Michael Ac's Guitar Magic Maker Options

[Cosmin Lupu]

hey Michael! Glad you decided to join and honored that you have chosen me

Let's see we can tackle everything you would like and since you can use drop D, I say let's try and see how the lessons sound in drop D

This here is your thread and you can post anything you'd like, so vids with the lessons recorded in different tunings from the original ones are accepted

Your journey is a long one and it's filled with wonderful things - I would say we can divide the schedule between rhtyhm, lead and theory. All these have much more inside but this is how I see it. Have you thought of anything in particular when you said 2 years?

all the best mate

Cosmin

[Michael AC]

hey Michael! Glad you decided to join and honored that you have chosen me

Let's see we can tackle everything you would like and since you can use drop D, I say let's try and see how the lessons sound in drop D

This here is your thread and you can post anything you'd like, so vids with the lessons recorded in different tunings from the original ones are accepted

Your journey is a long one and it's filled with wonderful things - I would say we can divide the schedule between rhtyhm, lead and theory. All these have much more inside but this is how I see it. Have you thought of anything in particular when you said 2 years?

all the best mate

Cosmin

I have been focusing on theory and technique mostly. Trying to learn the notes up and down the neck. Trying to learn to listen to different parts.

I have been working on vibrato and my timing. I play with a metronome a lot. Many times when I turn the video on is when I get nervous and loose concentration. I want everything to be perfect so the smallest mistake I let it get to me. I am working on that also, trying to not be so "perfect" as I know that comes in time.

The one area I really struggle with is tying phrases together. The neo-classical lesson helped with a little of that although I got caught up in the pattern more than learning what notes I was playing or what chords they were over.

So where do we go from here?

Your video lessons are at 3PM to 4:30PM my time Eastern USA. That is when I am at work. I know I am going to miss a lot. Any suggestions on how to work through this? I can go over the notes in the evening when I get home.

Thanks!

[Cosmin Lupu]

Hey Michael,

You can check out the lesson notes of course, but I was thinking that maybe we could work on concepts which tie theory and phrasing together. Recording a LOT will eventually make the camera emotions go away what do you think mate?

Cosmin

I have been focusing on theory and technique mostly. Trying to learn the notes up and down the neck. Trying to learn to listen to different parts.

I have been working on vibrato and my timing. I play with a metronome a lot. Many times when I turn the video on is when I get nervous and loose concentration. I want everything to be perfect so the smallest mistake I let it get to me. I am working on that also, trying to not be so "perfect" as I know that comes in time.

The one area I really struggle with is tying phrases together. The neo-classical lesson helped with a little of that although I got caught up in the pattern more than learning what notes I was playing or what chords they were over.

So where do we go from here?

Your video lessons are at 3PM to 4:30PM my time Eastern USA. That is when I am at work. I know I am going to miss a lot. Any suggestions on how to work through this? I can go over the notes in the evening when I get home.

Thanks!

[Michael AC]

Hey Michael,

You can check out the lesson notes of course, but I was thinking that maybe we could work on concepts which tie theory and phrasing together. Recording a LOT will eventually make the camera emotions go away what do you think mate?

Cosmin

Sounds great. The weather was not too bad this morning so I pulled out the acoustic and practiced on back porch for about an hour. Going out with the wife for a little while and then will practice some on the electric. Any special lesson you want me to review or start working on? If not, I will keep on my normal routine today. Thanks!

[Michael AC]

This is what I practiced Sunday:

(Morning)
1 hr: Acoustic guitar, chords, few scales and just playing around.

(Evening)
5 min Warm-up with C Major scale up and down neck. Includes patterns using 1, 3, 5; 1, 3, 5, 7 over each chord in the scale

Warm-up exercises: 10 min
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Arpegg...rkshop-Level-1/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guit...-marcus-siepen/ (Exercise 1 and 3)

Lessons: 10 min
Worked on timing by revisiting REC video and playing http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/

Free play: 1 hr
Worked on various rhythm patterns using octaves, palm muting, galloping, bending to pitch, 2 string inverted chords.
Tuned down to Drop D and played around with different chord progressions and adding small accents or notes.

Just had a relaxing day.

Plan for Monday evening is open for suggestions. Looking for the next lesson to tackle. Was thinking about

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

or

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Variat...in_C_Minor_pt1/

What do you think? Maybe something different?

