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Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 13 2013, 09:55 AM

Hey mate! Welcome to your new personal thread!

Since you mentioned them, I'd suggest we focus on legato and sweeps as techniques, while talking about writing grooves and orchestrating in general in parallel. I noticed on your Youtube channel, that you usually record yourself against the already recorded lead tracks - I'd like to cultivate your senses in the direction of not recording yourself like that anymore, but using the backing instead and becoming confident in your own playing without any crutches How does that sound to you?

Cosmin

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 13 2013, 10:22 AM

Hello

The reason I never did that to begin with is because I'm a very bad producer. I've always wanted to learn to mix and master things to a decent degree however, I'm here because I'm willing to start simple and focus on the basics if I have to, so I'm good with that

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 13 2013, 10:34 AM

That's awesome man - it's a lot to write, so I think I'll make a movie in which I will try to outline the most important aspects, as I see them, in this direction. I am FAR from being a knowledgeable person in the field, as what i do I do by ear and out of experience

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 13 2013, 11:18 AM

Ok, Looking foward to it

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 13 2013, 02:45 PM

Here we go!

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 13 2013, 05:41 PM

Awesome mate, I'll record a video too in a bit

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 13 2013, 06:57 PM

Here you go man



And here's the link to the topic I mention in the video:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=24544

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 14 2013, 11:50 PM

Hey mate I have watched the vid and I am pondering on what direction we should take Video answer coming up in the morning

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 15 2013, 08:44 PM

Hey man, while I'm waiting I decided to try doing a quick REC video, saw this lesson today done by someone else and just went ahead and learned it and recorded it, I always play worse when I record and I know it D: Looking foward to hearing your comments, be as picky as you can plz

EDIT: Didn't notice you edited the post Gonna watch and than I'll let you know

EDIT POST VIDEO:

Ok, Since it's night it's harder for me to record a video so I'm just gonna resume.

1. Regarding my djenty compositions, I sent you one on my second PM I believe called "Dream of a Shadow"

https://soundcloud.com/filipemiguelrocha/dream-of-a-shadow-raw

I started tabbing it better on Guitar Pro and uploaded a midi file of what I have so far and what I changed in the previous recording

https://soundcloud.com/filipe-rocha-4/dream-of-a-shadow-midi-demo

2. My approach to it is pretty much just thinking outside the box, I just try to play with different chord variations and if I find a chord I like I try to do a different voicing to create other aspects since I like the ambience part of djent.

I learned mostly my djent stuff from my previous band Clutter although I don't like the hardcore side of it but rather more the melodic side of it so It's usually simpler for me to do Ballads.

I usually come up with the guitar parts first than try to develop drums to it, Bass I limit myself to playing roots and some licks between spaces.

3. Going with a non academic approach is fine with me

4. I am pretty much a more riff kinda guy but that's basically because I don't consider my technique well enough to play most of the soloing styles that I like the most also, for example, I have loads of trouble recording harder stuff so I usually just practice them everyday but when I click the record button, it just seems like I lose too much focus.

Overall I think I haven't forgotten anything

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 16 2013, 11:31 AM

Hey Filipe

I also listened to Titanium and closely to Dream of a Shadow - I like both and it is clear to me that both you and I have similar instincts towards writing which is good I think

In any case, one thing that I have noticed about Dream of a Shadow is that it's a bit repetitive, in terms of dynamics - for me, a song should have ups and downs and be like a journey for the listener Have you ever put yourself into the shoes of the listener the second day after coming up with a riff or song idea? If you can do that, it's usually very productive, but take care not to be over critical and never get things finished.

I think that the best thing at this stage, would be for you to start working on your own ideas and share them with me so that I may be your listener I can't tell you how to orchestrate or write if I don't have terms of comparison on one hand and because you and you alone know what you want to transmit - I can only confirm that I received a message through your music, or not, so I think that this would be the best approach in this field.

Otherwise, regarding riffing and lead playing, I suggest that I will provide a selection of lessons from GMC, oriented towards modern riffing and lead playing so that you may pick up new ideas and keep your vocabulary and technique in constant motion. Later on you may adapt ideas learned here and make them your own

Hoe does all this sound to you?

