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Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 14 2014, 03:35 PM

Hey Andy! How are you? This is our thread for Gab's Army. Welcome.

Before we start I need many information from you.

Name:
Age:
Playing since:
Influences:
Diary practice:
Audio or video recording possibility:

How many hours per day can you dedicate to guitar?
What do you know about theory?

and also post some videos of you playing.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 14 2014, 07:15 PM

Im great thanks mate

Here's my details-

Name: Andrew Mann
Age: 33
Playing since: Been playing 6 years on and off
Influences: Metal - Parkway Drive, Bullet for my Valentine, Bring me the Horizon, Killswitch Engage, Children of Bodom, Architects, Iron Maiden. I also love 70's + 80's rock - Black Sabbath, Motley Crue, Hendrix, Led Zep, Dio, Judas Priest.
Diary practice: I've been trying to practice again everyday. In the past I have got frustrated because i cant play along with my favourite tracks (there too fast, more like im too slow haha) and given up.
Audio or video recording possibility: I've just got a camcorder!! woohoo I have also just been given a toneport ux2 with a copy of sony vegas. So it seems im all set!!

How many hours per day can you dedicate to guitar? I can dedicate on average two hours a day. More at weekends

What do you know about theory? If im honest I know only the very basics. Such as string names. I can work out what note is being played (eventually). A little on arppegio's are chords. But i know very little on scales other than i seem to like minor more than major

I will upload some video's of me playing in a day or so. Meanwhile here is me a few year ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDbNnw1ftyw. I have'nt improved any. If anything im a little worse!!

Thanks again. I appreciate you're help.

Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 14 2014, 10:40 PM

Hi Andy! Thanks for the information! Based on the video that you shared you already have a good level to play that type of metal stuff. We have to polish your technique, and work on some concepts that help you to compose your own music.

What are you planning to record now?

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 15 2014, 11:48 AM

I was going to record myself playing your Metallica for beginners and also Iron Maiden for beginners lessons. I have been working on these for a few weeks, although I still cant play the Iron Maiden song at full speed yet

I should also let you know i have not played any guitar for 6 months, up until a few weeks ago upon discovering this site.

I would love to be able to compose my own songs. That sounds awesome!!

Going by the ability level system of this site im currently at level two...just


Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 15 2014, 01:35 PM

Hi mate! Both lessons sound great! I was thinking that your diary guitar plan could look like this:


Warming Up (10 minutes)

Alternate Picking (20 minutes)

Legato (20 minutes)

Rhythm (20 minutes)

Musical lesson (20 minutes)

Theory & Composition (20 minutes)


Tell me what you think and then we can fill each topic.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 15 2014, 02:13 PM

That guitar plan sounds awesome.

Im excited

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 15 2014, 02:24 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ Mar 15 2014, 10:13 AM)

That guitar plan sounds awesome.

Im excited

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 15 2014, 04:21 PM

How about this:

Warm up - Either http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Warming-up-with-Lian/
or http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/warming-up-with-marcus-siepen/

For alternate Picking - http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Alternate-Picking-Basics/

Legato - http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Land-Of-Legato/

Rhythm - http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Motley-Crue-Style/

Musical Lesson - ?? I have no idea/open to suggestions

Theory and Composition - ?? I have no idea/open to suggestions

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 15 2014, 07:52 PM

Here is a quick video I took today!! This is the best of a bunch of takes.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 16 2014, 05:01 PM

Hi Andy! That's a good take of the Metallica's lesson. It needs some more days of practice to polish it. The riffs can sound tighter if you put all your attention on going with the drums, but you are very close. The solo section is also ok but can sound better. The vibrato sounds a bit nervous and aggressive for the melodies, try to make it more natural. I also note that your guitar is a bit our of tune, the higher strings and that makes the solo sound a bit out. Check it out!


