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Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 12 2013, 05:37 PM

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

THE MISSION

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

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

Which you will play SLOWWWWWWLLY, very SLOWWWLLLLYYYY until you master it at a crawl (As You'll Do With Each Mission, and focus on left hand FORM! Make it SUPER PERFECT!). Speed it up bit by bit until you feel your ready to take it to WAR (Any speed, it's up to you) Shoot a video and post it as a reply to this post. I'll then offer a constructive and brutally honest critique.

THE AFTERMATH

Upon nailing the crap out of lesson one at a speed you didn't think possible, and playing it a clean as a freshly waxed floor, you will be given your first insignia of Rank in BOOTCAMP!

Here is your link your personal training ground/HELL!

http://bitly.com/andersbootcamp


Practice!
Todd

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Dec 14 2013, 09:24 PM

Im on it, practicing

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 18 2013, 06:39 AM

Give em hell Soldier!!!

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Dec 19 2013, 03:27 PM

Im working on two strings shreds. Im trying to relax my right hand. ill stay in touch

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 20 2013, 06:49 AM

Relaxing the hand is very important Post your first video of Mission 1 whenever you are ready

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Dec 20 2013, 05:15 PM

He there, i have uploaded two clips. The first on mission 1, I'm working on relaxing my hand but when im on and over 160 bmp i can see my arm twisting up, but im working on it:)

http://youtu.be/jDaWCUPf_nQ

The second clip is a common clip and i just want to show you my wrist motion. I trying to use my fingers and then my wrist. Can you take a look on the second clip and see if im on the right way? It doesn't sounds very good but im just working on my right hand for the moment:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Qqtq1N_pM&feature=youtu.be

//Regards Anders

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 20 2013, 10:57 PM

NICE!!!! Soldier you have obviously been spending time on the shooting range!!! The enemy has been laid to waste!!!!!

Very good all around technique here, and your precision is impressive to boot. Your ability is certainly not in question here but as this is your first MISSION, I am going to have to be super critical of course. So.....

Take one more crack at the vid and do the following.

1.)Try to get your entire guitar in the shot so I can see your fret hand as well.
2.)Use distortion but remove any reverb/delay/etc. I want to hear every strike.

Use this as a guideline for all future mission vids.


Your playing is really impressive soldier, a couple of tweaks to your mission vids and BAM!!!

SARGE

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Dec 21 2013, 12:59 PM

Thanks, Im focusing on the wrist for the moment and im trying to use finger motion as well:)

I will have that in mind instructions in mind for future vids. Next step, mission two.

Regard

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 27 2013, 06:29 AM

Your doing really well on these Soldier and I can see some GREAT progress in your near future!! It's right at this point where many players simply lack the will to continue. I don't judge them harshly. Life offers us many paths. The way of the warrior is beset on all sides by the inequities of men and the trials and tribulations of life. I think you have it in you to fight on!!!

Todd






I chose mine youg iall guit]

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Dec 28 2013, 11:10 AM

Hi there mate, I´m on it, believe me. I´m just sitting here and practicing lesson two and five. I don´t want to release it until I´m satisfied with the result. I will upload a clip soon.

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Dec 28 2013, 04:56 PM

Hi, i made a clip for lesson two. I know the sound isn't the best but next time i will fix something better for the sound. Hope you can hear it anyway

http://youtu.be/9TjaXGM-Dqc

240 bmp

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 2 2014, 07:16 AM

Well fought Soldier!!!!! Your drilling and killing!

Let's Debrief!!!

Soldier, I"ll just cut straight to it.... you just.....


LEVELED UP!!!!!!!



MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Clean Strikes
2.)Strict Precision
3.)Tight hand synch

So here is your first mission badge!! You "skilled out" of lesson one so here is your lesson two badge!

Fight on Soldier!!!! Lesson 3 awaits!

Sarge

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jan 2 2014, 07:38 AM

Thanks Sarge
Im practicing on lesson 3 and 4. I have some problems with lesson 3, when the bpm comes above 190 bmp i have a small "pauses" in the loop. Im trying to manage it.

Happy new year

//Regards

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jan 8 2014, 09:55 PM

Hi Todd, i hope everything is fine:)

I made a quick teaser of lesson 3. This is not my finished lesson, but i need some advice. I think, but i don't know if this is clean.

I think i can hear four tones at the g-string but i may be wrong. I will upload a lesson 3 when im satisfied with the result. I have installed guitar rig 5 and next video will be recorded in the computer and webcam, better quality.

Here it is. 200bpm. There are mistakes in this clip as u can see, but i just made this clip when practicing.