Cosmin

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 16 2013, 02:01 PM

Hey Cosmin,

It all sounds good to me Bring on the lessons, I'm just about to post another REC one while I was waiting so yeah, that way I won't be to selective

Regarding approaching the song as a listener, I usually do that the problem is that I know it's like that because of the chord progression and I struggle to break away from it without using the old cliche routines such as jumping 3rds and stuff like that, also regarding djent to be honest, I don't know what to do without doing one of those odd rhythmic placings that is basically hitting the same note pratically.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 17 2013, 03:57 PM

Alright my friend!

I think that even if it's a shameless plug We can start with my modern metal lessons and regarding lead playing, I think it is best to begin with the soulful bending/ vibrato based ones.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Metal-Metrics-1/ 2,3,4,5,6 are at the bottom of the page - which one do you like best?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/The-Voice-Of-Your-Guitar/

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/The-Voice-Of-Your-Guitar-2/


Cosmin

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 17 2013, 04:12 PM

Hey Cosmin

Regarding the Metal Metrics, just to let you know the ones I like the most are 1 and 6 but, I'll try to do them all since all of them have elements I like and things to work on

I'll try to upload a take on the Voice of your Guitar today or tomorrow if that's ok

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 17 2013, 07:33 PM

Sounds like a plan brother!!

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 18 2013, 03:51 PM

Hey Cosmin

As promised here's a take for today and some notes.



I'm honestly disappointed with myself. I've fallen in the habit of always bending with vibrato and feel that without vibrato, the true colours of my bends are appearing so I feel the need to work on that as well.
I learnt the lesson by ear as usual and there are some slight nuances on that lesson which I might have ignored although I tried my best to mimic your fast slides and string changing bends but overall, I feel it needs more work.
I might have also been a bit agressive on my approach to this lesson in the video, not sure if it's just my nature or because of that recording phase that I enter into.
Let me know what you think, I won't submit this one to REC until I'm satisfied with it

Also forgot to do a slide when the octave part is going to start, silly me

Also I'm setting up my room to be able to record, even though I accidently miscalculated the wall and recorded my light switch If you have any suggestions for that, also let me know

Cheers

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 18 2013, 08:40 PM

Here's a take on Metal Metrics with my notes and a funny ending

Notes:
Really liked to learn this lesson by ear although I found multiple ways to do those legato fills so I'm not sure the one in the video is the one you really do so let me know about it. Also I know I have 1 or 2 dead notes but I just wanted to show you what I did today so you can keep tracking it, I'll work more on it tomorrow



BTW, if you think it sounds weird sometimes, it's because of the pitch shift I applied to get the drop C sound but since I'm using the mic cam to record, you hear me hit the strings of the guitar

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 19 2013, 03:44 PM

Hey man! Nice takes - you are on the yellow brick road! here are some comments and ideas

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 20 2013, 01:32 PM

Hey man, thanks for the kind words

I'll record a video either today or tomorrow from the voice of your guitar again, probably tomorrow since today I have work to do.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 20 2013, 09:51 PM

Always glad to help! No rush mate - this sort of stuff takes a little time to settle in

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 21 2013, 04:39 PM

Hey Cosmin, here's a video for you of my current activities and lots of talking


EDIT: if it's not available, just give it some time cause it's processing

P.S: I really have to stop looking at the camera when I'm playing xD

P.S.2: when I said my pinky was not good to mute I meant to pull off and hammer on

It got removed cause it was too long, have to upload it again :/ Sorry...I'll do a new post when it's up

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 21 2013, 05:26 PM

Hey mate - it looks like it's not available at all - where did it go?

