL!
Hi mate, this is a very nice tune, I like the overall vibe of the tune. I think that if you work a bit more the arrangements and the overall mix (improving drums sounds) it could be published. Have you thought on starting uploading songs at youtube with a videoclip or something? You have really cool Stoner stuff.
hi mate,
as usual, I manage to have some ideas that make almost half a song then I seem to dry up. With this one Ive stopped at the point where I think the song might go into a guitar solo or maybe a change of tempo..... Im not too sure
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/stoner
Hi mate! this sounds very cool. This track is pure Stoner. I was thinking and wondering why you have lots of amazing ideas that then aren't finished. In this case, you said: "the song might go into a guitar solo or maybe a change of tempo". So you have an idea, now my question is.. when do you think that the new version with the solo and new part can be uploaded? Let's set a deadline.
well, I was off work today so spent most of the day with my guitar I managed to try out the idea I had with the change of timing. I think, if the slow section sounds okay then I would probably try to put some lead guitar over the next section ( at 2.55 )
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/stoner-expanded
Hi mate! It's evolving very good! I like the cuts at 2:55, guitars don't go tight with the drums there but it's just a matter of recording. But now the tune is taking shape. I love how the song evolves into the 2:33 melody, that part is epic.
I'm not sure about your thoughts about the overall structure, but now I think that the song could be complete, I don't think that it needs an extra section, do you agree?
the drums at 2:55 - I should be able to tighten that up, for some reason I thought I had it at first but listening to it now.... I can hear that Ive got the timing a bit out
My initial thoughts regarding the structure were that I could try to play a solo after the song goes back to full speed, 2:55 to 3:10.
I had an idea for the end, using the riff played at 1:22 -1:38.
maybe like you said, it doesnt need another riff, I might try it just out of curiosity. It will be easy to remove if it sucks!
Its really cool putting the bass guitar through heavy distortion and stuff you really get a massive sound!
Hi mate! This sounds very good for me. Let's try the solo and the extra riff and see how it sounds.
The next step would be to work on vocal melodies. Do you have anything in mind?
Well, I got the inspiration for the track from this song by Truckfighters -
I 'borrowed' a little of their verse rhythm
I like Red Fang as well, really great band. Their new album is good but I think my favourite song by them is 'Dirt Wizard'. I was kinda blown away when I first heard it.
Interesting stuff. Let's go for the Truckfighters song. The vocal melody is very simple, and has been created focusing on 3 notes from C# Pentatonic Minor. Learn this notes in the guitar, play them against the chords from the song and trying to hear how the work together. You could also see what interval relation are between the notes from the melody and the chords, which notes are longer and why.
However the most important thing is to play the melody and listen to it, try to feel it and if it's possible create variations changing the order of the notes or adding any extra note.
If you do this work, diary, with your favorite songs, you will be training your melodic ear and you'll find yourself creating nice voval melodies soon.
hehehe this is epic man! I love how this song is evolving! The solo has a killer energy, and the new part is very promising. I think that the drums in the last part should grow much more to make it explode close to the end.
I think that the song is now ready to start working on vocals, to then review the structure based on how the vocal lines start to appear. You can work on melodies using your voice or your guitar. If you prefer your guitar, you need to have in mind that vocal melodies are usually created with a few notes compared to guitar phrases. I recommend you to always at least try the melodies with your voice while you compose them.
What do you think? Can you start with vocal melodies?
Thanks Gab
I'll make a start on some vocal melodies and see how I get on. Also, I'll get the drums in that last part a bit more dynamic, thats a good idea.
should be interesting
hi gabe
I was thinking about your post in the practice section when you talked about only knowing pentatonic scales. I really only know the 5 patterns of the minor pentatonic, so far those patterns have worked really well in the stuff I try to play but if you take, for example, the album 'Damnation' by Opeth ( which I listen to a lot ) the chords and solos they use sound so different from anything I know. The whole groove in that album is so cold and spooky.... its really awesome I'd love to be able to get those types of chords and solos but I clearly dont have the theory knowledge.
What would you suggest would be my next step to learn more theory? What should I do to go beyond my 5 minor pentatonic shapes to become a more complete player?
Hi Bleez! Interesting post! Based on what you said and you want to be able to do I would do this two things:
- Learning more about harmony: intervals, triads, scales, modes, chords, arpeggios.
