Aloha Mert
alright man, this is your spot so, let's see - first things first, would you like to approach things from a technical perspective only or would you like to focus on theory or other things as well?
Out of what you told me, technique would be your main interest at this point, but I am asking since I would like to know where you would like to travel in your musical journey
Cosmin
Hi Cosmin,
I have had classical guitar education for 8 years and I have been playing the classical guitar for over 20 years now. So from theory side I am pretty well educated and comfortable. I have a pretty solid fretting hand as well. I would like to focus for now on technique, mostly for the picking hand.
Speed is my main problem and things like inside picking, sweep picking, alternate picking with string skipping are things I can do but I would like to be comfortable with these techniques at a shredding speed..
Looking forward to our journey
M.
Alright Mert! We shall start from the outside in by that, I mean to take things in a slow but surefooted way.
the main points of focus will be:
- relaxation
- precision
- movement economy
- dynamics
This being said, let's start with a simple two note per string pentatonic pattern which I attached in this post.
It is based on 16th notes and you may start at a tempo which feels the most comfortable at the moment I am thinking that we should agree on a particular BPM goal, ok?
let me know what you think
Cosmin
Hi Cosmin,
I think the plan you suggest sounds excellent! I will have a look at the exercise you attached for the coming days. For me a good starting pace would be 100bpm. I don't know what the goal should be, let's say 140bpm to start with?? It is best if you set some goal for me and I will do my best to achieve that
I will post a video once I achieve it or if I can't within a week I will still post a video as best as I can do it and wait for your feedback..
Best,
M.
I think 140 is awesome Send the first vid when you shoot it at 100 BPM and we'll take it from there
cheerios
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin,
Here we go. The pentatonic 2 strings exercise at 100bpm.
Cheers
M.
Hey Mert, this sounds very clean and accurate it is not really necessary at this stage, but focusing on moving both your hands less and less will bring enormous benefits.
Let's see the next one
Cosmin
Hey Mert, this sounds good man! You choked a few notes but you kept the timing which is very good. Now, this whole deal is just a matter of practicing more
haha Great timing man! And very tight played! You are pretty awesome man now, let's change things a bit you have noticed that the exercise takes each 4 notes of each pentatonic box one after the other, right? What if we would shift the exercise on the next pair of strings meaning A and D - would you be up for it? 140 is our goal as well
Cosmin
Hehehe man, you are awesome yourself! I feel like I am inserting a coin and the prize comes out from the machine when I see your progress
Almost perfect mate try the 120 once but it has to be flawless, k?
Almost there man! Well, In the mean time, I told you something about some arpeggios played by using sweeping 3 strings, right?
Try this idea on for size - harmonize the C major scale using these positions and sweep through the shapes:
E--3---------------5----7----------------8----
B-----5---------6----------8---------10----
G--------5---7----------------9---10----
for instance, or re-arrange them so that you will always start on the G string going up towards the E string and then back again for the follwoing shape
What do you think? What tempo shall we aim for this one?
Cosmin
Start playing it at 100 BPM - 8th notes go up until you reach your limit then go down 10 units (playing 16th notes now, k?) and start building up from that point on
Hey Mert! Good one mate I will watch it again though at this point it seemed great to me. Regarding the sweeps, yup, that's pretty much what I had in mind let's a take out of those and in the mean time, for AP, I was thinking you could try these two I presented last time in the v-chat session:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=39243&view=findpost&p=586171
what do you think?
Cosmin
Hi Cosmin,
Here is the mixolydian exercise at an embarrassingly low 60bpm tempo. I don't know how much higher I can go with this. Maybe you should give me a target
Cheers,
Mert
Wow Mate, I was thinking that you would do it using sextuplets instead of sixteenth notes. Nonetheless, it is very good like this as well! If you feel like it, try to reach 130. But don't rush it! Even if this take was not that clean it had good timing and balance which are of utmost importance!
Cosmin
I think it has been recorded in the last week's v-chat so, if I'll choose that one for being re-played, you will see it
Hey Mert!
let's go back to 60 BPM and try to get really really comfy at that tempo In the mean time, I will concoct some more string skipping exercises and post them here for ya
At this point you are actually playing triplets at 140 BPM which is fast for this sort of exercise and it's the actual tempo where I am 130 BPM sextuplets is KILLER fast man - now I actually realized what you were talking about
Stay tuned for more string skipping goodness
Cosmin
alrightie, the next step is trying NOT to let the notes bleed into each other. Try to mute the strings with your fingers by taking them off and placing them back again, just like in the Vivaldi lesson if you need to, go slower! It is not compulsory to play fast - I would like to know that you are able to grasp the control over this idea at a lower tempo and build speed as you practice
Hey Mert, sure thing I'll shoot for you and thanks for an awesome idea regarding this concept I will make a movie dedicated to this for the benefit of everyone here! Stay tuned and practice the other exercises too, ok? Don't get too lazy
Hey man! This looks like you can pump up the tempo a bit more you know, you remind me a lot of one of my old teachers in the way you are picking. You got a very good AP movement in the right hand
All right, here we go: pentatonic stretching exercise at 90bpm with sextuplets.
Spot on Mert!
Tell me, would you like to try something more musical implying AP? I think you can do a lot more than just exercises!
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin,
In case you are wondering what I've been up to I am posting a video from a part of my practice session for the lesson you gave me. This is the first time I am practicing the most difficult parts up to tempo. I think within a week I will have a full REC take of this ready
Here we go
Hi Mert! Great man! This lesson may sound funny, but it's not easy at all to tackle
I think you are faring very good aside from that ascending run which needs more slow practice you know which one the one with ascending intervals and there's also the one around min 02.48
Maybe slowing things down a bit will help? Don't rush bro, k?
