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Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 18 2013, 01:48 PM

Hi Doug! Welcome to your thread for Gab's Army. This thread is to help you to design your practice routines, to suggest lessons, and to give you feedback about your playing.

Please post here some of your stuff as well as your favourite musicians / bands to start working.

The principles of our Army are:

+ Improve your technique
+ Make music and solos
+ Have fun
+ Destroy the enemy (hahaha not really just kidding... )

Posted by: Doug Lane Oct 19 2013, 12:57 AM

Thanks a bunch Gab!

As far as influences go, I have to say a few of my greatest are the iconic great instrumental guitarists like Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert,John Petrucci and Jason Becker. I also very much like some of the newer ones on the scene like Marco Sfogli, Guthrie Govan, and Alex Hutchings. My favorite full on bands are Protest the Hero, Between the Buried and Me, Dream Theater, and Opeth.

My short term goals (1 year) as a guitarist are:
- to improve my picking technique (including exercising use of pedal tones and intermediate/advanced sweep picking and string skipping)
-to improve my knowledge of theory and songwriting in general (I know much of the basics of theory, but I'd like to bring it into more consistent practice so it becomes more a part of my routine and apply it to my learning approach)
-to practice recording techniques and production to soon create a free to distribute record for the web

Medium term (3-5 years)
-Submit entries to the G.I.T. department of Musicians Institute, California in their yearly full ride program, and persue networking and scholarship opportunities in that field
-Begin teaching guitar professionally on a small scale to supplement my income

Long term goals I haven't decided on really yet, but I'm sure it will involve a tour or two, and a degree in music.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 20 2013, 11:37 PM

Hi Doug! Very nice information. I think that we have to create a practice routine that covers all these topics that you want to master. I think that your short and mid term goals sound very good and that here you will find all the things that you need to achieve them. I will help you with it!

First I would like to know if you have any audio or video of you playing, also it would be good if you can post here videos weekly to let me monitor your progress.

Posted by: Doug Lane Oct 21 2013, 11:42 PM

Hi Gabe! it's been a little while since I sent you anything, but here is the take of "Neoclassical Etude #1" I promised. I'm not completely happy with it just yet, but this is the first take of the day, and I'm playing it at about this level consistently, so I feel this is the first step to an worthy entry! let me know what you think!

Cheers,
Doug






EDIT: Also, I managed to make a live lesson by Cosmin Lupu last week, and he assigned homework. The topic was on expression, dynamics and feeling for emulating a vocal line. His homework was to choose a vocal line to emulate on guitar, and use all of the techniques covered. I chose the song "lilium" from Elfen Lied, a song that is very much like a hymn, originally sung in latin. This is the original song, as well my my own take on it. Enjoy!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 22 2013, 04:35 PM

Hi Doug! Very good stuff! I think that you are very close to master the Neoclassical lesson. You have a very goo technique. Your right hand movement and way of holding your pick are a bit different to what I'm used to see but it's working for you so I don't think that you must change it. There are many examples of guitarists that use the pick in different ways and work great (check Steve Morse, Van Halen, Batio, etc).

The second video also sounds very nice and I think that this type of work add a lot of expression to your playing. We will definitely add feeling and dynamics work into the diary routine.

Based on this two videos and the information that you've already given me, let's design your routine. How do you see a plan like this one?

Warming Up
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Arpeggios/


Hour 1

Alternate Picking
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-etude-1/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42830
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42831

Sweep Picking
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/sweep-picking-lesson/

Feeling & Dynamics
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/The_tasty_etude/

Hour 2

Legato
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/legato-stamina/

Theory
Learn a new concept every day from this list: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47852

Application of techniques and concepts in song ideas and jams.

Posted by: Doug Lane Oct 22 2013, 05:27 PM

I've been told by many people that my right hand is a little strange to watch, and have had people try to tell me to change the way I hold it, but I just can't seem to get the right kind of control of the pick without extending the thumb joint like I do. I think it has something to do with me having naturally extended ligaments, my fingers are freakishly flexible. after looking around for a while, it seems like my method is like an exaggerated Jimi Hendrix style.

This routine sounds very good to me! most days I will have time to practice for two hours, but I think on days that I'm short on time I will just regroup and organize my practice materials so I can be ready for the day I come back in. Also, attending live lessons will be priority, but I think having a basic structure like this will help me very much keep on track to my goals. thanks gabe!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 23 2013, 01:48 PM

Yeah, thre are many examples of guitarist that uses very weird ways to hold the pick. Check this video:



The idea is that we fill the different items in the routine with specific exercises and lessons every week, and make some modifications on it after 1 or 2 weeks until we find the most effective for you.