Regards.

http://youtu.be/2zB35t0pIpw

Second, poor sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwn9k0abA9g


Is there any availability to record with metronome in guitar rig 5?? I have searching Google but i didn't find anything,

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 11 2014, 06:34 AM

Coming along nicely Good picking, and palm muting. You'll like recording with GR5, makes it very simple to get good tone in a home studio, and you don't have to make your neighbors crazy with loud amps as a bonus

I use Guitar Rig 4 and 5 in my vid chat lessons for the metronome. In GR, just click the metronome icon and it starts going. Also, you can replace the clicks with drum sounds. Speaking of, for your next vid, on the next few missions, maybe switch to a single sound for the click on the metronome. Instead of click click click clack (clack being a click version of a snare) see if you can use a single click sound if possible. The timing of some of these can be a bit odd and reducing the click track complexity can help quite a bit.

Todd

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jan 11 2014, 10:54 AM

Thanks Todd, appreciate your advice

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 15 2014, 02:25 AM

Anytime Soldier!!!

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jan 19 2014, 06:09 PM

Hi Todd, i made some clips, lesson 3. I must say, i do not feel comfortable when recording. When the camera goes on i feel pressure:) But anyway here is the clip of lesson 3. My goal is 220, clean, i have plenty hours left to make it clean in that speed.

You may hear some screams, it´s my four month old boy who is screaming I thought it wouldn't reach the camera but it did.

Lesson 3 200 bmp.
http://youtu.be/D_EhDIaPQEM

Lesson 3 210 bmp.
http://youtu.be/ntzGaN-GGqw





If you have any guidelines to implement a metronome in Reaper or something similar i would be very thankful. I would like to have that sort of sound you have in the lessons. Are you using GR5 or Reaper?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 23 2014, 04:46 AM

Nicely done!!! Your right hand it really coming along and your right hand / left hand synch is very good!!! Nicely Fought Soldier!!! I'm truly a lucky Sarge to have Soldiers who are just KILLING IT!!!!!

This of course means I have to push the bar even higher!!! You clearly have no problem playing this bit which is great!! But now I want to see you add DOUBLE PICKING and QUAD PICKING to each of your MISSIONS. You can handle it no problem!!!!! I like the background screaming btw Great set of lungs on that kid! A future lead singer?

So take one more pass at this and do a DOUBLE PICK pass and QUAD PICK pass. As for the metronome, I"m using GUITAR RIG for my chat lessons. You can change what sample is being used just click on the small triangle on the right side of the metronome. See attached.

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jan 23 2014, 01:20 PM

Thanks Todd, i will try to manage double and quad picking, but i have to sit down and practice, im not used to play that style. I will update after a while. I can feel my wrist is more relaxed and the hand synch coming along
Yes i hope my little boy wants to start playing guitar or some other instruments, perhaps singing

Thanks for the advice Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 29 2014, 10:04 AM

I usually sit down when I practice as well. I practice quite a bit so standing the whole time might be a bit draining. Not to mention, I'm usually recording something so I need to sit to control all the software/mixer etc. Try to sit in classical position if possible!!!

I know I'm asking a lot of you here, but that is the point of our crazy Bootcamp!! To require you guys to push beyond what you thought was possible and see big gains in your playing.

Keep your picking hand somewhat loose and don't let your body go tense! Pick in a relaxed and even way and your picking for doubles and quads will come up to speed in no time!!

SARGE

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Feb 18 2014, 01:11 PM

Double and quad picking. There is some small mistakes in this clip, but I didn't had the time for the "perfect clip".

http://youtu.be/4Cga8z6XNpE

Regards

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 21 2014, 07:58 AM

NICE!!! Some really fine picking in this video Soldier!! The picking is perfectly even and steady which is what we want to hear!! The only issue is that it doesn't seem connected to the metronome? You have plenty of speed going but it's floating free of the timing it seems. Maybe slow down a pinch and lock in to the metronome click. If you are playing quads for example, you can set the metronome to click once for every four strikes of the pick. That way you'll do a four count, hear a click, then play the next note. This makes it easier to lock in to the timing of the metronome.

A big part of the drills is being able to play the bits in lock step with a given count. You have done some great work on getting this lick up to speed, just need to connect it a pinch better on the timing clicks!!

Once More Into The Breach Soldier!!

Sarge

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Feb 21 2014, 09:44 AM

Thanks for the advice Todd, im on it. I will slow it down and try to connect my hands to the metronome.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 10 2014, 06:19 AM

Dig deep and give em Hell Soldier!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 20 2014, 06:06 AM

Soldier, have you broken ranks? We are looking for your dog tags!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jul 29 2014, 09:19 AM

Hi, i must say, I've have put most energy into ordinary AP. But i will upload a clip concering double and quad picking.

