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GMC Forum _ Gabriel Leopardi _ Cael's Composition Workouts

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 8 2014, 03:06 AM

Hi Ben! This is our thread to explore, train and stimulate our creativity and composing abilities. I think that this thread mustn't be structured so feel free to do random chats, to post miscellaneous videos, photos, thoughts and feelings. We will work on theory stuff but mostly on real music. I think that it would be interesting to analyze some of your favorite music but in a modern way, writing down the most used concepts and ways to arrange.

At the same time, it would be cool to use this thread as a library of ideas, so let's feel free to record and post here riffs, licks, that can be continued by you and me at any moment. In the end, maybe we can have some songs composed together, who knows?

I would like to know a bit more about you and your relation with composition. Feel free to write whatever comes to mind here. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 8 2014, 01:31 PM

Hey Gabriel!

This was exactly the kind of thread I had in mind! A place for ideas, a library of ideas as you said, and a place to develop some compositional skills and so on.

I used to compose solely in Guitar Pro, but never recorded much, because I used to write just outside of my playing ability thinking I'd push myself to become better that way. So maybe I could play all the stuff, but not at the tempo I wanted it in in the song. From that I can present you these two "songs" in Guitar Pro:

 Circles.gp5 ( 77.32K ) : 718

 01___Prologue.gp5 ( 108.85K ) : 739


I have written them using the midi only, so I don't know how they sound with RSE if that is something you might use.

But these two have been written 5 years or more back. And that's the last fully thing I wrote. I want to go away from writing that way though, and instead writing a bit more of something I'm capable of recording and playing. That's probably a much healthier approach, I think.

So I'm thinking about starting a library of ideas (on my computer as well as in this thread), where I have recorded ideas and maybe also the tabs for the ideas.

I have always found it much easier to write drums in Guitar Pro and then edit in Cubase as it's much faster for me that way, and it's easier to figure out tempo, how long the riff from the guitar is and so on.

When it comes to music I like, I'll give you a few examples. I would like to write more in a progressive metal/djent genre like this:





Or especially something like this:



But I also like jazzy/fusion like Chick Corea:



And then I also have a weakness for some underground, intelligent hiphop:



But in general I listen to all music, and I would actually like to incorporate various genres into my songs. One of my biggest problems is that I find it a lot easier to write when I have lyrics, but these days I can't come up with lyrics either laugh.gif

Another thing, which I have mentioned in another thread is that I can come up with a lot of riffs or ideas that I think are nice, but I can never seem to connect them, or I get stuck with the same riff for several minutes.

As for theory, I know quite a bit, I'd say, but I tend to get a bit stuck with it these days, so I get stuck in one key or I feel like I'm writing inside the box, when I really want to write outside the box.

Oh, and I tend to be a bit perfectionistic when it comes to music, and I want that gone! It's a big hindrance!

Here's a bit of a short test of an idea I did a while back:

 New_test.mp3 ( 937.97K ) : 788



I hope that gave a bit of a picture of where I'm and so on.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 8 2014, 05:34 PM

Ok! This will be very cool! You are a very skilled composer and it seems that you are not noting it yet. Based on your posts, I think that you are lacking some kind of motivation that pushes you to develop the ideas, to finish songs, to start new ones. And that's the main thing that I would like this thread changes.

I listened to your Guitar pro songs and there I can hear a technical Ben, who can create long songs with lots of riffs, musical ideas, smooth connections, weird phrasings, original drum grooves without any problem. This means that you have a clever mind. I find both pieces a bit "empty", they are lacking soul, and I suspect that the reason can be one of these:

- You wrote them with midi, and in the end it's a mathematical process.
- There wasn't a story or idea that made you create that stuff.

I say: what a cool rhythm, that riff is interesting, wou, good change, but I don't feel like listening to a story, I don't get into something deep.

Does this happen to you?

Then, the riff, it's very in the style of.. Periphery, Cloud kicker and all that Djent style, it's a good first step because it sounds professional, but the goal here would be to listen more Ben than his influences in his music. This is not something that suddenly appears, it requires practicing and training, it's a search. And the only way to do this search is composing a lot of stuff.

On this first week, I think that it would be cool if you can write and post here as many riffs and musical parts that you can, and then I will help you to keep the cooler ones... some type of producer job. I recommend you to do something similar to my Creativity Workout I, using photos, or stories to inspired yourself. Get into them, and try to write melodies, musical ideas that you feel. I can share some pics here if it's needed. Just let me know.

At the same time, I think that it would be cool if you take any of those songs and analyze it. Those are really complex songs but you should find the way to write down some info about structure, tonality, scales, chord progressions and arrangements used.






Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 8 2014, 06:19 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Apr 8 2014, 06:34 PM) *
Ok! This will be very cool! You are a very skilled composer and it seems that you are not noting it yet. Based on your posts, I think that you are lacking some kind of motivation that pushes you to develop the ideas, to finish songs, to start new ones. And that's the main thing that I would like this thread changes.

I listened to your Guitar pro songs and there I can hear a technical Ben, who can create long songs with lots of riffs, musical ideas, smooth connections, weird phrasings, original drum grooves without any problem. This means that you have a clever mind. I find both pieces a bit "empty", they are lacking soul, and I suspect that the reason can be one of these:

- You wrote them with midi, and in the end it's a mathematical process.
- There wasn't a story or idea that made you create that stuff.

I say: what a cool rhythm, that riff is interesting, wou, good change, but I don't feel like listening to a story, I don't get into something deep.

Does this happen to you?

Then, the riff, it's very in the style of.. Periphery, Cloud kicker and all that Djent style, it's a good first step because it sounds professional, but the goal here would be to listen more Ben than his influences in his music. This is not something that suddenly appears, it requires practicing and training, it's a search. And the only way to do this search is composing a lot of stuff.

On this first week, I think that it would be cool if you can write and post here as many riffs and musical parts that you can, and then I will help you to keep the cooler ones... some type of producer job. I recommend you to do something similar to my Creativity Workout I, using photos, or stories to inspired yourself. Get into them, and try to write melodies, musical ideas that you feel. I can share some pics here if it's needed. Just let me know.

At the same time, I think that it would be cool if you take any of those songs and analyze it. Those are really complex songs but you should find the way to write down some info about structure, tonality, scales, chord progressions and arrangements used.


Thanks for the long reply, it's much appreciated! And thanks for the compliments on being a skilled composer, even if I'm not sure I agree - as I can't do it on a regular basis for one thing.

I know what you mean about lacking soul, and you are exactly right, they were written without real inspiration, but more just as something I had to push through to get done, if you know what I mean? So of course they feel empty. I still like some of the ideas in them and I might re-use some of those at some point - we will see. smile.gif

It is a very djenty riff, yes. It's a genre I'd like to write in, but of course with trying to add something new, but you gotta take a first step. And I'm not that familiar with writing djent yet, so it's what it is. I wrote it a while back and I'm not sure I like it a 100% anymore.
I will try and be more Ben!

I think it's a very cool plan for a first week. I will try and record the ideas I have and share them with you. If it's possible I will try and add drums too and other instruments.

I will also try doing the second thing you mentioned about writing info down about song structures, tonality, chords and scales and such.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 8 2014, 08:58 PM

Excellent! Sounds like a plan. smile.gif

I would like to receive frequent updates, and also to discuss about other topics here so feel free to keep on sharing stuff here.

And once again, yes, you're skilled! Just need practice and motivation. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 10 2014, 07:56 PM

Here's a first idea. The mix is terrible though, of course, but I just wanted to focus on getting something done instead of concentrating on the mix now:

 Idea_1_for_Gabriel.mp3 ( 1.3MB ) : 834


The riff is in (4/4 + 3/4) x3 then 5/4 + 4/4

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 10 2014, 09:38 PM

Wou! this is top quality man! It's a very good intro for a song (or at least for the first part of it). As soon as it finished I imagined some more melodic section, maybe not a melody but you know, those type of parts with a catchy chords cadence and maybe some clean arpeggios or guitar melodies. Drums marking the cuts... something around this chords: Cm - Bb - Db - Db. How does it sound for you?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 11 2014, 10:51 PM

Hey Gabriel, I posted this in another thread as well, but I guess you could call it a new idea too:



 8_string_on_7_sound_2.mp3 ( 1.22MB ) : 735
 

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 12 2014, 02:52 AM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 11 2014, 06:51 PM) *
Hey Gabriel, I posted this in another thread as well, but I guess you could call it a new idea too:



Another great introduction and addition to the ideas library. smile.gif

I'm saving this stuff at my computer to check it from time to time. If you continue uploading stuff as quickly, we will be able to start giving shape to the songs soon.

I'm sure that you know him.. do you like his music?




Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 12 2014, 01:24 PM

I've never heard of him before, but I quite like him!

I'll try and post up some more stuff tonight maybe. smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 12 2014, 03:56 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 12 2014, 09:24 AM) *
I've never heard of him before, but I quite like him!

I'll try and post up some more stuff tonight maybe. smile.gif



Great! Check his stuff because I think that he has something that your ideas are lacking, more melodic stuff. He keeps sounding modern but adds catchy sections into their song to make instrumental music easier to hear.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 12 2014, 05:06 PM

Only thing is with a lot of these players, they have a much wider and better skillset than I do. I find it difficult to actually sometimes play the ideas I have in my head.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 13 2014, 05:36 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 12 2014, 01:06 PM) *
Only thing is with a lot of these players, they have a much wider and better skillset than I do. I find it difficult to actually sometimes play the ideas I have in my head.



Why? What happens? Does it take too many time to find the notes that you imagine in your fret board?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 13 2014, 05:38 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Apr 13 2014, 06:36 PM) *
Why? What happens? Does it take too many time to find the notes that you imagine in your fret board?


My head and hands just doesn't coordinate that well at times laugh.gif I might think: "badadada dum dum djentadjenta, da da da dum dum, badadada dadada djentadjenta dum dum" in my head and then it comes out as: "puff puff fluffy puff" on the guitar. laugh.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 13 2014, 05:48 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 13 2014, 01:38 PM) *
My head and hands just doesn't coordinate that well at times laugh.gif I might think: "badadada dum dum djentadjenta, da da da dum dum, badadada dadada djentadjenta dum dum" in my head and then it comes out as: "puff puff fluffy puff" on the guitar. laugh.gif



Do you think that this can be an ear issue? Do you usually learn solos and songs by ear? Does it take too much work?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 13 2014, 05:50 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Apr 13 2014, 06:48 PM) *
Do you think that this can be an ear issue? Do you usually learn solos and songs by ear? Does it take too much work?


I've grown up on tabs, so that's what I mainly use. I can use my ear, but it takes a long time. Also, I may be exaggerating before. If I have an idea in my head I can play it somewhat on guitar, but it's not always completely right.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 14 2014, 04:45 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 13 2014, 01:50 PM) *
I've grown up on tabs, so that's what I mainly use. I can use my ear, but it takes a long time. Also, I may be exaggerating before. If I have an idea in my head I can play it somewhat on guitar, but it's not always completely right.


My suggestion is that you record it, no matter if it's not clear. You can slowly clarify the idea. This is how I think our mind works related to creativity. Creative stuff is there in our unconscious side of the mind, and we have to be able to glimpse it. This happens clearer with music but this can be apply to ideas in general. The deeper we become the more connected to that side of the mind we are, and the clearer the ideas start to show. So don't worry if you are not able to materialize an idea clearer by once, this is something natural. Record the ideas and polish them with time. And this last word: "time" is also very important, we must give time to our mind, and this time should be like a stand by, if we tend to logical treatment of the ideas, the creativity disappears and we end the idea as a technician. Give time to your mind to slowly show the ideas clearer...

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 15 2014, 11:34 PM

I'll try and record - clear or not.

I've just remembered something that's very close to how I write and which I feel would be a likely first step in terms of how to build a song, both technically, structurally and so on, the sound and feel...:



I know it's not all that melodic, except for the part at 4:50.

They also have somewhat more melodic songs though:


Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 16 2014, 02:37 PM

I can notice a connection between this band and the guitar pro that you shared before. The first song is very technical and starts to have some deepness when the vocals appear, the instrumental parts are more like technique etudes. The second one is more melodic as you said, and has shorter instrumental sections, so it transmits me much more. The first one is more enjoyable to be played while the other to be heard (at least for me, based on my musical taste).

I would like to give you a tricky assignment for this week.

The goal is simple: Compose a song in 1 week.

Some things to have in mind:

- No matter if the different parts don't fit always one after the other, just continue the song until you have it finished. (We have time to make the connections smoother)
- If you decide to write an instrumental, compose it based on a the feeling that you get from a picture, a story of a movie. Keep that feeling and story in mind during the whole process.
- If you are a bit lost, take one of your favorite songs and write down it's structure. This will be the structure that you will use in your song. It will be your structure template.
- Where to start? You can take one of the riffs that you shared here, or start with something completely new.
- Deadline: There are no excuses. The song must be ready here on April 23th.
- I'm not expecting the best song ever, I'm expecting a finished song that then we can produce, edit, etc.
- Use the method that you find easier to write drums and bass, but record real guitars.


Are you in? smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 16 2014, 03:16 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Apr 16 2014, 03:37 PM) *
I can notice a connection between this band and the guitar pro that you shared before. The first song is very technical and starts to have some deepness when the vocals appear, the instrumental parts are more like technique etudes. The second one is more melodic as you said, and has shorter instrumental sections, so it transmits me much more. The first one is more enjoyable to be played while the other to be heard (at least for me, based on my musical taste).

I would like to give you a tricky assignment for this week.

The goal is simple: Compose a song in 1 week.

