Spasemoonkey's Preparation Frenzy Options

[Cosmin Lupu]

Welcome to your thread mate!

Let's make this a place where we can discuss on your personal routine and create it so that you may achieve progress

Since you showed me that vid, I guess technique is a relevant subject for ya so we should tackle the most important aspects:

- Alternate Picking
- Riffing/ rhythm playing
- Articulation
- Legato

On the other hand there's theory, which is fairly important.

Would you like sharing some thoughts with me, regarding the level you are having on these here and which one would you like to focus on?

all the best

Cosmin

[SpaseMoonkey]

Hellos Cosmin!

Lets see a little bit about each of my areas. Strongest to weakest Riffing, Alternate Picking, Articulation, Legato.

1. Riffing, this is my all time highest for the simple fact growing up not having teachers it was easy to pick up on, just simple power chords and chugging. I can play most riffs that Metallica throws out at me as a staple for where I'm at. Getting into more modern metal, forget it. Symphony X I just drool and my brain fizzes.

2. Alternate Picking, I'm fine when it comes to riffing, but you want to turn it into a lead passage I'm done. I try to do it and I've gotten better but it's still out of my reach.

3. Articulation, I'm thinking this is what is stopping me from the faster passages of single notes and clarity in my playing.

E--------9----------
B-9-10-12--12-10-9--

Example when I play that I can do it slow and it is clean, but when I hit higher up I'm thinking around 100bpm on the up stroke hitting the E string I'm slightly taping the B string as well with the pick and causing extra sound.

4. Legato, I honestly don't think I've ever really worked on this what so ever. I pick practically everything I've ever played. Maybe a few hammer-ons but nothing extended more than a few notes.


I was going to say Articulation for the fact it sounds like everything coincides with it as far as clean playing and precision. But seeing that Legato is my weakest I must say... I Choose You Legato! This way I can finger dexterity so they don't get tired, some better finger independence to not have to think as much when I have to play, and to help make them more precise so I don't have flying finger syndrome.


I hope this helps give a better idea as to where everything is placed as to what I am currently able to do. Also gives me a chance to see myself make progress to see where I've started and where I am heading.

- Travis S.

[Cosmin Lupu]

Ahoy Travis! Well well for Legato we can work with good comrade Ben's series:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/search/la...5/10/n/n/n/t/f/

and regarding articulation - I was referring at banding and vibrato how are you faring with those?

So legato it is let's pick the 1st lesson in the series, take a look over it and tell me if everything is cool and doable, k?

nighty night

Cosmin

Hellos Cosmin!

Lets see a little bit about each of my areas. Strongest to weakest Riffing, Alternate Picking, Articulation, Legato.

1. Riffing, this is my all time highest for the simple fact growing up not having teachers it was easy to pick up on, just simple power chords and chugging. I can play most riffs that Metallica throws out at me as a staple for where I'm at. Getting into more modern metal, forget it. Symphony X I just drool and my brain fizzes.

2. Alternate Picking, I'm fine when it comes to riffing, but you want to turn it into a lead passage I'm done. I try to do it and I've gotten better but it's still out of my reach.

3. Articulation, I'm thinking this is what is stopping me from the faster passages of single notes and clarity in my playing.

E--------9----------
B-9-10-12--12-10-9--

Example when I play that I can do it slow and it is clean, but when I hit higher up I'm thinking around 100bpm on the up stroke hitting the E string I'm slightly taping the B string as well with the pick and causing extra sound.

4. Legato, I honestly don't think I've ever really worked on this what so ever. I pick practically everything I've ever played. Maybe a few hammer-ons but nothing extended more than a few notes.


I was going to say Articulation for the fact it sounds like everything coincides with it as far as clean playing and precision. But seeing that Legato is my weakest I must say... I Choose You Legato! This way I can finger dexterity so they don't get tired, some better finger independence to not have to think as much when I have to play, and to help make them more precise so I don't have flying finger syndrome.


I hope this helps give a better idea as to where everything is placed as to what I am currently able to do. Also gives me a chance to see myself make progress to see where I've started and where I am heading.

- Travis S.

[SpaseMoonkey]

Ahoy Travis! Well well for Legato we can work with good comrade Ben's series:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/search/la...5/10/n/n/n/t/f/

and regarding articulation - I was referring at banding and vibrato how are you faring with those?

So legato it is let's pick the 1st lesson in the series, take a look over it and tell me if everything is cool and doable, k?

nighty night

Cosmin

Checking the link, looks like a great starting point. Going to get some grub and get started on it!

Bending and vibrato I can do it, just get yelled at that I do it with the fingers not the wrist.

Night Cosmin!

- Travis S.

[Cosmin Lupu]

Checking the link, looks like a great starting point. Going to get some grub and get started on it!

Bending and vibrato I can do it, just get yelled at that I do it with the fingers not the wrist.

