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Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 2 2012, 04:21 PM

Hey Miguel!

I am a grunge lover myself and I like SOAD and Tremonti's works as well!

Mate, I would really appreciate it if you could provide some links with you playing - video or audio I am curious to know where we should start and this would help a lot!

You sound like more of a lead player, right?

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable May 3 2012, 01:48 AM

Thanks for replying so soon! That really motivates me!
I must let you know that since my teen years are gone and I am now a full working dad with a healthy soon to be 3 year old I am quite time starved....nevertheless, I will give it my best!

I'll work on the video, never ever done one so we'll see how that goes...hmm, what should i try to play...

Actually, I WISH I was a lead player....that's my frustration...I have never really understood scales or how to use them in a chord progression...you see since I never really stuck to practicing with consistency , I just settled for picking up tabs and playing the songs I liked...when I got to the solo though.....that's another story....so I even gapped 6 months to a year between my playing because of frustration only to pick it up and land in the same place....

Glad you're here to help!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 3 2012, 09:51 AM

Hey man! No worries I am here try to play anything that comes to mind going through rhythm and lead and just shoot it so I can hear the sound and see you play. No fancy arrangements required

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable May 5 2012, 05:47 PM

OK...got a small video....no leads though! I've never been able to do that! I wish!
I just got a section of the song Teasin' PLeasin' from 89' , band is Dangerous Toys...I just thought I remembered it more or less so I gave it a shot....then a little of STP Meatplow.....I don't think it's quite right but at least hopefully it can give you a feel...

I haven't played in a long time again so I'm eager to scrape the rust from my stiff fingers and get rolling!

Can you please suggest how to embed a video? I did it in iMovies but I think standard Quicktime export will be a huge file size...how do you commonly do it?

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 5 2012, 05:53 PM

Hey Miguel! First things first don't worry man! We are here to take the rust off your fingers, so in order to be able to do that, I must first see HOW MUCH rust is there, or, if there is any at all

Now, you should first set up a youtube channel and upload it there, after that click the EMBED option in the SHARING menu available for your little uploaded movie and paste the code in this thread so I can see it

If you wish, I can provide a link with more details on how to set up a Youtube account

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable May 6 2012, 03:26 PM

Thanks Cosmin!
I already have a Youtube account , but I have never uploaded a video.....is there any chance I can make it private?
I mean, does everyone have access to whatever I put up there?

Thanks for the patience with this noob!

Cheers!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 7 2012, 07:51 AM

yes it is - Unlisted is how the option is called and you should see it once the video starts uploading then, you can send the link to me and only you and I will see it

Posted by: Unstable May 8 2012, 03:51 AM

Here you go!

Let me know if it works....it's my first time uploading on the Tube!

Cheers!

http://youtu.be/5FbfNhwTP8M

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 8 2012, 04:21 PM

It works mate you seem like a tight player I like what I am hearing I notice you are very determined and surefooted when playing (I must admit I am in love with that sounds made by the strings when they are hit hard)

Anyway, I think you got what it takes for a good player

I suggest that in order to get the ship floating, we should focus on theory/ technique/ articulation and some phrasing examples.

What's your favorite technique man?

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable May 9 2012, 01:27 AM

Thanks Cosmin!
Wasn't really expecting that feedback!

Herein lies the problem.....I have not done much theory or technique at all...just reading tabs and playing what I can....whenever it got too hard or got to a solo I could only sigh and jump to another....I have tried an instructional book here , another there, but never stuck enough with any to make progress...same goes with gear....I basically know how to use the amp distortion and the clean sound....besides that, I have so much to learn!!!

With your help I'll try my best to focus and practice as required to improve my playing...I'm a clean slate!

As far as technique goes I have a weakness for octaves...i love trills and just wish I could do sweep picking!
But again, although I've learned some major scales through time , I've never really understood how to use them

Here's to improving!!! Cheers!!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 9 2012, 10:02 AM

Hehehe! Let's get to it mate!

I will stress the importance of theory once again and your first assignment will be the following:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Triads_in_Major_Scale_Series_Part_1/

this series of lessons will help you in understanding the theory behind harmonizing a scale.

Have you ever heard of this concept? If not, let's discuss a bit

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable May 10 2012, 03:25 AM

I've heard of it but do not really understand it or know what it means.
I'm going to immediately review triads again from my fretboard logic theory book (based on CAGED) to help me better understand the video (theory-wise).

I'll let you know my thoughts on the subject ASAP!

Thanks!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 10 2012, 08:19 AM

Looking forward to your post and in the mean time - harmonizing a scale means replacing each step of the scale with a chord instead of playing a single note.

We would be using only notes belonging to the scale itself, so out of this idea, we get the following formula:

Major minor minor Major Major minor diminished Major

For instance, in the case of C major the chords harmonizing the scale are: C major D minor E minor F major G major A minor B diminished C major

Let's see what would the chords used to harmonize G major be? Your turn

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable May 11 2012, 12:29 AM

Errr...G major A minor B minor C major D major E minor F diminished and G major?

