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GMC Forum _ Gabriel Leopardi _ Roadside's Thread
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 24 2016, 08:26 PM
Hi Roadside! Welcome to your mentoring thread.
Before we start, I'd like to know a bit more about you.
- How many time have you been playing guitar?
- Favorite guitarists, bands and musicians.
- What are your guitar goals?
- How would you like to you see yourself in 5 years (related to music and guitar)?
- How many time can you play guitar each day?
- Do you have playing live experience?
- Which are your strong and weak points with guitar?
- What do you know about music theory?
- Can you record videos of you playing?
- Share here audios and videos that reflect your current playing.
Posted by: Roadside Jul 24 2016, 09:28 PM
Before we start, I'd like to know a bit more about you.
- How many time have you been playing guitar?
I can't count that one. Actually, I started playing guitar when I was around 15/16 - so 11 years ago. My gosh, that is a long time. First two to four years I have been totally self-taught together with a good friend. We started in what I would call the "Nu metal" era with bands like Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, but also some more classical stuff such as Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Guns & Roses. It quickly transferred to even heavier stuff. Back then I guess Slipknot was a huge influence and as you know that is just quite a lot of alternate picking. Quite challenging speed for starters, so it was great fun. Of course, also learned the very basics. But selftaught. After some years I went to a local music school and was actually told that technique seems to be fine and that I just need to practice more frequently and harder. My first intention to learn theory at that school was not enough motivation to keep on. So my theory knowledge is very basic at the moment. Actually I recently also started to play a little piano to learn theory basics as well.
- Favorite guitarists, bands and musicians.
Alter Bridge, Stone Sour, Metallica, Machine Head, Led Zeppelin, Guns & Roses, but I also like a lot of softer stuff and a huge variety of music. Bands named are my background I would say.
For guitarists I have to name Mark Tremonti here since he is a major influence for me. I like his soloing style as well as his very unique rythms and melodies when finger picking. I also like his way of using a large scale of tunings.
Besides that it's a vast mix of all the big ones: Slash, Mark Knopfler, Clapton, Vai, Hammett.
More modern guitarists such as Jacky Vincent (Falling in Reverse) and/or Wes Borland are great musicians in their own modern style.
- What are your guitar goals?
Tough question. I guess for now I would like to be able to play, i.e. Alter Bridge album, through an entire Alter Bridge record without hesitating too much. I do like to play songs. And to write songs. So I wouldn't say that I am someone who is only looking into technique and speed, rather than looking into good songwriting and decent guitar skills.
- How would you like to you see yourself in 5 years (related to music and guitar)?
In 5 years I would like to see two things come true: one is mentioned above and hopefully to be reached < 5 years. The other is that I have also started building own guitars. My profession is engineering, so that Im familiar with constructing and building technical products. As said, song writing is a thing I want to dig deeper into. So maybe in 5 years playing my own guitar in front of a nice crowd wouldn't be to bad, would it?
- How many time can you play guitar each day?
Actually that was always an issue in my case. I m quite busy with my job - business traveling national / international and working hours somewhat 7.30 a.m. - 6pm. In addition I go for runs every second day which would not roadblock any guitar activities. So as long as not traveling I can play every morning and/or every evening + weekends. In weeks of business traveling I might have to stop for 3-5 days from time to time.
- Do you have playing live experience?
Yes, I do. But this is minor and years back. School band, a few events with our old band. Crowd < 500 people.
- Which are your strong and weak points with guitar?
Pros:
- Alternate Picking
- Riffing
- Legato (but since my break it also developed backwards)
- rythm guitar
Cons:
- Timing - at least I think so
- Speed - especially in lead guitar licks / solos
- Theory
- What do you know about music theory?
As mentioned above.
- Can you record videos of you playing?
Now here comes the sad topics. Right now, I cannot record any videos, same goes for audios. I have been living overseas for quite some time and returned back to Germany. So for now I have not set up equipment yet. But I should be able to record within next 2 weeks.
- Share here audios and videos that reflect your current playing.
Hi Gabriel,
many thanks!
I will try to answer all your questions though I have to make some exceptions for the last two.
I answered right below your questions.
