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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Camera Shyness Experiment
Posted by: Adam Sep 4 2020, 09:21 PM
Gabriel suggested that I might be able to overcome my shyness and the mistakes I make when the recording is on by recording a random piece regularly not for technical improvement but to get me used to the thought. I thought it might work better if I share the piece in a place everyone can see it.
Here's video number 1:
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 4 2020, 11:40 PM
Excellent!! This is a GREAT first step my friend! Please share videos here frequently, let's fight and overcome this REC effect!!
Congrats for starting this thread.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 5 2020, 03:00 AM
Great job! Make it a habit! REcord a bit and put it in a playlist on youtube.
Todd
Here's video number 1:
Posted by: Adam Sep 6 2020, 10:33 PM
Today's video:
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 7 2020, 02:02 AM
GREAT! Please check your mentoring thread. There is a question for you there.
Posted by: Adam Sep 8 2020, 08:38 PM
Today's video:
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 9 2020, 02:15 PM
Nice Adam!! What song are you playing in this vid?
Keep these videos coming!
Posted by: Adam Sep 9 2020, 03:01 PM
Keep these videos coming!
Thank you! The song is Last of the Wilds from Dark Passion Play.
I noticed Emppu goes wild not only during live shows but also studio recordings, so I tried to do a few spontaneous pinchings. I don't know if it turned out good or bad. I somehow picked up the technique but I have zero experience as of when to use it to colour things up.
I do have to add some copper foil shielding for that guitar, though. I've only had a luthier set it up and swap pick-ups but the electronics compartment isn't shielded and it can be heard.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 9 2020, 05:08 PM
Amazing song! I didn't know this one. You are playing it very well! I'm still not convinced of the way you use your left hand thumb, but let's wait for Todd's thoughts about it since he recommended it.
Posted by: Adam Sep 9 2020, 09:45 PM
I think you missed Todd's reply
He did explain it in our mentoring thread:Todd
Here's today's quickie, just before the nighttime. It's not much but it's still something.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 10 2020, 02:00 PM
Nice melody. Congrats on your 4th experimental video! Please keep them coming!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 11 2020, 03:37 AM
Great!! Just like playing guitar, overcoming camera shyness takes practice. Every time that red light comes on, people can tense up and lose part of their ability to play. So the more often you record your self, the better at it you will and the less shy and more confident you will feel. I'd say make a youtube playlist of your "red light" videos and just keep adding to it. The more the better!!!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 11 2020, 02:36 PM
That's true Todd. I hope that this thread inspires more students to start this experimental practice.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 11 2020, 08:13 PM
I hope so as well. It's very important to just play. One doesn't always have to have a plan or purpose. Though those things are helpful, sometimes, when a player doesn't feel like doing drills or learning bits, just playing in front of a camera and doing some "noodling" can be very constructive and creative. Especially when getting used to "red light syndrome"!
Posted by: Adam Sep 11 2020, 10:10 PM
I can tell from experience that having a set of exercises, like the Bootcamp drills, for a session takes care of "what-should-I-play" kind of problems. Perfect when one is short on time but still wants to practice for a while. It's also true that at times one needs to relax, vent out or whatever else can be done during unplanned sessions. For me, the biggest practice here is the thing I set on my mind: to come up with something to play and start playing it without thinking it over at all. I'm not going to play live in front of people but I still think it's important to improvise, so there's no awkward silence.
Here's next one:
You may have noticed a drastic change in lighting and the sound. I replaced my small lamp's lightbulb and bought a 7-band custom equalizer because my amp only has Volume, Tone and Gain knobs. It feels much more alive and dynamic now.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 12 2020, 05:48 PM
Hi Adam! I'm impressed of how this thread is evolving!
It's nice to see that you are improving the quality of your videos. Both audio and video are much better now. Good job!!
And yes, I agree with everything you say about practice. It's important to know what to practice and have a good routine based on your long term goals so you know what you need to work when you pick up your guitar. But it's also essential to dedicate some time to let your creativity flow and play the first things that come to mind. I like starting my guitar sessions with an improvisation, most of the times without a backing track, just me and my guitar. If possible, I try to do this as the first thing of my day, after my breakfast and before I start working.
Posted by: Adam Sep 12 2020, 07:55 PM
It's nice to see that you are improving the quality of your videos. Both audio and video are much better now. Good job!!