About your guitar plan for the next weeks, based on the lessons that you chose, this is my suggestion:



Warming Up (10 minutes)


http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/warming-up-with-marcus-siepen/


Alternate Picking (20 minutes)

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/warming-up-with-marcus-siepen/

Legato (20 minutes)

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Land-Of-Legato/

Rhythm (20 minutes)

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Motley-Crue-Style/

Musical lesson (20 minutes)

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Metallica-For-Beginners/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Iron-Maiden-For-Beginners/

Theory & Composition (20 minutes)

INTERVALS THEORY: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=48905&st=0#entry644329

If you want to go deeper take a look at this series: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/lessonseries/Intervals/




That's all for the next two weeks, What do you think?

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 16 2014, 05:27 PM

Thanks for the comments and pointers on my vid. I knew something was off but was not sure what.....Tuning. So obvious now haha.
I shall keep practicing this lesson as suggested!!

The guitar plan looks great except you have listed the same lesson (Bens legato lesson) for Legato and Rhythm segments!!

Or is that intentional??

Thanks
Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 16 2014, 05:30 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ Mar 16 2014, 01:27 PM)

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 16 2014, 06:31 PM

Excellent!! I post a vid in two weeks.

Peace

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 17 2014, 11:16 AM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ Mar 16 2014, 02:31 PM)

Excellent!! I post a vid in two weeks.

Peace

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 17 2014, 10:22 PM

Hey Gabriel

I'm into my second day of practicing these lessons and having lots of fun

I'm so out of my comfort zone its great. I need to work real hard with the legato lesson!! Its a finger killer as I've never done legato before.
Same goes for the Motley Crue lesson. I struggle with the G chord the most,(haven't used this chord or any open chord in a long time) but it's great. I love a challenge haha!!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 18 2014, 03:27 AM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ Mar 17 2014, 06:22 PM)

Hey Gabriel

I'm into my second day of practicing these lessons and having lots of fun

I'm so out of my comfort zone its great. I need to work real hard with the legato lesson!! Its a finger killer as I've never done legato before.
Same goes for the Motley Crue lesson. I struggle with the G chord the most,(haven't used this chord or any open chord in a long time) but it's great. I love a challenge haha!!

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Mar 30 2014, 09:30 PM

Hi Gab

I've been practicing the prescribed lessons nearly every day and the their sounding a little better each day. But I still need to practice most of them a little longer, especially the legato lesson. My hand goes numb after playing it a few times in a row!!

I will post a vid in the next few days to show my progress on these so far.

Cheers
Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 31 2014, 04:58 PM

Hi Andy! Great to hear from you and to know that you are going forward! That's the most important thing, evolving, slowly but in a consistently. Thanks for this update, I will wait for your videos to then design a new plan to keep you motivated.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Apr 1 2014, 09:21 PM

Hi Gabriel, here's where I'm currently at with the Motley Crue Style lesson. \m/

I dont play it clean at all, mostly because the backing track is a little too fast for me still. And its not even full speed yet!!



FYI I cant upload anymore vids for the next two weeks because my wife is taking the camcorder to Ecuador with her (it's alright for some eh!!haha).

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 2 2014, 06:44 PM

Hi mate! Good playing on the video! You are going on the right track with this lesson and now it's time to polish details. For example, the first riff has that higher strings arrangement that isn't sounding right because you don't pick those strings. Then, some other ideas need to sound groovy or with more dynamics. Again, just details that will be fixed soon with practice and focusing on them.

Keep on rocking!

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Apr 2 2014, 07:10 PM

Hi

Yeah, i knew you were gonna point out those particular points. I probably should of recorded the next tempo down because i play it soo much better and I'm able to play the higher strings!! But....ego got the better of me and I decided to record it as fast as i could

I'm not bored of the lessons I'm practicing yet!! Got to get the Iron Maiden track up to scratch...I'm still struggling to play it at full speed cleanly. Any tips!.....or do u want/need a video?

