Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
GMC Forum _ Gabriel Leopardi _ Hungryforheaven's Thread
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 13 2012, 04:36 PM
Hi HFH!! Welcome to your http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=43110&st=20 thread!!
Could you please tell me a bit about you, your musical tastes, influences, strengths and weaknesses? I would need some videos of you playing rhythm and solo guitar, so please post your best material here. If you have some music or ideas of your own, also post them here. Also let me know how you think that I can help you and what are your expectations for our job. You can check the other Army's thread to discover the different modalities of this project.
The principles of our Army are:
+ Improve your technique
+ Make music and solos
+ Have fun
+ Destroy the enemy (hahaha not realy just kidding... )
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jun 13 2012, 05:20 PM
Gabriel, thanks for letting me in!
I first started playing guitar in the late 1980's, highly influenced by Malmsteen and later Vinnie Moore. I also listened to (and still do) the metal bands of that time: Judas Priest, Dio, Manowar, Iron Maiden, Helloween, to name a few. I played for a few years, then other things became more important in life. I still had my old guitar, and used it to put some power chord based rhythm tracks on some songs I made with a friend over the past couple of years. It wasn't until 11 Jan 2010, however, when I bought an Ibanez that I started practicing systematically. Since then I have played probably 95 out of 100 days.
It seems as bending and vibrato comes rather naturally for me, I would list those as my strength.
I am ok with theory, too.
I have many weaknesses, some of which are related to picking in one form or another:
I am slow at alternate picking, especially outside picking.
I am embarassingly bad at sweep picking.
I am stuck within a limited library of phrases, making composition and especially improvisation rather dull.
Here are the videos of me that exist at the moment: http://www.youtube.com/user/H4HGMC/videos
Let me know if you need to see me play something in particular, and I could tailor a video for you (I guess there isn't much rhythm playing there). There are also some audio takes for collabs spread over the forum, I can collect links to them if you need.
I don't have any outrageous expectations out of this. I think what I need is some coaching rather than anything else. But I would be happy if you could spot flaws in my picking or other techniques, and give me some fresh ideas on what to practice.
I don't play in a band, and I have no ambition to play in a band. I do some composing together with a friend from time to time, and sometimes on my own. Is it too late to submit something for that Army album? 
With kindest regards,
H4H
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 13 2012, 06:18 PM
Hi H4H! I'm glad to help you with your guitar playing! I checked your videos and you already have a good level! That Racer X collab sounds cool, your solo composing is very tasty. 
Based on your post we should divide your work in 3: Alternate Picking, Sweep Picking and Phrasing/Improvisation.
Let's start with this lessons:
Alternate Picking:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=43715&st=0#entry576899
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/power-metal-soloing-lesson/
Sweep Picking:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=43281
Phrasing/Improvisation:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/guitar_loves_piano/
and choose any of the active collabs to join and let's work on it.
Regadring te Army's album, you can definitely join!!
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jun 14 2012, 04:33 PM
What an awesome start, Gabe!
So the exercise sheets for AP and sweeping I could/should incorporate in my warm-up routine at various (increasing) speed?
The power metal lesson is really cool! Actually, at least for me, this is less than 8 in difficulty; mainly because it avoids a lot of outside picking. There are other level 7 or 6 or even 5 which are more difficult for me. I would like to submit a video for this one soon, maybe at 120 or 130 bpm or so, and perhaps you can help me correct mistakes at an early stage. How does this sound?
The Piotr lesson is very tasty! I haven't learned it yet, but will do that and start practicing it. Here, the tempo isn't what is important, I could probably submit something at full speed in a week or so. Then you can comment specifically on my phrasing. Ok?
A rather cool riff appeared in my head the other day. I'll record something and post here, maybe it will become a full song sooner or later after some more work according to your advice.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 14 2012, 06:10 PM
Hi mate! Everything sounds great to me!
So the exercise sheets for AP and sweeping I could/should incorporate in my warm-up routine at various (increasing) speed?
Definitely!