Some things to have in mind:

- No matter if the different parts don't fit always one after the other, just continue the song until you have it finished. (We have time to make the connections smoother)
- If you decide to write an instrumental, compose it based on a the feeling that you get from a picture, a story of a movie. Keep that feeling and story in mind during the whole process.
- If you are a bit lost, take one of your favorite songs and write down it's structure. This will be the structure that you will use in your song. It will be your structure template.
- Where to start? You can take one of the riffs that you shared here, or start with something completely new.
- Deadline: There are no excuses. The song must be ready here on April 23th.
- I'm not expecting the best song ever, I'm expecting a finished song that then we can produce, edit, etc.
- Use the method that you find easier to write drums and bass, but record real guitars.


Are you in? smile.gif


Sounds like a good plan! But is there any chance we can push the deadline to maybe 25th for this first week and then keep it to the plan after that, so the week after will only be 5 days? I'll be gone from my computer and guitar from later today till Sunday evening and I won't have much time to work on things, but I really like the idea here.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 16 2014, 06:37 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 16 2014, 11:16 AM) *
Sounds like a good plan! But is there any chance we can push the deadline to maybe 25th for this first week and then keep it to the plan after that, so the week after will only be 5 days? I'll be gone from my computer and guitar from later today till Sunday evening and I won't have much time to work on things, but I really like the idea here.



Ok! Let's go for it. Deadline is now 25th. I'm really anxious to know the results of this... smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 23 2014, 08:48 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Apr 16 2014, 07:37 PM) *
Ok! Let's go for it. Deadline is now 25th. I'm really anxious to know the results of this... smile.gif


Hey! I've not got a finished project just yet, but this is what I'm planning on recording:

 Idea_for_song_1.gp5 ( 56.68K ) : 287


I felt it was easier to write it down in Guitar Pro first, but maybe I'll take another approach next time.

Also, I sprained my little finger during football yesterday, but I'll try the best I can to record.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 24 2014, 02:50 PM

Maaan, my rythm playing is so untight and I'm about to lose my mind trying to record this sad.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 24 2014, 03:08 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 23 2014, 04:48 PM) *
Hey! I've not got a finished project just yet, but this is what I'm planning on recording:

 Idea_for_song_1.gp5 ( 56.68K ) : 287


I felt it was easier to write it down in Guitar Pro first, but maybe I'll take another approach next time.

Also, I sprained my little finger during football yesterday, but I'll try the best I can to record.


QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 24 2014, 10:50 AM) *
Maaan, my rythm playing is so untight and I'm about to lose my mind trying to record this sad.gif



It's sounding VERY interesting man! I like how this one evolved. It has that ingredient that you were lacking. Can't wait to hear the real guitar version! smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 24 2014, 03:17 PM

Any tips for getting things tighter when recording? I'm double tracking everything and that makes it sound better, but it's difficult for me getting everything as tight as I want it to be.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 24 2014, 03:21 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 24 2014, 11:17 AM) *
Any tips for getting things tighter when recording? I'm double tracking everything and that makes it sound better, but it's difficult for me getting everything as tight as I want it to be.



When you say tight, are you meaning to the mix or to your playing?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 24 2014, 03:33 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Apr 24 2014, 04:21 PM) *
When you say tight, are you meaning to the mix or to your playing?


Actually both, but mostly my playing I'd say.

As for the mix, I know it'd be better if I went and hand picked velocity for drum hits and so on, but I'm not gonna be able to make that before tomorrow, so the drums and bass will probably sound a bit dead.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 24 2014, 03:46 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 24 2014, 11:33 AM) *
Actually both, but mostly my playing I'd say.

As for the mix, I know it'd be better if I went and hand picked velocity for drum hits and so on, but I'm not gonna be able to make that before tomorrow, so the drums and bass will probably sound a bit dead.



Playing can be tighter with practice. By now you can record it in small parts and edit it a bit to have the demo, and then you can practice it. Regarding mix, don't worry too much, it would be a next step.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 24 2014, 09:37 PM

I only just got home and now I have to go see my parents for the weekend right after a meeting tomorrow. I will bring my laptop and try and record it while I'm there. I hope that's okay.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 25 2014, 06:18 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Apr 24 2014, 05:37 PM) *
I only just got home and now I have to go see my parents for the weekend right after a meeting tomorrow. I will bring my laptop and try and record it while I'm there. I hope that's okay.



yeah! it's ok. Go and have a good time with your family. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 25 2014, 07:54 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Apr 25 2014, 07:18 PM) *
yeah! it's ok. Go and have a good time with your family. smile.gif


I sent you a PM with the progress so far. I'm not really ready to share it on the forum biggrin.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 23 2014, 04:21 PM

Hey Gabriel! I apologize for not having returned earlier. It's been almost 2 months, and I almost haven't played guitar in that time. I've been so focused on football that I lost track of everything else, but I want to get back at this. Now I'll probably have a break from football as well, as my knee is in terrible state and need some time off and some rehab. I could hardly walk after having played the last game 1½ week ago.

I had redecorated my attic storage space, as you remember, but then I had to move all my stuff from there almost 3 months ago as they were gonna do some work up there. Guess what, they haven't started yet, so I've put all my stuff back up there and will start using it for practicing again. Hopefully tonight.

Last few days I've also been caught up with the world cup. It's been a great one so far!

On a note that's a bit more on topic, I think I'm struggling with having to create a song a week, but I'm still very interested in building a library of licks and then perhaps a bit later on develop some songs. So, yeah, basically I'd like to get slowly into this instead of taking on too much and running my head against the wall. Hopefully I'm back from these 2 months with more inspiration than before... one bad thing is though that I've sprained my finger 1½ week ago during the last match of the season and it kinda hurts when I play guitar, but I might just play anyway.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 23 2014, 05:41 PM

Hi Cael! Welcome back!

This 2 months break seems to have been a good period to free your mind and get back to music with clearer thoughts and goals, more relaxed, and ready to enjoy the journey. I got a feeling that there are inspiring days coming for you and I would like to let it flow instead of block it with a lot of stuff o tasks.

Library of licks... that sounds great.

What about learning some licks or songs that could inspire you to create your own licks and ideas?

I like this approach by Marty Friedman, which is very related to my way of using GMC lessons.





Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 14 2014, 02:40 PM

What I actually meant was a library of riffs. I don't know why I wrote licks. But I guess it could be a combination of both!

By the way, here are two quick ideas I've had:

 Intro_idea_1.mp3 ( 591.85K ) : 322


 Intro_idea_2.mp3 ( 813.79K ) : 327

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 14 2014, 05:05 PM

Hey mate! It seems that this new guitar is giving you an amazing inspiration!! These two ideas are fantatic. I love the feeling of both, they sound like music for a movie or clip. Very interesting. You should start saving this ideas on the folder and maybe choosing names that represent the feeling each idea gives is a good way to then find them easily.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 8 2014, 06:09 PM

I'm really struggling with coming up with riffs that are longer than just say 1 or 2 meassures. It's frustrating me a great deal!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 9 2014, 03:15 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Sep 8 2014, 02:09 PM) *
I'm really struggling with coming up with riffs that are longer than just say 1 or 2 meassures. It's frustrating me a great deal!



Sounds interesting... do you have some samples?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 20 2014, 07:44 PM

Hey Gabriel,

I'm not sure if you've seen my latest PM. But I'll try and record something tonight to show you what I meant by not being able to come up with longer riffs. And even if I come up with something that's okay in length, then I'm struggling with putting together riffs to make a whole song which I can be happy with.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 21 2014, 01:58 AM

Here's the sort of thing I come up with and then can't come further with. I know it's not a totally catchy 4/4 riff by the way laugh.gif But that's how I like to write I suppose.

 Riff_for_gabriel.mp3 ( 416.99K ) : 327


And here's another thing without drums though, which is more like in 5/4 + 5/4 + 6/4.

 Riff_for_gabriel2.mp3 ( 235K ) : 297


EDIT: And yet another one:

 Riff_for_gabriel3.mp3 ( 586.23K ) : 325


I come up with these riffs, and then I find it difficult to use for anything.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 21 2014, 02:48 AM

Hi Cael! Great to see you again here! smile.gif

I've read your "excuses" message, checked that amazing clean intro, the awesome guitar pro song, and this 3 killer riffs and I can only say you are SO talented man. The fact that you are very strict with yourself is helping to create top level stuff and that's a great thing. You told me that the problem is being continuing this ideas, and that's when the strict and auto-critic is giving a negative thing.

When you say, I can't get something that makes me feel happy, by now I would say, you should feel happy if you can finish a song. That's the main goal. "Finishing" a song is not a real thing, there is always time to improve it, improve it and improve it. But we need to trust in ourselves and let the thing happen. A summary of bad ideas can be a road to get the right idea. If we block, we stay quiet, the song freezes, and frustrations appears...

From my personal experience, and my experience with students, I think that the unfinished songs phenomenon is very related to the lack of structure direction. If you imagine the overall structure of a song in your head, you will be able to visualize which parts are lacking and the whole thing starts to take shape.

This is the main reason why, the first task that I use to give on this workouts is to choose 5 favorite songs and analyze structure, arrangements and theory behind it. Song analysis is the way to go to improve our composition skills.

What do you think?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 21 2014, 03:27 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 21 2014, 03:48 AM) *
Hi Cael! Great to see you again here! smile.gif

I've read your "excuses" message, checked that amazing clean intro, the awesome guitar pro song, and this 3 killer riffs and I can only say you are SO talented man. The fact that you are very strict with yourself is helping to create top level stuff and that's a great thing. You told me that the problem is being continuing this ideas, and that's when the strict and auto-critic is giving a negative thing.

When you say, I can't get something that makes me feel happy, by now I would say, you should feel happy if you can finish a song. That's the main goal. "Finishing" a song is not a real thing, there is always time to improve it, improve it and improve it. But we need to trust in ourselves and let the thing happen. A summary of bad ideas can be a road to get the right idea. If we block, we stay quiet, the song freezes, and frustrations appears...

From my personal experience, and my experience with students, I think that the unfinished songs phenomenon is very related to the lack of structure direction. If you imagine the overall structure of a song in your head, you will be able to visualize which parts are lacking and the whole thing starts to take shape.

This is the main reason why, the first task that I use to give on this workouts is to choose 5 favorite songs and analyze structure, arrangements and theory behind it. Song analysis is the way to go to improve our composition skills.

What do you think?


I'm glad you thought nice things of the stuff I've posted for you. I still really have no idea how to go on from any of these things. I can't imagine it in my head like I used to be able to do. I like the clean intro, but I don't know where to go from there. That's my main problem. It doesn't come natural to me anymore. Or maybe I'm trying too much to force it... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 21 2014, 05:02 PM

Let's use a song that you like as our structure template for developing one of those ideas, what do you say?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 21 2014, 05:46 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 21 2014, 06:02 PM) *
Let's use a song that you like as our structure template for developing one of those ideas, what do you say?


Sounds like a good idea. The songs that spring to mind though are songs like Erotomania and Dance of Eternity by Dream Theater. Or Overture 1928. Somewhat very complex songs.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 22 2014, 04:41 PM

Great ones! Let's analize the 3 of them, starting with the structure. It's tricky because in some of them, you won't identify verses and chorus, but you can talk about parts (A, B, C), bridges, solo sections, etc.

At first just write down the structures.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 23 2014, 02:14 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 22 2014, 05:41 PM) *
Great ones! Let's analize the 3 of them, starting with the structure. It's tricky because in some of them, you won't identify verses and chorus, but you can talk about parts (A, B, C), bridges, solo sections, etc.

At first just write down the structures.


Well, as for Overture 1928, I had a look at it, and there's not that much repitition in it as such:

It starts of with an intro (Part A: pre-intro) that is similar to something from Metropolis Pt1, then goes into it's own intro (part cool.gif, which I think is in D lydian. Now it moves on to part C, which works with larger open chords which are being arpeggiated. It then moves on to part D, which is a 3/4 typical Dream Theater style rock/metal riff, ending in a small reprise of the pre-intro/Metropolis Pt. 1 for 1 bar.

We then have a synth solo on top of the Part B. Then we have a guitar solo on a completely new backing in Bm. This guitar solo continues thereafter on a piano part and finally ends in part C again.

Then we have a key change to C#m, and continue with another guitar solo. After that we have sort of an interlude (part E), which then works to introduce a riff that will be used in the song Dance of Eternity. After that we have another synth solo and finally an outro.

Here's Erotomania in a bit different manner:

Intro that builds the foundation for when the other instruments kick in.
Part A
Part B
Part A
Part B
Part C-1.0
Part D
Part C-1.1
Prelude to solo
Guitar solo on top of Part A simplified
Part E
Part F (Similar 2 E, but expanded a bit)
Part G (Build up to acoustic part)
Part H (Acoustic part)
Part I (Build up to solo)
Guitar solo
Part J
Part K
Tempo change and Part L
Part C-1.2
Part M
Part N (classic part and build up to solo)
VERY FAST guitar solo in quintuplets!
Part O
Part A
Part B
Outro

Wow... so many parts! laugh.gif

Dance of Eternity is a bit much to go through right now, so I'll just stick with those two for now and maybe do Dance of Eternity later. I bet there are as many parts as in Erotomania.


Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 23 2014, 09:45 PM

Hi Cael! Good job! This is a very useful analysis. I followed both songs with your structure and it helped me to understand clearly the whole thing. I consider Erotomania even richer to analyse because it's a full instrumental song. The parts could be grouped in even bigger blocks that will make it easier to use as template:

First section:
Part A
Part B
Part A
Part B
Part C-1.0
Part D
Part C-1.1
Prelude to solo
Guitar solo on top of Part A simplified

Second section:
Part E
Part F (Similar 2 E, but expanded a bit)
Part G (Build up to acoustic part)
Part H (Acoustic part)

Third section
Part I (Build up to solo)
Guitar solo
Part J
Part K
Tempo change and Part L
Part C-1.2
Part M
Part N (classic part and build up to solo)
VERY FAST guitar solo in quintuplets!
Part O

Four section:
Part A
Part B
Outro


I think that it would be a good idea to use Erotomania as a template for your next song. If you agree, let's start building the first section. Do you think that you already have ideas that could fit as parts A, B and C ?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 23 2014, 10:08 PM

It's a good idea, I just don't have anything that I consider a good intro for such a thing. The best intro I can think of is the arpeggiated clean one. But I wouldn't say it works for this maybe. I'm not sure.

