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Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 17 2012, 07:43 AM

Hey George

I figured out that since you are starting again, we should name this thread like this - it belongs to you and we will use it to work on your skills here!

Before starting, I would like to ask if you have any recording of any kind with yourself - I'd like to hear you play so that I would know what level you are being at.

Thanks!

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Sep 17 2012, 05:58 PM

Your right about starting again. I don't remember much and what I do remember seems to get in the way. That's what I was meaning by having bad habits and they're hard to break. I've lost the groove, my ear is off, my timing is bad, I'm very sloppy and I'm not familiar with the fretboard anymore. HELP!!!

I notice above that you mention naming a thread that will belong to me. Can you clarify that better.

I can make a recording, but I don't have any experience with doing this. I believe I'll have to mic it all. The recording software I have is the Windows Sound Recorder and it wont record off the computer, only from the mic (I think). It wont record tunes off of youtube. I can mic in my amp but I can't hear it until I play back. Let me know if you have a better way of doing this.

The next deal is how to get the wav. file to you. I assume I can attach it to an email. Is that how it's done? Oh I just noticed the Browse and Green Upload button beneath this email window, that must be a clue eh?

I really appreciate your timely response to me. It clearly demonstrates your commitment and devotion to guitar playing. Your motto is a give away as well. lol

Thanks George
Oh I think I'm figuring this out. Right now I've just made a Discussion Board post in my new thread "Geoboi's New Era of Guitar Playing", is that about right?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 18 2012, 10:44 AM

Aloha there George!

Thank you for your kind thoughts man! It's a pleasure to work with people which take things seriously but never forget to smile and enjoy what they are doing!

Taking things one at a time:

- This thread belongs to you meaning that, by posting here we will communicate regarding your mentoring
- I suggest we focus on theory/ ear training and rhythm for the following period
- If you have a videocam, just shoot the vid with yourself playing and you'll have sound as well for this particular recording. After this, I'll send you a little vid in which you will see how things are done with little gear and nice results

Send the recording to me via rapidshare.com using my official GMC email address - [email protected]

Please let me know if I can further assist

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Sep 26 2012, 05:06 PM

Ok I believe I'm in sync with this now.
I like the above plan.
Even though my vid cam is slow and fuzzy I'll send it anyhow.
I've got your instructions to upload through Rapid Share to the address of [email protected]
Thanks
geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Sep 27 2012, 11:23 AM

Hey George, looking forward to see the video and to start working on things together

Posted by: geoboi Sep 30 2012, 12:48 PM

Ok, I assume I just uploaded two files to your RapidShare account. Looking forward to gett'in started. That was quite a chore to figure out. The Windows Movie Maker App. has a lot to be desired, but it worked. My Vid Cam/Mic I found was hyper sensitive. After countless experiments what seemed to work best was with the cam right in front of the amp. I had to set the cam mic to the lowest setting and the amp as well. I of course ported the GMC sound file through the amp. I could hear the stings louder than the amp. Not a complaint just information. You mentioned sending a vid that may help me do this better. All in all this recording sure puts a harsh reality to it all. LOL

Thanks
geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 1 2012, 02:24 PM

Hey George!

The vids are great and your playing as well, mate! Congratulations I think the sound is good (a little bit too bassy in the low registers found in the first part of the Jumping around lesson). You have good timing, you play clean and your articulation skills - bending and vibrato are pretty good!

Tell me man, how much time are you willing to dedicate to guitar playing each day?

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Oct 1 2012, 02:45 PM

Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement.
I am willing, can and do apply hours everyday.
I agree with being to bassy I'll work it out better, I just needed to git'er done.

Thanks
geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 2 2012, 08:17 AM

Thank you man It's a pleasure to work with people as ambitious as yourself!

Well, I have thought that 2 hrs/day would be great to start with

We will tackle:

Technique (alternate picking one day, legato the other one) - 30 minutes
Ear training - 30 minutes
Theory - 30 minutes
Rhythm/ Articulation (Rhythm one day/ articulation the other one) - 30 minutes

I'd rather have you working on a tighter schedule, so that you will cherish the time spent and focus better, rather than bombarding you with a 5-6 hrs schedule, which would be tiring and would most likely make you lose interest and focus.

What do you think?

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Oct 2 2012, 01:08 PM

Let's ramp it up!

geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 3 2012, 08:26 AM

Ok, I suggest we work like this - you have 10 days for each group of assignments, deal?

