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Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 1 2009, 05:43 PM

Hi Nimrandir

Please write a short info about your current playing abilities, prefered styles and post some recordings or a video.
I am looking forward to this and I hope that you will learn many useful things throughout this program.

All the best
Emir

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 1 2009, 07:43 PM

Hi Emir!

I'm very glad that I got into your MTP!
My name is Ivan, and I've been playing guitar for about 4-4,5 years. Here's an intro about myself:

Styles and influences

I like many styles, but mainly instrumental, progressive rock and metal, neo-classical, power metal. Some of my favorite guitarists are Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Yngwie, MAB, Andy James. As for bands, probably my favorite one is Dream Theater (they are kinda like dream team ), but I also like bands like Symphony X, Blind Guardian, Nightwish, Blackmore's Night. Recently, I've also started getting into pop (my current favorites are "It's my time" by Jade Ewen and "My heart will go on" by Celine Dion ). Also, I really like video game music, especially the early 8-bit era tracks and modern symphonic compositions (notably Michiru Yamane's work on Castlevania series and Paul Romero's Heroes of Might and Magic 3).
It's hard to recall everything here, but I hope you get the general picture .

What I'm currently practicing

Songs:
Currently I'm practicing "Erotomania" by Dream Theater and "Scarified" by Racer X (just started on it yesterday ). I'm planning to learn Vai's "Tender Surrender" in near future, but my problem is - I start learning a song, and then I stop halfway (I really have to overcome it...). As a result, in 4 years I've probably learned 2-3 songs .
GMC lessons:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-picking-etude-with-string-skipping/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/mojo-oro-part1/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/legato-metal-riffs/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/racer_x_style_lesson/
Techniques in general:
I'm now concentrating on improving alternate picking, but also do some legato and tapping exercises. The only technique I avoid at the moment is sweep picking. My problem with practicing is that I mostly practice simple licks and patterns, normally in one fredboard position, so when time comes for playing solos all over the fretboard... I fail .

Theory status

I'd say I'm pretty good at theory when it comes to rock, metal etc. I'm comfortable with modes, harmonization and stuff. What I'd like to learn theory-wise is probably some classical music theory (sometimes I look at some chord progression in classical piece and really wonder what's the theory behind it ).

My problems

My biggest problem is improvisation. I'm usually stuck within one fretboard position and spend too much time thinking how to play something I hear in my head, so the timing becomes all messed up.

What I'd like to learn
Sooo many things . Obviously I'd like to improve my technique, but also I'm very interested in composition and arrangement. As mentioned above, I'm bad at improvising, so this is another thing. But also I'd like to improve my transcribing skills, do some ear training, some theory etc. Now, I guess it's too much so my main goal would be something like "improving technique and broadening lick vocabulary (esp. shred lick vocabulary ) while being creative with composition and improvisation" .

At the moment, I don't have any recordings of myself except collabs I've taken part in. Also, in theory I should be able to record videos, but I've never done it, so it will be something new to me . But I'll need to do it anyway for the monthly REC take, so why not start getting comfortable sooner?

By the way, about REC... I'm thinking between your http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/mixing_different_note_groupings_in_soloing/ and http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/climax_in_a_solo/ lessons. I'm going to start learning them both and see what I can play by the end of the month. Is it ok with you?

So... if you need a recording of me playing, I can record something on Thursday or Friday, just tell me what do you want to hear/see - technique, improvisation or something else . By the way, I'm going to finish my job and studying in the middle of next week, so I'll be almost completely free from then on .

Anyway, thanks for accepting me, it's very nice to be here, and I'm looking forward to the first assignment!

PS it took me about an hour to write this post

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 2 2009, 12:53 PM

Hi Ivan and thanks for your info. We have similar taste in music

From what I could read I can have pretty clear picture on what we have to do. You need to learn all scale boxes in order to improvise all over the neck. Many guys from the last MTP group went for that concept and some of them will be doing it in this group. It will help you a lot with technique, composition and improvisation. Theory also comes along with this. This is better than learning bunch of licks and get stuck with using them.