[Cosmin Lupu]

Hey Michael! The practice schedule looks good! The two lessons are very good for tackling and I think you can add some ear training to your practice, man! Tell me have you ever tried it? It will do a ton of good on your playing!

let me know and I can hint you a bit in that direction

Cosmin

This is what I practiced Sunday:

(Morning)
1 hr: Acoustic guitar, chords, few scales and just playing around.

(Evening)
5 min Warm-up with C Major scale up and down neck. Includes patterns using 1, 3, 5; 1, 3, 5, 7 over each chord in the scale

Warm-up exercises: 10 min
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Arpegg...rkshop-Level-1/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guit...-marcus-siepen/ (Exercise 1 and 3)

Lessons: 10 min
Worked on timing by revisiting REC video and playing http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/

Free play: 1 hr
Worked on various rhythm patterns using octaves, palm muting, galloping, bending to pitch, 2 string inverted chords.
Tuned down to Drop D and played around with different chord progressions and adding small accents or notes.

Just had a relaxing day.

Plan for Monday evening is open for suggestions. Looking for the next lesson to tackle. Was thinking about

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

or

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Variat...in_C_Minor_pt1/

What do you think? Maybe something different?

This post has been edited by Cosmin Lupu: Mar 26 2012, 08:09 PM

[Michael AC]

Hey Michael! The practice schedule looks good! The two lessons are very good for tackling and I think you can add some ear training to your practice, man! Tell me have you ever tried it? It will do a ton of good on your playing!

let me know and I can hint you a bit in that direction

Cosmin

I bought some ear training CD's called Learning Perfect Pitch a while ago. It helped some, but having to sing the notes really caused me problems. I still do exercises when I have my son play a note and I attempt to guess the note. I also play a note myself and imagine in my head where it is on the neck then I say the note. If I am wrong I correct myself and try again.

I am very open if you have other methods as I know this will help a lot! My vocal range is very small (and flat), I would never make a backup singer!!!!

[Michael AC]

Monday:

Regular warm-up exercises

Lesson review:
Picking Hand Basics

Start New Lesson:
Vinnie Moore Style Patterns: 1

Practiced first 4 bars with Guitar Pro file and metronome. Started at 80 bpm increased by 5 until 120. Pushed past to 130. Only consistent at 100 for about 3 times.

Played rhythm behind lesson to finish.

1 1/2 hr practice.

Hope you had a rockin' day! How's your band doing?

[Cosmin Lupu]

Hey Michael!

this looks great! I really appreciate the fact that you are taking the time to fill up this little practice journal we are sharing now, Voodoo's going just great man - we re gonna tour a bit this summer and hit the main festivals. With Aria, I am currently working to finish our first EP.

Cosmin

Monday:

Regular warm-up exercises

Lesson review:
Picking Hand Basics

Start New Lesson:
Vinnie Moore Style Patterns: 1

Practiced first 4 bars with Guitar Pro file and metronome. Started at 80 bpm increased by 5 until 120. Pushed past to 130. Only consistent at 100 for about 3 times.

Played rhythm behind lesson to finish.

1 1/2 hr practice.

Hope you had a rockin' day! How's your band doing?

[Michael AC]

To let you know the music I like to listen too and would like to be able to play someday on my journey:

http://grooveshark.com/s/Traces+Of+Grace/3pwfS0?src=5
http://grooveshark.com/s/Wisdom/3pwfJW?src=5

Ultimately in 5 years: http://grooveshark.com/s/De+Machina+Est+Deo/3pwfNa?src=5

I like this type of orchestral rock...the pic of you playing with that orchestra actually inspired me to practice even more.

If there are things here that are not helpful let me know, I just figured the more you know about what I am doing the better you can help direct me. Let me know if I go overboard on info!

[Michael AC]

1 hr practice tonight.

Quick 5 min warm-up with C major scale.
10 min on palm muting with down strokes only plus some triplet palm muting

45 min on Lesson Vinnie Moore Style Patterns: 1
Added measures 5 to 8. Played at speed with video. some rough spots yet.

Night!

[Cosmin Lupu]

Roger that cap'n Mike!

[Michael AC]

Wednesday: 1 hr 30 min practice
15 minute warmup with metronome 80 bpm quarter & eight notes over 12 frets various exercises

15 minutes on Lesson review
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/ at tempo 3 times
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/ at tempo 3 times

45 min on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Vinnie...yle-patterns-1/
Added measures 9 thru 12

15 min just playing around.

Did you have some ear training you wanted me to look at?