I'm going to be away from tomorrow till Sunday though, but I'll give it a good think meanwhile!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 23 2014, 10:09 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 23 2014, 06:08 PM) *
It's a good idea, I just don't have anything that I consider a good intro for such a thing. The best intro I can think of is the arpeggiated clean one. But I wouldn't say it works for this maybe. I'm not sure.

I'm going to be away from tomorrow till Sunday though, but I'll give it a good think meanwhile!


Let's save it maybe for a clean section in the middle... wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 26 2014, 02:53 PM

Hey Gabriel.

I am back from my weekend away. It was quite the disappointment unfortunately. I even ended up going home earlier than planned.

Anyway, I will try and come up with something useful as soon as possible. Or just anything that would work.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 27 2014, 03:57 AM

Hi Cael, welcome back! I hope that you could rest this days off. I'll wait for your news. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 30 2014, 01:19 AM

This is not for an intro or anything as such, but I was just playing around with a riff I came up with which might be useful somewhere. It's sort of the style I like, though it's kinda simple:



Just wanted to share it with you. I posted it in a group that's called "Extended ranged guitar nerds" on Facebook and got 2 likes pretty quickly, and I'm really happy about someone liking it!

EDIT: 5 likes and some very nice comments! I'm feeling on top of the world and SO motivated!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 30 2014, 12:27 PM

Also, here is another idea in 7/4 with a 8/4 thrown in there as well. Wanted to share it with you smile.gif


Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 30 2014, 11:47 PM

Hi Cael! Good job with these ideas! Congrats on the good feedback and likes at that group. You really deserve it.

These ideas are top level man, I can say that both are related so you could use them for the same song and I can say that they can be used for the structure that we wanted to use (Erotomania's). I was thinking that maybe the second video could be part A or B for this song, and the first one could be maybe C?

What do you think? It's good to start defining which ideas you have and which ones you are lacking to work on them...

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 31 2014, 12:43 AM

It's amazing what a few compliments from strangers can do! I posted the second idea I had and got great response as well on that as well as a few ideas on how I could improve it.

Worked a bit on something for the past 30 minutes or so, maybe this will work as an intro. I just don't know where to go from here again laugh.gif But it's the most intro ish I have. Bass needs some work, I only just put it in there instead of having no bass at all.

 Intro_idea.mp3 ( 830.79K ) : 289

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 1 2014, 02:32 AM

Great to know this mate! This also means that you don't trust in my words. ohmy.gif I said lots of times that your ideas are so good and that if you can keep the energy to finish them you will be creating a very well received project. smile.gif

I like the new introduction. It is naturally a good intro for a song. I feel that it could continue with a more aggressive riff, with drums at double tempo. And then get back to the most powerful part of the intro with a melody added. I imagine something like this:

Intro (Clean + Metal slow groove)
Intro II (more agressive idea - double drum rhythm)
Verse I (intro metal slow groove + synth or guitar melody)
Bridge (maybe still not created? or any of the previous video ideas?)


Can you see something like this?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 1 2014, 03:08 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Nov 1 2014, 03:32 AM) *
Great to know this mate! This also means that you don't trust in my words. ohmy.gif I said lots of times that your ideas are so good and that if you can keep the energy to finish them you will be creating a very well received project. smile.gif

I like the new introduction. It is naturally a good intro for a song. I feel that it could continue with a more aggressive riff, with drums at double tempo. And then get back to the most powerful part of the intro with a melody added. I imagine something like this:

Intro (Clean + Metal slow groove)
Intro II (more agressive idea - double drum rhythm)
Verse I (intro metal slow groove + synth or guitar melody)
Bridge (maybe still not created? or any of the previous video ideas?)


Can you see something like this?


I trust your words, man, it's just always nice to hear from complete strangers smile.gif

I agree with the direction you're proposing, it's what I have had in mind, and I'm trying to come up with a good agressive riff smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 1 2014, 03:25 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Nov 1 2014, 11:08 AM) *
I trust your words, man, it's just always nice to hear from complete strangers smile.gif

I agree with the direction you're proposing, it's what I have had in mind, and I'm trying to come up with a good agressive riff smile.gif



Great! I'll be waiting for the new riff. Please record different ideas, no matter if you don't feel it's the right one. Don't get stuck, create. Remember that an idea can bring another one better then, it's like a chain.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 2 2014, 01:52 PM

I've stitched together a bit more, though I'm not sure how happy I am with it, but it's something at least!


EDIT: Here's a Soundcloud link instead: https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/intro-next-part-2

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 2 2014, 09:36 PM

Hi Cael! Great to see this one evolving. I love the sections from the beginning to 00:38, and also the part from 1:10 to the end. The middle section has good ideas but it's a bit long or repetitive. The faster solution would be to make it shorter (around 20 seconds), and the trickier solution would be to work on it a bit ore to add some rhythm variations with drums or guitar riffs. However, this "improvement" can wait by now and try to continue with the song.

Any ideas to continue this one?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 3 2014, 01:21 AM

I came up with another intro!

https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/intro-2

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 3 2014, 03:52 PM

Great idea man! It sounds VERY cool.

I have been thinking on your stuff. I notice that both ideas could be part of the same album. Your style is very consistent and that's a great thing. At the same time, I consider that the songs that you suggested to analyze are not close in style to your music, so this can make you feel a bit lost regarding structure and how to develop this ideas. Dream Theater music is different compared to Cloudkicker, Angel Vivladi, Intervals and all those great modern metal bands. So I have three important suggestions:

1- Start a folder with all this ideas that are appearing and make some kind of classification that could include, description as tonality, tempo, vibe or feeling and also if it's an intro, a verse, a bridge, solo or whatever... it will help you to get back to them.

2- Work on songs in parallel. Open each idea every day and try to continue or arrange it a bit. No matter if it evolves just with one new chord, one measure or if you only arranged a bit drums. Everything would mean that the compositions are advancing, and be sure that the inspired day will come for the best ideas...

3- What about analyzing songs that are more related in style to these ones?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 3 2014, 04:54 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Nov 3 2014, 04:52 PM) *
Great idea man! It sounds VERY cool.

I have been thinking on your stuff. I notice that both ideas could be part of the same album. Your style is very consistent and that's a great thing. At the same time, I consider that the songs that you suggested to analyze are not close in style to your music, so this can make you feel a bit lost regarding structure and how to develop this ideas. Dream Theater music is different compared to Cloudkicker, Angel Vivladi, Intervals and all those great modern metal bands. So I have three important suggestions:

1- Start a folder with all this ideas that are appearing and make some kind of classification that could include, description as tonality, tempo, vibe or feeling and also if it's an intro, a verse, a bridge, solo or whatever... it will help you to get back to them.

2- Work on songs in parallel. Open each idea every day and try to continue or arrange it a bit. No matter if it evolves just with one new chord, one measure or if you only arranged a bit drums. Everything would mean that the compositions are advancing, and be sure that the inspired day will come for the best ideas...

3- What about analyzing songs that are more related in style to these ones?


I completely agree with you. I started out wanting to make something similar to Dream Theater, but turns out it's not what I'm doing at all! I like this other modern style more though!

I'm already saving these ideas in a folder smile.gif I don't know how to index them as best as possible yet though, so now it's just "intro idea 1" and "intro idea 2".

I will try and analyze a song from a more modern styled band soon smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 4 2014, 01:12 PM

This sounds great! I would add at least a word that help you to identify the ideas better. This can even be something that is connected to the day you composed it or any situation or thing that makes you remember to the feel of the song. It also works if the idea reminds you to any band or artist...

I'll be waiting for new ideas and your analysis! smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 4 2014, 02:14 PM

I haven't had much time on the guitar yet, or have been able to come up with another part, but I extended the intro a bit and made a video:


Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 4 2014, 05:42 PM

Cool video! This intro is sounding great! There is nothing to fix, just to wait until the inspiration comes again to add a new part to this one.

How is your creation process? When and where do the ideas usually appear?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 4 2014, 06:38 PM

I usually just try and sit down with my guitar to come up with something, and I might come up with small ideas, but nothing I really like as such. Then once in a while I hit something I like and keep it!

Back in the day I used to have ideas coming through my head all the time, even when I didn't have a guitar near me, but now it's a bit more sparse, or maybe I'm too picky with the ideas I come up with and don't like them half as much as I used to.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 4 2014, 06:40 PM

Does this usually happens at the same place where you practice and jam?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 4 2014, 07:00 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Nov 4 2014, 07:40 PM) *
Does this usually happens at the same place where you practice and jam?


I usually sit and jam in front of my computer, but sometimes I go to the attic room I have and sit there to have more focus.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 7 2014, 12:09 AM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Nov 4 2014, 03:00 PM) *
I usually sit and jam in front of my computer, but sometimes I go to the attic room I have and sit there to have more focus.



I'm asking because I think that the most creative ideas appear when we are not searching for them. So, sitting at the same place where you usually practice, and trying to make things happen is not the best way to go. Experiment in other parts of the house and even if it's possible going out. If you cannot bring your guitar use your voice and your cellphone to record the ideas.

Most of my most creative melodies and riffs appeared in uncommon places and situations, so it's always important to be ready to record at every moment.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 3 2015, 01:22 AM

Hey Gabriel!

How are you?

I need to get back at things again, start recording and practicing properly again!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 3 2015, 02:04 PM

Hi Cael! Welcome back to the Army! What are the plans? What have you been doing? Are there new goals?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 3 2015, 03:50 PM

No new plans as such yet. I've tuned my 7 string in a bit of a funny tuning: G C G C Eb C D, which is basically an open Cminadd9 chord. It gives some interesting possibilities and sounds. I have come up with a few ideas using this tuning, and I was thinking I'd share them with you. I just need to record them first smile.gif

On another note, I'm looking to buy an old Hamer Californian tonight. It needs some work though and it's pretty cheap, but I'm kinda hoping I can rescue it and that it could become a good guitar. I sometimes miss playing a 6 string, that's why I may want to buy this one - depending on the condition of the guitar.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 3 2015, 07:12 PM

Hi mate, that sounds great! Please record this new ideas. It would be cool to have a plan to do something with all the great ideas that you have in progress. Finish the songs, record some youtube videos, or open a bandcamp would be great, don't you think so?

About the guitar, go for it, it's a must to have a 6 strings guitar! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 4 2015, 12:15 AM

I will postpone the recordings of the ideas for tomorrow, as it's getting pretty late now. I've spent the entire evening setting up the new guitar, as it was literally unplayable (the floyd rose bridge was literally just sitting at the lowest it could so all strings were just making no sound), but I've got it playing and it's great to be on a 6 string again for a bit.

I feel like working on my technique a bit with this new (old) guitar. Like working on my alternate picking, sweeps etc.

Tomorrow I will do that as well as record the ideas I have smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 4 2015, 01:48 PM

Cool! Congrats mate! I'll wait for the audios.

About the technique practice, it's not bad idea to dedicate some time to maintain and polish technique. What are you plans? Some GMC lessons, exercises?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 4 2015, 02:23 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 4 2015, 02:48 PM) *
Cool! Congrats mate! I'll wait for the audios.

About the technique practice, it's not bad idea to dedicate some time to maintain and polish technique. What are you plans? Some GMC lessons, exercises?


I'm thinking some exercises of some sort, but maybe also combined with some GMC lessons. Maybe we can make a plan of some sort? I tend to lack focus at times and especially lose my patience if the lesson is too long or way above my level, so I generally like the shorter lessons, like your very first lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-alternate-picking-etude/

But I also like small exercises like the one Pedja gave me years ago:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=18387



Here are 3 small ideas I have. I just recorded them quickly without drums or anything as I haven't come up with drums for them yet, so it's all kinda rough:

 Idea_1.mp3 ( 527.61K ) : 158


 Idea_2.mp3 ( 635.17K ) : 163


 Idea_3.mp3 ( 635.17K ) : 149

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 5 2015, 03:28 PM

Hi Cael!

I just checked those 3 short ideas and I really liked them! Each one is a top level idea that you should try to continue. It would be interesting to design a plan that covers two goal that I think are part of your plan:

- Polish expand technique and improvisation skills.
- Finish your songs.

What do you think? Am I right about your biggest goals?

About shorter lessons, yeah, I got what you mean and it usually happens to me with full instrumental songs, so the best is to directly work on the sections that you like more, and the same for gmc lessons. Go for the stronger parts, those that inspire you.

I'd like to help you to design a plan. What lessons are you liking nowadays? What techniques and exercises are giving you trouble?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 5 2015, 04:19 PM

I agree with those goals smile.gif

As for lessons I like, well, I always like Muris' lessons, and I've been thinking about looking at his legato and picking lessons again.

My main problem is generally all techniques when pushing a certain speed. Like I can do alternate picking 16th notes at about 130bpm with no problem, but pushing above that I start to get problems. I'd also like to work on my tapping (Michael Romeo style!), arpeggios and what not. All things really!

Also, I'm not really sure if my style is classical progressive metal ala Dream Theater and Symphony X or if I want to be more djent and into more modern metal. It kinda varies depending on what guitar I pick up. With this new guitar I have I feel more connected to the classical prog metal.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 6 2015, 02:10 PM

Hi Cael.

So let's build a first routine with some Muris lessons, as well as some tapping and arpeggios. Based on what you said, the topics should be Alternate Picking, Legato, Tapping and Arpeggios (Sweep Picking?).

As you said that you had some problems working on long lessons, we don't see these lessons as the whole thing, we will see them as parts. The idea is that you work on 1 part of each lesson each day of the week.

What about these two lessons?

