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GMC Forum _ Cosmin Lupu _ Guitar1969 Mixed Guitarts Thread
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 26 2012, 11:00 AM
Hey there Michael! Here is your personal thread! I named it so, because your goals are various and if pursued they can turn you into a guitARTIST 
we can improve anything, as long as you are ready to improve - patient and focused, so that progress may occur naturally 
Hillsong United are you a part of that group? I have heard about them from my Baptist friends - I listen to a lot of Christian bands 
Now, let's see:
Speedpicking - I use AP, or more like economy picking across strings. Not looking to be a shredder but would like to add some faster runs here and there. I can probably only do 95-100 bpm on sixteenth notes right now.
Improvising melodically
Learning to change timings - going from 8ths to 16ths to triplets.
Use partial chord shapes - varying chords, like on highest and middle strings
Learning to use intervals in my playing (goes along with partial chord shapes)
Spice up my rythmn - Learn how to be proficient at extensions and licks while playing rythmn - Like Hendrix.
Better articulation fretting and picking - I seem to miss alot of notes, so I always just play it safe.
All of these are mainly phrasing related, but I was curious how much time do you have for practicing? In respect to this, together with you, I will think up a practice routine so that you may progress one step at a time.
all the best
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Feb 26 2012, 07:27 PM
we can improve anything, as long as you are ready to improve - patient and focused, so that progress may occur naturally
Hillsong United
are you a part of that group? I have heard about them from my Baptist friends - I listen to a lot of Christian bands Now, let's see:
Speedpicking - I use AP, or more like economy picking across strings. Not looking to be a shredder but would like to add some faster runs here and there. I can probably only do 95-100 bpm on sixteenth notes right now.
Improvising melodically
Learning to change timings - going from 8ths to 16ths to triplets.
Use partial chord shapes - varying chords, like on highest and middle strings
Learning to use intervals in my playing (goes along with partial chord shapes)
Spice up my rythmn - Learn how to be proficient at extensions and licks while playing rythmn - Like Hendrix.
Better articulation fretting and picking - I seem to miss alot of notes, so I always just play it safe.
All of these are mainly phrasing related, but I was curious how much time do you have for practicing? In respect to this, together with you, I will think up a practice routine so that you may progress one step at a time.
all the best
Cosmin
Cosmin:
Thanks for setting up.
I am not part of Hillsong United - They are actually a very popular worship band that is
geared for the younger generation, that is internationally recognized. Very riff oriented, dotted 8th note delay, ambient type stuff. Kind of U2 - Edge style which is my favorite guitarist. Some other Christian bands to check out that I think you would like are : Kutless - their older stuff, Switchfoot - newer stuff.
I think at this point I can safely dedicate 20-30 min a day of practice, and sometimes more - Definitely more on weekends. Because my time is limited I really want to focus my practice time to get the most out of it.
Your the boss, so lead the way.
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 27 2012, 12:43 PM
Thanks for setting up.
I am not part of Hillsong United - They are actually a very popular worship band that is
geared for the younger generation, that is internationally recognized. Very riff oriented, dotted 8th note delay, ambient type stuff. Kind of U2 - Edge style which is my favorite guitarist. Some other Christian bands to check out that I think you would like are : Kutless - their older stuff, Switchfoot - newer stuff.
I think at this point I can safely dedicate 20-30 min a day of practice, and sometimes more - Definitely more on weekends. Because my time is limited I really want to focus my practice time to get the most out of it.
Your the boss, so lead the way.
Michael
Hey Michael,
since your time is limited, I would suggest going for 3 lessons/ month, based on the things you wish to improve - is that a too much?
First of all, my mind is taking me to Ben Higgins' wonderful http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/
this one will give you a wonderful and on the spot understanding and exercising of subdivision shifting
Once you're done with this one, we can tackle another subject from your list
what say you mate?
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Feb 28 2012, 04:22 AM
since your time is limited, I would suggest going for 3 lessons/ month, based on the things you wish to improve - is that a too much?
First of all, my mind is taking me to Ben Higgins' wonderful http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/
this one will give you a wonderful and on the spot understanding and exercising of subdivision shifting
Once you're done with this one, we can tackle another subject from your list
what say you mate?
Cosmin
Sounds Good - I should be able to manage 3 lessons a month, and then we can determine down the road if I can take on more. Ben's lesson sounds like a good place to start to determine what I already can do regarding AP and speedpicking. I do want to work on being able to switch timings fluidly for soloing - alternating easily between 8th notes, 16th notes, and 8th note triplets.
