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GMC Forum _ Tolek _ Questions

Posted by: Tolek Feb 26 2009, 10:18 PM

Here you can post questions, thoughs and everything that concerns the MTP. smile.gif I´ll try to answer as fast as possible.

Posted by: Andrew6 Feb 27 2009, 04:48 PM

Hello! So our first assignment is to learn the C major scale on the first 5 frets? as in the names of all the natural notes i.e no flats or sharps?

Posted by: Tolek Feb 27 2009, 04:55 PM

QUOTE (Andrew6 @ Feb 27 2009, 04:48 PM) *
Hello! So our first assignment is to learn the C major scale on the first 5 frets? as in the names of all the natural notes i.e no flats or sharps?

Yes. I want to teach you every notes without flats or sharps on the whole fretboard. After that we´re going to see how to intergrate those accidentals. I know it sounds very easy and boring, but only this is going to help you. You want to know what you are playing, so you have to go through this process. wink.gif

Posted by: Andrew6 Feb 27 2009, 04:57 PM

But for this week just the first five frets right ?

Posted by: Tolek Feb 27 2009, 04:59 PM

Yes. I don´t want to do too much at once to prevent misunderstandings, etc.

Posted by: Toroso Feb 28 2009, 07:51 PM

Cool. smile.gif

Can you give some advice on fretting chords that use barres? They are giving me a little bit of trouble.

Posted by: Tolek Feb 28 2009, 08:05 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Feb 28 2009, 07:51 PM) *
Cool. smile.gif

Can you give some advice on fretting chords that use barres? They are giving me a little bit of trouble.

Sure. smile.gif Valentino had the same problem during the first period of mentoring. I made a video that explains how to place the wrist when playing barrées. Here it is:


Besides, you should know that finger strength plays a big role. After some serious practise, you´ll have no problems with it. wink.gif
If it´s not clear, let me know.

Posted by: Toroso Feb 28 2009, 08:19 PM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Feb 28 2009, 02:05 PM) *
Sure. smile.gif Valentino had the same problem during the first period of mentoring. I made a video that explains how to place the wrist when playing barrées. Here it is:


Besides, you should know that finger strength plays a big role. After some serious practise, you´ll have no problems with it. wink.gif
If it´s not clear, let me know.


Yes, thanks for that. I am also talking about fingerings, specifically the alternate version of the C chord. It feels awkward trying to get that one down. mellow.gif

Chord construction: In the assignment, you list the notes that make up each chord. One of the things I want out of this is to understand why those particular notes work. Make sense?

Posted by: Tolek Feb 28 2009, 08:31 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Feb 28 2009, 08:19 PM) *
Yes, thanks for that. I am also talking about fingerings, specifically the alternate version of the C chord. It feels awkward trying to get that one down. mellow.gif

Sure, a video response is coming. smile.gif

QUOTE
Chord construction: In the assignment, you list the notes that make up each chord. One of the things I want out of this is to understand why those particular notes work. Make sense?

Well, first of all, you should know what a chord is. Basically, it is a structure of intervals, namely 3rds. We speak of triads when there are only three notes which can be repeated one octave higher/lower. To define a chord (I´ll take triads as an example since they are the easiest one), you need the root. Let´s take the I degree of C major (C D E F G A B ) which is C. That is our root for the chord. Now, we have to take a 3rd. The question: major or minor? We are in C Major, so we take E, a 3rd maj. As you probably know, major sounds happy and minor sounds sad (little detail wink.gif). From that E, we go another 3rd up. In this case it is a 3rd minor (E to G). Now, we have our triad: C E G.
Is this clear?

Posted by: Toroso Feb 28 2009, 09:17 PM

QUOTE
Let´s take the I degree of C major (C D E F G A B ) which is C. That is our root for the chord. Now, we have to take a 3rd. The question: major or minor? We are in C Major, so we take E, a 3rd maj.


That I understand.

QUOTE
From that E, we go another 3rd up. In this case it is a 3rd minor (E to G). Now, we have our triad: C E G.
Is this clear?


Not clear, I am thinking that G is a third from E (1E,2F,3G), correct? What is minor about that and why minor if we used major before since we were in C Major?

Posted by: Tolek Feb 28 2009, 09:27 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Feb 28 2009, 09:17 PM) *
Not clear, I am thinking that G is a third from E (1E,2F,3G), correct? What is minor about that and why minor if we used major before since we were in C Major?

Yes, the interval between E and G is a 3rd and now we´re going to see why it is minor.
I just found this picture:

You see white and black keys which belong to a piano. Under them you see the name of each key. You are surely wondering why there´s an H and not a B. This is a picture from a german site. German people call the note B "H" and the note B flat "B". A bit confusing! biggrin.gif Let´s continue. From the definition, we know that a minor 3rd has 3 semitones. Let´s count the number of semitones between E and G:
E -> F -> F# -> G

We have three semitones. So, it is a minor 3rd.