Thanks

P.S Congrats on opening for Metallica. Your little story was epic man

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 2 2014, 07:44 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ Apr 2 2014, 03:10 PM)

Hi

Yeah, i knew you were gonna point out those particular points. I probably should of recorded the next tempo down because i play it soo much better and I'm able to play the higher strings!! But....ego got the better of me and I decided to record it as fast as i could

I'm not bored of the lessons I'm practicing yet!! Got to get the Iron Maiden track up to scratch...I'm still struggling to play it at full speed cleanly. Any tips!.....or do u want/need a video?

Thanks

P.S Congrats on opening for Metallica. Your little story was epic man

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 11 2014, 03:13 PM

Hi Gabriel hows things with you?

I haven't been playing recently as much as i would like to but still grabbing time here and there.

Could you help me choose some new lessons now. I think i would like to try and learn your trivium song its pretty awesome dude

You captured there newer sound spot on. It doesnt seem to advanced for me, so i will try it now and let you know.

Anyway I will upload some vids with my progress on the Iron Maiden and Motley crue lessons in few days or so!!

Thank you

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 11 2014, 03:57 PM

I tried the Trivium lesson and I think I would definitely struggle to play this anywhere near full speed at my current level. Same with the Bullet for My Valentine one (another amazing lesson) Guess i will have to set these as goals to reach!!

Could you possible suggest some lessons that might help me on the path to being able to play those type of songs?

Thanks dude

Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 11 2014, 10:29 PM

Hi mate! Those are tricky rhythm metal lessons. We can start a journey that takes you to that style. You did a good job with Metallica's lesson. Here are some suggestions to start working:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/megadeth-riffing-lesson/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/I-got-rhythm-guitar1-drop-d/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Metal-Metrics-1/

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 12 2014, 12:43 PM

Yesss! Nice lessons They all sound great!

Thank you.

Im on it like white on rice!!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 12 2014, 03:14 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ May 12 2014, 08:43 AM)

Yesss! Nice lessons They all sound great!

Thank you.

Im on it like white on rice!!

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 12 2014, 04:18 PM

This one first http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/I-got-rhythm-guitar1-drop-d/ Since its the easiest.

Then i will work on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/megadeth-riffing-lesson/

Leaving Metal Metrics 1 for last \m/ \m/

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 12 2014, 06:10 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ May 12 2014, 12:18 PM)

This one first http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/I-got-rhythm-guitar1-drop-d/ Since its the easiest.

Then i will work on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/megadeth-riffing-lesson/

Leaving Metal Metrics 1 for last \m/ \m/

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 19 2014, 10:56 PM

Hi Gab

Here I am playing the I Got Rhythm 1 lesson. I have also uploaded this in REC.

I tried recording the guitar with a DAW but it cocked up and sounded rubbish, so i just used the camcorder sound over the backing track.

Let me know what ya think!!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 20 2014, 12:10 AM

Hi mate, great to see you rocking this one! You did a great job. It's a very useful lesson to train your rhythm abilities. The riffs sound good, your playing is tight and precise. There are two details that I could mark comparing this one with the original. The original has a sound with a bit of less drive, this makes the sound less compressed and allows the player to give more dynamics to the playing. Dynamics give more life to the take. I would try it. The is also a vibrato missing in the second riff (starting at 00:31).

These are details, you are doing a very good work. Keep on rocking!!

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 20 2014, 06:46 PM

Thanks for your comments. I will take them on board cheers.

I purchased a POD HD500 today from ebay so my future recording tones should be awesome.
Especially if I use your patches lol

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 21 2014, 04:08 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ May 20 2014, 02:46 PM)

Thanks for your comments. I will take them on board cheers.