Regards

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Jul 29 2014, 05:26 PM

A beer in right hand and pick in left hand. I'm on it

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 30 2014, 05:42 AM

Great to see you back in the fight soldier!! Some serious skill in your picking!!! Don't think you have to go crazy shred speed right out of the gate. The important thing with DOUBLE PICK and QUAD PICK is to keep it in synch with the metronome. It can be a little tedious but it's worst mastering. Fight on Soldier!!

Sarge

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Aug 20 2014, 09:12 PM

Hi, i uploaded a clip as i wrote before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lusTY2K--h4&feature=youtu.be

Poor sound but i hope you can here every note:)

Regards.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 20 2014, 09:40 PM

You made the video PRIVATE and I can't see it

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Aug 20 2014, 09:45 PM

Okej...hmm...

i think it should be working now?

Btw: its my girlfreiend youtube account:)

New LINK:

http://youtu.be/lusTY2K--h4

Its bedtime for me now, if it doesnt work, i will fix it tomorrow:)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 21 2014, 05:00 AM

Working now Soldier!! I'll check it out

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 22 2014, 05:21 AM

Great to see you back on the FIELD OF BATTLE SOLDIER!!!!

Let's Debrief....

MEDAL OF HONOR

1.)QUAD PICKING!!!!!
2.)Solid Techniques on all fronts, right hand, left hand, picking, synch, nice!
3.)Keeping Good right hand position, planted on the bridge.

Your picking has improved quite a bit soldier as has your overall technique!! Keep up this momentum and ATTACK THE NET MISSION!!!

You Sir have just earned your THIRD MISSION BADGE!!!!

and ...

!!!!!!!LEVELED UP!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Aug 22 2014, 07:22 AM

Thx

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 23 2014, 03:37 AM

Congrats Soldier!!! Keep the momentum!! ATTACK THE NEXT MISSION!!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 12 2014, 06:48 AM

Soldier!! YOU ARE MISSING IN ACTION!!!!

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Nov 24 2014, 09:01 PM

Yeah i know, but im playing guitar daily. Lesson 4, do u use metronome or not? I saw the instruction video and there was no metronome? For the moment i am praticing "technical difficulties" (Gilbert) for my alternate picking. Its hard piece but im trying.

Yes, will upload a clips soon. I have been a little lazy

Thanks for pushing me

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 24 2014, 09:36 PM

I used a metronome for years and now I can hear one in my head. But until you get to that level having something to help keep time can be a good thing but it can be anything! A drum beat, a song, anything

In my Video Chats I use the metronome in GUITAR RIG 5 and just change the sounds in it to a kick and snare drum

Looking forward to your clips Soldier!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Sep 27 2015, 09:19 AM

Long time no see. Im back for mission four. I will do my best and it may take a while until i feeling satisfied with the mission. I also have to buy a decent web camera for my next rec.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 28 2015, 11:23 PM

WELCOME BACK SOLDIER!!!!!




Great to see you on the field of Battle again!!!!! Let me know if I can help

Sarge

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Nov 2 2015, 07:39 PM

Hi Todd, i have some issues with the synchronisation, as many other guitar player:)
But... when im using guitar rig 5 through my simple "focusrite 2i2" and finally to my headset it feels like the guitar doenst answer my picking. Its like i have to hit the strings harder comparing my ordinary amplifier and this affects my picking? Is this is just imagination? I just have to work harder or could it be any preset settings?

Just made two quick vids from my ordinary camera. When im using my amplifier it feels much better, i dont have to "misstreat" the strings when playing, just small and soft movements. In the first clip im playing to fast for my self. I can here its not clean, but i dont have to struggle with my picking, the guitar is answering me if know what i mean.
The second clip i slowed down and i think its better.

https://youtu.be/uHyDlrNEMh8

https://youtu.be/Juv-5zBJv78

But if im using Guitar rig i dont have that fluid sound in my alternate picking, i have to struggle with my playing when im not using my amp...

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 2 2015, 10:28 PM

I can hear some KILLER playing in these vids! Sadly, I can't actually SEE any playing at all since the camera is not pointed at the person doing the playing The reason I have you make the vids is so that I can see your hands/position/technique/etc. If I Can't see you playing I can't really give good feedback.

The good news is that is sounds like you are KILLING IT!!! I don't hear a metronome or anything keeping time though so I can't tell if you are drifting or not. Some quick tips as well as for using Guitar Rig/Amplitude.

1.)Always play with a beat source of some kind. (metronome/ez drummer/etc.) so I can hear your playing synched to a beat.
2.)Always point the camera at your guitar/hands so I can actually see how you are playing
3.)When using software (amplitude/etc) make sure you the INPUT knob turned up enough so that the signal is just a bit in the RED zone of the meter. Also, you can use an overdrive pedals (set gain to zero/tone about half/volume about 8) and it will boost your signal going in to the software so you don't have to pick has hard.

