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

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic May 31 2010, 11:44 PM

First of all welcome to your first bass mtp! We are going to have some fun. Can you please write me a bit about yourself and bass experience and your goals with the mtp. I like to conduct bass mtp in a form of bass course, setting up proper technique and working on different bass playing concepts in order to get you on your bass playing path. Main goal would be to teach you how to think like a bass player when playing/composing. Hope it sounds interesting? smile.gif

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!

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

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 1 2010, 12:02 PM

Hi Bogdan!
First of all, I'm really glad to have this opportunity! As you might know, I'm still working with Lian in my guitar MTP (we're a bit behind schedule...), but I'll have enough time to practice both instruments.
But first things first:
My name is Christian, I'm 29 years old and I'm from Germany. I've been playing guitar for 16 years now, with a few breaks, but it was mostly "chord bashing", so I've never had lessons or something like that. My dad taught me to play a few chords, and I learned the rest all by myself. I'm a rhythm guitar player in an oldies coverband called the Rocking Sixties, so we're covering songs from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, CCR and so on...nothing to complicated.
I love listening to all kinds of rock and metal, at the moment it's mostly metal, but my favourite band is Green Day (I think you saw my SI lesson).
6 weeks ago I bought a cheap Harley Benton bass to record this lesson and a few more songs I had in mind. This was the first time ever I've been playing the bass guitar...so I basically just played the root note. Then I took part in your cool bass collab, I think you've already heard (and liked) my take.
So, what are my goals?
1) I want to write songs and play the guitar and bass part myself. I know how to create riffs on the guitar (though I don't have any theory knowledge) and want to be able to create cool basslines instead of just playing the root note...
2) It might be a good idea to finally get a clue about theory...
3) I would like to play along to some favourite metal and rock songs, especially Green Day, NoFX etc...
4) Having said that, I play the bass with a pick (just like the bass players in the mentioned bands) and feel really comfy with it. It's really difficult for me to play with my fingers (I'm not a fingerpicker at all), but a few beginner drills might be useful...

Actually, what you said before (thinking like a bass player when composing) sounds really great!
btw, my usual "recording days" for MTP and REC stuff are tuesday and wednesday, so maybe we should start with the weekly assignments on these days in order to keep the schedule.
So, that's it about me, I'm really looking forward to learn anything about bass playing and as far as I can say with my MTP experience with Lian, I'm gonna be a much better player in a few weeks!

See you soon

Christian

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 1 2010, 04:34 PM

Very nice introduction. I think it would be instructional and good for you to practice your finger picking technique on bass during mtp since its a different feeling and will unlock a different perspective on the instrument... So here is a first assignment to establish left and right hand technique and positioning.

Weekly assignment 1:

Technique and timing workout

Lesson to practice: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/technique-exercises-1/

Goal : To be able to play all 6 exercises without mistakes on various tempos and all over the fretboard.

Purpose : Develop proper right and left hand technique and posture + work with a metronome to gain better time keeping skills.

Instructions :

Start tempo: 60 bpm
Target tempo: 120 bpm
Time to practice: 30 minutes daily

You should start by playing quarter notes (meaning one note per metronome click). After you successfully master the tempo of 120bpm (in quarter notes) switch to playing 8th notes (meaning 2 notes per metronome click). You need to play each exercise continuously over whole fretboard. In practice that means - you want to start an exercise on 1st fret, do the exercise ascending and descending and once you finish the pattern immediately move the whole thing one half step higher starting now on 2nd fret and move up the neck that way. For successful practice you need to be able to get to the 12th fret without mistakes on each tempo you practice on.

Rules of the practice:

1. Fretting hand will be fretting 1 finger per fret. You fretting hand thumb should be behind the neck - giving support.
2. Picking hand will be doing alternate picking. When picking notes alternate strictly between index and middle finger. Keep alternating even when changing strings you are playing on. Playing two notes in a row with a same finger is considered as a mistake when doing this kind of practice.
3. Picking hand thumb should be anchored on a "string above" the one you are playing on. If you are playing on E string, rest the thumb on the pickup. If you are playing on G string rest the thumb on D string - you get the concept.
4. Do not go to a higher tempo until you are comfortable on the previous one regarding all aspects mentioned.
5. Making mistake in alternating, fingerings or thumb positioning will restart your exercise. Pay attention to ALL the points mentioned. Do not go to a faster tempo if you can't maintain perfection in all three aspects (alternate,thumb position,fingering).