I purchased a POD HD500 today from ebay so my future recording tones should be awesome.
Especially if I use your patches lol

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 27 2014, 07:47 PM

Hi Gabriel

Could you please give me a link to download the HD500 patch for the Iron Maiden for beginners lesson if possible.
-Treadplate Dual Amp Model with a 4x12 2001 Treadplate Cab Model-

Thanks

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 27 2014, 08:01 PM

Hi mate! You can download it clicking http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=32397.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 27 2014, 09:10 PM

Top man

Thanks

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 28 2014, 07:20 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ May 27 2014, 05:10 PM)

Top man

Thanks

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 29 2014, 09:08 PM

Yeah!! Im hoping to get at least one done at the weekend when I have more time.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 30 2014, 01:26 AM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ May 29 2014, 05:08 PM)

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 31 2014, 03:23 PM

Hey Gabriel

Here's a new vid of me playing the Megadeth riffing lesson. I've also put this up on REC.

Hope you enjoy and et know what you think!!

Thanks

Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 31 2014, 03:43 PM

Hi Andy, good job with this lesson! You are playing it very tight and precise. I think that there is nothing to improve on this one, it's a great take. Sometimes your right hand seems to be tired, but I'm not sure. If I'm right, just keep on practicing this one some minutes every day as a training.

I'll grade this one with a 10 at REC.

Keep on rocking.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 May 31 2014, 04:25 PM

Thanks for the great comments. Make's me very happy

My strumming hand does get a little tired if I play this through 3 or 4 time's!! So I will keep practicing for endurance for now!

I'm trying to record the Iron Maiden lesson for beginners now, but none of the takes are up to scratch yet

No point in rushing it I guess. Plus the kids want to go to the park now so it'll have to wait.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 31 2014, 05:20 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ May 31 2014, 12:25 PM)

Thanks for the great comments. Make's me very happy

My strumming hand does get a little tired if I play this through 3 or 4 time's!! So I will keep practicing for endurance for now!

I'm trying to record the Iron Maiden lesson for beginners now, but none of the takes are up to scratch yet

No point in rushing it I guess. Plus the kids want to go to the park now so it'll have to wait.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Jun 4 2014, 09:05 PM

Hi Gab

Here I am playing your Iron Maiden beginners lesson pretty badly lol. I wasn't going to post this on REC too, but i changed my mind so i can get some feed back from other instructors.

I know i have rushed many parts of the song and need to play it much cleaner, which I'm sure will happen with more practice. Also I noticed i need to relax more when playing this.

Annnd my vibrato is atrocious!! I will check out some vibrato lessons now!!

Please be brutaly honest with your comments. Thanks alot dude.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 4 2014, 10:30 PM

Hi Riley! This take isn't as bad as you think. It's true that it needs adjustments in many aspects, but it's already sounding close. Let me say that posting this one at REC is a great move. Sometimes the real purpose of REC is misunderstood, this feature is exactly for receiving grade and feedback from many instructors by once. So well done!

Regarding your playing, here we go with some comments:

from 00:00 to 00:20: This melody has three main problems. The first one is that the notes are cut so fast, so it doesn't sound smooth, it sounds like if it would be played with staccato. You have to make the notes last until the next one it played to get a smooth sound. The second problem is timing is some little parts, you are not playing the rhythm tight. Use the guitar pro to be sure that you are playing the rhythm right. Finally, your vibrato is very weak, we definitely must work on this technique, starting with this lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Vibrato-Odyssey-5/


from 00:20 to 00:38: The problem here is mostly timing. It's not easy to play this chords at the right moment over that drum loop so the best would be to practice it over the original lesson. It's also important to pick strong those power chords.

from 00:38 to 00:46: This part has timing issues but I also notice another thing that I would like to mark. You are moving a bit your thumb and index fingers when you play alternate picking, this shouldn't be happening. Alternate Picking technique should start from your wrist and elbow. Check it out!

from 00:46 to 01:03: This part sounds better, timing is closer and vibrato is there, it's not going naturally with the backing groove but it's there.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Jun 5 2014, 01:20 PM

Hi Gab

Thats a very thorough break down of my playing

I wasn't even aware of a few of your pointers, like the staccato sound in the intro or the movement of my thumb and index finger being bad technique.