And yes, I agree with everything you say about practice. It's important to know what to practice and have a good routine based on your long term goals so you know what you need to work when you pick up your guitar. But it's also essential to dedicate some time to let your creativity flow and play the first things that come to mind. I like starting my guitar sessions with an improvisation, most of the times without a backing track, just me and my guitar. If possible, I try to do this as the first thing of my day, after my breakfast and before I start working.
The surroundings have improved and now it's only my playing that can improve.
I don't have a practice routine schedule or anything but I'm the task-oriented type. I get a task, I do it and I move on to other things. I miss the days when I could play to my heart's content but now I work 7 days a week and there's a limited time for guitar between work, sleep and other things I need taken care of. I'm also working on a fangame for Danganronpa series and I'm trying to split my spare time between that and music. It's tough but as long as I can fit in an hour for playing guitar, it's fine.
I was never good at improvising or rhythm guitar, so I'm focusing on technicalities. That might give me more tools and when I can afford to have improvisation in my routine, I will be limited by other things than mechanics.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 13 2020, 09:17 AM
It's very important to sometimes just pick up the guitar, clear ones head and simply play. Without a plan, without a preconception, just place the hands on the axe and go. This is not just about overcoming camera syndrome, it's about forcing the brain to be a bit creative on the spot. At first, it can be daunting. But, like anything, it gets easier the more it's done.
Here's next one:
You may have noticed a drastic change in lighting and the sound. I replaced my small lamp's lightbulb and bought a 7-band custom equalizer because my amp only has Volume, Tone and Gain knobs. It feels much more alive and dynamic now.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 13 2020, 06:06 PM
I don't have a practice routine schedule or anything but I'm the task-oriented type. I get a task, I do it and I move on to other things. I miss the days when I could play to my heart's content but now I work 7 days a week and there's a limited time for guitar between work, sleep and other things I need taken care of. I'm also working on a fangame for Danganronpa series and I'm trying to split my spare time between that and music. It's tough but as long as I can fit in an hour for playing guitar, it's fine.
I was never good at improvising or rhythm guitar, so I'm focusing on technicalities. That might give me more tools and when I can afford to have improvisation in my routine, I will be limited by other things than mechanics.
Number 6!! Great job Adam! If the task trick works for you, keep doing it!
Posted by: Adam Sep 13 2020, 09:25 PM
This guitar isn't shielded and it runs of a set of PAF type pickups. It's not exactly suited for that kind of thing but it was the only one tuned half-step down.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 14 2020, 12:42 AM
Number 7! Are you starting to feel more comfortable?
Posted by: Adam Sep 14 2020, 11:24 PM
It's hard to say. Right now I'm focusing on hitting all the notes clearly but the regular recording, like for REC is about playing the thing effortlessly and smoothly. I don't feel relaxed playing any of these, as I didn't get much practice playing them.
I feel a bit more comfortable with the camera running but I don't think any of these bits would pass the REC's grading.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 15 2020, 02:40 PM
I feel a bit more comfortable with the camera running but I don't think any of these bits would pass the REC's grading.
Don't worry about passing REC. I think that this experiment is giving promising results.
Please continue recording videos!
Regarding the thumb thing. I recommend you to avoid doing it all the time. That's a trick to avoid doing to much strength, but it's not good to get more used to this way of holding your guitar.
Posted by: Adam Sep 16 2020, 10:46 PM
Please continue recording videos!
Regarding the thumb thing. I recommend you to avoid doing it all the time. That's a trick to avoid doing to much strength, but it's not good to get more used to this way of holding your guitar.
I like where this is going and I don't want to stop pushing myself now.
I'm not avoiding using thumb. I just don't use it where I'm okay with it. For power chords or open chords, I'm afraid I need the thumb to stabilize my hand.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 17 2020, 02:04 PM
I'm not avoiding using thumb. I just don't use it where I'm okay with it. For power chords or open chords, I'm afraid I need the thumb to stabilize my hand.
Excellent!!
Posted by: Adam Sep 17 2020, 10:17 PM
I wasn't aware the glass was in the way until I saw the recording but I hope it's still valid.
The red dot syndrome was quite strong this time. I had to slow down gradually with each try so my eyes could follow the score sheet and the fingers could play the thing as I read. I was able to play it imperfectly at a 100% tempo once but the red dot probably got me and I slowed down to maybe 60-80% but it worked and I did the whole thing! 
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 18 2020, 02:29 PM
That's interesting! I would keep recording this one every day, increasing tempo, besides your normal experimental videos... what do you think?