Cosmin
Here is my first take on the popeye lesson. It is so much fun
Hehehe! I told Marius I recommended this one to a skilled picker here - that's you
I think you are on the right way man! Just a bit more cleaning up and it's yours to bag
In the mean time, I suggest we keep things running and go for the next one, what say you?
Cosmin
Hey Mert! Get busy with that song of yours man it has a nice potential
How about tackling this one in the mean time?
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/c-minor-picking-etude/
It will build endurance and consistency in what regards picking the same note with the same dynamics
what say you?
Cosmin
Great mate Let's see those chops catching fire!!
Congrats Mert! This one was cleaner than the previous one
I'll try to get you the finger muting movie tomorrow, so you can be fully aware of what's going on when the left hands has to mute some strings
Thanks Cosmin, I really need to learn to do that. Not only for my AP but also for my sweeps it will help..
I am practicing the next AP lesson now, I really like the new one has string skipping also which I always enjoy.
Oy Mert You got a PM waiting containing something of interest
Nothin' to it buddy!
Hmmm the new lesson by Muris is challenging me I can play each shape up to tempo individually but then I can't play the whole thing up to tempo because my picking hand gets too tense and tired I may need to practice this slowly and take some time...
Exactly man! Try to link the pieces at a slow tempo and THEN gradually work the speed up - a good technique which you should pay attention to, is visualizing what you have to play next at the slow tempo - this will build up A LOT of confidence when the tempo increases, as you will be aware of WHERE your fingers will go in the next bars
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin,
Just so you know what I am up to, I am uploading my take for the C minor picking etude at 130bpm.. It is not perfect but I will upload faster and more accurate takes in the coming days.. Hopefully I will be done with this up to tempo soon
While playing each shape I am trying to think of the next shape I will play as you recommended.
Whoa Mert! This is great man! I suggest you first clean up and then go faster though This is almost perfect you know, just a few dirtier notes here and there
Good work nonetheless!
Cosmin
Hi Cosmin,
I feel very bad that I am going to fail the Iced Earth Style Lesson by Ben. I failed myself as a guitar player as I couldn't do justice to a very nice piece of work and I feel also like I failed you since you are my instructor
I worked on it and here is another take. I wanted to show it to you before posting for REC. Do you have any comments? Did I play it properly this time do you think??
Howdy Mert!
It's much better than the one you posted in the REC zone You didn't fail me man! You are actually one of the most ambitious people here at GMC the fact that something is not perfect from the first try, is nothing but a sign that you have to work some more. Remember: the only competition you lost this time, was one with yourself if you had a more patience and practiced a bit more, I'm sure the first one would've been as good as this one.
Now, I think that you could clean this up a bit more - it's hard, I know and there's a gallon of notes to be played oh, at about 0.57 or1.04 those 16th notes are a bit blurry, other than that, I don't think there's anything else which is severe.
Anyway, this lesson is a tough one
Congrats! What are your thoughts man?
Cosmin
Thanks Cosmin, for the nice words and the encouragement. It means a lot!! I will work on this lesson together with others for a bit more and if I can't make a better take I will post this one and hope to pass. As you say it is a difficult one.. I am still working on the C minor picking etude, I will post something tomorrow on that. Otherwise I am also starting to practice the Mojo Oro Part 1 by Muris. I had a look at it today and I can surely play it. I learned the first part of it and I can almost play it up to tempo. Here is a take if you are interested
So after the C minor etude I want to give my full focus on this one if you are ok with that.. After that we can decide what to do next My AP is starting to be good thanks to you but I still have a lot of way to go
Hey Cosmin,
Here is a take on the C minor picking etude
Pretty awesome Mert!
I think there are slight imperfections here and there, but this is good enough to go to the REC zone for feedback! Perfection is close You are a tremendous picker already
Congrats!
Cosmin
PS: I will push your rhythm playing too do we have a deal?
Hey Mert! If you like the Metal Metrics Series, we can tackle them, piece by piece and you can play them in drop D the important part is the rhythmic concept and the practicing
What do you think? The 4th one is the easiest, so I'd suggest we start with that one
Aye?
Cosmin
That sounds very good! Thank you man If you got the time, you can check out my band - Aria - see the link in my signature most of the riffage is taken out of Aria songs
Now, I got you working on both lead and rhythm how cool is that?
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin,
If the Metal Metrics series has riffs from songs from Aria, I will definitely check Aria out!!!
In the meantime just so you know where I am at the Mojo Oro lesson I am uploading this video of the first part of the lesson at 160bpm. I don't think I will have problems reaching 170 bpm but we will see..
Here we go
Something on Metal Metrics 4 will come soon
That looks awesome Mert, I would suggest you to keep pushing for more cleanliness at this tempo, rather than pushing to 170 you got great timing but some notes sound a bit blurry. It's just a matter of exercising though, as we are talking about VERY VERY smooth details here
keep me updated man! You are making me mega proud! And a bit envious because I don't have enough time to practice and play this sort of stuff as often as I'd like
Cosmin
Thanks Cosmin Yea I will practice this lesson at this tempo for some more time to be comfortable enough to try at 170..
I will now upload my first practice take on Metal Metrics 4 I am not sure if you will be so proud after you see this hehe I messed it up a bit at the end.. But well, I will practice this more also to get it perfect. Any comments will be most welcome..
Here we go, Metal Metrics 4
PS: when it's time to put it on REC zone, I will play this standing up and with as much attitude as possible, this needs it!
