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Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 23 2012, 05:30 PM

Hi Marcin! Welcome to your Gab's Army thread!

I will post your introduction here....


"Hi!

I want to indroduce myself to you guys. My name is Marcin and I'm from Poland. I'm 21 years old and I'm studying marketing management at University of Economics. This year I'll get Bachelor's Degree.

As far as music interests go I'm into all kinds of metal. I also like some hard rock and classical music. I love guitar solos, thats why i started playing guitar few years ago! My favourite guitarists are: Yngwie Malmsteen, Jeff Loomis, Zakk Wylde, Randy Rhodes and many others.

My fovourite soloing style is neoclassical. I love its connection beetwen melodies (classical inspired) and technical complexity. I really want to develop myself to become 'neoclassical virtuoso' type of guitarist. I enjoy other styles either but neoclassical for me is second to none.

I've seen that GMC has many neoclassical lessons available. That is why I'm here. I want to learn more awesome licks, chord progressions and work on my technique. I'd also like to create some practice schedule to maximize practice productivity. Maybe someone could help me on my way to become better guitarist? I've seen that there is some mentoring available, I'd love to get such indivdual help (especially from someone who also likes neoclassical style).

At the moment I play in heavy/thrash metal band SKAZA. I'm playing lead guitar there. You can check us (we have really good quility demo - 2 songs) at our Facebook or MySpace. Please check it and tell me what do you think about the songs, and lead guitar playing. Also if you enjoy it please 'like it' on our facebook fanpage I love gathering more 'likes'.

Thank you for your time to read it!
Marcin \m/"

So you want to be a Neoclassical Virtuoso!! Let's start this amazing journey!

The first thing that I need is a video of you showing your abilities: Rhythm, Alternate Picking, Sweep Picking, Legato etc... also let me know what scales you have learnt... I'm now checking your band! It sounds really good.. maybe you could film yourself playing some of your band's solos.

Posted by: eMGie Feb 24 2012, 11:34 PM

Wow, my own threat!

Unfortunatly I haven't any videos of me playing yet.
I'll try to submit my first REC this weekend

I decided to start with something really easy like "Neoclassical solo for begginers" or "Neoclassical three-level-lesson beginner" it will allow me to record something immediately.

I also started to practice "Neoclassical Etude #1" by Marcus Lavendell but its not that easy.

It may seem that i want to play neoclassical stuff only, but it not true. I'm interested in other things as well. I like all sub-genres of metal and want to play them all.

Generally I think that my weakest side is alternate picking but maybe I'm wrong.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 24 2012, 11:43 PM

Cool mate! I'll be waiting for that video to know how to start! You can check my http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/instructor/Gabriel-Leopardi/ where you will find some easy Neoclassical Style lessons...

Posted by: eMGie Feb 25 2012, 03:38 PM

It's my first take to test the recorder etc. Is it enough quality for REC program?
I'll record two videos for REC tommorow.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 25 2012, 05:02 PM

Yes Emgie! I think that the overall is good. The things to improve on this one is your vibrato, it should be wider (check Marcus lesson), the first bend, which is a bit our of pitch and to make your alternate picking licks tighter. This take is good enough for the REC. Please post it to receive other instructors comments!

I'll wait for the next two videos!

Posted by: eMGie Feb 26 2012, 12:47 PM

I've posted REC takes

I'm getting a bit nervous when recording myself... but i think it will be better in the future!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 26 2012, 06:14 PM

Cool mate! I'll check them out! yes, this is normal but it should disappear after some experience/practice...

Posted by: eMGie Feb 26 2012, 08:54 PM

I've read all the comments.

I see that the main issues were: timing, vibrato and bending.

Should I practice these two lessons to record it again, or just practice for me (like for example playing them one/twice a day ) and focus on next lesson?

Which lesson should I choose now? I'm also practicing neoclassical etude #1 in the meantime.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 26 2012, 09:16 PM

It would be good if you play both lessons at least twice a day to keep them in your repertoire. I have two ideas to work on those things.

For timing:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Vinnie-Moore-style-patterns-1/

This lessons is cool to practice some neoclassical ideas that must be played tight.