So should I only work on one lesson at a time or should I possibly do 2 at a time for variety. Also, how do I determine when I am ready to move on to another lesson?
I will get going on the lesson you gave me.
Thanks for all your help.
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 28 2012, 08:25 AM
So should I only work on one lesson at a time or should I possibly do 2 at a time for variety. Also, how do I determine when I am ready to move on to another lesson?
I will get going on the lesson you gave me.
Thanks for all your help.
Michael
Good morning Michael - well, if you could record yourself while playing it would be a great way for knowing when you are ready to move on to a different lesson, so, tell me, can you video record? The quality does not matter, as long as I can see and hear what you are playing
all the best
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Feb 28 2012, 11:19 PM
all the best
Cosmin
I think I can figure out how record video and audio together - I have been reading the posts and such on this as I was planning to get going on the REC and Collabs at some point. I have the equipment and the interfaces, just need to figure out how to combine a separate audio and video feed so my guitar part and backing will sound better than what my Webcam would produce audiowise (Looks like I can do it in Movie Maker)
So how does the mentoring work on an ongoing basis - Do we just touch base weekly or so, unless I am having a problem with the current lesson and reach out
I am all set at this point and am getting down to practicing that first lesson.
Thanks for all your help.
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 29 2012, 08:21 AM
So how does the mentoring work on an ongoing basis - Do we just touch base weekly or so, unless I am having a problem with the current lesson and reach out
I am all set at this point and am getting down to practicing that first lesson.
Thanks for all your help.
Michael
Hey Michael - mentoring means that we'll have a good time together improving your playing
that means everything is a free discussion and I will be here whenever you feel like asking anything so, feel free to ask away whatever you'd like to know mate! The REC will be a very important point as, it's your measure of progress I plan on having only straight 10s with you as with all of my team 
Let me know how it goes, k?
all the best
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Feb 29 2012, 10:15 PM
Got it - On that first lesson I am okay with the 8ths and pretty much the triplets to tempo(120bpm), but not able to do the 16ths at tempo yet, which I knew would be a problem based upon my past work on speedpicking. I for some reason just can't go fast (I tense up) and I know to keep the pick angled to cut through the string, and also to not dig too deep into the string.
I also find I anchor my pinky on the pickguard, and am trying to break that habit as it seems it might be limiting.
I know I just need to spend time on it, using proper form.
mh
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 1 2012, 09:21 AM
I also find I anchor my pinky on the pickguard, and am trying to break that habit as it seems it might be limiting.
I know I just need to spend time on it, using proper form.
mh
Exactly, since you have spotted your problems, now work your way through the tempo starting very slow - you can control everything at slow speed and gradually work your way up till your newly formed habits. Indeed, not anchoring the pinky gives you way more mobility. What's the highest speed on which you can alternate pick the 16th notes being relaxed and confident?
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 2 2012, 08:07 PM
Cosmin:
I actually have been focussing more time to practicing these last few days as I want to get past this.
I am working toward not anchoring that pinky. On 16ths I am at around 95bpm - so when I do 8th trips I am at around 120bpm. What I need to focus on is not doing any bigger picking strokes than I need to, trying to pretty much keep the pick tip on the string on the up stroke and downstrokes - more of a tremelo picking (which is what I am striving for).
I was spending a good chunk of time on the 8th note triplets, but then I realized that I might as well work more on the 16ths since there is one more stroke per BPM and if I can do the 16ths, then the 8th trips will be easy.
Hey - I also checked out your Band Vodoo on Itunes - Really some great guitar works and great tone.
Thanks for all your help and have a good weekend.
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 3 2012, 02:38 PM
I actually have been focussing more time to practicing these last few days as I want to get past this.
I am working toward not anchoring that pinky. On 16ths I am at around 95bpm - so when I do 8th trips I am at around 120bpm. What I need to focus on is not doing any bigger picking strokes than I need to, trying to pretty much keep the pick tip on the string on the up stroke and downstrokes - more of a tremelo picking (which is what I am striving for).
I was spending a good chunk of time on the 8th note triplets, but then I realized that I might as well work more on the 16ths since there is one more stroke per BPM and if I can do the 16ths, then the 8th trips will be easy.
Hey - I also checked out your Band Vodoo on Itunes - Really some great guitar works and great tone.