Regarding the video, you have to start doing it. The basic and simple way of doing it is to play backing track on your computer and film yourself playing over it. You can fim it with a simple home camera and transfer the video to your computer. You can use windows movie maker (comes with windows) to compress the file into a smaller size and upload to youtube. The better way is if you can use some recording software. Try Reaper, it's free for 30 days. Import backing track into the program and record guitar on top of it on a separate track. Then export everything together and sync audio and video. For this technique you need to have better soundcard, the onboard one won't help you. I don't mind how you do it as long as I see your fingers and hear the sound

You need to submit your assignment once a week and also do one REC take per month. Don't go for too difficult REC lessons. Pick something that you can easily pass and when you feel comfortabe to go for a more complex one then go for it REC take can be anything from GMC.

I'll be back soon with the assignment.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 2 2009, 04:04 PM

Great!

About recording - I use cubase to do "normal" audio recordings, I've just never done any videos and never synced it . So I'll go with the 2nd option. I've got external USB card (M-Audio Fast Track Pro), so I should be ok .

About REC - then I'll go for Climax in a solo. I've already started practicing it (not from the beginning - started with the fast lick), and I've already got 2 problems, but there's a whole month to fix them . First one is that I'm not used to playing so high up the neck, so finger patterns like 1-2-4 with one fret in between adjacent fingers don't yet feel natural (this high I'm used to 1-2-3 pattern for everything, but it is very inefficient in this case ). This should be fixed in a couple of days when I get used to it. The other problem is with licks like

-------------14---------
-13-15-17-----17-15-

It's pretty easy for me to do it starting on a downstroke, as I use outside picking in that case. But two times in the run, this lick is started on an upstroke, so I'm forced to use inside picking, which doesn't feel natural; plus, I always hit unwanted strings when going fast this way. But it's also probably just a matter of getting comfortable with this technique .

Can't wait to get the first assignment! And I'm going to try recording something tomorrow (today I'm very sleepy, so I probably won't play anything meaningful ).

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 2 2009, 06:33 PM

By the way, the timing of that run in GTP looks messed up - is it supposed to be played like in gtp, or should it be more uniform and consistent?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 3 2009, 01:47 AM

GP can't produce 5 or 7 tuplets which are needed for proper transcription. That's why I had to stick it somehow in there to have correct number of bars. Of course it should be consistent At least you have all the correct notes in the GP file so you can do it your way. Start slowly and speed up, that's the whole point of that fast run.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 3 2009, 02:07 AM

Actually.. it can . You just have to click on a little arrow to the right of triplet button


Anyway, I think I got quite good rhythmic approximation by playing along with the main video But still there's one part of the run on which I stumble very frequently. Have to practise more

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 3 2009, 11:17 AM

My GP doesn't have that option Don't really know how it looks when you open it but I hope you got the point.

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 3 2009, 06:30 PM

Ok, here we go. This text is copied from other members.

This is the chart and the video from Dexxter's MTP thread. Here I am explaining the first 3 positions of the chart and you can figure out the other two. Later we will make a good use of these patterns.





This is how Dexxter did it. He made a drum loop and played over it. It would be nice if you can do the same.




So this is your first assignment and I will open the new assignment thread where you can post your final work. Keep this one for disscussion and practicing.

You said you want to go for Climax in a solo for the REC. Post here when you learn a part so we can correct weak points. I can do a video and explain that fast run.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 4 2009, 03:10 AM

Hi Emir!

I've already started with the major scale positions and I think I'll be finished very soon . Also can I follow the sweeping assignments from other threads? It is an opportunity for me to learn at least one technique not the trial and error way (as I've never actually practiced sweeping).

Regarding REC - I'll post a video in a couple of days, when I'm comfortable playing everything (the 2nd part has to be played very agressively, so it requires some practice ).

But today I've tried recording a video of myself playing, and it seems that I've succeeded . But the playing is meaningless almost all the time, plus there are VERY many mistakes. Here it is:

 test.wmv ( 7.11MB ) : 134


There are very many unwanted noises, probably because I was trying to play faster than I actually can at the moment (and that damn electric eye was watching me ) + I haven't played some licks for a long time. But you'll probably get a general picture of where I am now (at least picking-wise). And can you please give me some advices/suggestions as to how make my playing cleaner?

