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GMC Forum _ Mtp (Bogdan) _ Mrblomme Mtp Thread - June

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic May 31 2010, 11:49 PM

Hello MrBlomme!

Welcome to the new phase of bass mtp. Since you already had mtp, I'll check back topics and we'll continue where we left of. Tell me a bit about your goals and how you feel about your bass playing currently. Do you want to focus on something specific this time or wish to do a "bass course" type of mentoring we did before?

I'll post your first assignment tomorrow (1. june).
We'll have 4 assignments (weekly assignments that require audio and/or video submission) each month and a REC take that will be suitable to techniques/concepts we covered during that month!

Keep in mind that its not hard to keep up with the program, but in order not to fall back - you should work on assignments as soon as they are posted and record/write assignments on time. When you do an assignment I will immediately post a new one so you can leave time for monthly REC take recording.

Let me know if you have any questions and I'm looking forward to working with you!

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 1 2010, 09:55 AM

Hi Bogdan!

Glad I'm back in business smile.gif.
Well since December I play bass in a band. The last weeks we're not that active because we have a lot of students that need to study but in the months I play there I"ve allready learned a lot.

My playing hasnt improved that much but the thing that improved the most is the theory behind it. The scales and stuff, I'm getting a hang of them much more now. And offcourse my playing is improved but maybe not that hard.

The things I would like to work on are:

1. improvisation
2. playing walking bass
3. start to slap that bass

Let me know if that's possible. smile.gif
btw: dont know if I'm gonna make collab since I dont know the deadline? You've sended me a PM but in the topic there's no deadline.

Greetz!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 1 2010, 02:39 PM

Ok,let's start - the theme of this month will be improvisation.

Weekly assignment 1:

Using Root Notes In Improvisation


Lesson to practice:

Root notes lesson : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/root-notes-lesson/

Goal :
To learn what are root notes and how they relate to chords.

Purpose : Learn how you can use root notes effectively when improvising your bass line.

Instructions :


I want you to read all the text material of the lesson and to jam along its demo tune. All the time think about which chord is playing in the backing track when doing this. You want to get comfortable on following written chord progression and finding appropriate root notes on the bass neck instantly.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done.
As the weekly assignment, I will post a short backing track (custom made) and give you the chords in its progression. I want you to record in audio (or video if you want) your playing over the backing track by using ONLY ROOT notes. Play those root notes in any rhythm you want.

Bonus assignment : If you want to make most of this weeks assignment, when recording don't play roots in any rhythm rather play root notes ONLY on the kick drum kicks in the backing!

Deadline to complete: 6th of June

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 1 2010, 10:03 PM

I was wondering, you tell me only to use roots but I'm not quite sure about that.
So if I understand this:

at
Am I only can use A
B I can only play B

etc etc...

Or also 3ths and 5ths?

Probably a stupid question. happy.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 1 2010, 10:14 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 1 2010, 11:03 PM) *
I was wondering, you tell me only to use roots but I'm not quite sure about that.
So if I understand this:

at
Am I only can use A
B I can only play B

etc etc...

Or also 3ths and 5ths?

Probably a stupid question. happy.gif


For the sake of this assignment yes - ONLY ROOTS smile.gif

If its a chord Am use A, if its C7 use C and so on.

I'll post the backing track for assignment tomorrow! smile.gif

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 1 2010, 10:15 PM

Hehehe allrightie thanks!

Eh btw: I've allready did a REC on that lesson I think some time ago... tongue.gif

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 1 2010, 11:49 PM

Voila first day -> first update.

I've read all the info in the lesson and also watched the chord progression and must say. I have no problems at all with them. smile.gif

Afterwards I've played them in different positions and all went good.
Roots have no mysteries left for me. tongue.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 1 2010, 11:51 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 1 2010, 11:15 PM) *
Hehehe allrightie thanks!

Eh btw: I've allready did a REC on that lesson I think some time ago... tongue.gif


I know but this assignment is different and goal is not to learn the lesson note for note rather about root notes and improvisation. You will need to improvise your own bass track using only roots (and in certain rhythm if you want to go for bonus work).

Here is the backing:  Week_1_assignment.mp3 ( 421.48K ) : 223


Progression :

A / D / E / C#m F#m / Bm7 / A

Let me know if you need any help with the assignment! smile.gif

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 1 2010, 11:54 PM

Well my question in this is:

How can I improvise a lot when I only can use 1 note at 1 chord?
Ok I can play the note in a few ways but...

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 2 2010, 12:03 AM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 2 2010, 12:54 AM) *
Well my question in this is:

How can I improvise a lot when I only can use 1 note at 1 chord?
Ok I can play the note in a few ways but...


