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GMC Forum _ Todd Simpson _ Bleez's Bootcamp
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 1 2012, 12:35 AM
Welcome to SHRED BOOTCAMP! I'll be your Drill Instructor! And I do mean DRILL! As in a large power tool used in slasher films and Paul Gilbert concerts. Here is were you EARN THE LIVING DEATH out of your fingers and break through any speed bumps/barriers to become a MASTER CHIEF of Shred!
THE MISSION
1.)Your mission is to go all the way back to the very start. The base of the mountain.
LESSON 1. http://bitly.com/gmclesson1
Which you will play SLOWWWWWWLLY, very SLOWWWLLLLYYYY until you master it at a crawl (As You'll Do With Each Mission, and focus on left hand FORM! Make it SUPER PERFECT!). Speed it up bit by bit until you feel your ready to take it to WAR (Any speed, it's up to you) Shoot a video and post it as a reply to this post. I'll then offer a constructive and brutally honest critique.
THE AFTERMATH
Upon nailing the crap out of lesson one at a speed you didn't think possible, and playing it a clean as a freshly waxed floor, you will be given your first insignia of Rank in BOOTCAMP!
Here is the link to your own PRIVATE HOUSE OF PAIN!...Er I mean.. SHRED!
http://bitly.com/bleezsbootcamp
Practice!
Todd
Posted by: bleez Aug 1 2012, 12:51 PM
"the house of pain is in effect, y'all" 
thanks Todd.
hello lesson one.... I am all over you 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 2 2012, 03:51 AM
Can't wait to see you fight your first Battle Soldier!
thanks Todd. hello lesson one.... I am all over you
Posted by: bleez Aug 9 2012, 12:29 AM
Hi Todd, just thought let you see where Im at with lesson 1 and maybe check that Im on the right track.
Ive got the metronome set at 140 here, does it sound like Im picking it correctly?
I ask because I had been practising at 200 and it didnt seem as fast! It wasnt until I went back and watched you playing it a 160 that I realised I must have had the picking wrong to begin with!
the seems to be a bit out of sync with the audio.... dunno if its just my connection, it was okay before I youtubed it 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 9 2012, 01:48 AM
Soldier, you are on the right track! Ballistic speed, good palm mute, right hand not floating about, good movement on the left hand and sticking the landing. Nice! Toss in strikes on higher strings/frets and go for the LEVEL UP!
Todd
Ive got the metronome set at 140 here, does it sound like Im picking it correctly?
I ask because I had been practising at 200 and it didnt seem as fast! It wasnt until I went back and watched you playing it a 160 that I realised I must have had the picking wrong to begin with!
the seems to be a bit out of sync with the audio.... dunno if its just my connection, it was okay before I youtubed it
Posted by: bleez Aug 9 2012, 11:25 PM
sweet
thanks drill sergeant. now its time to 'set the controls for the heart of the sun'
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 10 2012, 05:21 AM
Turn and Burn Soldier! 
Turn
thanks drill sergeant. now its time to 'set the controls for the heart of the sun'
and Bur
Posted by: bleez Aug 19 2012, 01:47 AM
'sup dude,
Ive been trying to push it a bit and had a go with the metronome set at 160 which was pretty much flat out for me! I dont know if its good enough but Im quite sure my hands have never moved so fast over a guitar before so it was kinda cool
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 21 2012, 03:52 AM
WELL SPIFF! Soldier, your hands left BLOOD ON THE STRING! That's what we love to see! I can tell you've made big gains in precision/speed! So you are heading the right direction for these Missions!
What's that I hear? The sound of somebody LEVELING UP!
MEDAL OF HONOR
-Good Precision
-Spiff Strikes
-Killer Speed
Ive been trying to push it a bit and had a go with the metronome set at 160 which was pretty much flat out for me! I dont know if its good enough but Im quite sure my hands have never moved so fast over a guitar before so it was kinda cool
Posted by: bleez Aug 21 2012, 08:51 PM
hell yeah!
now to get me some of that lesson 2
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 22 2012, 12:03 AM
You got it Soldier! Here is the PATH TO GLORY! And subsequent Missions!
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Portal:Techniques
hell yeah! now to get me some of that lesson 2
Posted by: bleez Sep 8 2012, 11:54 PM
hey t-dawg thought I'd check in with an update.
been working away with lesson 2. I was going to post last saturday with a BPM of 215 but I thought I'd try to push it some more to 220
so here's the result....
lesson 2 @ 220
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 9 2012, 06:54 AM
NICE! I"m looking a your right hand and thinking YES! BINGO!!!!!!!
1.)Tight range of motion (no wagging)
2.)Economy of force (not digging in to deep on pick strikes)
3.)Even strikes.
This is an improvement I must say and your last was already quite good so well done
DEBRIEF:
What kind of pick are you using? There seems to be a microsecond of lag after a strike and before the plan on the next one that may be impacting your overall speed and I usually see this when people are using thin/rounded edge picks. Thin picks tend to flex just slightly creating a perceptible pick lag after time. But it's a pretty small issue. We are talking about fractions of second.
If you have not already, try a 1.5 mm pick and sharpen (don't cut yourself!) with a pocket knife or something similar. Make sure you bevel both sides of the pick so your not just shaving off the sides to make a point, your shaving off part of the thickness at the very tip to make the point itself extra fine.
I've found that for this type of playing a very focused pick head helps a lot. There is a training pick that is actually built this way for just this reason. called the STYLUS PICK. You can google them and look at the tip of that pick. Those picks are only for training as they are nearly useless for playing chords. But making your own sharps, or buying some that come sharp like the Tortoise Sharp, or Vpick Switchblade BLACK, is another way.
The good news is you've got the major bits licked. We are now in to fine tuning.
FIGHT ON SOLDIER!
Todd
thought I'd check in with an update.been working away with lesson 2. I was going to post last saturday with a BPM of 215 but I thought I'd try to push it some more to 220
so here's the result....
lesson 2 @ 220
Posted by: bleez Sep 9 2012, 10:11 PM
thanks sarge I really appreciate your feedback.
Im currently using Jim Dunlop picks, the green tortex 0.88. Although, looking at the one I used last night it is a bit worn!
Im going to look at trying the thicker picks like you mentioned, tbh Ive never used any other thickness other than the .88's so Im really curious to try some out now, cheers.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 16 2012, 06:38 PM
I really appreciate your feedback.Im currently using Jim Dunlop picks, the green tortex 0.88. Although, looking at the one I used last night it is a bit worn!
Im going to look at trying the thicker picks like you mentioned, tbh Ive never used any other thickness other than the .88's so Im really curious to try some out now, cheers.