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 21 2013, 05:38 PM

I said it got removed, had to reupload it again

But here it is!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 22 2013, 03:24 PM

Hey mate Check this out:



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

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/The-Voice-Of-Your-Guitar-2/

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 22 2013, 03:33 PM

Aww man, I wish you had posted the video 30 minutes ago, I just finished uploading a new take before the videos came up

Anyways, no harm in posting the video while watching these



EDIT: After watching the video at night I notice that even though I didn't stress with the camera I totally forgot about holding off on the vibrato

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 23 2013, 05:02 PM

Hey buddy I think you are ALMOST there

Here's what I noticed:

- those quirky little bends (ex: 0:05 - 0:06) are not quite there - you should try to record against the original track when practicing them, so that you may see how their timing is exactly.

- the bends are smoother and the vibrato allows the notes to breathe a lot better then before! Very well done

I would be very interested in correcting those little bends in the beginning

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 24 2013, 12:32 PM

Hi Cosmin, here's a new video for you, I'm quite satisfied with it comparing it with the first take and I tried to take your considerations to the max here, specially the gain one



As for the other two lessons, expect my take on the second lesson of the voice of your guitar soon and the legato lesson, well, that one is gonna take a bit longer

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 25 2013, 09:44 AM

Hey man! Check out the REC zone - I left my comments there - you are getting closer and closer from one take to the other Do you also feel that in your playing? Can't wait to see the other takes on the 2 lessons - I think you are improving and understanding things about yourself at a fast pace and the path has just begun

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 25 2013, 11:27 AM

Well, I can only go up not down I believe

I'll still try another take on that lesson and than start recording Voice of Your Guitar 2. As for now, gonna check those beginning bends with the max ninja skills needed

One more thing, I might slow down a bit regarding my posts since university starts today again just to let you know

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 26 2013, 10:57 AM

Hey man - no problemmo, take your time. I am here and will answer when you throw some materials in here

Posted by: Rated Htr Mar 31 2013, 02:33 PM

Hey man, here's a little update that is long overdue

I'm still trying to optimize my room in order to record high quality videos along with high quality audio. Here's what I have so far.



I have daylight lightning on my right and have 400w of studio light to improve the rest . I brought my randall and axe-fx on top of it for that wow effect and because that way I can put my laptop on top of it and won't have those problems on clicking the record button and just doing a new take, also that way it's easier for me to record the audio with the video at the same time. Next week I'll post some takes on the lessons, I just couldn't do it this week because of uni, needed to organize myself

Regarding another thing I wanted to discuss, GMC Lessons are not a problem but i'm interested in recording covers. One of my friends asked me to record a Green Day cover. I found backing tracks on youtube and tried to record it but it always comes out bad to my hears because it's already mixed and my guitar always sounds low and if I lower the volume of the track, it just sounds bad to me. I really want it to sound good and the only way I'm picturing it is to do the backing track myself from scratch but I'd like to hear your thoughts on that to see what approaches I should take on it because it can also be applied for my songs as well.

Anyways man, hope you've been having a good time

Cheers

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 31 2013, 04:25 PM

Howdy bro

Posted by: Rated Htr Apr 1 2013, 03:02 PM

Thanks for the tips, tomorrow I should have a new video here with my new set up

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 1 2013, 03:20 PM

Alright man!

Posted by: Rated Htr Sep 26 2014, 09:28 AM

Hey man,

First of all would like to apologize for my hiatus but I want to dive back again into working out some stuff if it's still possible. I'm taking a look into the vibrato lesson as you suggested in my last rec take.

Also, regarding what we talked about as you can see, I'm getting happy with my new setup, just need a new lamp for the other light to avoid the shadow on the right.

Besides the vibrato lesson, I had been working on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/timing-exercise/. Is there anything you think I should prioritize or am I fine with this way?

Once again man, sorry for the break

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 26 2014, 04:42 PM

Hey mate Welcome back, we can surely get back to working together on developing your technique with the lessons you like and I would be very interested to see how your interests have shifted all this time, so if you would take a bit of time to answer the questions in the link below, it will be very helpful in our quest related to your development: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=50025&st=0&start=0

About the lessons - the vibrato one and the timing exercise are pretty much enough at this moment - it's never a good thing to spread yourself too thin, so focus on these two, let's see them recorded as close to perfection as possible and we'll take it from there, deal?