The power metal lesson is really cool! Actually, at least for me, this is less than 8 in difficulty; mainly because it avoids a lot of outside picking. There are other level 7 or 6 or even 5 which are more difficult for me. I would like to submit a video for this one soon, maybe at 120 or 130 bpm or so, and perhaps you can help me correct mistakes at an early stage. How does this sound?
This sounds good! I'll wait for the video!
The Piotr lesson is very tasty! I haven't learned it yet, but will do that and start practicing it. Here, the tempo isn't what is important, I could probably submit something at full speed in a week or so. Then you can comment specifically on my phrasing. Ok?
Perfect! Concentrate on the feeling of your playing for this one.
A rather cool riff appeared in my head the other day. I'll record something and post here, maybe it will become a full song sooner or later after some more work according to your advice.
Amazing!
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jun 30 2012, 04:47 PM
Gabriel, here comes a take on Guitar Loves Piano.
I also did a power metal take, but something went wrong when recording video (so no video take exists for when the audio was recorded). I might make another attempt today or tomorrow, we'll see.
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jul 1 2012, 07:11 AM
Also, I would like to post something for your latest collab. I don't have any specific ideas as of yet, but I was thinking that I should try to come up with something involving my problem areas outside picking and sweeps.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 1 2012, 09:11 PM
I also did a power metal take, but something went wrong when recording video (so no video take exists for when the audio was recorded). I might make another attempt today or tomorrow, we'll see.
This take is fantastic mate!! Your tone, timing and vibrato are top level! Well done. There is only one note wrong (in the begining) in the whole take. Great job!
It sounds great for me!
That collab is open until 4th July.
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jul 4 2012, 12:50 PM
Hello, Gabriel.
I have composed a solo for the first half of the Vain Glory backing track (see attachment below). There are two main problems, though.
1. There is something that I don't like about bars 11 and 12, the descending 8th triplets over the F chord.
2. The bigger problem is that the pivot pattern in bars 9 and 10 are a bit difficult for me to execute at full speed (outside picking is a *****). I'm almost there, but I will most likely not learn it today. 
So I think I will have to pass on this collab. But at least it made me jam along and come up with a few bars worth of lead guitar. 
Vain_Glory_collab___idea___H4H.gp5 ( 4.07K )
: 86
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jul 7 2012, 01:49 PM
Ok, I kind of liked my composition in general, so I decided to record a take even if it's too late. And it seems popular to make videos even for audio collabs, so I'm following the trend.
I know I should have practiced this a bit more, but I will not be able to play at all for 3 days now, so I really wanted to record something. But I would still appreciate your comments on this.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 8 2012, 10:08 PM
Hi mate! That's a cool composition! I like how it evolves from Sweep Picking, to the pedal note neoclassical idea, and some other nice patterns. Every note sounds cool over the backing, and fits over each chord. You played all the licks perfectly excepting the first sweeps that has some timing issues. The other parts are perfect. Well done mate, I'm now doing the mix for the collab, would you like to join? If you say "yes" please send me the mix and the guitar only files....
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Jul 9 2012, 06:30 AM
Hello. Thanks for your feedback!
The thing is, I am out of town for a couple of days and I don't have access to the recordings. The only version I have now is one with a delay effect on the first bit. It sounds a bit strange.. but if it is possible to use it, then go ahead. If not, I'll wait for the next collab. 
Vain_Glory_collab_H4H_solo_with_delay.mp3 ( 602.45K )
: 92
Ah, I see now that it's too late. 
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 9 2012, 03:05 PM
The thing is, I am out of town for a couple of days and I don't have access to the recordings. The only version I have now is one with a delay effect on the first bit. It sounds a bit strange.. but if it is possible to use it, then go ahead. If not, I'll wait for the next collab.
Vain_Glory_collab_H4H_solo_with_delay.mp3 ( 602.45K )
: 92Ah, I see now that it's too late.
Thanks mate! yes, I had to mix it and post the comments. I hope to see you in the next one!