Posted by: Adam Sep 18 2020, 07:19 PM
I can't promise I'll record it everyday or that I'll increase tempo each time but I will try recording it as often as possible for me. Is there any special meaning about doing that besides the regular video?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 18 2020, 08:18 PM
I think that you'll be able to see real progress by playing the same piece and increasing time. I consider that it can be a good part of this experiment. But if you don't feel it positive, you can skip it.
Posted by: Adam Sep 19 2020, 08:49 AM
No, this is fine. Sounds promising!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 19 2020, 05:42 PM
Great!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 21 2020, 04:26 AM
You are getting better each take!!! Keep pushing!
Todd
Posted by: Adam Sep 23 2020, 11:10 PM
Todd
I'm doing my best!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 24 2020, 01:53 PM
Hi Adam! You are doing a great job here my friend!! It's interesting to see that the repeated tune is showing progress. This experiment is very cool! I hope that you are starting to notice your own progress here. If not, trust me, it's happening.
Posted by: Adam Sep 26 2020, 08:58 PM
Hi! Thank you! I can't feel any improvements but it's probably just as you said.
I've noticed it's significantly easier for me to play when my eyes are focused on following the score sheet but when the sheet is gone, fingerstyle pieces are suddenly harder to play from my head. Is it how things are with classical stuff or did I make a mistake somewhere?
I only had 1,5 hour to spend at home today in between two jobs, so I wasn't able to record anything. I'm speaking here after analysing old recordings.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 27 2020, 12:43 AM
I've noticed it's significantly easier for me to play when my eyes are focused on following the score sheet but when the sheet is gone, fingerstyle pieces are suddenly harder to play from my head. Is it how things are with classical stuff or did I make a mistake somewhere?
I only had 1,5 hour to spend at home today in between two jobs, so I wasn't able to record anything. I'm speaking here after analyzing old recordings.
Hi Adam!
By progress, I mean that you start to feel less uncomfortable when playing in front of the camera. If don't feel it yet, it's just a matter of time.
About your question sheet question... that's interesting. I wonder if this is related to memory or focus... if it's related to focus, you can practice focusing on any other thing, like your own fingers, or maybe imagine the sheet?
If this is related to memory, I recommend you to try to remember the classical pieces. It's not a good idea to always depend on having the score/tabs in from of you.
Posted by: Adam Sep 29 2020, 10:53 PM
By progress, I mean that you start to feel less uncomfortable when playing in front of the camera. If don't feel it yet, it's just a matter of time.
About your question sheet question... that's interesting. I wonder if this is related to memory or focus... if it's related to focus, you can practice focusing on any other thing, like your own fingers, or maybe imagine the sheet?
If this is related to memory, I recommend you to try to remember the classical pieces. It's not a good idea to always depend on having the score/tabs in from of you.
It's mostly the issue when I'm new to a piece. If the score sheet is simple enough, I can play the thing as I read it for the first time. When I've practiced it long enough, I don't need the score sheet to play but I still need to focus. I can play it while relaxed but when I relax too much, I start making mistakes again.
That one came out of nowhere, I just plugged in the guitar and did some warm-up and I liked where it was going, so I recorded it. I'm thinking, maybe I could use it in some way in my video game project, if I manage to improve these bits and maybe come up with some more.
I have some more bits from the other day but these were audio only. I'm a bit clueless as of, what to do about those two.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 30 2020, 02:23 PM
Hi Adam! These are really cool riffs and ideas! I can really imagine a video game soundtrack here... is it the idea? how is your video game project going?
Posted by: Adam Oct 2 2020, 10:11 PM
Thank you! That was really unexpected! It's just an idea that I need to patch up with more bits and instruments. As much as I want to, I only have my guitars, and my brother's bass if needed.
My project is kind of stuck. We're pushing forward at a really slow pace because I lately come home too tired to make any use of my brain. I work 7 days a week, so it's really taxing. But I asked for 1 day off tomorrow and I'm hoping to make a decent progress.
The setting we chose for the game is a mix of post-apocalypse and 80's retrowave. I found this brand new phaser on a nice sale lately and I didn't need it nor want it but I bought it just to see how that kind of effect works. After I figured out how each knob affects the tone, I hit the sweet spot and paired it up with delay in the effects loop. It suddenly made guitar fun to play for the first time in a really long while.
