First of all thanks for taking the time to do this for us, and especially considering its 1 on 1 basis compared to the group - I might have fallen behind as there are some very impressive players here in the final stages of the MTP!
Now I shall give you a brief overview of my playing history and goals...
The life of Ajmurrell and his relation to guitar
I was 16 when I first started my relationship with the guitar, it was a simpler and much more peacefull time then... Ok so I'll drop the writer style talk
So yes, been playing since I was 16 and am now 22. I recieved lessons for the first year an a half, and in all honesty I made most of my progress during that first year. I practiced daily for hours, improved dramatically from week to week and without sounding arrogant, pretty much got to the point where I exceeded my tutors teaching ability.
Thats what she said at least, maybe in actual fact I was a brat and got on her nerves and wanted to pass me on to someone else
Problem was she charged £20 an hour and the guy she recommended to me, who tutored at the Guitar Institute, charged £50 or similar. Back then I couldn't afford it and I tried to teach my self.
My problem was previously I worked VERY hard in order to start to sound any good, and now that I sound reasonable with certain midrange techniques and skills, the motivation for pushing further was much less considering I already could play some stuff that was pleasing to the ear.
So essentially, I stopped making any solid progress, but just kinda got better at my already achieved abilities... If that makes sense.
Current abilities and level
I shall provide some video's shortly on this section - for now check out the material I provided for the MTP competition a few months ago: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...rt=#entry308493
I'd say most of my techniques are somewhere around the intermediate level including, tapping, alternate picking, sweep picking etc. More complicated techniques such as hybrid picking, and genre's such as country and fusion are completly new to me.
My weakest area is my theory knowledge, this is where I struggle to make progress in terms of being creative. I would like to focus on this quite a lot. Maybe in combination with technique exercises? I know my minor/major pentatonics and add a few notes too certain backing tracks that "sound" right to me... but I wouldnt know "Oh here I can use Dorian" etc. I'd just know, this first chord is Amin, so I'll play Amin pentatonic.
Another problem I have is pushing my speed ability. I'm not desperate to reach high shred levels, but jsut to be able to use a wider range of note durations at given tempo's. I also find it difficult to push myself into new speed tempo's with lessons here at GMC.
For example I've been working on Emir's Vinnie Moore lesson for a few months and got it up to 90bpm, but found it difficult to really make that jump to 120bpm.
Here's my most recent take on that lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...rt=#entry310122
Goals!
To sell you a trip to.... I mean, eh hem...
I would really like to improve my theory knowledge with some licks and ways to use certain modes in songs. I'd also like to push my alternate picking speed and start to explore some new sounds on the guitar. Break me out of the minor/major pentatonics! Please!