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GMC Forum _ Todd Simpson _ Petitkyu's Bootcamp!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 9 2017, 06:32 AM

Welcome to SHRED BOOTCAMP! I'll be your Drill Instructor! And I do mean DRILL! As in a large power tool used in slasher films and Paul Gilbert concerts. Here is were you EARN THE LIVING DEATH out of your fingers and break through any speed bumps/barriers to become a MASTER CHIEF of Shred!

MISSON #1

THE MISSION

1.)Your mission is to go all the way back to the very start. The base of the mountain.

LESSON 1. http://bitly.com/gmclesson1

Which you will play SLOWWWWWWLLY, very SLOWWWLLLLYYYY until you master it at a crawl (As You'll Do With Each Mission, and focus on left hand FORM! Make it SUPER PERFECT!). Speed it up bit by bit until you feel your ready to take it to WAR (Any speed, it's up to you) Shoot a video of you playing the bit along with a METRONOME or DRUM click in the background so that I can hear if your on beat or not, and embed (upload to youtube then embed here using INSERT SPECIAL ITEM) it as a post it as a reply to this post. I'll then offer a constructive and brutally honest critique.

THE AFTERMATH

Upon nailing the crap out of lesson one, and playing it a clean as a freshly waxed floor, you will be given your first insignia of Rank in BOOTCAMP!

After that proceed to MISSION #2. Here is a link to all of the missions. All 400+ of them. Our highest ranking Soldier is currently at LEVEL 30.
http://bit.ly/twtgmc

Here is the link to your own PRIVATE HOUSE OF PAIN!...Er I mean.. SHRED!
http://bit.ly/petitkyusbootcamp

Practice!
Todd

Posted by: petitkyu Aug 9 2017, 04:13 PM

Hi Todd,

thank you for accepting me !
For lesson 1, my "zone of confort" is about 80-85 bpm... I will have to train a little bit in order to gain some speed... Hitting 100 bpm would be nice !

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 13 2017, 07:19 PM

Keep in mind that there is NEVER a speed requirement in bootcamp. Speed is a byproduct of precision and all of these lessons really focus on getting you to play in a precise manner. Over many lessons, speed just sorta happens by itself. You may not even realize it. So as long as you can play the bit in a precise fashion, you are ready to level up to the next bit There are over 400 lessons and the first few are very basic so I'd say do them quickly and get on to the really spiff bits.

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Aug 9 2017, 11:13 AM)

Hi Todd,

thank you for accepting me !
For lesson 1, my "zone of confort" is about 80-85 bpm... I will have to train a little bit in order to gain some speed... Hitting 100 bpm would be nice !

Posted by: petitkyu Aug 19 2017, 11:11 PM

Hi Sarge,

reporting for my first mission... I think I need to improve my right hand position, as I rest it on the body of the guitar (thumb side) in addition to rest it on the strings (palm mute)... any advices welcome! I include several takes at increasing rates... I feel "comfortable" up to 90-95 ppm, although when I listen to the soundtrack, this might be too optimistic! I have the funny impression that it is easier to be regular when the left hand has more work to do (like in the beginning of Darius' lesson on alternate picking...).

at 80 bpm:

at 90 bpm:

at 95 bpm:

at 100 bpm:

Sorry, all the videos stop abruptly, but I recorded far too long for each take...

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 20 2017, 10:24 PM

Well fought Soldier!!! You've drawn FIRST BLOOD!! Also, it's great to see you are starting off with a very good command of the fundamentals involved in BOOTCAMP. So let's get to it!

Let's Debrief!!

1.)RIGHT HAND PLANTED: Your right hand is nice and planted on the bridge which reduces string noise and keeps the notes in this mission very separate as they are intended to be. The only thing I might suggest is that you lower the right hand just a bit so that it's more centered on the bridge so that you could play a lick from top to bottom string by just angling your wrist instead of moving your hand as some folks get tempted to do. It's not a crime, just something worth working on.

2.)STEADY PICKING: One of the goals of this mission is to teach you to pick with a very steady rate of flow. Using exactly the same amount of time between strikes. This is part of the 'Learning to play like a Robot so you can shred like a God" philosophy. You did a great job at every speed of playing spot on with the tempo. Nice!

3.)SYNCH: Your right hand and your left hand need to be able to talk to each other so that you pick and fret in synch. Your hand synch is VERY good on all of these and you are more than ready for what's ahead.

In other words you just ....

LEVELED UP!!!!

Move on to the Next Mission Soldier!!

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Aug 19 2017, 06:11 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Aug 20 2017, 10:33 PM

Thanks Sarge! I'll work on my right hand position for mission 2!