Posted by: Rated Htr Sep 26 2014, 04:58 PM

Sure man, wasn't planning on adding up, just wanted to see if you thought the timing one was worth a shot. I can play everything, just practicing the 32th notes to be relaxed.

* How long have you been playing the guitar?
R: I'm not sure to be honest, I would say since 2007/2008.


* What do you feel your current level is?
R: I feel that I'm an intermediate. Regarding theory I consider myself to be advanced but my technique lacks a lot compared to it, mostly because of many stops and inconsistent practice.

* What sort of theoretical knowledge do you have so far?
Well, I went to music uni for 2 years, I understand complex chords, scales, modes, so I would say I'm fine here and it's not my main focus for now

* How much time/day can you spend practicing?
Right now, I have a lot of time until I get my new degree on wheels, but I would say I can spare 1 hour for music.

* What are your favorite techniques?
I don't have a favourite technique to be honest. I change moods very easily.

* What would you like to improve?
Well, my legato was always a big weakness of mine, but I don't like studying legato by itself so I try to find lessons that have legato licks so I can start incorporating them into my playing. I also want to expand my AP speed. I have stagnated on fast licks for a very long time.

* What is your current experience as a player (band, studio, home)?
I've had multiple bands mostly in the metal style. I have a great home studio in terms of recording and expanding the video area as well.

* What gear do you own?
Axe-FX II, Fender American Stratocaster, Schecter Hellraiser 7 string. Also have keyboards and a virtual drum kit if it's important .

* Name a few favorite artists that inspire your playing
Syu from Galneryus, Christopher Amott, Marty Friedman, Charlie Griffiths (Haken), Tollis Zavaliaris and Emppu Vuorinen.

I'll try to record the vibrato lesson in a day or two. My fingers are a bit sore at the moment

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 27 2014, 08:11 PM

Hey mate, I went ahead with the questions because I was curious to see how your musical orientation and interests have shifted through time How I see things, we should focus on implementing legato and AP in musical contexts, by using GMC lessons which are as musical as possible and then throwing some musical challenges your way, in which you can use these newly acquired skills. What do you think? One hour at your level should be pretty ok, but about changing moods - consistency is a key element here Don't forget that progress comes with consistency and steady practicing. Let me know what you think and after finishing the lessons you are working on now, we can proceed with the new assignments, deal?

Posted by: Rated Htr Sep 27 2014, 10:41 PM

Sounds excelent...Tomorrow I'll record a take of the vibrato lesson just to see how it stands.

Posted by: Rated Htr Sep 28 2014, 10:46 AM

Ok man, here it is and here are my notes regarding it:

- My fingers are killing me, haven't had so much pain on my fingers for a long time
- Had a very hard time getting the rhythm straight on the 3rd round of the vibrato.
- On the 4th, I felt a big pain so I changed the direction of the vibrato because I couldn't take it.
- You can see how my fingers are after the take. They are a bit black now. I know it's good because it means they are getting stronger but that's why I didn't record a new take since overall, I'm not too happy with this one.
- Also I tried both with the 3rd and 4th finger since the previous one is what Ben uses and I tend to use more the 4th one but they both felt the same pain

Anyways, not going to post this on REC since I only post a take on REC when I'm happy with the result unless you think I should to hear other feedback

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 28 2014, 12:57 PM

Hey mate,

Great and thorough approach as usual here You have a very good tendency to work diligently and to observe your actions, which will help tremendously along the way. The only obvious issue that I could spot was around 0:44 where you didn't execute the vibrato form as in the original recording. Now, it's all a matter of becoming natural and accustomed to the technique as well as practicing lessons in which you will have it implemented.

I think that maybe one more recording would do justice to the lesson for the REC zone as well, focusing on keeping things flowing and solving the little issue at 0:44. Have you also tried to practice it with the original recording as well?

About the pain... well, it's a natural reaction of the body when practicing vibrato and bending a lot It's a normal thing, but don't worry, the clauses will form up and protect you. You need to practice it often tho, so that they will stay with you.