Since MTP lasts for 3 months, this month we'll cover basic improvising approaches , next month we'll do walking bass and then slap bass.

Root notes are key for improvisation and you need to be very comfortable with jamming along backing tracks in a certain way.By listening to the track and watching chords progression written on paper you need to be able to instantly find root notes on your bass neck and play them without much prior practice with the backing. Maybe its only one note (in many different places on the neck), but its a strongest one and you have to be able to improvise a good and groovy bass line and to find those roots on the spot (fingerboard familiarity!). Rhythm possibilities are endless too and that aspect also covers improvisation.

Now what you can see in the bonus assignment, I asked you to play roots ONLY on kick drum pattern, they can be different in length but make sure you attack the note exactly at the same time with the kick drum. Its a very important concept technique to master in order to be able to play groovy bass lines.

Hope I managed to explain why are we practicing this smile.gif

Let me know if you have any further questions etc... smile.gif

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 2 2010, 12:07 AM

Allright now I understand! smile.gif
Will have the backingtrack a go tomorrow!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 2 2010, 12:12 AM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 2 2010, 01:07 AM) *
Allright now I understand! smile.gif
Will have the backingtrack a go tomorrow!


That sounds great! Regarding a bass collab, deadline is not set yet (but we should finish it soon). Maybe once you record this assignment, you can apply it and play the same approach on the collab's backing track too??? I think it would be a great practice and I'm missing straight roots groove uploads there smile.gif

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 2 2010, 12:13 AM

That's a deal!

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 2 2010, 08:16 PM

OMG... I was practicing my excercise and ... my A string broke sad.gif

It didnt really brake but at the tuningparts it snapped a little (I hope you know what I mean).
So when I turn at the screws the tension gets higher but at a certain moment the tension is gone so the string hangs without any tension.

Hope I will find a single spare bass string... €35 for 4 strings... pfff

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 2 2010, 10:33 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 2 2010, 09:16 PM) *
OMG... I was practicing my excercise and ... my A string broke sad.gif

It didnt really brake but at the tuningparts it snapped a little (I hope you know what I mean).
So when I turn at the screws the tension gets higher but at a certain moment the tension is gone so the string hangs without any tension.

Hope I will find a single spare bass string... €35 for 4 strings... pfff


It happens...Generally strings for bass last long time when you put new on. If it snapped at tuning pegs, try to shorten the string (cut it) and rewind at the tuners (if there is enough length of the string left) or just try to find a spare one around. You don't have to buy whole set, some stores sell bass strings as spare ones (by 1 string) or find some really cheap strings...They will all work nicely...

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 2 2010, 10:36 PM

Yeah the string is to short to rewind, I'm going to the musicshop by tomorrow!
And now I'm not playing a 4string, not a 5string, not even a 6string bass.
Playing my own unique 3string! tongue.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 2 2010, 11:26 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 2 2010, 11:36 PM) *
Yeah the string is to short to rewind, I'm going to the musicshop by tomorrow!
And now I'm not playing a 4string, not a 5string, not even a 6string bass.
Playing my own unique 3string! tongue.gif


ahhahaha that is the spirit smile.gif Who needs 4 strings smile.gif))

Just try to get a single string pack if they have one - or get a cheapest standard gauge full pack... I'm sure they all will sound good and last a long time...

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 3 2010, 02:53 PM

Et voila, couldnt buy just one string so had to buy 4.
But! I went to another store and... the same strings that I payed €35 for are only €20 in that store. ohmy.gif

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 3 2010, 05:59 PM

Allright early update:

Today I've jammed with the roots, first without BT and now with. It's going quite well and I'll maybe record it later on the evening. It's quite fun to improvise, even if you can only play roots!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 3 2010, 06:29 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 3 2010, 03:53 PM) *
Et voila, couldnt buy just one string so had to buy 4.
But! I went to another store and... the same strings that I payed €35 for are only €20 in that store. ohmy.gif



QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 3 2010, 06:59 PM) *
Allright early update:

Today I've jammed with the roots, first without BT and now with. It's going quite well and I'll maybe record it later on the evening. It's quite fun to improvise, even if you can only play roots!


Excellent! 20e is a very good price for bass strings! smile.gif

I'm glad you are working on the BT. Idea with this improv is to explore some rhythmic ideas and how you can best utilize only one note in improv. Another very important aspect is to learn to just watch written chords on paper and follow the backing instantly without knowing the progression by heart. We'll use that concept a lot when playing walking bass.

Let me know when you record the first assignment (and collab possibly since its a same topic). Then I can post a new one for you...We'll discuss what could be your rec take for this month...

Keep up the good work! smile.gif

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 3 2010, 08:22 PM

OMG I've recorded something ant it sounds really awefull at the backingtrack...