Hey Mert! Who said you were bad at playing rhythm? The timing is good and you seem to grasp the phrases very well, aside for the bends in the second part - those being played during the harmonics part. I think that this only needs a bit more practice and it's good for going straight to the REC zone
Cosmin
Aiight! Much better - bends fixed
Now for a final touch, I would like you to focus on the groove and on the microbends, scattered here and there can you hear them? I got a little knack for using them all the time
Cosmin
Ok here is an update on Mojo Oro. I can now practice it at full speed. There are mistakes here and there but getting there slowly My hands are now used to the full speed at least
U know, I started learning it myself right now I can play the first part, as this is the only one which I had time to grasp, but hopefully I can manage to learn it as a whole.
This piece is really tricky and you are doing a good job man it's only a matter of cleaning up and becoming crystal clear now - focus and determination while practicing is what you need.
About the microbends - right before going into the harmonics there's a little riff/ lick which has microbends - check out my take and you'll see that i am bending the notes in such a way that it seems they are just a bit under a halfstep higher Guthrie Govan does this a lot, if you are curious to hear more
Cosmin
Hello C-Maestro
I can't wait to hear your take of the Mojo Oro lesson I am sure it will be flawless..
I put my flawfull take on the REC I am happy about it
Here is a link
About the microbends, I know what you mean now I will try to incorporate them in my playing and post here a take of the lesson soon... In the meantime what shall we do about AP? Shall I have a look at Mojo Oro part 2 ? What do you think ??
Cheers
M.
Hey Mert! Great playing man I am slow on this one, compared to you at this moment, very slow
Anyway, Try ALL THREE of them why not?
I shall also give you some more work to do on the microbends as well I wouldn;t want you to transform into a machine gun type picker and just that Deal?
Cosmin
Man, what a chug-a-chug! I loved the heaviness you achieved in the palm muting section! Unfortunately I can't hear the microbends, neither the vibrato I am playing when reaching the F note in the first part.
Hmmmmm, look closely at the part at second 0.47 in my take - you will hear a very slight bend those are the ones I am talking about - once you'll get a hold of them, you will hear them everywhere were they exist
Shall we try one more? Don't rush, focus on finding all the microbends and exaggerate a little, until you get the hang of it
Cosmin
Mert! This is better for certain I notice that you are using your fingers to vibrate and bend? Shall we take care of that? I would totally recommend using the wrist Are you acquainted with the technique my friend?
Cosmin
i would be very happy if you could do that aaaaand I will push you a bit in that direction, to get your bad habits running
Howdy Mert! Looking and sounding good, although there's still a bit of polishing here and there my suggestion would be to try and finish with the whole mojo oro series - it needs to be complete, right? And then, we shall focus on articulation
Cosmin
Hey Mert! Sounds good your tone has cleaned up somehow, in comparison to the previous takes! I am almost done with learning the Mojo Oro 1 myself and got it at about 85 % I hope I'll find enough time to get it down under my finger
Mojo Oro 2 is next those parts are tricky indeed, but I think the Mojo Oro 1 is nastier than this one.
Hit me with the next and when we're ready, it's off to the REC zone with you!
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin, I can't wait to hear your take It will be something to hear I think. You know you can put it in REC zone also, like Ben did some time ago Indeed Mojo Oro 1 is nastier, it is longer for one thing with more repetitions. There is more chance of screwing up but second part is not as innocent as it looks I can tell you
Here is my take for the full part 2. I will put it in REC zone I think..
Hi Cosmin
How are you? I practiced Mojo Oro p2 a bit more, I am not satisfied with my previous REC zone performance. I want to get a higher grade from C-Maestro
Here is another take. I tried to take into account what you, Alex and Gabriel told me. What do you think about this one?
Another take on Metal Metrics 4 is on the way Man those wrist bends and vibratos on the low E string is too difficult
Well, I am very much impressed by your ambition and consistency Mert! You are to be appreciated, BUT I want you to push yourself constantly, so I won't let you breathe too much!
Your tightness has increased indeed with the Mojo Oro 2, but still I can hear a lot of unwanted sound - could it be due to the fact that the recording is a bit too loud?
The last lick came out much cleaner indeed! Ithink this kind of stuff is only getting better with time, so don't accumulate any frustration ok? Let's see the microbends and wrist work into action
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin,
Yes indeed the unwanted noise is due to recording being too loud. I don't have a home studio or fancy equipment either. I have a crappy amp and a pedal board and the best thing I have is my LP guitar and you have seen it, it is not the best guitar either So my recording is pretty primitive, that's why I have to crank up my amp so you guys can hear anything
Here is another take on Metal Metrics 4. I messed up at the end with the tempo a bit so this is not going to REC zone definitely but what do you say about the wrist motion and the microbends ? I am still not %100 happy but I think I am on the right track What can you suggest ??
howdy mate! It's definitely getting better, but for the part at 0.30 you should pull on the strings and release them a bit delayed it's a bit difficult to explain but with a bit of exploring you should get it. I say, let's isolate that little part and try to work on the microbends there.
About the recording I totally, but TOTALLY recommend this: http://line6.com/guitarport/ it's about 99 dollars and it comes with the included software - Gearbox which you can use for some crushing tones. I got a thread in my instructor zone where I have placed 2 patches for riffs which were used to record this along with the AMT:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Djent-Time-Signatures/
what do you think?
Cosmin
Thanks Cosmin for the feedback
I will try to work out those microbends better in the next take..
Man, about the line6 unit, if you told me this 2 days ago I would have a look into it. Sometime ago I decided to take a different path and yesterday I bought the first piece of it So I bought myself a cheap external soundcard. Now I will buy a cheap mic and mic my amp speaker and connect to computer through the soundcard I got the M-Audio Fast Track MK2.
