GMC Forum _ Cosmin Lupu _ Michael Ac's Guitar Magic Maker
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 24 2012, 10:35 AM
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
Posted by: Michael AC Mar 24 2012, 06:10 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Mar 24 2012, 05:35 AM)
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!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 24 2012, 10:37 PM
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
QUOTE (Michael AC @ Mar 24 2012, 05:10 PM)
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!
Posted by: Michael AC Mar 24 2012, 10:49 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Mar 24 2012, 05:37 PM)
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!
Posted by: Michael AC Mar 26 2012, 05:45 PM
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/Arpeggio-Workshop-Level-1/ http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/warming-up-with-marcus-siepen/ (Exercise 1 and 3)
Lessons: 10 min Worked on timing by revisiting REC video and playing http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neoclassical_solo_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
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
QUOTE (Michael AC @ Mar 26 2012, 04:45 PM)
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/Arpeggio-Workshop-Level-1/ http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/warming-up-with-marcus-siepen/ (Exercise 1 and 3)
Lessons: 10 min Worked on timing by revisiting REC video and playing http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neoclassical_solo_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
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!!!!
Posted by: Michael AC Mar 27 2012, 03:48 AM
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?
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 27 2012, 10:52 AM
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
QUOTE (Michael AC @ Mar 27 2012, 02:48 AM)
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?
Posted by: Michael AC Mar 27 2012, 11:54 AM
To let you know the music I like to listen too and would like to be able to play someday on my journey:
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!
Posted by: Michael AC Mar 28 2012, 04:05 AM
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!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 28 2012, 08:23 AM
Roger that cap'n Mike!
Posted by: Michael AC Mar 29 2012, 03:35 AM
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?
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 29 2012, 08:26 AM
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 (Michael AC @ Mar 29 2012, 02:35 AM)
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?
Posted by: Michael AC Mar 30 2012, 03:25 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Mar 29 2012, 03:26 AM)
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!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 30 2012, 04:57 PM
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 (Michael AC @ Mar 30 2012, 02:25 PM)
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!
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 4 2012, 02:21 PM
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!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 4 2012, 10:01 PM
QUOTE (Michael AC @ Apr 4 2012, 01:21 PM)
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?
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 4 2012, 11:16 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Apr 4 2012, 05:01 PM)
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!
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 5 2012, 03:23 AM
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/Variations_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.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 5 2012, 02:13 PM
Michael, I congratulate you for the fact that you are into so many lessons and you are practicing regularly, but I got one question: How accurate are your renditions of these lessons? You know, it would be far better to tackle fewer lessons and making them sound rock solid!
Let me know
Cosmin
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 6 2012, 01:05 AM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Apr 5 2012, 09:13 AM)
Michael, I congratulate you for the fact that you are into so many lessons and you are practicing regularly, but I got one question: How accurate are your renditions of these lessons? You know, it would be far better to tackle fewer lessons and making them sound rock solid!
Let me know
Cosmin
The lessons I list as review have already been completed in REC and passed. I just like them as warm-ups and to continue to help me feel confident.
The only active lesson I am focusing on is the Vinnie Moore patterns. I plan on recording it for REC sometime this weekend. The one last night I just gave it a try to see if I could do it...I think I can so it will be my next lesson after I pass Vinnie...
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 6 2012, 06:58 AM
QUOTE (Michael AC @ Apr 6 2012, 12:05 AM)
The lessons I list as review have already been completed in REC and passed. I just like them as warm-ups and to continue to help me feel confident.
The only active lesson I am focusing on is the Vinnie Moore patterns. I plan on recording it for REC sometime this weekend. The one last night I just gave it a try to see if I could do it...I think I can so it will be my next lesson after I pass Vinnie...
Alright Mike! What do you say if you would post a take on the Vinnie lesson here at first so we can see if it's ready for a good mark in the REC zone?
Cosmin
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 6 2012, 04:35 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Apr 6 2012, 01:58 AM)
Alright Mike! What do you say if you would post a take on the Vinnie lesson here at first so we can see if it's ready for a good mark in the REC zone?
Cosmin
Will do! Hopefully will be later this evening...just finished work so practice will start in early this afternoon!
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 6 2012, 11:22 PM
Here it is
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 7 2012, 08:11 AM
hey Mike!
this take is shaping up very nicely! I like it and to make it better, you should focus a bit on timing as you tend to slightly but VERY slightly slip behind the track and also, take care of the right hand movement which is a bit too wriggly if you get my idea. Move it lesser and you will gain more stamina
Will ya shoot another one, focusing on these two aspects?
Cosmin
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 7 2012, 10:14 AM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Apr 7 2012, 03:11 AM)
hey Mike!
this take is shaping up very nicely! I like it and to make it better, you should focus a bit on timing as you tend to slightly but VERY slightly slip behind the track and also, take care of the right hand movement which is a bit too wriggly if you get my idea. Move it lesser and you will gain more stamina
Will ya shoot another one, focusing on these two aspects?
Cosmin
I will work on the timing but not sure on the movement. Since I am skipping strings how can I move my right hand less? Do I need to make my hand more stiff?
Edit: I went back to the original video and watched his hand movements and I am still not getting it? Anyway you can explain it? Thanks!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 9 2012, 09:35 AM
QUOTE (Michael AC @ Apr 7 2012, 09:14 AM)
I will work on the timing but not sure on the movement. Since I am skipping strings how can I move my right hand less? Do I need to make my hand more stiff?