Your playing sounds like it's coming along very well!! I see that you are still not using the EMBED feature for youtube vids but that's easy to fix. Get the link for your youtube vid. click on INSERT SPECIAL ITEM (Next to fonts here in the edit window on GMC and click on YOUTUBE VIDEO. Then simply follow the instructions eg.erase everything in the little box you pasted your link into except for the last bit after the "=" symbol.

xffMUkG-gq4 as in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xffMUkG-gq4


I think your playing is really sounding great!! Make me a video where I can see you actually playing and synched to a beat and you are ready to level up!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Nov 3 2015, 08:05 AM

Hi Todd, i just did a fast clip so u could hear the sound. Im on my way to make a clip for the next mission, but as i wrote, i have some problem that the signal is to dry/low from the computer. When im practicing im always uses a metronome, i just hade to point the camara against the amp otherwise the sound is to poor.

Do you have any good suggsestion which pedal you think is decent with GR5? Should i always use the amplifier in my playing/peacticing instead of my cheap earphones ??

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 7 2015, 01:30 AM

It's ok if the sound is poor You can use your smart phone to record the vids if you like. I just need to see you doing the playing and hear the metronome in the background. It's ok if the quality is not good.

You can get a JOYO JF01 for about $25 U.S. onine. It makes a great clean boost for the price Use whatever gear helps you practice better.

What is your recording interface? Are you using the internal soundcard on the computer? Remind me again which daw you are using? You should be able to increase the amount of signal going in to your software, I"ll help you figure it out

Your clearly ready for the tougher missions. We just have to work out your video details.

Todd

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Nov 7 2015, 11:00 AM

Hi Todd, im using Guitar rig and Reaper (software applications). I am using this soundcard
http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i2

This is pretty cheap but i hope it works fine, but as i wrote it would be nice if i could increase the signal so i can make decent records.
Im using this amplifier:
https://www.google.se/search?q=flextone+II&biw=1366&bih=667&tbm=isch&imgil=UV4U19GUv-Mq_M%253A%253BCCfY2f1XyvjmUM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.com%25252Fitm%25252FLINE6-FLEXTONE-II-HD-AMP-HEAD-VINYL-AMPLIFIER-COVER-p-n-line001-%25252F370851697284&source=iu&pf=m&fir=UV4U19GUv-Mq_M%253A%252CCCfY2f1XyvjmUM%252C_&usg=__iLfAF0aCh-PclouAHvIeF-yh9KM%3D&ved=0CDgQyjdqFQoTCKClmZuF_sgCFaapcgodyKoGcQ&ei=_ck9VuCyNqbTygPI1ZqIBw

I also have some pedals. Mayby i can use them to increase the singal in some sort of way??
https://www.google.se/search?q=korg+ax1000&biw=1366&bih=667&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIxKiQuYX-yAIV6_ByCh3b7w3-#imgrc=QATJlRPoWOvDkM%3A

That pedal you suggested, i you think it could be a solution i will order it right away. I think i have to order a webcam. Would be nice if i can add a webcam with the record in Reaper. Which program are u using for that?

Many questions here, but as you mention i really need to fix my gear for recording.

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Nov 7 2015, 12:17 PM

I just had to make some new clips for my mission:) I had to lift up my amplifier in the couch beside me. And the "screaming" you hear in the background is my two year old son who is playing ghostbusters:) I didnt manage him to be quiet.

Lesson 4, 180 bpm.


Lesson 5, 160 bpm.
Dont know why this clip isnt synched??


Lesson 5, 180 bpm

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 10 2015, 05:43 AM

WOW! SOLDIER!!! Did you attend a Special Forces Guitar Camp? Have you been in the woodshed non stop without sleeping? Whatever your doing keep it up!!!!

Let's Debrief....

MEDAL OF HONOR.

1.)Stunning Precision, just WOW.
2.)Spot on timing.
3.)Solid palm mute/zero extra noise

I rarely badge up folks more than one at a time, but in certain cases I make exceptions. Soldier, you just earned the exception. Well played!! One note for next time!! Make the amp just a pinch louder so I can hear your playing a bit better.

In short you just ...

Posted by: Anders Karlsson Nov 10 2015, 11:25 AM

Thanks Todd, im on next mission:)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 10 2015, 06:53 PM

FIGHT ON SOLDIER!!!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Anders Karlsson May 29 2016, 05:17 PM

I'm on lesson 6.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 1 2016, 01:04 AM

If you have any questions about lesson 6 please let me know How's it coming along?

Todd