For Vibrato and bending:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/The_tasty_etude/

Jonathan's vibrato and bending are awesome. This tune is different to what you are used to play but I think that it could add what your playing is lacking. Concentrate on imitating Jona's wide vibrato on this one, and try to be precise with your bend's pitch.


What do you think?

Posted by: eMGie Feb 26 2012, 09:42 PM

Bookmarked both

I love such licks like in Vinnie Moore style lesson! They are called pedal point licks, right?

I absolutely enjoy the melody in the "Tasty Etude".

I'll practice them!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 26 2012, 09:46 PM

Pedal note licks! that's how they are used to be called. Great man! I'll wait for your updates!

Posted by: eMGie Mar 7 2012, 12:09 PM

I was really busy this week: two shows with my band, new covers to prepare etc...

But I've posted first REC video http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=43354&b=1&st=0&p=0&#entry0

At the moment I'm working on the Tasty Etude - it's more complicated than I thought!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 7 2012, 04:21 PM

Hi mate! It's cool to see that you are doing music! There is no problem, take your time to master the Tasty Etude. I'm now checking the REC take.

what about the shows? where? what did you prepared?

Posted by: eMGie Mar 16 2012, 02:36 PM

Just regular shows in my home city, nothing special. We have to prepare three Metallica's covers for the show next week - it's called "Metallica Party" (and we chose For Whom The Bell Tolls, Fuel and Enter Sandman).

I've posted 2 more REC videos.
I'm not sure if the take for "the tasty etude" is good enough to pass... but I'm already tired with it maybe it is, and I'm not believing in myself.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 16 2012, 05:36 PM

Great song choices!!

I checked both REC lessons. They are good and passed but check my comments because you can improve some little details to make them sound perfect.

Have you checked this lesson?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/tapping-lesson/

Posted by: eMGie Mar 16 2012, 07:22 PM

Yes I've seen this lesson and I really like it. I'll start learning more difficult (than the one I've recorded) tapping lesson now and with every lesson raise difficulty - and I'll eventually get to the one you posted.

I'll do the same with sweeping.

Unfortunatly I'm not sure how to practice alternate picking... I believe that my technique is not bad, but I don't really use any 'speed picking runs' in my solos. I want to develop my skill in AP licks and learn how to use them in practical situations.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 17 2012, 04:29 PM

That sounds great for me mate! I'll be waiting for your tapping and sweeping lessons takes. For alternate picking I would go for this amazing series. They are a bit difficult but 100% effective.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/modal-madness/

Posted by: eMGie Mar 19 2012, 11:41 PM

Thank you for the link. I'll practice alternate picking like in this lesson. Of course much slower.

My goal is to play alternate picking like Malmsteen / Loomis some day!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 20 2012, 01:50 AM

Everything is possible with every day practice! Keep me updated about the progress of this lesson.

Posted by: eMGie Mar 28 2012, 03:26 PM

Hey! I've posted three new REC takes.

I'm also practicing the modal madness lesson - but I treat it as my everyday alternate picking training - I won't be able to play that fast anywhere soon to post REC yet .

Well, something came to my mind... I've alwayes wanted to create my own youtube channel someday - with videos of me playing something. On the other hand I have always loved the 'metal' or 'neoclassical metal' arrangements of classical music. Combining it together - I've alwayes wanted to post videos of my arrangements of famous classical music. It seems that such videos are popular not only within guitarists, and generally people enjoy such playing.

I'm not sure if I'm playing good enough to not sound amateurish, but maybe I could try (along with normal technique practice)?

I think that Beethoven's Fur Elise is good piece to start with, because it's not so complicated or fast.

My problem is... I don't know where to start. I have Reaper, SampleTank, EZdrummer. I think that it would be great to use 'orchestral' instruments in such arrangements too (SampleTank has them). Is it a good idea to compose everything in Guitar Pro, and then exporting to midi to use VSTi? Should I get same notes sheet of this piece first? Well I'm confused with everything...

It would be great if you could give me some guidance and help. How would you aproach such thing? Do you think that it is possible for me to do it, or is it too early?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 28 2012, 04:04 PM

Hi man! I will check the REC takes in a moment!