Alternate Picking & Legato:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/legato_and_picking_advanced/

Tapping:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Sigh-of-Pain/


About your style, consider yourself lucky that those styles are close. Imagine if you would like Indie, Extreme Metal, Alternative and Bosa. laugh.gif

I'll give you a suggestion that has been given to me by my girlfriend. biggrin.gif As you want to compose music in two different styles, create two folders in your "Compositions" section, one called "Djent" and the other called "Classic Progressive". So this won't prevent you from thinking all the time on what style you should do. Do both, the one that feels more inspiring each day, and save the songs and ideas. With the pass of time, this folders will be filled with songs, the one that has more songs, or better songs, is your more natural style. If both are great, release two albums! There are some bands that release double albums and each one has a different "syle" or "vibe". There is a local band that edited a double album, one has songs more connected to Metalcore, while the other is an Alternative Rock/Metal.

The main goal of this is avoid blocks and keep making music. You'll learn a lot about making music, and yourself during the process.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 6 2015, 02:57 PM

Those two are great lessons, unfortunately I think they're a little above my current level smile.gif But I will consider them and maybe try and work on some of them.

The other day I was working on this piece by Rick Graham:



It's more a tempo I can maybe manage when it comes to tapping, I think, but I can only play and remember the first two measures so far laugh.gif And that's pushing it!

And I'm putting up the "legato and picking - intermediate" lesson in REC soon I think. But taking the step up to the level 9 lesson is quite a frightening jump, and there are some speeds in there that I'm far from able to reach currently! But I'm sure we could work at developing my speed.

Now it sounds like I'm making excuses, I'm just trying to be realistic about it smile.gif

EDIT:

I've just tried playing some of the lessons, and they're way above my level!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 6 2015, 04:30 PM

There's also the Neoclassical Etude 1 by Marcus which I have been working on for a bit actually, but it's difficult and I'm struggling with even doing it with the 120 bpm backing track.

EDIT:

See my post on the previous page as well, in case you missed it smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 7 2015, 03:02 PM

Hi Cael! Ok, let's go for easier lessons. The intermediate version of Muris is a good idea, and for the arpeggio + tapping I have two more options:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Tony-MacAlpine-Sweep-Tapping/

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/sweeping-with-tapping/

I know that maybe the first one is too easy and the second a bit difficult, but remember that you can use slower backings just to start mastering the technique, and keep the exercises in your diary routine. Sweep picking + tapping is a combination that sounds killer when it's played fast, that's why you'll find mostly fast and difficult exercises, but once again, if you really like it, you can practice at slower tempos for a while, and at the same time practice on other lessons at your level. Unless this becomes negative for your practice motivation.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 7 2015, 04:32 PM

This sounds much more appropriate. Thanks for finding those lessons. I will try and work on them.

Do you happen to have some smaller exercises as well that will help on alternate picking that I could work on? I could find some myself, like the ones Pedja gave me, but I'd like to hear what you suggest smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 7 2015, 07:05 PM

Also one other thing I'd like to work towards is creating some lessons for the student instructor board smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 8 2015, 10:00 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Feb 7 2015, 12:32 PM) *
This sounds much more appropriate. Thanks for finding those lessons. I will try and work on them.

Do you happen to have some smaller exercises as well that will help on alternate picking that I could work on? I could find some myself, like the ones Pedja gave me, but I'd like to hear what you suggest smile.gif



Sure, what kind of licks give you problems or make you feel limited?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 8 2015, 10:25 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 8 2015, 11:00 PM) *
Sure, what kind of licks give you problems or make you feel limited?


Well, I was just thinking some random alternate picked licks that's pushing my speed limit, like this one from Muris' Mixolydian lesson:




Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 8 2015, 11:05 PM

Ok, I would build a routine based on licks played using 3 notes per string and also using pentatonics.

For three notes per string these are two amazing lessons, and once again, you can use isolated parts as exercises:

3 notes per string:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Linear-Shred-Zone/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-picking-thirds/

and this lesson is also full of great picking licks and exercises: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Alternate-Picking-Techniques-Combo/

2 notes per string:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Killer-Pentatonics-Zakk-Wylde-Style/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Wylde-Penta-Shifts/



I know that many of those lessons are above your current level but the idea is that you choose 2 licks of each and work on them as exercises and if it's possible share a video of you playing them in 6 days. What do you say?

You can get lots of ideas from my favorite alternate picking exercises ever, by Vinnie.
http://youtu.be/gxDIkatQFnQ?t=3m59s

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 8 2015, 11:33 PM

Okay, I will try and pick out some parts tomorrow smile.gif Now it is bedtime as I have to get up early tomorrow though.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 8 2015, 11:40 PM

Good night! wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 9 2015, 02:35 PM

I find it difficult to pick something out of the first two lessons. I think I can work on them whole. They're not too long either. I know this is sort of against what I talked about, but now that I checked out the lessons more in debt, I feel like working on them completely. It happens every time I see a Muris' lesson especially! biggrin.gif

On the Zakk Wylde lessons, I'll try the first 4 meassures if that's alright:

CODE
     S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S    S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  
E||--5-3-----5-3-5-3-----5-3-5-3-----|--8-5-8-5-----8-5-8-5-----8-5-----|
B||------5-3---------5-3---------5-3-|----------8-5---------8-5-----8-5-|
G||----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
D||----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
A||----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
E||----------------------------------|----------------------------------|


   S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  
--10-8------10-8-10-8------10-8-10-8------|
-------10-8-----------10-8-----------10-8-|
------------------------------------------|
------------------------------------------|
------------------------------------------|
------------------------------------------|


   S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  
--12-10-12-10-------12-10-12-10-------12-10-------|
--------------13-10-------------13-10-------13-10-|
--------------------------------------------------|
--------------------------------------------------|
--------------------------------------------------|
--------------------------------------------------|


And maybe the first 4 meassures of Ben's Wylde lesson as well:

CODE
     F#5                                                
     |--3--| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-|  
     S   S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  
E||------------------------------------------------2-5S-|
B||------------------------------------2-5-----2-5------|
G||------------------------2-4-----2-4-----2-4----------|
D||------------2-4-----2-4-----2-4----------------------|
A||--------2-4-----2-4----------------------------------|
E||--2---5----------------------------------------------|


  A5                                                
  |--3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-|  
  S  S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  
--7--5----------------------------------------------|
-------7-5-----7-5----------------------------------|
-----------6-4-----6-4-----6-4----------------------|
-----------------------7-4-----7-4-----7-4----------|
-----------------------------------7-4-----7-4------|
-----------------------------------------------7-5S-|


  E5                                                  
  |--3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |--3-| |-3-|  |-3-|  
  S  S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  S S S S  S S S  
-------------------------------------------------7-9S-|
-----------------------------------7-10-----7-10------|
-----------------------6-9-----6-9------6-9-----------|
-----------7-9-----7-9-----7-9------------------------|
-------7-9-----7-9------------------------------------|
--7--9------------------------------------------------|


   D5                                                            
   |--3-|  |--3-|  |--3--| |--3-|  |--3-| |--3-|  |--3-| |--3-|  
   S S  S  S  S S  S  S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  
--12-9-----------------------------------------------------------|
-------12-10------12-10------------------------------------------|
-------------11-9-------11-9------11-9---------------------------|
-----------------------------11-9------11-9------11-9------------|
--------------------------------------------12-9------12-9-------|
-----------------------------------------------------------12-9S-|


How does that sound? I know I'm taking on quite a lot, but I have time on my hands.

Besides that I've almost got the Muris' legato and picking intermediate down, as well as Emir Hot's Neoclassical beginner lesson. And what else have we? I was also working on Marcus' Neoclassical etude 1 with Cosmin. I've got that down at about 120 bpm. Still another 20 bpm on that one.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 10 2015, 08:41 PM

Here's another idea I came up with on the 6 string:

 New_prog_idea.mp3 ( 729.47K ) : 148


Hmmm, seems the sound has gone a bit wonky on exporting.

EDIT: Seems it sounds better when dowloaded and played rather than being played in a new window.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 11 2015, 07:15 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Feb 9 2015, 10:35 AM) *
I find it difficult to pick something out of the first two lessons. I think I can work on them whole. They're not too long either. I know this is sort of against what I talked about, but now that I checked out the lessons more in debt, I feel like working on them completely. It happens every time I see a Muris' lesson especially! biggrin.gif

On the Zakk Wylde lessons, I'll try the first 4 meassures if that's alright:

CODE
     S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S    S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  
E||--5-3-----5-3-5-3-----5-3-5-3-----|--8-5-8-5-----8-5-8-5-----8-5-----|
B||------5-3---------5-3---------5-3-|----------8-5---------8-5-----8-5-|
G||----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
D||----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
A||----------------------------------|----------------------------------|
E||----------------------------------|----------------------------------|


   S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  
--10-8------10-8-10-8------10-8-10-8------|
-------10-8-----------10-8-----------10-8-|
------------------------------------------|
------------------------------------------|
------------------------------------------|
------------------------------------------|


   S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  S  
--12-10-12-10-------12-10-12-10-------12-10-------|
--------------13-10-------------13-10-------13-10-|
--------------------------------------------------|
--------------------------------------------------|
--------------------------------------------------|
--------------------------------------------------|


And maybe the first 4 meassures of Ben's Wylde lesson as well:

CODE
     F#5                                                
     |--3--| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-|  
     S   S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  
E||------------------------------------------------2-5S-|
B||------------------------------------2-5-----2-5------|
G||------------------------2-4-----2-4-----2-4----------|
D||------------2-4-----2-4-----2-4----------------------|
A||--------2-4-----2-4----------------------------------|
E||--2---5----------------------------------------------|


  A5                                                
  |--3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-|  
  S  S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  
--7--5----------------------------------------------|
-------7-5-----7-5----------------------------------|
-----------6-4-----6-4-----6-4----------------------|
-----------------------7-4-----7-4-----7-4----------|
-----------------------------------7-4-----7-4------|
-----------------------------------------------7-5S-|


  E5                                                  
  |--3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |-3-| |--3-| |-3-|  |-3-|  
  S  S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S  S S S S  S S S  
-------------------------------------------------7-9S-|
-----------------------------------7-10-----7-10------|
-----------------------6-9-----6-9------6-9-----------|
-----------7-9-----7-9-----7-9------------------------|
-------7-9-----7-9------------------------------------|
--7--9------------------------------------------------|


   D5                                                            
   |--3-|  |--3-|  |--3--| |--3-|  |--3-| |--3-|  |--3-| |--3-|  
   S S  S  S  S S  S  S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  S S  
--12-9-----------------------------------------------------------|
-------12-10------12-10------------------------------------------|
-------------11-9-------11-9------11-9---------------------------|
-----------------------------11-9------11-9------11-9------------|
--------------------------------------------12-9------12-9-------|
-----------------------------------------------------------12-9S-|


How does that sound? I know I'm taking on quite a lot, but I have time on my hands.

Besides that I've almost got the Muris' legato and picking intermediate down, as well as Emir Hot's Neoclassical beginner lesson. And what else have we? I was also working on Marcus' Neoclassical etude 1 with Cosmin. I've got that down at about 120 bpm. Still another 20 bpm on that one.



It's so great to see you motivated like this. Keep going and keep me updated. smile.gif


QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Feb 10 2015, 04:41 PM) *
Here's another idea I came up with on the 6 string:

 New_prog_idea.mp3 ( 729.47K ) : 148


Hmmm, seems the sound has gone a bit wonky on exporting.

EDIT: Seems it sounds better when dowloaded and played rather than being played in a new window.



Don't worry about tone by now. The groove is killer! It makes me remember to one of my favorite prog metal albums of all time: AWAKE. It sounds powerful, groovy and modern! Do you have any ideas to continue it?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 12 2015, 02:19 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 11 2015, 07:15 PM) *
It's so great to see you motivated like this. Keep going and keep me updated. smile.gif





Don't worry about tone by now. The groove is killer! It makes me remember to one of my favorite prog metal albums of all time: AWAKE. It sounds powerful, groovy and modern! Do you have any ideas to continue it?


It's great to feel this motivated. I'm working on quite a few lessons now, but it's great! smile.gif

That's again the struggle. I don't know how to continue it or what to put in front of it. Same as always with me biggrin.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 12 2015, 04:46 PM

Here's another idea tongue.gif I can't get it as tight as I want though sad.gif

 new_Prog_idea_2.mp3 ( 1.3MB ) : 144

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 13 2015, 01:48 PM

Another killer groove there! I think that both are related!

Well, the next task for you is this one.

- Choose a song that has a style close to these last 2 ideas that you shared.
- Analyze and write down the structure used.
- Write a short description about each part, the rhythm, the arrangement, the scales and chords, and everything you find interesting to mark.
- Take this structure and description as a template to complete your next song using one or both of the last riffs.

That's the whole thing, at first, please write here the name of the song, and the structure + description.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 13 2015, 05:41 PM

I'll try it. I've got my girlfriend visiting me this weekend though, so I might not be able to put much work in. smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 14 2015, 02:20 PM

Nice news! Have a great time mate. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 14 2015, 09:05 PM

I'm thinking about making a thread on here called "Cael's idea library". Or is that a bad idea? To share some of my stuff with the others from this forum. In there I could also write notes on what the idea was about, key, time signatures etc.

Anyway, here are two quick ideas I came up with on the 7 string (tuned G C G C Eb C D). These ideas are a bit more djenty/groove metal.

https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/quick-riff

https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/quick-riff-2

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 15 2015, 01:22 PM

hehehe awesome! these two also sound great!! It's great to see how you can create a library of killer riff in just a few weeks. I think that the thread could be a good idea and that has some interesting advantages:

- It will keep you motivated.
- You can received valuable feedback or ideas from everybody here.
- You can start creating your fanbase.

