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GMC Forum _ Gabriel Leopardi _ Sam's Metal Journey
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 22 2013, 02:21 PM
Hi Sammetal92!! Welcome to your Gab's Army thread!!
Could you please tell me a bit about you, your musical tastes, influences, strengths and weaknesses? I would need some videos of you playing rhythm and solo guitar, so please post your best material here. If you have some music or ideas of your own, also post them here. Also let me know how you think that I can help you and what are your expectations for our job. You can check the other Army's thread to discover the different modalities of this project.
The principles of our Army are:
+ Improve your technique
+ Make music and solos
+ Have fun
+ Destroy the enemy (hahaha not really just kidding... )
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 22 2013, 04:26 PM
Lets see, well I first started playing when I was 14 (back in 2006) and I'm almost 21, but only since the past two years I've been seriously practicing guitar.
I'm a hardcore metal fan, even though I'm very selective about music, even metal music. Some of my favorite bands are Iron Maiden (of course), Mercenary, Blind Guardian, Edge of Sanity, In Flames, Kalmah, Cradle of Filth. Strangely enough, I listen to some Mozart and Beethoven compositions 
But I really like Power metal and melodic death metal. I also like classic rock, a prime example would be Guns n Roses, I'm a big fan of GNR.
The biggest influence is Jason Becker, he's my idol (you probably knew that already 
) and other major influences include Dave Murray, Steve Vai, Joe Satrianni and John Petrucci.
Strengths are probably string bending, economy picking, palm muting, slides and pretty strong hammer-ons and pull-offs.
The biggest weakness is no synchronization in right and left hand when trying to sweep or pick fast (left hand freezes or tenses up), left hand cannot get past a speed barrier (it just feels like I can't make it go any faster), string noise when trying to play fast and I'm absolutely terrible at recording, I've tried recording myself a few times and it got so messy and so bad that recording myself is a huge problem that I absolutely stay away from. I get nervous when trying to record myself, I can play live fine.
Also I do not have any kind of recording equipment. I do have camera but for recording audio at a good enough quality, I have nothing. When I tried to record myself previously, I just had my distortion pedal connected to my amp and guitar and the had the "Headphones" port of the amp connected to the line in of the computer.
When I saw you play, I instantly thought that I could've been way better than I am right now if I had you as a teacher. The kind of music you like matches the kind I like. I see you at the stage I want to see myself at. I believe you can help me remove all my weaknesses, highlight my strengths and make me a way better player than I am right now.
As I said above I have no recording equipment, how should I go about recording myself? I'm so sorry if I seem to be so bad at everything 
EDIT: Okay, I managed to record something, but its very crappy because I don't know anything about recording and there's a cut on my left hand middle finger from practicing the guitar too much, so it hurts when I play Its Ben's Epic Metal Solo, and sorry for the wrong notes, my middle finger stings so much that I get distracted from the fretboard :/
https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/crappy-first-take
So yeah I'm just a beginner :/
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 22 2013, 09:28 PM
Ok mate, thanks for all this info! Your recording is ok but maybe we could get a better sound, even if you use your camera's mic. You just have to experiment. There are also some free VST amp emulators that will allos you to connect your guitar directly to the computer and get really cool guitar tones.
Check out this link:
http://lepouplugins.blogspot.com.ar/
Please experiment with this and let me know if you need some assistance.
And I was thinking that we could start working with these two lessons:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-3-levels-beginner/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Iron-Maiden-For-Beginners/
What do you think?
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 22 2013, 09:30 PM
Check out this link:
http://lepouplugins.blogspot.com.ar/
Please experiment with this and let me know if you need some assistance.
And I was thinking that we could start working with these two lessons:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-3-levels-beginner/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Iron-Maiden-For-Beginners/
What do you think?
Those two lessons are exactly the lessons that I wanted to start on! Seriously
And Can I take it a bit slow because of my finger injury?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 22 2013, 09:36 PM
And Can I take it a bit slow because of my finger injury?yes, start slowly and stop for a day or two if it hurts.
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 23 2013, 06:31 PM
Alright, some updates.