Would you mind correcting my name on the badge? It's petitkyu without the "e" between petit (french for small) and kyu (some ranking term in martial arts... the smaller, the better!)
I'll add it to my signature!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 21 2017, 06:07 AM

Will do Soldier!

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Aug 20 2017, 05:33 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Aug 23 2017, 10:09 AM

Hi Sarge,

thanks for updating my badge...
Here is my first attempt for mission 2....

at 150 bpm :

at 160 bpm :

I tried to modify mi right hand position... not easy! As soon as I stop concentrating on this new position, it moves back... more training to do, I guess...

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 24 2017, 05:25 AM

He Shoots he scores!!! Yet again you show great form and great control These first 5 missions should not give you much trouble at all. They are just warm ups for whats to come and to help you work out your production process which it looks like you've already done so super congrats!!

Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

*RIGHT HAND TECHNIQUE: I like your positioning better here on the right hand and you are picking from the wrist and fingers just like I like to see This will come in very handy as you'll see in future Missions.

*HAND SYNCH: Spot on per usual, no perceptible drift, no lag, not rush, BAM.

*CONTROL: Never playing too fast, always under control, that's what I like to see.

in short you really just freaking KILLED IT. You are more than ready for the tougher missions that have fried some brains and caused a few sprains. Don't forget your stretches!!!

You are ready for MISSION 3!!

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Aug 23 2017, 05:09 AM)

Posted by: petitkyu Aug 27 2017, 10:13 PM

Hi Sarge,

thanks for your kind comments! I am now reporting for mission 3, played as triplets:
90 bpm :

100 bpm:

I worked up to 110 bpm, but I wouldn't dare putting the video...

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 28 2017, 02:23 AM

Soldier you are clearly way better than I expected! You are going to rip through these Missions like a hot knife through butter! Let me take a moment to say WELL FREAKING DONE on your practice and attention to detail. To whit I'd like to add a bit of SPECIAL FORCES TRAINING to your MISSION!

I usually wait until later for this but I think you are ready TODAY. Your technique is solid and you look like you are ready for a challenge. Here are your marching orders Soldier!!!

WELCOME TO MULTI PICKING

What is "Multi Picking" you ask? Simple! It's just striking the same note more than once. For example, in the Mission you just played, if I asked you to do it in "DOUBLES" you would strike each note twice with the pick, that's all. If I asked you to do triples, you'd strike each note 3 times. If I asked for "Quads" you'd strike each note four times.

Given that this is your first MULTI PICK MISSION I'll give you dealers choice! Pick either doubles, triples, or quads and play this mission one more time. Your speed here is more than plenty and fee free to slow down a bit if the multi picking requires it. Please let me know if you have any questions Soldier!!!!

SARGE

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Aug 27 2017, 05:13 PM)

Hi Sarge,

thanks for your kind comments! I am now reporting for mission 3, played as triplets:
90 bpm :

100 bpm:

I worked up to 110 bpm, but I wouldn't dare putting the video...

Laurent

Posted by: petitkyu Aug 29 2017, 07:11 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 28 2017, 03:23 AM)

WELCOME TO MULTI PICKING

What is "Multi Picking" you ask? Simple! It's just striking the same note more than once. For example, in the Mission you just played, if I asked you to do it in "DOUBLES" you would strike each note twice with the pick, that's all. If I asked you to do triples, you'd strike each note 3 times. If I asked for "Quads" you'd strike each note four times.

SARGE

Aye Aye, Sir

thanks for this special force mission... As I wasn't able to chose between doubles, triples, or quads, I tried them all!

Laurent

double, 170 bpm :

double, 180 bpm:

triplets, 110 bpm :

triplets, 120 bpm:

quadruplets, 90 bpm :

quadruplets, 100 bpm

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 1 2017, 02:45 AM

WELL FOUGHT SOLDIER!!!! This is very impressive indeed. I threw you a curve ball and you threw it right back!!! Not only did you pick one, you picked em all!! That's the kind of fighting spirit I like to see Soldier!! Let's debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

*RIGHT HAND SKILLZ: Keeping a solid palm mute while keeping precise control over ones picking is something that takes some folks years to get right and you have a really good handle on it by Mission 3! Score!

*LEFT HAND SKILLZ: Hand Synch is spot on and it's not an easy thing when shooting singles/doubles/triples and quads!!

*TIMING/PRECISION: No rushing, no lagging, deadlocked in to the timing like a killing machine!! Love to see it.

You ticked every box that I look for and that's despite me making the lesson harder at the last minute! You are more than ready for the Missions to follow Soldier! Fight On!!