- Analyzing "Damnation" album by Opeth.
What do you think? we can do it here...
Excellent! So here we have the list of songs to analyze, let's go in order:
Your analysis should include:
Structure, what's happening on each part (regarding instruments arrangements), what's the theory behind each part. (Check an example http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=50670&st=20&start=20)
And regarding theory... what do you exactly know about harmony? just pentatonic scale?
Do you know http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=48905&st=0#entry644329?
sorry for the delay Gab, this has turned out to be quite a difficult task. Also I struggle to put my guitar down during my practice time to work on theory, Im so intent on practising technique. It doesn't feel like proper practice if Im not playing a guitar
I decided to look at the second track on the Damnation album, just because the structure 'seemed' a little simpler.
I have the basic structure as this -
0.00 - 0.13 intro
0.14 - 0.28 verse 1
0.28 - 0.42 - verse 2
0.42 - 1.00 - pre chorus - Db , B, Bb
1.00 - 1.27 - chorus - barre chords Emaj, B minor, A minor, some type of B chord
1.27 - 1.41 - verse 3
1.41 - 1.55 - verse 4
1.55 - 2.13 - pre chorus
2.13 - 2.41 chorus
2.41 - 3.09 - bridge - A, Bb, C, Db
3.09 - 3.37 - solo ( 2 x verse riff )
3.37 - 3.55 - pre chorus
3.55 - 4.50 chorus x 2
4.50 - end- chorus riff instrumental
The verse is basically the intro riff except it resolves to a new chord. The thing is.... I dont know what these chords are! Ive looked at the tabs and Ive played them, they sound like they are in E but I dont know what they are.
this is what he picks in the verse riff -
|---------0--------|------------0----3--------|
|-------7---7------|------1------1-------1~-|
|-----0-------0----|---4----4---------4-----|
|---7-----------7--|-------------------------|
|-------------------|-0----------------------|
|-0-----------------|------------------------|
This album may be a bit advanced for me
Hi Bleez! Excellent job!! Don't worry about the things that you can't understand at first, this will keep on happening if you analyze rich music. You feel that you are analyzing something that you can't understand so it's useless, but it's not, you are learning a lot from this. You are learning the structure used in their songs, you are learning chord progressions, new "unknown" chords that will have a name if you analyze the notes that include, and the most important thing, you are training your ear.
Let's see your mind as a room full of boxes. Each feature of this song is saved there, in different boxes. You have lots of these boxes with lots of memories and experiences. There are some moments (mostly when we are relaxed) that some of this boxes are opened, the stuff get out, connects with stuff from others and that's when an idea appears. An creative idea usually happens when this phenomenon of combination happens. Let me know if I have been clear explaining this.
In order to understand those chords, my question is, Do you know some theory about chord construction?
I think I understand what you are saying dude. I do like your way of thinking about analysing a song I dont fully understand ( yet ).
hey gab I was hoping to get your opinion on speed picking practice. Basically, Im doing 2 x 45 minute sessions per day where I just run through patterns with a metronome, gradually increasing the BPM.
for example, one of my sessions mainly uses vinnie moore's 1-2-3-4 and the 4-3-2-1 patterns from this vid,
if I begin at 150 bpm and gradually build up to my current top speed of 220 bpm, that will roughly take 30 mins so I have about 15 mins at my 'top' speed.
So my question is - do I need to be playing longer at my top speed per session?
Maybe I should not count the first 30 minutes of the session and aim to play at my top speed for longer.
* I hope that makes sense
Hi Bleez, yes, this makes sense for me!
Your routine sounds really effective and it will have an important impact in your guitar playing. If I understand well, I think that it takes 30 minutes to be able to play at top speed. I don't think that this is a problem since I'm sure that this 30 minutes will become less time with more days of practice. At the same time, I consider very important to practice picking at different tempos to have a good control of your technique. I know guitarists who can play extremely fast but can keep timing and picking consistent at intermediate tempos.
So that's my opinion. It's not a waste of time, and at the same time this will be shorter soon with more practice.
Does it make sense?
Totally Understand. Thanks for that Gab
Ive been doing these picking routines for a few months now, 45 mins in the morning and then 45 minutes in the evening with different patterns ( then I work on various lessons and stuff) ....... One day Im gonna be ready to nail your Sabbath lesson!