In the meantime I practiced your exercise from yesterday. Here is what I have for the Aeolian mode at 90bpm.
hey Mert, I think it's a good idea I congratulate you for your patience and ambition to tackle the mind boggling lessons of Mr. Muris
Let's get Mojo Oro 3 done with and we'll shift towards the articulation lessons!
Cosmin
Hi Cosmin,
Long time no post I have been working on Mojo Oro part 3. I realized that too much Mojo Oro is bad for you I have been feeling like a machine and somehow even though it is an amazing epic lesson, I didn't want to play it after some time. I think I've had too much of machine like playing maybe. I really struggled this week to pick up my guitar and practice this. At some point during the middle of the week I really didn't want to see my guitar anymore but today I forced myself to get back to it and here I am hehe
Here is my first take which I think is ok for the REC zone probably. Here we go
Hey Mert It's that story with the chocolate cake - it's awesome, but have only that for a whole year and you won't like it anymore
This lesson is killer and as you will notice in the REC zone, I have graded 8, as you have missed some notes. Nothing that can't be solved IN TIME
So, ready for the next step?
Mornin' Mert
I totally know how it feels man Finishing up the take (the perfect one) and realizing in dismay that you have forgotten to push the REC button
I guess this one: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Vibrato-Odyssey/ is a great start for vibrato!
Ben did an excellent job with this series!
What say you my alternate picking friend?
Cosmin
Hello Cosmin
That sounds like a good plan. Takes on Ben's Vibrato Odyssey and Metal Metrics 4 are on their way. But in the meantime I have been a very naughty student and practiced this lesson also
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/pentatonic-substitution-lesson/
Here I am posting my first take for it. What do you think?
Also soon there will be improvements on my sound quality. I bought an SM57 microphone and now I can record from my cabinet. The only thing standing on my way is that I need to figure out how to synchronize audio and video.. My computer is pretty old and so are the software I am using
hey Mert! This sounds very good as I told you, your technique is getting better and better and you are among the few always tackling the hard lessons here THe ensemble is good, but you can still polish some blurry notes here and there - give it time and it'll come
BUT let's see the vibrato and bending into action eh?
Cosmin
Hi Cosmin
It is now Metal Metrics 4 time !! And I have a surprise for you. Now I have better audio quality in my videos It is hard work for me though so I will not do this for everything I record probably
Here we go
Hey Mert! I like what I'm seeing and hearing man
Your vibrato and bending skills have improved - still! there's work to do, in order to perfect them The timing and execution are very good on the other hand!
I would like to see, Ben's Vibrato lessons on the REC as soon as possible and then, you can have another go on the Metal Metrics 4 I'm curious to see what's gonna happen!
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin thanks for the flattering words for the Djent collaboration take feedback I enjoyed the final mix. Was really nice. Your solo is so great !!
Ok, time for some vibrato action Here is my first take on Ben's Vibrato Odyssey 1.. Looking forward to your feedback on this. I think there is much to improve probably.
Howdy Mert!
You are about 80% there mate The idea is that you are sometimes hasting with the vibrato, which has to be as wide and round in this lesson, as possible. Try to give it more flow, by vibrating slower and more equal, ok?
Hehe I know exactly what you're talking about. It's about pushing the string a bit harder against the neck while moving sideways from left to right, to execute the vibrato. It's called 'touche' comeing from French and it's that thing which words can't explain, when you hear a seasoned player phrase with great pronouncing. It's just like with words - when you speak dutch, you can articulate and say each word perfectly and be expressive with the mother tongue. But when speaking a foreign language, the words sometimes come out a bit hindered and not too expressive, due to the fact that you may not be used to speak that language so well. The ears will help out tremendously! Listen to great phrasers - Andy Timmons is a great example!
Hey Cosmin
I know you won't like this one %100 either but here is another take. Since it is a slow enough lesson and there are not so many notes, maybe you can point out the ones you don't like so I work on those vibratos more??
Good morning Mert I will only say this - watch this video and focus on keeping the vibrato constant, on the notes which you rushed when having to shift to the next note. The fun part is, that your rushed vibrato reminds me of Chris Cornell's playing, in this song:
Howdy again Indeed, this one seems more rounded and smooth - it's a very fine difference - if you are to ask me, I think you can move on to Nr2 Shall we proceed?
Cosmin
Hey Mert! The plan is good man! You know, consistency is the best way to do things Just don't stry from your practicing and even if you will post recordings scarcely, they will be better as you will have to take more time to work on them
Working with you is an absolute joy, as you are a very ambitious and hard working dude, making a lot of progress! I am looking forward on raising the bar with you, my friend!
Cosmin
Hello C-Maestro,
Long time no post from my side. I thought I should update you on what I am up to. Since I started working again after my break, I hardly find any time to play the guitar. It is very busy these days.. But during the time I practice anything I practice the mind blogging string skipping lesson by Muris. I am posting here what I have practiced so far: It is half of the lesson at 130bpm. I need to reach 150bpm with this. It looks impossible at the moment but well, I keep on practicing
Here is what I have so far:
Heeeeeeeeeeeeeyy Mert! Wuzzup mate?
Sorry to hear that work is taking your time away the take is building up nicely - you know the recipe with speed and accuracy Time well spent practicing in the right way will bring the desired results
What else is up??
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin,
Not much is up man working like crazy and extremely busy. When not busy, girlfriend demands time with her, so not much time anymore like in the past for guitar playing.. I am planning on spending a bit more time on guitar playing soon I hope.