Is this clear?

Posted by: Tolek Feb 28 2009, 10:47 PM

Here´s the video that explains how to do that C Major Barré:


Posted by: Toroso Mar 1 2009, 02:42 AM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Feb 28 2009, 04:47 PM) *
Here´s the video that explains how to do that C Major Barré:



I'm not getting any audio on this one. blink.gif

Posted by: Tolek Mar 1 2009, 10:24 AM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 1 2009, 02:42 AM) *
I'm not getting any audio on this one. blink.gif

Aaaaah! biggrin.gif I forgot to change the audio device. laugh.gif I´ll do another video later. wink.gif

What about the theory?

Posted by: Toroso Mar 1 2009, 02:34 PM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Feb 28 2009, 03:27 PM) *
Yes, the interval between E and G is a 3rd and now we´re going to see why it is minor.
I just found this picture:

You see white and black keys which belong to a piano. Under them you see the name of each key. You are surely wondering why there´s an H and not a B. This is a picture from a german site. German people call the note B "H" and the note B flat "B". A bit confusing! biggrin.gif Let´s continue. From the definition, we know that a minor 3rd has 3 semitones. Let´s count the number of semitones between E and G:
E -> F -> F# -> G

We have three semitones. So, it is a minor 3rd.

Is this clear?


OK, so if I understand, what we are doing here relates physically to the guitar and the semitones between notes and has nothing to do with the scale itself other than the note we are trying to reach.

Posted by: Tolek Mar 1 2009, 02:52 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 1 2009, 02:34 PM) *
OK, so if I understand, what we are doing here relates physically to the guitar and the semitones between notes and has nothing to do with the scale itself other than the note we are trying to reach.

Sorry, I don´t get it...
I have the feeling that you are not really aware of what we are talking, but I could be wrong. Nonetheless, I want you to read http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=5040. After reading it, you should immediately understand how chords are built. wink.gif

Posted by: Toroso Mar 1 2009, 06:07 PM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Mar 1 2009, 08:52 AM) *
Sorry, I don´t get it...
I have the feeling that you are not really aware of what we are talking, but I could be wrong. Nonetheless, I want you to read http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=5040. After reading it, you should immediately understand how chords are built. wink.gif


Well, according to that: C to E = 4 semitones/2 tones = Major
E to G = 3 semitones/1.5 tones = Minor

Am I still missing the boat?


On another note:



How would I play the circled note in this tab?

Also, since you are mentoring me, I am just asking my general guitar questions to you. Is this OK, and is this the right place?

Posted by: Tolek Mar 1 2009, 06:32 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 1 2009, 06:07 PM) *
Well, according to that: C to E = 4 semitones/2 tones = Major
E to G = 3 semitones/1.5 tones = Minor

Am I still missing the boat?

No, you aren´t. You got it now. Well done! smile.gif

QUOTE
On another note:



How would I play the circled note in this tab?

Also, since you are mentoring me, I am just asking my general guitar questions to you. Is this OK, and is this the right place?

Sure, don´t hesitate to ask me anything. I´m here to help! wink.gif
That circled note is a ghost note. More about them in http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/ghost-notes-in-solos/. Just play it not as hard as you would play a normal note. wink.gif

Posted by: Tolek Mar 6 2009, 11:44 PM

Where have I been?
I was very busy this week, guys, sorry for not being very active here. I´ll do more interaction this weekend. wink.gif

Posted by: Andrew6 Mar 7 2009, 01:55 AM

No worries you mentioned you had a big exam, thats where I figured you wento to laugh.gif

Posted by: Toroso Mar 7 2009, 12:06 PM

No problem Tolek. Work has been H#LL this week wacko.gif so I haven't been practicing as much as I should. Things seem to be sorted now so I'll get busy! smile.gif

Posted by: Tolek Mar 7 2009, 12:42 PM

Thanks for comprehension. smile.gif

Posted by: Tolek Mar 8 2009, 09:07 PM

First of all, I have to say that I am stupid. laugh.gif I uploaded a video that explains your problem, Toroso, but I forgot to post it here. laugh.gif



I meant with "start an exercice" the individual problem zones. biggrin.gif And sorry for my hawing, I can´t speak in another way. ph34r.gif In English, at least.

If there are any questions, just ask me.

Posted by: Toroso Mar 9 2009, 02:56 PM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Mar 8 2009, 04:07 PM) *
First of all, I have to say that I am stupid. laugh.gif I uploaded a video that explains your problem, Toroso, but I forgot to post it here. laugh.gif



I meant with "start an exercice" the individual problem zones. biggrin.gif And sorry for my hawing, I can´t speak in another way. ph34r.gif In English, at least.