So my opinion is that you'd should go for it!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 15 2015, 01:30 PM

Thanks, Gabriel! smile.gif I will make the thread a little later today. I have some nice plans for it smile.gif I've still got my girlfriend here with me, she's going home in a little while though.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 15 2015, 01:58 PM

Cool, let me know when it's ready. wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 15 2015, 05:55 PM

Here's the thread, let me know if there's anything I could add into it smile.gif

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=53924&hl=

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 17 2015, 07:13 PM

heheeh it looks great!! and I can already find amazing feedback there! I just commented it, check it out. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 23 2015, 04:06 AM

I've been working on something here late at night, no recording yet, as it's late and I've just been sitting in my bed with my guitar composing this:

 Canto_I.gp5 ( 69.79K ) : 152


Let me know what you think of it. I think I will try and record some parts of it soon. It's still rough in some spots though compositional wise.

It's based upon the first Canto in Dante's Divine Comedy.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 23 2015, 12:53 PM

wou! this sounds like a complete song! It seems that you feel more comfortable making songs evolve using guitar pro so maybe this is the way to go for you by now. Even with my poor midi sounds, this arrangement sounds very promising. I just think that there are some sections that could be shorter, or have some extra work/variation, but I wouldn't make important changes to this version before you record it with real guitars and experiment more with guitar interpretation.

This tune has a mix of what you already had and what you were lacking. It combines low tuned riffing, irregular time measures and incorporates melodic stuff that you were lacking. It seems that based your work on a known melody has been a very inspiring influence to keep your motivation flowing until you could finish it.

Very promising stuff, VERY. Congrats!!

Can't wait to listen this one with more real sounds.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 23 2015, 12:57 PM

Thank you for the kind words, Gabriel smile.gif

I have a meeting in an hour, but then after that I will try and work on recording the real thing! smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 23 2015, 01:22 PM

Great! smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 24 2015, 07:18 PM

Arh, damn, I've accepted an offer of going to a community centre for unemployed people, which every Tuesday and Wednesday, and it is great. They have various offers you can do. Like going to a gym, math course etc., and there's also a user-driven "creative workshop" where people paint or draw. I've been sitting there trying to compose music on my computer, but it's not been going too well - it's not easy composing without a guitar or keyboard next to you.

But being away for 8 hours and not really being able to sleep at night takes its toll on me, so I've been too tired to record the song, but I'm hoping I'll be up for it and have the energy thursday.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 25 2015, 02:26 PM

Hi Cael, thanks for the update. I love creativity stuff and workouts. Keep going there since I'm sure it will have an impact in your mind in a good way and you'll see it reflected in your compositions.

Take your time until you feel with energies to work on the song. wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 26 2015, 04:48 PM

Guess one has to learn the hard way. I had recorded the first 40 bars or so of all instruments when Cubase stopped responding... aaaand I hadn't saved my work!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 26 2015, 06:24 PM

Okay, so here it is in a very rough state, no mixing, very untight etc. But at least I've now recorded my first full song, even though some parts are just copied. tongue.gif

Also, there's no singing as I really can't hit the notes when singing laugh.gif

https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/unmixed-rough-and-untight-canto-i

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 28 2015, 02:03 AM

Bravo!!! I'm so happy of finding a complete song from you here! Your short ideas were always brilliant and now you could connect some of them and make a complete tune! This is a great new beginning, I think that you should try to continue developing this method of composing since I think that it has been smooth and natural, hasn't it?

There are some sections that sound a bit repetitive but maybe with some more work arranging the parts, and maybe some more melodies? If you won't use your voice you can use more guitar or synth melodies over it.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Feb 28 2015, 12:04 PM

I'm on my phone at the moment, but let's see if I can't reply anyway.

Some parts are a bit repetitive, I agree. But I think it would help withoncee vocals. Hopefully I can find someone or I will have to try myself once I don't have a cough or cold anymore.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 28 2015, 05:21 PM

Yes, I think that the next arrangement should be done once you have the vocals for this one, since that's the moment when you can start making the other instruments interact and do some counterpoint with the main melody. By now, take your time to enjoy this achievement and work on some new stuff or record your vocals if you feel better. Using a piano or flute can also help to define melodies by now.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 4 2015, 03:10 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Feb 28 2015, 05:21 PM) *
Yes, I think that the next arrangement should be done once you have the vocals for this one, since that's the moment when you can start making the other instruments interact and do some counterpoint with the main melody. By now, take your time to enjoy this achievement and work on some new stuff or record your vocals if you feel better. Using a piano or flute can also help to define melodies by now.


I've been desperately trying to find a singer, but I can't find anyone. sad.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 5 2015, 01:24 PM

So we talked about this at the Chat-Room. What have you been thinking and/or doing?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 9 2015, 02:06 PM

I've got in contact with a singer who said he'd like to help me out, but then I haven't heard back from him! Hopefully I will hear something soon again smile.gif

Meanwhile I have delved into a bit more classical music and music theory. There's a course at Coursera called "Write like Mozart", and it's quite interesting and I was hoping I could learn a thing or two or three and maybe take that with me into more modern music.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 9 2015, 03:04 PM

Hi Cael! That sounds really interesting! I hope that the singer finally appears! Your music is really good so I'm sure that someone will want to join.

About the course, interesting! Have it started? What things are you working on it?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 9 2015, 03:28 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Mar 9 2015, 03:04 PM) *
Hi Cael! That sounds really interesting! I hope that the singer finally appears! Your music is really good so I'm sure that someone will want to join.

About the course, interesting! Have it started? What things are you working on it?


I hope so too!

It's actually ending today. I only discovered it like 5 days ago, but all the videos from the teacher are there to be watched and downloaded. I'm not sure how long they will stay up though.

https://www.coursera.org/course/classicalcomp

That's the link to the course. I've only watched the first week's lessons. Going to go through the second week today and tomorrow, I think. smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 10 2015, 02:56 PM

The program looks very interesting. I remember analyzing Bach composition when studying harmony and counterpoint with a music teacher and It really helped me to open my mind regarding composition and arrangements.

Getting back to your song. Do you have a vocal melody in mind? Have you try it at least with guitar, a vsti like a flute or maybe your voice on a lower octave?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 12 2015, 02:59 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Mar 10 2015, 02:56 PM) *
The program looks very interesting. I remember analyzing Bach composition when studying harmony and counterpoint with a music teacher and It really helped me to open my mind regarding composition and arrangements.

Getting back to your song. Do you have a vocal melody in mind? Have you try it at least with guitar, a vsti like a flute or maybe your voice on a lower octave?


It is very interesting. I never got around to doing Week 2 as I planned the other night as I had some problems with Finale 2014 (notation program I use alongside the videos... there's a 30 day trial), but I learned some things about the program and I'm now ready to move on with the Mozart lessons.

I sort of have a melody in mind, but it's not working as well as I would like it to work, so I've told the singer that he can try and do what he likes apart from the chorus which I still remain strict about. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 12 2015, 03:11 PM

hahaha great! what about the singer? is there any sample to hear?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 12 2015, 03:17 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Mar 12 2015, 03:11 PM) *
hahaha great! what about the singer? is there any sample to hear?


I've just come across something he did with his band, you can hear it here. I think it's him singing:

http://www.reverbnation.com/teneyedman/song/18839329-hell-in-a-dress


Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 13 2015, 02:27 AM

Wou! That's very promising! He can sing high and raspy! It's exactly the type of voice you wanted for the song. Great find! When is he planning to record anything over the song?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2015, 10:59 AM

I haven't heard back from him since I linked him to the song, so I don't know. If I don't hear anything this weekend I will write to him again.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 13 2015, 02:14 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Mar 13 2015, 06:59 AM) *
I haven't heard back from him since I linked him to the song, so I don't know. If I don't hear anything this weekend I will write to him again.


Ah ok! Fingers crossed!

In the meantime, are you working on new stuff now?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2015, 03:17 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Mar 13 2015, 02:14 PM) *
Ah ok! Fingers crossed!

In the meantime, are you working on new stuff now?


I'm trying to learn how to write a fugue, but damn it's hard! laugh.gif

Meanwhile I haven't played much guitar though. I'll try to get back at it this weekend.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 13 2015, 07:16 PM

I decided to try and engage myself even more into the "Write Like Mozart"-course, even though it has finished. I still have access to all the videos, and to get the most out of them instead of just watching them, I am now taking proper notes, writing out examples and so on so I can compile it all and print it to keep it forever. Maybe I've just had too many energy drinks today, but I'm quite excited about this little journey. I'm already learning a lot new stuff; no parrallel 5ths or octaves, in a 2nd inversion triad only the fifth can be doubled, how to write figured bass and probably much, much more. smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 14 2015, 04:59 PM

Hey Cael! This sounds like a great plan! You'll get a lot of this course since it's very different compared to what you frequently use regarding music theory and composition. What about sharing your tasks here too?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 14 2015, 10:42 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Mar 14 2015, 04:59 PM) *
Hey Cael! This sounds like a great plan! You'll get a lot of this course since it's very different compared to what you frequently use regarding music theory and composition. What about sharing your tasks here too?


I am not sure I can share anything like exercises and tasks from the course, I think it would be against copyright rules maybe, but I'm not sure! What parts were you thinking I could share?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 15 2015, 07:18 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Mar 14 2015, 06:42 PM) *
I am not sure I can share anything like exercises and tasks from the course, I think it would be against copyright rules maybe, but I'm not sure! What parts were you thinking I could share?



Ah ok, I honestly don't know how it works but I was thinking on your own works based on the concepts that you learn there.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 15 2015, 10:44 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Mar 15 2015, 07:18 PM) *
Ah ok, I honestly don't know how it works but I was thinking on your own works based on the concepts that you learn there.


Yeah, when I come around to creating something myself then I will surely share it smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 16 2015, 03:21 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Mar 15 2015, 06:44 PM) *
Yeah, when I come around to creating something myself then I will surely share it smile.gif



Cool! Focus on it and also write to the singer! wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Mar 16 2015, 03:55 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Mar 16 2015, 03:21 PM) *
Cool! Focus on it and also write to the singer! wink.gif


I've written to the singer just now. I had completely forgotten all about it! I've been so focused on this Write Like Mozart thing and now I'm also beginning to learn how to play the piano properly (I could only ever improvise on it, not play by notes). I'll have to make sure I don't forget how to play the guitar! laugh.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 17 2015, 01:25 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Mar 16 2015, 11:55 AM) *
I've written to the singer just now. I had completely forgotten all about it! I've been so focused on this Write Like Mozart thing and now I'm also beginning to learn how to play the piano properly (I could only ever improvise on it, not play by notes). I'll have to make sure I don't forget how to play the guitar! laugh.gif


hahaha this is awesome! I'm curious to see how this new horizons evolve... smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 6 2015, 02:52 PM

Not heard back from the singer yet, he says he's busy recording an album himself, so I'll give him some time.

Meanwhile I've not been playing much guitar at all. Just not been feeling like it. It seems it comes and goes. One month I'll play a lot, next month I'll almost not play at all. It's a bit annoying!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 7 2015, 01:27 PM

Hi Cael, does this also happen with music in general or just with guitar? I mean, are you still working on the Mozart course?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 7 2015, 03:42 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Apr 7 2015, 01:27 PM) *
Hi Cael, does this also happen with music in general or just with guitar? I mean, are you still working on the Mozart course?


It's music in general, I guess. I took a break from the Mozart course, though I still remember the most important parts of it!

I'm now trying to refind my desire to play guitar, and I think it's slowly coming back. I've picked up my 8 string again and have been trying to write some riffs on it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 8 2015, 03:09 PM

Ah ok! Well, if you want to get it back, remember those things that make you want to pick your guitar at first. Maybe some specific music albums, live shows, books, interviews, go to the roots, to those musicians that really inspired you.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 8 2015, 04:15 PM

I've just made a post on a Facebook group called Extended Range Guitar Nerds, asking if someone wanted to collaborate and write some songs, and I'm thinking that might kick me into gear to have someone to work with smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 9 2015, 03:10 PM

Definitely! It's a great idea! I think that having a partner can bring motivation! Let's see what happens. Maybe you could search at this forum too... what do you think?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Apr 28 2015, 07:49 AM

Damn, it's hard finding someone who's on the same wavelength as one self.

Also, on another note, my girlfriend of 4 years broke up with me, so I'm kinda hitting rock bottom at the moment.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 28 2015, 09:05 PM

Hi mate, I'm sorry about it. Yes, it's difficult to find a partner at first, but once you create a solid project, there will be a lot of musicians that will want to join so maybe using this time to create your own project is a clever idea.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 10 2015, 05:55 PM

*knock knock*

Hey Gabriel,

I've not been playing guitar a lot recently, but since last thursday I've been working with a teacher, who I'm seeing tomorrow as well. Every thursday is the plan. He's not an actual teacher, but it's more just like sitting and jamming, and last time we started working on one of the songs I have been working on. Very nice! I think he talked about that we could try and record it tomorrow at their place.

But...yeah, I'm sorry for not being more active lately. I wish I could find the motivation to play some more guitar and work on my own material.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 11 2015, 01:40 PM

Hi Cael! Nice to hear from you!

That's a cool decision. Jamming with other musicians is usually very inspiring and keeps us motivated to learn new things, new licks and new concepts. Maybe you could use it as an excuse to work on 1 topic each week and then apply what you've worked during the week on the jam session.

Concepts like:

- Vibrato
- Bending
- Ornamentation
- Playing thirds
- Playing sixths
- Following the chords
- Dynamics
- Playing horizontally


What do you think?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 12 2015, 12:40 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jun 11 2015, 01:40 PM) *
Hi Cael! Nice to hear from you!

That's a cool decision. Jamming with other musicians is usually very inspiring and keeps us motivated to learn new things, new licks and new concepts. Maybe you could use it as an excuse to work on 1 topic each week and then apply what you've worked during the week on the jam session.

Concepts like:

- Vibrato
- Bending
- Ornamentation
- Playing thirds
- Playing sixths
- Following the chords
- Dynamics
- Playing horizontally


What do you think?