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Aug 12 2012, 10:09 AM
Ok, so I finally managed to record a video for Power Metal Soloing Lesson.
It's pretty fast.. I need to get more used to record videos. There are those little hassles when recording - press rec buttons both on camera and in DAW, I need to position myself slightly differently from when I practice normally, etc. Since this is on the very edge of what I can do playing-wise, the little differences make me mess up a bit towards the end. In the end I have only myself to blame for the non-perfectness, but any tips on technique would be appreciated.
Also, I owe you a draft of a song. My computer is getting a bit tired, my DAW breaks down if I use too many tracks with too many effects. I might need a new computer, or maybe just a lighter DAW. Either way, I will try to post something sooner or later. The song is called Joining Forces, by the way; I figured it should fit into the Army theme.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 13 2012, 04:49 AM
Hi mate! That's a great take! You are VERY close to master this one. I can note that you are at your limit but I think that you will feel more comfortable after some more practice.
Regarding the song... the title already sounds SOO promising! Can't wait to hear it!
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Aug 13 2012, 01:06 PM
Thanks, man!
In the meantime, do you have any other assignments for me? Lessons to work on? Licks to document progress with? Songs to analyze?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 15 2012, 05:58 PM
Hi mate! These are the lessons that I suggest you to start working on... let me know what you think...
Alternate Picking:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/stamina-lesson-speed-bursts/
Sweep Picking:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Sweep-Picking-7th-Arpeggios/
Alternate Picking + Sweep Picking:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/alternate-and-sweep-picking-etude/
Phrasing/Improvisation:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/The_tasty_etude/
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Aug 15 2012, 06:47 PM
Awesome!
The first one I have looked at briefly before. The note grouping is staggered, which is good to practice. I will learn the notes, and see which tempo I shall start at.
The second one, a brand new cool lesson! I really dig that you suggested this, it gives me more motivation to learn the technique better. I tend to practice sweeps for a day or two, then I get impatient when I don't make progress. But now... hopefully...
The third one I have also touched upon before. It's difficult for a level 6, for sure. But it could be that I am better now than last time I looked at that lesson, we'll see about my initial tempo.
The fourth one is nice. I will listen to it a few times to get a feel for the melody before I dig into the tabs. Maybe even try to play along to the video.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 16 2012, 11:01 PM
Great mate! Feel free to change any of the lessons if you find somethings better that covers the same idea. 
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Oct 20 2012, 03:07 PM
Hi Gabriel! Just a quick update, so you don't think I have abandoned this thread completely.
Speed Bursts - It is too fast for me. I can maybe do it at around 85% speed if I concentrate. But I honestly don't see the point with the bursts in this lesson, since it is played through at top speed once before the bursts start.
7th Arpeggios - I am getting rather comfortable with this one. The tricky bit is that the sweeping motion is broke up (since the 7th and the octave are played on the same string).
Alt/Sweep - As I mentioned before, this is difficult for a level 6 lesson. For me, the most difficult are the sweeping parts, especially moving from alternate to sweep and keep the flow. I can play each bar or each two consecutive bars at full speed, but not put them together.
Tasty - I haven't started with this one yet.
H4H
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 22 2012, 06:06 PM
Hi mate! Thanks for the update! Ok, so maybe we could look for some lessons that could be a previous step to then master these ones.
Let's add this exercises to your diary practice:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42831
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=43715&st=0#entry576899
I thinking on lessons for Sweep+ Alternate Picking but it seems that all the lessons are over level 7.. I'll be back with something.
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Oct 23 2012, 06:35 AM
Thank you! I have tried these Gilbert type licks before, but have never come to a point where I feel comfortable with outside picking. Every time that I cross strings with an outside motion, it feels like I have to move a mountain. It totally breaks the flow. I don't know, really, should I video myself doing outside picking both ways at various speeds (and various hand positions/pick angles) and perform a deep analysis of the hand motions? Or just keep doing what I do until it feels good?