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 3 2010, 08:28 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 3 2010, 09:22 PM) *
OMG I've recorded something ant it sounds really awefull at the backingtrack...


Try to keep it really simple. You can play straight quarter notes or 8th notes (roots) if you want. Just concentrate on learning to approach of using roots with proper rhythm against a backing track.

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 3 2010, 08:39 PM

Well this is REALLY BAD but wanted to share it with you...
Everything sounds... awefull tongue.gif

Yeah tryed to play on the basskick.

I really dont get it why it is THAT bad... the sound...

 Take1MTPjuneweek1.mp3 ( 271.76K ) : 200

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 3 2010, 09:11 PM

Its not that bad at all! You just got confused with chord changes. Try to listen more closely when changes are occurring.
In your playing you got lost on Bm7 chord.

A / D / E / C#m F#m / Bm7 / A

Its in 4/4 meaning 1 2 3 4 beats per measure. Take note that C#m F#m chords are taking on one bar (splitting it in half for each chord)

A chord - 4 beats
D chord - 4 beats
E chord - 4 beats
C#m chord - 2 beats!!!
F#m chord - 2 beats!!!
Bm7 chord - 4 beats
A chord - 4 beats
A chord - ending chord

You don't need to play staccato. Keep longer notes and just attack them on bass drum kicks. You don't need those pauses between notes - just keep em ringing.

Let me know if this helps! smile.gif

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 3 2010, 09:20 PM

Ooh didnt see that chord change!
I'll have a look at it tomorrow! smile.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 3 2010, 09:34 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 3 2010, 10:20 PM) *
Ooh didnt see that chord change!
I'll have a look at it tomorrow! smile.gif


Cool! Feel free to upload any take for comments! smile.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 5 2010, 12:07 AM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 3 2010, 10:20 PM) *
Ooh didnt see that chord change!
I'll have a look at it tomorrow! smile.gif


How is the work with assignment recording going? It's due 6th of June...

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 5 2010, 08:42 AM

Well yesterday I couldnt do anything and today I have a rehearsal with my band so I dont know if I will be able to practice but I'm also doing some improvisations in the band now. Will try to get it by tomorrow!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 5 2010, 02:37 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 5 2010, 09:42 AM) *
Well yesterday I couldnt do anything and today I have a rehearsal with my band so I dont know if I will be able to practice but I'm also doing some improvisations in the band now. Will try to get it by tomorrow!


Yeah that sounds fine. If you get it tomorrow I'll post you second assignment. You don't want to fall behind with these weekly tasks in order to complete everything. Have fun on the rehearsal. I'm traveling to a gig now so I'll be back tomorrow for comments etc.

Cheers

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 8 2010, 12:24 AM

Ok I can consider the previous assignments recording you sent as your submission.

Here is the new assignment:

Weekly assignment 2:

Using Root Notes and 5ths In Improvisation

Lesson to practice:

Root and 5ths lesson : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bass_First_Steps_Start_Jamming/
Practice video parts 3 and 6 of the lesson.

Goal : To learn what are root notes and 5ths and how they relate to chords.

Purpose : Learn how you can use root notes and 5ths effectively when improvising your bass line.

Instructions :

I want you to read all the text material of the lesson and to jam along its demo tune. All the time think about which chord is playing in the backing track when doing this. You want to get comfortable on following written chord progression and finding appropriate root notes and 5ths on the bass neck instantly.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done.
As the weekly assignment, I want you to record improvisation agaist the same backing track and progression you had for the previous assignment. I want you to record in audio (or video if you want) your playing over the backing track by using ONLY ROOT and 5th notes. Play those roots and 5ths notes in any rhythm you want.

Deadline to complete: 14th of June

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

HERE IS THE REC TAKE FOR JUNE I WANT YOU TO RECORD:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/walking-bass-concept-1/

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 10 2010, 08:11 PM

How is the work on new assignment going?

Posted by: Mrblomme Jun 11 2010, 05:59 PM

Hi man!

Work is going great, watched the video's and getting the hang of it. Jamming a bit and will record by sunday/monday! smile.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 13 2010, 07:57 PM

QUOTE (Mrblomme @ Jun 11 2010, 06:59 PM) *
Hi man!

Work is going great, watched the video's and getting the hang of it. Jamming a bit and will record by sunday/monday! smile.gif


Looking forward to it! smile.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 16 2010, 01:55 PM

Any news about the take? smile.gif Deadline was 14th... You don't want to fall behind. Let me know if you need any help with the take.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 21 2010, 09:52 PM

Hi there, how is work going? Do you need any help with the assignment? smile.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jul 1 2010, 03:16 AM

Hello my friend. We haven't had contact for a while, hope everything is well...?

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