Yeah, there are lots of things I could be working on to improve my playing. I'd love to be able to play even more djenty like Periphery and what not other bands like that, with fast open arpeggiated chords, tapping sections and whatever else they have going on. I don't really know how I could or should go about that though. I don't know if I can even explain well enough what I mean, but I guess sort of like this guy's playing here:

https://www.facebook.com/antonowich/videos/vb.1441689163/10207013309118127/?type=2&theater

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 12 2015, 04:08 PM

Great stuff! My favorite in that style is Angel Vivaldi and also the first EPs of Chon.

What I can recommend you to do is to learn at least 5 complete songs in that style and analyze what's happening. Once you know how to play and the theory behind 5 songs, you will have the basics to know what other things you could learn to expand your playing in this direction.

I'm open to help you and follow your analysis here. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 16 2015, 02:57 PM

Sounds like a good plan. I should work on my ears a bit, but I'm terrible with that, so I've ordered the Modern Day Babylon tab book and will try and learn a few songs from that. Looking forward to getting it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 16 2015, 03:21 PM

I've never heard them before, what song do you recommend to hear?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 16 2015, 03:24 PM



Check it out smile.gif Very cool song, I think!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 19 2015, 12:07 AM

Also, here is a new idea I came up with:

 Chorus_Idea.mp3 ( 788.11K ) : 124

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 19 2015, 03:50 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jun 18 2015, 08:07 PM) *
Also, here is a new idea I came up with:

 Chorus_Idea.mp3 ( 788.11K ) : 124



This sounds awesome!!! smile.gif

You must build the song around it!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 19 2015, 04:58 PM

Very rough take on something based around that idea and sort of on the picture from your creativity workout:



I can't seem to play very tight today though, so it's a pain in the arse double tracking everything.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 20 2015, 08:36 PM

You ROCK, commented at the creativity thread.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 21 2015, 04:55 PM

New short idea.



I can't upload to Soundcloud for some reason. When uploading it adds pops, clicks and crackling sounds to the track...

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 22 2015, 02:31 PM

Hi Cael! This is VERY promising! Keep going! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 24 2015, 12:47 AM

I finished writing a song based around that thing I posted yesterday. Going to start recording it tomorrow, but so far here's the Guitar Pro version.


 New_idea_for_song.gp5 ( 88.73K ) : 130
 

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 24 2015, 02:50 PM

Hi Cael! This is awesome! Congrats on a new track finished!!! I like everything that happens on this one, all the different parts sound promising. I would like to hear this with real guitar to see how the parts work, but a first thought that comes to mind is that some parts could be repeated less times... but I wouldn't cut this before listening to the real guitar version.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 24 2015, 10:39 PM

I'm struggling massively double tracking the guitars, especially during the "verse". Any tips?



Also, there needs to be added some vocals to make some parts sound less boring smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 25 2015, 03:23 PM

Hi mate, this sounds really good! The different parts sound killer. I also think that the overall tune is a bit repetitive or maybe long. So it's time to polish and thing on ideas to make it cooler to hear.

This is when song analysis comes to mind again. I don't think that you need vocals to finish this, but you need to add more melody here, and get inspired by instrumental projects in this style that you find entertained to hear...

what bands or albums can you list on this category? Maybe cloudkicker? angel vivaldi? Please share some songs...

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 25 2015, 04:15 PM

Thanks, Gabriel! smile.gif I'm really adamant in thinking that I want vocals on this track though, as I've specifically written verse-parts and some chorus-ish parts.

Next song I will see if I can work more towards some instrumental based structure.

And as for bands, yeah, there's Cloudkicker, Modern Day Babylon and some others, for sure.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 25 2015, 04:35 PM

Ah ok, so if you have some lyrics, try and sing by yourself! Just to experiment and at least have it as reference, what do you think?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 26 2015, 03:42 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jun 25 2015, 04:35 PM) *
Ah ok, so if you have some lyrics, try and sing by yourself! Just to experiment and at least have it as reference, what do you think?


I have some half hearted lyrics for the first verse, but I can't sing or growl properly tongue.gif

Oooooh, and I found a new band that I like and that I wish I could play like:


Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 26 2015, 04:25 PM

Cool, I'll listen to that band, thanks for the link!

Are you able to sing in pitch?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 26 2015, 04:27 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jun 26 2015, 04:25 PM) *
Cool, I'll listen to that band, thanks for the link!

Are you able to sing in pitch?


Not on my own. laugh.gif If I have something or someone guiding me it goes better.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 26 2015, 04:30 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jun 26 2015, 12:27 PM) *
Not on my own. laugh.gif If I have something or someone guiding me it goes better.


hahaha, I'm enjoying the first track of Meridian!

So, you can emulate a guitar melody with your guitar?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 27 2015, 04:38 PM

Do you mean emulate a vocal melody with the guitar? smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 27 2015, 05:05 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jun 27 2015, 12:38 PM) *
Do you mean emulate a vocal melody with the guitar? smile.gif



Exactly, at first, and then you can keep it like that or try to sing it. However, I think that emulating vocals with guitar can be a good idea to finish this new song...


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 28 2015, 02:42 AM

I will see what I can do, now I'm working on yet another track though. The one in the Creativity thread smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 29 2015, 04:44 PM

Great Cael! I'll check there. wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jun 29 2015, 05:02 PM

Well, I haven't really added anything from last time you heard it biggrin.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 2 2015, 02:17 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jun 29 2015, 01:02 PM) *
Well, I haven't really added anything from last time you heard it biggrin.gif



blink.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 2 2015, 02:37 PM

Well, I just fooled around with the sound a little and made some "glitches" in the music, but besides that I have done next to nothing and can't seem to get on with it.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 6 2015, 02:31 AM

https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/testtest22

New riff I came up with tonight. It's not brilliant, but might be usable somewhere.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 6 2015, 03:26 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 5 2015, 10:31 PM) *
https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/testtest22

New riff I came up with tonight. It's not brilliant, but might be usable somewhere.



I like it! It's good to have a new riff for the library, I also think it's totally usable. wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 7 2015, 02:12 PM

Thanks, Gabriel! I'll try and build something around it smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 7 2015, 04:38 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 7 2015, 10:12 AM) *
Thanks, Gabriel! I'll try and build something around it smile.gif


Great! smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 7 2015, 06:52 PM

I changed the riff a bit, I'm not sure if it works better now:


Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 8 2015, 06:46 PM

Hi Cael, I like the little changes that you did, it sounds more interesting, so I would go for this new version.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 10 2015, 11:52 AM

I won't be home over the weekend, so no guitar for me, which will probably be a good break, but here's something I'm working on. Some of it is reused from other stuff though. Like the intro.

 Long_song_is_getting_long.gp5 ( 77.31K ) : 132

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 10 2015, 04:24 PM

Wou! This is really cool man! It sounds like a modern DT track! It's very promising, I'd like to hear this with real guitars!! smile.gif

Just be sure to check structure to avoid too many repetitions of some sections. But this decision should be done with real guitar there.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 10 2015, 05:38 PM

Thanks, Gabriel. I'm kinda caught between making DT ish music and making djent-ish music, so now I'm just trying to combine them both biggrin.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 12 2015, 01:29 AM

hehehe that's a good next goal! Is there any band that inspired their music on this combination?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 13 2015, 02:35 PM

I'm starting to dislike the idea now again laugh.gif It feels very undefined in what it wants to be. Does it want to be prog metal or does it want to djent? Hmmm... I'm not sure I like that in it.

But I did hear one band the other day which was exactly that mix of the two, but I can't remember what they were called now and I didn't save the link.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 13 2015, 05:10 PM

Mate, while I was reading your post I was thinking... this is just a journey to find compositions that want to be Cael Style. Keep going and don't worry too much about specific style directions... you are building your own style that surely has a bit of both djent and prog. I'd like to see Cael Style more and more defined with the pass of time. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 13 2015, 06:04 PM

It would indeed be great to find a Cael style. I just don't know exactly what that is yet, but maybe I'm moving towards it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 14 2015, 03:28 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 13 2015, 02:04 PM) *
It would indeed be great to find a Cael style. I just don't know exactly what that is yet, but maybe I'm moving towards it.



yes, the more you do the closer you get. This lasts weeks have been a big step forward mate. Every new tune explains you something new about yourself. Keep going, keep composing, do what you like, your style will appear naturally.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 17 2015, 01:22 PM

I've just recieved the Modern Day Babylon tab book, so I'm hoping I can learn a song or two or just get some inspiration from how Tomás plays having more specific notes to rely on than just my not so good ear.

EDIT: I know I should practice my ears!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 17 2015, 04:26 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 17 2015, 09:22 AM) *
I've just recieved the Modern Day Babylon tab book, so I'm hoping I can learn a song or two or just get some inspiration from how Tomás plays having more specific notes to rely on than just my not so good ear.

EDIT: I know I should practice my ears!



Awesome! What song is the first you'll work?



Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 17 2015, 04:52 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jul 17 2015, 05:26 PM) *
Awesome! What song is the first you'll work?


I think "Infinity" smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 18 2015, 08:09 PM

Cool! I let it here as reference:




Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 20 2015, 02:02 PM

I changed my mind and I'm going for Lost in Dreams instead biggrin.gif Already started learning it. Only learned like 4 bars so far though.



Also, I'll be going away from tomorrow till Sunday on a small festival, so I won't be online for those days smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 20 2015, 02:57 PM

Ok! Let's go for this one.

I've been listening to this demos yesterday. I feel that these instrumental ideas are very entertained to hear. I'm sure that you've heard this before, but I wanted to know what you think...




What festival are you going? What bands will be playing?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 20 2015, 04:03 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jul 20 2015, 03:57 PM) *
Ok! Let's go for this one.

I've been listening to this demos yesterday. I feel that these instrumental ideas are very entertained to hear. I'm sure that you've heard this before, but I wanted to know what you think...




What festival are you going? What bands will be playing?


Yeah, Lost in Dreams is a bit easier, I think. Though it's still difficult! I've just spent an hour learning like the first 26 bars. And I've played it correctly maybe once. This is gonna take a long time!

I think I've heard those before, yeah. They're very good!

It's just a small festival here in Denmark called Nakkefestival. No famous bands or anything. Only one metal band (black metal) called Solbrud is playing there. Otherwise it's just all kinds of music and unknown artists smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 21 2015, 02:50 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 20 2015, 12:03 PM) *
Yeah, Lost in Dreams is a bit easier, I think. Though it's still difficult! I've just spent an hour learning like the first 26 bars. And I've played it correctly maybe once. This is gonna take a long time!

I think I've heard those before, yeah. They're very good!

It's just a small festival here in Denmark called Nakkefestival. No famous bands or anything. Only one metal band (black metal) called Solbrud is playing there. Otherwise it's just all kinds of music and unknown artists smile.gif



That festival sounds like a really cool experience mate. Take pictures and share them here! I'm curious about it.

Have a great time!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 21 2015, 04:00 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jul 21 2015, 03:50 PM) *
That festival sounds like a really cool experience mate. Take pictures and share them here! I'm curious about it.

Have a great time!


I will only bring an old phone, and I'm not sure it can take very good pictures. I'm afraid to lose my new phone there, so I thought I'd better bring an old one.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 21 2015, 06:36 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 21 2015, 12:00 PM) *
I will only bring an old phone, and I'm not sure it can take very good pictures. I'm afraid to lose my new phone there, so I thought I'd better bring an old one.



Ah ok, sound reasonable. Enjoy it and then you tell me! wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 28 2015, 04:19 PM

Hey Gabriel! smile.gif I'm back home again and it's time to work on a few things now:

- Getting fit as I've become a lazy fat old bum!
- My own songs
- Lost in Dreams by Modern Day Babylon
- My technique

Also, check out this cool band that played at the festival: https://soundcloud.com/raekvaerk

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 29 2015, 02:18 PM

Welcome back mate! That sounds like a plan. smile.gif

I'm checking the first song of the band. It sounds really interesting and exotic for me. What instruments do they include in the live set?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 29 2015, 03:18 PM

They had a violinist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboard player and a guy on vocals/clarinet smile.gif

I'm really struggling with some things in Lost in Dreams, and I'm not sure what the best way of learning them is.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 30 2015, 02:44 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 29 2015, 11:18 AM) *
They had a violinist, guitarist, bassist, drummer, keyboard player and a guy on vocals/clarinet smile.gif

I'm really struggling with some things in Lost in Dreams, and I'm not sure what the best way of learning them is.



Any example of the problems?



Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jul 30 2015, 07:36 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Jul 30 2015, 03:44 PM) *
Any example of the problems?


I'll try and make a video by tomorrow smile.gif Just got home from a 30 kilometers bicycle ride and need to do some other things now. smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 3 2015, 03:35 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Jul 30 2015, 03:36 PM) *
I'll try and make a video by tomorrow smile.gif Just got home from a 30 kilometers bicycle ride and need to do some other things now. smile.gif



Ok mate. wink.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 31 2015, 12:46 PM

Hey Gabriel,

Sorry for suddenly disappearing from the forum. Time goes by so quickly, and now I'm starting university tomorrow, having classes from 8.15 to 16.15 most days, so I'm not sure how much energy I have for guitar or anything else, but we'll see. Maybe it'll help me get into more of a rythm, and in this way I may need to say to myself: "I can only play guitar from 8 til 9" or something similar, so I need to make the most of it and do some consistent actual practice.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 31 2015, 06:15 PM

Hi Cael, thanks for your update. Yes, I think that this can be a way to do a wiser use of your time. Don't think that playing 1 hour every day is too little, it's ok if you use it to practice focused based on a good guitar routine. I can help you to create it, and also to find a way to let me monitor it without wasting time on video recording and editing...

