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Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 28 2012, 07:43 AM

Hi ElHombre!! Welcome to your Gab's Army thread!!

Could you please tell me a bit about you, your musical tastes, influences, strengths and weaknesses? I would need some videos of you playing rhythm and solo guitar, so please post your best material here. If you have some music or ideas of your own, also post them here. Also let me know how you think that I can help you and what are your expectations for our job. You can check the other Army's thread to discover the different modalities of this project.


The principles of our Army are:

+ Improve your technique
+ Make music and solos
+ Have fun
+ Destroy the enemy (hahaha not really just kidding... )

Posted by: ElHombre Dec 28 2012, 08:19 PM

Yes I will post some material
First I wonder if its possible for you to help me where I left off with Alex, fusion practice
I know you are more of a rocker but maybe you know a lot about fusion

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 29 2012, 06:06 AM

Hi mate! I'm not very into Fusion but maybe I can help you with that too... what things have you learnt with Alex?

Posted by: ElHombre Dec 31 2012, 01:54 PM

we were working on playing in changes, I trained on the backingtrack, sunny, very cool track.
Well playing chord tones over certain chords and/or pentatonics.

Well that I think you might help me with, knowing what pentatonics you can play over certain progressions.
Cheers & happy new year

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 31 2012, 08:27 PM

yes, knowing the pentatonic scales and also the arpeggios can really work. Pentatonic scales are the first step, then arpeggios. Two things...
please tell me which are your favourite bands/musicians, and secondly, do you have some backing tracks in mind for start working on improvisation?

Some other questions... what scales do you know? do you know triads and arpeggios? what about the CAGED system?

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 3 2013, 10:22 PM

Hi Gab yes I am familiar with all those things except the CAGED system.
Well when playing in changes, for example rock shuffle I think its easy to switch pentatonic scales while improvising.
But when we come to more diffuclt tracks and u need to play certain chord tones over chord changes I think its hard to do while improvising.
We could keep working on the sunny track, Alex analyzed it for me I will post it here

some guitar players i like: greg howe, tom quayle, damjan, marco sfogli andy timmons, steve lutakher.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 3 2013, 10:41 PM

Ok! Please let me know if you know the things that you will find in the following rar file in major and minor modes..

 Improvisation_Course.zip ( 2.61K ) : 175

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 13 2013, 12:18 PM

yes i know these things Gab.
Also im back now and have lots of time to play

Well just one question, in the "a minor chords" file, u had 5 different A minor shapes.
Is that all the CAGED shapes in there

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 13 2013, 09:36 PM

Exactly! You have 5 different shapes, the C shape, A shape, G shape, E shape and D shape. The original shapes are major but you can get minor and dominant chords just chabging one or two notes. These shapes are very usefull to understand the whole fretboard, and to be able to find chords, triads, arpeggios and even scales everywhere and in every key.

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 17 2013, 02:16 PM

Hello Gab, here is some things i gathered from alex Thread:

So I think A-7 means minor in this case
Let's look at the chords:

Ami7, Gmi7/C7, Fmaj7, Bm7/E7 (repeat this part one time)

Am7, Gm7/C7, Fmaj7, Bb7

B-7b5, E7#9, Am7, E7#9

Let's look at the first part and analyze it!

Ami7, Gmi7/C7, Fmaj7, Bm7/E7
The first four chords in the key of F
But when you are getting Bmi7 and E7 you are getting into A
I would like you to write out all possible options that you think might work over the first part!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let's start with simple pentatonics!
Ami7, Gmi7/C7, Fmaj7, Bm7/E7

Over Ami7 - Gmi7 - C7 - Fmaj7
I want you to play G minor pentatonic

Over Bm7 - E7
F# minor or A major


This was alex analyze of greg howe backing track "sunny"
These are the chords. And over the progressions you play different pentatonics or chord tones.

Now, what I want to learn first would be.

What pentatnoics work over which chords and progressions?
What chord tones do we play over certain progressions.


Thats hard I think. In my songs, I mostly play and arpeggio or chord tones over one chord, thats easy, but when doing it over progressions I dont know what will work just like that!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 19 2013, 03:02 AM

Hi mate, this is very interesting. The easier way would be to follow the chord playing the arpeggios of each one, this would mean that you play the chord tones of each chord at the moment that it sounds in the progression. And you can connect them using notes from the pentatonic scale of Am, Gm or F.

Ami7 - Gmi7 - C7 - Fmaj7
This section is in F major key, so you can jam using F major over the whole backing but staying on the chord notes of each chord. At the same time, you could visualize a mode over each chord, but this would be more difficult.

So, this was your question:

What pentatonic work over which chords and progressions?
What chord tones do we play over certain progressions.

The first thing that you must do to know which scales can be used is to know which is the key of the backing. Could you please post here some chord progressions that you would like to analyse?

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 25 2013, 11:43 AM

Hey Gab, the key is in A minor
I attatched the track in the post.

I dont have any tracks with progressions I can think of analyzing? Do you mean for practice?

Well we can start with this one, then you can give me a few tracks to analyze after we worked on this

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 25 2013, 10:58 PM

Great backing! Do you have the chord progression written?

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 26 2013, 04:26 PM

Yes Gab, its in the my post:
Ami7, Gmi7/C7, Fmaj7, Bm7/E7 (repeat this part one time)

Am7, Gm7/C7, Fmaj7, Bb7

B-7b5, E7#9, Am7, E7#9

Sorry, if forgot to tell you, this is the progression for sunnny

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 26 2013, 04:45 PM

Ok, let's start with the first progression. At first choose one position, and try to follow each chord with its arpeggio. This will help you to be able to use different pentatonic scales, modes or even only one scale but always sound good over each chord. This scales/modes will be used only to connect the different chord notes.