You are on the right track mate! This thread shows most of the exercises that I used to practice when I was a teenager: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42832&view=findpost&p=567344. And you'll see that most of the AP picking exercises are similar to what Vinnie Moore shares on that clinic.
you have a ton of patterns in that intensive course! I'll be going through them for sure, thanks
here is that video of my current picking routine. I do one session in the morning then the other one at night.
the first session has 3 patterns in it. the 3 note per string patterns are played on all the strings.
the third pattern is some type of scale, Im not 100% sure tbh! I saw it youtube and thought it looked useful
dont worry, Ive only posted a clip of the routine, I didnt record the whole 45 minutes
This is a clip of the vinnie moore patterns, I spend 45 minutes to an hour on this as well.
If there is anything you think I should change or add, I'd be interested in your opinion of the routine.
thanks for your time, mate. its much appreciated.
Hi Bleez! The routine looks great! I remember that I used to practice this routine standing up to then be trained for playing live and with my band. This depends on what you want, but take the suggestion if you are thinking on playing with a band soon.
I cannot see your right hands fingers clearly because of the angle, but please be sure that you are not starting the movement from your fingers. It should start from your wrist and a bit from your elbow.
Other than that, you are on the right track, keep going!
Hi Bleez. This is a very good take and I'm sure that it will pass on REC. I like that fact that you gave it your personal touch regarding interpretation and sound. I think that the tone is ok as well the ambience given by reverb (or delay). I personally like a bit more the original tone which is more old school blues (SRV, Eric Clapton), but it's just a matter of taste.
Your playing is really good, and I only think that your vibrato and bending could be even more consistent in some sections. Both are ok most of the times, but comparing with the original lesson I enjoy a bit more Ivan's wider vibrato so maybe you could give it a try and see how you feel with it.
I strongly recommend you to share this one at REC to receive more feedback. It's an 8/9 for me.
thanks Gab, I think I''l play it some more over the next week and try to improve on the bends and vibrato. I know that both of these techniques are still weak areas for me.
I'll try to tweak my tone as well, Id like it to be a bit closer to Ivans, I may try my other Les Paul it has seymour '59's.
I'll keep this recording as a backup incase I dont get it sounding better
Good idea mate. As I usually suggest, practicing a bit over the original lesson can be a good idea. If you feel that vibrato and bending are two same old issues, it won't be a bar idea to also include some little practice every day based on this exercises:
Some minutes every day can have an important impact in the future.
that guy seems like he knows what he's talking about
I'll set some time aside to work on those, thanks gab.
Hey Gab, I was wondering what your opinion is on the line6 pod hd500?
Did you use your one at live rehearsals? and also, how do you think they compare to real stomp boxes?
Im considering getting the pod hd500X
Hi Bleez, well, it's a very good device with great amp emulations for recording demos and nice effects for playing live. It's great to have everything on the same device so that's the main advantage of using pod. You have reasonable good effects on the same processor, and you can program the sets to get the combination that you pushing a single pedal.
The reason why I decided to go for real stomps is that I feel more comfortable to set the pedals than setting the pedalboard. I felt that the pedalboard had a lot of effects and possibility while I needed just a few. I preferred to have less but with more quality and personality. The quality of the effect is good but they don't have the personality that you get when you get real stomp boxes.
For example, my pod had wah wah, but when I god Morley Bad Horsie 2, it blown away what I could get with my pod. Pod includes overdrive but nothing beats my Visual Sound Jekyll and hyde. So I decided to have less elements but with more quality.
My next step is to get a controller that let's me program different combinations of the analog pedals.
In other words, I cannot say what's better for you since it's a killer device, but I've just shared my experience with both possibilities.
Let me know if you have more questions.
PS: I've never used Pod amp simulators on a live situation. I've always used real amps.
thanks mate, Its very helpful to hear your thoughts on it.
I'd really prefer to be an 'analogue guy' and have a few really solid pedals but due to being a bedroom guitarist I cant really mic up an amp unfortunately, although that would be my first choice if I could.
Im currently using the old ux1 with pod farm so I would guess that the hd500x would be a big improvement over that.
BTW - excellent red fang lesson! It sounds 100% pure fang
Ive already began learning it. There are a couple of quite fast hammer ons towards the end which I'll need to focus on but I think I should be able to get it up to speed soon
In that case, it will be a great upgrade! Go for it.