I just added lessons and exercises in your routine. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Posted by: Doug Lane Oct 23 2013, 04:19 PM

Thank you so much sir! I'm getting started on it right away.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 23 2013, 09:17 PM

Cool!! Keep me updated.

Posted by: Doug Lane Oct 24 2013, 01:15 AM

Hey Gabe! I did everything requested on the lesson itinerary for today, and spent the rest of my time playing guitar tackling the last of "The Tasty Etude" again. I felt this was a great way to work out a new recording method for my videos , I think the result is quite good. I feel there is a wee little bit more room for improvement, but time for my evening is getting quite short, and I want to start tackling some of Johnathan Burgos' s material in the style of Steve Lukather tomorrow!Thanks for the suggestion, I didn't even know about his lessons until you showed me.

There is a good possibility I may be able to make it to the Live chat tomorrow and friday! I look forward to finally getting to attend one of them.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 24 2013, 02:27 AM

Awesome mate! You did a great take of this one. There are some little timing issues here and there but the overall is really good. I think that you still can give those vibratos more feeling, and make them even more consistent. Check the original lesson and try to emulate Jonathan vibrato which is fantastic. I also think that adding Lukather style lesson is a good idea, to slowly replace this one in your routine.

Ok mate, it's great to see you working hard! Let's talk tomorrow!

Posted by: Doug Lane Oct 29 2013, 04:23 PM

Hey Gab, Hope you are doing well. It's been a while since I've sent you an update on how I'm doing with guitar. Unfortunately, I've been selected to take on quite a few extra duties this past week, and I haven't had quite the time I needed to keep up with a strict two hour block of practice. Things should be clearing up for me here in a few days, but it does bring to mind a very important question; What can I do to continue improving my skills when I am not able to play my instrument, or access my library of study materials?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 31 2013, 02:58 PM

Hi mate, I'm sorry of knowing that you on't have enough time nowadays. There are some ideas that come to mind to make your time more effective.

- Listen to music and sing over it on pitch. This will train your ear and voice which are the key to then connect your mind with your guitar.
- Read & learn theory: You can print one topic for each day from this thread and learn it during the day in the free moments: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47852
- Getting something like this?

- There are also some finger gymnastics, I have never used it but I remember that Cosmin talked about that. Maybe you can experiment with it.

Posted by: Doug Lane Nov 11 2013, 07:15 AM

I figure this is a good a reason to update my thread as any...

today I spent all day writing, arranging, recording, and editing a song to showcase the sound I can get out of the equipment setup I currently have. this is the song: https://soundcloud.com/doug-lane/the-axe-grinder

I still feel I have a way's to go with the current subject matter in my practice regimen, but I feel like working on it was instrumental to me being able to bring this track into existence! Thanks Gab!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 12 2013, 01:16 PM

Hi Doug! I'm back!

It's really cool to see that you have worked on a full lesson. Composing is something that must be trained as well as techniques. You will notice that your songs will become better and better. The composition has some cool parts: I like the first riffs, and how it evolved into the verse. I don't find a very catchy part after the verse, it keeps a similar "intention" in the following part, so I think that the tune is lacking something like a chorus, that part that you keep singing or reminding after hearing a song. It can be something very melodic or it can also be something different, another riff, a guitar effect, another instrument arrangement, etc.

The mix sounds a bit over compressed, mostly the drums. Are you using a compressor for the mix or the drums? Your guitar is not very defined, and I think that you can improve a bit your tone. Can you give me the specific setting that your are using as well as the gear?
Also, I don't hear the bass, is there a bass track?

Posted by: Doug Lane Nov 12 2013, 04:44 PM

I am recording with guitar rig 4.The detuned guitar is being played on a gratifier amp model with the Mezone metalcore distortion, sent through a set of 4x12 UK 60's. I'm also running a shelved EQ that is doing a gentle scoop betweem 100 Hz and 3000 Hz, and a parametric EQ giving a gentle boost around between 800-1200 Hz.

The lead tone is generally the same for the solo's, but without a scoop on the EQ (my BC Rich has active pickups, so I didn't want to overpower the trebles on it) and a small amount of quad delay and studio reverb.

I'm using Addictive drums to process the midi from guitar pro to automate my drums, I honestly don't remember everything I did with it. I don't know a thing about mixing for drums, so I just decided to leave the mixing to default in the standalone and try to build my mix around it.

As far as bass goes, I currently don't have an electric bass I can record with, so I tried to make my detuned guitar bassy enough to compensate, but it definitely fell flat. It sounded great on my speakers, but it began to fall apart when I tried mixing it with earbuds and headphones on.