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 31 2013, 02:36 PM

" At first choose one position, and try to follow each chord with its arpeggio."
So shall I do this and show you as the first task?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 31 2013, 03:11 PM

Well, this is not an easy track to follow, since the best is to start just with pentatonic scales and less chord changes. I don't really know your current improvising level so if you can entry a take of you jamming over this one or any other simpler backing would be good! Is it possible?

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 2 2013, 03:54 PM

yes coming up. I have been dealing with my guitar the last days and now I managed to set it up good on my own finally..

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 2 2013, 06:29 PM

Great!

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 18 2013, 07:05 PM

Hey Gab, Im back now and ready to get to pratice, im going to send you these videos soon.
here is my new song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ughKLJk1h2c&feature=youtu.be

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 19 2013, 02:24 PM

This is so great! We will be able to work hard now! I like your video and track mate. The audio and video quality are excellent. Your phrasing is good on this song, very fusion. The only thing that I feel is that you could define even more the phrases and melodies. I'm curious about that studio and console! Is it yours?

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 19 2013, 02:57 PM

Thanks Gab, no its not my studio
Its the local studio in my town, this was my first recording there.

the axe fx ultra which is on the left is mine tough

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 19 2013, 02:58 PM

Wou!! That's the most dreamed device ever! Congrats mate.

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 21 2013, 12:15 PM

yes its all i need really. when the FX II came out price dropped on this one so managed to get a good deal on it.

Also about the song, yes I think you are right. I could have come up with more of a melody on the chorus, and also making it appear atleast twice in the song as a chorus normally does

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 21 2013, 12:32 PM

yeah, do you have some ideas for it? At least any chord progression?

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 21 2013, 02:45 PM

Im working on a few new songs if that is what you mean.
Thinking of having acoustic arpeggios as intro and a nice melody to that and then build it up.

Marco sfoglis "Jesters Tears" was a great song, think Im going to structure my next song a bit like that
Also I have my new metal song which cosmin is going to help me with

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 21 2013, 04:41 PM

I was asking about the song from the video that you posted.

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 21 2013, 05:54 PM

ah okay, the progressions for the synth is Cmaj7 - Dmaj11 - Bm- Em
i could have shorten this to around 30 sec, then going for som jazz and coming back for antoher chorus.

But Im happy with the song as it is, im just saying this is what I might have done to make a more classic structured song

And by the way I will send you some improvisation audio files so you can view my current improv skill

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 21 2013, 07:02 PM

Hi gab

I send you 2 improvisations I just made.
one of alex feathers rock shuffle, which was a great track I will probably make a improvisation of that later with video

Second I tried improvising over the backingtrack of my latest song.

Both takes start out a little messy but later grows in my opinion

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 24 2013, 12:55 AM

Hi mate! Thanks for your takes! As you said, the improvisations start a bit insecure but then become really good! In the first one I feel that it would be good if you try to find mode melodic phrases since after some round it becomes a bit predictable. The second improvisations sounds more catchy and I can notice that you can follow the chords easily. But I also think that more melodic stuff over this one could make your improvisation more defined. What concepts are you using for improvising over these ones? Just scales? arpeggios? ear? I wonder what was your main method here.

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 25 2013, 10:05 PM

Hey gab. Well for the rock shuffle, its basic 3 chords alex put in there so I use a matching pentatonic over them, sometimes I move away from that a little.for my own track I used random pentatonic over riff and then some lydian and stuff

But I think that works well. Thar hard think, and what I want to learn is when you get a progression in front of you, like the sunny progression I posted here, to then know what to play over chords or following chords.

Like you got a section of chords then you play that scale or pentatonic och arpeggios over certain chords.
Well thats a lot harder to do than just playing a 12 bar or something.

So when jamming over a track like sunny I just do the A minor scale cause the track is in A minor.
So I want to do more complicated stuff over complicated tracks you know

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 26 2013, 03:16 PM

Well, let's start with some basic Jazz Standards which I think is the best way to exercise arpeggios, triads and modes. We can start with "Autumn Leaves"... what do you think?

This would be the first part:



As always, let's start connecting arpeggios of each chord.

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 26 2013, 06:32 PM

okey Gab lets do that
This exercise track come in a lot of different keys I see this one is in E minor?

Also Gab I have forgotten a thing about sheet music, what does the triangle next to the chord mean now again?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 27 2013, 02:13 PM

That triangle means major 7. Don't worry about the scale that you can use, just concentrate on arpeggios and please share an audio or video or you jamming with arpeggios over that progression.

Posted by: ElHombre Mar 5 2013, 03:45 PM

Hello
My first take on it

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 6 2013, 03:03 PM

Hi man, you are doing a good job with this one. There is something wrong over D7 chord, there you are playing D minor arpeggio instead of D dominant. Do you noticed it?

Posted by: ElHombre Mar 6 2013, 03:21 PM

Yes It sounds a bit wierd also I think I got a note wrong on the diminished arpeggio.
Anyway, improvising arpeggios like this is hard for me, and to be able to switch them so quick like the chords does.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 6 2013, 03:30 PM

yes, this is a great training for both your guitar playing and ear, and also for the connection of your mind and fingers. Keep on working on this but try to find every chord shape in the same part of the neck and work on sectors. This will make you have a strong knowledge of the whole fret board.