Try the DUNLOP SHARP 1.5 and remember, for this type of playing, don't "Over Commit" to any one pick strike. Meaning don't dig in to far. Digging in works well for some licks, sounds amazing. Just not the stuff in BOOTCAMP. These licks are all designed to train your hand to do something very specific. Play lightly with the minimum amount of force needed in order to waste as little effort/movement/energy as possible and create efficient/even strikes.
By "digging in" i mean letting the pick go to far towards the guitar past the string. Ideally, for these lessons, your pick should glide across the strings barely going below the string level.
Todd
Posted by: bleez Sep 20 2012, 11:43 PM
hey Todd
I got a few of those Dunlop 1.5 sharp picks. Still getting use to them but I tried lesson 2 at 230bpm ( my previous best is 220 )
It might not be spot on as Ive only had a couple of sessions with them but you were totally correct, they are a lot better for these exercises thanks for that tip.
I also managed a few runs at 240 bpm on the thicker strings.... lost it on the thinner strings a bit, but it was encouraging none the less!
Also, I have a query about the pick position, with lessons 1 and 2 my right hand has been going as fast as possible and I angle my pick a little bit but when I play lesson 3 I find that naturally I take a more horizontal approach with my pick BUT I think this will limit my speed.
Ive tried to show this in the vid - First bit shows how I would nornally pick the pattern ( kinda flat / horizontal ) the second shows how I think I probably should be doing it.
basically should I be picking patterns like lesson 3 the same way I picked lessons 1 & 2....... I ask because I suck at picking lesson 3 at an angle
cheers todd.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 21 2012, 02:57 AM
Well played Soldier! Your LESSON 2 vid just posted is a great example of pick angle. That's a very efficient angle of attack you've got there. One quick tip.
1.)CHOKE UP ON YOUR PICK!!!!
That's right soldier, the distance between where you fingers stop and the pick ends represents a slight separtion between strike and reaction from a string. So closing that gap (just for these workouts even) and getting the tip of your thumb/finger, very, very, very close to the tip of the pick, will all a bit more control and reduce any pick wag that may be causing your hand to overwork.
When the pick hand overworks, it tends to dig in a bit far. That's fine and all, but just for these workouts, digging in to far (when the pick dips beyond the string more than needed during a pick strike) creates a slight bit of lag in strike response and reduces picking efficiency a tad. What I"m trying to train your hands to do in each one of these workouts, is adapt to a highly efficient sequential strike pattern that more or less grazes each string but doesn't over commit to it. Once you've mastered this one element, every other lesson will get a bit easier in terms of picking.
Make sense? You killing the Enemy with abandon Soldier, keep it up!
Todd
Posted by: bleez Sep 21 2012, 06:10 PM
thanks dude, I'll work on choking up on the pick some more. These sharps kinda feel like surfboards compared to my usual picks but Im getting more used to them each time.
I'll keep trying to push the speed on lesson 2 as I practice lesson 3 as it may take me a bit of time to get that pick angle on lesson 3 and get it sounding proper 'Spiff'
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 22 2012, 03:15 AM
Keep at it Soldier! 
Your hand position is good and your grip as well. That's a great foundation. Keep your pick hand just tight enough to mute the strings at the bridge and not drop the pick. Any more tension and your actually fighting against your own hand. Fight the enemy soldier! Not yourself
I'll keep trying to push the speed on lesson 2 as I practice lesson 3 as it may take me a bit of time to get that pick angle on lesson 3 and get it sounding proper 'Spiff'
Posted by: bleez Nov 5 2012, 11:29 PM
hey sarge, bit of a weird thing happening since I last posted a vid of lesson 2 at 230 bpm I was really encouraged and bumped up my sessions to 40-50 mins 6 times per week, where I concentrated mainly on lesson 2, with a little lesson 3 thrown in. But now I am struggling to keep in time at 230bpm! dunno, I just lose it more often than not. kinda sucks 
d'ya think I should stick to lower speeds or should I keep pushing to get back to 230?
also, is it totally weird to suddenly struggle at a speed you used to get..... even though Ive totally been working on it constantly?
Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 6 2012, 03:45 AM
The Practice Gods may be displeased. Try this, put the guitar down for at least two days. Three if possible. After a LOOOOONNNGGGG series of steady practice, you may actually be "Over Training". Sometimes, ( not often but sometimes) putting the axe down and letting your fingers rest and catchup can result in impressive gains. This is especially true if you've really been leaning in to it. Take a short break and come back. Let me know if you see a marked increase in overall playing.
It will be harder than you think to put it down once you are in "The Flow". It's nearly driven me mad at points. But it's often helped.
Has anything else changed BTW? Angle of play, sitting side saddle, etc?
Todd
since I last posted a vid of lesson 2 at 230 bpm I was really encouraged and bumped up my sessions to 40-50 mins 6 times per week, where I concentrated mainly on lesson 2, with a little lesson 3 thrown in. But now I am struggling to keep in time at 230bpm! dunno, I just lose it more often than not. kinda sucks d'ya think I should stick to lower speeds or should I keep pushing to get back to 230?
also, is it totally weird to suddenly struggle at a speed you used to get..... even though Ive totally been working on it constantly?
Posted by: bleez Nov 6 2012, 10:03 AM
damn those practice gods! maybe some sort of ritual sacrifice is the way forward
The only thing I notice that has changed is that it has gotten inside my mind a bit and when I approach 230bpm Im probably already tensing up a bit.
I 'planned' to be on 240 by now
Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 8 2012, 03:30 AM
The only thing I notice that has changed is that it has gotten inside my mind a bit and when I approach 230bpm Im probably already tensing up a bit.
I 'planned' to be on 240 by now
Gotcha
Focus on relaxing and not tensing more than speeding up. The speed will happen by itself when you are playing in a precise and relaxed fashion. Your body will just adapt. But if you push it to early, it will just tense up and slow you down. Be patience and methodical. Go up by 1 BPM, not 5 or 10 Todd
Posted by: bleez Dec 5 2012, 01:38 AM
Hey Todd
dude, Im totally still working on this issue of losing my speed mojo.
I never really liked the standard metronome I had in reaper so I ditched it and used a drum loop instead, I then went right back to 210 BPM and just played it week in week out, I didnt even think about increasing the speed.
I done that until I felt I owned it at 210 then I began moving up the speed. I got to about 220 and 'something' is going out of time
220 used to be a comfortable speed for me and I cant figure out if its my right or left hand which is messing up ( maybe its both! ) anyway, you mentioned in another thread that instructors have a much better chance of diagnosing an issue if they see the problem rather than having it described so I took a quick vid of it tonight at 220 bpm.
I seem to do okay on the E string but when I move to the A string.... 
sometimes I seem to initially have it in time then it just goes out.