Posted by: Rated Htr Sep 28 2014, 01:51 PM

I always practice with the original recording first, I learn every lesson by ear so I can improve my ear training as well, like I always did. I'll give it a run down in the afternoon after resting my fingers a bit more and tomorrow I'll give it another go for REC. After that is back to focusing on the Muris Timing Exercise. I've managed to bump up the last lick to 60bpms but after that I feel confuse about what approach I should have regarding fast picking. Sometimes It seems better to let loose and just try to move the wrist, other times I want to move the thumb to have more accurancy. Shall I also record the lick in question at multiple times to give you an idea?

Posted by: Rated Htr Sep 29 2014, 11:08 AM

Hey Cosmin, the vibrato lesson is on REC. I'm still gonna keep working on it until my fingers don't hurt anymore Time for the timing exercise. Still going at it with the 32th note lick at the end. Can you suggest some other lesson for me to tackle at the same time since I presume this one might take a while to get the last lick on tempo? I'm still gonna practice it side by side.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 29 2014, 04:29 PM

Hey mate! Just graded the take in the REC zone - it'll take a bit more work to get it flowing, so don't leave it yet Ok? Keep it in the practice journal, as it will need more time, just like both me and Gabi have pointed out.

About picking - well, there are days and days I usually use my wrist, but to be honest, I haven't been working on my picking in a long time, as in the last year or so, I have been more interested to write my own music and learn how to sing and play in the same time as proficient as possible I think that this lesson from Darius will shed a bit of light on things:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Alternate-Picking-Basics/

What do you think? As for a new exercise, how about this one?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Intervals-Etude/

It will most likely take you through some unexpected situations in terms of alternate picking - let me know if it feels to easy, ok?

Posted by: Rated Htr Sep 30 2014, 10:32 AM

Hey Cosmin, just to give you an update.

The Intervals Etude was loads of fun to learn, really did a number on my ear. Also I transposed it since you were playing on a different tunning, hope that's ok. I should have a video tomorrow. I can already play it at full speed, just cleaning it up, specially on the 3rd part where it's the most unexpect situation for my fingers.

Also, as an added bonus, I noticed when I wanted to go down (or up) after finishing a "combination" that I wanted to mantain the same type of picking (outside picking) so I forced myself to do the inside where it should happen, hence more practice.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 30 2014, 01:31 PM

Wow - you nailed it already? That sounds amazing and I am very curious to see how you are faring with it I don't mind the transposition at all, I am curious to see how clean you can play it and how the timing feels So, ready to see it when you are, before placing it in the REC zone, of course - deal?

Posted by: Rated Htr Sep 30 2014, 01:57 PM

Sure, no worries. Well, like I said, the 3rd part is the tricky one for my kind of fingering. The 3rds at the end I already did before and the 4ths is easy, the only thing I'm working there is trying to mute unwanted noises. The beginning was a matter of getting used to it but let's see how it works out

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 1 2014, 09:27 AM

Working with intervals is a totally different animal, because it involves different dynamics then the ones present in playing adjacent notes or even adjacent strings I have another one for ya after you finish this one In the same manner but trickier What do you say?

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 1 2014, 10:32 AM

Sounds good to me, here's my take as we discussed. If you think it's good enough for REC, let me know, I can always record a new one.

Notes:
- I really get nervous when I record for some reason. I'm satisfied with this take but I know I can do a lot better.
- I missed the note that was gonna start the 3rds and there is some noise here and there that I know I can avoid but overall, just wanted to give you an idea of how I am with it at the moment.



Also, I'm quite happy at how my videos are turning out. Despite not having the best materials for videos, I'm happy that they look at least, more than amateur to my eyes so to speak, just need to find out what's that motion blur kinda of thing that happens from time to time .

Bring on the next one if you think it's time

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 2 2014, 08:44 AM

Hey matey!