In other words you just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Aug 29 2017, 02:11 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Sep 3 2017, 05:20 PM

Hi Sarge,

soldier reporting for mission 4!
I made two attempts at 150 and 160 ppm... I post them right now, since I fear I will have to stop playing for a few days... My enthusiast training at bends resulted in pain at the left hand... Hopefully, it's only muscular, but I fear it might well be a tendinitis... A few days will be needed to recover...
I'll get in touch when I start again... meanwhile, I'll try to read about music theory...

Laurent

misson 4 - 150 bpm:

mission 4 - 160 bpm:

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 3 2017, 09:00 PM

You are really tearing through these Soldier!!! We are going to have to get you to the harder bits ASAP!! This stuff is just not challenging enough for you clearly. You are ready for the crazy bits!!

Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR

*PLANTED RIGHT HAND: You are getting really good at planted your right hand on the bridge and not letting it drift. This is something folks struggle with for years in many cases. It's handy to have it there in case you need to mute a little or a lot, and to keep string noise to a minimum. Anytime you mute with the right hand you make each note stick out a bit more as it cuts off the sustain. This really helps in fast playing as it prevents notes from running together.

*SYNCH: Your right and left hands are talking to each other which is another thing that takes many years in most cases. Took me forever. One your hands can play in synch, you are ready to play some really crazy stuff. The good news is that crazy stuff is just ahead of you!

TIMING: You have a VERY solid sense of timing which is yet another thing that folks often struggle with. Did you play drums at some point?? I've found that folks who played drums, even for a short time, have a MUCH better sense of innate timing that those who didn't. of course, you can get good without every touching drums, but I have noticed ex drummers seem to pick up on strict timing a pinch better and quicker. In your case it could just be wads of good practice time

In short Soldier, we need to get you in the tall grass!!!! Or as they say, you just.

LEVELED UP

P.S.
I"m very sorry to hear you are having pain!! This is NOT a good thing. But catching it early is a GOOD thing. Take it very easy until the pain goes away. If you can find a physical therapist to see, I'd say go for it!!! I had the same pain and learning how to stretch and what to do to prevent it was really helpful for me. I'm not a doctor so I don't give out medical advice but here is a video showing how I stretch before every practice / solo/ etc. It's very simple and I learned it at physical therapy. You don't have to stretch this far as in the vid, don't push to the point of pain, just to the point of tension. It will stretch over time.

Try these very gently and see if they help you recover a bit quicker STOP if you feel pain at any time.

Todd

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Sep 3 2017, 12:20 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Sep 3 2017, 09:38 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Sep 3 2017, 10:00 PM)

Try these very gently and see if they help you recover a bit quicker

STOP if you feel pain at any time.

Todd

thanks for this video! it will certainly helps me

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 3 2017, 10:46 PM

Very glad to hear I do these everyday whether I"m playing or not and it's kept the pain away in my arms for many years. I always use to say "Do your stretches!"

Todd

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Sep 3 2017, 04:38 PM)

thanks for this video! it will certainly helps me

Posted by: petitkyu Oct 2 2017, 09:58 PM

Hi Sarge,

I'm back in action... I stopped playing for nearly a month... hope it will be enough. Stretching daily did help... thanks!
Anyway, here are my first attempts at mission 5..., might still need some polishing, though...

Laurent

at 130 bpm :

at 140 bpm:

at 150 bpm:

at 160 bpm:

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 3 2017, 08:42 PM

WELL FOUGHT SOLDIER!!!! Great to see you back in FIGHTING FORM!!! Don't lose your momentum! Attack MISSION 6 with zeal and aggression. First up, let's walk through Mission 5 and DEBRIEF!!...

MEDALS OF HONOR

*LIKE A BOSS: This is what I call the "Back and Forth" Lesson. Using a repeating/reversing pattern to get your fingers used to the idea of a "double back" inside the same scale shape. This is actually the basis for nearly every Paul Gilbert shred lick you've ever heard. Just done in a brisk fashion. You nailed it. Score 1!

*TIMING: You have to strike/fret right on beat in this one or it sticks out like a sore thumb. I'm sure you noticed that as you practiced. If you miss just one note, it wrecks the whole thing. So playing it without mistakes over and over is not an easy thing, especially at first. Score 2!

*PRECISION: Your right hand muting and left hand fretting are spot on here. Great to see. I can tell that you have put in some time on this one and you are ready for what's next. Score 3!

In short, you just...