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done. On which tempo have you started and ended up. What part of the exercise (technique) is challenging etc...
In the end of the week I want you to record the 6 patterns, each in one position only against a metronome beat (or drum backing track) played in 8th notes. Record it on a tempo you are comfortable with and not sloppy so if its really slow that is perfectly OK (this technique is very new to you and demanding). I guess 80-100 bpm would be great. You can submit recording in audio but if you can record it in video that would be much better (so I can see your hands positioning etc). If you are using Logitech 9000 pro cam remember to turn of automatic right light and other auto settings in order to get a better frame rate (I don't mind if picture has less quality if I can see what you are doing clearly).

Deadline to complete: 8th of June

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

We need to complete 4 assignments + REC take this month so try to be on time with submissions (earlier then deadline would work even better!) smile.gif

P.s. If you need the drum backing track/metronome click track - I can supply you with one just let me know on which tempo you want it.

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 1 2010, 05:26 PM

Hi Bogdan, very nice first assignment, and it is indeed challenging for me...I just tried it a couple of times but I will have to figure out the right spot for the right hand. E.g. it feels really weird to place the thumb on one string above the one that is played...when I first started, I just rested it somewhere near the pick-up, and the thumb stayed there. The alternating movement is also still a challenge, but I've just practiced for 20 minutes now...I think it will feel more and more natural with time.
I think I'm gonna send you a request for a backing track on sunday, then I should be able to figure out more clearly which tempo will be the right one for the first video.
Did I get it right that a simple text like this one is enough for the daily updates?
See you!
Christian

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 1 2010, 05:32 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 1 2010, 06:26 PM) *
Hi Bogdan, very nice first assignment, and it is indeed challenging for me...I just tried it a couple of times but I will have to figure out the right spot for the right hand. E.g. it feels really weird to place the thumb on one string above the one that is played...when I first started, I just rested it somewhere near the pick-up, and the thumb stayed there. The alternating movement is also still a challenge, but I've just practiced for 20 minutes now...I think it will feel more and more natural with time.
I think I'm gonna send you a request for a backing track on sunday, then I should be able to figure out more clearly which tempo will be the right one for the first video.
Did I get it right that a simple text like this one is enough for the daily updates?
See you!
Christian


Yes!!! I'm glad you are already practicing! This kind of updates what you have done and how it feels etc is really good as I want to give you tips through the process. This is a challenging exercise since it incorporates 3 very important techniques in one practice. So just do it very slowly at first. Once you get your left hand going in one finger per fret (thumb behind the neck) - try looking at your right hand and focusing on alternating (and movable thumb anchor). When playing the E string it should rest on the pickup of the bass above the string. This is an exercise you are not required to play all songs this way but it will help you get a good technique for two important things -

1. Being economic with your picking since angle won't change every time you change string
2. Being able to mute strings you are not playing with your right hand!!!

Keep up the good work! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 1 2010, 05:36 PM

Luckily, my left hand is well trained since I am doing similar drill with Lian for guitar right now wink.gif
So I can focus on the right hand alone. I'll keep you updated daily!

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 3 2010, 04:10 PM

Hi Bogdan, just a short update:
I feel comfortable with the first part of the first exercise now tongue.gif meaning the alternate picking works pretty well now. I'm still having trouble to sync (or rather un-sync) my right and left hand while playing the other exercises. Quite often I have a tendency to pick with the same finger two times in a row.
But I'm sure I'll get it soon...

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 3 2010, 06:34 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 3 2010, 05:10 PM) *
Hi Bogdan, just a short update:
I feel comfortable with the first part of the first exercise now tongue.gif meaning the alternate picking works pretty well now. I'm still having trouble to sync (or rather un-sync) my right and left hand while playing the other exercises. Quite often I have a tendency to pick with the same finger two times in a row.
But I'm sure I'll get it soon...