This sounds nice to my ears - indeed, it can be done cleaner and I also heard that missed note, but for the amount of time it took to get to this level, I think it's a great progress! Here's what I have in mind - take a bit more time to clean this one up and prepare a REC take and then we'll move one to the trickier one Deal? About the vids - they look nice but, I think that you can experiment with the lighting a bit more. I am not an expert on this, as I always work with pros in the field, friends of mine who really know what they are doing in respect to lighting and that has led me a to become lazy in my interests towards this field But, there are a lot of tutorials from which you can learn a lot in respect to lighting - here are two interesting ones:

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 2 2014, 01:17 PM

Hey Cosmin, thank you for the videos, unfortunately I don't have as many lights as they request for the task but I can work with what I have at the moment.

Here's a new take and some notes:

- I changed the tone to try and force myself to pick harder so I could hear the notes better.
- Still have some noise essues here and there,specially when I'm string skipping on the same fret.

I would like your input on this, I've been just playing it with the backing track and the original video at the original tempo. Before that I slowed down to get everything right, do you think I should do takes with lesser speed or should I move on to the next task? Either way I'm happy to oblige

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 3 2014, 11:32 AM

Heeey The tone suits the piece MUCH better, but you have a certain slight lag when playing it now I think you should stick with it a little longer in order to make it sounds clean and in good timing. I know that using a tone with less gain is harder on the hands, but once you master using it, nothing can stop you!

Don't try to rush this process - try to take more time and even play with the original recording in order to gain some wind in the sails. Then when you feel very relaxed with it, try to record once more

Deal?

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 3 2014, 04:25 PM

Hey man, sure thing, I'll keep doing it. I'll post a video when I think I'm good

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 4 2014, 07:08 AM

That sounds perfect - don't let your usual fast pace take lead here I know you are a fast learner, but in this situation, we are discussing about allowing the body to learn and become natural with something, which might take some time.

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 4 2014, 06:21 PM

Hey Cosmin, just wanted to let you know that I'm still going at it and to prevent my fast pace take as you said, I'll withdraw from recording a take until Monday or Tuesday, in order to have more days to train. So far, I can tell the difference by comparing to the first take

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 5 2014, 11:53 AM

Hey bro, that's excellent! I am glad to hear that patience and hard work are paying off

Usually, we have (me included, more often than not ) an impulse to 'get things over with and move on' - but getting things over with is not really the idea here, so I am glad that you have decided to take things step by step and put in some more time and focus on details.

Let me know when you are ready, ok?

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 7 2014, 10:59 AM

Hey Cosmin, hope you're doing good

As we discussed, here's my take after a few more days practicing.

Some notes:

- I tried to play as relaxed as possible and, I can tell I'm much less nervous as I was when I recorded the first take, which is good .
- I still attack some notes harder than others but overall I think it's a great take compared to the previous ones.

Let me know what you think.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 7 2014, 03:41 PM

Hey buddy!

I think you've done really well in terms of evenness and dynamics - you seem very relaxed and it can be felt in your playing, but now, you need to focus on pulse. You are THIS little behind the beat Just rush a tiny bit and you'll be ok with everything! Congrats on the fine tuning efforts here!

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 7 2014, 03:43 PM

Thanks man

If that's the case, shall I record another one and post that one on REC?

Do you think you can give me the other lesson you had in mind now or do you reckon I should still pass some time on this one?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 8 2014, 02:43 PM

Hey mate, sure thing - try to record this one and please focus on it, so that you may finish it as close to perfection as possible - about the other one I will ask you to wait until we're done with this one - you need to be able to focus on one thing only, so that you may play it perfectly. I know you want to start something else, but at this point, you need to give that extra something to this lesson so that you may finish it nicely. Deal?

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 9 2014, 12:24 PM

Here's a new take Cosmin

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 9 2014, 04:16 PM

Hey buddy!

This is very nice! I see you have approached things slightly differently than myself and you have given the notes a more perccussive/staccato feel - very obvious towards the ending. Was it on purpose?

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 9 2014, 04:24 PM

Hey man!

I can't say it was on purpose, it was just the result of my practice I believe. The more relax I've become, the less attack I give to the notes. That was probably a consequence of that but, if needed, I can record another one and try to avoid that as well.

Just let me know.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 9 2014, 08:40 PM

That sounds very interesting I think that it could be a good idea to post this in the REC zone and see what the guys have to say as well - what do you think? In the mean time, this is the piece I had in mind:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Antonio-Vivaldi-Winter-Arpeggios/

What say you?