Here is the first group:

Alternate picking: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/

Legato: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginners-Corner-24-Beginner-Legato/

Ear training and theory - Try the following exercises:

1) We have the major scale built up using this formula: w w h w w w h.

w = whole step
h = half step

2) Any natural major scale is built after this formula. Example:

C D E F G A B C

there's a w between C and D
there's a w between D and E
there's a h between E and F
there's a w between F and G
there's a w between G and A
there's a w between A and B
there's a h between B and C

Now, if you look at your guitar, you will notice that if you play the C note (3rd fret D string) the D note is one whole step up, on the same string. That means that the note right next to the C note is C# and the note next to C # is D. So, 2 frets up means one whole step and one fret up means a half step.

3) Now, we have concluded that E is the major third in the case of C major and if we lower the major 3rd with one half step, we get the minor third and automatically, we can create a minor chord - C minor in our case.

Here are the formulas:

1 3 5 - major chord formula. Example: C E G
1 b3 5 - minor chord formula. Example: C Eb G

4) If you know these now, please tell me how does the D major scale look like - what are the notes making it up. (Use the w w h w w w h formula, starting from D) and tell me the notes making up the D major and D minor chords

5) Start a metronome at the tempo of 60 BPM quarter notes, in 4/4
Play a C note at random, on the guitar neck with each first beat in a bar. After being confident with the sounds, try the drill by SINGING the C notes instead of playing them See how fast you can get with this, by pushing up the speed of the metronome while becoming more and more comfortable with the exercise.

Rhythm: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/beginners_chord_lesson/

Articulation: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Vibrato-Odyssey/

What say you? At the end of the 10 days - that means on the 13th of October, I am expecting recordings with each lesson, aside from the theory and ear training exercises.

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Oct 3 2012, 01:20 PM

Right. In 10 days I'll get this all together then post the answers to this thread and upload the vid's to RapidShare. Is this how you'd like it?

geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 4 2012, 08:35 AM

That's perfect! You could also start a youtube channel and upload everything there and then just embed the videos here. Have you already got one?

Posted by: geoboi Oct 4 2012, 06:06 PM

No I don't have a channel. I'll look into that.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 4 2012, 09:42 PM

Alright!

Posted by: geoboi Oct 13 2012, 12:12 AM

Hey Cosmin;
I'm having some problems this time a round and need to ask for another day.
Wudaya think?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 13 2012, 07:48 AM

Absolutely no problem man! Take your time

Posted by: geoboi Oct 15 2012, 06:44 PM

Cosmin;
The reason I'm running behind is I've been side tracked by learning how to get my amp into the PC as a USB Interface Device, play it through a Sim, record it in Reaper then attach it to a vid. I've pretty much got it working I just want to dial it in.

Also I'd like to mention you gave me a Vibrato lesson from Ben. His demonstration is quite clear how he massages the string. For some reason I don't have Vibrato. I massage the string as Ben does and I turn up the gain and no matter how much I oscillate my finger nothing happens. The only way I seem to get Vibrato is by string bending.
What do you think?

geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 16 2012, 04:55 PM

Hey George! No biggie If you got better quality, it's only for the best

Now, I'd have to see a vid with that, because I can't quite figure out what sort of movement you are doing, so that I may say what's not correct. Send me a quick vid showing what you're doing with the vibrato

Posted by: geoboi Oct 17 2012, 12:58 AM

Yeah I should be able to upload everything soon. I hope it's better quality it won't change the blurry vid though. Maybe you can save me a little fooling around and tell me how to embed the youtube vids to my thread. I saw it somewhere but can't find it.

Thanks
geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 17 2012, 07:57 AM

Oy George, it's fairly simple - check out the 'Share' tab, below the video and there - check out 'Embed' - copy the code and just paste it here in the forum

Presto!!

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Oct 18 2012, 02:33 AM

Aye Laddy; thanks

Hey maybe we could start discussing gear. Even though I got myself hooked up now I'm still not happy with the sound I'm getting. I'm gonna buy some stuff soon and maybe we could dialog a little on that. But for now if you don't mind tell me about your Rig and set up for your vids.

geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 18 2012, 07:41 AM

Hey George, sure thing man!

Well, here we go:

Guitars: PRS Paul Allender, PRS Mike Mushok baritone, Ibanez JEM 777 SK - I don't play this one too often though anymore, Acoustic Gibson Copy made in Romania around 1975-1976.