Regarding the arrangement there are different ways to do the same thing. You should choose the one that you find easier and more effective for you. If you feel comfortable with it and makes you work good and fast, you have to do it in that way.

When I record a cover or re-arrange a piece I use Nuendo to record midi and audio. If the piece is orchestral, I use Edirol Orchestral, if the tune has some electronic/industrial sounds I also use Reason combined with Nuendo (by Rewire). The most important thing is to first have the idea and the concept of what you are going to do. The first thing that comes to mind is to check at you tube some Beethoven versions to know what things work and what things don't work. How to start depends on the version that you are creating but I usually start with the drums and bass, then I record some guitars as reference and finally I work on arrangements (in this case orchestral ones).

I know guys that composes everything in Guitar Pro and then export the midi to a multitrack software. That way is slow for me because I'm most used to program midi in Nuendo. But as I said earlier, if it works for you is ok!

I would like to follow your arrangement so you can post here ideas and your progress and I will give you some feedback.

I found this cool cover!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 28 2012, 08:12 PM

Hi again man! I wanted to tell you that I already checked and commented your 3 takes for the REC. You a good job on the lessons and the thing that need some (VERY) little adjust is the timing. Check the comments!

Posted by: eMGie Mar 30 2012, 02:35 PM

Thank for your responses.

Which, do you think, lessons should I do next, towards my goals?

I was thinking about:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/sweeping-basics/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/power-metal-tapping/

And maybe: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-workout/ for AP along with Modal Madness

What do you think?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 30 2012, 04:54 PM

Hi mate! I checked the three lessons and I think that you have done perfect choices for your goals and levels. I think that you could also check this series that has really effective exercises to train your tapping technique.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/8-finger-tapping-lesson/

This lesson is really cool for you. The level is very high but I think that you could start learning it and playing it at slower tempos. Learning difficult sweep picking etudes will make you master the easier ones faster.

Posted by: eMGie Apr 30 2012, 12:05 PM

I've posted new REC take

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=44139

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 30 2012, 04:11 PM

Hi mate! Great job! I gave some feedback at the REC's thread. Check it out!

Posted by: eMGie May 5 2012, 05:02 PM

I'm still working on Modal Madness lesson everyday.

I think that my goal is to be able to play cleanly alternate picking licks in 120 bpm (16th triplets) and 180 (16th notes) and to use them in my solos. It seems that its really nice speed and it can be called "shred" I don't think that Yngwie plays much faster AP licks, does he?

What do you reccomend? How to get there?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 5 2012, 05:33 PM

Well, the modal madness lessons are excellent to achieve what you want. I would complement them with some more musical lessons be able to play fast licks in a real solo. Also I suggest you to check the Alternate Picking lessons, the Inside/Outside picking lesson, and the Speed exercises from my Intensive Technique Guitar Course. http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42832

Posted by: eMGie May 6 2012, 08:53 AM

Thank you for your help I have few more questions:

Do you think that its true about this level of speed as I wrote above (thats its enough for Yngwie style etc)?

Do you reccomend any musical lessons witch such speed picking?

How did you practice ap licks when you were about my level of playing?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 6 2012, 06:54 PM

There is not a destination when we talk about music, the limits can always be broken so that speed is a good goal but maybe once you achieve it you will want to increase it. Don't worry about it. When I was at your level I used to practice Alternate Picking exercises for many hours over metronome and over a drum loop. Those modal madness series remember me to the exercises that I used to practice from the Vinnie Moore's clinic called "Speed & Accuracy". I also remember that I tried to practice the exercises standing up the more than I could. Regarding a musical AP lesson, there are many ones here at the site, you could use the search at your level with the words http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/search/alternate%20picking/.

Some examples: (feel free to suggest other ones, or maybe a song)
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-alternate-picking-etude/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/john-petrucci-style-melodic-solo/

Posted by: eMGie May 28 2012, 09:33 PM

I've posted new REC take.

On the other hand I'm not sure what to do now... I got a little bored with all this technique exercices, so I'm stuck. Any ideas what could I do to fell more motivated?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 29 2012, 01:34 PM

Hi Emgie! I just saw your new take for the lesson "Progressive Etude". You hand synchronization is better but you still have some little parts were you lose the synchronicity, the timing or get and unwanted noise. You are very close to play a flawless take but keep on practicing concentrating on getting a tighter take.

