Hi GMC!!

Don't know if it's the right forum, I apologize if it's not. Anyway, I was jamming the other day, felt kinda good about it and ended up recording some of it. Too bad the camera sucks and having to play quietly sucks (I live in a student dorm) and yes, at times even the playing does suck. Not like, suck, tough.

I'm having trouble embedding the video, here's the straight link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhVqCvkxvck



So, my story! I've been playing the guitar for a lot of years now, probably almost 7-8 years now. However, I only got serious about it maybe 4 years ago, and even that lasted for maybe a year or so... ever since then it's been ups and downs, practicing intensively for a few weeks, not playing for months, trying to make a song, forgetting all about it... I'm sure a lot of you can relate.

This winter, however, feels like having changed things for me. I realized that at some point I had gotten so bored with the guitar I had subconsciously put a cork in my development, thinking I couldn't improve anymore. Not like I was such a good player - I mean, I had some skills, but mostly my touch with music was quite naïve even though my technique wasn't so bad. Anyway, I realized I could still improve. I could learn all the stuff I always dreamed of playing - Mr. Lavendell's lessons, mostly.

And I fell in love with Muris' lessons here. He's incredible (and so are the rest of the instructors!). Lately I've been practicing a lot even though my studies take a lot of time, learning lessons level 6, even 7... I find it ihard to believe but it's true. I'd like to put up some REC's but I have no decent speakers and I don't know how I can do a REC take without. The sound of metronome tapping would suck even if I just added the backing, and I can't play without the tempo. Not good enough for the band in Whiplash, obviously...

So, anyway. I took that little jam video (no metronome here, either). It would be nice to hear some thoughts of it. It's really just fooling around with some unrelated ideas, but still. Here's what I've come up with:

- my way of holding the pick is funny; I'm working on it since it does get in the way of my strumming, and it's getting better.
- The rhythmic portions are pretty lousy; I should work on making smoother transitions between the melody lines and the rhythm; also the transitions between different ideas could be better so that it doesn't sound like just a bunch of licks
- I repeat that pull-off / hammer-on bluesy lick a lot... or more like I repeat a similiar lick a lot. It's a bad habit since hearing it so much gets boring
- it wouldn't be so bad to stick with an idea for a few more seconds; some of those work better than others.
- I should put more thought into the melody and the chords I'm using, really think through the theory. Not like think it really hard every time, but it definitely needs some work.

Besides these I think I did a pretty good job on this, what do you think?

This post has been edited by Kristian Hyvarinen: Apr 16 2015, 07:18 PM

Awesome topic Kristian - thanks for posting!

First the important thing - your playing here is super musical and you show great control of dynamics. You take us through a lot of different moods and styles which made this one cool to follow with unpredictable turns.

Now to nag about the obvious - there is no backing. And because of this we miss the rhythmic dimension (for most part). This is basically giving you a huge disadvantage - because a simple three note lick can sound amazing when played against a beat. The same three notes can sound incredibly boring without backing.

So with this logic - think how cool your lines would sound with a backing. I think this is the next big step for you - to start working on creating backing tracks (and get better with the software etc). I am doing this right now, and oddly enough it has immediate impact on my playing. It's like my hands rejoice because they finally get to play over a backing track made by the same brain that controls them - if that makes sense..!

Technique wise - the most immediate improvement would be to loosen up your right hand wrist, especially since you already do some of that funky scratching. It will make your right hand technique much smoother and flexible + it will allow for higher speeds and more control.

Awesome to see you here again!

P.S. And yes - Marcus and Muris are two mind blowing guitarists/instructors!

Thanks for the review, I really appreciate it!!

Like I said, the issue with the backing is that I lack decent speakers (imagine hearing a song from a small time laptop through that camera). Anyway, if you think I should use a backing all the same, then that's what I'll do.

Good point about relaxing; especially when playing fast I tense up easily. I guess it's because I've been pushing my limits lately I have sort of gotten used to tense playing. Maybe some rhythm lessons might do good; if I recall, Adrian's got some great stuff here. You guys can feel free to recommend something!

Edit: Gotta say, this is one of the main reasons I can't seem to forget about GMC; no matter what you've got, someone will always take note and give feedback (and quickly to boot!). It's such a great atmosphere.

This post has been edited by Kristian Hyvarinen: Apr 16 2015, 09:22 PM

Good analysis. What you need to do is slow down to the point that you have time to think about relaxing. Maybe first check out some close up video of other people's right hands.

If you practice at that tempo progress will come pretty fast, even though it will feel like you have taken a step backwards.

Yeah. That point about relaxing is a golden tip, since I've really noticed now how tense I get while playing - and how many things it affects! Accuracy, precision, my tone... heck, everything! I think I'm really onto something here, looking forward to seeing some progress in the following weeks.

Slowing down is just so frustrating.

Yes it is, but only until you realize how rewarding it is. I do it all the time - I probably even practice slower than beginners!

I will keep this in mind! Lowering the tempo already...