Amp: Crate Blue Voodoo 120 (the old USA made version) tube amp and 4x12 Blue Voodoo cabinet
Preamp: AMT SS20 tube preamp

Pedalboard: SKB PS55
Pedals: Hardwire, Korg, Suhr, ISP, MXR

Voice gear:
TC Helicon Voicelive 2 vocal effects processor
Beyerdynamic microphone
Shure PSM-200 - SE215 Set R8 in-ear monitoring system

As for thee vids setup, I am using:

650 and 300 W Elinchrom lights
Canon 7D DSLR camera and an 18-135 Canon lens
Blackscreen

This is pretty much my stuff

What exactly are you planning to get and what sort of budget do you have in mind?

Posted by: geoboi Oct 18 2012, 05:13 PM

Well that sure gets the job done. For now because of budget I'm looking towards the PC approach. I'm sure that's the reason I'm dissatisfied with my sound.
Why did you chose the TC Helicon Voicelive 2? I'm assuming that you mic your Crate Blue Voodoo 120. Also why do you use a AMT SS20 tube preamp?

geo

Posted by: geoboi Oct 18 2012, 10:09 PM

After thinking I got this recording and video thing I find I have failed When I finally got to record and video at the same time I find the USB vid cam and guitar compete for the same input port. Even though I have two sound cards in the PC Windows XP only allows one card at a time. No matter how I split it up in Reaper or ASIO it just won't work So it's back to where I started, micing the amp with the vid cam and recording a single track in Movie Maker. Even if I had a like a Line 6 UX I don't know if it would work because of the USB vid cam. So I need to figure out what direction I'm going to go with my gear.

Above I asked you why you chose the Helicon Voicelive, is that what you use to input to your DAW? I assume you use a DAW.

geo

PS I'm taking the rest of the day off Tomorrow I'll get the lessons posted.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 19 2012, 09:41 AM

Hey George,

If I understand correctly, you only have one USB port? If so, why not try a USB port splitter? About the TC Helicon - I use it live on stage for my vocal singing Nothing else

The AMT is great for home recording and for the stage as well and it's a very portable solution as it dwells in my pedal board

Let's see the recordings amigo!

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Oct 19 2012, 04:39 PM

Hey Ho
I've got several USB ports. The issue is sound input ports. It appears I have only one sound input even though I have a PC mic in and second PC lnput and a USB input, only one at a time seems to work. When I use vid cam and guitar I have two sound inputs for only one input line.

If I use the USB vid cam it has a mic and takes the port. If I use the USB amp it takes a port. If I patch the guitar straight in the PC mic, it will take the port.

I can configure the PC sound card only one way or the other. From that point it is reflective through out. So in Reaper or AISO I must configure accordingly. So If I set Reaper and AISO to play guitar whether it be the USB amp or guitar plugged straight in mic I can record in Reaper but I cannot launch Movie Maker because the is no sound input for the vid cam.

Right now the solution would be to borrow (if possible) a vid cam like your Cannon to record independently from the PC, then upload the vid to PC and sync vid with soundtrack in Movie Maker.

I've had the unfortunate occurrence of my automobile breaking and it's in the garage at a cost of 2000.00$. That a sure bought a lot of equipment eh. Being on a disability income it'll take a few months to afford. I have applied for employment though so who knows. None of that will keep me from playing. So my situation is defined for now and I can get on with it.

Ain't nuthin to tuff
geo

PS Just a little more information, if the vid cam didn't have a mic I'd probably be good.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 20 2012, 07:46 AM

Well, take care of the car and use the video cam to record with the sound it captures or, you can go for an external separate cam like the Canon/ Nikon which you can use. Either way, at this point, it is enough to get us going

Posted by: geoboi Oct 20 2012, 02:57 PM

All righty then. I sent you a PM about Sound Cloud I'll disregard that. How do you want to handle discussing gear, Thread of PM?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 22 2012, 10:07 AM

George, it's a lot easier to write everything here, since it's your personal thread So, anything you have to ask, tell or share with me, you are my guest to do it here

Posted by: geoboi Oct 22 2012, 12:06 PM

Sounds good. I finally figured out how to record vid and guitar at the same time. It just took a little software to give me control over the vid cam. So I've re-recorded stuff a few times, my projects will becoming shortly, put on youtube and posted in my thread.