Congrats on making progress man! I know how difficult this exercise is (even though it seems very easy on the first look) - especially if you haven't played fingerstyle much before. Key with this practice and main tactic is go really slow! For the assignment you can record 60bpm if you feel confident. In fact I would much rather like to see a slow take but precise and correct then a sloppy fast one. If you work 30 min a day on it you will feel a great progress in a weeks time. Regarding tendency to pick with the same fingers two times in a row - try to look at your right hand while practicing. It may seem trivial, but by just looking at our hand we are getting much more concentrated and have better control.

Keep up the good practice! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 3 2010, 07:44 PM

Hi Bogdan, I've been practicing a lot today and guess what? It works pretty well now, so I decided to shoot a video of myself playing this lesson.
I used the webcam of my girlfriends notebook and my V-amp 3, I think the sound is very low, just realised it after the video was finished, but hopefully you can hear what I am doing nevertheless. I made a mistake at the beginning of the second exercise but didn't start from the beginning again (sorry about that wink.gif ).
Unluckily, the metronome was not recorded, but I played at 60 bpm (just as you told me).
I'll keep practicing daily and hopefully I can record this lesson at 100 bpm on tuesday.
See you!
Christian


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 3 2010, 08:26 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 3 2010, 08:44 PM) *
Hi Bogdan, I've been practicing a lot today and guess what? It works pretty well now, so I decided to shoot a video of myself playing this lesson.
I used the webcam of my girlfriends notebook and my V-amp 3, I think the sound is very low, just realised it after the video was finished, but hopefully you can hear what I am doing nevertheless. I made a mistake at the beginning of the second exercise but didn't start from the beginning again (sorry about that wink.gif ).
Unluckily, the metronome was not recorded, but I played at 60 bpm (just as you told me).
I'll keep practicing daily and hopefully I can record this lesson at 100 bpm on tuesday.
See you!
Christian



Oh I'm glad you shot this video! Your practice seems to be going in the right direction. I would suggest one thing though regarding your picking hand. You are plucking strings upwards (like on acoustic guitar) and you should go with your finger through the string and let it stop on string above. Try to keep your last joint of the plucking finger stiffer and let the whole finger go through the string plucking it and then stopping on the string above (if you are plucking on A D and G strings). It will be much easier to play that way and the sound will be much better (and speed etc)...

For better understanding this and seeing it in action check out videos 2 and 3 of this lesson:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bass_First_Steps_Essential_Technique/

Keep up the good work!

Cheers

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 3 2010, 08:40 PM

Hi Bogdan,
I'm really glad I posted this video, too! This was just the advice I needed. I tried it out and the sound is much more powerful now, and I don't have to focus so much on the picking hand anymore as the movement feels more natural.
Can you please send me the drum track at 80 bpm, I will see if I'm able to do a recording at this speed this weekend.
See you!
Christian

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 3 2010, 09:35 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 3 2010, 09:40 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,
I'm really glad I posted this video, too! This was just the advice I needed. I tried it out and the sound is much more powerful now, and I don't have to focus so much on the picking hand anymore as the movement feels more natural.
Can you please send me the drum track at 80 bpm, I will see if I'm able to do a recording at this speed this weekend.
See you!
Christian


Here is the 80 bpm backing track:  Weekly_assignment_1_80bpm.mp3 ( 5.57MB ) : 216


Glad you are getting hang of new techniques this fast!


Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 4 2010, 11:02 PM

Hi Bogdan,
this is my next try at 80 bpm. The speed feels okay, I think I could go faster, but I wanted to focus on the right-hand technique this time. I hope I got it right now, it really feels more natural this way and I don't get so confused thinking which finger I have to use next.
Here we go:


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 5 2010, 12:17 AM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 5 2010, 12:02 AM) *
Hi Bogdan,
this is my next try at 80 bpm. The speed feels okay, I think I could go faster, but I wanted to focus on the right-hand technique this time. I hope I got it right now, it really feels more natural this way and I don't get so confused thinking which finger I have to use next.
Here we go:



Very good! You right hand looks much better now! You can try picking a little bit hard too next time once you feel comfortable with the picking movement. I can see some left hand sync issues but you are getting there. I can consider this video to be your assignment upload video so I'll post a second assignment for this month.

I think we should do more technique exercises and introduce a first theory topic - intervals...