So, because of my injury, to record a sample this time, I had to try something very simple. So I took the simple Dave Murray riff from Ben's 30 shredders video I did so much experimentation the whole day and I'm pretty satisfied with the results, at least for now. What do you think?
https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/a-little-better
Also, I'm working on the neo-classical 3 level solo, but taking it a little slow my finger has started to heal. I can play almost perfectly at 80 BPM
EDIT: Hey Gab, I did something on the GMC HIT II project, but it doesn't seem to blend in like Jones' playing did, any ideas or tips to improve?
http://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/gmc-hit-ii
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 23 2013, 08:53 PM
So, because of my injury, to record a sample this time, I had to try something very simple. So I took the simple Dave Murray riff from Ben's 30 shredders video
I did so much experimentation the whole day and I'm pretty satisfied with the results, at least for now. What do you think? https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/a-little-better
Also, I'm working on the neo-classical 3 level solo, but taking it a little slow
my finger has started to heal. I can play almost perfectly at 80 BPM EDIT: Hey Gab, I did something on the GMC HIT II project, but it doesn't seem to blend in like Jones' playing did, any ideas or tips to improve?
http://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/gmc-hit-ii
I'm confused... I thought you said you couldn't play?
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 23 2013, 09:01 PM
I'm confused... I thought you said you couldn't play? I can't play I can't play
But I try Anyway, I changed the effects a bit, please try listening now?
https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/gmc-hit-ii
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 23 2013, 10:30 PM
But I try Anyway, I changed the effects a bit, please try listening now?
https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/gmc-hit-ii
It's great mate! I already commented at the song's thread! You did it very good, each note sounds cool and you could create a nice tone. What did you use? guitar rig?
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 23 2013, 10:35 PM
I used Lecab to load some cool impulses and used ImageLine's Hardcore VST I tried using Amplitube but the output wasn't that great, it sounded low quality, compared to that or Poulin SoloC 2
And I'm soooooooo glad you liked it
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 23 2013, 10:55 PM
Wow, how could there be someone with a worse opinion of their own playing than me? You will certainly have to change that tune... These guys won't let you have that attitude here....especially if Ben finds out... They take you in a room and beat you with Gabs signature series shred necks until you get a better opinion of yourself. 
Seriously man, that was a good take... just hop in the pool with everyone else...and post a take on the British metal Collab.
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 24 2013, 06:48 AM
Seriously man, that was a good take... just hop in the pool with everyone else...and post a take on the British metal Collab.
Hahah Thank you, that encourages me a lot
maybe I'm feeling like that because recording is new to me. And yeah will do that as soon as my finger heals doing Gab's assignment too, three level neoclassical beginner lesson
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 24 2013, 02:43 PM
Seriously man, that was a good take... just hop in the pool with everyone else...and post a take on the British metal Collab.
This is true! You won't imagine how many times I hit roberts in his head with the shredneck!!! but now he knows he is good, don't you rob?
maybe I'm feeling like that because recording is new to me. And yeah will do that as soon as my finger heals doing Gab's assignment too, three level neoclassical beginner lesson Excellent mate! That's the spirit of GMC!
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 24 2013, 02:45 PM
Excellent mate! That's the spirit of GMC!
Hahahahah
And everyone's extremely motivating here, I've never had such support before in my guitar journey
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 24 2013, 03:01 PM
And everyone's extremely motivating here, I've never had such support before in my guitar journey
Cool! At the same time, your attitude is now inspiration for me!
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 24 2013, 03:13 PM
I'm honored that my master got inspiration from me
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 24 2013, 03:33 PM
Let me share with you one of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen...
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 24 2013, 03:46 PM
Yep, I've seen that video
Very motivating
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 24 2013, 03:49 PM
Very motivatingGreat. I watch this one every 2 months.
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 24 2013, 03:56 PM
I'll do that too from now on
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 24 2013, 04:57 PM
Excellent mate! That's the spirit of GMC!
Not really good, you just beat me into submission... so I give up. LOL!
Plus, after all this time and you still don't know my name? I'ma start calling you Leo...
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 24 2013, 05:49 PM
Plus, after all this time and you still don't know my name? I'ma start calling you Leo...
You never sign with your real name so you are Rob to me.
Posted by: mroberts70 Jan 24 2013, 06:48 PM
LOL... are you kidding, there are too many weirdos on the Internet to sign in with my real name. ROFL!!
Didn't you have the Internet safety class in elementary school? lol
I was just giving you a hard time anyhow, I'm married.... so Rob isn't the worse thing I've ever been called!!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 25 2013, 11:02 PM
Didn't you have the Internet safety class in elementary school? lol
I was just giving you a hard time anyhow, I'm married.... so Rob isn't the worse thing I've ever been called!!
hahaha but... Gabriel is my real name!!! Is it risky??
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 26 2013, 07:02 AM
Weeelllll Sam is my real name, I've never had any problems
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 26 2013, 03:46 PM
the same here, my real name is Gabriel... I wouln't trust in somebody that picks the name mrroberts as a nickname while his real name isn't Robert.