Posted by: ElHombre Mar 6 2013, 11:05 PM

Yes Gab, can you help me with that?
I have had theory pratice since I was 10 years old but never a good system.

I should learn more about the CAGED and have a system that allows me to know everything instantly, scales, triads, chords, arpeggios.

So you know, I can sit down for 1 hour a day and pratice, and know what I will pratice, like doing a schedule for it it you know

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 7 2013, 02:24 PM

Sure mate! Let's start with the Caged System and major chords, scales, triads and arpeggios. Then we will work on minor, dominant and m7b5.
Learn each shape and the major scale that can be build around it.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=2944
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=2984

Work on the following lesson in which you will connect Major Scale with Major triads. This will help you to visualize the chord notes over the scale. Once you learn each mode in this way, improvising over jazz progression should be easier.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/ionian-mode-harmonized-with-triads/

Posted by: ElHombre Mar 25 2013, 12:44 PM

Hi Gab I am back again
You want to help me make a schedule for theory practicing?

So I will be working with caged now. Chords, major scale, pentatonics
How much time and how is the best way to pratice it?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 25 2013, 02:33 PM

Hi mate, sure! I want to help you to build an effective routine! I don't think that you have to work too many time per day on sales and theory in general. If you do it for 1 (or maybe 2) hour every day of the week is enough. The best way for practicing is dividing your time to work focusing on one thing per time. For example you can divide your hour in 15 minutes - Chords work, 15 minutes - Scales work, 15 minutes - Intervals, triads, 15 minutes - Creative work.

Remember these items to know what things you have to work/learn for being a good improviser.

- Learn & practice Pentatonic scales
- Learn major & minor scales
- Learn triads & arpeggios
- Practice scale sequences
- Learn licks from your favorite players
- Learn and analyze solos
- Learn modes & some uncommon scales
- Play random notes to experiment with scales and incorporate the characteristic sound (over backing tracks)
- Improvise!

Posted by: ElHombre Apr 4 2013, 09:53 AM

Okay lets start Gab.
What you wrote is very good and must be mastered.

I know theory of course but I want to know it more instantly and in all keys.
So how do I practice.

I can share of how I pratice this.

If I pratice the F Major scale for example. I should go trough all CAGED shapes of course on the neck. And I know most notes on the fretboard so really play the F Major scale and not a mode.

Then I would also check out the modes of the scale.
Thats how I do

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 4 2013, 02:49 PM

It sounds good mate. Do you know the triads? This is a very good approach to practice scales and find the triads:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/ionian-mode-harmonized-with-triads/

Posted by: ElHombre Apr 11 2013, 03:21 PM

Yes I know the triads I practiced a lot on them
did you check out Matts list on fusion playing?

Maybe we can work on that list too

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 11 2013, 03:32 PM

Sure! I'm not a Fusion player but I think that I can help you to master each topic on the list. Let's paste it here:

1. Side Stepping - Playing Am7-Bbm7-Am7 over Am7

2. Tritone Stepping - Playing Am7-Ebm7-Am7 over Am7

3. 3 and 4 Note Per String Scales

4. Adding chromatic passing notes to scales, especially mixing b3, b5 and 7 over 7th chords, and b5 and 7 over m7 chords

5. Triad Pairs - Playing C and D over C7 for example

6. Altered Pentatonic Scales - Playing 7b9 Pents for example over 7th chords

7. Modes of Melodic Minor - Using these modes as a first choice sound rather than major modes

8. Extended Arpeggios to 9th, 11th and 13th over any chord

9. Legato Techniques ala Holdsworth

10. Chromatic chords such as Am7-Bbm7-Bm7 all over Am7

Posted by: ElHombre Apr 13 2013, 10:00 AM

Im doing some caged pratice. Major Scales and chords.
When taking more advanced chords like minor7 or sus4 or stuff like that.

Then I still apply caged right? If im going to play A minor 7, I usually play on 5 th fret in the caged E position.
But should I learn how to play a minor 7 for example in all caged positions.

Also I guess i pratice Major pentatonics and then minor scale + minor pentatonics in caged?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 14 2013, 05:48 PM

yes, CAGED system is great to understand the fret board and every scale and chord can be related to this system. Arpeggios, triads, chords and scales should be connected to this system. This makes the learning process easier. For example, if you know G major in one position and you want to play G maj7th, you just have to take the octave and move it to the 7th major. This same things can be done with every chord.

Posted by: ElHombre Apr 16 2013, 11:02 AM

Yes, here is what i do know:

Pratice minor pentatonics, solo all over the fretboard over a 1-4-5 progression (For example alex rock shuffle)
Praticing arpeggios, major minor, diminished, dominant, 7ths
Praticing modes of the major scale
Praticing on Matts 30 days to better Jazz.

What could be added?
Well I should learn more advanced chords in more positions.

I guess we apply CAGED for all chords but I mostly use A and E shapes for more advanced chords

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 16 2013, 07:49 PM

Hi mate. I think that it's enough by now, at least regarding improvisation and jazz. Besides that you would do some technique work and just playing guitar for fun, jamming and creating music.