To wrap it up: I would say that currently I'm a decent rythm guitarist who needs to work more on lead guitar techniques and a regular training schedule. As you have seen I started 11 years back but I had major breaks within. With major I mean that 60% of this 11 years I did not play regularly. There are lots of excuses for that, which I don't want to push to the front anymore. Now it's time to start practicing again and I would appreciate if you support this project
And by the way, it's Tim! Hoping to have a great time being trained here
Edit: I just forgot one topic. Really need to train my ears. That is one thing i never knew how to work on.
Cheers
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 25 2016, 10:11 PM
Hi mate, thanks for the info!
I wonder if maybe you can use your cellphone or borrow one to at least record yourself playing a bit to let me see your current guitar level to start from there.
If that's not possible, I think that the best would be that you choose 2 GMC lessons that you like to work during this first two weeks before you get the gear to record yourself. During this period you can ask here all the questions you have regarding technique and theory based on the lessons that you will work.
At the same time, we can dedicate some time to song analysis in order to start working in the direction of your songwriting goals. The first step is that you share here 5 songs that you like.
What do you think? Are you in?
Posted by: Roadside Jul 26 2016, 06:24 PM
Hi Gabriel,
yah, that's fine for me. Should be able to rec something the closer we come to the weekend 
Currently working on:
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/move_your_little_finger!/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/in-the-style-of-gary-moore-ballad-and-blues/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/phrasing-and-dynamics-2/ (though that one's a little tough in terms of speed)
And some songs, which I could upload a few parts of as well.
What do you think about the lessons? What would you add for topics a) timing 
increasing speed?
Cheers,
Tim
Posted by: Roadside Jul 27 2016, 07:48 AM
Forgot to share 5 songs 
1. Led Zeppelin - Babe. I' m gonna leave you
2. Avenged Sevenfold - Beast & the harlot
3. Alter Bridge - Blackbird / Rise today / end is here
4. Trivium - He who spawned the furies
5. Madina Lake - House of Cards
Didn't think about it too much, but these are some good examples hopefully.
Looking forward to your approach to improve songwriting ;P
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 28 2016, 12:57 AM
yah, that's fine for me. Should be able to rec something the closer we come to the weekend
Currently working on:
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/move_your_little_finger!/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/in-the-style-of-gary-moore-ballad-and-blues/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/phrasing-and-dynamics-2/ (though that one's a little tough in terms of speed)
And some songs, which I could upload a few parts of as well.
What do you think about the lessons? What would you add for topics a) timing
increasing speed?Cheers,
Tim
Hi Tim, the lessons that you are working are great. Piotr lessons are among my favorites at the site, and that dynamics lesson by Jose is really cool (Check out Darius dynamics lessons as well).
I don't think that you need to work on a lot of lessons by once so 3 lessons would be enough to start. However, you could maybe give a try to Todd Simpson's shred course.
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Portal:Techniques
Posted by: Roadside Jul 28 2016, 07:41 AM
Hi Gabriel,
yah, I' ve seen Todds thread and really want to become a shredding soldier! Will record everything as soon as possible. Keeping you updated.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 28 2016, 05:37 PM
Excellent!
Posted by: Roadside Aug 15 2016, 10:08 PM
Hey Gab,
I m currently trying to improve my alternate picking & legato accuracy and speed. Therefore I would like to build up a plan besides usual lessons to work on scales with metronome support.
So I would start with some BPM I feel comfortable with. But which scales to practice? Can I just use GMC scale generator to generate Major and Minor scale as well as minor pentatonic to work on firstly? Change positions along fret board and go for it until Im exhausted?
What other scales to train? And is it the right way to play those with a metronome as often as I can or is there a different approach I m not thinking of?
Many thanks in advance
TIm
BTW, here are the lessons I started working on. It is quite a lot so I will focus on two or three first of all:
- Gary Moore Style
- Move your Pinky
- not decided
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 16 2016, 08:33 PM
Hi mate,
Practicing scales over metronome is not very effective. It's good for technique training but not to get the feel of the scale. The best is to practice scales over chords or backing tracks. You can use any software (amazing slowdowner, or Cubase) that let's you change the tempo of the backings in order to practice at different tempos or use different backings.
When practicing scales it's important to dedicate time to create phrases and melodies in order to learn how to use them in a musical way which is the most important thing. You can also practice sequences over scales as a technical and ear training exercise.
About what scales to practice. I would start in this order:
Pentatonic Scales
Major Scale (Ionian mode)
Minor Scale (Aeolian mode)
and then the other modes: Mixolydian, Lydian, Dorian, etc...