PS I'll probably record a take of me playing string skipping solo of Erotomania soon, so that you can see even better picture

PPS Damn, I cant find a suitable preset to render the video... Tried 2 already, and they produce 40+MB files.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 5 2009, 01:39 AM

Hi Emir!

So I've learned all those positions. I'll make a video tomorrow, but here's the audio recording :

 emir_mtp_1.mp3 ( 823.39K ) : 146


I've actually made a more or less full backing track (just for fun ). There's a keyboard (organ) and bass, which turned out to be another keyboard (as I still haven't got bass samples ). I hope it is OK this way (playing over just drums is booooring ). The progression in the beginning doesn't make much sense, but in the end it sounds quite nice I think. The only problem is that it actually resolves to F#m

By the way, I didn't notice that the root is G and done it in A, is it ok?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 5 2009, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the video and the audio. You have some great techniques when playing. Picking is very good and you have a good control. You can play these scales in any key. The point is to memorize the positions. Many guys did in G because it is easy to cover the whole neck and not go too far over 15th fret. The key of A is ok as well. Backing track doesn't need to have any chords, it is up to you. For me is important to see that you learned the scales. You have the whole month for the REC take so no rush with that. And of course you can follow other threads and learn stuff there as well. It is open for everyone to see Please post your assignment tomorrow so we can move on.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 5 2009, 08:00 PM

Hi Emir!
Thanks for kind words I'm uploading my week 1 videos as I type, but for some reason it takes ages to do uploads on youtube (never actually done them before). Hope it will finish today .

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 5 2009, 09:10 PM

Ok no rush

I have just seen the video. Great progress.

Now the copy from DenisN thread - the next assignment.

Here is the chart that I want you to play. Start from the top and read from left to right. First you play A major in position 5, then you play C major in position 4 etc... When you finish you move to the next row - A major position 1 etc... Your starting point should be between 1st and the 5th fret. You should play the whole thing with no stop. Make a backing with these chords in order: A, C, D, F, G and play along.



The second thing can be the same sweep picking but in the 155bpm

Good luck

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 5 2009, 09:29 PM

Great, will start with the assignments today
One question about the chart assignment : do I need to learn how to play this particular chart by heart, or do I need to be able to play any similar chart at once?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 5 2009, 09:34 PM

I don't know if I got it right You have to learn to switch between different keys while staying within the same fret range. This is the whole point of this exercise. The whole first line is between 1st and the 5th fret then the second line is between the 4th and the 8th or 9th fret etc... You shouldn't learn it like a song, you need to think of the shape and the key. I hope this can answer your question

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 6 2009, 07:35 PM

Hi Emir!

I've been practicing this chart for a couple of hours today (my head feels really heavy now ), and I'm almost able to play it at slow tempo (~50bpm). What I do is look at the chart, find the next thing I need to play, for example C position 3. Then I think "OK, position 3.. root will be on the A string 3 frets above the first note", then I find the C note on the A string and play position 3 starting 3 frets below it (hope you understand what I mean ). This way the 2nd position is the hardest for me, because the nearest root is on the D string. Is it the right approach, or have I messed something up? Also, as I have to think while I play previous position, I sometimes play wrong notes, but I'll think it will improve with practice.
The problem is - the more I practice, the more I remember how to play this thing as you called "like a song". So are there more charts like that?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 7 2009, 11:39 AM

There are more charts but don't worry about that. Learn it either way but always make sure that you know where your root is. Imagine if I give you this exercise to play it all in myxolydian or some other mode instead of a major scale That's where we're actually going but we'll approach it a different way. You'll be fine I am sure. My head was heavy when I started learning this stuff but today I feel so comfortable on the guitar neck - thanks to this stuff. We have to make the instrument be our slave, not to be ruled by the instrument

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 7 2009, 07:39 PM

Hi Emir!