Posted by: ElHombre Apr 16 2013, 08:12 PM

Ok Gab, Check out my new musical idea.
Still an idea and created in around 20 min but have a listen and tell me what you think

The idea is to play the same melody that the piano does in the lead playing, and have som heavy riffs
Also there will be a more emotional chours and a arpeggio ending

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 16 2013, 10:12 PM

Hey mate! I was very surprised when everything became so aggressive. I like the piano melody and I also enjoyed a lot the powerful riffs and the use of chord that remembers me a bit to Opeth. I think that the idea goes great! Keep on working on it and please share more samples of the progress.

Posted by: ElHombre Apr 23 2013, 12:03 PM

Hey Gab, im doing some pentatonic training too, need to brush that up.
I take the 1-4-5 progression, 3 chords, 3 pentatonics and jam pentatonics over each chord and train licks/patterns

Anything else you can do over this progression? Alex feather my former mentor talked about combining pentatonics and stuff

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 23 2013, 02:42 PM

You can also use Dominant arpeggios of each chords, or Mixolydian mode of each chord. Some ideas for practising in A (for example)

Exercise 1:

A: Pentatonic Minor
D: D Mixolydian
E: E Mixolydian

Exercise 2:

A: A Mixolydian
D: A Pentatonic Minor
E: A Pentatonic Minor

Exercise 3:

A: A Mixolydian
D: D Mixolydian
E: E Mixolydian

Posted by: ElHombre May 4 2013, 11:59 AM

Hey Gab
What are you currently working with?
And are you self-taught or have you studied at any schools?

Cheers

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 4 2013, 04:26 PM

Hi mate. I'm currently working on the new album from my band and having many gigs. I'm also working on lessons and some special things for GMC, practising at every moment I can. Two guys from some important bands here called me to record an album on a Metalcore side project.

I studied with many teachers and a lot by my own. I started with an instructor that shared Berckley method, then a bluesy guy who introduced me to blues and rock improvisation, a shredder who helped me studying guitarists like Malmsteen, Petrucci, Kotzen, Gilbert, Blues Saraceno, then I studied Improvisation with a more Jazz oriented teacher who was graduated in Berckley Boston, then I studied more about Harmony, Counterpoint and Composition with another teacher who plays jazz guitar and composed music for Orquesta.

Posted by: ElHombre May 6 2013, 12:51 AM

I sent you a PM with track analyzing

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 6 2013, 02:25 AM

ok mate!

Posted by: ElHombre May 8 2013, 11:28 AM

Tell me what you have found out about the track
I love to improvise over it, but I should know more about it to make a better improv

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 8 2013, 03:17 PM

Download isn't available in the link that you shared.

Posted by: ElHombre May 10 2013, 12:00 PM

I have a question a about chords.
If you are going to play for example sus4 chord.
Should you learn it in all CAGED shapes? Cause with these chords, I only use E and A shape

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 10 2013, 01:55 PM

Hi mate. Suspended chords are those ones that replace the third by the second or forth. The most used positions are the ones that you already know A and E shapes, because the cooler sound of this chords is gotten when you have the suspended note in the higher strings. However you can convert to suspended every triad and every position and inversion.

Posted by: ElHombre May 15 2013, 05:56 PM

Im doing the rock song I didnt do last summer
here is a intro riff

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 16 2013, 03:44 PM

Hi mate, this riff sounds cool! I didn't understand well, are you composing this one?

Posted by: ElHombre May 16 2013, 03:51 PM

Yes I am, last summer I said I was going to do a instrumental rock song little satriani/vai style but didnt complete it, this time I will

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 16 2013, 03:53 PM

Sounds great! Next step: verse. Do you have some ideas?

Posted by: ElHombre May 20 2013, 09:17 PM

Yes im going to use my synth, also make a small variation on the riff, using gallop technique.
Then I need prechorus and chorus

Idea developed with verse:

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 22 2013, 04:12 PM

Hi mate! It's evolving really good. The only comment that I have to do is that you should pay attention to your timing, both in rhythm and melodies. I know that this is a demo but it would be very useful if you get used to record everything played tight and groovy.
Keep on the good job!

Posted by: ElHombre Jun 19 2013, 01:14 PM

sent you a new PM with a working link (i hope)

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 19 2013, 08:03 PM

Check my answer!

Posted by: ElHombre Jul 21 2013, 09:40 PM

Hey Gab
Long time

Anyway, here is the chorus of my new song.
The transition feels a little weird though. It switched from 6/8 to 4/4 and becomes a little slower.

Well it surprises even me when it comes, and i have written it xD
So, who do I make smoother transition?

I know there are many ways like complete stop, bass slide. Right now I have a drum fill.

Have a listen, it starts with the verse then sends you in to the chorus

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 22 2013, 04:19 PM

Hi mate, yeah, you are right, the change is not smooth and it sounds like too slow when it goes to 6/8. Why don't you experiment with the tempo of the new part. Maybe using a faster tempo the change will be cooler.

Posted by: ElHombre Jul 22 2013, 09:56 PM

Yes I was thinking of that but didnt know how to have different tempos in the DAW, but it was a google search away ^^
190 bpm on 4/4 and 150 bpm on 6/8 melted good togheter.

I dont know how to say, but it feels like its the same tempo when its not

Only problem is now I got to practice that tapping chorus a lot haha

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 23 2013, 02:38 PM

haha excellent! Sometimes it's important to make tempo changes, even more when the groove changes like that. Can I listen to it?

Posted by: ElHombre Aug 5 2013, 11:11 AM

Here it is

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 5 2013, 03:41 PM

Cool! The transition is smoother now, well done. Those are very tricky licks, you will have to work on them slowly.