LEVELED UP!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 16 2017, 08:09 PM

Talking to the Boss now, looks like we may be able to work something out so I"ll let you know asap

Todd

Posted by: petitkyu Mar 18 2021, 12:48 PM

Hey Sarge,

after a looooong break, I finally come back to GMC... I didn't stop playing guitar, but had to reduce quite a bit my practice.
I will soon start posting videos again in order to get some more stripes...

Posted by: petitkyu Mar 18 2021, 11:35 PM

OK... here it comes. My first attempt at mission 6

100 bpm:

110 bpm:

120 bpm:

Any comments and advices are welcome!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 19 2021, 01:28 AM

First off well done on learning this lick! It's got a very long stretch in it that throws off many a solider. You are hitting the pinky note with good pinky power! On the first vid you are locked in to the beat! On the second and third vid you drift just a bit from beat.

One thing I noticed straight away is your tone. It sounds almost like a clean country tone. I really need you to turn up the distortion so that I can see if your mute is solid. Turning down the gain/distortion will hide any gaps in your mute and I won't be able to hear it. So use a strong palm here. Try to make it sound mechanical. Increase your gain/distortion as high as you can get it before it goes all noise/feedback. It will show me any gaps that are in the mute and string noise.

Also, go back to the faster speeds and try to lock your strikes to each note. This is a tricky one but it's crucical as the following lessons are based on this type of picking precision so you gotta get it sorted before moving on.

Very solid work solider. Just a bit more and you will have this!!!

Onward!

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Mar 18 2021, 06:35 PM)

OK... here it comes. My first attempt at mission 6

100 bpm:

110 bpm:

120 bpm:

Any comments and advices are welcome!

Posted by: petitkyu Mar 21 2021, 09:00 PM

Thank you Sarge,

I tried to improve the tone... I still have to master the boss GT-1 and reaper... I hope this sounds better.
What do you think ?

cheers,

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 22 2021, 07:17 AM

Soldier this is well played!!! I think your tone is improving also but this is still fairly low gain for what I'm looking for. Here is a video on how to set up your BOSS unit for a high gain lead tone. Try to follow these instructions and and play this lick with the new setting. The higher the gain, the more it will let me see how your Palm Mute is doing. High gain will show any gaps in your mute. Low gain doesn't let me really here if there are any gaps that need to be sorted.

Try this one more time with a high gain patch per the video and let her rip!!!

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Mar 21 2021, 04:00 PM)

Thank you Sarge,

I tried to improve the tone... I still have to master the boss GT-1 and reaper... I hope this sounds better.
What do you think ?

cheers,

Laurent

Posted by: petitkyu Mar 24 2021, 09:46 PM

Hi Sarge,

thanks for the link... it was helpful. Now, I have a "Todd setting" on my GT-1 !

Here is the video at 110 bpm :

I manage more or less to reach up to 130 bpm in some good moments... but 110 bpm seems to be my limit for the time being...
What do you think ?

cheers,
Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 26 2021, 01:31 AM

Great progress Soldier!!! For next time, two things.

1.)Please try to sit in Classical Position for Bootcamp Missions. Put the guitar on the left leg and put about six or eight inched of books or something under your left foot to raise it up. There is a very good reason classical players sit this way. It's for the simple reason that it is the most efficient angle for the hands/guitar. You can sit side saddle outside of bootcamp if you like, but I wouldn't suggest it. IMHO it gets in the way of your progress.

2.)Reposition your Palm Mute. Once you are seated in proper position, reposition your palm mute. It should rest flat on the bridge in roughly the middle of the bridge When muting, the tone should change. if you are muting right, you'll hear it Proper mute is critical as nearly every mission has muting.

3.)For the first several Missions it's a good idea to try to have a Metronome going not only for your sake but for mine as well. It lets you hear if you are drifting and more importantly it will let me hear if you are drifting

Now that's out of the way!! I think those few changes will help you to make progress much faster than if you keep going without them. We don't want to burn in bad habbits right here at the start. So I always want to fix bad habits as I see them happening.

Onward!

Solid work here Soldier!! You have very good mechanics of play going here (aside from the seating position, mute placement and lack of audible metronome) This one is really about playing on the beat and being able to using PINKY POWER without losing synch. You've got it sorted!! You are ready to move on! I think your tone is much improved. ALWAYS use the bridge pickup in bootcamp BTW. NEVER use the neck pickup. If possible, give it a bit more distortion and a bit more treble so that I can hear your pick strikes. Improvement is the goal and as long as we are getting some each time we are heading in the right direction!