If technique and speed is the goal, you can combine learning some technique GMC lessons with this workout: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Todd_Simpson_-_Shred_Journey
If theory and improvisation is the goal, you can use this course as a guide: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42832&view=findpost&p=699881
Let me know if you have any questions and if this clarifies your questions...
Posted by: Roadside Aug 17 2016, 05:52 AM
HI Gab,
your advise sounds good to me. I will start setting up a schedule for scales. For me it is not about speed and accuracy only. Next step would have been improvising. This is of course the "overall goal".
Both threads, your's and Todd's look great. So I will give both a try.
Anyhow, I need to pay attention not to overload. Accuracy should always be Priority 1 I guess...
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 18 2016, 11:05 PM
Sure! Could you please share here how you plan to organise your schedule?
Posted by: Roadside Aug 6 2017, 07:36 PM
Hi Gab,
so I'm nearly done with these:
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Simple-Aminor-Soloing/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/neoclassical_solo_for_beginners/
But as I wanna record a close result, I will still go on for a few more days to sharpen it. I guess Ill upload until Friday.
In regards to my schedule I can share this one with you:
So actually I am quite busy with my job and earliest available time is 6 pm, if it is a good day. Besides that there's of course social life, girlfriend and stuff. Anyhow, my plan is to focus 2 hrs on concentrated playing. I booked 30 minutes per each lesson I am working on - on daily basis. My 2 hour schedule gives me space for 2 lessons at a time. Sufficient, what do you think?
As I also want to build up speed, hand synchronization and learn to apply scales over the fretboard, I booked another 30 minutes for these. Last 30 minutes is just for playing and writing to keep a musical approach and have fun besides the hard work
In addition I need to get down theory. I am a person who is enabled by understanding a theoretical background. I assume it will help me progress.
On weekends plan is to even increase 2hrs if possible.
So, what are your thoughts? And what would be your ideas for next lesson or do you want to see the uploaded takes first?
Talk to you soon
Tim
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 9 2017, 06:37 PM
Hi mate, thanks for the update.
I think that the plan sounds good so let's give it some more days to see if you feel comfortable with the time dedicated to each part of it. I'm interested in watching your videos in order to give you the right lessons to continue.
I think that we can also start with song analysis as we've talked previously. The first task for the next days is to write down the structure of each of the 5 songs that you've shared. You just need to write the parts (Ex: Intro - Verse - Bridge - Verse II, etc). Is it possible?
Posted by: Roadside Aug 12 2017, 06:40 PM
Hi Gab!
So, finally I took the decision to feed you a little although I am not pleased with the take yet.
Set-up:
Hughes&Kettner Head Tubemeister 36
DV Mark Neoclassical Box (happens to match the lesson, huh?)
Shure SM 57 -> Steinberg UR242
Recorded via Cubase
I went for a real amp recording as I think it is more precise and shows your weaknesses. Amp simulation kind of seem to smoothen your sound a lot.
Soundwise I used the brige pickup for the first part which is mainly on E and A string. Afterwards I switched to the neck pick up to have a warmer feeling on those notes on G-string. Still not fully happy with the sound. Sound is not mastered with EQ at all - still raw.
Playing:
- high E-string vibrato on 8th fret is still not pleasing. I am not sure why. My feeling tells me I am not giving enough vibrato range, but let me know your opinion. Last part could be cleaner as well and my overall timing could be improved.
Looking forward to your feedback!
Tim
Aaaah: and my webcam is something I need to replace
By the way: I think I would like to work on https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/move_your_little_finger!/ as it will help me improve and reduce my finger movement for alternate picking as well as my pinky strength and control. What do you think?
Posted by: Roadside Aug 13 2017, 09:14 AM
Just did another try. Not better, but just to compare sounds. This one was done with Guitar Rig.
https://soundcloud.com/tim-heger-962320112/neoclassicalbeginners-guitarrig
So somehow, I feel very uncomfortable with my sound playing on G,B,E strings. Any clue why? Do I vibrato out of pitch? It feels like no matter how precise I am playing it, its a biting sound
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 13 2017, 06:02 PM
Hi mate, great to see video and audio from you!
I think that you could note which are the things that need adjustment in your playing at this point. The lesson is going on the right track, but there are some details to adjust. At first it's important to note why there are some parts, mostly in higher strings and frets that sound with pitch issues. This can be related to different issues:
- Guitar tuning, calibration or old strings.