I suppose for now, the questions I was asking you about your gear are not that important. I am researching this stuff and I'm sure it will all come clear when I'm ready to move on.

geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 23 2012, 08:26 AM

Oh, alright then, BUT if you're stuck in a rut, just ring the bell here

Posted by: geoboi Oct 24 2012, 02:01 PM

This stuff is gonna drive me nuts. I had it going on with Movie Maker and Reaper and was making vids with sound. Then all of a sudden I start putting Mp3 or wav files rendered from Reaper into Movie Maker and it doesn't work. The Reaper Mp3 or wav plays fine, just not in Movie Maker. Then I find out I can put wmv files in Reaper. That works once and never again. So I'm back to micing amp with vid cam. Good God It's like one of those night mares that never ends.

geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 25 2012, 10:26 AM

George, I dislike technology with all my being - it's a helpful nightmare

I think we spend more time on figuring out how to record a darn guitar than actually learning how to play and record. I'm sorry you're going through all this mess, but as I told ya, it would be easier if you would record with the aid of the camera mic at this point, so that your playing will progress on a faster pace with my observations

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Oct 25 2012, 01:36 PM

To test you tube post


Your right about the time it's rid. may be now though

Re-edit
Looks like it works. May the force be with me! It's just thrown together quickly with out syncing to see if all followed through.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 26 2012, 07:58 AM

Hey George! The sound is good the image is ok! We have a winner

Let's rock!!

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Oct 26 2012, 01:03 PM

I think I messed up. For some reason my thread isn't in the out line form that it was, all the posts are shown one after the other as written.
How do I get it back the way it was?
I saw the Option button but that didn't bring it back.
I posted my project vids as a new topic

Posted by: geoboi Oct 27 2012, 04:50 PM

Here I fixed it by copying out the text from the new topic here it is.



So this is the fix that should put everything back in my thread.

Posted by: geoboi Oct 29 2012, 10:46 AM

Hey Cosmin

I think the mistake I made in posting my project led to confusion. So I'm just droppin' a line to let you know I've had these posted since Friday. Please check out the entry above listed as Oct 26 5:03 A.M.

I know I kind of critiqued them, but I'm hoping you'll have much more to say. Ben's lesson on picking has come a long way for me since then. Changing how I hold the pick makes a big difference.

geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 29 2012, 10:48 AM

I'm on it in your thread

Posted by: geoboi Oct 29 2012, 10:50 AM

I see that jeeze did I mess this thing up. Well have at it thanks

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 29 2012, 12:21 PM

Hey George!

For the theory part! Yes! It's correct!

Now apply the same formula for E major and B major - what do you notice if you try it over F# major?

How fast are you with the C note on the metronome?

For the strumming lesson - your take seems pretty good man! About hitting various groups of strings - I will most definitely give you some task in that direction as well, as it's a very important technique so, don't mind it being difficult You'll be dealing with it A LOT! Your timing is good and you are playing clean, so I guess you hit the spot with this one. Indeed, becoming consistent in clean playing, as well as being able to accentuate at will is important - you could try a variation on this lesson, by accentuating the first beat in a certain number of bars or any other combination which can be musical and fits the context

About the pulloffs - it is correct but it lacks interpretation and confidence - it's just a matter of spending more time with it

The legato is also correct! Should we try something more challenging in this direction?

For the articulation part - the vibrato is executed in a correct manner but too lightly You need more strength there buddy! The first bends are not ok, simply because you bended to little. How about taking a lookie here:



About the picking lesson - the way you held the pic after analyzing Ben's grip was ok - it is a good approach!! What you need now is getting comfy with the position and syncing your hands - so take this lesson and focus on executing everything with tightness and great timing at a slow tempo, observing your grip and movement

It's a lot of work but you are on the good way man!!! I like what I'm seeing!

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Oct 30 2012, 12:47 AM

Ok
Thanks for how you put things. I think I am my worst critic, I thought it had a lot to be desired. Is real perfection an illusion?

Theory:
I thought I'd move the theory along as I do it instead of waiting till I get the package done. I have attached a Word doc to answer you're questions. I hope you don't think of me as presumptuous or overboard, I do not mean to control your mentoring, I just thought you should know now, what I now know and this is all I know now. As I said in the attachment hit me with your best shot! Boggle my brain.