I'm honestly going at this whole recording process in a very trial and error manner of engagement. learning more about digital recording is definitely higher on my list of priorities now that I'm doing it again.

Also, I find it important to tell you that I have several other songs in the works right now that I'm taking a much slower approach to composing. This track was more or less a vehicle to show off the sound of my new guitar. The next one will be better, I promise.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 12 2013, 05:08 PM

Ok, let's start with the drums. You should be able to direct each drum track (kick, snare, toms, hh) to a different channel in your project to be able to EQ, compress an maybe add some reverb to each one. Are you doing this?

You should have something like this:

1. Kick
2. Snare
3. Tom 1
4. Tom 2
5. Tom 3
6. HH
7. Overheads
8. Room

Each of these channels should be also routed to a group in your daw that allows you to process and change the volume of the whole kit.

Let me know if you are at this point...

Posted by: Doug Lane Nov 13 2013, 02:30 AM

There appears to be an option for the VST plugin version to take midi input from compatible DAW's. Addictive drums has built in editing options for individual and groups. If I figure out how to use it this way, it could prove to be a massive time saver, I'll get back to you on it when I figure it out.

I also just realized that since my computer is equipped with BEATS audio, the audio output is highly improved for my speakers, but the quality greatly degrades when turn it off. I should have a much easier time making more accurate mixing choices since I've disabled it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 13 2013, 01:11 PM

Ah, this is maybe the reason why you weren't getting the best from your rum kit sound and also from your guitar. I think that you can get a better tone with Guitar Rig. Be sure that you are not using too much drive in your patch. Sometimes you can get a very good tone, by adding a bit of rive from the amp and then put a overdrive pedal in the chain if you need some more sustain / distortion.

Ok, I would like to listen to a new mix from you, is it possible? Also let me know if you want some tips to mix drums. (EQ, Comp & Reverb)

Posted by: Doug Lane Nov 13 2013, 11:53 PM

after disabling it and working with the sound on my external mic in port, I've managed to fix my guitar sounds. I will be re recording everything I've done since joining this site this weekend now that I've discovered the problem, I find it unnacceptable to have so much awful sounding content online. Thank you for being honest with me about how it sounds, I wouldn't have caught it if no one had said anything.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 14 2013, 01:07 PM

Hi mate! I'm really glad to know that my comments helped and that you could find the problem! Recording the lessons again is a good idea and training for your playing and your ears. I was wondering what about the routine, are you still working on it? do you need any changes / updates?

Posted by: Doug Lane Nov 14 2013, 05:10 PM

I've been following the lesson set you laid out twice a week, dedicating between 1:00 - 2:00 to everything but the jamming/ song ideas/ application of concepts portion, as I spend a considerable amount of time working on that outside of the schedule. I've been attending the picking technique building lessons on the weekends with Todd, and I have to say my alternate picking is improving better than anything right now.

I've been taking my approach to theory pretty slowly, but I've definitely begun using conscious awareness of it much more in my development of musical ideas, which is what I wanted. This is partly due to an IPhone app I found called "Fretboard Warrior". It is a mobile game that is basically a drill note naming and recognition on the fretboard. I will continue to study from the list, and probably increase my study load in a month or two.

I've found the legato stamina exercise to not be challenging at all , I feel like I may have already built my playing more around legato than a lot of other players being that I am left hand dominant.I've been considering adding either more rhythm guitar technique or complex tapping technique into my practice regimen.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 15 2013, 06:18 PM

Hi mate, thanks for your feedback. It really helps! I was thinking that maybe we can replace the "legato section" by a "combination of techniques" sections and add any of these lessons:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/legato_and_picking_advanced/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Andy_Timmons_style/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/fusion-jam-intermediate/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/fusion-jam-advanced/

also I would like to recommend this lesson that is good for legato & timing:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Hold_The_Beat/

and this one for riffing:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/guthrie-govan-riffing/

Tell me which of these lessons is ok for you and I'll ad it in the routine.

Posted by: Doug Lane Nov 23 2013, 04:04 PM

Hello Gab, I hope you're doing well.
I'm sorry it has been so long since I've replied, work has been extremely busy this week, and I've been losing my head trying to solve hardware and recording issues so I can continue to work on songwriting, recording, and documenting my progress. I've taken a look at your list of suggested lessons, and the ones that stick out to me the most are the fusion jam series , and the Govan style riffing lesson. The advanced legato and picking lesson sounds like the best one to push my boundaries as a player however. I'll work with them a little bit more and get back to you on what I will decide to take through till the end in the short term.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 24 2013, 04:53 PM

Ok mate! This sounds great for me. I will wait for your news to update the routine's structure.