In any case, here is some improvement on the lesson I have been practicing. I added 2 more bars and I think I am a bit more confident at this speed now. I was the other day able to play this at 140bpm. Still some way to go but I will get there eventually
Here we go, at 130bpm still
Howdy Mert - well, this one is tricky indeed. You still have work to do, even at 130 BPM as there are notes which are not quite there. Mate, tell me, can you play for 30 minutes each day? Trust me it's BETTER to play 30 minutes each day, than 2 hrs one Sunday - I don't know if that's the case, but I'm only trying to help here. I was very happy with the way you had evolved a while ago and I want to keep the ball rolling
Cosmin
Please do so and keep in mind that consistency and correct/ focused practice is the key to everything!
Read Go Rin No Sho - The Book of 5 Rings by Miyamoto Musashi no kidding, read it
Cosmin
hey Mert! Mojo Oro, faster than it already is? I got it up to 96% of the actual speed and got bored with it then Writing some music felt better instead
This take shows improvement and I think you convinced me to try it myself There are still glitches here and there, but you know the drill - practice, practice, practice
Glad to know that you have done things steadily, but, what's next on the agenda?
Cosmin
I finally learned the whole lesson. Here is a take at 140bpm. I had to use the original backing track at 150bpm and with garagaband get it down to 140bpm. So the backing may sound a bit weird
What it next on agenda: well, after finishing this lesson ready for the REC zone, which will probably take me another month or so, I will concentrate full time on Vibrato and Metal Metrics lessons..
But for now some string skipping here we go
hey Mert! It's building up mate, but it's still blurry Can you send me a take at let's say...125 BPM and work up from there? The plan sounds good with the vibrato and metal metrics
Cosmin
Hi C-Master
Thank you for the kind words. I know I would never be a guitar player as good as you or Ben since this is not my profession but I am trying to be as good as possible. I have still a long way to go
I pushed myself really hard during the last few days to reach the full speed with this lesson. Here is my first take on full speed. I still lose some stamina as you pointed out before but I am building it up. I think in a few weeks time I should play this well enough for a REC take..
Here is my first full speed attempt
Have you looked at it yourself ? It is quite fun to play it actually
Hey Mert! This is indeed fun to play but unfortunately, I have the Aria EP release on my hands and I can't study too much extra curriculum stuff After November the 29th I guess i could try and tackle it myself. It looks killer anyway Well, work hard on it, but DO NOT get hooked up in this lesson only...You will not be as fond of it after some time, try to spice up your practice routine man
Hello C-Maestro
It was good to see you the other day at video chat. I never have time anymore for video chats I am still working hard on the Muris lesson. Here is my second take at full speed:
I think soon I will be ready for a REC take with this lesson. After that I am all yours to educate on vibrato and micro bends
By the way, I saw your new audio collaboration. The idea is very cool I will see if I can come up with something. I already have an idea but it is quite unorthodox so maybe I first post it here
Oh man! Show meee I'm curious to see your take on the audio collaboration About the Muris lesson, I think that the improvement would be the fact that you kept constancy a bit more this time but towards the end it still sounds forced It's a hellish one, I know, I know...Anyway, I'd love to have you on the 'Tight Timing Collab' and also looking forward to making your expressive side shine as well!
Hey Cosmin, long time no talk... About 2 weeks ago I had a small accident, I won't go into details and bore you but I ended up hurting my left hand, especially the pinky finger quite badly. I have been in pain for a while but now it is ok. I haven't played anything since then. Yesterday I tried to play a bit and it was all ok. Of course there is still a bit of pain but it is not much.. So I will once again start with the program for bending and vibrato. I should have something ready soonish.... Just letting you know if you were wondering why I haven't posted anything
OH man! What happened?
Sorry you had to go through hard times Mert! Well, if you need assistance, just let me know!
Cosmin
Hey C-Man
I am now doing much better. Started again to practice. My hands are back to normal I will post something very soon. Also maybe a small surprise for you
Hey check out the Rec Scoreboard for the average points on the difficulty of lessons completed
Hey there Guitar lord Glad to hear your hands are better and waiting for the surprises How are you otherwise mate?
Wow! Duuuude This is awesome!! There slight mishaps here and there but nothing major! You have improved A LOT! Mate, just take care to be as wide as possible everywhere and reach the correct pitches! Let's see number two and then get it in the REC zone!!
I'm so happy
Cosmin
Glad to be able to help out man!
This take is definitely better and I think it technically correct! What you need now is MASSIVE playing with bends and vibrato to get a nice flowing touch - but this take is great REC material! Let's get it in there shall we?
Cosmin
Hey C-Maestro
I prepared one more take. I will put this one in REC.. I really want to improve my feeling, vibrato and articulation in general and you are the perfect player to learn this from. I want to have this MASSIVE playing ability . Let me know if you come up with some lesson for me, otherwise I will continue with Ben's Vibrato Odyssey No:2..
See you in the REC with this one
First of all, thanks again for choosing me to be at your side on this journey Mert!
Seconds, give yourself time with the vibrato and bends You have a great talent for guitar playing and if you practice and explore, you will gain a high level of proficiency with the instrument. The next step? Getting the music inside you out into the world
Hey C-Man
How are you ?? I have a little surprise for you
Some vibrato action coming soon
Holy cow! O-man
This is fabulous! Please re-record it in such a way that we can see your left hand as well and PLACE IT IN THE REC!
Man u made my day!
Cosmin
Hey O-man! This is great! What Ben meant (I think) is the fact that you don't have that heavy chug chug which is due to the fact that you still need to search a spot where the palm muting will offer that effect. Otherwise, as the french will say.. 'Chapeau bas!'