At first, we should set some new goals. Anything in mind?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Aug 31 2015, 07:26 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Aug 31 2015, 07:15 PM) *
Hi Cael, thanks for your update. Yes, I think that this can be a way to do a wiser use of your time. Don't think that playing 1 hour every day is too little, it's ok if you use it to practice focused based on a good guitar routine. I can help you to create it, and also to find a way to let me monitor it without wasting time on video recording and editing...

At first, we should set some new goals. Anything in mind?


I'm just gonna brainstorm a bit here:

I'd still like to focus on actually creating and writing music, but also work on my technique. I find it kind of difficult to focus and keep focusing on longer lessons at GMC, so I prefer smaller exercises at first to keep me focused, if that makes sense. I know you have some sort of technique course/lessons on the forum (http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42832). I don't know if you still use it, but I think that would be something to help me stay focused on say technique, if I only have one small exercise to focus on for a set amount of minutes. But I also see the benefits of practicing longer actual GMC lessons though, I just tend to lose focus/drive with them at times.

I don't know yet how much time I will have on my hands though, but I really want to practice some guitar as well, and it's important to have some time away from uni work I feel, so maybe I will say that every day from 9 till 10 I will practice guitar.



Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 1 2015, 04:26 AM

Hi Cael, this is a good plan.

I can continue your brainstorming with...

we can start with my technique exercises (I still give it to my students and practice them every day) for some weeks, and once you mastered the whole ITC, we can also build exercises from licks that you like. For example, you can take a passage from one of those djent bands that you like and use it as a technique exercise, in order to keep on polishing your technique but also incorporating new ideas. This requires some research time but I'm sure that you have identified many great licks there. It's time to save them on different folders labeled with the different techniques.

As you'll have 1 hour for practicing, you can dedicate 30 minutes to technique and 30 minutes to composing. I know that it can seem to little time, but you have to see progress and goals weekly, and monthly.

What do you think?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 1 2015, 02:36 PM

I like it! Sounds like a good plan smile.gif I think I will dedicate 1 hour to concentrated practice a day. That should do me a world of good. Can you help me make a plan/schedule? smile.gif


Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 2 2015, 04:02 PM

Sure, let's keep on brainstorming. This is a first idea:

WEEK #1:

Monday:

Technique Practice:

Warming up & endurance exercises: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=26098 (15 minutes)

Alternate Picking - Crossing strings I: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42830&view=findpost&p=567337 (15 minutes)

Composing work:

Dedicate 30 minutes to record a new idea. Don't worry on how great it is. The idea is to keep on creating so trust on your ideas even if you are not totally impressed at first. The experience give practice, and you need to practice composing. Don't try to compose a masterpiece, try to compose songs, good ones, bad ones, the masterpiece will appear magically, and the more you compose, the more possibilities to get a masterpiece in the near future you have.


Please continue writing a program based on this one for the other 6 days of the week. You can choose exercises from http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42832&view=findpost&p=567344. During this first week I would keep the same method for the composing time, and also would keep the warming up and endurance exercises every day.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 2 2015, 06:05 PM

Starting today, Wednesday, I'll do your plan for today. I will try and create a weekly plan later.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 2 2015, 06:40 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Sep 2 2015, 02:05 PM) *
Starting today, Wednesday, I'll do your plan for today. I will try and create a weekly plan later.



Great! Then tell me how it goes.

About the technique practice. You can push the record bottom on Cubase or Repaer and then share a 128 kb mp3 here with your diary practice. Just if you want to share your progress. If not, some comments would be ok.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 2 2015, 07:33 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Sep 2 2015, 07:40 PM) *
Great! Then tell me how it goes.

About the technique practice. You can push the record bottom on Cubase or Repaer and then share a 128 kb mp3 here with your diary practice. Just if you want to share your progress. If not, some comments would be ok.


I will see what I can do. Maybe it won't be necesary to record all 15 minutes of practicing one example, maybe just say the last minute so you can see/hear how it goes? smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 3 2015, 02:25 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Sep 2 2015, 03:33 PM) *
I will see what I can do. Maybe it won't be necesary to record all 15 minutes of practicing one example, maybe just say the last minute so you can see/hear how it goes? smile.gif


There is no necessity of audio for me unless you want me to check something. Just keep me informed and let's update the program to keep this flowing.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 3 2015, 04:21 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Sep 3 2015, 03:25 PM) *
There is no necessity of audio for me unless you want me to check something. Just keep me informed and let's update the program to keep this flowing.


I've signed up for a pubcrawl event at my university for new students tonight, so I won't be able to practice tonight. mad.gif Only just got home 5 minutes ago and have to leave in 5 minutes.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 4 2015, 02:10 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Sep 3 2015, 12:21 PM) *
I've signed up for a pubcrawl event at my university for new students tonight, so I won't be able to practice tonight. mad.gif Only just got home 5 minutes ago and have to leave in 5 minutes.



hahaha ok, what about tonight?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 4 2015, 02:32 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Sep 4 2015, 03:10 PM) *
hahaha ok, what about tonight?


Tonight I will try and put in two hours! smile.gif

Do you have a suggestion to what to practice?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 4 2015, 02:49 PM

Awesome! Repeat the same routine but add 30 minutes to composition and two extra blocks of technique:

Alternate Picking - Crossing strings II: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42831 (15 minutes)

Legato - Patterns & Sequences: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42852 (15 minutes)


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 4 2015, 03:05 PM

Thank you, Gabriel smile.gif I will do so and tell you how it went smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 4 2015, 03:23 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Sep 4 2015, 11:05 AM) *
Thank you, Gabriel smile.gif I will do so and tell you how it went smile.gif



Great!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 6 2015, 01:48 PM

Hey Gabriel, I think one hour is my maximum for now. After that I start to lose focus, even if I'm just doing the composing part of the practice schedule. So the other night I practiced technique, and yesterday I did some warm ups and worked on trying to come up with some new riffs and ideas. Today I will do some of both again, half an hour of technique, half an hour of composing. Maybe more if my concentration and focus allows it. I also wanna join Kristofer's chat session. Looking forward to that.

Then I also have tons of homework to do and I have to fix my bicycle as well...

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 7 2015, 04:47 AM

Hi Cael, it's great that you are honest with you and notice what's the time that you can keep focus while practicing. You don't need to practice more than that. Let's keep 1 hour during this new week.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 7 2015, 08:04 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Sep 7 2015, 05:47 AM) *
Hi Cael, it's great that you are honest with you and notice what's the time that you can keep focus while practicing. You don't need to practice more than that. Let's keep 1 hour during this new week.


I can hardly squeeze in an hour on regular days, it's already 9PM and I have only just sort of read my 45 pages homework for tomorrow. I have not had dinner yet either. Damn you, university! It's generally exciting enough (I have classes such as 3D animation and programming, but also more boring about how to evaluate products and about the learning model they used at Aalborg University). Generally speaking I'm not home before around 6-7PM, maybe even later, every day. So I'm spending about 10-11 hours at university. I know some have it worse than I do, but for me it's a lot smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 7 2015, 09:54 PM

yeah, that's a lot but if that's what you want to do and you're enjoying it, I'm happy for you. smile.gif

About the practice, do you think that you can keep the one hour per day plan?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 7 2015, 10:05 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Sep 7 2015, 10:54 PM) *
yeah, that's a lot but if that's what you want to do and you're enjoying it, I'm happy for you. smile.gif

About the practice, do you think that you can keep the one hour per day plan?


I can at least give it my best shot for the practice plan. I did 1 hour of composing today though instead of technique+composing, I only managed to work a bit on some old ideas. 1 hour goes by very quickly!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 8 2015, 01:22 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Sep 7 2015, 06:05 PM) *
I can at least give it my best shot for the practice plan. I did 1 hour of composing today though instead of technique+composing, I only managed to work a bit on some old ideas. 1 hour goes by very quickly!



yeah, it goes very quickly when practice is focused. I don't think that it's a problem if some days one of the two main topics eat the other one. In the end, the most important thing is to keep on making music. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Sep 9 2015, 03:21 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Sep 8 2015, 02:22 PM) *
yeah, it goes very quickly when practice is focused. I don't think that it's a problem if some days one of the two main topics eat the other one. In the end, the most important thing is to keep on making music. smile.gif


Most days I have anywhere between 50 to 100 pages to read for university. Almost no time for guitar, but it's my "off time" from university, so I gotta squeeze it in, or I'll go mad from too much uni work.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 9 2015, 03:48 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Sep 9 2015, 11:21 AM) *
Most days I have anywhere between 50 to 100 pages to read for university. Almost no time for guitar, but it's my "off time" from university, so I gotta squeeze it in, or I'll go mad from too much uni work.



yeah, I hope that you could find a good balance.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 6 2015, 02:23 PM

So, I've dropped out of university. It's a relief, but also makes me feel a bit like a failure, to be honest. I signed up for something called IPS, which would have gotten me enrolled in some job opportunities, but I wasn't accepted in to it (or rather, it was just names being drawn at random, and mine wasn't drawn), so now I'll have to continue what I was doing before university, which is being some 10-15 hours at another place here in Copenhagen. It's not a lot, but it's probably suitable for my head not to stress out too much (like with university), but all this means I have LOTS of time for guitar, and I feel more dedicated than ever - except for one little detail, which is that I would love to sell some of my guitars and buy a new one, but perhaps that'll come true soon. I've put 3 guitars up for sale and hopefully they can be sold, so I can buy a new one.

Now back to playing guitar, getting a routine and what not. I'd love to make some more student lessons here at GMC. That could be another new goal smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 6 2015, 03:13 PM

Hi Cael! These are definitely great news! I know that it has been hard to take this decisions but you already know my thoughts and had my suggestions about what to do with this. I think that you have done a wise choice.

Your goals sounds very good to me. It's now time to design a list of steps to achieve short and long term goals based on your ideas here.

You talked about two main directions:

- Guitar Practice

- GMC student lessons

- Composition (You didn't say this but I know it's one of your goals)ç


How is your guitar routine? what topics are you planning to cover on student lessons?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 6 2015, 03:42 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 6 2015, 04:13 PM) *
Hi Cael! These are definitely great news! I know that it has been hard to take this decisions but you already know my thoughts and had my suggestions about what to do with this. I think that you have done a wise choice.

Your goals sounds very good to me. It's now time to design a list of steps to achieve short and long term goals based on your ideas here.

You talked about two main directions:

- Guitar Practice

- GMC student lessons

- Composition (You didn't say this but I know it's one of your goals)ç


How is your guitar routine? what topics are you planning to cover on student lessons?


My guitar routine is not really set in stone yet. I'd like to dedicate more time to guitar now. I always end up coming back to wanting to compose music, so often I end up sitting around with certain riffs trying to expand on them or get new ideas, even if I've said to myself: "now it's time to practice some exercises". But I really want to work on some technique too, but for some reason it's hard to keep focused on it over let's say a week or two. I "forget" about them and start trying to compose instead.

I also have a friend who's moving to Copenhagen after Christmas, and he wants to start making music with me. He's way better than me, so I think that will inspire me to improve. It's always great to have some friendly competition and someone to work with smile.gif I've missed that.




Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 6 2015, 05:47 PM

On another note, I feel like I'm going away from my djent-period and moving more towards prog metal again like what I came from.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 6 2015, 08:57 PM

Well, you already have a good guitar level so it would be a good plan if you focus on composing and then practicing what you compose. It's how many professional guitarists like Petrucci and Vai work nowadays. You should re-organize all the ideas that you've composed and start building a plan based on releasing your own music.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 7 2015, 12:44 PM

How would I go about that? Should I compose something that is just out of my range to practice getting better technique too?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 7 2015, 01:44 PM

No, that should happen naturally. You should compose what comes to your mind no matter if you can play it or not, then you practice it. If everything you compose is playable for you and you like it, there is no reason why you should play trickier stuff. Does it make sense?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 7 2015, 01:59 PM

Makes sense. I'm on my phone now so will reply more later. I used to compose whatever I had in my head. But it was often way out of what I could play. So I went back to writing within my comfort zone. Maybe this was a bad move.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 8 2015, 03:34 PM

Let your imagination fly and then work hard to be able to play what you created. It's the best way to stay motivated to keep on practicing.




Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 17 2015, 04:05 PM

Sorry I've not been too active in my thread here. I've been working on making some videos as you have seen smile.gif

Also, I'm hoping I can sell my 8 string guitar on Tuesday when a guy comes to have a look at it. If I can indeed sell it then I will buy an RG3570Z smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 17 2015, 04:26 PM

You are doing a great job mate! I'm following you.... and also, it's a very nice surprise to see that you have such a powerful voice! There are no limits not man, your first EP should be coming... smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 17 2015, 04:35 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 17 2015, 05:26 PM) *
You are doing a great job mate! I'm following you.... and also, it's a very nice surprise to see that you have such a powerful voice! There are no limits not man, your first EP should be coming... smile.gif


It's weird though, my regular clean singing voice isn't like that at all. It's not very powerful and not very good laugh.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 17 2015, 04:39 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 17 2015, 12:35 PM) *
It's weird though, my regular clean singing voice isn't like that at all. It's not very powerful and not very good laugh.gif


Maybe it just needs training and practice. Everybody can sing with practice. How were you at guitar the first time you picked up one? I believe it's the same with singing. Trust in you mate. And even if I'm wrong, you've already found a killer agressive voice that can fit great with your tunes.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 20 2015, 02:13 PM

The new guitar is not yet in my possession, I have bought it though, but it's with my parents! I'm really looking forward to playing it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 20 2015, 02:58 PM

Cool! Did you like the final video for the collab? I'm impressed of the song we could build together! smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 20 2015, 03:05 PM

I really liked it! Awesome job with the mix, Gabriel smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 21 2015, 01:29 PM

Thanks mate! I listen it many times a day, it's a hit. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 22 2015, 03:22 PM

To you happen to have some tips for writing lyrics, by the way? smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 22 2015, 04:57 PM

Hi Ceal, this is not my specialty but lately I 've been writing much more.