[Cosmin Lupu]

Hey Michael,
please help me refresh my memory, as I don't recall if we have talked in detail about ear training so far. I am asking so that I may know where we may start

Cosmin

Wednesday: 1 hr 30 min practice
15 minute warmup with metronome 80 bpm quarter & eight notes over 12 frets various exercises

15 minutes on Lesson review
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/ at tempo 3 times
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/ at tempo 3 times

45 min on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Vinnie...yle-patterns-1/
Added measures 9 thru 12

15 min just playing around.

Did you have some ear training you wanted me to look at?

[Michael AC]

Hey Michael,
please help me refresh my memory, as I don't recall if we have talked in detail about ear training so far. I am asking so that I may know where we may start

Cosmin

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Mar 26 2012, 03:07 PM)
Hey Michael! The practice schedule looks good! The two lessons are very good for tackling and I think you can add some ear training to your practice, man! Tell me have you ever tried it? It will do a ton of good on your playing!

let me know and I can hint you a bit in that direction

Cosmin
----------
I bought some ear training CD's called Learning Perfect Pitch a while ago. It helped some, but having to sing the notes really caused me problems. I still do exercises when I have my son play a note and I attempt to guess the note. I also play a note myself and imagine in my head where it is on the neck then I say the note. If I am wrong I correct myself and try again.

I am very open if you have other methods as I know this will help a lot! My vocal range is very small (and flat), I would never make a backup singer!!!!
-------
Michael


We did not get anywhere in a discussion yet other than you asking if I had done any ear training...Your board is busy I do not see how you are going to be able to keep up! LOL!

[Cosmin Lupu]

Hey Michael you're dealing with Wolverine here right? Hehe! My friend, I would recommend a first exercise:

- as each interval must remind you of something, attach that sound to the interval in cause and always keep it in your mind the idea is that in this way, your musical mempry will be triggered MUCH faster than usual
- sing and play in the same time. each interval in respect to it's tonic
- the next step would be to play the tonic and sing the interval

Please try this and let me know how it goes! Let's start with the C major scale, ok?

Cosmin

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Mar 26 2012, 03:07 PM)
Hey Michael! The practice schedule looks good! The two lessons are very good for tackling and I think you can add some ear training to your practice, man! Tell me have you ever tried it? It will do a ton of good on your playing!

let me know and I can hint you a bit in that direction

Cosmin
----------
I bought some ear training CD's called Learning Perfect Pitch a while ago. It helped some, but having to sing the notes really caused me problems. I still do exercises when I have my son play a note and I attempt to guess the note. I also play a note myself and imagine in my head where it is on the neck then I say the note. If I am wrong I correct myself and try again.

I am very open if you have other methods as I know this will help a lot! My vocal range is very small (and flat), I would never make a backup singer!!!!
-------
Michael


We did not get anywhere in a discussion yet other than you asking if I had done any ear training...Your board is busy I do not see how you are going to be able to keep up! LOL!

[Michael AC]

Thursday: Worked overtime, no practice
Friday, Saturday: Travelling, no practive
Sunday: company over (extended stay), no practice
Monday: Was lazy, no practice

Tuesday:
Morning: 45 min before work
5 min warm-up, 5 min ear training over C major (went well)

35 min on Lessons:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/ at tempo 2 times

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Vinnie...yle-patterns-1/
Added measures 13 thru end

Evening: ?? Hopefully will be off work on time!

[Cosmin Lupu]

Thursday: Worked overtime, no practice
Friday, Saturday: Travelling, no practive
Sunday: company over (extended stay), no practice
Monday: Was lazy, no practice

Tuesday:
Morning: 45 min before work
5 min warm-up, 5 min ear training over C major (went well)

35 min on Lessons:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/ at tempo 2 times

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Vinnie...yle-patterns-1/
Added measures 13 thru end

Evening: ?? Hopefully will be off work on time!

Maaan! that looks like a storm over there when will you have a new recording for me?

[Michael AC]

Maaan! that looks like a storm over there when will you have a new recording for me?

Yeah was a rough weekend! Planning on recording on Friday since I am off work!

[Michael AC]

Tuesday Evening: 2 hr practice

Warm-up with Lesson reviews:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/ - 4 times
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neocla..._for_beginners/ - 4 times

Lessons:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Vinnie...yle-patterns-1/
complete progression several times. Also alternated and played the rhythm parts although it is not part of the lesson to let my hand rest between runs.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Variat...in_C_Minor_pt1/
Worked on first 8 measures several times. Focusing on bends. Having a little trouble with vibrato when a note is bent a whole step.

Time for rest...

Will do more ear training tomorrow.

This post has been edited by Michael AC: Apr 5 2012, 03:25 AM