Let's do this: I compose something involving sweep picking on different numbers of strings, make a simple backing track, and record at a speed that I am comfortable with, and we'll see if you have any tips along the way before I move on.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 23 2012, 04:07 PM
Let's do this: I compose something involving sweep picking on different numbers of strings, make a simple backing track, and record at a speed that I am comfortable with, and we'll see if you have any tips along the way before I move on.
yes, Outside picking is usually more difficult and that's because you have to do an extra movement to cross the strings... I think that if you can post a video as your said we will be able to analyze your motion.
Also, let's go for your idea!!
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Oct 24 2012, 06:19 PM
Ok, so I wrote this little etude yesterday, and I also made a simple backing track with drums, bass and keyboard. 
Sweep_Exercise.pdf ( 393.94K )
: 278
It has the basic chord progression Em-Am-D-G-B-C-D-Em, same in "verse" as in "chorus". The first 8 bars (first "verse") have 3 string sweeps, the next 8 bars have 5 string sweeps. Second time around, the 3 string sweeps are combined with 2 string sweeps, while the 5 string sweeps stay the same. Then there is a freestyle section, where I can improvise over the chords for 16 bars, and the last round has some tapping incorporated in the 3-string stuff.
Each group of 8 bars (with exception of the solo section) has the same picking pattern repeated each bar.
I will try to record it at a decent tempo and post it here.
Also, I will try to post something that shows my hand motion for alternate (outside) picking.
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Oct 24 2012, 07:10 PM
Oh, and what about the previous ones? Should I keep practicing your power metal lesson? Should I record Alex's 7ths sweeps?
I should try to be way more organized and keep track of progress etc, but I just can't get myself to arrange it to happen.. 
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 25 2012, 06:01 PM
Sweep_Exercise.pdf ( 393.94K )
: 278It has the basic chord progression Em-Am-D-G-B-C-D-Em, same in "verse" as in "chorus". The first 8 bars (first "verse") have 3 string sweeps, the next 8 bars have 5 string sweeps. Second time around, the 3 string sweeps are combined with 2 string sweeps, while the 5 string sweeps stay the same. Then there is a freestyle section, where I can improvise over the chords for 16 bars, and the last round has some tapping incorporated in the 3-string stuff.
Each group of 8 bars (with exception of the solo section) has the same picking pattern repeated each bar.
I will try to record it at a decent tempo and post it here.
Also, I will try to post something that shows my hand motion for alternate (outside) picking.
Hi mate! Great job with that exercise! It seems to be very useful. I'll wait for the video to hear it over the backing!
I should try to be way more organized and keep track of progress etc, but I just can't get myself to arrange it to happen..
yes, I think that the best is to incorporate all the lesson into your diary routine, at least play them once (if you already mastered it), and also record yourself playing Alex's lesson. Once you have enough lessons learnt that cover the different techniques, your diary routine will be much funnier.
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Nov 14 2012, 03:42 PM
Hi Gabriel!
I need your help. I want to create a stricter practice program. As of now, it feels as there are too many topics to focus on, from your suggestions and new lessons popping up and collaborations that seem way too cool to be missed. Unfortunately, I couldn't post any take for your Modern Metal collab, since I had no ideas left. I sat with the backing track and tried to jam something up, I looked at the videos you posted in the style for inspiration, but I got nothing into my head except phrases I have already used a million times.
I would like fewer but more specific things to work on every session. Preferrably not covering the whole session, since I would also want to have time for "noodling" (or I would get too bored). Maybe a rolling schedule, focusing on, say, alternate picking for two sessions alternated with two sessions focusing on sweep picking, or something similar? Something with measurable progress would be good, too. Would you like to help me setting up such a practice schedule?
I know, I owe you some videos. They are still part of the plan, and will appear sooner or later.
H
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 14 2012, 05:04 PM
Hi mate, yes! I want to help you with this! How many hours a day can you practice?