Have a look at this vid and watch my pick hand. Notice how it stays loose even at speed and stays roughly in the center of the bridge. Never tensing, always loose, barely exerting effort. When proper technique is employed, it will look nearly effortless because proper technique allows efficiency of motion which reduces the next for exertion.

You are on the path Soldier!! Keep it up!!

You just...

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Mar 24 2021, 04:46 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Mar 26 2021, 07:58 AM

Thank you Sarge!

I will try the classical position... I will have to deal with the jack position on the Tele that seems to come in the way on the right leg, but I will work on it. I am sorry about the missing metronome... I guess I screw something when rendering the track with reaper... I will double check next time!

You suggested me to watch one of your video, in order to check your picking hand position, but I'm afraid the link is missing!

Cheers,
Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 26 2021, 10:39 PM

Good point on the tele! If possible, can you use the strat for bootcamp? It's well suited for what we are working on. Yngwie has been using a strat since forever! Not to worry about the little bits like the metronome as it's all a process and we are heading the same direction towards your goals so it will work out Eventually, you won't need the metronome at all. It will just be built in to your head! It's good to start with it though. My bad on this missing link! Here is the vid I was talking about

Notice around 24 seconds in when I play a brisk single string thing that my hand position stops moving around and there is very little hand motion/wag.

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Mar 26 2021, 02:58 AM)

Posted by: petitkyu Mar 27 2021, 08:05 PM

Thanks Todd for the video... I better understand the hand position... I will have to get used to it, but I can already tell that it seems easier to control palm multing....

I don't own the Strat any more... My home made Tele will have to do...

Cheers,
Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 27 2021, 11:19 PM

Glad that the video helped! You are doing very well so far in BOOTCAMP!! Fight on Soldier!! Your home made tele will work just fine Impressive that you built it yourself!!! Well done!! Where does the jack come out for the cable?

The good news is that once you get used to sitting in classical and placing the mute in the middle, it will make everything easier in the long run. You'll notice less stress on your arm/hands and increased precision/speed. Fight on Soldier!!

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Mar 27 2021, 03:05 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Apr 3 2021, 09:42 PM

Hi Sarge,

reporting for mission 7, sir!
It was quite difficult to increase the speed on this one, especially when moving the pattern down the neck...

Here it is at 130 bpm:

at 140 bpm:

and at 150 bpm:

I think I have a lot of unwanted sounds, although I tried to mute lower strings with my right hand... maybe not enough?
What do you think?

Keep safe and enjoy your Easter weekend!
Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 5 2021, 06:16 AM

Well Fought Soldier! Your showing great progress here. Your picking is very good. Also, your hand synch is quite good as well which is the entire point of this drill. It's got non stop fret/string traverse and your hands are not used to that yet so they are not quite ready to shred this one. Still you are playing well and making good gains which is great to see!

I notice your mute intensity changes from the first to second/third vid. In the first vid, the mute is a little light and on the second/third is more heavy. I think somewhere in the middle is the best thing to try for. It should be hard enough to create a gap in between each note, but not so heavy that it chokes out the notes. This is a very tough balance to find but that's why we are here We have plenty of missions to sort this out. For now though, you continue to make progress which is what I want to see.

I wanted to share a few pictures with you about muting. The first one is just the bridge.

The second one is my hand roughly placed in the middle of the bridge for a standard palm mute

the third is my hand planted with my pick about to address the string.

The important thing is to keep your palm mute as vertical as possible per picture number 2 so that you are getting a good mute on all of the strings without having to bring your fretting hand in to it to must the higher strings. Most players use the fretting hand to mute the higher strings without even realizing they are doing it. It's a natural thing but something that should be fought against. Ideally your picking hand should be able to mute all of the strings. This way you will be able to play open string licks which require that you pull the fretting hand off of the neck.

Just something to keep in mind as you move forward!!

You have this one sorted soldier. You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Apr 3 2021, 04:42 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Apr 5 2021, 07:16 AM

Thank you Sarge !

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Apr 5 2021, 07:16 AM)

I notice your mute intensity changes from the first to second/third vid. In the first vid, the mute is a little light and on the second/third is more heavy. I think somewhere in the middle is the best thing to try for. It should be hard enough to create a gap in between each note, but not so heavy that it chokes out the notes. This is a very tough balance to find but that's why we are here

We have plenty of missions to sort this out. For now though, you continue to make progress which is what I want to see.

Yes, I am still trying to find a good position for muting properly... your explanations will help!

Laurent

Posted by: petitkyu Apr 11 2021, 09:31 PM

Hi Sarge,

reporting for mission 8!

150 bpm:

160 bpm:

170bpm:

At 170 bpm, I really feel that it is my current limit...
what do you think?