C note and metronome with vocal:
I kinda dropped the ball on this one. What I can do is string by string up or down @ 100bpm, string to string up and down @ 80, I didn't get to random play. Do you plan for me to memorize the fretboard? It is a goal of mine. I will continue to random play.

Rhythm:
I will put together another demo of a different strum. So what's the new task going to be?

Pull offs:
I get your point about the pull-offs. What would you like to do?

Vibrato:
Thanks for your demo. I don't mean this in a bad way Ben just didn't look that aggressive he actually blew me away. I have difficulty in rotating the hand. Let's do more or what?

Picking:
Holding the pick different is making a big difference. When I get it right I'll do another demo. What's next.

As far a syncing the vid with the sound track in Windows Movie Maker I found, Ctrl+Shift+B nudges to left and Ctrl+Shift+N nudges to the right if that may be useful to anyone.

Now that I've got all those technical issues out of the way let's get to it! More more more. You'll be working as hard as me

It is a pleasure to do this with you
geo

Posted by: geoboi Oct 31 2012, 04:09 PM

Jeeeeeeezze I am so dense, when you wrote E major, B major and F# major I thought you were talking about the scale. I didn't realize till I got out of bed you meant chords. I wanted to post this before you got a chance to review my work so you didn't think I was goofy or somethin'. Well fact is I probably am I'll have them for you shortly. Well at least you also know the extent of my knowledge. BTW those notes I can also put in music notation.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 31 2012, 04:58 PM

Hey George! If you have them here by tomorrow, I'll come back to you with all the feedback and new tasks as well

Posted by: geoboi Oct 31 2012, 05:44 PM

E major chord:
The Major 3rd G# goes down half step (1 interval or semitone) to the open G and makes an E minor.
Do I use the terms interval and semitone correctly in regard to half step?

B major chord:
There are a few ways to shape a B major chord however in any case the major 3rd goes to a minor third as in D# to D. This makes a B minor

F# chord:
If we take the bar F chord 1st fret and move it to F# second fret the major 3rd A# goes to A. This makes an F minor.
On this one you were asking what I would notice. What should I have noticed?

Summary:
So no matter how the cords can be shaped the major third will always be the same note shape to shape and taking the major third to a minor third will make a minor chord. Have I got that right?

By the way I don't know many chords. Have no idea what a circle of fifths are etc.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 1 2012, 06:28 PM

Your assumptions are correct and you have the basis for building chords! Join us tonight for some stuff on the circle of 5ths

Now for each of the tasks, I would like you to focus on correcting the stuff that I have pointed out and try another set of recordings before hitting the next set of tasks.

A healthy approach would involve revising your previous activities from time to time, because, you will tend to forget stuff - I do as well

Regarding the theory, you have observed that you can use theoretical notations which are less used in the actual music - such as E# for instance - that's what I wanted you to spot and you did

The theoretical aspects which you mentioned are correct, so now my question towards you, regarding theory - what sort of chords can you build with what you know so far?

Until deriving modes from a parent scale, we should delve in the realm of chords first

So - please answer the question above and let's see the corrections applied on the vids, before moving forward to the next set of practical tasks!

Let's rock!

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Nov 4 2012, 01:38 PM

Theory:
You asked, "what sort of chords can you build with what you know so far".
At first I didn't get what you were saying until I realized I built minor chords in the previous lesson. With a little research I have this answer...
Using major and minor triad chords I can build major or minor chords by raising and lowering the major or minor 3rd interval or the 4th and 5th degree. I can also build augmented or diminished chords by raising or lowering the perfect 5th interval to the 7th or 9th degree. I'm not to sure about the degree part. Am I on the right track?

I un-posted my vids from the previous post. Next time I will leave them as is till we get done with that lesson. So I re posted it all below for comparison.

Articulation:
I didn't do this lesson as I had no vibrato I had a theory as to why not.