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 26 2013, 03:49 PM
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 27 2013, 05:16 PM
I have some timing problems
https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/british-metal-collab-3
But I did see improvement in my playing I can't get my hands on a camera for a rec take
EDIT: Sorry for double posting, I forgot about my last post..
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 27 2013, 07:39 PM
Hi Sam! Yes, I found this take in the other thread and I liked! Your composition sounds good, and this means that you have a good ear. I can also notice the timing issues. I have on question, do you usually practice exercises and lessons with metronome?
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 27 2013, 07:49 PM
Yes I do
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 27 2013, 08:11 PM
ok, the timing issues appears in the faster licks, so maybe the problem is just a technical limitation...
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 27 2013, 08:23 PM
That's what I thought too, I guess it'll go away
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 27 2013, 09:17 PM
yes, just keep on your training.
Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 28 2013, 07:42 PM
I've been training So yeah, it needs a bit of more polish, but how does it sound?
https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/neoclassical
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 28 2013, 10:24 PM
So yeah, it needs a bit of more polish, but how does it sound? https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/neoclassical
Hey mate! You have been working really hard!!
Good job!! There are two things to pay attention to triplets timing and add more vibrato to your playing (wider). I think that you could practice this one over the original lesson to imitate the vibrato and also to be sure that your timing is precise. Posted by: sammetal92 Jan 29 2013, 05:21 AM
Good job!! There are two things to pay attention to triplets timing and add more vibrato to your playing (wider). I think that you could practice this one over the original lesson to imitate the vibrato and also to be sure that your timing is precise.Yes sir!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 29 2013, 02:06 PM
Great! Keep me updated!
Posted by: sammetal92 Feb 4 2013, 08:47 PM
Gab, I've been trying to work on my vibrato and timing, its a wee bit better than before, still a lot of room for improvement and a lot of work to be done. I can't video record at the moment, so I'll just post you with audio take for now Hope you don't mind
https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/neoclassical-1
Also, I noticed transitions from lick to lick aren't smooth, any tips you can give to me for practicing that?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 5 2013, 12:58 AM
Hope you don't mindhttps://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/neoclassical-1
Also, I noticed transitions from lick to lick aren't smooth, any tips you can give to me for practicing that?
Hi Sam! Your take is better now! Your timing improved a lot and your vibrato is getting better! I can notice the transitions issue, and also the first bend is a bit weak. For bending please work on this lesson:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginners-Corner-21-String-Bending/
The best way to make the transitions smoother is to isolate the two licks that you have to connect and practice both over metronome as a loop. Just work on small sections until your fingers feel comfortable with the movement. Pay attention to your hands and fingers and try to notice what is making you waste time during the transition.
Posted by: sammetal92 Feb 5 2013, 06:32 AM
Alright, I'm on it!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 5 2013, 12:14 PM
Excellent! Looking forward your new takes!
Posted by: sammetal92 Feb 7 2013, 06:33 PM
This is my first take on the string bending lesson Soundcloud isn't working for me at the moment, so don't mind me attaching the mp3 file to this post
string_bending.mp3 ( 1.43MB )
: 69
Also, I'm working on Iron Maiden for beginners lesson, but its a wee bit hard for me at the moment, I can do it at 80% of the required speed, but not 100% of the speed :/
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 8 2013, 12:03 AM
Soundcloud isn't working for me at the moment, so don't mind me attaching the mp3 file to this post
string_bending.mp3 ( 1.43MB )
: 69Also, I'm working on Iron Maiden for beginners lesson, but its a wee bit hard for me at the moment, I can do it at 80% of the required speed, but not 100% of the speed :/
Hi Sam!! Those bends are getting better! Most of them are perfectly on pitch and I can notice that you are starting to add vibrato. Keep this lesson in your diary practice and work hard on the Maiden lesson.
Posted by: sammetal92 Feb 8 2013, 12:08 PM
Thanks!
and yep, I'm giving it all
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 8 2013, 07:19 PM
and yep, I'm giving it all Excellent!
Posted by: sammetal92 Mar 1 2013, 03:18 PM
Sorry Gab, as I had said earlier, once my university started, I had to focus all my attention over there :/ so I've been really slow, but I tried my best to keep up. I've worked on the Maiden lesson and a few others too.
So here's my take:
https://soundcloud.com/sam-ryan-stormrage/iron-maiden-lesson
And I hope to get some new lessons assigned from you!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 3 2013, 12:27 AM
Hi Sam! Thanks for this take! You are on the right path with this one! You only have to adjust the timing on the first melody and the pre-chorus to play this one perfectly. Work on those two sections as isolated exercises.
Posted by: sammetal92 Mar 3 2013, 06:29 AM
I'm on it
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 3 2013, 06:01 PM
Great!
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