Take care!
Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 12 2021, 12:01 AM

You are playing well Soldier!! i'm spending time going over these videos with a fine tooth comb.

ONE QUICK TIP!!!!

IF YOU WANT TO PUSH YOUR SPEED BEYOND 170, JUST STOP MOVING AROUND THE FRET BOARD. JUST STAY IN ONE PLACE AND LODOP THE LICK

[Youquote name='petitkyu' date='Apr 11 2021, 04:31 PM' post='787586']
Hi Sarge,

reporting for mission 8!

150 bpm:

160 bpm:

170bpm:

At 170 bpm, I really feel that it is my current limit...
what do you think?

Take care!
Laurent
[/quote]

Posted by: petitkyu Apr 12 2021, 07:18 AM

Thanks for the tip! It's true that when I stay at the same neck position, I can push pu the speed a little bit... I'll be glad to reach 200 bpm!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 12 2021, 09:19 AM

Its easier on the fret hand to stay in one spot on a looping lick so that the brain can focus on the picking hand : ) Also, see if you can lighten up just a bit with your pick strikes. For these types of licks, the lighter the better

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Apr 12 2021, 02:18 AM)

Thanks for the tip! It's true that when I stay at the same neck position, I can push pu the speed a little bit... I'll be glad to reach 200 bpm!!

Posted by: petitkyu Apr 12 2021, 07:36 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Apr 12 2021, 10:19 AM)

Just to be sure... what do you mean by being lighter with the pick strikes: make smaller hand/finger movement or try to touch the strings with only the tip of the pick? (or maybe both...)

I am trying to minimize my right hang motions when playing... but that's a bat habit that is not easy to modify....
I'll post a new take when I made some progress about that!

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 13 2021, 01:13 AM

Both really For licks like we do in bootcamp, (only applies for this type of playing) it's always a good idea to minimize hand movement and a good idea to use just the tip of the pick and a good idea to use as little pick pressure as possible. So minimal hand wag, just barely strike the string and use as little hand motion as possible. Use zero hand motion if you can and reduce it to just finger / thumb motion. At a certain speed, the fingers won't be enough and you'll need some wrist. But again, it's a very specific style of play relative to the type of licks we are doing here in bootcamp.

Hope this helps!

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Apr 12 2021, 02:36 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Apr 15 2021, 08:16 PM

Hey Sarge,

I've been trying to follow your advices, and worked at a single position...
I am more or less able to reach 190 bpm... but then comes another difficulty: the metronome goes too fast for me to be sure that I am right on the click.... I think I could go faster, but with no real control on the speed...

Here is my attempt at 190 bpm:

I'm afraid that for the mission, 170 bpm remains my limit...

what do you think?

Laurent

Posted by: petitkyu Apr 18 2021, 08:19 PM

Hey Sarge,

I hope you are feeling better now! Some you have the feeling that the vaccine might be worse than the actual disease... but I am convinced it's worth in this case!

I've been trying to increase the speed on mission 8...
Here it is at 170 bpm

at 180 bpm (not far from my limit...)

and at 190bpm (this last one is just for the challenge... it's really over my limit right now!).

What do you think!!

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 19 2021, 03:55 AM

IMPRESSIVE!!!! This is very good work soldier. You took all of the advice and put it to good use and and then put in the practice. That's the real secret about getting better. it doesn't occur as a matter of leaps and bounds, but more inch by inch. This can be daunting until one embraces each inch as a it's own measure of progress and success. Each success builds on the last and and your skill will grow and grow and grow.

Very well played here. The key to this Mission is being able to play a very complicated pattern on beat. I really focus on keeping this one on target and it does take a bit of repetition. This pattern that you are doing is called a 'Scale inversion" and it's a complex pattern that challenges the fingers. It makes a great warmup and gets the blood flowing. This one is too complex to shred, but it is perfect for building a relationship with the beat, with time. Being able to play "in time" is a crucial part of being a great player. Your timing has improved quite a bit since you started working on this Mission and you have earned your badge Soldier. You are ready for what awaits!

You just...

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!

P.S. I agree about the vaccine. It's worth the trouble it causes

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Apr 18 2021, 03:19 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Apr 25 2021, 08:03 PM

Hey Sarge!

I hope you are feeling better now!

I've been working on mission 9 for one week... although the left hand pattern seems rather simple, it seems to me to be very demanding on the left hand's muscles...

Nevertheless, here is a take at 120 bpm (as triplets):

I wanted to put a video at 130 bpm (which is a little be too fast right now) but for some reasons, I can't have Reaper to record another take... I spent half an hour to try to find out what was wrong.... but no way.

Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 26 2021, 06:38 AM

Well fought Soldier!! You are putting all of the elements together and it's starting to work!! This one does look simple on paper. After all, it's just 3 notes. The shape doesn't change. It's just the same shape, on two strings, marched up one fret at a time. Simple right? Well, sorta. Once you start playing it, your hands start to realize that this is going to be a bit more work than it first might appear. Due to the fact that we are only moving one fret at a time, the fingers really get to work quite a bit as they march up the neck. Also, good use of the pinky here. It's tough to march up the neck and lead with the pinky and you did a fine job of it. Nice!

Solid mute, good hand synch, clean pick strikes, Nice! This makes a very good warmup lick and it's good for working on your endurance. Make sure to keep your grip on the guitar and the pick as loose as you can, and see how many times you can run this up the neck. Don't play to the point of pain, ever. But, running this up and then changing to a new couple of strings, lower or higher, is a great workout for the hands.

You've got this Soldier!!
You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Apr 25 2021, 03:03 PM)

Laurent

Posted by: petitkyu May 10 2021, 09:42 PM

Hey Sarge,

that last mission was a pain! I struggled quite a bit before being able to record something...

Here it is at 150 bpm

at 160 bpm

and an attempt at 170 bpm

have an nice day!
Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 11 2021, 05:27 AM

Congrats Soldier!!! This Missions is a big ROAD BLOCK. It is meant to serve as a barrier. There are several like it. It's meant to be a bit of a stumbling block to force you to dig deep and find your inner power. The good news is that you have done just that!!!! This is a "Inversion" lesson. This way of playing a scale is by far my favorite. It's not something that everyone can do to be honest. You'll notice many top players using this type of lick and making it look easy. You've just joined the ranks of people who actually play this. it's not easy and it takes work. It's a bit tricky, a bit of a finger twister. Most players avoid these type of licks as they often see them as more work than they are worth. After all, it's not a "shred" lick, it's impossible to play it very fast. It's not a "sweep" lick, so it doesn't sound like an trendy 8bit video game. It's a lot work to add some texture. I do think it's worth it as it will give your guitar solo work a bit of something that other solos just lack. character. Now that you have it down, I'd love to see you try to MULTI PICK it!!! I know you've worked quite hard on this Id like to challenge you even further. This is OPTIONAL of course. if you think it's beyond your current available time/etc. Feel free to decline.

If you decide to take it on, try to "double pick" play each note twice or triple or quad pick it. Multi picking is a new world of picking. it's not for the timid. I see a boldness in your playing that makes me think it might be fore you. Just add it in with your next vid if you like

For this one, you just..

LEVELED UP!!

Onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ May 10 2021, 04:42 PM)

Hey Sarge,

that last mission was a pain! I struggled quite a bit before being able to record something...

Here it is at 150 bpm

at 160 bpm

and an attempt at 170 bpm

have an nice day!
Laurent

Posted by: petitkyu May 17 2021, 09:33 PM

Hi Sarge,

I gave a try to your multipack challenge... I first planned to record it at 100 bpm to stay on the safe side... I forgot that the default speed in reaper was 120 bpm... It was quite tricky to maintain speed when playing quatruplets....

Here it is !

what do you think?
Still working on mission 11...

have a nice day!

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 18 2021, 01:33 AM

WELL DONE!! Multipicking is a skill unto itself. Some folks have real trouble with it but you have adapted very well. Nice!! it's a great way to add texture and more notes to a solo passage and a great way to work on your picking!! You did quite well on this and kept a solid mute the entire time.

What did you think about it? Was it challenging? I'd say try to do a multi pick version of just about every mission (you don't have to include it in your mission video if you don't want to, it's just something to help you get better as a player)

I'm glad you chose to dive in to this Soldier!!! Super congrats on nailing it!!

Onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ May 17 2021, 04:33 PM)

Hi Sarge,

I gave a try to your multipack challenge... I first planned to record it at 100 bpm to stay on the safe side... I forgot that the default speed in reaper was 120 bpm...

It was quite tricky to maintain speed when playing quatruplets....

Here it is !

what do you think?
Still working on mission 11...

have a nice day!

Posted by: petitkyu May 25 2021, 08:22 PM

Hi Todd,

here is my attempt at mission 11...
at 150 bpm:

at 160 bpm:

What do you think?

About the multipick challenge, I have the feeling that it is my fretting hand that is my limit when trying to increase speed... So I find mulitpicking easier, as it gives more time to my left hand...

Have a nice day!