I can go back to the slower speeds, thats not a problem but I just wondered if you noticed something that Im doing really wrong?
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 5 2012, 07:10 AM
Soldier, it looks like the issue is about timing/movement on the left hand. Try this.
1.)Pick a fret, stay there. Start slow and work up speed without moving the left hand. See where your "Roof" is where you can still play in time, controlled, synched. Without moving.
2.)Switch the drum track (just temporarily) to snare or kick only so that the syncopation doesn't jack up your timing.
Once you get a good idea of where your synch/timing is without moving. Try moving again, but instead of doing the lick twice, then moving, do it four times. It lets your hand focus on the picking/synch and not the moving.
Let's focus on the moving by itself. Once you do the above, let's switch to doing the lick only ONCE then moving one fret. Slow the metronome down for this as it's all about the left hand moving. So first finger, pinky, then move, where as before we were doing that twice, then moving. Make sense?
This will isolate each of the things this lesson teaches so that once you have each well in hand, you can combine them again and play the lick as before, but it will just seem a LOT easier
Let me know how this goes!
Todd
dude, Im totally still working on this issue of losing my speed mojo.
I never really liked the standard metronome I had in reaper so I ditched it and used a drum loop instead, I then went right back to 210 BPM and just played it week in week out, I didnt even think about increasing the speed.
I done that until I felt I owned it at 210 then I began moving up the speed. I got to about 220 and 'something' is going out of time
220 used to be a comfortable speed for me and I cant figure out if its my right or left hand which is messing up ( maybe its both! ) anyway, you mentioned in another thread that instructors have a much better chance of diagnosing an issue if they see the problem rather than having it described so I took a quick vid of it tonight at 220 bpm.
I seem to do okay on the E string but when I move to the A string....
sometimes I seem to initially have it in time then it just goes out.I can go back to the slower speeds, thats not a problem but I just wondered if you noticed something that Im doing really wrong?
Posted by: bleez Dec 5 2012, 08:19 PM
brilliant, thanks Todd. that makes perfect sense........ Im on it
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 10 2012, 06:28 AM
BOOT CAMP SOLDIERS!!!! Front and Center! THE LESSONS/MISSION in our WIKI have temporarily deserted!!!
The WIKI is having something akin to "Battle Fatigue" it seems and all of my Wiki Lesson/Missions have simply vanished. The team/crew is working on it and can hopefully wrestle the data back in to place. Until then, we are going to dig in to the old lesson thread and pull the lessons out one by one like pulling meat from the bone!!
Here is a shortcut link to the main LESSON THREAD!!!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 10 2012, 02:21 PM
Good news! The MISSION ROOM (The Wiki Lessons) Are BACK!! Training can resume
Todd
Posted by: bleez Mar 4 2013, 12:15 AM
Hey Cap'n
Thought I'd drop in with an update incase you thought I went AWOL!
to recap - I had been doing quite well with lesson 2 then suddenly lost my mojo and just could not play at the tempos I had been nailing, I took your advice on how to proceed and Ive basically just been working away at it consistently and not getting too stressed and frustrated when I mess up!
Im more or less back to my previous fastest tempo with lesson 2 BUT I think Im a bit more solid at it I'd like to work a little more on it so I can post a vid and beat my previous tempo.
At the same time Ive also been working on lesson 3 and managed to get the speed up to 150 this weekend!! I thought it was worth firing up the webcam to check it out.
I'll keep working on lessons 2 & 3 but I was wondering about general progression, would you recommend maybe just doing 1 lesson at a time and getting it up to warp speed then moving to the next lesson or should I be working on a few lessons at the same time?
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 5 2013, 12:44 AM
Well played You've got the fingering and the picking down cold!!!! The only bit that may need a bit more time at the firing range is probably the hardest bit and that's the timing. Your playing in correct "time", that's solid. The timing I'm speaking is the link between pick strike and metronome count. Your hand will want to play these as triplets since they are in fact triplets Groups of three notes, but it's written this way to force the hand to adapt to playing triples as if it were all happening on one string.
Imagine playing this link as a descending pattern using only one string as a series of notes each played exactly one a given click. One way to give your ear a bit of an edge on this is to use a single drum noise, either the snare or kick, that way the 3/4 lick (triplets) doesn't have to fight that drum pattern (4/4 time).
increase the metronome speed until you are striking once per click/snare. The goal is to force the hand to play as mechanically as possible. This will serve you well when playing long runs that need to fit in a finite time space.
I'lll record a quick demo vid and put it up
As for suggestions on practice, whatever works best for you is the usual answer but Id say if possible, keep working on ones that you've passed, even as a warmup, work on the ones you've yet to pass a bit more than the passed ones, and start at least getting familiar with the next one on deck. Each one builds on the next so they are all connected
Todd
Thought I'd drop in with an update incase you thought I went AWOL!
to recap - I had been doing quite well with lesson 2 then suddenly lost my mojo and just could not play at the tempos I had been nailing, I took your advice on how to proceed and Ive basically just been working away at it consistently and not getting too stressed and frustrated when I mess up!
Im more or less back to my previous fastest tempo with lesson 2 BUT I think Im a bit more solid at it
I'd like to work a little more on it so I can post a vid and beat my previous tempo.At the same time Ive also been working on lesson 3 and managed to get the speed up to 150 this weekend!! I thought it was worth firing up the webcam to check it out.
I'll keep working on lessons 2 & 3 but I was wondering about general progression, would you recommend maybe just doing 1 lesson at a time and getting it up to warp speed then moving to the next lesson or should I be working on a few lessons at the same time?
Posted by: bleez Mar 5 2013, 09:14 AM
thanks for the vid, Todd. I can see how that would help me. I'll change my drum track to that tonight and give it a blast, cheers
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 5 2013, 11:09 PM
Glad the vid helped You are coming along really well, keep pushing it!!!!
Todd
Posted by: bleez Mar 6 2013, 12:08 AM
Todd
thanks dude
I tried it out tonight, does this sound about right?
I really dont know what kind of timing I had going on before, It sounds so different this way! Ive got quite a lot to learn about timings
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 13 2013, 06:16 AM
Sorry to have missed this, shoot me a PM when you put something up if you can That way I'll know to check. Let's give this a listen!
I tried it out tonight, does this sound about right?
I really dont know what kind of timing I had going on before, It sounds so different this way! Ive got quite a lot to learn about timings
That way I'll know to check. Just gave it a listen and NICE!!!!! BIG improvement. Very stable/clean/even picking and playing. Now that you have built the foundation, it's time to PUSH!!!
1.)See if you can stay clean on this and increase your speed a bit.
2.)Do one Pass (slow as needed) using the DOUBLE PICK technique of picking each note twice.