I'd like to see you playing RED FANG lesson at REC!
Well, I'm sure that you note that some parts are more difficult for you than others, so if the question is "how to do my practice time more effective?", the answer is, take the difficult parts, write them down and focus your practice on these sections for 1 week. I don't mean that you don't have to play the whole lesson a few times every day, but you need to focus on the problem, discover why it's giving issues and work on it. Search for exercises that can help with it, and create variations of the part as exercises.
After a week, you will notice that your practice time has been very productive.
Gab, could you have a quick listen to these lessons?
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/tasteful_blues_soloing/ - I think it might be close but there's a couple of big bends in it and Im never 100% confident about my bends.
This one, http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Jimi_Hendrix_Meets_John_Frusciante/ is quite difficult to get the same as the lesson especially with all the wah. I dont know if I will get it to a REC level but it was cool learning it
What do you think?
Hi Bleez! Godo job with these lessons!
As you've already said there, your main thing to work on these ones is your bending. It's not bad but it's not totally consistent and these ones are very demanding so I think that both lessons are great choices to work on your phrasing. Vibrato is ok but sometimes it's not totally connected with the backing's groove, and that's the other thing I think you need to work, mostly on the second lesson: Groove. Your playing is lacking the groove that playing Hendrix/Frusciante style requires. Check how Adrian follows the groove with his hand and body to give his playing that perfect but organic timing.
Finally, I think that your tone could be more connected with the styles and backings. It need to be warmer, as it happens with both lessons. Experiment a bit with EQ to get something closer to Adrian or Ivan since I think that your tone is not fitting really well with the tunes. It's not bad off course, but there is room to make it nicer.
y'know, Im finding that bends are one of the most difficult techniques to get right. Trying to pick fast is actually easier because its mechanical, you just go as fast as your synchronisation to the metronome allows and it's very obvious when you reach your limit but bends...... man!! I guess its more down to developing the ear for it. A lot of the times I can hear that Ive not hit the correct pitch but I cant tell if I'm bending too much or not enough.... its a pain in the ass Ive been working on Ben's 'Pre-Bends' lesson on and off since I joined and it still sounds crap!
Im not too good at dialling in tones, it probably doesn't help me that Im using a Les Paul and SG on lessons where the instructors are using strats! I'll keep tweaking the tones on those lessons though, hopefully I'll get closer. Ive got a few of your lessons getting close to being ready to record hopefully the tones will be easier to match between both Les Pauls
I'll get back to work on those lesson, Im sure I'll nail them soon
Yeah, bends are tricky. I don't know any other best exercise than this one to practice bends every day:
And off course many variations, and working the same concept over a backing track.
When working on guitar tone, I don't really mean that it should be exactly as the lesson, but for any reason the tone you set for these ones doesn't fit really well over the backings, and using the original as reference can help with the EQ even knowing that you will get a different colour based on the different guitar.
hi Gab, Ive been working on the http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/tasteful_blues_soloing/ lesson, took another video of it tonight -
Ive also recorded my progress on your http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/rocker-riff2/ lesson. Ive been working on this one for ages tbh hopefully it's not too bad.
I know Im not really getting decent tones but I cant get anything very good with the ux1, I dont think my soundcard is good enough but it looks like I'll be getting the Pod HD 500x after all. So I should be able to have much better tones very soon
Hi Bleez! Great to see new videos from you!
The tasteful blues sounds good. There are 3 things to improve to get the most of it:
- Vibrato: Wider sometimes, and more regular other times.
- Dynamics: You are getting close with this but there is still more to get from the lesson.
- Tone: You knew this! Looking forward to see you rocking the Pod!
The rocker riff lesson sounds very good! I just can comment that the last solo could sound even smoother but it's ok, some alternate picking practice could help.
cool, thanks for the feedback I'll work more on the tasteful lesson and focus on the vibrato and dynamics more. Ive often felt my vibrato was quite a weak area.
do you think the rocker vid is good enough for a REC take or would it be better to work some more on it?
If your question is if this take would pass, the answer is YES! It's a good take and it only needs that the solo section sounds a bit smoother. By the way, REC is not about passing, it's about receiving different points of view and suggestions.