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 27 2021, 01:58 AM

Well Fought Soldier!!! I can see a lot of progress here. You have very good hand synch going on and above all, you are synched up with the metronome. This is a HUGE achievement. Being able to play a complicated pattern and not loose track of the beat is a tricky thing. The brain has to not only focus on several things at once while playing, but in addition, you have to listen for the click and make sure you are picking in time with the click. so your listening to your playing while listening to the click and integrating it all. This is great practice for the future when you play with a backing track and or play with other musicians. In both cases, you have to listen to your own playing while listening to something else at the same time. Being able to integrate a backing/click track and synch it up with your playing is a key skill. You've made big strides Soldier! Also, your technique is on point! Solid picking, fretting, use of the pinky, it's all there!!! I like your palm mute position as well.

The only adjustment I"d say to focus on for the next mission is to perhaps put a pinch more pressure on your palm mute in order to create more separation between the notes you are playing. This is not always needed, but it is often needed here in bootcamp. It's the next step on your journey!!

You've got this one sorted Soldier!!!

You just...

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ May 25 2021, 03:22 PM)

Have a nice day!

Posted by: petitkyu Jun 6 2021, 08:36 PM

Hi Sarge,

I hope you are doing well!

Here are my attempts at mission 12
110 bpm:

120 bpm:

and for the fun of it, 130 bpm (in my good days, I can nearly reach 140 bpm, but not with the video on!):

What do you think?

have a nice day!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 7 2021, 03:15 AM

You are doing a great job of fingering the lick and keeping your hands in synch but your drifting away from the metrono once you get about half way down the neck. Watch your vids again and see if you can notice it. Being able to focus on several things at once is not easy, especially when playing something tricky and trying to match it to the metronome. I think you may be focusing on speed a bit more than listening to the click. You can clearly play this quite fast but you are rushing it just a bit. Make sure sure it lines up with the metronome all the way down the neck. Maybe slow it down just a pinch and focus more on keeping it steady with the click. You've got this soldier, I know you can do it!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Jun 6 2021, 03:36 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Jun 7 2021, 07:31 PM

Hi Sarge,

you are right... I am really focussing on speed...
iIn this take, at 110 bpm, I really try to listen to the metronome... not that easy...

have a nice day!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 8 2021, 07:31 AM

Now your talking! you've got very solid techinque here Soldier and in addition your new rushing it at the end and your staying no top of the beat. If you want to push the speed, this is a great drill for it since it's very linear and you don't have to traverse strings every other note. So i'd say keep this one in your warm up set and push the BPM just a bit each time until you are burning down the neck. It's a fun lick. Also, you can run it in reverse. As a brain workout, see if you can flip to an ascending note just as something to play with. You can run it descending and then ascending back up. It's the double pick on each position that makes it sound faster than it actually is. I love single string licks. They are always fun and always a good workout.

You've got this one sorted. You are ready for what's next!!

You just....

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!!

Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Jun 7 2021, 02:31 PM)

Hi Sarge,

you are right... I am really focussing on speed...
iIn this take, at 110 bpm, I really try to listen to the metronome... not that easy...

have a nice day!

Posted by: petitkyu Jul 21 2021, 08:27 PM

Hi Sarge,

I hope you are doing well.... now that my forefinger has reached back its normal size, I am able again to practice....
Here is an attempt at mission 13 at 120 bpm....

what do you think ?
Laurent

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 21 2021, 09:31 PM

Well Fought Soldier!! This is a very tricky lick and you are playing it at speed! You keep up with the metronome without rushing or lagging and keep the whole thing together. There are so many notes in this that it makes it very easy to miss just one and then you gotta start the whole thing over! This is called a "scale inversion" and it's one of my favorite ways to play a scale. Also, it's one of my fave things to do when soloing. I will take just a few notes from part of this, and blend it in with a solo. You have good hand synch going and your pick strikes are very clean. The only thing I'd suggest on your mute is to press down a bit harder sometimes to give a stronger mute which will keep other notes from sustaining beyond where you want them to sustain. It's something that takes time and we will work on it as we go!

You've got this Soldier. You are ready for what's next! You've got good momentum going Soldier. Keep it up! You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (petitkyu @ Jul 21 2021, 03:27 PM)

Posted by: petitkyu Aug 30 2021, 09:56 PM

Hey Sarge,

I am back in the field! I hope you are doing well!

Here is a first attempt at mission 14 at 140 bpm

150 bpm:

and 160 bpm (which, I fear, is currently above my limit!!):

For some reasons, I am no more able to record the sound track in Reaper. So it is a direct take from my phone... sorry for the low quality!
What do you think?

Laurent