Regarding motivation, there are two ideas that appear, the first one would be to learn a song that you've always wanted to learn, the second one would be to work on your own compositions (maybe for your band, maybe an instrumental solo piece). What do you think?

Posted by: eMGie May 29 2012, 01:53 PM

I think that it would be best to work on some new composition.

How should we start it? Are we going to base on some existing song? I really like your "in style of" lessons, so I'd be happy to create some song in style of Iron Maiden for example

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 29 2012, 04:24 PM

Cool! Let's go for it! Maybe we can then use this composition for Gab's Amy Album!

Post here 5 of your favorite Maiden's songs.

Posted by: eMGie May 29 2012, 06:46 PM

Oh its hard to choose just 5. Iron Maiden is my favourite band of all times. It would be great to create something and then maybe use it with my band etc. I prefer to work with guitarpro, but I don't think this is a problem.

These came to my mind:

• Flight of the Icarus
• The Trooper
• Aces High
• 2 Minutes to Midnight
• Fear of the Dark

I also love modulations like in Infinite Dreams for example.

I think that I shouldn't start with something of complicated structure. It should be easy to understand, melodic and catchy.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 30 2012, 04:02 PM

Let's start analyzing this songs to have a list of the most used ideas, progressions and structures by Maiden. If you analyze 3 of these 5 would be ok, if you analyze the 5 would be awesome. Also, let's start learning this lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/iron-maiden-masterclass/ Read the texts where I talked about their most used concepts.

This is the template for the analysis.

Name of the song:
Name of the band:

Structure // What is happening? // Chords & Scalesnull

Structure: You will divide the tune in Intro - Riff - Verse - Prechorus- - Chorus - Solo - Part C and so... You can add the letters A, B, C to the sections when you find different ones in the same tune (Ex: Verse A, Verse B, Chorus, Solo A, Solo)

what is happening?: Here you will describe each part. You can explain how is the part, if it has vocals, screams, melodies, harmonizations, how much is last, how many measures, etc. Every information that could be useful to understand the part.

Chords & Scales: Here you will post the tonality, the chord progression and the scales used for the melodies and solos.

Posted by: eMGie Jun 4 2012, 05:33 PM

Hey, just want to say that I have again a lot to do with my band, etc. So I'll update Iron Maiden analysis as soon as I get some free time.

I'm also practicing alternate picking exercises meanwhile.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 4 2012, 06:36 PM

Great! Thanks for the update mate! Good luck with your band!

Posted by: eMGie Jun 9 2012, 06:59 PM

Hey!

I've got two quick questions for you

1. Whats a theory background of pre-chorus/bridge part in your Stratovarius style lesson? Do you treat it like a key change or is it just diffirent chord progression? Is it commong thing while composing a pre-chorus etc?

2. I want to try to make some variations basing on well known riffs (or from GMC lessons etc) and maybe make them into whole songs (just for myself or for a band). I think it will be good to learn about catchy chord progressions etc. Could you please check if this:

http://www.mediafire.com/?q76w08x67t6k2e5

Is diffirent enough from your riff that it wont break any copyright etc?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 10 2012, 09:55 PM

Hi man, what part do you exactly mean in your first question? The pre chorus is basically in the same key than the rest of the song with the only difference that the B5 chord is arranged with a melody composed using the harmonic minor scale. This makes the B chord function as a major chord instead as a minor chord as it would normally appear in the E minor tonality. I explained this in the lesson's text.

Regarding the copyrights, I don't have to much information about when something is considered plagiarism and when it's not. When I register a song, I register the main melody and the lyrics. Regarding riffs, I think that it's a bit more difficult to consider when it's a coincidence and when it's a plagiarism. I believe that if your version is different enough you shouldn't have problem...

Posted by: eMGie Jun 11 2012, 09:29 AM

1. Well I meant the part that starts from 0:45 (6th video). It start with C5 power chord.

2. Thats why I wanted to ask you if the riff in gp file I sent you is diffirent enought from your Stratovarius style lesson. It seems to be ok, but I want to hear your opinion.