Awesome work Bleez! This is what I call "focusing on details"! and this is the kind of work you need to do on the next days. I can notice how you are concentrating on each vibrato note and bend on both notes and this has a big impact in your playing, you definitely need to continue working like this. And this, combined with a better tone will be killer! Can't wait to see you playing with the new device.
Thanks for the link to the song. I'm listening to it right now, and it sounds promising! Good groove and nice guitar tones.
Please check my PM.
hey dude I had another recording session with the tasteful and poorman lessons. I still cant get the same 'bite' to the tones especially in the poormans blues lesson but hopefully the playing has improved a little over the last attempts.
tasteful blues lesson
poormans blues lesson
Hi Bleez! Awesome improvements!! It's really inspiring to see how much your tone has improved. It's deeper and warmer, and makes your overall playing much more enjoyable. Your expressing techniques are also much better on this ones! I can see that both your vibrato and bending are more controlled and connected with the backings.
All great things to say about you mate, congrats my friend!!
hey gab, just wondering if you have ever added real stomp boxes to your HD500?
I was thinking about getting a couple of Tone City overdrive pedals ( they are cheap at the moment over here ) and using them instead of the pods overdrive / distortion.
Just wondered if it was something that you had tried at all..... not sure if they would sound the same through the pod as they do through a normal amp.
thanks dude
Hi Bleez, I've done this before with overdrive and wah wah and it worked great. I've read a lot of stuff about using tube screamer overdrive before an amp simulator to get better results.
I don't like the overdrive pedals emulated by pod, so adding some extra stompbox for this could really work. If it's possible try before buying.
Perfect! I'm glad to know that the feedback helped!
Gab, Ive been trying to learn a bit about using EQ to improve tones from a thread on the Gear section. You know the Pod system really well, I was wondering if you could take a quick listen and look at my settings. Im not sure what the correct terms are to say what I think is wrong with my tone. I dont know if 'too muddy' is the correct term or what but its too 'something'
Im trying to aim for this http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/C-Minor-Soul-Blues/, not totally mimic it but just the way it punches through the mix, it just cuts through like glass. My tone doesn't.
here's what I have - ( ignore the playing its just a quick improv )
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/tone-test
these are my settings
[attachment=42193:chain.jpg]
[attachment=42194:amps.jpg]
Can you see or hear anything that I should adjust to improve it or even just point out what's lacking?
Hi Bleez,
I compared both tones (yours and javier's) and I can say that his tone is quite simple while your patch is full of stuff. I always prefer to use a few elements but know exactly what each (virtual) processor is doing. In other words, add stuff for a specific reason.
In this case you have many eqs, amps, cabinets, pedals, working together and who know what is each one doing...
If I would want to create a tone like that one used by Javier, I would start simple: an amp that sounds similar to fender and choose a combination of cabinet and mic that makes me feel that I'm close to the desired sound. I'm sure that you'll be able to get somethings close just with this few elements. Once you are the closer possible, you could add an EQ for any specific reason, maybe you are still lacking some frequencies or something like that. I usually cut frequencies below 80 hz, and increase around 3000 hz.
Then, you can any ambiance effect that you like.
The tone that you want create is clean while yours has drive, that's another important difference.
Does this make sense?
yeah that makes sense
I spent a couple of hours today going through the amps, I couldnt find any that sounded close. The fender types were okay but a bit twangy. Most of the amps sounded a bit too thin. Maybe thats just the way it is with modelling. I should probably just buy a good amp.
I have a recording using the flip top model, its not particularly close but it was less twangy than my other attempts. I recorded the first section with the amp alone, then at 0.23 I add the EQ then at 0.45 I add the overdrive pedal which I was just trying out to see if it helped the overall sound, it wasnt to try and replicate Javier's tone.
https://soundcloud.com/bleez666/tt661
I dont think any of the 3 tones I recorded sound very good but I dont know exactly what is wrong with them so its difficult to know what to try and alter. I didnt think it would be so difficult to get a that type of tone! Accepting the fact that Javier's playing is obviously light years better than mine which Im sure adds to it. I'll give it a rest and try again tomorrow.
Hi mate,
Have you experimented changing cabinets and mics type and positions?
Also, where are you listening? Do you have a good pair of audio monitors or good headphones?