Thanks for all your help and have a good weekend.
Michael
Hey Michael! Thanks for the status update and for checking out my band
let me know how things are going and send me some recordings of you playing it I'm curious to see how things are evolving Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 8 2012, 12:07 AM
Cosmin:
Just checking in with you. I am still working on the lesson, trying to get as much practice time as I can. I think I am getting a bit faster on the 16ths, but the increased BPM on the 16ths seems to really be coming slow for me. One thing I never noticed before, which is probably no news to you, is that it is easier to play faster picking higher up on the neck where the strings have more tension, like around the 12th fret upward. Seems when I go down to the lower fretss - 7th fret and lower, there is more slop in the strings, and makes it a bit harder to get a consistent even sound. Withi the next week some time I will get a video together at whatever BPM I can do and have you take a look at it and maybe you can give me some feedback if I am doing anything wrong, which may be hindering my ability to speed up (I honestly feel I am just a slow learner at this point).
Thanks again for all your help - Don't give up on me.
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 8 2012, 09:52 AM
Just checking in with you. I am still working on the lesson, trying to get as much practice time as I can. I think I am getting a bit faster on the 16ths, but the increased BPM on the 16ths seems to really be coming slow for me. One thing I never noticed before, which is probably no news to you, is that it is easier to play faster picking higher up on the neck where the strings have more tension, like around the 12th fret upward. Seems when I go down to the lower fretss - 7th fret and lower, there is more slop in the strings, and makes it a bit harder to get a consistent even sound. Withi the next week some time I will get a video together at whatever BPM I can do and have you take a look at it and maybe you can give me some feedback if I am doing anything wrong, which may be hindering my ability to speed up (I honestly feel I am just a slow learner at this point).
Thanks again for all your help - Don't give up on me.
Michael
Of course I am not giving up on you man! The coordination between hands is better when they are closer from one another
this is why you are more comfy in the superior part of the neck, closer to the pickups. I am sure it's just a matter of exercising, so let's see the vid my friend! Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 12 2012, 07:20 PM
Cosmin:
Here is a link to my first video, playing the Basic Picking at 96 BPM. I am still stuck on going any faster on those 16ths without it getting really sloppy. Please review and let me know what I need to work on technique wise as I try to get faster at this lesson. I seem to get a lot of extra pick noise and overtones (Not clean) but not sure if its something I am doingin my technique or if it just the amp model I am using through my Boss BR600 digital recorder.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JbQjzC4gM0
Thanks,
Michael
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 14 2012, 07:45 PM
Cosmin:
How's it going? I was just checking up to see if you had a chance to review my video I posted a few days ago.
Let me know your thoughts.
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 15 2012, 08:56 AM
How's it going? I was just checking up to see if you had a chance to review my video I posted a few days ago.
Let me know your thoughts.
Michael
Hey Michael! Sorry for the delay mate, I was sure I already answered you, but it seems I was wrong
anyway, the take is pretty good man! You need to give it a little more time and focus on the following aspects:- hold the pick a bit more parallel with the strings for a cleaner tone and only keep its tip out for best control
- take care with the timing and try to play as tight as possible - there are spots where you dragged behind the beat
- take care when you start playing triplets - anticipate the transition and you'll get it right - in the video, you can see how your hand struggles a bit till it finds comfort in playing the triplets.
that being said, let's see an improved take and aim for that 10
how's it going otherwise?Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 15 2012, 06:59 PM
Cosmin: No worries on the delay - I thought you might have missed it. I knew I had more work to do and have been pressing on, but wanted to make sure I was doing everything correctly at this lower speed.
I was and am still confused on the pick angle as I thought the tip needed to be angled to cut through the string easier (I thought I learned that from one of Kris' early lessons - before GMC and I think it was discussed in one of Tod'ds chats recently that I was in. Can you clarify it a bit more so I understand - Maybe a close up Picture of how yours looks on the downstroke and then the upstroke
I do agree that my transition from 8ths to triplets is a bit rocky and sometimes lags as well - I can feel it takes me a bit to get into the groove again
I will press on o for this lesson (I have sped it up a bit)
If possible, I would like to add another lesson at this point on some other aspect of playing to give me some variety in my practicing as I seem to be finding more time and would like some balance, as I have trouble doing this lesson over and over for any length of time. Can we maybe add something in the way of simple short licks along with playing chords, or riffing, or scales , or simple soloing that incorporate some of these changing of temps (8ths 16ths and triplets) as a secondardy lesson. I understand a bit of theory so when I see a solo or riff I always try to figure out on my own what scale it is and why it fits with the progression so I can use it in other musical situations.