Hey C-Maestro
I was working on a take for your collaboration. Wanted to let you know what I have so far. I will polish it and play better and post it soon I hope
Cheers,
Mert
cosmin.mp3 ( 2.39MB )
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Hey Cosmin
How are you doing ?? I am doing well. New year started off very fast for me, I have been very busy with work. But things are getting back to normal slowly.. For guitar, well, I haven't had much motivation lately. So in order to get over that I thought of giving myself a goal for 2013. So here is what I would like to achieve: you know my level and how I play pretty well now. Think of my alternate picking level. It may not be extremely good but I am happy about it and I can use AP very comfortably when I play, improvise or come up with a solo. My goal is to achieve same kind of level at sweep picking.. Will you help me achieve this goal in 2013 ? I am looking for some suggestions to start working on this goal.. I think with your help I can master sweep picking ..
Howdy Mert If that's what you wish for, we'll go for it - I am sure that with your diligence, you can do a great job with this technique as well
Let's start out by choosing a simple one and seeing a take on it so i may discover how you fare, ok?
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Sweeps_Major_and_Minor/
then you can try this one from Muris - it's not the easiest thing, but it takes you through many situations so I'd be happy if you would go at it slow at first, to get acquainted to the shapes
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/sweep-picking-lesson/
How does this sound to you mate?
Cosmin
Hey C-Maestro
Thanks for the nice program! I am on it. I will make a recording for the first lesson you picked at a slow tempo so you see how I do.. Will be up here soon..
Cheers.
Alrighty Mert! Let's see whatchagot
Hey Cosmin,
Here is my first take of the first lesson. It is at full speed. It is not too fast anyway.. But if you think I should practice at slower tempo let me know..
Looking forward to your valuable comments !!!
Mert
Hey mate - it sounds pretty good! It just needs a bit more confidence if you get my hint Otherwise it is in good timing and the playing sounds pretty clean.
Giving it more time will increase your definition and technique, so keep playing this one as well and let's see the next one
Hey Cosmin,
Thanks for the feedback! I have been practicing both lessons everyday. Here is my second take for the first lesson. I will upload a slow take for the second lesson sometime during weekend, I still need to practice more
Here we go
Hey Mert! Looks like your chops are improving This take sounds very good and the only observation I would have - I know you want your technique to be stainless - is that you should take care of not having any notes bleed into each other, especially in the lower registers (ex: around min 0:12-0:13). Looking forward to the other one!
Hey Cosmin, thanks for the feedback! I worked on this lesson a bit more trying to stop notes ringing too much. Here is another take. I want to practice this as much as necessary to make it perfect! So please be as critical as you want to. I will post the second lesson a bit later when we are happy with this one So, waiting for your comments..
Hey Mert!
Mate, a very interesting phenomenon occurred - in your race to get everything really clean, some notes in the lower register sound a bit too dry and timing is off in some parts. Don't exaggerate with muting now You have landed on the other side!
Play natural man, clean but natural, ok?
Hey Cosmin, thanks a lot for the fast feedback ! I think you are absolutely right I will work on it a bit more. But you see, this technique has always been very difficult for me. However, I won't give up ! So, will practice more and try to get things clean and natural at the same time and with good timing
Good choice my friend Listen mate, I always wanted to ask you - in which part of Holland do you live?
Hehe well, there's a double chance because I also have a part of my family living in Holland, in The Hague more exactly So, I might give you a buzz when I drop in to visit my cuz and auntie! I live in Bucharest - that's south and it's the capital
Sure thing mate! It'll be done once I get there!
Hello Master-C
Here is another take of the first lesson. What do you think about this one ??
Best one so far!! Clean and tight and I can see that right hand moving easily and with flow. You are on the good path Mert! Let's see the other one
Hey Cosmin, do you remember me ?
I have been having so much trouble with the next Muris lesson. It broke all my confidence that I can master sweep picking I can hardly play it at 130 bpm and I need to reach 160. It looks really impossible.
Here is my attempt at 130 bpm.. Maybe we should pick another lesson or another exercise ?
Hey mate, glad to see you are back Listen, Muris is an extremely technical player and not being able to reach his prowess is no reason to feel bad - remember, you are into this for the music - not for a sport, ok?
In the mean time, of course we can select a sweeping lesson that is easier to approach and we can try it on for size, how about this one?
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Fusion_Sweep_Arpeggios_in_C_Major/
It's a different approach, but it will clean up your technique a lot!
What do you think mate?
Cosmin
Thanks Cosmin, I should for a while get away from Muris' sweep lesson. It was starting to drive me crazy. How can a level 5 sweep lesson be more difficult than the level 9 or 10 lessons I did from Muris
Ok I will practice the new lesson. Thank you !!
Hey Cosmin here is my take for the new lesson. This lesson is level 6 and Muris lesson is level 5 but this lesson is like 100 times easier than the Muris lesson. The guys who are giving lesson levels really underestimated the Muris lesson, I would like to see them play it at full speed, the whole thing..
Anyway here is the new lesson at 100 bpm. Still need to work hard on it but just letting you know how it is going Otherwise life is very busy man, very very busy. How about you ??
Hello my hard working dutch friend!
You are on the good path with this, even tho it's clear that you have some polishing to do in certain spots. Now, I noticed a very important thing: your breathing You are holding air too much man! Your brain needs oxygen in order to pump blood into the muscles and provide the necessary things for your performance.
Have you tried to be conscious regarding your breathing rhythm?
Hey CMan
I am uploading my progress on this lesson which is very slow. Here is my take on the original tempo of 125 bpm. Still choking on a lot of notes..
About breathing, you are right I tend to hold my breadth at difficult parts I don't know why.. I will try to be more conscious of it.
Let me know what you think.. Here we go:
Hey hombre! Glad to hear from you!
You know I noticed something I think that when you sweep up, you tend to move your hand away/towards the exterior from/of the strings a bit and then sweep. It should be a constant motion that doesn't move your hand away at all. I think this is a part where you can lose momentum.