Night Cosmin!

- Travis S.

Alright mate! I am here and waiting for your questions - and we have to see about the wrist motion you won't get away

Cosmin

[SpaseMoonkey]

Alright mate! I am here and waiting for your questions - and we have to see about the wrist motion you won't get away

Cosmin

Will do I'll have to record something here one day to get a better look on what I am doing for ya.

I shall give a quick update as well before I head out to work.

I am working on Ben's Land Of Legato 1! WOOOO GO BEN!!!

- Day 1: I learned that my DAW has this weird triangle button that makes a constant beeping that I set for how close it beeps!
I also learned the full lesson and worked on it at around 50bpm to get use to the passages in sections.
Ending rate was about 80bpm that was clean enough for me to call it a good ending of the sesson.

- Day 2: Yesterday, I learned playing it around 90bpm that my fingers started to hate life after a few good runs. So I just shook
it off and kept pushing a little bit. I can play it at the targeted 110bpm now minus the very last section of it. The finger
movement throws me off every few runs.

- Day 3: Today, I'm updating you on my progress and future goal for after work. I'm hoping I can hit the 115-120bpm mark
then get it worked out to feeling like second nature. Then I hope for tomorrow I can do a few passes at 120-125bpm.
If it comes out well there shall be a recording at the target rate of 110bpm!

- Travis S.

[Cosmin Lupu]

Will do I'll have to record something here one day to get a better look on what I am doing for ya.

I shall give a quick update as well before I head out to work.

I am working on Ben's Land Of Legato 1! WOOOO GO BEN!!!

- Day 1: I learned that my DAW has this weird triangle button that makes a constant beeping that I set for how close it beeps!
I also learned the full lesson and worked on it at around 50bpm to get use to the passages in sections.
Ending rate was about 80bpm that was clean enough for me to call it a good ending of the sesson.

- Day 2: Yesterday, I learned playing it around 90bpm that my fingers started to hate life after a few good runs. So I just shook
it off and kept pushing a little bit. I can play it at the targeted 110bpm now minus the very last section of it. The finger
movement throws me off every few runs.

- Day 3: Today, I'm updating you on my progress and future goal for after work. I'm hoping I can hit the 115-120bpm mark
then get it worked out to feeling like second nature. Then I hope for tomorrow I can do a few passes at 120-125bpm.
If it comes out well there shall be a recording at the target rate of 110bpm!

- Travis S.

Hey Travis! It sounds very good man I would like to ask if at 110 BPM you can record while being TOTALLY relaxed? I experienced some difficulties when recording stuff at speed and not feeling ultra relaxed with all passages. Now, it depends from day to day (how much you slept, what amount of water you had and how tired you are can mean A LOT) but I tend to try and become as relaxed as possible with a piece when playing it how bout you?

Cosmin

[SpaseMoonkey]

Hey Travis! It sounds very good man I would like to ask if at 110 BPM you can record while being TOTALLY relaxed? I experienced some difficulties when recording stuff at speed and not feeling ultra relaxed with all passages. Now, it depends from day to day (how much you slept, what amount of water you had and how tired you are can mean A LOT) but I tend to try and become as relaxed as possible with a piece when playing it how bout you?

Cosmin

We shall find out later, I did a quick run while reading this and I'm rather relaxed, but once that camera is on its a total different story. I actually got a good solid 8 hours of sleep last night and I've been drink a lot of water due to it turning into the spring season here. I do notice tho with what you say. My best day for playing is Monday, typically after I go to the gym. Not sure if my body is so tired it has to stay relaxed or just because it was use to something more intense.

- Travis S.

[Cosmin Lupu]

I usually suck at guitar playing right after coming from the gym I feel too adrenalized somehow and I can't control my limbs. I usually need relaxation in order to get things going. Regarding the camera - start recording even though you may not get the right results from the very first take. The idea is that the more you record, the better and more relaxed you will be give it a try bro!

Cosmin

We shall find out later, I did a quick run while reading this and I'm rather relaxed, but once that camera is on its a total different story. I actually got a good solid 8 hours of sleep last night and I've been drink a lot of water due to it turning into the spring season here. I do notice tho with what you say. My best day for playing is Monday, typically after I go to the gym. Not sure if my body is so tired it has to stay relaxed or just because it was use to something more intense.

- Travis S.

[SpaseMoonkey]

http://soundcloud.com/spasemoonkey/bens-legato-01

29 Records later this is the best I got, but I got better on every record!

How can I clean up my playing with this? Besides more practice. I'm taking a break right now my fingers are like whoa buddy calm down right now. But I'm thinking maybe back it down some more or maybe I need to actually raise the action of the guitar because the notes don't seem to ring out quite as well live either.

[SpaseMoonkey]

Wow.. 4 hours later, I should have been in bed 2 hours ago... But!