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Nov 14 2012, 05:20 PM
Great! I can spend at least one hour most days, more on weekends if I am at home but occasionally less on weekdays.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 14 2012, 07:25 PM
Ok.. so we should divide it in four segments that you will practice every day...
(5 minutes - Warming up + Stretching)
15 minutes - Alternate picking
15 minutes - Sweep Picking
15 minutes - Learning triads/arpeggios/licks (to make your guitar vocabulary grow)
15 minutes - having fun with guitar
What do you think?
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Nov 14 2012, 07:35 PM
Thanks, man! I'm gonna start the first session right now, and will let you know in a few days what is going on.
H
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 15 2012, 11:29 PM
H
Excellent! How it was? What did you practice?
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Nov 24 2012, 12:12 PM
I have played through this programme about 5 times. Now, after not being able to play at all for a few days, I plan to return to business.
In the Alternate Picking section, I focus on outside picking which is still my arch enemy. I play repeated Gilbert type licks, with and without speed bursts. First with bursts, a 5/4 rhythm with two repetitions at normal speed followed by one at double speed. I step up the metronome until the bursts are too fast. Then I switch to a normal 4/4 rhythm and do the same without the speed bursts, step up until I can't handle it anymore. I'm thinking that it might be a point in doing it in reverse order; when it gets too fast, I step down but increase the top speed. I think I will try that today.
Sweep Picking. First, I play Alex's 7th arpeggios over backing track, gradually increasing the tempo. As I mentioned before, the lesson is not optimal for sweep picking practice since the picking pattern is "broken" in the middle. However, it is a very good lesson to rub in the 7th shapes. Then I switch to my own etude, I play it a few times at 150bpm over backing track.
Lick Library. I have practiced a lick that I picked up from Ben's video chat last week, it mixes legato and picking in a nice way. Also some other legato licks, for instance the ultra-fast lick from the Michael Schenker lesson (I have many bpms to catch up there). I try to play this lick higher up the neck, to avoid the big stretch - previously, I have experienced problems with my left index finger after practicing this lick for too long; I think it had to do with not resting enough between repetitions. I sometimes feel that 15 minutes is not enough for these, I may make it 20 minutes when I know I have time for it.
Having Fun. I use these 15 minutes to play through lessons that I have learned before, such as Power Metal Soloing, Move Your Little Finger, Triplet Etude, Horizontal Arpeggios. I have also experimented with alternate picking the sweep patterns in my etude, to see if it helps my outside picking of "smaller" shapes. I actually find it rather exhausting even at low speeds; I see that as a good thing, though, since it has to mean that I need to practice it more. Maybe I should incorporate it in the warm-up routine.
Since I can usually play more than this hour, I save the freestyling/noodling for after this programme.
I should also mention the following: I recently discovered that if I turn my picking hand so that I pick a little bit more from above the strings, the outside picking seems to flow somewhat smoother. I can't tell yet whether or not this is revolutionary for my picking, I need a bit more time to practice picking this way. It does feel a bit unnatural still, and since I normally sit down when I play I may need to change position somehow in order not to get problems with my shoulder. Or practice standing up, but it is inconvenient in several ways.
About the British Metal collab. I would definitely like to submit something. I don't have many ideas, but could we perhaps try to work out something in this thread? The backing is a bit short - it might seem paradoxal that I would like a longer backing track when I have no ideas, but some melodies might need more "time to grow". I'm thinking harmonies á là Maiden or Priest here.
Posted by: HungryForHeaven Nov 28 2012, 10:09 AM
Never mind this, I am about to come up with something.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 28 2012, 03:38 PM
Hi HFH!! Thanks for this complete report! I'm proud of you mate! You are doing doing a great job, not only practicing in a well organized way, you are very focused on improving the small aspects of your technique to get better and better. I think that your guitar program is great by now and that you should work on this for at least 15 days more... then we could switch some exercises / lessons. I'm curious about the new hand position and if it finally helps your outside picking... let me know!
and now I'm anxious to hear your take for the collab!!
Keep on the hard work and keep me updated!!
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)