So, I'm continuing to practice the assignments. I've also tried three string sweeps, and they are alot easier for me than two-string, except the last two shapes, where I still have some problems separating notes. By the way, is this 2-string technique the one Yngwie uses in his Trilogy Suite?

I've got one theory question about secondary dominants. So, I understand that secondary dominant is a dominant chord borrowed from another key. Now the question is : what exact scale do I take this chord from? It's obvious that simply dominant seven chord is same everywhere where it exists (hope I'm not losing you ), but for example dominant 7b9 (so I'm aiming for dim7 substitute) cannot be found in the major scale, but exists in harmonic minor. So can I use any suitable scale or are there any rules (or am I completely wrong everywhere? )?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 7 2009, 09:41 PM

Yes


You are right. We can borrow the dominant chord from another key and resolve to our normal key. For example if you are in A minor, the obvious dominant chord is G7 (mixolydian). This comes from C major scale degrees. You can resolve to A minor scale by throwing an E7 chord before going back to A minor. That E7 is not really coming from A major root even though E7 is the 5th chord from A major. In this case it is coming from A harmonic minor and it is its 5th mode called phrygian dominant. If you harmonize E phrygian dominant scale into 4 note chord you will get an E7 chord. So the right scale over that chord would be E phrygian dominant or just a simple E7 arpeggio. Of course you can do it with some extensions as you said like 7b9 that's all within that scale. Even the diminished 7 would work as the last mode of harmonic minor gives that chord when harmonized into 4 note chord. So feel free to borrow that chord as your 5th chord before resolving to a minor chord. When you're back to your normal minor chord you can play normal modes like aeolian or dorian or you can stay in harmonic minor.

Note the difference here. If you resolve from E7 to A major that's a normal dominant chord and mixolydian is the right scale over E7 or just E7 arpeggio.

I hope you got the point now

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 7 2009, 10:02 PM

Thanks Emir! I think I got it. So, if I've got a minor chord, and I use borrowed dominant, I play phrygian dominant over the dominant, and then go back to my original scale, or stay in harmonic minor. If the chord is major, I go for mixolydian. So, if I've got progression Am-G-F-G#dim7-Am I can play A aeolian over 1st 3 chords, then switch to E phrygian dominant for dim7 and go back to A aeolian/stay in A harmonic minor?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 7 2009, 11:20 PM

Exactly Or just throw a diminished 7 arpeggio over that (only chord notes) and you simply can't go wrong.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 9 2009, 09:46 PM

Hi Emir!

Today was officially my final working day in this year, so I can concentrate more on guitar! Just have to finish some programming projects on this week (one of them is a program which displays scale notes on the fretboard ) and I'll be almost completely free .

I've done my very first experiment with chord progressions (normally I don't go out of a given key ), and now I'm a bit confused, as I've done it partly with theory partly by ear. I've attached a gtp, the chords are played by strings and I've also added guitar which plays pretty much random notes just to see if I'm using correct scales. So, first part is in B minor, progression is | I | III | VII | V9 of IV, IV | twice - this one is pretty clear to me. Now it's unclear what happens in the second part (pretty funny as I've created it ) - what's the key there? Is it still B minor (or E dorian) or is it E minor? And what then will be secondary dominant chords there? (I had in mind modulation to E minor, so the progression will start as | I | V7 of VII | VII | , but then I don't know how to name A major chords afterwards - they don't sound like secondary dominants to me). Hope you can help me with this one (actually I'm sure you can ) and thanks in advance!

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 10 2009, 10:55 AM

Cool stuff man. I would like to see that program that you've made

This song is in B minor. I guess you want to borrow secondary dominant from B minor harmonic scale which is F#7 or F# phrygian dominant mode. Your chords and the bass line were wrong in that bar - BAR 4.
I fixed it the way I though it would be logical. I threw G dim7 and F# in that bar and changed the solo notes. Gdim7 is also related to that scale. That's coming from the last harmonic minor mode and it tends to resolve somewhere which is in this case resolving to F# and that F# is resolving back to B minor. I could have just put an F# without the dim7 and it would still work. Mute the solo and hear the chords only you will understand.