I can see some real potential in your playing here and thus I"m ramping up your BOOTCAMP to RAMBO!!!!
Todd
Posted by: bleez Mar 14 2013, 03:11 PM
hey todd
Ive been blasting away on lesson 3 this last week and thought I'd shoot you another quick vid just to make sure Im still on the correct timing.
this is at 150bpm with the kick drum playing as you suggested -
I also went back to watch your original lesson video and tried to replicate your metronome sound so I could play along with you at the lower speeds. I thought I would practice the lessons both ways because Ive noticed on other things Im playing that my picking has gotten a lot better ( ie faster! ) lately and its all down to doing these exercises.
this is also at 150bpm, how are we sounding for timing?
btw, I recorded these before reading your last post which is why Ive not used the Double Picking you suggested, I've started using that now though.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 14 2013, 11:44 PM
HOLY FREAKING WOW!!!!
Soldier, if you have gotten this much better this quickly using anything I've shared with you then I've got to say I'm thrilled. Of course, instruction is USELESS unless you put wads and wads and wads of BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS on the line to work through the pain and get better!! You have clearly spent time at the firing range. Scratch that, you have MOVED IN TO THE FIRING RANGE AND TAKEN OVER.
That second vid in particular. BINGO!!!!!
What all has changed since the first attempt?
BTW, these are working for me, so let me know if these are your final MISSION VIDEOS. Or if you plan any more takes on this mission.
Todd
Posted by: bleez Mar 15 2013, 12:54 AM
seriously dude, thank you for that
You're right though, There has been a few things which have changed since my last attempt, basically Ive been off work this last week, with some annual leave, and have been practising pretty much ALL day EVERY day like, proper all day, its been awesome!
Also, I went back to really listen to where you were picking the notes in relation to your metronome clicks and thought about how you said it should be played 'mechanically' and with that in mind I just seemed to hear how you were playing it much clearer inside my head. Playing it with each note on the kick helped me understand it a bit better as well.
finally, something happened with my right hand, it just seems to have got a little bit more synchronised lately. Ive been working on hand sync stuff a lot and it must have just clicked a little bit with me.... I dunno!
Dude, if you are happy with those as final mission vids so am I
I'll keep lesson 3 in the arsenal for warm ups ect as its a super cool sequence to play but Im totally keen to start on lesson 4!
Soldier, if you have gotten this much better this quickly using anything I've shared with you then I've got to say I'm thrilled. Of course, instruction is USELESS unless you put wads and wads and wads of BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS on the line to work through the pain and get better!! You have clearly spent time at the firing range. Scratch that, you have MOVED IN TO THE FIRING RANGE AND TAKEN OVER.
That second vid in particular. BINGO!!!!!
What all has changed since the first attempt?
BTW, these are working for me, so let me know if these are your final MISSION VIDEOS. Or if you plan any more takes on this mission.
Todd
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 16 2013, 04:02 AM
Well earned Soldier!! I can tell you have putting the time in. There really is, honest to God, no substitute for the "woodshedding", you gotta lock yourself up, stay focused and work through the suck to get to the good. This is a key moment in your journey as a player. Being able to listen and absorb a lick and spending time living with it is key.
You have made serious progress in this week of hardcore practice and it portends well for your future playing. Finding the time to spend with your instrument, day in and day out, and the discipline to stay focused and work on the bits that seem like a pain, especially at first, is the main thing standing between every one who wishes they could play, and everyone who can. Being able to play an instrument is something you just gotta earn. You can't buy it, fake it, steal it, you gotta pay for it in practice, sweat, and frustration. It really is worth the time. I'm thrilled to see you making such good progress. Keep it up!!!
On to the debrief!!
Soldier, you just
!!!!!!LEVELED UP!!!!!!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)HUGE jump in skillz
2.)Tight hand synch
3.)Tight beat synch
You're right though, There has been a few things which have changed since my last attempt, basically Ive been off work this last week, with some annual leave, and have been practising pretty much ALL day EVERY day
like, proper all day, its been awesome! Also, I went back to really listen to where you were picking the notes in relation to your metronome clicks and thought about how you said it should be played 'mechanically' and with that in mind I just seemed to hear how you were playing it much clearer inside my head. Playing it with each note on the kick helped me understand it a bit better as well.
finally, something happened with my right hand, it just seems to have got a little bit more synchronised lately. Ive been working on hand sync stuff a lot and it must have just clicked a little bit with me.... I dunno!
Dude, if you are happy with those as final mission vids so am I
I'll keep lesson 3 in the arsenal for warm ups ect as its a super cool sequence to play but Im totally keen to start on lesson 4!
Posted by: bleez Apr 27 2013, 07:00 PM
hey dude
working on lesson 4 and thought it best to check in. I wasnt sure of the best metronome style to use as the more 'normal' sounding one seemed to throw me off a bit so I used the single drum hit you suggested in an earlier lesson.
This is at 200bpm. Hopefully Ive got the timing right!
cheers todd.
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 3 2013, 06:33 AM
Some Darn Fine Fighting There Soldier!!!!!!! Your left hand is moving smooth and right hand is nice and precise. I must point out though that you may be at risk for developing some not so great Fight Habbits. Eventually, once you are a Master Sarge of Shred, these bits and habbits won't matter as much. But they are pretty important here at start.
Forgive me Soldier if I start to repeat myself, but let's talk briefly about proper FIGHTING TECHNIQUE.
TIP 1: HOW TO SIT LIKE A NINJA
I sit in what is called "Classical Position", which is just how Classical Guitar players sit. With the guitar in between both legs, left foot raised on something (anything) neck about 45 degree angle. As you mentioned, it will GREATLY increase your reach. What you are doing is playing "Side Saddle" which is certainly valid, many players do it. However, until you master many of the techniques in bootcamp, I"d suggest adjusting to classical to take advantage of the reach, and arch of the hand. It changes the entire mechanics of the hand and playing angle. It may seem odd but it can really pay off.
Once you have mastered most of this stuff, you can put the guitar pretty much anywhere and still play whatever you want. But that usually takes several years. During the learning phase, I'd strongly suggest classical position. Here is a youtube vid talking about good posture/position on Classical Guitar and it applies quite readily to electric. I started sitting this way when I took some classical lessons and it really enhanced my playing.
START ABOUT 1:23 IN TO THE VIDEO
1.)HOW TO GRIP LIKE A NINJA
Also, check out this vid about "Classical Hand Position" VS "Rock Hand Position". The Rock Position, (with thumb near or over the top of the neck) is used often for bending since it allows greater leverage. The classical position is often used in running scales and various shred bits since it lends itself to greater finger reach and precision. For MISSION 4 try to stay in Classical Hand Position.