I think it may sound a bit like EVH era of music but that's 80's and if I manage to put the music together, it should be perfect for the setting.
Ideally, I should try it with my PAF guitar that's made for this but it needs shielding first and it takes a while.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 3 2020, 01:01 AM
Very cool! I like that riff. It's very Eighties indeed. I like the phaser as well. Nicely done!!! Keep it up!!
Posted by: Adam Oct 3 2020, 11:54 AM
Thank you!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 3 2020, 05:04 PM
My project is kind of stuck. We're pushing forward at a really slow pace because I lately come home too tired to make any use of my brain. I work 7 days a week, so it's really taxing. But I asked for 1 day off tomorrow and I'm hoping to make a decent progress.
The setting we chose for the game is a mix of post-apocalypse and 80's retrowave. I found this brand new phaser on a nice sale lately and I didn't need it nor want it but I bought it just to see how that kind of effect works. After I figured out how each knob affects the tone, I hit the sweet spot and paired it up with delay in the effects loop. It suddenly made guitar fun to play for the first time in a really long while.
I think it may sound a bit like EVH era of music but that's 80's and if I manage to put the music together, it should be perfect for the setting.
Ideally, I should try it with my PAF guitar that's made for this but it needs shielding first and it takes a while.
Oh! That sounds cool! Yeah, Van Halen was a big user of Phase 90 pedal. Have you ever learnt this riff?
80's retrowave? Muse has great influences from that style, and when exploring this genre, I discovered this band:
Arpeggios from hell?
Posted by: Adam Oct 3 2020, 07:44 PM
80's retrowave? Muse has great influences from that style, and when exploring this genre, I discovered this band:
Arpeggios from hell?
I've tried that EVH song back when I was fascinated by that era but I'm extremely bad at switching to G Major, the boy scouts version, as these are called in my country.
I checked that Phase 90 pedal but it's costly. I figured, I'd either assemble a clone unit over time or get one of these cheaper units. I've had very good experience with overdrive and my brother's chorus from that specific product line and decided to give it a go. I'm not disappointed at all!
I only know Muse has a song that my friend botched in a funny way singing in high pitch. That other band, the Midnight sounds cool too!
Personally, I prefer instrumental retrowave and White Bat Audio ( youtube channel ) does amazing tracks! You should check him if you're interested in that genre
Yes it is! Or maybe, it was supposed to be. But I've made a ton of progress. Before joining GMC, I could play the first 6 notes on low E string, if I even managed to get a lucky stretch. And then I had to take a break to let my sore hand relax. Now I can at least hit the notes at some slower pace, though it surely needs a lot more practice.
I wanted to try something different and since I'm trying to learn sweeping lately, I got back into the YJM phase.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 4 2020, 06:27 PM
I checked that Phase 90 pedal but it's costly. I figured, I'd either assemble a clone unit over time or get one of these cheaper units. I've had very good experience with overdrive and my brother's chorus from that specific product line and decided to give it a go. I'm not disappointed at all!
Yeah! I think that Phaser pedals are really easy to clone. That's why there are many alternatives. If you are able to build one, go for it! You'll get a very convincing sound. The MXR one is a bit overpriced because it a classic.
Personally, I prefer instrumental retrowave and White Bat Audio ( youtube channel ) does amazing tracks! You should check him if you're interested in that genre
Thanks for the link!! While I was checking that youtube channel, I've also found this one which is really cool: https://youtu.be/_Ci0Kgdpgsw
I wanted to try something different and since I'm trying to learn sweeping lately, I got back into the YJM phase.
Awesome!! You can play it very smoothly! It's not an easy etude... that's why it's called like that...
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 8 2020, 10:01 PM
It's a bit quiet around here... 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 9 2020, 08:09 AM
He's still working!!! I think the next vid is on deck and will go up soon!!!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 9 2020, 01:21 PM
Great!! Thanks for the update!