If there are any questions, just ask me.


Thanks Tolek! I guess it will be just a LOT of practice. Chords have always been difficult for me so I have basically ignored them and used mostly power chords. The result is that I still cannot play them very well!

The open chords are not so bad, but when a barre comes in, I have a lot of trouble getting it clean.

I'm curious as to what you would like to see in a video of this first assignment? Just playing the notes and strumming the chords?

Posted by: Tolek Mar 9 2009, 03:07 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 9 2009, 02:56 PM) *
Thanks Tolek! I guess it will be just a LOT of practice. Chords have always been difficult for me so I have basically ignored them and used mostly power chords. The result is that I still cannot play them very well!

The open chords are not so bad, but when a barre comes in, I have a lot of trouble getting it clean.

I'm curious as to what you would like to see in a video of this first assignment? Just playing the notes and strumming the chords?

It´s good to see that are aware that you didn´t pay much attention on chords and want to change that! smile.gif And yes, barrés are easy when you practise them.

Well, the video should show you playing the few notes on the first 5 frets while you say that notes. Clear?

Posted by: Toroso Mar 11 2009, 03:33 PM

Hi Tolek

Wll you recommend some scales to use over this BT? Something other than the usual pentatonic? Thanks smile.gif

 q____Heavy_Metal.mp3 ( 1.35MB ) : 177

Posted by: Tolek Mar 11 2009, 04:57 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 11 2009, 03:33 PM) *
Hi Tolek

Wll you recommend some scales to use over this BT? Something other than the usual pentatonic? Thanks smile.gif

 q____Heavy_Metal.mp3 ( 1.35MB ) : 177

You can use D minor Pentatonic, D minor natural, D minor harmonic and D Phrygian (Dominant). I think that the best for the beginning is the simple pentatonic scale. For faster runs, best would be D minor natural/harmonic and for a very exotic and dark sound you can use the D Phrygian (Dominant) scale.
Another possibility is to tune down one whole step and play in E minor. smile.gif

Posted by: Toroso Mar 11 2009, 05:55 PM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Mar 11 2009, 11:57 AM) *
You can use D minor Pentatonic, D minor natural, D minor harmonic and D Phrygian (Dominant). I think that the best for the beginning is the simple pentatonic scale. For faster runs, best would be D minor natural/harmonic and for a very exotic and dark sound you can use the D Phrygian (Dominant) scale.
Another possibility is to tune down one whole step and play in E minor. smile.gif



When you use the modifier (Dominant), what does that mean?

Posted by: Tolek Mar 11 2009, 05:58 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 11 2009, 05:55 PM) *
When you use the modifier (Dominant), what does that mean?

Dominant means that the 7th degree of a scale is minor. David Walliman explains this scale in http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/phrygian-dominant-soloing/ very well.

Posted by: Toroso Mar 11 2009, 08:35 PM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Mar 11 2009, 12:58 PM) *
Dominant means that the 7th degree of a scale is minor. David Walliman explains this scale in http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/phrygian-dominant-soloing/ very well.


Hmmm that opened a can of worms. biggrin.gif I'm trying to sort this out so not picking on anybody. You told me dominant scales have a minor 7th, Dave is stating that as well in addition to a major 3rd. Based on a prior discussion I see that the third in this case is major (4 semitones from root, A Phrygian Dominant 3rd is C#). So when determining whether something is major or minor, is it simply whether the distance in semitones from the root is even or odd?

Posted by: Tolek Mar 11 2009, 08:43 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 11 2009, 08:35 PM) *
Hmmm that opened a can of worms. biggrin.gif I'm trying to sort this out so not picking on anybody. You told me dominant scales have a minor 7th, Dave is stating that as well in addition to a major 3rd. Based on a prior discussion I see that the third in this case is major (4 semitones from root, A Phrygian Dominant 3rd is C#). So when determining whether something is major or minor, is it simply whether the distance in semitones from the root is even or odd?

Oh, yes! I forgot to mention that there´s besides the minor 7th a Major 3rd. Sorry! biggrin.gif

A scale is Major when it has a Major 3rd (from the root). A scale is minor when it has a minor 3rd (from the root). Example:
C Major: C D E F G A B C (C -> E = 4 semitones = 3rd Maj)
C minor: C D Eb F G Ab Bb C (C -> Eb = 3 semitones = 3rd min)

Clear?

Phrygian is mode and has not much to do with Major or minor. We say that it has a major sounding when it has a 3rd Maj (like the Major Scale). And the same for minor: We say that it has a minor sounding when it has a 3rd min (like the minor Scale).