Check the fixed bar 4 in this file. I didn't fix the rest but there is the same problem on 1 more bar, I think bar 8. You can just copy my bar 4 in there on all tracks as they were all wrong in that bar.

In bar 13 you have C major which resolves to G major on bar 14. So those 2 bars are in the key of G major. IV and the I chord.

Bar 15 and 16 are in the key of D major but you are playing A major there (or A sus4) which is V chord or mixolydian. This was supposed to be resolved to D major after this but you got back to B minor in the end which is fine.

So you have 3 keys in this piece. Nice work btw

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 10 2009, 01:23 PM

Thanks Emir!! I think I understood almost everything

My logic behind D#dim7 in bar 4 was like this - B7 is a dominant in the key of E harmonic minor, and Em is the IV of original key of B minor. So, I've taken B7b9 chord and removed root to get D#dim7. Is this kind of thinking wrong or is it correct in some cases? (arghh, I know I should've started reading that book on harmony from the beginning and not instantly jump to the middle ). I'm just trying to find ways of adding more diminished chords to get that "evil" classical sound .

One more question remains : what about A chord in bar 12? Or should I change it to Am? (I think Am doesn't sound good in there).

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 11 2009, 03:43 AM

Why are you thinking of B7 dominant when your song is in B minor? F#7 is your secondary dominant in this case. You did all right apart from that one bar which I fixed.

The last A chord is ok. It's a bit unusual resolving to B minor but doesn't always have to be by the rules. You can sometimes make it your way, that's an art A minor wouldn't work there, keep it this way

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 11 2009, 01:14 PM

Well, I'm thinking not of secondary dominant of the root, but secondary dominant of the fourth - of E, so that I can resolve this dominant to the original Em chord. I don't know, maybe there is a different name for this kind of thing? Because from what I know this is hoe it is supposed to work. It's like in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_dominant#Definition_and_notation, maybe you know it under different name?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 11 2009, 02:03 PM

That's ok if you're resolving to E minor but your song is in B minor. In the bar 4 there was no place for B7 as you were resolving to B minor. I am getting confused about your question Also I am sure you can recognise if something just doesn't fit in the progression. Try it and see if it sounds right. Things doesn't always have to be like in theory but the theory helps you arrange things easier.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 12 2009, 04:24 AM

Yes, I agree that the original chord sounded "off" and your variant with Gdim7 is much better. But I was kinda like creating a subprogression (with dominant - resolution) in the original progression.

One more thing : I just wanted to ask what program do you use to create guitar pro files (weird question, huh )?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 12 2009, 04:53 AM

??? For Guitar Pro files I use Guitar Pro

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 12 2009, 12:54 PM

Haha! Now I'm confused You said that you don't have 5- and 7-tuples so I thought you are using some other software.

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 12 2009, 03:36 PM

that's true and very strange, my GP doesn't show these, only triplets. I will have to get some fresh instalation.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 13 2009, 07:26 PM

Hi Emir!

I'm having some troubles with projects (have to finish all the documentation today), so I'm not sure if I will be able to record a take today Is it OK if I do it tomorrow?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 14 2009, 05:46 PM

Yes, hurry up

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 15 2009, 03:58 AM

Hi Emir.

So.. after 2 hours of trying to get the CAGED assignment, I finally played it almost perfectly.. and found out that camera's batteries died halfway through the run. Then, additionally, I've accidentally deleted my sweeping video . So, I upload audio, and will try to do a new video now. As you can hear, there are some timing problems, especially when changing shapes (transition to second to last shape in 3-string version is the hardest). I also found out that I almost can play 3-string sweeps at 180bpm, and that it feels quite easy, unlike 2-string.
 emir_mtp_2_2.mp3 ( 2.44MB ) : 123


Edit : so here it is :
 emir_mtp2_2wmv.wmv ( 7.96MB ) : 87

It's best I can get now, my eyes are already closing (ofcourse, it's 5 am here). But I'll do proper videos tomorrow I promise .

Edit 2 : just one more thing : you wrote in the other guys' threads

Should there be major 3rd instead?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 15 2009, 05:31 AM

Yes, sorry. I was typing b3 all day to some other guys about min7 arpeggio so I made mistake here Good spot

I'll look at this soon when I get home

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 16 2009, 04:45 AM

Hi Emir.