What do you think?
Cosmin
Hey Mert - sure thing man, I'll lay my thoughts down in a video and show you what I mean!
Here we go:
Hey Cosmin,
Thanks a lot for the video!! I now understand what you mean precisely and you are absolutely right, I do that kind of movement with my right hand that possibly slows me down. So I will go back to slower tempos and practice the lesson trying to correct my right hand motion.. Hopefully post something soon but first I need to practice a bit
See you soon here
Thanks again!
The pleasure is all mine, my Dutch friend You know, sometimes, it takes just an extra pair of eyes to see what we do not, simply because we can't look at ourselves. I think self observation and awareness should be taught as a very valuable skill in life in general. I tend to have the same problems sometimes and only after I watch a recording of myself, I am able to say, hey, that's not ok, I should correct that or this and so on.
Show me whatchagot, as soon as you are ready
Cosmin
Ok C-Maestro I practiced this lesson very slowly to get my right hand motion right.
Here is the video
I still have some of that motion.. What do you think ?? I don't know how to avoid it..
Hey Mert - I observed another thing Would you consider slightly sliding your right hand across the bridge in a vertical fashion while sweeping the high strings and getting it up again when playing the lower strings? I think that the fact that you are keeping your wrist locked in one spot, is hindering you a bit... What do you think?
Mert, if I ever catch you saying that, I will make my way into the Netherlands and slap you silly!
How can you let a single technique bring you down like that? I noticed something else at your right hand that I think is a bit hindering - video coming up!
Here we go:
Hey Cosmin,
Thanks for monitoring my progress on 40 Metal Bands lesson in forums It was hell of a detour
This year my goal was to get sweeping at a good level. I don't think I managed but I am not too unhappy either. I think I will get it soon For 2014 my goal is to get sweeping good and also improve on my articulation. I think you like that goal
So here is a surprise: you thought I forgot about this right ? Well, no. Here we go, it is Metal Metrics time
I will post something soon on the sweep lessons you assigned to me earlier as well..
Hey Cosmin,
Thanks for the feedback Here is another attempt.. What do you think??
Thanks Cosmin You are right, the bend was not good this time either. It is so strange. I don't remember ever having problems finding the right pitch with bends. I know why this is giving me trouble. It is because the tuning is so low, especially the first string, it is very hard to get it to the correct tuning and also while bending get it sound right.. I will see what I can do
Hehe! I know what you mean mate - that's why it's always good to record and listen to yourself And I also think that the thickest string is not the most usual place for that sort of bend Let me know if you are into moving further
Ok here is another take One day you tube will be full of my Metal Metrics 4 takes
Hey Cosmin
Ok lets move on to the next articulation lesson. 2014 will be my articulation year along with sweeps.. What do you have in mind for me?
Also I will put Metal Metrics 4 to REC. Lets see what happens
Hehe! Glad to hear this man!
I think that this one could be a nice challenge for ya: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/bending-control/
What do you think?
Whoaaaa Cosmin This will be very challenging for me indeed but I am up for it I will start working on it. Thanks!
Hey Cosmin
Here is my first take. Looking forward to hearing your feedback!!
Here we go
Hello there Mert
I think this is a very good first take! So - bends reaching intended pitch, rhythmic phrasing .. you have it all There's a small glitch at about 0:36 that I noticed and the thing that you need to focus on: Vibrato - it needs to be smoother and wider as now it's too rushed somehow.
Keep going man, you are on a roll!
Cosmin
Hey Cosmin, thank you for the feedback!!
I have a question for you about the rushed vibrato: I would really like to be able to do the wider and smoother vibrato you mentioned but at the same time I find it hard to execute, especially in this lesson. The difficulty I am having is related to the note durations being not too long. How can I execute a wide vibrato for a note with a very short duration?? I would be very happy if you could instruct me a bit on this..
Thank you
Ok Cosmin Thanks for the answer! I will try to play so that I don't rush the vibratos and make some recordings and post here soon. I guess with your feedback I will eventually find the right feeling for it.. Will keep you posted
Hey Mert I have an idea - why not make a video in which you experiment with various types of vibrato that you have heard and we can talk on the matter What say you?
Hey Cosmin, about the video, good idea What should I exactly do though in the video?? Play this lesson while experimenting with the vibrato or should I just make a video where I show you what I know about different types of vibrato?? If you could tell me exactly what you would like me to do, I will do it
Ok got it Will work on it and post something soon..
Surpriiiseeeee Not what you assigned to me but this is a lovely piece, I had to learn it
I am playing on top of your recording.. Any feedback??
I will still upload takes of what you assigned earlier..
Hey Mert! long time no see
Hehe! Amigo this is almost great You are rushing and it can be felt throughout the take, as well as some very small pitch differences in some bends.
Now, I'd focus on the balance as this is the essential thing now. When playing along with my recording, stick to the length of the notes and the pauses, ok?
How about this take??
VERY NICE MAN!!!! In the second part there was maybe, MAYBE one bend who was not that great, but otherwise everything sounds very good!
Now, can you play in the same manner and in the same spirit over the backing track?
If you do it, it's going straight in the REC zone What say you?
Cosmin
Ok here is me playing alone.. It is not really good is it?
Hey mate! Oh but it is!
There are VERY little pitch issues - such as 02:04 or 02:10 where you almost reached the pitch but not quite - I know, I am a bit insane, but since you got it to this point, why not aim for perfection?
You are on the good path mate! Congrats!
How about this one??
Hey Cosmin, here is take 1 of my earlier assignment. John Mayer Style Ballad.. Unfortunately I am not able to combine movies so that's why only the lead guitar part is on the video.