Well, so you seem to be doing the things right. There are no tricks about this, it's trial and error, and A/B comparison. It's not easy design Pod's tones because they have lots of parameters, but you can get really cool stuff.
You can also use the custom tone section at line6 site, where you'll find lots of tones that can be your starting points. This helped me a lot when I first bought mine.
hi gab, would you mind having a quick listen to my progress on the http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/BB-King-Blues/ -
Also, the end lick at 1:08, does that sound correct? It gave me a lot of problems and Im not 100% sure about it.
other than that last lick, there are a few places I probably need to play a bit softer but what do you think, getting close maybe?
Hi Bleez, great to see working hard on this one.
Your playing is on the right track with this one. As you've noted, there is more room to improve your dynamics and also your vibrato on this one. If you analyze the original lesson, there is more dynamic range on Chris playing and this makes his phrasing more expressive. This is also combined with a delicate vibrato and a warmer and cleaner tone.
The last lick is close, it sounds good, but it is played a bit different than the original lesson. You could re-check it since I like the original version a bit more.
Hi Bleez, great to know that tone has been fixed really fast. About the lick, it's not an easy lick because it has an uncommon accentuation which is maybe natural for him. Keep on playing it over the original lesson to feel more familiar.
hi gab, just wondering if you would have a listen to this take and maybe let me know which parts your hear that are not quite correct -
its http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Gary-Moore-meets-Peter-Green/
Ive been working on it this last week. Im quite happy with it so far but I know it needs a bit more work.
thanks dude.
Hi mate, this is a good take! You are very close. I've compared each phrase with the original and these are the parts that I noted could be better, or closer to the lesson:
00:14 - That bend!
00:31 - It sounds different, check the original phrase again.
00:52 - That bend sounds different.
00:57, 1:02, 1:06. This parts are not bad but I feel that you should recheck dynamics, articulation and everything else to note why I perceive that the original sounds more interesting.
1:10 - The phrases sounds with a different rhythm.
Ok mate, I hope that it helps!
Hi mate, Ive tried to work on those areas you mentioned. I had another go at recording it today -
Hi Bleez, good job with this new take!
I notice improvements on each of the details that I've marked previously. Your playing is top level on the whole take. There can be some little differences here and there, but everything sounds good. I feel that going deep with this lesson had a positive impact in yor playing.
Congrats!
What's next?
Well, it seems that stoner fans are turning to blues nowadays...
Please check one of our biggest bluess players ever... the great Pappo. This is a classic Argentinean album...
Hi Gab, been a while since I posted in here I saw your topic 'are you lost / need a guitar plan' and thought 'man, I totally need that'
Ive been practising really solid for the last couple of years but TBH I looked at my progress and was quite disappointed, it was kinda depressing so instead of carrying on doing the same stuff I thought It would be better to check in with you to get a better plan of attack.
I usually have between 1.5 / 2 hours daily to practice. My usual routine is quite open but I tend to spend 45 mins to an hour on alternate picking with the metronome, using various patterns. I actually enjoy playing patterns to the metronome, I dont find it boring at all - its like meditation but still, even with all the picking practise Ive done I still dont think my progress has been all that good. I have 2 lessons which I use to test my picking progress and I still cant play either of them at full speed yet..... after two years!
any thoughts on what I should do to get a more effective practice plan?
Hi Bleez, great to see you here again!
I would really like to help you. At first, it would be helpful if you share videos of you playing those 2 lessons. Is it possible?
hey gab, here's the first one. The target speed is 75BPM but this is me at 70, as you hear Im starting to lose it a bit in the most difficult sections.
lesson - https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Hand-Synch/
I think Im a bit better with the second lesson but its still not there. You'll probably recognise this lesson!
target speed is 114BPM, Im playing it at 110 which is about my limit. Ive never played it clean above this speed.
Lesson - https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/iron-maiden-lesson/
2 years
Hi mate,
this lessons show an important issue to adjust which is related to your right hand. You are moving those fingers too much while the fingers should be completely fixed.
During the next 7 days, you'll focus your alternate picking practice on this exercises:
Watch carefully his right hand movement and emulate it. Notice how he doesn't move his right hand while picking. This exercises are not very musical but will be the most effective way to take the right direction for your right hand picking.
The idea is that you dedicate 1 hour per day to this.... or at least 40 minutes and then if you want 20 to the current lessons.
What do you think?