PS: I´ll do an answer video tomorrow or later because now, I´m learning french... Some old litterature... dry.gif

Posted by: Toroso Mar 11 2009, 09:02 PM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Mar 11 2009, 03:43 PM) *
A scale is Major when it has a Major 3rd (from the root). A scale is minor when it has a minor 3rd (from the root). Example:
C Major: C D E F G A B C (C -> E = 4 semitones = 3rd Maj)
C minor: C D Eb F G Ab Bb C (C -> Eb = 3 semitones = 3rd min)

Clear?


Yes, that I understand. So what about the minor 7th then?

QUOTE
PS: I´ll do an answer video tomorrow or later because now, I´m learning french... Some old litterature... dry.gif


I was wondering, what is the language of Luxembourg?

Posted by: Andrew6 Mar 11 2009, 09:04 PM

hey guys sorry to jump in but do you speak french well Tolek?

Posted by: Tolek Mar 11 2009, 09:08 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 11 2009, 09:02 PM) *
Yes, that I understand. So what about the minor 7th then?

A scale is dominant if it has a 3rd Maj and a 7th min, i.e. Phrygian Dominant.

QUOTE
I was wondering, what is the language of Luxembourg?

laugh.gif The spoken language is Luxembourgish (a weird and bad mix of French and Low German), but French is the governmental language while German is spoken by most of Luxembourgers. We are being taught French, German, English and only a little bit of Luxembourgish at school since it has no real grammar. biggrin.gif Many people don´t consider it as language because it isn´t spoken in the goverment. Etc.

Btw, I´m not luxembourgish. smile.gif I´m polish, but was born in Germany. biggrin.gif Complicated! laugh.gif

QUOTE (Andrew6 @ Mar 11 2009, 09:04 PM) *
hey guys sorry to jump in but do you speak french well Tolek?

Well, I have no problems being in Paris. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Andrew6 Mar 11 2009, 09:09 PM

QUOTE (Tolek @ Mar 11 2009, 05:08 PM) *
A scale is dominant if it has a 3rd Maj and a 7th min, i.e. Phrygian Dominant.


laugh.gif The spoken language is Luxembourgish (a weird and bad mix of French and Low German), but French is the governmental language while German is spoken by most of Luxembourgers. We are being taught French, German, English and only a little bit of Luxembourgish at school since it has no real grammar. biggrin.gif Many people don´t consider it as language because it isn´t spoken in the goverment. Etc.

Btw, I´m not luxembourgish. smile.gif I´m polish, but was born in Germany. biggrin.gif Complicated! laugh.gif


Well, I have no problems being in Paris. biggrin.gif

ahhh alright well I speak french as well but it is Canadian French laugh.gif a bit different

Posted by: Tolek Mar 11 2009, 09:12 PM

QUOTE (Andrew6 @ Mar 11 2009, 09:09 PM) *
ahhh alright well I speak french as well but it is Canadian French laugh.gif a bit different

Yeah, I know that Canadians speak French as well. Alors, on passe au francais? biggrin.gif Je suis en train de m´emmerder avec la littérature francaise du 19e siècle dans lequel des fous auteurs ont écrit des textes que je ne comprends pas. laugh.gif

Posted by: Andrew6 Mar 11 2009, 09:19 PM

hahaha sounds like fun tongue.gif , my french isn't spectacular as it is not a first language but I had no problem understanding that laugh.gif

Posted by: Tolek Mar 11 2009, 09:21 PM

QUOTE (Andrew6 @ Mar 11 2009, 09:19 PM) *
hahaha sounds like fun tongue.gif , my french isn't spectacular as it is not a first language but I had no problem understanding that laugh.gif

Great! laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Toroso Mar 16 2009, 09:54 PM

Hi Tolek

I am working on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/alice-in-chains-style-lesson/ lesson right now. At the end of the second bar, there is a little decending sequence. What sort of chords are these?

Posted by: Tolek Mar 17 2009, 03:16 PM

Hey there!
That isn´t a sequence it´s just a descending lick. It is chromatic (A -> G# -> G) and these aren´t really chords. They diminished 5th intervals. You can apply that chromatism pretty everywhere.
I hope this helps. smile.gif

Posted by: Toroso Mar 20 2009, 03:15 PM

Hi Master Tolek! smile.gif

In the assignment, you gave us a Bmin7dim5 chord. Would you mind going into the theory behind the construction of this chord?

Thanks!

Posted by: Tolek Mar 20 2009, 08:30 PM

QUOTE (Toroso @ Mar 20 2009, 03:15 PM) *
Hi Master Tolek! smile.gif

In the assignment, you gave us a Bmin7dim5 chord. Would you mind going into the theory behind the construction of this chord?

Thanks!

Not at all. smile.gif
Bmin7dim5 means "B minor 7 diminished 5". So, we start a normal chord from the root which is B, but we apply a diminished 5th: B D F. (B -> D = 3rd minor. D -> F = 3rd minor). Then we add a min7 (B -> A) and we get: B D F A.
Clear?

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