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 9 2014, 08:47 PM

Ok, will post it than

Sounds awesome the lesson, I love neoclassic stuff .

Will get right on it

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 10 2014, 07:28 AM

So glad you like it! It's one of my favorite pieces of classical music, having a personal twist on it for this lesson! It's actually a nice story:

I had to perform Vivaldi's 'Winter' Opus 1, for a few Mozart Rocks! shows and I wasn't happy at all with the fact that the violins were simply playing 'rhythm' over this passage, so I came up with this series of arpeggios. All good and done, the first rehearsal day came - I went there, a bit nervous of course and when my turn came, I started playing. To my horrific surprise, there was no main violin - I WAS THE MAIN VIOLIN - and I was scaredto death while performing, because I was used to performing with the main violin alongside in the recording - just like you would practice with the original recording of a lesson and I had NO CLUE there won't be a main violin onstage... I managed to pull it through, but with a bucket of sweat to go

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 10 2014, 10:58 AM

I can just imagine

Anyways, I really like it. I already learned it, been practicing it at 100bpms so far. I think it's easier than the Intervals One since it has a lot of more familiar fingering for me, it's just a matter of practicingit until I get full speed I believe. I'll give you an update as soon as I can .

EDIT:
I've been watching the work you've been doing with Yash regarding singing. You think it's possible to give me some pointers as well? I really like to sing and I don't think I'm that bad, I just have a really limited vocal range.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 12 2014, 11:26 AM

Hey bro!

Well done! I am glad you like that one as it's very dear to me and it's one of the musical things I've done that pays tribute to one of my all time favorite classical composers I can't wait to see and hear your first recording!

About singing - I'd be delighted to help out and to begin with, I'd like to hear you sing something in order to be able to help out better Please choose a song which you like a lot and that you can sing and we'll take it from there

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 13 2014, 12:15 PM

Hey man, here's an update for you

REGARDING THE LESSON:
I'm struggling to achieve the lesson's tempo. I can already play it 110bpms but I'm getting really tense and I miss the transitions sometimes. What I've been doing is just playing at the comfy speed of 100bpms, the one that I can already seem to play relaxed and sometimes I bump up the tempo just to get my fingers used to it. Do you think I'm doing ok with this method or do you have another approach for me to try?

REGARDING THE SINGING:
Here's a video for you. I choose a particular difficult song in my book because I want to show you what my voice is not capable of doing while showing you at the same time my limits. I didn't perform very well because I have even less confidence when I sing so I can spot a lot of out of tune sections. This song also requires some range which you can see is my weakest point (or so I believe it to be) and, because of it, I attempted to do falseto or change to a lower octave once I couldn't do the notes. Unfortunately ,I'm not good at that either



Still let me know what you think.

- Filipe

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 14 2014, 08:05 PM

Hey buddy!

The technique in which you speed things up in bumps is a good way - I've heard Ben and Todd talk about it so it must be working Give it some more time and try to see if it works - I told you it's a trickier piece

About the singing - hehe, you need to work on the following things:

- breathing - how can you sing if you don't have air to sustain your singing?
- pronouncing the words completely - this is a very interesting thing and you will see that as soon as you will 'bite' the words, the music will sound more alive, your singing will be completely different How to do that? Write down the words on a piece of paper and read them so that you pronounce every word fully and as articulated as possible - try to sing them in the same way
- pitches - well, there are a few notes which need your attention in respect to pitch - as with guitar playing, isolate that section and work on it slowly to see the correct pitch

It's a long discussion, but this is the beginning What songs would you like to learn how to play and sing? Making acoustic versions will help you loads on perfecting the necessary techniques!

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 14 2014, 08:39 PM

Hello,

I can take the opportunity to look around CifraClub which is a brazilian youtube channel that does a lot of popular covers with tabs and different arrangements. (Specially in acoustic guitar).



That way I can isolate the arrangements, also learn more mainstream songs outside my main genre and focus on the singing. I'll take into consideration the points you mentioned and on the next few days I'll try to supply a lesson take (even if it's at a lesser tempo) to give you an idea of my current status and a singing one as well.