Posted by: Adam Oct 9 2020, 11:58 PM
It's not much but I'm working on something larger. Can't tell if it's going to work but I'll try!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 10 2020, 01:37 AM
Looks like it's working!! Bit of pinky retraction to be tended but you are playing with more confidence each time!!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 10 2020, 04:01 PM
Great to hear from you here! It must be tricky to play consistent vibrato using that thumbless technique!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 10 2020, 06:35 PM
I just noticed that it looks like you are using thumbless during the vibrato? It's sorta hidden so I didn't see it at first. Thumbless is great for resetting the pressure on the hand. Also, for allowing the hand to make reach/stretch positions that it would not be able to reach otherwise. However, for licks that don't require long reach, putting the thumb back in to play, as a guide, is important. Also, for vibrato, the thumb serves as a counter balance. Playing vibrato is much more difficult without the thumb removed from the neck simply because all of the work must be done by the finger tips. Playing scales doesn't require the kind of counter balast that vibrato requires so finger tips only with just a bit of thumb for guiding the hand works well. For working on vibrato, try to place your thumb back on the neck and use it as a balancing measure which will allow your fingers to create deeper, longer vibrato.
Once the thumb is back in play, making the switch from a scale to holding a note and adding vibrato can be done smoothly and under control. I think you are ready to start adding the thumb back a bit, especially when doing vibrato. It may actually seem awkward at first to put the thumb back in play, it will be worth it though!! Ideally, it should only come off when making a long pinky stretch or when trying to prevent the hand from tensing, and then added back later as a guide.
Posted by: Adam Oct 10 2020, 07:07 PM
Once the thumb is back in play, making the switch from a scale to holding a note and adding vibrato can be done smoothly and under control. I think you are ready to start adding the thumb back a bit, especially when doing vibrato. It may actually seem awkward at first to put the thumb back in play, it will be worth it though!! Ideally, it should only come off when making a long pinky stretch or when trying to prevent the hand from tensing, and then added back later as a guide.
I don't have a control over using the thumb or not. I mostly use it for all the chords and power chords but I don't think about stuff like "now I'll detach my thumb from the neck". It happens naturally and feels natural. Whenever I try to forcefully add the thumb where it feels odd, I lose my focus and control over the tempo. With the guitar in the classical position, I use my body as counter balance in a way. Likewise, if I try to detach the thumb where I need it on the neck, I also lose track of tempo and focus as well.
Is it okay to work on reinforcing that instead of forcing the thumb back in, so I can overcome the drawbacks I might experience later or is it something that definitely needs changing back to regular way?
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 11 2020, 01:32 AM
It's something worth considering to be sure. You can "regain" the thumb with a bit of work and end up with a far better sense of control and vibrato as a result. It's all just part of the process. You've adapted to playing without the thumb which means you are not choking the strings with fret hand and are not over tensing. The next step is to add it back over time as a guide and as balast for deep vibrato. I'm sure you can adapt to this as well. It will feel odd for a bit as you've gotten used to playing without it. Once you readapt to it, you will have the best of both worlds, a lighter touch than what you started with and a bit of balance for bending/vibrato. Going thumbless is about either resetting hand pressure or allowing a greater reach. For bends/vibrato in particular, it's a good idea to have it back in the picture once the hand is reset to not over tense. Otherwise, vibrato and bending are both going to be perpettually hampered to some degree. You may find you start learning a lick without the thumb and later add it back. it only seems odd now as your hand has adapted to not using it for certain things. I'd say slowly start to try to add it back for bends/vibrato and such, where it does the most good. But don't feel rushed, it will just take some time. The result will be the next big step forward in your journey as a player.
Is it okay to work on reinforcing that instead of forcing the thumb back in, so I can overcome the drawbacks I might experience later or is it something that definitely needs changing back to regular way?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 11 2020, 04:00 PM
I agree with Todd here! I don't think that it can be positive to be switching from thumb to thumbless all the time. And based on what Todd says, (as he experimented with this idea), it shouldn't be a difficult task to get used again to your thumb. Maybe, you'll feel uncomfortable the first day/days but then you'll find it natural.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 12 2020, 08:23 PM
It's meant to be part of the process, but not really meant to be part of standard play, typically. Once the hand pressure has been reset, the thumb make a good hand guide on the neck. Also during vibrato, the thumb is very handy to allow a counter balance for the hand and can help create deeper vibrato and better pitch control on bends. As you are now diving in to vibrato and bends, it's a good opportunity to regain the thumb and use it to help control bending/vibrato.
There are some times when a stretch is just too far for your hand to play and thumbless technique can come to the rescue!. But for standard play, it's really meant as a step along the way. Does that make sense?
Todd
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 12 2020, 10:36 PM
There are some times when a stretch is just too far for your hand to play and thumbless technique can come to the rescue!. But for standard play, it's really meant as a step along the way. Does that make sense?
Todd
yes! it makes sense! Thanks for the clarification Todd!
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