Posted by: ElHombre Aug 22 2013, 10:31 AM

Hey Gab

Do you have any good way of praticing chords, inversions and maybe progessions?
Easy as advanced

I need to go trhough my chord register since i will be working with a lot of other muscicans i am new with

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 23 2013, 05:59 AM

Hi mate. I have a book that is my bible of chords. I check it very frequently, every time that I want to incorporate new chord shapes to my vocabulary. It's called "Chord Chemistry". Do you know it?

Posted by: ElHombre Nov 15 2013, 02:33 AM

Hey Gab
I have a question regarding pratice.

Do you think I could instead learn complicated solos with different techniques, right now for example I study the solos
of Born Of osiris, and I think you learn a lot from that first listen than learn.

I think that is a much better way then doing these book regular exercises.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 15 2013, 06:27 PM

Hi mate, yes! This can really works if you are disciplined and work on the parts until you master them. Sometimes you have to create variations or loops of the trickier parts to focus on them and be able to play them perfect. Have you seen this thread? http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=48405

The good side about building a routine like the ones that I offer in my army is that I share mostly GMC lesson, most of them are musical ideas, and I create a schedule that covers all the techniques I consider important. If you work diary on this techniques, you will be mastering each of them and training your playing to be able to play whatever you imagine or hear without technique limits.

Posted by: ElHombre Dec 2 2013, 01:02 AM

Hey Gab
Do you think we could work on extreme neoclassical in this thread?
Cause u play it right?

And btw thanks for the arpeggio fingerings
Im still to figure out how to roll my fingers correctly

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 2 2013, 03:36 AM

Hi mate! yes, we can work on it! and maybe this could be a reason to practice it again (it's been a long time since I stopped playing it) and maybe finally mastering perfectly at normal tempo.

What are your current questions now? Which parts are giving trouble or need to know the fingers?

Posted by: ElHombre Dec 8 2013, 06:36 PM

Yes If you want you can give me the file with all your fingerings.
I would also be intresteing to see what chocies you make

Mostly for the hybrid pivoting (its called right)? Where I would use hybrid picking I think at that speed
Its the part right after the first arpeggios.


I will do a short video showing how I roll my fingers

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 8 2013, 11:05 PM

Ok mate! I'll prepare a file with my fingerings. I don't use hybrid picking for the pedal note parts but that's the parts that gives me more trouble to play at tempo so maybe experimenting a bit with other options could be a good idea.

This guitarists plays it with hybrid picking:

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 26 2014, 04:27 AM

Hey Gab
Heard you were up for a guest solo

Would be cool, I like this a lot, collaboration

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 26 2014, 06:36 PM

Sure mate! Keep me updated about your EP progress.

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 26 2014, 08:07 PM

Yes, there is a perfect spot the ending chorus with "the solo" on one of the instrumentals.
Since its a fully instrumental song, its has lead playing already in the chorus, so a guest solo as "the solo" in the song would be perfect

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 26 2014, 08:15 PM

Hi man! Nice video and composition. I think that the backing is very interesting and I enjoy a lot the moments when your playing becomes more melodic, for example starting at 1:48. I think that you should explore even more your melodic side, it's very rich.

I wonder about that place, is it your studio? Awesome console!

Posted by: ElHombre Sep 12 2014, 12:01 AM

Hey gab
lets talk about my new song.. a rock tune

Here is the chorus, this is the basic idea im working with.
Still need some work to make the harmony more shining and intresting

I can post the song wihtout lead later too, just gonna work on it

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 12 2014, 09:56 PM

Hi mate, I'm checking and playing along with the chorus that you've posted here. I think that the melodic idea is promising but the chord progression is a bit static and is lacking some more interesting movements, at least in the second half. It seems to be more a verse chord progression or maybe a bridge but not a chorus.

Could you please post here 5 chorus that you think are great ones?

Posted by: ElHombre Sep 15 2014, 03:25 PM

http://youtu.be/o--aSPK0on4?t=49s
http://youtu.be/mMjrQVx8Cl8?t=39s
http://youtu.be/SBFBtVbaqg0?t=1m26s
http://youtu.be/cqc4TwPStVk?t=4m14s
http://youtu.be/a8fM3pO7i0I?t=11m37s


You mean I should have more chords and more colour in them?
To give a more catchy rythm.
I like this kind of modern riffing where the riff is almost like a lead melody in itself

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 15 2014, 11:22 PM

That's very cool stuff! Most of the tracks that you shared (except Interval's song) are more like a rock metal song where the lead voice is done by a lead guitar. So it's as catchy as a conventional song thanks to a nice melody over a chord progression that works and has some kind of cadence that makes your melody memorable.

This can sound weird for you if you are not very used to compose catchy melodies and songs but I will give you a task for this week that I'm sure will help you.

- Choose 2 songs each day of this week that has catchy choruses.
- Write down the chord progression used.
- Try to reveal what's the tonality.
- Analyze the scale used for the melody.
- Analyze the relation between the longer notes and the chords being played at every moment.
- Write here the results.

This analysis is a task for the next 5 days, but trust me you should keep on doing it with other sections for many time. Analyzing songs is the best way to learn more about the music that we like. You start to discover concepts, tools and ideas used in your favorite songs that can be starting points for your own compositions.

What do you think? Are you in?

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 14 2015, 04:29 PM

Hello Gab
Its been a while

I need your help. Im now composing new stuff.
You see I got the ideas in my mind, and how it will sound, like everything is written.

But the problem is the drums. Sometimes I want to move into more complex time signature.
or the time signature wont allow me to fully express my initial idea.
I have to change them up a bit rythmically and change the signature.