I also will start working on my vibrato technique straight away with the lesson link you suggested. Its something I have never practiced before.

I'll keep practicing the Iron lesson obviously until its near perfect lol. And I can now start the metal metrics 1 lesson.

Cheers for the help

Andy (FYI Riley is my sons name)

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 5 2014, 02:39 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ Jun 5 2014, 09:20 AM)

Hi Gab

Thats a very thorough break down of my playing

I wasn't even aware of a few of your pointers, like the staccato sound in the intro or the movement of my thumb and index finger being bad technique.

I also will start working on my vibrato technique straight away with the lesson link you suggested. Its something I have never practiced before.

I'll keep practicing the Iron lesson obviously until its near perfect lol. And I can now start the metal metrics 1 lesson.

Cheers for the help

Andy (FYI Riley is my sons name)

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Jul 9 2014, 08:49 PM

Hi Gabriel

How are you?

Can I please have the two, HD500 patches, for the Buckethead Style II lesson if you have them?

I'm also still practicing Iron Maiden for beginners, Metal Matrics 1 and Bullet for my valentine lessons but cant play em full speed yet!!

Thanks

Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 10 2014, 01:19 AM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ Jul 9 2014, 04:49 PM)

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Jul 10 2014, 08:26 AM

Thanks gabs

Progress updates coming up very soon

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 10 2014, 02:17 PM

QUOTE (Rileyandrew29 @ Jul 10 2014, 04:26 AM)

Thanks gabs

Progress updates coming up very soon

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Sep 11 2014, 11:40 PM

Hi Gabriel, hope your well!!

Iv been away for a few weeks, but good to be back! Loving your BVB lesson and BMTH. There sweet as!!
Hope we can pick up were I left off. And hopefully i can post a update vid in the next few days. Even though iv neglected my guitar practice...big style...
Speak soon ")
Cheers
Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 12 2014, 09:45 PM

Hi Andrew! Welcome back!

We can off course continue with our work here! Please post some new videos to check your current status and I will give you feedback and a new routine to continue working.

Cheers!

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Sep 21 2014, 04:17 PM

Hi Gab

I have decided to upload the Buckethead Style II lesson because it has a beautiful tone and feeling.



I've had about a five week break from guitar so I need to re-learn some of the other lessons i was doing, because I've forgot them!! The Metal Metrics 1 and Bullet For My Valentine in particular.


I've posted this in Rec too.

Thanks

Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 22 2014, 05:15 AM

Hi mate! This is a very good take of this lesson. You played most of the licks very well and with a very warm feeling. I just note a very little detail with the bend at 00:51. Also, your vibrato technique could be wider in the distorted section, to make it even more dramatic.
Talking about tone, I like your clean tone but I feel that your distorted one needs some more work. It lacks "body" and I think that you should experiment with EQ and maybe, if this is an amp emulator, trying different amp + cabinet combinations to make it sound warmer and bigger.

Don't worry about the break, it's good to give some time to our mind to incorporate the techniques and concepts that we are working.

Keep on rocking. I'll wait for the new videos.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Oct 19 2014, 05:28 PM

Hi Gab

Just to let you know on your Black Veil Brides Style lesson, in step 3 you don't have the tab displayed for the second part of the riff.
Its easy to work out, but just so you know

----------------
----------------
----------------
----------------
3-0-3-6-5-3-0
3-0-3-6-5-3-0

Andy

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 20 2014, 05:58 PM

Hi mate! Thanks for notifying. The lesson is now fixed.

Posted by: Rileyandrew29 Jan 17 2015, 08:28 PM

Hi Gabriel

I moved my question from here to the Practice Room forum:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=53731&view=findpost&p=704688

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 18 2015, 03:37 PM

Thanks! I'll check the lesson. I've given feedback there. Check it out!