Here is the assignment:

Weekly assignment 2:

Technique and theory workout

Lessons to practice:

Technique: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/technique-exercises-2/

Theory: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/intervals-bass-lesson/
Reading: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3285

Goal : Further extend technique by playing a new set of exercises this week and being able to play faster(bpm). Learn and understand theory about intervals.

Purpose : Develop proper right and left hand technique and posture + work with a metronome to gain better time keeping skills. Learn a basic theory topic - intervals. You really need to understand them well for future progress.

Instructions for technique exercises:

Start tempo: 60 bpm
Target tempo: 120 bpm
Time to practice: 30 minutes daily

You should start by playing quarter notes (meaning one note per metronome click). After you successfully master the tempo of 120bpm (in quarter notes) switch to playing 8th notes (meaning 2 notes per metronome click). You need to play each exercise continuously over whole fretboard. In practice that means - you want to start an exercise on 1st fret, do the exercise ascending and descending and once you finish the pattern immediately move the whole thing one half step higher starting now on 2nd fret and move up the neck that way. For successful practice you need to be able to get to the 12th fret without mistakes on each tempo you practice on.

Rules of the practice:

1. Fretting hand will be fretting 1 finger per fret. You fretting hand thumb should be behind the neck - giving support.
2. Picking hand will be doing alternate picking. When picking notes alternate strictly between index and middle finger. Keep alternating even when changing strings you are playing on. Playing two notes in a row with a same finger is considered as a mistake when doing this kind of practice.
3. Picking hand thumb should be anchored on a "string above" the one you are playing on. If you are playing on E string, rest the thumb on the pickup. If you are playing on G string rest the thumb on D string - you get the concept.
4. Do not go to a higher tempo until you are comfortable on the previous one regarding all aspects mentioned.
5. Making mistake in alternating, fingerings or thumb positioning will restart your exercise. Pay attention to ALL the points mentioned. Do not go to a faster tempo if you can't maintain perfection in all three aspects (alternate,thumb position,fingering).

Instructions for theory practice:

I want you to you read the material in my spoken video of the lesson about intervals. You also need to read the Andrew's thread about intervals as its more elaborated and covers more material. Try to understand the intervals, what they are, how are they built, how to name them etc....Try to get into the material and understand it, not just read it. It is a very important subject you need to master for your future progress.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done. Regarding technique exercises - which tempo have you started and ended up. What part of the exercise (technique) is challenging etc...

Regarding theory assignment, I want you to consider it your primary one! Go through all the materials (you don't need to actually learn my video lessons bass line, just the theory about intervals).By the end of next week I will post a little intervals test for you to fill in and check your knowledge.

Deadline to complete: 12th of June

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

Also let's set your REC take for June.

I want you to do this lesson applying technique you are currently practicing:

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

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 6 2010, 05:25 PM

Hi Bogdan,
thanks for the new assignments! I just read the theory stuff, but will go through it a couple if times this week.
I also recorded a video of me playing the second assignment, I used the drum track you sent me for the first one, works pretty good...
My goal is to record this exercise at 100 or even 120 bpm on thursday, until then I'll practice both exercises every day.
Here we go:



See you!

Christian

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 6 2010, 08:01 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 6 2010, 06:25 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,
thanks for the new assignments! I just read the theory stuff, but will go through it a couple if times this week.
I also recorded a video of me playing the second assignment, I used the drum track you sent me for the first one, works pretty good...
My goal is to record this exercise at 100 or even 120 bpm on thursday, until then I'll practice both exercises every day.
Here we go:



See you!

Christian


Excellent! I'm glad you are working on it. Theory part of this weeks assignment will be very valuable for all future concepts we'll cover.

Regarding technique : right hand looks good so far. Try to get even sound from both plucking fingers. Now what is very important with this practice - try not to go through tempos if you haven't mastered them. You need to be able to play one pattern in both directions at least few times in a row to be really comfortable with it and tempo played on. Then you can skip to the faster tempo. While practicing you want to listen for all unwanted noises and try to mute them and keep under control. In this video I can see some sync issues and that you are still not comfortable with these new patterns against the tempo you played them on. Mostly the left hand seems to be the problem with speed and accuracy so try concentrating on it now since right is looking nice.