I would like to be able to not have to do that if you know what I mean.

Lets analyze together?
I can upload my riffs with and without drums and so

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 15 2015, 03:37 PM

Hi mate, how are you?

Yes, I can definitely help you with this! Feel free to post your ideas here and also some songs that you like how irregular measures are treated and arranged to have as reference.

A tip that can really help is to set your project in 1/4 or 1/8 instead of 4/4, 6/8 or whatever the meter you should use. If you have it set in 1/x your metronome won't have accentuation and all beats will start on a new measure so you can mix lots of irregular meters and keep project well organized.

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 17 2015, 02:49 AM

Hey, I kind of sorted it.
Im still going to learn to write better drums myself, but I worked out a good method to put the riffs just in rythm, so I can put my ideas in context. Then I will have a drummer doing the drums afterwards.

Lets talk song elements next, I will upload the ideas
Its an instrumental single I am doing.

I will send some sound samples later, right now the challenge is to make the verse more of a contrast to the chorus.
Or having some kind of pre chours, that really says "hey now comes the chorus" you know.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 17 2015, 03:29 PM

Hi mate, thanks for the update. Great to know that you've found the way to define drum grooves easier at first to let the compositions flow. I'll be waiting to hear your idea in progress.

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 18 2015, 02:49 PM

Sent you a PM with the intro riff + some improv over verse 1. No bass added yet

Okay, so I kind of structured the song like this.

Intro - verse - verse2 / prechorus - chorus - chorus 2 (melodical) - breakriff - short verse 1. - new break - chorus - melodic chorus + outro

Okay, now that I know this its impotant to know what elements I want.
As you can here in the song, the intro riff is going to come back as the chorus. And we need a really powerful verse 2 so the song changes up a bit before the chorus, so it doesnt become boring, even though I like the dreamy mood

Okay, its an instrumental song so we have rythmical and melodic.
I take a lot of inspiration from the Band Intervals, who combines both melodical and rythmical approaches.

Its nice, if its going to be solo all the way it might be a little predictable unless you are a genius like Marco Sfogli..
which I am not.. yet

I also have a very cool idea about the chorus that I will show.
That riff is kind of nice with the low suspended chords, I keep the tempo and time, but change the riff a little
and play a nice melody over it

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 18 2015, 04:27 PM

Hi ElHombre, great job with this one! I've just heard the idea and it is very promising. I like the intro riff, it's powerful, and original. For any reason it's also connected with the verse, there is some dreamy vibe on it so I can say that it's perfect and I can also imagine it as the chorus for song. The verse also sounds good, I like the vibe, the progression and the guitar solos/melodies that you already have. The drum groove is cool, but you will have to be clever to composer the next part because you can't keep the same groove so more time. I would go for something that contrasts it for the pre chorus.

So, in other words, you are doing a very good job with this one and it's good to see that you already have the structure in mind.

Please keep going!

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 23 2015, 04:48 PM

Hey Gab Thanks

Yes of course, Right now I only use the drum groove for composing. I find it easier to outline the song and play in time with a simple beat.
Then I will switch it up to make it more intresting for more vibe to build solo ideas.
And then ultimatley, the mixer will compose drums.
Its great cause I know a really musical guy that is also a great mixer .So he adds very good drums and percussions to my tracks and gives it a nice mix.

Im really happy with this foundation idea.
I think this time I managed to express myself well with the purpose and message I have with this song.

And yes, its the chorus the intro as well
and I do something (in my opinion) very cool with the chorus, after the riff is played again on the chorus, it changes up a little and a guitar melody, which I wrote a rythm change on, cooperates with the chorus and sounds splendid, I had this melody in my head for years, finally managed to bring it out in context.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

A lot of text, sorry for this xD

Ok, so the next challenge is to do a good prechorus. That "hangs on" to the song, but is a bit different, maybe a bit more pace, so the listener gets to feel "oh soon comes the chorus". And also a nice ending to the pre chorus that really says "HERE COMES THE CHORUS".

An expert of this is Marco Sfogli I think, for me one of the best guitarist

Listen how he tells you "here comes the chorus"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykUir8LZNEs

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 24 2015, 05:06 AM

Wou! That's a very melodic song! Thanks for sharing. I like his tone as well as his interpretation, but what I find even more inspiring is his sense of melody. This tune remind me to masters as Satriani and Timmons but with some more extreme shredding in some moments.

I know what you mean about the pre chorus. This sections is usually a part specially composed to create tension that finally releases when the chorus starts, and makes everything epic and memorable. This effect is generated by the melody but also by the chord progression used. A good plan to use this process to also learn some new things would be to analyze some songs that have that effect in the pre.chorus and notice how they create it... analyze the previous progression, the pre chorus progression and also the chorus. Analyse around 5 songs and write down your analysis.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 28 2015, 01:19 PM

Hi mate, I'm writing about the new sample that you've sent of your song. I had a small issue that I'd like to share because it can be used as a part of the feedback. I listened to the tune twice and I couldn't really identify the structure, even having your description. It would help If you can give me timings for each part but this shows that the parts still need some work give the song a more defined evolution. I notice that the overall tune is a bit linear and this are some possible reasons:

- Groove: You said that you still have to work on drums, I think that at least some early changes for the different parts can bring some clarity to the structure.