(anyway I think that these lessons are here to learn composing our own, starting with variations etc. )

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 11 2012, 06:39 PM

yes, I think that your riff is different enough to not being considered a copy. My lesson is also a variation a Stratovarius song, I would use it a lesson based on their style but not as a song from my own band.
The theory behind that section is what I said in my previous post, is it clear now?

Posted by: eMGie Jun 23 2012, 08:38 PM

Two new RECs from me One of which is your lesson!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 23 2012, 09:19 PM

Ok! I'll check it! Thanks mate.

Posted by: eMGie Jun 29 2012, 06:57 PM

Hey

I've written a song, and recorded it with my new software (cubase elements, ez drummer). Could you please check and comment it?
What do you think about it?

http://soundcloud.com/marcin-jakubek/heavy-power-metal-june-2012

It's my first ever home recording, but I hope that the sound isn't bad.
I recorded it just for myself, and I want to create and record more songs in diffirent sub-genres of metal. And maybe someday some orchestral instrumental.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 30 2012, 04:45 AM

Great first recording mate!! Is this the song inspired by the Stratovarius lesson? This one has a different feel and groove so you won't have legal issues, unless not with me!
What's your idea with this song? Is this an instrumental piece or you will add vocals?

Posted by: eMGie Jun 30 2012, 10:39 AM

Yes it was inspired by your Stratovarius style lesson.

There should be vocal as there are verses and choruses, but I can't sing. Maybe other members from my band likes it and we will use it sameday. Anyway it was a real fun to record it, and that is the most important I think.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 30 2012, 02:58 PM

Great! Maybe you can check the vocal range of your singer, and record a melody with your guitar... by the way, are you able to at least sing in pitch?

Posted by: eMGie Jun 30 2012, 03:42 PM

Well I don't know. I think I'll leave it as it is, and I'd rather move to something else.

But by the way, what do you think about my solo in this song?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 30 2012, 05:15 PM

I like your solo composition. The first part sounds perfect, then when the sweep picking starts you have some timing issues but that's regarding the performance, the creation is really cool! Well done.

Posted by: eMGie Jul 4 2012, 06:17 PM

Thank you.

At the moment I'm working on a new song and also on some exercises. I'll tell you if I'll have any questions.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 4 2012, 09:23 PM

Ok! Thanks for the update!

Posted by: eMGie Jul 9 2012, 09:41 PM

Hey,

Could you please check my new song (it's not finished yet) and tell me what do you think about it?

http://soundcloud.com/marcin-jakubek/work-in-progress-july

I'm planning to add some solo, and again chorus part etc.

Do you have any suggestions on how to improve it?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 10 2012, 05:52 AM

Hi mate, I think that the rhythms are really interesting if we isolate them, and they also make sense together, however I have a feeling that you are having in mind the concept of song. I think that you are thinking on combining rhythms and riffs but not on a harmonies that could be followed by a memorable melody sang by a singer or a guitar. Do you think on this while you are composing?

Posted by: eMGie Jul 10 2012, 10:10 AM

Well i'm thinking mainly about riff and rhythms.

Then I try to sing something to check if it possible for a vocalist. Anyway I think it is possible to sing melodies to these riffs, what do you think?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 10 2012, 03:57 PM

yes, it's possible, but my suggestion would be to think on both things at the same time, that will give you a better sense of how the piece will sound when it's finished and will help you to choose the best structure and also make some harmony changes that make the melody more interesting and catchy.

Posted by: eMGie Jul 10 2012, 04:58 PM

Oh, I think I know what you mean.

That is why I wanted to record some music - to learn something new
I'll have it in mind with my next composition. Thank you!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 10 2012, 08:28 PM

Great! You will start composing in other way, the repetitions and the harmonies will be less aleatory and the overall piece will be better structured. In that way you would work as a composer and a producer at the same time, it's much more effective and is more possible to create a memorable metal song.

Posted by: eMGie Dec 25 2012, 08:51 PM

Hello

I wasnt posting anything on GMC lately (i was reading forums etc, but silently), but now I hope to post some RECs soon

Anyway, could you please take a look on this:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47234

I'm stuck there and need some advice.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 26 2012, 03:07 PM

Awesome composition! Done!