Just practice single pattern at a time over and over till you get comfortable with fingering.

Good job so far! smile.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 7 2010, 10:05 PM

I don't know if you noted but I set this lesson for your June REC take. You can start working on it slowly...

REC take for June:

I want you to do this lesson applying technique you are currently practicing:

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

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 8 2010, 09:12 AM

Hi Bogdan,
yes, I've seen the assignment for the rec and I am already practicing it at 80 bpm. Right now I usually practice the first assignment for 10 minutes, the second assignment for 15 minutes and the rec assignment for 10 minutes daily.
You're right about the second assignment, I didn't really memorize the patterns so I had to think really hard sometimes what to do next...I'm glad you like the right-hand movement, it already feels more natural now so I can focus more on the left hand again.
I'll post another video of this assignment tomorrow!
See you
Christian

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 8 2010, 03:08 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 8 2010, 10:12 AM) *
Hi Bogdan,
yes, I've seen the assignment for the rec and I am already practicing it at 80 bpm. Right now I usually practice the first assignment for 10 minutes, the second assignment for 15 minutes and the rec assignment for 10 minutes daily.
You're right about the second assignment, I didn't really memorize the patterns so I had to think really hard sometimes what to do next...I'm glad you like the right-hand movement, it already feels more natural now so I can focus more on the left hand again.
I'll post another video of this assignment tomorrow!
See you
Christian


Sounds great! Good thing with these exercises is that they are very focused so you can make huge progress in short practice sessions (aprox. 30 min daily is plenty enough) and I'm really glad you are already feeling the progress. Looking forward to the new video! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 10 2010, 09:26 PM

Hi Bogdan,
sorry for being a bit late, but here is my second video of the technique 2 exercise! I focused a bit more on my fretting hand and I felt more secure about the pattern, I realized while playing that there are still a few timing issues...but you'll be the judge of that.
Now I'm gonna work on theory, I couldn't spend as much time on it as I would have liked this week...



See you!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 10 2010, 09:48 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 10 2010, 10:26 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,
sorry for being a bit late, but here is my second video of the technique 2 exercise! I focused a bit more on my fretting hand and I felt more secure about the pattern, I realized while playing that there are still a few timing issues...but you'll be the judge of that.
Now I'm gonna work on theory, I couldn't spend as much time on it as I would have liked this week...



See you!


Hey man now this is clear progress! Your left hand is in much better position and your fingers are moving good and have nice independence. Also everything was played smooth and nice. Don't worry timing issues were very small and its good that you were concentrated on the backing. This is really huge improvement in comparison to your previous videos! smile.gif

How do you feel about doing these kind of assignments? I'm thinking of possibly dedicating whole june to such exercises (they are very effective and good) in order to cover all possible patterns (two more sets to go) and to gain speed and confidence with picking/fretting technique?

Here is the theory test:

Test:

1. What is the definition of interval?

2. Term major interval applies to:

- thirds
-
-
-

3. When you rise the minor interval by a half step, which interval it becomes : __________

5. When you rise the perfect interval by a half step, which interval it becomes: __________

6. If the root is note C ,

perfect octave =
major 2nd =
augmented 5th =
minor 3rd

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 10 2010, 10:37 PM

QUOTE (Bogdan Radovic @ Jun 10 2010, 10:48 PM) *
Hey man now this is clear progress! Your left hand is in much better position and your fingers are moving good and have nice independence. Also everything was played smooth and nice. Don't worry timing issues were very small and its good that you were concentrated on the backing. This is really huge improvement in comparison to your previous videos! smile.gif

How do you feel about doing these kind of assignments? I'm thinking of possibly dedicating whole june to such exercises (they are very effective and good) in order to cover all possible patterns (two more sets to go) and to gain speed and confidence with picking/fretting technique?


Hi Bogdan,
I'm glad that you see my progress, I also feel much more confident when playing bass! I really like these technique exercises, especially for my left hand, as I have to stretch more than when I play guitar. When I practice without a metronome, I play faster than 80 bpm and feel comfortable with it, so it's kinda distracting to play with a slow BT...really weird. I think I'm gonna try 100 bpm next time!
As for the test, I think I can answer the questions already, I'll just add the answers below:

Here is the theory test:

Test:

1. What is the definition of interval? An interval is the distance between two notes, but is also used to name the relationship of two notes played together.