I still didn't do the lesson again because I've go no vibrato. My theory is I don't think the amp has the capacity. It's a $100 amp for a reason. I bought this thing thinking I'd replace it in a month but extenuating financial problems have complicated it, it's not just the car. Any how it's kinda like comparing a yardstick to a micrometer or putting passenger tires on a Porsche. I don't use the chromatic tuner because my ear is better. I believe the digital circuitry is so inferior that it just doesn't pick up the tones. It's as if it locks on to a tone and stays there. That's what I was trying to demonstrate with the first vibrato vid. the bends were weak to show there was no tonal change. So in the ReArticulation I demonstrate with the first pick that the sound falls off in a matter of seconds there is no sustain. It should have gone on for days. I had my amp maxed out on gain, virtual overdrive maxed out even a Reaper 4 band EQ to the limits. The second pick again it falls right off. The third pick I do manage to get vibrato but I'm pulling on the string with all my might and it takes all 3 fingers to do so. Fourth pick the same, fifth pick with one finger nothing. Seventh pick at fret 22 just a regular pick that falls off in seconds, the last pick with all my might I do get vibrato. This whole thing is just freaking me out because it's either me or my theory is correct. In analyzing what Ben is doing he gets a lot of action even with one finger. He doesn't bend the string, his sustain doesn't fall off and he clearly isn't using all his might. I reckon his tone variation is approximately 25 to 45 cents as we have 100 cents per semitone. The human ear can detect roughly 10-15 cents. I don't think my amp discerns 30 cents. So in other words 30 cents is my 0. So I do hope it's the amp otherwise I'm completely obsessed and nuts. That's why I worked so hard to get my amp hooked up to the computer so I could by pass the speaker which is worse and using the vid cam mike was unbearable. My Studio has got BurstBucker Pro pups and should scream and crunch like a mad dog, instead it comes off like a dead duck. It's very depressing and I can't believe I'm letting this get the best of me but it does make my pull offs, string bends and every thing else weak. It just makes me want to cry like a little girl So that's my story and I'm sticken to it.


Here's the rest of the stuff

Rhythm


ReRhythm


Alternate Picking


RePick


Legato


ReLegato


Still falling behind with the C note.

Now that I got this vibrato and sound thing out in the open and out of me I can move on.

I didn't include the Pull-offs as it was not part of the package just an extra one.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 6 2012, 12:01 AM

Hey George!

I see progress! About the vibrato, I think you should just go on with what you have so far and try to make the best of it until you get yer hands on a better amp. I never had such trouble, but then again, I always had a good amp/ preamp at hand even before I knew what vibrato was, so, not my case.

Anyway, for the rhythm lesson - you gained enough confidence, but rushed! Take care on the timing, mate!

Regarding the picking lesson - you are exaggerating the movement and you tend to miss out on the last notes toward the last part of the lesson - my advice here is to study at a slower tempo and focus on moving your right hand as little as possible.

This is all I could observe that needed immediate correction

Anyway, how about a new set of tasks, while of course, taking care to work on the old ones needing a bit more attention?

Cosmin

Posted by: geoboi Nov 10 2012, 01:37 PM

Cosmin;
I find myself at a hump I have to get over. It's about my timing in all the lessons. Looking at myself I see struggle as my mind is not in sync with my hands. I must make this connection and can only do so by relaxing and feeling the moment. I have to stop thinking so much and be more comfortable not rushed. The Alternate Picking lesson is my main focus. I took your suggestion and slowed it down to 80 bpm and will do so till I get it right. It's coming along as I am feeling intuitive. I will raise the bpm till I get to speed. I have done this to everything and am sort of restarting were I started. I also did not have a structure to my practice which I must get under control to discipline my focus and time in a day. I'm going to ride with that till I get over the hump. If you have any thoughts please come forth.

About the theory I think we over looked that from my last post so here goes.

Theory:
You asked, "what sort of chords can you build with what you know so far".
At first I didn't get what you were saying until I realized I built minor chords in the previous lesson. With a little research I have this answer...

I can build triad chords from any major scale by using the 1, 3, 5, formula. That is Perfect Unison, Major 3rd, and Perfect 5th also know as the 1st, 5th, and 8th degree.

I built Minor chords in the previous theory lesson by stepping down the 3rd interval (major 3rd) 1 degree to the 4th degree, or minor 3rd.

I can build Diminished chords by changing the 8th degree to the 7th degree. Perfect 5th to Augmented 4th.

I can build Augmented chords by raising the Perfect 5th to the 9th degree a minor 6th.
If I guess right Augmented and Diminished chords can also be Minor?

Am I on the right track?

With the ear training on the c note I am at random play at a bpm of 70. I've decided to make a vid of that and will post it with every thing else.

geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 12 2012, 10:12 AM

Hey George!