So you're explanation definitely helps me understand the concept....nevertheless I'm going to have to remember how to produce a minor and diminished since although I've probably used them while playing by tabs I can't easily recognize them. I think I'll nail it down quick, I'll just need to dust off my old "Fretboard Logic".

Practicing and posting soon!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 11 2012, 08:01 AM

...aaaand your answer iiiis CORECT great to see you're handy with these, man! Alright, I'll be waiting for your post anyway, the formula for the minor is 1 b3 5 and for the diminished, it is 1 b3 b5 - try these for Am Bm and F#diminished

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable Jun 19 2013, 02:52 AM

Hey Cosmin! First of all gratz for your band! Liked em on Facebook....you guys rock!
Long story short ...Im hopefully back for good...I got frustrated with the lesson, eventually got into my old habit of trying to play songs and eventually gave up! Theres no way around it...have to take the hard road!

Just wanted to check in...kinda embarrased, but hopefully you'll stick with me! I love the guitar too much...I have to make this work!

Ill be working on the lesson and posting soon! Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 19 2013, 08:51 AM

Hello Miguel Indeed mate, there is no way around it

No worries, I will stick with you mate! All you have to do is work for yourself and your playing skills

Posted by: Unstable Jun 23 2013, 11:00 PM

Finally got it done and does it feel good! I get tense when Im recording so sorry for the fractured playing...but I think I got it right...at least it "sounds" right.

Here's the link!

http://youtu.be/JOHrJldvfZI

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 24 2013, 02:00 PM

Hehe Good work mate! I see you got the shapes, but now, it would be great if you could record this lesson against a metronome!

Set a tempo of about 60 BPM to start with and record the lesson as it is played in the original recording - you need to focus on timing and shifting the whole chord position not each finger at a time

The slower you work, the faster you will be able to progress - keep that in mind and please record the lesson with a metronome, deal?

Posted by: Unstable Jul 10 2013, 03:22 AM

Hello again Cosmin! I'm not quitting this time!
I've added the clip a little slower at 50 bpm, just wanted to make sure I pace myself.

http://youtu.be/MwktQ7uD0Fo

I realize I'm really wobbly in some parts and that I botched that last run in the high strings ...somehow when I realize I'm recording myself I bear down the weight of the world on me! Very hard to focus...It's amazing actually! Anyways....I can tell you it's flowing right now...and I'm glad you sent me up to face the metronome! I can REALLY feel and "hear" the improvement as I'm practicing now.

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 10 2013, 08:01 AM

Hola Miguel!

I am glad you are feeling the changes - and the track was ok as well - aside from that little mistake there I've seen it

Anyway - please continue until you get to the full speed and keep the same things in mind - clean playing, good timing, ok?

And try to relax man - it's not a competition, I am not giving you any grade that can take you down to Hell or some other stuff you are having fun and learning your favorite instrument! Right?

Posted by: Unstable Jul 12 2013, 02:59 AM

Good advice Cosmin! Hard at work! Sorry I think the metronome can't be heard well in the recording, but I got it up to 60 bpm now....think I got it right this time!

http://youtu.be/Axd9D6s9KL0

Feedback?

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 12 2013, 09:18 AM

This is cool man!

Now, start incrementing units on the metronome and see how far you can get Remember - you need to have the same clean playing and good timing as the speed goes up, aye?

Looking forward to the next vid - post as often as possible, ok?

Posted by: Unstable Jul 15 2013, 03:11 AM

Hey Cosmin!
75 bpm!! Upped the tempo from 60 bpm in last video!

http://youtu.be/2Y95yBMTR8s

Feeling great!

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 15 2013, 08:34 AM

Miguel! This is wonderful man! I say, let's get this one to 100% and then move on to the next, ok?

Congratulations mate, I am very proud!

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable Jul 16 2013, 02:56 AM

Hello Cosmin!
Up to 80 bpm now!
It's kind of in muscle memory now !

http://youtu.be/ip5Y2JCTUBU

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jul 16 2013, 08:29 AM

Hehe, I can see you are faster than the wind with your progress Watch out at 0:21 - that one was a bit choppy

I have another harmonizing based exercise for you, once you get this one at full tempo!

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable Aug 2 2013, 02:42 AM

Hello again Cosmin,
Had a horrible week at work but I've still been practicing though less this past few days. You can probably see the rust in my playing again, but just wanted to post up another I did today at 80 bpm. (to keep posting)....and please disregard the initial bloopers before 25 secs.

Still at 80 bpm.

Hope all is well!

Miguel

http://youtu.be/vsqoVuKFnSI

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 2 2013, 09:24 AM

Hello Miguel! It's not THAT bad - my suggestion is to keep on practicing even if you face hell in life - 20 minutes a day can keep your mind in the phenomenon - if you get my hint

Even if you won't move further at a fast pace, you will not go back - and that is a plus, always, a plus!

So, would you like to add something new to your chordal work? If you have the time that is

Posted by: Unstable Aug 3 2013, 06:28 AM

Of course Cosmin! Eager to move along!! I'll keep practicing that last lesson until I get that perfect though!