2. Term major interval applies to:

- thirds
- seconds
- sixths
- sevenths

3. When you rise the minor interval by a half step, which interval it becomes : major interval

5. When you rise the perfect interval by a half step, which interval it becomes: augmented interval

6. If the root is note C ,

perfect octave = C
major 2nd = D
augmented 5th = G#
minor 3rd = Eb


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 13 2010, 11:16 AM

Good to hear you are enjoying the exercises practice! I also prefer exercises in relation to songs/etc when developing technique etc...
You did the test well, you'll see how later on that will be the root of all your improvising on bass.

Here is the new assignment. Let me know if you need the faster drum backing and I will upload it. Generally when you play without metronome you can do it faster but question is how good your timing is etc. Also its a little bit hard to play slow these exercises (and many others) because you need to hold down notes for longer (with your fretting hand which puts on stress). You need to start slowly with these as you want to develop sound and clean playing then speed up. I also think you should go for 100 bpm this time. Ultimately you should be able to play 120 bpm comfortably (in 8th notes - 2 notes per click) and then higher speeds are encouraged to go for too..

Weekly assignment 3:


Technique and timing workout

Lesson to practice: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/technique-exercises-3/

Goal : To be able to play all 6 exercises without mistakes on various tempos and all over the fretboard.

Purpose : Develop proper right and left hand technique and posture + work with a metronome to gain better time keeping skills.

Instructions :

Start tempo: 60 bpm
Target tempo: 120 bpm
Time to practice: 30 minutes daily

You should start by playing quarter notes (meaning one note per metronome click). After you successfully master the tempo of 120bpm (in quarter notes) switch to playing 8th notes (meaning 2 notes per metronome click). You need to play each exercise continuously over whole fretboard. In practice that means - you want to start an exercise on 1st fret, do the exercise ascending and descending and once you finish the pattern immediately move the whole thing one half step higher starting now on 2nd fret and move up the neck that way. For successful practice you need to be able to get to the 12th fret without mistakes on each tempo you practice on.

Rules of the practice:

1. Fretting hand will be fretting 1 finger per fret. You fretting hand thumb should be behind the neck - giving support.
2. Picking hand will be doing alternate picking. When picking notes alternate strictly between index and middle finger. Keep alternating even when changing strings you are playing on. Playing two notes in a row with a same finger is considered as a mistake when doing this kind of practice.
3. Picking hand thumb should be anchored on a "string above" the one you are playing on. If you are playing on E string, rest the thumb on the pickup. If you are playing on G string rest the thumb on D string - you get the concept.
4. Do not go to a higher tempo until you are comfortable on the previous one regarding all aspects mentioned.
5. Making mistake in alternating, fingerings or thumb positioning will restart your exercise. Pay attention to ALL the points mentioned. Do not go to a faster tempo if you can't maintain perfection in all three aspects (alternate,thumb position,fingering).

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done. On which tempo have you started and ended up. What part of the exercise (technique) is challenging etc...
In the end of the week I want you to record the 6 patterns, each in one position only against a metronome beat (or drum backing track) played in 8th notes. Record it on a tempo you are comfortable with and not sloppy so if its really slow that is perfectly OK (this technique is very new to you and demanding). I guess 80-100 bpm would be great. You can submit recording in audio but if you can record it in video that would be much better (so I can see your hands positioning etc). If you are using Logitech 9000 pro cam remember to turn of automatic right light and other auto settings in order to get a better frame rate (I don't mind if picture has less quality if I can see what you are doing clearly).

Deadline to complete: 20th of June

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 16 2010, 01:56 PM

How is the practice going? wink.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 16 2010, 05:42 PM

Hey Bogdan,
sorry for not answering sooner...I am really busy at work right now (and kinda occupied watching the world cup...friday our teams will meet, but we'll stay friends, okay? wink.gif
But I practice while watching football, isn't this great? It works well so far, I will submit a take on friday (after the game)...
I practice one half-time each day, I feel really comfortable with this exercise at 80 bpm, when doing it at 100 bpm I sometimes confuse my picking fingers, meaning I pick with the index finger two times in a row...
Come to think of it, could you please send me a drum backing at 100 bpm?
Thanks!
And from now on, I promise I'll answer daily again... wink.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 17 2010, 01:07 AM

Good to hear your practicing! Yeah its world cup fever everywhere smile.gif Since I'm very disappointed with my teams game I think I should invest some bets on your team and get rich on our misery hehehehe smile.gif

Try watching your right hand when you play at 100 bpm. Just by watching you get more concentrated and you don't mess up finger alternating...