SARGE
Todd
hey dude
working on lesson 4 and thought it best to check in. I wasnt sure of the best metronome style to use as the more 'normal' sounding one seemed to throw me off a bit so I used the single drum hit you suggested in an earlier lesson.
This is at 200bpm. Hopefully Ive got the timing right!
cheers todd.
Posted by: bleez May 5 2013, 09:01 PM
cool, thanks for those vids
I had tried messing around with the classical hand position a while ago but it was 'different' and I just gravitated back.... but for the sake of shred I'll definitely try and develop it.
cheers dude.
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 7 2013, 05:49 AM
It's worth doing to be sure Being able to switch between "Classical" and "Rock" position is something that is really essential to progressing as a player IMHO.
Todd
I had tried messing around with the classical hand position a while ago but it was 'different' and I just gravitated back.... but for the sake of shred I'll definitely try and develop it.
cheers dude.
Posted by: bleez Sep 13 2013, 01:17 PM
took me a bit to get used to the classical position but I think Im getting used to it now
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 13 2013, 09:13 PM
NICE!!!!! Soldier, you have really gained serious ground. And thats a SPIFF Marshall BTW!!! Also BIG POINTS for using the pinky up high. This is the part where you bleed just a bit.
One more vid like this, but start with SINGLE PICK like your doing. Transition to DOUBLE PICK (two strikes per note slow down the speed if needed) then transition to QUAD PICK four strikes per note.
This FLAT OUT FREAKING HARD I know. You will have to adapt your picking to do each one of these. Keep your pick strikes very close to the string before and after so you have very little way to travel back to the next strike.
This is TOUGH but it's worth doing. Your multi picking will carry with you as you advance as a lead player and open up options you hadn't considered.
Sarge
Posted by: bleez Sep 14 2013, 10:26 AM
cool, thanks sarge
you aint kidding about the double / quadruple picking 
I had a quick go at it..... 'quite' difficult! but that just means it will be all the more awesome when mastered
My Marshall its a beast! Its a JMP 50W from 1980, Im not sure if it qualifies as 'vintage' yet but its seen a fair amount of action and still sounds like Satan's unholy backline I think the cab is older, it used to belong to the band 'Nazareth'.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 17 2013, 04:22 AM
80's Marshalls are actually My Fave Vintage!! Some folks do of course prefer the 1969, but I really do dig the one's from Metal's Golden Age That's pretty darn cool you have cab from Nazareth! Baptised in Blood and Southern Rawk!!
BACK TO THE FRONT!!!
Soldier, those DOUBLES, QUADS can feel like the Guitar Version of DROP AND GIVE ME 1,000!!!! But they will seriously make your picking hand nimble and have been known to promote beard growth!!!
Sarge
you aint kidding about the double / quadruple picking
I had a quick go at it..... 'quite' difficult! but that just means it will be all the more awesome when mastered My Marshall
its a beast! Its a JMP 50W from 1980, Im not sure if it qualifies as 'vintage' yet but its seen a fair amount of action and still sounds like Satan's unholy backline I think the cab is older, it used to belong to the band 'Nazareth'.Posted by: bleez Oct 5 2013, 06:21 PM
Yo Sarge........ by the beard of zeus, quad picking this lesson is a thoroughly manly task
here's where Im at with the single, double and quad picks.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 8 2013, 12:25 AM
You are making some truly fine progress here Soldier!!!! These Picking Missions will put hair on your chest!!!! I'm making you a quick vid to demonstrate some right hand approaches that may improve your kill ratio!! watch the range of motion on the pick hand. How it reduces at speed. Also, I"m using a Sharp Von Hotch pick and just picking with the very tip.
Sarge.
here's where Im at with the single, double and quad picks.
Posted by: bleez Oct 8 2013, 08:48 PM
thanks for the vid
so, what Im thinking is my right hand needs smaller movements and also I should have my pick more angled, I think my pick is a bit flat against the string?
I had been trying out those petrucci picks but Ive switched back to the dunlop sharps you recommended for the bootcamp stuff.
also, Ive got myself a bit confused with the timing. Im not sure if this is correct but what Ive been attempting to do is -
my left hand frets each note of the pattern on each beat of the metronome. so the speed of my left hand does not change between single, double and quad picks. only my right hand changes speed.
Heres an example of what Im trying to do, its a bit scrappy but this is quad then doubles then singles with my left hand always at the same speed :
would that be the correct way to play this, timing wise?
watching your vid it looked like your left hand fretted singles and doubles at the same speed but slowed for the quad picking. I do struggle with timings especially at this sort of fast speed so I confuse myself quite easily!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 8 2013, 09:51 PM
BINGO!!! You must be a bit psychic as those are ALL of the bits I was trying to convey in the vid and you picked all of it up despite the fact there is no talking in the vid!!!!
You nailed all of the points on the head Soldier!! Thing of the right hand as almost separate. Just start it going at a steady pace and keep it moving. Like a Drill Bit set on HIGH
The pointy picks should help and choke up to the point and get a more severe angle as you mentioned. Well done Soldier!!!
BITS ON THE VID>
Very well played and you are getting it!!!! Quick Tips
1.) Try (very slowly without the metronome at first) to articulate the pick using only your first finger and thumb.
-This will seem alien at first, but the more work you can get out of the finger/thumb, the better.
2.)Loosen up your right arm a bit. It's a natural instinct to tighten up and pick from the elbow , but try to pick from the fingers back not the elbow up. I'm not saying you are picking from the elbow, just that it's a natural thing that one has to fight. Try to slowly train your hand to pick from the thum/first finger, then wrist. So frome the fingers back, not the elbow forward, does this make any sense?
Sarge
so, what Im thinking is my right hand needs smaller movements and also I should have my pick more angled, I think my pick is a bit flat against the string?
I had been trying out those petrucci picks but Ive switched back to the dunlop sharps you recommended for the bootcamp stuff.
also, Ive got myself a bit confused with the timing. Im not sure if this is correct but what Ive been attempting to do is -
my left hand frets each note of the pattern on each beat of the metronome. so the speed of my left hand does not change between single, double and quad picks. only my right hand changes speed.
Heres an example of what Im trying to do, its a bit scrappy
but this is quad then doubles then singles with my left hand always at the same speed :would that be the correct way to play this, timing wise?
watching your vid it looked like your left hand fretted singles and doubles at the same speed but slowed for the quad picking. I do struggle with timings especially at this sort of fast speed so I confuse myself quite easily!