- Harmony: The chord progressions used for each part are similar, there is a clear movement on any of the parts. I usually see the verse as the beginning of the story, the pre chorus as a tense moment, and the chorus the release or explossion of that tense pre chorus. I don't feel it on this song. I think that maybe changing a bit the pre chorus progression could be a good plan.

- Arrangements: There is no apparent change in instruments, type of arrangements and what's leading the tune in different parts. We have the looped drum, the backing guitar and a lead guitar. Arrangements, sound, and different instruments can generate different feelings and can help to differentiate the parts of your song.

Other than that, I think that you song has really tasty melodies and progressions, everything sounds dreamy so you have the essential, now it's time to adjust it to make it cooler to hear.

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 28 2015, 02:15 PM

Yes, but about the drums, Im not so good with them, I will have a friend who will do very good drums for my track.
So if we can focus just on the instrumental bit.

Yes, I noticed how similar the instrumentation is.
Now, I think maybe I can keep the idea about the pre chorus/verse 2, but I need to throw some other chords and progression in there.
Some minor chords would be cool since the other are major/sus

The chorus has very similar parts, just a rythm change, but I kind of like it.
First the original riff is played, then a change with a melody over it

So i think the key to this is to change the pre chorus?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 28 2015, 02:27 PM

Hi mate, yeah, sorry that I insist with drums, but as it can be one of the reasons, I cannot avoid at least add it to the list of things that can be generating the feeling that I had when I listen to the tune. Honestly, I don't think that you will find tricky to change a bit the groove, it doesn't mean that you will create the best drum groove ever, but at least something to differentiate sections could really help. Moving the snare to another beat can do the trick.

Now getting back to harmony, yes, I feel that a change in the pre chorus can really help to mark a difference between verse and chorus, and to direct the tension. Maybe staying on the Vi chord can help, or an ascending passage from the I chord to II, III, IV and V to then resolve on I for the chorus. There are many different possibilities, and it would really help to analyze some pre chorus of songs that you like listening.

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 29 2015, 01:03 AM

Im on it
Yes I can switch the groove. of course, we have the element of lead guitar, bass ,production and everything that will be done later on to get the song right.

But the harmony in that section needs improvement. I will try my best with drums as well, I will send you a track soon and you can also analyze it, with ignoring the drums if you know what I mean, just to see if the harmony is good in itself.

Alright, a problem I face now is, many ideas but, now I moved away too far from the track and the mood.
I made a new idea for the pre chorus, I got so happy I will save it for another song xD
Also It didnt really fit the mood.

I will keep the tempo and time signature throughout the song, but there will be a small break after the chorus in 6/4 I think where I have a nice idea.

I will try to do something simple, that goes along but is a bit different and creates tension

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 29 2015, 02:24 PM

Hi mate, this sounds good. It's really interesting to see you working hard on this one, trying, experimenting, doing yourself lots of questions. This is a killer learning process, it's the real learning process because you are MAKING MUSIC. As everything in life, the more your practice, the better composer you'll become, and the easier will be to transpose your ideas to your voice, guitar or multitrack software.

Let's do something more analytic, please write down here the chord progressions used for each of the parts and we will analyze what's happening together, ok?

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 29 2015, 02:52 PM

I will do my best to write it down I never written a progression like this before, since this one is a little mix between chords and "riff" if you know what I mean. But I will manage, I will also write down the entire verse and my first pre chorus idea, even though Im not going to use that one, we can see whats going on

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 29 2015, 02:54 PM

When the riffs are single notes, you can say the root of the riff, and specified the scale or mode. For example E Phrygian Riff.

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 29 2015, 10:20 PM

Ok, here it is so far

Intro/chorus


A/C# Major - C#sus2 sharp 5th - C# minor Sharp 5th

B/D# Major D# minor sharp 5th. -=- (octave)

A/C# Major - C#sus2 sharp 5th - C# minor Sharp 5th

B5 - Bsus2 - B maj (inversion root 5th, major 3rd)

Verse

Distortion: A5, B5

Ambient acoutstic, Amaj7, B

Pre chorus

A5, C# sus2, B5, Bsus2

Chorus again
=-=

Hope it makes sense ^^

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 30 2015, 03:32 PM

Hi mate, it's cool to have the chords because now I can follow even more the structure of this one. After playing along with the song, I have a new question in mind, please let me know what you think.

Don't you feel that the pre-chorus, sounds more like a "chorus" than the "chorus"?

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 30 2015, 06:32 PM

hmm that is possible Gab. Now that I think of it, the chorus doesnt sound more "chorus" than the pre chorus.
Im not sure I think the pre chorus sounds like a chorus, but its defintly not a big enough contrast to release the chorus
Ok, so the goal here is too:

Wihtout thinking of drums and lead guitar and percussions, make a pre chorus that sound good in itself.

I mean, think like this, lets say we will make a song without drums or anything, just a rythm guitar. We want the pre chorus to sound strong and fitting on its own, so that it will be even more powerful, it will be awesome when we have good drums and lead guitar to enhance the effect.

Ok, so if we analyze the pre chorus, what makes this not such a powerful pre chorus?

Is it the note/chord choice.
Or the rythm?

Cause, the idea I had in my head that came out. I kind of like the little change of pace, you know on the first A power chord there
And then hitting some high strings.

Or should it be less pacy?
What would you change in the harmony/rythm to make it a more solid pre chorus?