Here is the 100 bpm backing:  100.mp3 ( 5.85MB ) : 211


Cheers,
Bogdan

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 17 2010, 05:13 PM

Don't place your bets too soon, I know the german team (at least the ones from the past...) and they tend to start furiously, then get weaker, end the first phase of a tournament with a draw, then win with goal ahead until the reach the semifinals, and from there on nobody knows wink.gif I'd say we'll see a 1 - 1 tomorrow...
Right now I am still looking at my left hand because the patterns aren't burnt into my memory yet...but I'll try to watch my right hand next time.
Thanks for the drum track!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 18 2010, 10:16 AM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 17 2010, 06:13 PM) *
Don't place your bets too soon, I know the german team (at least the ones from the past...) and they tend to start furiously, then get weaker, end the first phase of a tournament with a draw, then win with goal ahead until the reach the semifinals, and from there on nobody knows wink.gif I'd say we'll see a 1 - 1 tomorrow...
Right now I am still looking at my left hand because the patterns aren't burnt into my memory yet...but I'll try to watch my right hand next time.
Thanks for the drum track!


Heheh we'll see the results soon, hopefully it will be a draw (to give us any chances to go further) smile.gif

Yeah keep practicing the patterns, its ok to watch the left hand if you feel not 100% with its motion etc...

Cheers,
Bogdan

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 19 2010, 03:32 PM

Hi Bogdan,
sorry for being one day too late, but I had to clear my head after your team defeated my team yesterday! laugh.gif
Just kidding, my computer was acting funny after I recorded a few guitar takes and decided to stay in slow motion even after several restarts.
But here is my take at 100 bpm now, I felt really comfortable and I am thinking about giving it a try at 120 the next time.
What do you think?



P.S.: Congrats on your victory yesterday, I think a draw would have been fair for both sides...but if my guys can't even score a penalty...let's hope we won't see that referee again. Isn't it true that every serbian defender got booked yesterday?

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 19 2010, 03:46 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 19 2010, 04:32 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,
sorry for being one day too late, but I had to clear my head after your team defeated my team yesterday! laugh.gif
Just kidding, my computer was acting funny after I recorded a few guitar takes and decided to stay in slow motion even after several restarts.
But here is my take at 100 bpm now, I felt really comfortable and I am thinking about giving it a try at 120 the next time.
What do you think?



P.S.: Congrats on your victory yesterday, I think a draw would have been fair for both sides...but if my guys can't even score a penalty...let's hope we won't see that referee again. Isn't it true that every serbian defender got booked yesterday?


This is very good playing. You had some minor problems with patterns but after one note mistake you would get back to the pattern so its no big deal. Generally this is a good progress. Your hands are moving nice and they are in good position. You also look much more relaxed and comfortable with playing. You should definitely go for 110-120 bpm. I can also guarantee till the end of our mtp that you will be able to play 120 in 8th notes (two notes per click/beat).

I'll get back to you tonight with the last assignment for this month (more patterns! smile.gif ). You can slowly start working on the REC take for June and submit it when you feel ready....

p.s. Regarding match, it was really exciting and we were very lucky. Everyone erased our team from the World Cup after we lost to Ghana so you can imagine the euphoria of people after winning this match. I'm not sure about yellow cards for all the defenders, but I know many of them got it. Even the guy who scored a goal got a yellow card for cheering outside the field ??!! laugh.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 19 2010, 08:34 PM

Weekly assignment 4:

Technique and timing workout

Lesson to practice: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/technique-exercises-4/

Goal : To be able to play all 6 exercises without mistakes on various tempos and all over the fretboard.

Purpose : Develop proper right and left hand technique and posture + work with a metronome to gain better time keeping skills.