Posted by: bleez Oct 9 2013, 08:32 AM
I'll give those points a try. Picking from the finger/thumb feels like some sort witchcraft
thanks dude, I shall forge ahead and see what damage I can do!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 9 2013, 06:41 PM
It's actually quite a bit of Witchcraft "Snake Magic" or Snake Charming to be specific. You have to think of your hand as being two separate things. Like a snakes tongue that forks. One half/fork remains grounded on the bridge (as a mute and for leverage) the other half/fork dances about and does the striking. Think of your hand as the head of the snake and allow it to rock back and forth a bit but don't let the left fork loose it's place on the bridge.
thanks dude, I shall forge ahead and see what damage I can do!
Posted by: bleez Dec 8 2013, 11:22 PM
yo sarge. reporting in with a status update of lesson 4 with the added double and quad strikes.
thanks.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 9 2013, 08:47 PM
Well fought Soldier!!! You are making great progress here. Keep it up!!! You are putting all the tips to good use.
On to the debrief!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Clean and Tight picking
2.)Very Tight hand Synch
3.)Killer Endurance!
Soldier, you just
!!!!!!LEVELED UP!!!!!!!
thanks.
Posted by: bleez Apr 27 2014, 10:04 PM
Yo Sarge,
Here's my progress with Lesson 5.
Seems to take me ages to be at a stage where its worth recording but its not from the lack of practice
Ive included the same picking we done in the last lesson - singles, doubles and quads.
thanks
Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 28 2014, 07:13 PM
WELL FOUGHT SOLDIER!!!!!
Don't worry about having to spend time on the firing range, all part of the plan!!!! The more the better! As long as it takes Soldier!!!! Let's DEBRIEF!!
Soldier, you just
!!!!!!LEVELED UP!!!!!!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Right in GREAT position and LOCKED to bridge
2.)Tight hand synch right and left
3.)Spiff overall Picking Technique!
Posted by: bleez Apr 29 2014, 08:16 AM
Awesome thanks Sarge! Lesson 6 looks really cool..... locked and loaded
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 1 2014, 05:20 AM
Give em Hell Soldier!!!!!!
thanks Sarge! Lesson 6 looks really cool..... locked and loaded Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 18 2014, 07:41 PM
SOLDIER, Lesson 6 is in your sights!! FIRE!!!!
Sarge
thanks Sarge! Lesson 6 looks really cool..... locked and loaded Posted by: bleez Jul 20 2014, 12:35 PM
Sarge
yo sarge... fresh from the front line here's where Im at with lesson 6(66)
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 21 2014, 01:59 AM
Good fighting form Soldier! One small issue though. Your pinky needs to hit the 16th fret, instead of the 15th so it's a bit of a stretch!! But your form and picking is very solid!!! I'd say you are ready to give this mission a GO!!!!
Posted by: bleez Jul 21 2014, 06:22 AM
LOL! Ive been playing this lesson for about 2 months...... didnt even realise I was 'off target'
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 21 2014, 06:24 PM
Only by a smidge Soldier! Call it the FOG OF WAR!!
Posted by: bleez Jul 28 2014, 10:56 PM
yo sarge, Ive adjusted my sights. 16th fret targeted!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 30 2014, 05:29 AM
After watching this several times I have to first say..... WELL PLAYED!
Let's Debrief!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Clean Pick Strikes
2.)Good Precision/Speed
3.)Fine Pinky Work!
In short, Soldier, you just......
....dramatic pause....
Congratulations Soldier!!! You are on your way!!! Fight on!!!
Sarge
Posted by: bleez Aug 23 2014, 07:13 PM
hey sarge lesson 7 attempt :
Im working on moving my fingers less its quite a difficult habit to get out of!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 23 2014, 07:50 PM
NICELY DONE!!!!! This is a HUGE step forward in terms of technique Soldier!!! It's so good in fact that I"m going to put you on detached duty!!! Give me this lesson DOUBLE PICKED!!! Nail it and you will have earned your stripes!!!!!!
lesson 7 attempt :Im working on moving my fingers less
its quite a difficult habit to get out of!Posted by: bleez Aug 24 2014, 07:39 PM
thats gonna be a monster pattern when double picked should be fun!
im on it
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 24 2014, 07:57 PM
Give em Hell Soldier!!
should be fun! im on it
Posted by: bleez Aug 30 2014, 06:10 PM
back from double picking special Ops
Ive got lesson 7 with singles and doubles. I re-recorded the single picking because Ive kept it in my practice routine and managed to increase the bpm on it a little.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 31 2014, 04:45 AM
Soldier you are on the freakin WAR PATH!!!! Good to see you with both fists in the fight. Your getting better each mission Soldier! Keep it up!! On to the debrief!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Clean Picking!
2.)Planted Right Hand!
3.)DOUBLE PICKING!!!
Soldier, you just
!!!!!!LEVELED UP!!!!!!!
Ive got lesson 7 with singles and doubles. I re-recorded the single picking because Ive kept it in my practice routine and managed to increase the bpm on it a little.
Posted by: bleez Sep 7 2014, 11:31 AM
Reporting in with a Lesson 8 attempt
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 16 2014, 02:35 AM
Soldier you are really progressing quick!! At this rate you are going to hit mission 300 in no time!!!
You picking, finger articulation, muting, and timing are all improved. Honestly, you are making this look way to easy!!! To wit!!!
DEATH BY DOUBLES
Give me a pass at this using DOUBLE PICKING!!! Doesn't have to be fast, just clean!!
P.S. Why do you never play that IBBY in the corner? What model is it?
Sarge
Posted by: bleez Sep 16 2014, 08:26 AM
Thanks sage I'll get those doubles locked and loaded! This whole picking malarkey has become the first thing that gets attention during practice time thesedays. there is something zen like about drilling these patterns against a metronome
as for the ibby 
its the s970 premium. Have you ever had a guitar that you were blown away by at first and then all of a sudden the honeymoon period seemed to end. Basically a lot of little issues have seemed to build up to the point where Im just not picking it up. Maybe Im just a Les Paul guy.
Im probably going to pack it away until a goldtop LP turns up locally for a trade in.
You picking, finger articulation, muting, and timing are all improved. Honestly, you are making this look way to easy!!! To wit!!!
DEATH BY DOUBLES
Give me a pass at this using DOUBLE PICKING!!! Doesn't have to be fast, just clean!!
P.S. Why do you never play that IBBY in the corner? What model is it?
Sarge
Posted by: bleez Oct 4 2014, 10:24 AM
yo sarge..... death by doubles
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 5 2014, 06:57 AM
Well Fought Soldier!!! Solid skills on display there. I see you have honed your new weapon of choice as well!! The SG enters the frey of Battle. Drawing First blood for SPECIAL OPS!!!! let's debrief!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Doubles!!!!!
2.)Super Steady Picking and Muting!!!