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 3 2013, 08:12 AM

How about this one mate? It involves more work with the right hand as well, and interesting positions with the left hand - what do you think?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Inverted-Chords-Progression/

Posted by: Unstable Aug 12 2013, 12:21 AM

Very nice progression! I'm taking longer to practice it cause I need to string my old nylon acoustic...it's gonna be kind of hard to pluck those strings in the electric. What do you think? Beautiful music though..cant wait to try it!

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 12 2013, 07:19 AM

Hello Miguel

You can try it on both, I don't think that it matters that much You can even use a pick, as I am interested in coordination and clean chord positions rather than right hand movement. It will be a good exercise for the right hand tho, picking with a pick Your choice completely, mate!

What would feel most comfortable to you?

Posted by: Unstable Jan 4 2014, 07:18 PM

Hello again Cosmin!

Happy New Year man! All the best for you, your family and the excellent team at GMC!
Don't even ask…let's say my will has been weak…but New Year…let's try to hold to the resolution!

Here's my take on the exercise…varied the picking a bit, but , see how it goes…
https://www.dropbox.com/sc/46t50n9ldiyjstg/ITjFFZwMbC
Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Unstable Jan 4 2014, 08:29 PM

Hey Cosmin!
Here's the quick Michael Jackson riff….did I get it more or less right?
http://youtu.be/AWY12wgJRmU

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 5 2014, 01:17 PM

Hehe! Hey there Miguel You nailed it perfectly Now, add the chords and maybe mute the riff a bit to make it sound groovier, ok?

Hey mate I noticed you also posted this in the REC zone - that place is for posting lessons recorded exactly as the instructors are playing them, so most likely it will not be graded or so.. But as Gabriel said, the modifications you have brought are interesting and nice and as improvement, you should aim to make all the notes sound even! Deal, matey?

Posted by: Unstable Jan 5 2014, 03:21 PM

Sorry about the REC zone….now I know! Thanks for the feedback!

Is there anyway I can see your chat session again to observe the MIchael Jackson chords used? Although I got the hang of the riff quickly I can't seem to nail the chords…

About the SInisa lesson, I am sorry about the picking arrangement but w/o fingerpicking (on an acoustic) it's kind of hard to get the same picking pattern down on the electric (there's some string skipping). I'll keep trying though!

Say Cosmin, I saw your thread about a practice plan. I will be able to practice approximately 2 hours per week day and a couple more on the weekends. I have to be dead serious with myself to avoid losing focus and progress.

Can you set me up with that schedule?

All the best!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 6 2014, 10:15 AM

Hey mate

Please try to get the lesson as it is recorded, for the REC zone and the answer to the two remaining questions is yes and yes:

For the v-chat replay - check this link here: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=39243&view=findpost&p=670210

For the practice schedule, please take a bit of time to answer these questions here: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=50025&st=0&start=0

Cheers mate!

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable Jan 10 2014, 04:36 AM

Hey Cosmin!

http://youtu.be/b6mZAnxTjwU

Just wanted to post something for ye so you can see how my try at the Alter Bridge lesson is going. I haven't practiced too much these past two days because of work but I wanted to force myself to move forward with whatever I have! The only thing that sounds kind of funny for me (kind of dissonant to my ears) is the F5 to F7M change. I think the rest sounds pretty good! Of course I am well aware of the hiccups in this try , but I just wanted to let you know how I'm progressing from total panic to something recognizable!

Comments appreciated!

Cheers!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 10 2014, 09:53 AM

Hey matey! You mainly nailed things, but now, you should make sure that you do the following steps:

- isolate the parts that are causing trouble and practice them slowly till they feel natural - that chord change at 0:11 and the litthe lick that ties the riffs - min 0:14
- implement them in the whole ensemble and try to play things against the metronome at a slow speed
- play against the slowest available backing

It should all make sense by then

Keep rocking, you are on the good path!

Cosmin

Posted by: Unstable Jan 28 2014, 02:00 AM

Heya man!

Been quiet but not lazy…been scrapping for time to practice but I have stuck with it (work has been horrible)!
Anyways, I think I've got it pretty good on mid tempo….here's just a try at full speed….of course, a lot of mistakes still, but I'm practicing and it keeps getting better every time! I'm sorry for the audio...the bass is booming! I just love the clean parts of this study, they work so well within the piece!

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

Anyways, just wanted to touch base with ye! Will be posting final takes soon! and my lessons on the funkadelic rhythms!

Take care!

Miguel

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 28 2014, 08:49 AM

Hey mate! Glad to hear from ya

I think you progressed nicely with this one! Here are some points that should be taken care of:

- the little lick at 0:12 - it can be played cleaner
- the clean picked part - please analyze the way I am playing it and apply the correct pattern Also - focus on the right hand works
- the riff before the solo - you are only picking downwards and in the original recording, the right hand movement is different - please watch closely and focus on taking care of this as well

Otherwise, more playing will create more flow Looking forward to see the lead part as well!

Cosmin