I dont know why Im moving my fingers like that Its not even intentional, I dont think I do that when playing fast chords or riffs. damn.
I like those Vinnie Moore patterns, Ive used the first one ( the 1-2-3-4 ) quite a lot. I can spend an hour per day on these no problem
Excellent! Let's go for it.
hey Gab, just a quick update on the picking.
I'll use the language of Vinnie Mooore ...... The 1-2-3-4 and 4-3-2-1 patterns are quite good, those are the fastest patterns I can play and Im just trying to focus on not moving my fingers when picking.
the 1-2-3 and 3-2-1 patterns were really awkward! they took me a few sessions to get into the groove with them but they are coming along fine now. they are just a little slower than the 4-3-2-1.
I found my hand getting tired when doing them for a full hour so I split them into two 45 minute sessions. So in the morning I'll do the 3-2-1's for 45 mins and at night I do the 4-3-2-1's
Im more than happy to keep this going, I really like the metronome stuff
Fantastic mate! This will have a killer impact in your playing. You need to be patient and keep this routine for at least 3 months. I know that it ca sound like a lot of time, but compare it with your whole life, it's just a second.
Keep on the hard work!
Excellent! I'll wait for your videos.
hi gab, heres a small section of the 1-2-3 and 3-2-1 vinnie moore patterns. Im trying desperately to minimise movement from my fingers holding the pick. It aint easy! Hopefully there is at least a little progress from the previous maiden lesson vid.
yes, there is progress here, but it needs more days of practice to make the movements smaller and more natural / smoother. Also, when playing this triplets, I note that you rush tempo on each pattern. Listen to some triplets patterns or lessons and notice how triplets should sound.
I feel that you could practice at a bit slower tempo to be able to concentrate on those details.
What if you use guitar pro for practising? You can write the triplets and play along with the midi for a while. Then, when you feel comfortable, you can mute midi and play over metronome.
never tried that but I'll have a look.
I was just trying to copy the way vinnie done them but he plays the 3 notes very slow and then very fast I cant really hear any particular rhythm to his demonstration of the 3 notes per string exercise.
I can hear how it is sounds when you play triplets through a scale, should I be trying to play more like this?
Skip to 1.03
Hi Bleez,
you can use this file:
triplets.zip ( 581bytes )
: 61
hi gab, update on the picking
I decided to take the difficult part of that Maiden lesson and drill it with the metronome.
The good news is that I have made a little bit of an increase in speed since I started doing it this way but unfortunately Ive not been able to stop moving my fingers which hold the pick. I dont know if maybe its because Ive not yet got the hand sync which forces my fingers to stop doing it. Like, Im moving my fingers because Im at a speed which allows me to do so, maybe I will naturally do it less as my hand sync increases.
I can play faster dampened chuggy type riffs without moving my picking fingers at all but at the speed Im playing these picking exercises I dont seem to be able to alter how Im playing. I may just have to run with it and accept the limitations.
Maybe Im more of a 'hammer on - pull off' kind of a guy
here's a quick run through the triplet exercise as well. Its much the same as the other drill. I have been able to increase the tempo since starting but cant eliminate the finger moving.
Hi mate, great to see you practicing!
Timing is good on both videos, not only the 16th notes sound tight, the triplets are sounding good now.
The main issue here is the fingers movements which should be fixed in order to be able to play at faster tempos. This will be a barrier for faster speeds and trickier alternate picking licks so you need to put all your focus on it. On the first video, you are doing more movement from your fingers than from your wrist, while you should start the movement from your wrist on keep your fingers fixed.
I recommend you to slow down this exercises in order to be able to control the fingers movement until you get used to it and it becomes normal. I don't recommend to increase speed practising with the wrong technique.
Awesome Bleez!! Your right hand looks much better now. You are not starting the movement from your fingers, well done!
I think that now it's just a matter of patience and diary practice, you are on the right track.
Gab, regarding your Pearl Jam lesson...
I notice there's no rhythm guitar in the backing so for a rec take would it be ok to play and record the rhythm parts and then record the lead parts separate rather than trying to do both in one take and having no chords behind the lead parts?
Hi Bleez, yeah, you mean like the lesson? that I've did one take for the rhythm and one for the solo? I think that's ok.
However, I can make a new mix of the backing. Just tell me exactly what you need.
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