3.)Killer Precision!!!!
Soldier, you just
Posted by: bleez Oct 9 2014, 09:45 PM
sergeant, lesson 9 attempt locked and loaded....
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 10 2014, 01:12 AM
NICE!!!! Well fought Soldier!! That was just too easy!!!!! You are ready for MORE!!! GIVE ME THAT DRILL IN DOUBLE PICKING!!!!!!!
EARN IT!!!!!!!
Posted by: bleez Nov 8 2014, 04:41 PM
man, this pattern double picked is quite tough! Took me a while to get it going beyond the initial tempo I started at.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 9 2014, 08:23 AM
NICELY DONE SOLDIER!! You are chewing through these missions like a hot knife through butter!! keep up this pace soldier and you'll be our top ranking Soldier!!! Let's debrief!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Killer precision on the multipicking!
2.)Super Steady Pace and solid Muting!!!
3.)Aggressive style!!
Soldier, you just
And your making it look easy!! I can see we are going to have to throw you some curve balls!!!! Well done!
Posted by: bleez Nov 9 2014, 11:10 AM
thank you sir!
any appearance of things looking easy is a full on illusion
Im currently racking up between 1 / 1.5 hours per day on bootcamp picking patterns. Ive found 45 mins in the morning and the same again at night are working quite well. There is a level of almost meditation you can hit when playing these patterns over and over with a metronome
Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 9 2014, 04:54 PM
BINGO!!!! That "Meditation" quality is precisely the thing I"m hoping for you to get to on something like this. That state of tranquility where the pattern locks in and your fingers (almost) move by themselves.
It's very similar to monks chanting "ooohhhmmm" repeatedly. The brainwaves actually change at some point and you are able to focus in a new way. This is the point where some of your best learning and memory can happen. Well done!!
Sarge
any appearance of things looking easy is a full on illusion
Im currently racking up between 1 / 1.5 hours per day on bootcamp picking patterns. Ive found 45 mins in the morning and the same again at night are working quite well. There is a level of almost meditation you can hit when playing these patterns over and over with a metronome
Posted by: bleez Nov 22 2014, 06:52 PM
Sarge! Lesson 10 - double digits at last!
single strikes -
quickly change pickups, pickup rings and selector washer.......
Double strikes -
Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 23 2014, 03:54 PM
Nicely played Soldier!!! I wanna give this a listen on better monitors in the "Bunker" but I gotta say I think there is a PROMOTION in your immediate future!
single strikes -
quickly change pickups, pickup rings and selector washer.......
Double strikes -
Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 24 2014, 06:07 AM
NICELY DONE!!!! Soldier, you are knocking em down as fast as they are setting up!!! Let's Debrief!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Killer Palm Mute! (Keeping the right hand planted at all times)
2.)Precise Picking using the Thumb and Forefinger for control!dd
3.)Fine Pinky Work!
In short, Soldier, you just......
....dramatic pause....
Posted by: bleez Nov 24 2014, 09:18 AM
awesome!!!
now, lets see if I can squeeze in lesson 11 before the end of the year
Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 24 2014, 10:04 PM
YOU CAN DO IT SOLDIER!! I want to challenge you to hit your first DIRTY DOZEN Before the end of the year!!! You get your second CHEVRON on your Battle Badge @ Level 12. It's a stage that few folks make.
awesome!!! now, lets see if I can squeeze in lesson 11 before the end of the year
Posted by: bleez Nov 25 2014, 11:06 PM
HA! lessons 11 + 12 are beasts but that said........... I TOTALLY want another chevron I shall give those suckers both barrels!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 26 2014, 06:02 AM
That's the spirit Soldier!!! There are not that many folks who can claim a Double Chevron Mission Badge! I can count them on one hand! It's quite an achievement as I don't just pass folks on missions for the fun of it!! As you've seen I run them through the gauntlet. So just like playing guitar, folks gotta earn it and you are doing just that!!!!!
Sarge
but that said........... I TOTALLY want another chevron I shall give those suckers both barrels!Posted by: bleez Feb 1 2015, 02:14 PM
holy crap! where did the last two months go it feels like it was december just a couple of weeks ago!
anyhoo here's my go at lesson 11
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 2 2015, 02:20 AM
NICE!!!! Soldier, you have come a LONG way!!! Your right hand technique is spot on and you're right/left hand synch is tight!!
This almost looks too easy Soldier!!! Give me a bit more using your DOUBLE PICKING and if you are feeling gamey maybe triple or quad picking? Keep a good palm mute!!
Sarge
it feels like it was december just a couple of weeks ago! anyhoo here's my go at lesson 11
Posted by: bleez Feb 3 2015, 11:59 PM
sir yes sir!
Ive tried the double picking the last couple of days....... took me a wee bit to find the groove the quad picking version will be a demon monster from hell type of lick
Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 5 2015, 05:23 AM
THAT'S THE SPIRIT SOLDIER!!! Give me DOUBLES and QUADS!!!!!!!
Ive tried the double picking the last couple of days....... took me a wee bit to find the groove
the quad picking version will be a demon monster from hell type of lick Posted by: bleez Feb 28 2015, 07:48 PM
Reporting back from special ops! Lesson 11 doubles n quads.
this one is tough because I cant (yet) pick at warp speeds it takes a fair amount of to get this pattern from the 3rd fret to the 12th! that's a lot of time to keep focused on not screwing up!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 1 2015, 12:06 AM
Soldier!! YOU ARE EARNING IT!!!
Good to see
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Double Picking From HELL!!!!
2.)Nice Precision!
3.)Pinky Included!!
This is NOT an easy bit to play as DOUBLES. You played it well and it's very evenly and precisely picked which is what I like to see!! You don't rush, you don't lag, you are spot on the beat. This is a big part of my "play like a robot in order to learn to Shred like a God". Being able to play on the beat is the first step in being able to play "around" the beat.
In short, Soldier, you just......
....dramatic pause....
Posted by: bleez Mar 2 2015, 07:53 PM
awesome!
.... and onwards to lesson 12 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 6 2015, 05:34 AM
LESSON 12 IS CALLING YOUR NAME SOLDIER!!!
Sarge
.... and onwards to lesson 12
Posted by: bleez Apr 6 2015, 08:35 AM
Indeed, this one should have been taken care of by now
locked and loaded, although it is proving a little awkward to kill. Probably got a couple of weeks to get it properly. Its deceptive and Im still not certain which fingers I want to use my index and ring fingers seem to randomly interchange on this pattern everytime I play it!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 7 2015, 05:40 AM
That's entirely to be expected soldier!! Your fingers are fighting for dominance over each other. They are working out how they want to brawl!!