- Too much fingers pressure.
- Vibrato that tends to be a bend.
You are the only one that can check what's the real reason why you are having this pitch problem.
On the other hand, I think that your vibrato, even if it's not the responsible of pitch issue is still a weak. We will work on some lessons specifically based on this technique, starting with this one: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Vibrato-Workout/
About the move your pinky lesson, I love it. It's perfect but I don't think that it's a good idea to incorporate another lesson (besides the vibrato one), but if you are too motivated, you can go for it and maybe practice one or two parts as exercises.
Posted by: Roadside Aug 13 2017, 09:42 PM
Hi Gab,
yeah I agree with you. Ill go for it, maybe the pinky as well.
Tuning was finely adjusted. I will change strings as I even had a very experienced guitarist here who sounded similar on my guitar.
Give me a week or two to work on Vibrato lesson. A minor simple soloing is also still missing.
I think that you could note which are the things that need adjustment in your playing at this point. The lesson is going on the right track, but there are some details to adjust. At first it's important to note why there are some parts, mostly in higher strings and frets that sound with pitch issues. This can be related to different issues:
- Guitar tuning, calibration or old strings.
- Too much fingers pressure.
- Vibrato that tends to be a bend.
You are the only one that can check what's the real reason why you are having this pitch problem.
On the other hand, I think that your vibrato, even if it's not the responsible of pitch issue is still a weak. We will work on some lessons specifically based on this technique, starting with this one: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Vibrato-Workout/
About the move your pinky lesson, I love it. It's perfect but I don't think that it's a good idea to incorporate another lesson (besides the vibrato one), but if you are too motivated, you can go for it and maybe practice one or two parts as exercises.
Posted by: Roadside Aug 14 2017, 09:37 AM
One thing to add: actually I turned down the intensity of vibrato on purpose as I feel it is a little too much on the lesson. So maybe after resolving the pitch issue Ill post an update with stronger vibrato.
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 15 2017, 03:29 PM
Good! I'll wait for news.
Posted by: Roadside Aug 16 2017, 06:00 AM
Maybe you read it on off-topic, but I will need to pause a few days as I injured my wrist during a soccer game. Hopefully it will recover fast with my supernatural human genes. 
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 16 2017, 03:32 PM
Oh! I'm so sorry mate. Ok, take care, listen to music and read about theory!
Posted by: Roadside Aug 22 2017, 06:32 AM
Hey Gab! So, as I was not able to play to play lately, I started yesterday, but not to full extent.
Therefore, I just went with a chord progressnion: B minor, F #, E Maj, F and added a few melodies on b-minor scale.
It is fully improvised, just to learn playing on scales. What do you think?
https://soundcloud.com/tim-heger-962320112/cubase-le-ai-elements
By the way: is there any tip on how to move forward from a certain chords progression? Like use the maj 3rd or maj 5th of the root note or whatever? How do you progress after you found a first idea/riff/melody?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 22 2017, 03:00 PM
Hi mate! That sounds really good! I like it.
There are no rules in music, if it sounds good to you it's ok. However, there are concepts, and techniques that will help you to create effective chord progressions. You need to know about scales, tonalities, chord functions, modal interchange and modulation. Most of this things can be learnt by reading about theory, but it's also important to analyze music.
For song analysis, I strongly recommend getting into The Beatles. This man made the most amazing song analysis ever and he covered every Beatles song: http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/DATABASES/AWP/awp-notes_on.shtml
This thread will also help: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=15794
Posted by: Roadside Sep 3 2017, 09:41 AM
Hey Gab,
so finally back from "guitar" vacation due to my wrist issues. It is still not perfect, but Doc says it is ok to begin slowly.
Hope to give you my next takes during the week, latest next week end!
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 3 2017, 06:04 PM
Great news!! Welcome back!
Posted by: Roadside Nov 24 2017, 01:01 PM
Hey Gab!
Just something I would like to share with you. Currently working on band stuff, here is the latest one.
I still have issues with my wrist, so Im off with riffing only :/
Let me know what you think 
FemmeFatale_Drums__online_audio_converter.com_.mp3 ( 1.42MB )
: 74
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 24 2017, 06:13 PM
Hey mate!