The secret for me is having an initial idea that really moves you, something deep that is related to your life usually helps to take the words out easily. At least that's what happens to me so I prefer real life topics over fantastic topics. For this, you can also write about friends or people that you know... If you prefer switching to fantastic topics, I feel that you really need to get into the story to write something deep that means anything for you.

These are some random ideas that I recommend:

- Always having a notepad to write words or phrases that you imagine or read that you like.
- The same with ideas or successes that surround you.
- Read a lot. It's the same than making music, the more music that you listen, the more ideas and vocabulary you'll have. The same happens with reading and writing.
- Analyze the lyrics of your favorite songs. Check the structure, what is the main idea, how it's developed along the whole song. What's the relationship between the lyrics and the music happening.
- Practice! Don't try to write a masterpiece and get blocked, just write, write, write... silly stories, bad lyrics, everything! The more you practice, the better your writings will be.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 22 2015, 10:06 PM

Thanks for the tips, Gabriel smile.gif I appreciate it a lot and I will try them out. I seem to come up with 2 lines of lyrics and then I run into a wall and can't get any further.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 23 2015, 03:50 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 22 2015, 06:06 PM) *
Thanks for the tips, Gabriel smile.gif I appreciate it a lot and I will try them out. I seem to come up with 2 lines of lyrics and then I run into a wall and can't get any further.



Well, that's what I mean when I say don't get blocked. Let the words go out, don't try to find the perfect words or phrases, just write, write, write, and then keep polishing. It's my trick to create.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 23 2015, 03:57 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 23 2015, 04:50 PM) *
Well, that's what I mean when I say don't get blocked. Let the words go out, don't try to find the perfect words or phrases, just write, write, write, and then keep polishing. It's my trick to create.


It's just so very hard getting out of that habit smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 23 2015, 04:17 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 23 2015, 11:57 AM) *
It's just so very hard getting out of that habit smile.gif



How did you noticed that you can sing? singing, don't you? doing is always the key.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 23 2015, 04:18 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 23 2015, 05:17 PM) *
How did you noticed that you can sing? singing, don't you? doing is always the key.


Don't be so logical now laugh.gif

Yeah, there's only one way at it, you're right.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 23 2015, 04:22 PM

hahaha I was right! I've been saying you to sing for many months... even talked about vocal techniques... I was right!! biggrin.gif cool.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 24 2015, 07:24 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 23 2015, 05:22 PM) *
hahaha I was right! I've been saying you to sing for many months... even talked about vocal techniques... I was right!! biggrin.gif cool.gif


One big problem I have is letting go, if those are the right words, and actually sing with power. Especially higher notes. I'm too afraid what my neighbours would think.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 25 2015, 07:32 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 24 2015, 03:24 PM) *
One big problem I have is letting go, if those are the right words, and actually sing with power. Especially higher notes. I'm too afraid what my neighbours would think.


yes, that's my problem too here because I live on an apartment and neighbors are very close. You need to find your place to sing and scream freely... maybe doing some kind of acoustic treatment or going to a rehearsal room to do it...

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 25 2015, 07:33 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 25 2015, 08:32 PM) *
yes, that's my problem too here because I live on an apartment and neighbors are very close. You need to find your place to sing and scream freely... maybe doing some kind of acoustic treatment or going to a rehearsal room to do it...


Same here, got people upstairs, next to me and downstairs smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 25 2015, 08:08 PM

A possible solution:





Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 25 2015, 09:15 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 25 2015, 09:08 PM) *
A possible solution:



I'll watch it a bit later. Thanks! smile.gif

Did you check out my new guitar? smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 25 2015, 10:26 PM

Checking it now!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 25 2015, 10:51 PM

I don't think I can justify building such a thing in my living room biggrin.gif Just seen it. It's pretty nice though!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 26 2015, 01:18 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 25 2015, 06:51 PM) *
I don't think I can justify building such a thing in my living room biggrin.gif Just seen it. It's pretty nice though!



hehehe yeah, it's great! Another option could be to set a mobile studio and go to a rehearsal room.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 26 2015, 01:32 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 26 2015, 01:18 PM) *
hehehe yeah, it's great! Another option could be to set a mobile studio and go to a rehearsal room.


I will see what happens once a buddy of mine moves to Copenhagen after Christmas. He wants to play with me. He plays guitar as well though, but maybe at some point we could find a band smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 27 2015, 02:12 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 26 2015, 09:32 AM) *
I will see what happens once a buddy of mine moves to Copenhagen after Christmas. He wants to play with me. He plays guitar as well though, but maybe at some point we could find a band smile.gif



That sounds good! But one important thing that life has taught me. Don't let your dreams depend on other people, go for them...

Just a funny video that a friend shared with me:


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 27 2015, 02:49 PM

Yeah, that Shia Lebeouf "Just do it" has certainly gone viral biggrin.gif JUST DO IT!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 29 2015, 02:16 PM

I've returned to my previous idea of writing something based on Dante's Divine Comedy. I have this silly idea of just doing something for most of the 100 cantos. A never ending project!

Anyway, I made some lyrics based on the first canto, and I wanted to share them with you:

Midway the journey through my life
I woke in a gloomy woodland dell
The righteous road on which I'd thrived
was lost, yet how I could not tell
Sleep had so overwhelmed me
When I abandoned the Way of Truth
To speak of the things I here did see
Only in death could my pain be soothed

Now the sun restored my will
So I could overcome and rise
From that which once my heart had chilled
Upwards were my route, my fears pacified

But then my will deceited me
The faith that completed me
seemed long since gone

'Cause Wild beasts kept me at bay
A panther, lion and wolf in my way
And as I tumbled downhill
my heart again with fear was filled

Then a somber shadow drew near
and I shrieked: "Have mercy on me!
You man or shade? It's yet all clear!
Then he spoke so hoarse and silently:
"I was a poet, I lived in Rome,
Of Anchises' son from Troy I sang
But tell me, why do you wander alone?"
and my hope again through the forest rang:

"Then you are Vergil himself
From who the words once flowed
If you know the way, hurry, tell!"
And so he spoke of what forebode:

"Now we must take another route
Through the fiery pits of hell
This place holds no other way out"
Distressed he then went on to tell:
"Should you wish to travel on
through Purgatory, then beyond
I'll take you to Saint Peter's gate
But then another aid awaits"

So Virgil will guide me
Walk the planes of hell besides me
And I'll follow strong

Posted by: fzalfa Oct 29 2015, 02:54 PM

this are the lyrics we talk about !!

nice and dark !

Laurent

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 29 2015, 04:03 PM

Awesome work Cael! What an artist you are. smile.gif

I like the idea of getting back to this concept and I think that the lyrics are totally connected to your music style so the plan is PERFECT.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 29 2015, 06:14 PM

It's a start at least smile.gif Thanks for the nice words, Laurent and Gabriel. I really wish I could find someone who could sing like Russell Allen. I imagine his voice singing the lyrics.


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 30 2015, 06:16 PM

Check out what I've got so far:

 Canto_I.gp5 ( 71.2K ) : 96



The first 48 bars is something you've heard before. I always end up reusing old stuff. After that it's new smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 31 2015, 05:16 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 29 2015, 02:14 PM) *
It's a start at least smile.gif Thanks for the nice words, Laurent and Gabriel. I really wish I could find someone who could sing like Russell Allen. I imagine his voice singing the lyrics.




Keep working on the project and maybe it will appear. The idea must grow first.

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 30 2015, 02:16 PM) *
Check out what I've got so far:

 Canto_I.gp5 ( 71.2K ) : 96



The first 48 bars is something you've heard before. I always end up reusing old stuff. After that it's new smile.gif



VERY promising!! Are you planning to record it soon with real guitars?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Oct 31 2015, 05:28 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Oct 31 2015, 05:16 PM) *
Keep working on the project and maybe it will appear. The idea must grow first.




VERY promising!! Are you planning to record it soon with real guitars?


Yes, of course smile.gif I'm just always writing everything in Guitar Pro to keep track of everything. smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 1 2015, 12:01 AM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Oct 31 2015, 01:28 PM) *
Yes, of course smile.gif I'm just always writing everything in Guitar Pro to keep track of everything. smile.gif



I'd like to hear it with real sound! smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 1 2015, 11:22 PM

I've finished writing the song, and it's ended at a staggering 12 minutes and 22 seconds. Jeeeez, it's going to be a monster to record.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 2 2015, 12:05 AM

Awesome!! Congrats mate! smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 2 2015, 03:30 PM

You probably won't have time to listen to all of this, but maybe you can check out some of the new parts I've put in smile.gif

I'm going to start recording today or tomorrow. smile.gif

 Canto_I_Reworked.gp5 ( 219.38K ) : 97

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 3 2015, 05:33 AM

Did a lot of takes just to get a quick scratch track. Recording tight with double tracking is so difficult for me. GRRR. Also, the last part I haven't recorded yet, so it's just the drums, bass and keyboard.

EDIT: Edited track out, uploading again in a 1 minute.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 3 2015, 04:38 PM

Ok! I'll wait for the track. smile.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 3 2015, 04:46 PM

Here we go:

[attachment=43346:Quick_Sc...done_yet.mp3]

LOTS and LOTS to work on and get even more frustrated about laugh.gif

Remember, the long parts that seem to go nowhere are supposed to have vocals smile.gif

EDIT: Waiiiiit, something's wrong with the fade in now, but you'll get the idea.

Argh! I also made an error with something where I didn't double track... Hmmm... this is proving difficult biggrin.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 3 2015, 06:23 PM

Hey Cael! This is a monster track! The song is very promising! I like how the overall tune evolves. It's difficult to have a clear idea of the final work but that's why I say that this is promising. I think that the next step should be to add vocals to have a more complete track and discover which parts need more work or re arranging. Is it possible to hear if with you singing as reference?


Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 3 2015, 07:13 PM

I'm a terrible clean singer though, and I can hardly hit the notes. I can apparently only do growling. Hehe. I'll give it a go though.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 3 2015, 08:57 PM

I tried the first verse, and I guess it went okay-ish, apart from the line with the F# note in it, but I'm struggle with the next verse and hitting the notes even more, so I haven't recorded that yet.

 Vocals.mp3 ( 1.67MB ) : 104

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 4 2015, 01:49 PM

I like it! I'm seriously thinking that maybe you can sing in your album... your voice is powerful and unique.

Now the song starts to make more sense to me. Great job!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 4 2015, 02:55 PM

Thanks, Gabriel! I'm not used to singing and I have not practiced it much before, so it can only become better from here, I suppose smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 4 2015, 03:35 PM

Sure, please trust me and check youtube for some vocal training. There is a lot of great stuff there.

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 4 2015, 06:49 PM

EDIT: Actually this turned out so bad I deleted the upload from here laugh.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 5 2015, 01:37 PM

What happened? ohmy.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 5 2015, 02:07 PM

I just listened to it again and it was horrible! I will record a better version when my cough goes away. smile.gif

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 5 2015, 02:25 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Nov 5 2015, 10:07 AM) *
I just listened to it again and it was horrible! I will record a better version when my cough goes away. smile.gif



haha ok!

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 5 2015, 02:59 PM

It seems I just can't do the next verse. I can't hit the damn notes.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 6 2015, 01:41 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Nov 5 2015, 10:59 AM) *
It seems I just can't do the next verse. I can't hit the damn notes.


Keep on practicing. wink.gif

If you are trying to sing high notes, try them with head voice. Do you know how to do it?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 6 2015, 01:44 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Nov 6 2015, 01:41 PM) *
Keep on practicing. wink.gif

If you are trying to sing high notes, try them with head voice. Do you know how to do it?


I don't know any vocal techniques at all, I just sing. laugh.gif

It feels like I sing with my head voice when I try to sing higher notes, or just sing clean, but when I put some "distortion" and aggression on my voice, it feels more like it's coming from my chest, if that makes sense.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 6 2015, 01:54 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Nov 6 2015, 09:44 AM) *
I don't know any vocal techniques at all, I just sing. laugh.gif

It feels like I sing with my head voice when I try to sing higher notes, or just sing clean, but when I put some "distortion" and aggression on my voice, it feels more like it's coming from my chest, if that makes sense.



Have you ever seen the vocal lessons by this guy?

https://www.youtube.com/user/feltgrape

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 6 2015, 01:59 PM

I was literally watching those videos as you linked them here!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 6 2015, 06:43 PM

QUOTE (Caelumamittendum @ Nov 6 2015, 09:59 AM) *
I was literally watching those videos as you linked them here!



Awesome! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 6 2015, 08:04 PM

QUOTE (Gabriel Leopardi @ Nov 6 2015, 06:43 PM) *
Awesome! biggrin.gif


I'm still struggling with the next verse and the "chorus" thingie and the verse after that. I'm slowly coming to realize my voice is not very proggy and more garage rock. But I'll keep trying!

EDIT:
Here's the take, guitars are rough at some spots, but vocals are even rougher:


[attachment=43368:Vocals_test_2.mp3]

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Nov 7 2015, 03:50 AM

Check out the full song, without vocals though. Decided to re-record the whole thing on guitar, so did that tonight. Tomorrow I will add the vocals, and hopefully better than before.

https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/canto-i-no-vocals

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 8 2015, 10:40 PM

Hi Cael, good job polishing this tune. Your voice reminds me a bit to Osi project:




while other times it sounds closer to Opeth or Steven Wilson.


What do you think? You could explore based on those references....

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 12 2016, 10:18 PM

It's a-me, Mario!

Here's a half baked idea:

https://soundcloud.com/benjamin-storm-linnebjerg/idea_1

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 14 2016, 03:09 AM

It sounds KILLER! I like the idea! What are you using for guitar tone and drums?

Posted by: Caelumamittendum Jan 14 2016, 01:18 PM

Just BIAS Desktop for guitars and drums are Superior Drummer 2.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 15 2016, 02:14 PM

Awesome! I'll try Bias demo, it sounds great in your new song!

How are the things going mate?

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