Posted by: Doug Lane Nov 28 2013, 08:06 AM

Hello sir,

I am very sorry that I could not return for the last half of your video chat. I'm not sure if the chat actually got the last message I sent before I was gone, but I ran into a system failure on my computer. it seems that running guitar rig 4 and the live streaming chat has caused system errors that compromised the safety of my computer, and I had to attend to it. I will be using an external amp to process my signal when on vChat from now on to try and solve this problem.

As far as adding material to my practice regimen, I feel that using the Muris Varajic lesson on alternate picking that you suggested would greatly benefit me to continue working on. The exercise proved to be a much greater challenge than I first assessed it to be. This was partly due to my distraction of trying to resolve a problem in my working environment when it wasn't appropriate, and I apologize for trying to fix it at the wrong time...but even while attending to my computer it was still a fantastic challenge!
Todd Simpsons chat sessions have more people involved and are comparatively simple. He also has more people involved in his chat sessions to buffer the time factor. I will remember not to treat your sessions in the same manner.

I've been working the lessons you've suggested in the previous post, and of the lessons you suggested, I've decided that I prefer the lesson on Erotic Cakes style riffing most of all. I'd like to continue work on it, but I think I would benefit more from studying different styles of rhythm for accompanying myself playing melodic phrases and leads on guitar.

I know instrumental rock guitar isn't the greatest representation of the music I like as a whole, but I want to expand my ability to play in a support role so I can increase my ability to create soundscapes and musical environments to approach building melodic ideas with. I feel that this will help facilitate my ability to make creation a habit, rather than an occasional project. As a musician, I've always been in a position where I could only rely on myself to contribute to a musical effort. I've grown used to taking what I know, and making it the primary focus of a composition. I'd like to change that and learn to place myself well seated in a setting where a group can collaborate, regardless of where the talents lie.

I apologize if sometimes it seems as if I am talking your ear off when explaining my situation, but sometimes I feel it is really necessary for you to understand how I am approaching my musical studies. Sometimes I get carried away. I suppose I'll take these moments as a cue to start working on the things you set out for me. I will most likely return for the next couple weeks of chat sessions. Thank you for the ever-present support!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 28 2013, 06:04 PM

Hi Doug. Thanks for this message. Let me say that your words make me feel that you are getting closer and closer. The exercises are done to train your ability but the most important thing here is Creativity, is making music from your inner self. So focusing on music creation is the best thing that you can do, and learning to create forgetting all the theory and music systems is the only way to create true music. By true, I mean music that reflects your genuine personality.

Have you ever read this articles?

http://www.vai.com/martian-love-secrets/

Posted by: Doug Lane Dec 6 2013, 03:56 PM

Hi Gab! Thanks again for the articles you posted, They are proving to be a great daily read. I especially like Vai's guidance on maintaining awareness during practice.

I have a new request as far are changing direction in my practice. I was recently offered a position in my Squadron to begin playing guitar with a small jazz group. So far it consists of a bass player and a steel drums player, but they said we may be looking at adding a percussionist to the core group, along with possibly a horn or a saxophone player, and occasionally jamming with guest musicians. I played guitar in my high school jazz band during freshman year, but I'm feeling nervous getting back into it because it was so long ago. I think it would benefit me greatly to join this band so I can start gigging and practicing playing with others, but I need to prepare. Can you recommend any good lessons on guitar comping with a jazz band?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 6 2013, 10:07 PM

Hi mate! This sounds really exciting! Do you already have a list of standards that you will be playing?

I recommend you to have a look at this monster series to see what concepts you need to refresh:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/lessonseries/Jazz-Notes/

There you will find info about progressions, chords, scales, rhythms and all the stuff necessary to play Jazz.

Besides that, these are some cool comping lessons that you will find here:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/jazz-guitar-comping/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/latin-jazz-rhythms/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/mixing_jazz_chords_with_blues/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Swing-Jazz-Blues/

Please check all that stuff and then tell me!

Posted by: Doug Lane Dec 6 2013, 11:11 PM

I should be getting the sheet music for the standards pretty soon, probably on Monday. I appreciate the suggestions, especially the large course on jazz guitar. this all sounds really great and I'm sure I will be reviewing with a large portion of these lessons, especially the material on latin jazz, chord substitution and extension, as well as just practicing my sight reading more.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 7 2013, 03:46 PM

That's great! It's a lot of stuff, how are you going to organize your time?