Nice!! Great to see you working on your original music! Those riffs sound very fresh to me. I can hear some influences from post hardcore, punk, and some mathcore too. I noticed that you started adding some vocals but just in a small part. Do you have any idea of the structure of this? Can you identify parts like verse, chorus, part C, and so?
If not, it would be interesting if you get into some of your favorite bands and analyse their music. We've talked a bit about this at this thread. Have you tried it?
Posted by: Roadside Feb 6 2018, 08:30 PM
Hey Gab,
we were again very busy writing. I would like to share some song with full vocals with you and discuss structure and maybe you got a hint or two. Would you share your mail as PN? Don't want to upload it to public forum.
Thanks!
Tim
Nice!! Great to see you working on your original music! Those riffs sound very fresh to me. I can hear some influences from post hardcore, punk, and some mathcore too. I noticed that you started adding some vocals but just in a small part. Do you have any idea of the structure of this? Can you identify parts like verse, chorus, part C, and so?
If not, it would be interesting if you get into some of your favorite bands and analyse their music. We've talked a bit about this at this thread. Have you tried it?
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 7 2018, 02:55 PM
Hi mate! Sure! What about sending it via PM here at GMC?
Posted by: Roadside Feb 7 2018, 07:35 PM
Hi Gab, I have send you a soundcloud link.
Cheers
https://soundcloud.com/tim-heger-962320112/landr-madhouse3-1
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 8 2018, 09:42 PM
Hi mate, I got it!
What's this exactly? Who's singing? Please tell me more about thisi recording. Also, tell me what are your thoughts about structure and everything else.
Posted by: Roadside Feb 9 2018, 01:06 PM
What's this exactly? Who's singing? Please tell me more about thisi recording. Also, tell me what are your thoughts about structure and everything else.
Hi Gab, so it seems my PN did not go through to you.
So general set-up:
Guitars 1 & 2 - Helix native, Fender Strat & Fender Tele with Seymour Duncans
Simple Bass - Helix native
Vocals recorded by solid state preamp namely Focus scarlett
Drums by free vst
So, generally it is a song - at least to me - of a really good mood, although it has dark, neoclassical and minor/diminished elements.
It was created by jamming on shuffle drums as it just gives you that nice feel. We are quite happy with the overall result, although vocals are not even close to being as good as they are in reality. We have tried different things like mic position, rooms, solid state vs tube pre, but it seems difficult to reach a better result. So in verse 1 and 2 his frequency range is lower than in pre, chorus and late chorus and we think that it overlays too much with the guitar frequency.
Anyhow, it is in the key of A, some structures composed of really easy chord shapes, but nice grooves played on the related pentatonics. Second guitar then fills it up with some groovy lead melodies. Overall it has quite a lot of parts and we tried to build up a nice climax until the solo kicks off. Song becomes more sad, but also crazy, still keeping its original idea that someone is lost in a madhouse, just talking to miss janine who is the nurse providing the pills
Post solo we changed the verse totally to get even more groove into the mix and added a last chorus to finish up the whole climax by singing same melody as the lead provides. Then outro as you have heard.
Bass is most of the time very similar to the guitar.
What are your impressions of the mix and how do you like the songs?
Tim
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 11 2018, 08:15 PM
Hi mate, thanks for the info!
I can say that I like the style. I'll comment all the things that come to my mind when listening to this, some of these ideas are surely subjective, or maybe most of them, but I think that honest comments is what you need at this point.
I like the style of the song, the vocals "colour", the groove, and the lead melodies. The lead vocals make me think one The Doors, The Cult, but the overall style make me think on more modern post punk revival bands like The Vaccines or maybe The Hives with a darker feel, like Interpol, Artic Monkeys, and a bit of QOTSA.
Based on the bands that I've listed, I feel that the sound of drums, bass, and more specially guitars are not totally connected with the style of the song. I would experiment with guitar tones with less gain, more vintage style, and the same for other instruments. A different type of sound would make you play other type of arrangements and guitar solos.
This songs are just as a sample of the type of production, but I don't mean that your songs should sound like that. I mean that it could sound cooler with some influence from these type of bands, just explore these styles.
About the arrangements, I feel that there is too much information all the time. I would try trying to have less information on verses to let the chorus have more impact when it starts. Analyse how your favourite songs are arranged in this way, notice how each part is arrangement to let the song flow smoother.
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