Let me know what you think. Am I playing this ok??
Hey Mert!
Your articulation has improved A LOT! My sincerest congrats
Mate, the only things I can say are the following:
- the bend done from an already bent note around 0:35 should be smoother - maybe not even picked
- you are playing with the same dynamics all the time By this, I mean that all the notes are having the same intensity - please listen to the original recording to see and hear which are the more silent/soft ones, deal?
Very nice!! Keep it up like this and you will be a killer player - you are already a VERY technical one
Hey Cosmin, thank you for the nice words I still don't recognize my articulation getting better, I need to practice more..
Here is another take. Is this better?? What do you think??
Hehe!
Mert you are a fast learner. You are getting better, but as I always say - articulation is not something that grows over night You got the idea of dynamics, but now you need to polish it - I would start with not vibrating the notes so early on. Play the note that will be vibrated and then, let it breathe a bit before actually vibrating it, deal?
Hey Cosmin, in the meantime I am having fun with this alternate picking exercise:
[attachment=36691:Movie.mov]
I have to remind myself that I am an ok player. All the articulation lessons make me feel very down and like a very bad player.. I am just so bad at it..
Hey Cosmin, yea I know but it gets frustrating sometimes.. But I know that in order to be better I definitely need to improve my articulation. So I won't give up on that.. Do you know the AP lesson I posted then? It is another difficult Muris lesson I will just casually practice it, who knows maybe one day I play it up to tempo.. But I think it is a bit beyond my capabilities to be honest..
Ok back to John Mayer Ballad. I tried to get the notes to breathe more following your advice. Do you feel any difference?? Let me know
Mert! The approach is very good - but it seems like your guitar is a little bit out of tune? Somewhere around 0:14 - that note that is just being held, not bent, sounds somehow under the pitch. I guess it could, be that string only? I haven't heard that AP lesson you posted, but it sounds like a nasty business Especially now that I know it is Muris' work..
Hey Cosmin, you are absolutely right, my guitar is out of tune. I am ashamed I will post a new take soon. In the meantime, check this out:
Movie.mov ( 7.03MB )
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Wow! Dude! This was awesome I think you are ALMOST there. A few choked notes, but all in all this is a great rendition! My sincerest congrats! No worries, get the guitar in tune and you will sort out that piece I also noticed that your sweeping technique is pretty much uber improved! You see? What did I tell you some time ago?
Cosmin thanks for the nice words I feel like my sweeping improved yes but I still do that unnecessary right hand motion, I can't avoid it, especially at high tempos.. I am upset about that.. This piece by Muris, man I am actually right now playing it only at 110 bpm, it has to go up to 150 bpm I don't think I can make it.. I decided to increase it 5bpm every week, lets see how that goes.. But I love it..
Ok getting back to serious business, here is my next take of John Mayer lesson. What do you think of this one?? The more I think of it the more it makes sense to do the vibrato after waiting a bit. Feels more controlled also. I like it
Holy ... dude, that's fast
If you have enough patience, you will get there for sure I have no doubts about it
Now, regarding the mayer lesson - your vibrato is getting better and better indeed! Congrats, but please take care of the bends - there are a few that sound a bit uncertain and also, it still seems like the guitar is out of tune - see sec 0:13 - that note on which you land on the G string
Hey Cosmin thanks for the feedback..
I will see what I can do about the bends to make them sound more sure.
About the note on the G string, man, I really made sure my guitar was in tune this time, I even checked it with that note specially.. Could it be that the arpeggios in the background are out of tune and therefore we feel like the relative gap is wrong?? Although I must say I can't feel that it is out of tune this time What can I do about it?? Do you think it is slightly flat or slightly sharp??
Why don't you check it out by playing against the original recording? My guitar is in tune and you can use it as a land mark to see whether you are flat or sharp - what say you? It could also be that the background arpeggios were recorded when the guitar was a bit out of tune - but you can hear it, can you? I mean that note on the G string
Ok Cosmin, I will investigate what's going on. I guess I will rerecord the backing arpeggios with better tuning also..
In the meantime at 110bpm I think I will practice this at this tempo for another week..
Movie.mov ( 7.78MB )
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Hey mate! Not bad at all That bend around 0:33 should be taken care of and the phrases before it as well - they could be a bit cleaner, but this is a difficult piece mate! No worries, focus and practice and it will be there!
But, I was curious of something - what are you going to do with all this technique you are learning? I haven't heard you talking about writing anything so far
Good question Cosmin, I don't know.. I am a very frustrated guitar player. I have so many things in my mind, so much emotion that could go into a lot of music, I just can't put them down and play them on the guitar.. Also still my technique is not good enough to play like music that inspires me. For example Andy James inspires me a lot. A lot of people say they can't listen to it more than a few pieces or even minutes, I can listen to his music for hours and every time it amazes me and I get something new out of it.. I can't play like that though you see
Hey Cosmin,
Long time no see. I thought about what you told me and with a lot of difficulty recorded some of my ideas. They are nothing concrete but here you are, first time you hear I don't know what exactly I am trying to tell with this music but this is what I feel like playing when I grab my guitar.. Apart from the Andy James stuff which I can't play
idea2_2.mp3 ( 8.2MB )
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Hey mate
I listened and I like it Sounds very atmospheric and musical - since it's a jam, I won't say that it's repetitive because most likely you have searched for ideas. It is a very good starting point and I like the way in which the ideas develop and grow into one another.
You have a very natural flow and if you shorten these up a bit, you might end up with a very nice grungy song - this reminds me of Alice in Chains or Soundgarden!
I would try to structure these ideas a bit and transform them into a song - thought about vocals maybe? Building a vocal line with the guitar could be a first step What say you?
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