Ok.. I give up! I cannot play the caged assignment cleanly. In every take, one of 3 things happen : 1) I lose where I am in the chart (the further down I go, the more frequently it happens) 2) I get to the last row and become kinda like nervous (something like Maharzan described) 3) I lose concentretion and not think fast enough to form the next shape in my head. I don't remember the chord and position sequence (I've intended not to remember them), so I'm reading from the chart and playing at the same time. Playing and thinking ahead is something I've never done before, and it's very difficult for me. Needless to say, the timing is awfull. Here's an attempt:
 emir_mtp2_1.wmv ( 25.79MB ) : 109

I've messed up on the second to last shape

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 16 2009, 05:21 AM

Well, everything you said is very wrong as this video shows some awesome stuff man I know things don't happen over night and this stuff takes a bit of time, practice and patience. Please upload this to youtube and link it to the assignment thread. We need to show those threads to GMC supervisors as they need to see the assignments.

edit: if you follow other guys you probably know what's next. I'll post it in your thread as well

Posted by: maharzan Dec 16 2009, 07:29 AM

Sorry to jump in over the thread. I will share my experiences as you seem to have frustrated as I have been. But believe me you feel you have conquered the world once you get past it. I did.

I have been playing for last 15 years (though not frequently) and guess what I don't really know much of scales / no theory. I never took lessons. I did know major scales a bit here and there and I could improvise after thinking for long time. But then when I got this excercise, it was pain. i had to virtually stop for 3 secs after each box mainly to find (guess) the start of the box (not necessarily root). It was too much, then I went back to the first assignment and trained my fingers to remember the positions on each position 1 through 5. I still struggle through it though. So, next, I memorized slightly A C D F G pattern and the 54321 chart (it was easy.. just count 54321 15432 21543 etc..). Then again, once I began this lesson I could only do it after stopping every 3 or 2 secs. Then I practiced (5 through 1) pass .. took me like 5 days. not full practice though.. Then as deadline approached.. I stopped work and practiced like 8 hours for 2 days.. stopping in between .. but I had guitar on my lap since I woke up till I slept. Well not full time though.

So, after that I got like 3 passes .. Somehow the last and first pass was easy on me. 2, 3, 4 always gave me problems. And on the day of recording, I tried like a 100 times. I was up till midnight trying to record. I always messed up after going down 3 passes. Either one note went off, of got nervous and messed it up myself. I only got like 3 times full run with 1,2 errors before I finally landed on one take that was 'perfect' for me. If I try again, I am sure I will mess it up.

Anyway, it does take a lot of practice. It took me almost 10 days as I submitted first assignment quite early. Emir said it should be doable in a month. So, take that into account and don't rush and expect it earlier. It does come to you slowly. Just don't give up. If you give up, it never will.

I still not confident on chord positions and I have to think for sometime, find the chord and find the root. But good thing is after this exercise, I can play virtually all scales in all positions and my fingers move for themselves (Well not that fast but I am happy about it). I am hoping after this MTP session, I will know all the modes and can play all over the neck.

I have MTPed with Muris and believe me, it was brutal but I corrected what I was weak at and what I joined his MTP for. I basically increased speed on my playing, sync, vibrato, strength and a bit of timing (which still persists).

I hope you will practice more and get there eventually.

Cool man.

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 16 2009, 08:33 AM

Read that Nimrandir?

I don't know if maharzan saw your take but the take was perfect. Forget that little slip in the end, that doesn't tell me that you didn't learn it all.

Posted by: maharzan Dec 16 2009, 09:07 AM

I haven't actually.. I am on mac (wmv doesn't play) and the size if pretty big for me to download right now. But if Emir says it.. accept it. You have done a good job.

Sorry again.. I am just so excited about this MTP that I am hanging around this MTP forum all the time.. GET ME BACK TO WORK... LoL!

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 16 2009, 02:12 PM

Thanks for the support guys!