Sounds good?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 15 2014, 07:18 AM

Hey again mate!

I'd be curious to see how working on a song together, will function Let's try things in the following manner:

- pick a song you like - an easy one to start out
- see to the arrangement with as little guitar playing as possible, as we want to concentrate on the vocals here, right?
- try to apply my suggestions on the first verse and then we'll take it from there

My aim is to slowly implement some healthy habits in your singing and in the mean time, you will not only become able to sing but also, sing AND play - it comes with a lot of exercising and the more you'll do it, the more you'll go for more complex arrangements. At least that's what happened to me

About the lesson, yes, by all means, a slower take would be great to see and hear - if everything is alright, the only thing you'll actually have to do is speed up

Let's rock!

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 16 2014, 02:18 PM

Hi there man, here's an update for you.

REGARDING THE LESSON:
Here's a video of me practicing it as we discussed. You'll probably notice that I have problems in one transaction to the second to last shape before the pedal note lick. I know you use different fingering but when I learned it by ear this is the one I got and I played it like that ever since. I show you how I've been practicing, although sometimes I go to way lower tempos to make it as tight as possible.

Even if it's sloppy at a faster run, the notion I have is that my muscles will get use to having tension at that speed and mentalize that the previous one can be played in a more relaxed form.




REGARDING THE SINGING:
I'm open to suggestions. Lately I've just been puting on karaoke versions of the songs on youtube and focusing on pronouncing all the words. I've noticed that by doing that I have to see carefully where I have to breath in order to not interrupt the flow of the song. I'm inclined to choose a Bon Jovi song. What do you think? If you have any suggestions let me know, I'm a very eclectic person .

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 17 2014, 09:03 AM

Hey mate! I watched the takes and yes, around 0:47 you are blurring that note a bit in the transition - focus on that shift in order to make it sound defined and hey - you alternate picked the pedal note line - kudos for that It's going slower because it's not an easy piece and I myself have some trouble with it sometimes - it all depends on the mood of the day - here it is live, when I played it for the first time ever, onstage - 03:11



I have no clue how I pulled it off, as I was SO NERVOUS, my hands felt like icebergs

About the singing - is Bon Jovi fit for your vocal range? Try to find something which you can play easily without forcing yourself to go over some range bariers that you haven't yet crossed so far How about some Beatles? Or even Red Hot Chilly Peppers?

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 20 2014, 12:58 PM

Hey Cosmin, thanks for sharing that with me, very entertaining and I liked the arrangement a lot .

Here's one I like as well for you to see.



I've been working on the lesson as best as I can but had a very...shall we say partish week . Anyways, I'm back to work. Also had some set backs from my computer which I had to format and re-install everything.

I choose Californication to sing. It's not a very hard song in terms of vocal range as you suggested but I really dislike my tonality when singing it since I sing an octave lower than he does . Also not a big fan of how it's sounding with the original track. I might record a simple acoustic arrangement and than sing over it and than when I'm able to play both parts good enough, join them together like you mentioned. How's that?

I'm really trying to make the Vivaldi lesson perfect and relaxed. Regarding the pedal note being played alternate picking, I find it easier that way to be honest

Cheers

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 21 2014, 07:35 AM

Hey buddy! No hurry here Take your time and thank you for the video - he is a bit too Malmsteenesque for my taste, but I liked the idea of a medley and some of the phrases were really interesting! I will definitely keep it close for inspiration.

About the acoustic arrangement - yes Sir! Do go for it and let me know when you have something up!

Posted by: Rated Htr Oct 23 2014, 01:40 PM

Hey Cosmin, here's a little update for you.



I'll try to do more work on the weekend, right now I'm taking care of university stuff so my schedule has become a bit more tight.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 24 2014, 09:09 AM

Hey matey!

I like your percussive picking style - very clean, defined and in good timing! There's a VERY slight delay in a shift occurring around 0:11 - otherwise, things sound very good! Keep it up and keep me updated, ok?