I see my hand does a weird side move with the notes, must conquer that and a few spots have a slight delay making it not sound so fluid. But I got a decent video made for progress instead of a clip.

[Cosmin Lupu]

Hey Travis the video and take are awesome mate!

Legato is based on fluidity and good timing - you need to move your left hand less, that's why I'd suggest practicing at a slower tempo while focusing on as little movement as possible

try this on for size and let's see what we get

Cosmin

Wow.. 4 hours later, I should have been in bed 2 hours ago... But!



I see my hand does a weird side move with the notes, must conquer that and a few spots have a slight delay making it not sound so fluid. But I got a decent video made for progress instead of a clip.

[SpaseMoonkey]

I think this is rather nice, even used software for the tone.

[Cosmin Lupu]

I think this is rather nice, even used software for the tone.

hey Travis!

it's better than the previous one but you can improve even more what tempo did you start with?

Cosmin

[SpaseMoonkey]

hey Travis!

it's better than the previous one but you can improve even more what tempo did you start with?

Cosmin

I tried to go around 60bpm but I was bored after a few runs so I kicked to about 75bpm that way it was still slow and I could do it without picking randomly to watch just my fingers. From that I realized which sections I tend to sway my hand, which i watched Ben and he does it a bit but not quite as much. I think for me that I have the sway so much is because of the stretch is so great for me on the first, middle, pinky when I have to skip a fret between. I may pull out my Gibson and give it a shot since the neck is a 24.75" scale not a 27" so I won't be stressing to stretch that long of a distance.

So I'm going to throw on some new strings right after I click Add Reply and give it a whirl to see if that may actually be an issue or I'm just trying to be like well its 2" longer so.. In theory it is harder for my small hands.

[Cosmin Lupu]

hey man! i think practice will solve this one out and those stretches can't hurt you : ) give it a try at least : )

[SpaseMoonkey]

hey man! i think practice will solve this one out and those stretches can't hurt you : ) give it a try at least : )

Try 3! I gave it like 15m of practice before work about all the time I had on the other guitar. Well the stretch was easier but still seem to look the same. Went to work did that fun stuff, hung out with a friend had some japanese food came home did like 30m of playing and recorded.

I see what you mean about recording also, the first time took me like forever to get it recorded, this last time I did like 3 loops of playing and I got this video!

I also bought some new bulbs that last video was super dark not sure if it was because it was day time out or not, but this one is way cleaner.



Also I've noticed after watching my other videos then this. My entire arm was moving back and forth also, so I tried to watch my playing more because of that. I also shifted my thumb towards the bottom of the neck and had my fingers more perpendicular to the strings. That made those stretches quite a bit more relaxed. To me it sort of looks like it shows due to my arm looking nothing like my past videos.

That's crazy to see my playing change in just a week of a lesson.

[Cosmin Lupu]

Hey man! the change is obvious and it's only for the best - the only think which I think you have to work on with this one would be the timing, by that I mean that the notes should be more even get this done and it's just great

Let's see the take!!

Cosmin

Try 3! I gave it like 15m of practice before work about all the time I had on the other guitar. Well the stretch was easier but still seem to look the same. Went to work did that fun stuff, hung out with a friend had some japanese food came home did like 30m of playing and recorded.

I see what you mean about recording also, the first time took me like forever to get it recorded, this last time I did like 3 loops of playing and I got this video!

I also bought some new bulbs that last video was super dark not sure if it was because it was day time out or not, but this one is way cleaner.



Also I've noticed after watching my other videos then this. My entire arm was moving back and forth also, so I tried to watch my playing more because of that. I also shifted my thumb towards the bottom of the neck and had my fingers more perpendicular to the strings. That made those stretches quite a bit more relaxed. To me it sort of looks like it shows due to my arm looking nothing like my past videos.

That's crazy to see my playing change in just a week of a lesson.

[SpaseMoonkey]

http://soundcloud.com/spasemoonkey/bens-legato-01-04

Alright here we go again, now that I hear this backing in my sleep. I think I see where you talk of my timing is off. I played with Sir Ben himself! (Ok..ok.. I just played with him playing on his video you got me! ) But seems after the slide 15th fret is where my timing goes off. I hope this is better timed, it sounds it to me, but your the teach!

[Cosmin Lupu]

http://soundcloud.com/spasemoonkey/bens-legato-01-04

Alright here we go again, now that I hear this backing in my sleep. I think I see where you talk of my timing is off. I played with Sir Ben himself! (Ok..ok.. I just played with him playing on his video you got me! ) But seems after the slide 15th fret is where my timing goes off. I hope this is better timed, it sounds it to me, but your the teach!

Hey Travis! I hear improvement of course and you're nearly there man! You tend to slouch a bit when shifting positions which is normal when you're training with legato at the beginning. Be more precise and in time when shifting the positions, k? One more?

We could also go for some bending and vibrato in the mean time if you'd like so that you won't grow bored