Edit: I went back to the original video and watched his hand movements and I am still not getting it? Anyway you can explain it? Thanks!
Hey Michael! When I say less, I mean that at this point your movements are pretty loose, meaning that after more practicing and focusing on becoming more economic in your right hand movements, you will eventually decrease the amplitude of your pick strokes there! That sounded so scientific let me know if I am being clear, k?
Cosmin
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 9 2012, 04:26 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Apr 9 2012, 04:35 AM)
Hey Michael! When I say less, I mean that at this point your movements are pretty loose, meaning that after more practicing and focusing on becoming more economic in your right hand movements, you will eventually decrease the amplitude of your pick strokes there! That sounded so scientific let me know if I am being clear, k?
Cosmin
I think I get it...I noticed that on some of the string skipping my hand rolls a little more (pivots). I tried to focus on keeping that tighter with more precision but I found my arm tensing up and not being relaxed. Will work more on it tonight.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 10 2012, 11:58 AM
QUOTE (Michael AC @ Apr 9 2012, 03:26 PM)
I think I get it...I noticed that on some of the string skipping my hand rolls a little more (pivots). I tried to focus on keeping that tighter with more precision but I found my arm tensing up and not being relaxed. Will work more on it tonight.
Great man! Let me know when it's done
Cosmin
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 17 2012, 03:28 AM
Hey...went to record tonight and it sucked...really frustrated. Been going over and over this and thought I had my hand movements tighter, but when recording tonight and watching the video, not much changed, strings were buzzing and it just sounded like crap.
Guess one of those days...will give it another try tomorrow night...sorry it is taking so long.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 17 2012, 07:27 AM
Hey Mike, take it easy man you know, there's days and days, so try again when it feels right, k?
What else have you been up to?
Cosmin
Posted by: Michael AC Apr 18 2012, 02:43 AM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Apr 17 2012, 02:27 AM)
Hey Mike, take it easy man you know, there's days and days, so try again when it feels right, k?
What else have you been up to?
Cosmin
Just trying to focus on timing and this lesson. I have also been playing around with the driving collab...but not sure if I can get something recorded in time...but is a great experience! Also some more ear training.
Thanks for your encouragement...guess I really let it get to me last night...
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 18 2012, 10:12 AM
Michael, believe me man, I have days when I start wondering if I know how to play the guitar
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 30 2012, 08:04 PM
Hey Mike, what happened to you man?
The take is good, aside from some timing issues, small but noticeable. I think you should get it out of your system for now, as it's a good thing for you to diversify a bit
I would go for something melodic and articulation oriented, if you would like it too?
And about vocal lessons, they will probably change your life man go for it!
Cosmin
Posted by: Michael AC May 1 2012, 01:54 AM
Cosmin I have been out sick for a while...
Here is another take on the Vinnie Moore lesson. I think it is better than the last one. Over the past two weeks of playing it I have not seen much change. I loaded this to the REC also.
A friend of mine gave me some vocal warmup exercises to go with the ear training I am doing. Seems to help.
talk to you later.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 1 2012, 09:11 AM
Hey Mike, what happened to you man? sad.gif
The take is good, aside from some timing issues, small but noticeable. I think you should get it out of your system for now, as it's a good thing for you to diversify a bit smile.gif
I would go for something melodic and articulation oriented, if you would like it too? smile.gif
And about vocal lessons, they will probably change your life man smile.gif go for it!
Cosmin
Posted by: Michael AC May 1 2012, 07:53 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ May 1 2012, 04:11 AM)
Hey Mike, what happened to you man? sad.gif
The take is good, aside from some timing issues, small but noticeable. I think you should get it out of your system for now, as it's a good thing for you to diversify a bit smile.gif
I would go for something melodic and articulation oriented, if you would like it too? smile.gif
And about vocal lessons, they will probably change your life man smile.gif go for it!
Cosmin
You are right I need to move on and come back to this.
I have been pretty sick for the last week...so now just getting my legs back under me.
But the instructor doing the lesson is well you know...
Oh alright mate, if you are already working on that one let's stick to it then
Posted by: Michael AC May 9 2012, 04:25 AM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ May 2 2012, 11:32 AM)
Oh alright mate, if you are already working on that one let's stick to it then
Had lightning strike at house so lost internet for several days...back on things now...will work on recording towards end of week.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 9 2012, 09:56 AM
Uh oh, r you ok Michael?
Posted by: Michael AC May 9 2012, 01:34 PM
QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ May 9 2012, 04:56 AM)
Uh oh, r you ok Michael?
We are fine. Just fried a signal amplifier, xbox and cable modem and router.
Luckily my amp was not connected and it did not bother my PC.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 9 2012, 04:06 PM
QUOTE (Michael AC @ May 9 2012, 12:34 PM)
We are fine. Just fried a signal amplifier, xbox and cable modem and router.
Luckily my amp was not connected and it did not bother my PC.
Pheewww! The amp is safe gooood! Well, looking forward to see the new takes my friend!
Posted by: Michael AC May 15 2012, 04:25 AM
Still working on the lesson. The 2nd half in the upper register is taking me longer to be smooth. My fat fingers are not used to being in that area.
Will update you later this week.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 15 2012, 07:58 AM
Great Michael think about it man, it doesn't matter how fat or skinny one's fingers are look at Michael Romeo for instance, Johny Hiland or Shawn Lane!