Maharzan, I'm almost in the same situation as you - I've benn playing for 4,5 yrs, never taken lessons and don't know scale shapes, notes etc. (although I'm pretty comfortable with theory:) ). I've always thought "Oh, it would be great to learn those major scale positions!" and then "...OK, maybe later" . So I haven't started learning it until a bit more than a week ago.

Yea, 1st and 5th rows are easiset for me also (because they are near the open position, so it's easy for me to determine roots ), and row 4 was the hardest (because the hand has to jump 1 fret between each pattern).

You show some very serious dedication! That's very good, you'll be able to achieve any goal you set. I've got to learn from you in this department

And by the way

should be





Haha, the same thing is happening with me! Sometimes I even go here on my mobile phone


Emir, I know what's comming next I've got some questions about it :
1) How frequently do I have to change positions?
2) How does the "modal system" work in this approach? Do I memorize where the root is located in each position for each mode?
3) Do I have to stick to 16th notes only?

Going to start asap

Posted by: maharzan Dec 16 2009, 02:27 PM

Thats like a good boy..

Oh Man.. I just watched your video... Seriously, what are you complaining about? That was superb!! and at that tempo (isn't that like 100bpm ?).. man... You are a lier.

Good work. Keep it up. Probably all Guitarists have passed this phase. So, keep the fingers crossed. I am really. I have given myself 1 year (and 6 months have already passed) to reach that 'semi-pro' level. Hoping for the best.

AND I WANT THAT GUITAR!!!!

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 16 2009, 02:58 PM

Thanks man! I'm gonna be working on it

And I want your triaxis!

Posted by: maharzan Dec 16 2009, 04:10 PM

Oh yeah!!

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 16 2009, 04:46 PM

Doing the backing now; the modulation sounds very smooth. What's the theory behind it? Why does A minor to F# minor work? I understand C#7 (being the secondary dominant in F# minor) is there to "announce" the modulation and provide comfortable resolution to F#m chord?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 17 2009, 03:10 AM

Yes.

We are changing the key completely here. In the first part we are in C major scale patterns. When playing in F#minor you will use your 5 positions of A major scale but thinking of modes and their roots as the chord changes respectively. This is because I want to break the flow of thinking of one major scale. In this exercise we have 2 major scale patterns so a bit more brain work. E7 and F#7 are there just to announce the resolution as you said. They are not the part of our major scale patterns so on those places play just a couple of arpeggio notes and resolve to your actual chord.


As frequent as you feel comfortable to do so. I expect you to cover the whole neck throughout this exercise.


Yes.


No but try more 16th notes if you can. If not, 8th notes will still work. You don't need to have some crazy tempo, keep it normal so you can play easier.

Posted by: Nimrandir Dec 24 2009, 04:30 AM

Hi Emir!

Sorry for not being active here in the past week. I've had some problems but now all is ok .

I'm still struggling with the weekly assignment (haven't practiced it much to be honest). I can play over the progression covering the whole neck BUT (and this is big BUT) I play without thinking about the root - I just go from one position to another adjacent position. When I try to think of roots, my head begins to explode as I'm not very familiar with notes on the fretboard (ok, the E and A strings are pretty much known to me, but others are not). So I can't really jump from say position 3 to position 5, only to position 4 or 2. I guess I just need more practice. I know I'm now VERY late with assignment, so I thought maybe I can submit this and the next one at the same time on the weekend?

Also, the end of the month is nearing and soon I'll need to record the REC take. I've pretty much learned the climax lesson, but the AP part still gives me some troubles (I still stumble on that inside picking thing). Could you please send me a backing track for the lesson so that I can record a draft take and let you see it before the REC submission?

Posted by: Emir Hot Dec 24 2009, 03:46 PM

Thanks for the update. You can do it all this weekend if you like. Send me PM with your mail address and I'll send the backing.

Cheers.

Posted by: Emir Hot Mar 15 2010, 12:07 AM

Hi

Happy to continue the December MTP? If so then let's go for it. I got permission to finish that MTP phase. Sorry for being extremely late. Just too much to do. If you can't continue then just let me know so I can lock the topic.

Cheers