Thanks for all your help.
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 16 2012, 11:28 AM
I was and am still confused on the pick angle as I thought the tip needed to be angled to cut through the string easier (I thought I learned that from one of Kris' early lessons - before GMC and I think it was discussed in one of Tod'ds chats recently that I was in. Can you clarify it a bit more so I understand - Maybe a close up Picture of how yours looks on the downstroke and then the upstroke
I do agree that my transition from 8ths to triplets is a bit rocky and sometimes lags as well - I can feel it takes me a bit to get into the groove again
I will press on o for this lesson (I have sped it up a bit)
If possible, I would like to add another lesson at this point on some other aspect of playing to give me some variety in my practicing as I seem to be finding more time and would like some balance, as I have trouble doing this lesson over and over for any length of time. Can we maybe add something in the way of simple short licks along with playing chords, or riffing, or scales , or simple soloing that incorporate some of these changing of temps (8ths 16ths and triplets) as a secondardy lesson. I understand a bit of theory so when I see a solo or riff I always try to figure out on my own what scale it is and why it fits with the progression so I can use it in other musical situations.
Thanks for all your help.
Michael
Hey Michael, sure we can! So, I was thinking about this one as it has melody and nice combos of 16th notes which I'd like you to get used to before tackling one which switches between 16ths and triplets back and forth: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/16th_notes_phrasing/
I shall take a pic of my picking angles and show you what my approach is
what do you think of the lesson above?
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 16 2012, 09:04 PM
Sounds Good. I like that lesson and will get right on it. I was also playing around with this lesson last night:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/melodic-solo-in-gm/
But it doesn't have any 16ths so I will concentrate on the one you gave me
On my picking speed, I think a bit of my problem is that I tend to favor thinner picks for chords and such which don't work well for picking (I typically use .60 to .88 mm Nylons). I tried a thicker V-pick last night and immediately had more control, but then hated it for strumming. I need to find something in between.
Thanks for all your help.
mh
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 17 2012, 10:17 AM
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/melodic-solo-in-gm/
But it doesn't have any 16ths so I will concentrate on the one you gave me
On my picking speed, I think a bit of my problem is that I tend to favor thinner picks for chords and such which don't work well for picking (I typically use .60 to .88 mm Nylons). I tried a thicker V-pick last night and immediately had more control, but then hated it for strumming. I need to find something in between.
Thanks for all your help.
mh
Morning mate!
the thing is, thicker pics are always good for control
something in between would be a 1.00 pick which is good for tone control and strumming once you get used to it. Usually when strumming, I loosen up my hand so that it'll be very fluid I've used 3mm picks for strumming and it's just a dynamics change, if you focus a bit. Now I think both lessons are useful, so feel free to tackle them both in any order you would like.
The melodic solo lesson is good for tone control, so there you go
two things you can work on in parallel let me know if I can help further with these
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 23 2012, 09:32 PM
Cosmin:
I seem to be picking up some speed on those 16ths but with it, getting alot more pick noise as opposed to when I do 8th notes so I still seem to be struggling with pick angle, or attack or something. Can you send me those picks of youre pick angle or possibly direct me to a video here on GMC that shows proper pick angle as I believe I am using an angle that I learned from Kris awhile back on one of his early vids, so I am doing something wrong. I would like to get this under control before I get to far.
Thanks,
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 25 2012, 12:03 AM
Hey mate check this out:
- this is how you're holding it - angled and prone to producing harmonics
- this is a position in which the pick is parallel to the strings and it will not produce extra sounds 
Try it and tell me what you think
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 26 2012, 10:14 PM
Thanks for clarifying. it definitely is harder to pick the strings when its parallel - Seems pick gets kind of stuck a bit more, making it hard to get a fast speed going, but I will relearn it this way. I am confused a bit though as it goes against what I have previously been told here at GMC by others, but I will trust it will be better in the long run.
Thanks,
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 27 2012, 10:58 AM
Thanks,
Michael
If you want a clean tone, stick to the parallel position, if you want more aggressiveness and attack, use the angled approach
the parallel will provide clean consistent tone, which is especially good when arpeggiating clean chords. Try it mate!Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Mar 28 2012, 10:58 PM
Sounds good. By the way, the laat sentence in your intro paragraph "Is that your Mama" has me interested:
* Oh and did you know that to become a killer guitarist you just need to focus on one thing? Everything
else is secondary. Pm me and I will explain."