Sarge
locked and loaded, although it is proving a little awkward to kill. Probably got a couple of weeks to get it properly. Its deceptive and Im still not certain which fingers I want to use
my index and ring fingers seem to randomly interchange on this pattern everytime I play it!Posted by: bleez Oct 3 2015, 08:57 PM
well well after being lost in the wilderness for a while, I seem to have found my way back home and on the path to righteous shred sorry for being MIA sarge.
TBH I lost a bit of confidence and drive in my alt picking of late. After about a full year of making it my main focus and assigning the bulk of my practice time to increasing speed. I felt my progress was not very impressive. I have 2 picking lessons Ive been working on for well over a year now and I use these two lessons as a benchmark test to see how my picking is faring but I couldnt see much improvement with those........ It was a bit of a downer I eased back off the picking routines for a bit but the last couple of months Ive been ramping them up again
Ive got an attempt of the demon that is lesson 12 with single and double strikes -
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 4 2015, 02:26 AM
CONGRATS SOLDIER!!!! Great to see you back in the fight!!!
QUICK QUESTION: What are these two picking drills that you are using as benchmarks? Can you make me a vid showing them to me? My concern is that they could be drills that don't lend themselves to picking increases.
Now then, let's DEBRIEF!!!
This is well played Soldier!! I did notice that you are switching up your picking toward the end of each string for some reason, but it still works. Just looks like more work.
I also noticed that on your double picking run, you are single picking the sliding note instead of sliding down between the beats and double picking on the landing. Still, these are minor concerns in the grand scheme. The most important thing is to head to your next mission with anger and intent!! You've got some good momentum going!
MEDALS OF HONOR
1.)Very spiff right/left hand synch
2.)Solid palm mute and no extra string noise
3.)Aggressive style
You are one Mission away from your first DOUBLE CHEVRON badge Soldier!!!!!!
Congrats Soldier, you just ...
LEVELED UP!!
Posted by: bleez Oct 4 2015, 02:52 PM
Thanks sarge
I didnt notice the change in picking at the time. It wasnt intentional! However, this lesson was the most difficult so far. I think the slide really confused me
I wasnt too sure how to do the double picking with the slide. Usually I watch other peoples vids to see how they do it but I didnt find any for that one. Now that you point it out I can see where the double pick on the slide should be. I dunno why I didnt figure it out at the time. Lesson 12 is just evil
Are there any vids of lesson 13 kicking around? Ive been looknig at the tab and it's a monster!
One of the main lessons I use to check my progress is http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/black-sabbath-style-lesson/. The section at 0.46 - 0.52 is the bit which is killing me. Its basically 3 'simple' licks which, I think, are 16th note triplets at 90 BPM. Licks 2 and 3 are the ones I concentrate on because lick one is beyond me and Ive been playing it with pull offs. Here is me playing it at 80 BPM - my fastest. It could be cleaner. Ive been playing this at 80 bpm for at least a year, I just cant seem to increase it. ( I Play the 3 licks then repeat licks 2 & 3 )
If I play lick one without the pull offs, Im down to about 65 BPM. Im not sure whether to just forget about the picking on that one and go with the pull offs, it might sound close enough if I ever get it up to full speed.
Heres another pattern I use for checking progress - however, Im doing better with this one! its a six note lick and Im playing it at 85 BPM. I dunno why I can play this one much better than the sabbath licks - I guess some patterns are just more awkward. On a good day I can get this one up to 90bpm.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 5 2015, 03:40 AM
Thanks for the info Soldier!!! You are in luck!! Lesson 13 was the inspiration for my first GMC video lesson! You can watch the vids and download the tabs here .
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-In-Thirds/
As for your two examples, you are playing them quite well. The second one might be a bit better for working up pick speed simply due to the construction of it. The first one has more fingering involved so it's working many aspects at once beyond picking. The second one is a really good way to work on picking. Even if you just keep it in one spot. I love that lick. It's how i work on picking
Quick tips:
move it up to higher strings
don't overdo any one pick strike, think of them as a group of fluid strikes.
don't dig in to far beneath the string threshold. Your pick shouldn't dip far below the string. Just barely touch the string with the tip of the pick. Enough to make it vibrate.
Allow yourself some "free floating" time where you simply push your speed with timing it. It will sound very very sloppy. But it's just a way of pushing your fingers a bit so that they are ready when the metronome starts again. Essentially playing beyond your ability to allow your brain to form pathways that aren't there yet. That way as you approach that level with the metronome, there will be a pinch of muscle memory in place
Fight On!
Todd
Posted by: bleez Oct 5 2015, 08:18 AM
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-In-Thirds/
Cool! I didnt recognise the pattern when I first seen that lesson. I'll start on that tonight
thanks for the tips, hopefully I'll get those licks nailed at some point.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 5 2015, 06:52 PM
Try cutting the pattern in two octaves. Work on the first octave up and down til your fingers are feeling ok with it, then work on the second octave by itself. Once you have both, it's easy to marry them together Well, not "easy" but it's less of a brain fry to be sure!
Todd
thanks for the tips, hopefully I'll get those licks nailed at some point.
Posted by: bleez Oct 25 2015, 05:25 PM
hey sarge, lesson 13 vids.
single pick
doubles
Ive almost got it with the backing track you posted for the lesson playing it at the 12th fret. Its really good to play so Im keeping it as part of my overall picking practice
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 25 2015, 11:47 PM
Great to see you on the Battlefield Soldier!!! This is a TOUGH MISSION and it's great to see you tackle it. It combines a lot of things in to one lick so it shows a lot of different skills at once.
Now then, let's DEBRIEF!!!
MEDALS OF HONOR
1.)Planted right hand while articulating the pick with finger and thumb. Nice!
2.)TIGHT Right/Left Hand Synch
3.)No extra string noise, tight space gap between notes.
Congrats Soldier, you just GOT YOUR SECOND CHEVRON and..
single pick
doubles
Ive almost got it with the backing track you posted for the lesson playing it at the 12th fret. Its really good to play so Im keeping it as part of my overall picking practice
Posted by: bleez Oct 26 2015, 09:06 AM
go me!
Thanks Sarge. that is a brilliant pattern to play. you can get locked into it and just play it over and over, like some sort of Buddhist monk of shred
I might go back to an early lesson and see how I play it now in comparison. I thought it would be a good way to check my progress.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 26 2015, 10:20 PM
It does have a bit of a Zen quality to it It's almost a meditation to play it on a loop. Going back is always good Seeing how much you've improved may shock you!
go me!Thanks Sarge. that is a brilliant pattern to play. you can get locked into it and just play it over and over, like some sort of Buddhist monk of shred
I might go back to an early lesson and see how I play it now in comparison. I thought it would be a good way to check my progress.
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