Instructions :

Start tempo: 60 bpm
Target tempo: 120 bpm
Time to practice: 30 minutes daily

Deadline:
26.june

Same rules apply as for previous assignments.

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 20 2010, 02:50 PM

Hi Bogdan,
thanks for the new assignment!
Can you please send me a drum track at 120 bpm, I think I'll be able to do it at that tempo. Football is starting in a few minutes, so I can practice enough today laugh.gif
I am going on a short vacation to Paris on wednesday (until sunday), so I will post a video of the fourth assignment and of the rec assignment on tuesday evening.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 20 2010, 03:05 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 20 2010, 03:50 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,
thanks for the new assignment!
Can you please send me a drum track at 120 bpm, I think I'll be able to do it at that tempo. Football is starting in a few minutes, so I can practice enough today laugh.gif
I am going on a short vacation to Paris on wednesday (until sunday), so I will post a video of the fourth assignment and of the rec assignment on tuesday evening.


Plan sounds good. Generally you have till the end of this month to finish that assignment and REC, so no hurry wink.gif
Here is the 120 backing:  120.mp3 ( 4.87MB ) : 235


Have fun on your vacation! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 20 2010, 05:41 PM

Hey Bogdan,
here we go already! After practicing the complete second half (in my sweatshirt I bought in New Zealand) I decided to record my progress so far. You'll notice a few mistakes and once or twice I used the wrong fingers, but I think it is okay for a first try.
What do you think?


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 25 2010, 03:11 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 20 2010, 06:41 PM) *
Hey Bogdan,
here we go already! After practicing the complete second half (in my sweatshirt I bought in New Zealand) I decided to record my progress so far. You'll notice a few mistakes and once or twice I used the wrong fingers, but I think it is okay for a first try.
What do you think?



Oh man sorry but I have missed this post completely! sad.gif

This is great for a first try!!! Sound is really good and you feel comfortable. Just concentrate on changes from string to string as you seem to have problems there...

Keep up the good work! smile.gif

For this month you only have the REC take left and (if you want) new take of these exercises! smile.gif

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 29 2010, 12:27 AM

Hello,

here is the backing track for the root notes lesson:  Root_notes_lesson_backing.mp3 ( 752.15K ) : 183


Looking forward to your REC take! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 29 2010, 06:09 PM

Hi Bogdan,
as promised, here is my final take for this month. It was kinda fast for me, not too fast, but challenging...is it good enough for the rec program?
Cheers
Christian


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 29 2010, 06:22 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Jun 29 2010, 07:09 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,
as promised, here is my final take for this month. It was kinda fast for me, not too fast, but challenging...is it good enough for the rec program?
Cheers
Christian



Great to see a take this fast!

MTP requirements are just to post a REC take in a REC board. It doesn't necessarily has to pass.

But non the less I would give this take an 8 there (pass). You were good, only slightly getting slower then the backing from time to time, and you had some string changing problems. But don't think this take was easy at all. It may seem straight forward to play 8th notes roots when its not actually since precision comes into place as well as really fast and precise string changing so this was more then a good take considering this is your first month bass mtp.

Go ahead and submit the take so we can wrap up this months thread and open a new one smile.gif

Looking forward working with you! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 29 2010, 06:37 PM

Hey Bogdan,
thanks for the quick reply! I just posted this take in the rec section, so we can proceed to the second phase.
Thanks for your kind words, it makes me really proud that you consider me your best mtp student yet!
I'm looking forward to learn more.
Christian

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Jun 29 2010, 06:53 PM

Congratulations on completing the first month of bass mtp!
I want to tell you that I'm proud of you since we started from "scratch" regarding technique and bass playing and you are making clear progress fast. So far we managed to put in ground proper playing technique and concepts which will be very useful later on.

Here is your summary:

Assignment 1 - completed -
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=35396&view=findpost&p=484851

Assignment 2 - completed -
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=35396&view=findpost&p=485859

Assignment 3 - completed -
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=35396&view=findpost&p=487106
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=35396&view=findpost&p=485879

Assignment 4 - completed -
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=35396&view=findpost&p=487311

REC TAKE for June: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=35743

Very good job on keeping up with the bass practice pace! smile.gif

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