Slowing down is ALWAYS a good decision You know, I find myself practicing some things slow enough so I can observe my movements and see what I can do to cut down unnecessary effort or things like that. Usually when you can observe yourself, take the time to do it and you will notice a LOT of interesting things - if treated right, this can lead to Zanshin

Regarding theory, there are some things which are not entirely correct, so I will write down the formulas for the basic 3 notes chords (triads)

Major 1 3 5
Minor 1 b3 5
Augmented 1 3 #5
Diminished 1 b3 b5

Apply these formulas to any tonality and prestooooo Instant triads

Tell me George, do you happen to know anything about the circle of 5ths?

Cosmin

PS: Looking forward to your new vids!

Posted by: geoboi Nov 15 2012, 08:05 PM

Hey Cosmin

Got your point on the Diminished chord. I saw that in my research but was so flooded with info. I didn't realize that was the only formula. I suppose I used the reference to Degrees and the Perfect Unison, etc. correctly?
About the circle of 5ths, seen the circle, doesn't make much sense.

I made good progress in retraining. I actually wore my arm out and the muscle is feeling it right below the shoulder, ya know it's just to slow. No concern though, I'm just gonna take a day then get the new vids up. I've learned how to change tempo (is that the correct word) and keep pitch in Reaper so I could gradually increase speed. It really worked well.

Hey I checked out your youtube channel. Amazing stuff! Between that, mentoring, girls and 101 do you sleep? While I was typing this I read your last post, looks like the learning curve for 101 is serious and steep. No doubt a thinking man's game. I'm sure you relish though in the face of the challenge. En garde!

Caught your post in your Zanshin thread. I've been lately in the Study of a man called Ernest Holmes. The Study has given me cause to re- dialog ALL THINKING and Beliefs. A while back I realized the stuff in my head was just there like everyone else. It sort of comes with the air we breathe and is also taught to us, rarely questioned because it is the social norm. From here on out I refuse to be Socially NORMAL!

geo

Posted by: geoboi Nov 16 2012, 04:08 AM

So about the circle of 5ths. A circle with 12 notes. Starting at the top and going clockwise there is C(0#), G(1#), D(2#), A(3#), E(4#), B(5#), Gb/F#(6#/b), Db(5b), Ab(4b), Eb(3b), Bb(2b), F(1b). So we know how many # and flats. So somehow chord progressions a build from this. However that's unclear and I have no idea how 7's, 9's or sus's would apply to this I don't even know why they are. I understand a little more than my previous post.
So take it away.
geo

Posted by: Amir Razmara Nov 16 2012, 07:44 AM

For a good handy sheet of Circle of Fifths go to this site: http://linkwaregraphics.com/music/circle-of-fifths/
and Download the Music Theory Circle of Fifths Handout.

Posted by: geoboi Nov 16 2012, 06:12 PM

Amir;
Your link does clarify things a little better thanks
geo

Posted by: geoboi Nov 18 2012, 10:20 PM

Howdy Cosmin
I'm just checkin in to let you know I haven't fallen in a hole. I seem to be at a point that... well I don't know really how to explain, I'm hot n cold. I'm kinda going inside out front and back. Ben's quote from Bruce Lee is going on. Some things are better though and I'm determined to dial it in. Last week doing the alternate picking lesson I over worked my arm a bit and just about the time I get warmed up I start to slow down. This looks like a good thing though I must be getting stronger. I guess you don't get that 4 1/2 minute mile with out running your butt off.

Any how you asked me what I know about the circle of fifths, here it is...
A circle with 12 notes. Starting at the top with the scale of C and going 5 intervals clockwise there is C(0#), G(1#), D(2#), A(3#), E(4#), B(5#), Gb/F#(6#/6b), Db(5b), Ab(4b), Eb(3b), Bb(2b), F(1b). So I know how many sharps and flats in the scales.
So somehow chord progressions are built from this but I'm not sure how that works.
geo

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 19 2012, 09:53 AM

Hey George, no biggie man!

Well, 101... that thread is mostly about the real life of a guy trying to make it in the music industry - it's steep because that's howit usually goes. You need to think ahead about EVERYTHING... Thanks for your nice thoughts about the YT channel - I am pretty darn proud about it and it took me about 2 years to build up what you saw there... Hope to get it even higher though

About the circle well, it's pretty darn easy to use it as a chord progression tool. Let's start like this:

Let's look at the notes on the circle as being related to the C major scale - Can you tell me what function would each note on the circle receive if it was to be related to the C major scale ?



Cosmin