What is it . . . . .
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 29 2012, 12:24 AM
* Oh and did you know that to become a killer guitarist you just need to focus on one thing? Everything
else is secondary. Pm me and I will explain."
What is it . . . . .
if you stick to this thread you will eventually find out
Posted by: Guitar1969 Apr 19 2012, 12:41 AM
Cosmin:
Just wanted to let you know I am still around, but have been sick a bit and not getting in my focused GMC practice time, but still have been playing practicing songs and such to prepare for performances.
I seem to really have a hard time getting my speed up on that picking lesson and wondering if I will ever be able to get beyond a certain speed on 16ths. I seem to be topping out at 110bmp if I am lucky (Not consistently). For some reason, any faster than that and my pick strokes are uneven and the pick gets stuck on a bit on side of the stroke. Getting burnt out on this lesson, so have been doing the other 16th note lesson you gave me which is going good, but it is also a slower tempo so not as difficult.
Is there a drill I can be doing to focus on just getting over that speed plateau I am at with the 16th notes.
I will keep pressing on but wondering if I need to tackle it a different way.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 19 2012, 11:15 AM
Hey mate!
glad to have you back on track!
Mate, this process takes time and consistency, practice focusing on playing every note perfect and relaxed while keeping both hands in sync - speed will come, trust me.
It is better to practice one thing for 15 minutes a day, every day rather than practicing 5 hrs one day and not touching the guitar for a week afterwards
Consistency will bring results - it is a matter of having your brain accustomed with some movements, which will become more and more usual for it in time, thus the necessary movements will be lesser and lesser -> speed
Would you like to tackle anything else in the mean time? I wouldn't like you to get bored
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 Apr 20 2012, 10:57 PM
glad to have you back on track!
Mate, this process takes time and consistency, practice focusing on playing every note perfect and relaxed while keeping both hands in sync - speed will come, trust me.
It is better to practice one thing for 15 minutes a day, every day rather than practicing 5 hrs one day and not touching the guitar for a week afterwards
Consistency will bring results - it is a matter of having your brain accustomed with some movements, which will become more and more usual for it in time, thus the necessary movements will be lesser and lesser -> speed
Would you like to tackle anything else in the mean time? I wouldn't like you to get bored
Cosmin
Maybe next week I will have you add another lesson - I am going to try to get over that speed plateau this weekend and work on the 16th not solo you gave me. I was trying to push my speed this morning, and its odd that sometimes I can almost do it(Do but a bit sloppy), and then othertimes it is really sloppy, but I can also feel the tension in my hand so I sure alot of it has to do with pick grip and relaxing.
Have a good one and we will talk next week.
mh
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 21 2012, 12:16 PM
Hola! mate, progress is creeping slowly, but there's one more trick - you have to learn how to relax during playing. I experienced a very nasty thing last night on stage - I was playing octaves in 16th notes and because I was tense from having to control my guitar while headbanging heavily in the previous part, I felt I was tensing up REALLY fast. I almost lost it at some point, but my drummer saved me
When being in complete control at slow speeds you are always relaxed, try to keep that feeling constant while increasing speed it'll prove PRICELESS later
keep in touch!
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 May 3 2012, 08:53 PM
Cosmin: I am going to keep at the 2 lessons you gave me thus far, but hoping you can add another one to give me some variety -Maybe one that will allow me to apply some of this technique in a practical way, such as repeating patterns or such.
I am seeing my speed getting faster, but sometimes I digress a bit and lose it and can't go fast at all - I am consciously trying to stay relaxed but easier said than done. Funny thing is the 16ths seem to be getting easier, but now the 8th note triplets are harderfor me even though there are less pickstrokes.
Thanks for all your help.
Michael
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 4 2012, 08:42 AM
Hey mate! Variation is crucial otherwise you get bored and when that happens, you won't progress how about this one?
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Arpeggios/
This one will keep you clean strive to hear every note loud and clear, k?
Cosmin
Posted by: Guitar1969 May 5 2012, 06:53 AM
Sounds good - Glad you didn't assign me that 40 techniques lesson. I am not ready to take that thing on.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 5 2012, 05:54 PM
Easy does it my friend we'll get to that sooner or later focus on this one and let's see what you got for me
Cosmin
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