What do you think of the riffs in the end with the drum fills?
I think that can be a good ending to the pre chorus somehow, maybe with other chords

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 31 2015, 04:06 PM

Hi mate, this thread is becoming really interesting. All the question that you are doing yourself should be answered by yourself. As you are on the trial and error stage, it would be very helpful to create different versions of the song trying the different possibilities for the structure and pre chorus. There is no "theory" behind it, it must be tried and then listened. There is off course always a "safe" version that will work, but going for the safe roads, and avoiding trying risky ideas is like killing your own creativity.

My thoughts about the current structure are:

- The pre chorus has the harmony and structure of a chorus. It is catchy, long, and creates a cool emotion. I like the part a lot.
- The chorus is not strong, it's a bit stable. I feel that it's a good intro for a song but it's weak as a chorus unless it contrasts better with the pre chorus.

Both combines don't work for me.

Posted by: ElHombre Jan 31 2015, 10:56 PM

Good stuff Gab!
I think you are right, but I also a thing came to my mind.

wow.. so hard to explain.. I will try my best, maybe you can relate!

Ok, I think you view this song differently than me. The reason for this is. I made this song 100 % in my head.
I listen to tons of instrumental music, especially such music that builds songs you know in a way, with the lead guitar like the voice.
Melodies, ideas for pre chorus everything coming to my head, bang just like that, an idea.

Like, the song is different in the recording from how it is in my head, and when I listen to it.
The way I vizualie it

I think I will record a video tommorow, cause this is so hard to explain in words!

Now.
This song, is different in my head from what it is in a recording. Its hard to explain, I got the notes right, the harmony as I want in my head kind of.
I can feel how I want it, and I want it exactly as it is.

Now, the problem is. Bad recording, not fitting drums, no powerful mix etc.
not ONLY that, but it adds.
Of course, maybe this isnt a typical "strong harmony" in terms of pre chorus and chorus.

Is very hard to explain, but now that I listen to the track, after a few days from the recording.
I kind of.. loved how I vizualised it in a way.
For me, It now sounds as I want in a way.

Ok, I did not go so well to explain I think but I think you can understand!


Hey gab! thinking a lot and i will make a second post, easier for you to read (sry for writing so many words)

Intro - exactly as I imgagine/want
Verse - perfect, like I wanted, nice mood
Pre chorus - maybe it seem more like a chorus, but I love my pre chorus, atleast in my head, I think it can turn out great
Chorus - doesnt become so powerful cause the pre chorus is kind of powerful.


So the main problem here is, that the chorus doesnt come out to powerful cause of the effects of the pre chorus!
Now, should I change the pre chorus cause of this?

I think not, but maybe I can adjust the chorus I bit?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 1 2015, 10:16 PM

Hi mate, this has been a tricky to follow post, but I found it cool because I can see a bit what's happening in your mind while you create and analyse your music. Our thoughts aren't totally clear when we are creating genuine music, so feel happy and enjoy this process.

In the last phrases of your post I could notice that we agree 100% about the current status of your composition. You used other words, but to summarize the idea is the same.

I listened again and I still think this:

- The pre chorus has the harmony and structure of a chorus. It is catchy, long, and creates a cool emotion. I like the part a lot.
- The chorus is not strong, it's a bit stable. I feel that it's a good intro for a song but it's weak as a chorus unless it contrasts better with the pre chorus.

Both combines don't work for me.


So I think that your idea of re-working the chorus is definitely a good plan to go.

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 2 2015, 10:14 AM

Yes
The intro Will be a great outro

I have an idea already for a new chorus

I Will still keep the idea with the extended chorus melody, i like it a lot
So the new chorus has to fit with both that one and the pre chorus

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 2 2015, 02:51 PM

Sounds great! Looking forward a new version.

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 5 2015, 02:10 PM

Also a thing ive thougt about is to not have too many ideas for a song
I need to make this fit with the song

Also have you checked out, soon comes a competition on jamtrackcentral, very excited


And a non guitar question
I like a lot South America, and spain , the language
In a few years i Think i Will move to one of these countries
How is Argentina ?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 5 2015, 02:48 PM

Hi mate, take your time to find the right way for this song. Composing is not something logical, there are some songs that appear clearly soon, while others take many time to take shape and finally be completed. There are no rules about it, so take your time, enjoy the journey, and off course start some new ideas songs if they appear.

About the competition, I didn't know about. What's the theme and topic?

Argentina? It's a beautiful place! You have everything here, since it's a big country. You have snow, mountains, lakes, ocean, jungle, big city, small towns... check it out:

Posted by: ElHombre Feb 6 2015, 07:57 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClEZjQ3QLr0

Here is a teaser video

I might have come up with a solo line for the chorus. It was kind of originally made for the intro rythm. Maybe with another rythm it could work out as a chorus or Ill try something else.

Looks beatiful man

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 7 2015, 03:25 PM

The teaser looks interesting, let's see if they reveal more info about it. I'll wait for news about the song!

Posted by: ElHombre Apr 23 2015, 06:55 PM

Hello Gabriel!
Work has eased of a bit. The reason I have worked so much this season, is cause Im going to study next year and need money for that.

Anyway I have stopped producing musical ideas for a little while, moslty cause I no longer have a direction.
By that I mean, I dont know what music I want to write anymore.

Right now learning this song and will put a cover up of this one, beatiful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efQnIDmfLFw

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 23 2015, 08:09 PM

Wou! What a beautiful tune! It's been a while since an instrumental guitar song transmitted me as much as this chorus. I've never heard about that guy...

Music direction, well, it's usually one of the things that makes us block... do you have many possible direction, or no one?

Posted by: ElHombre Jul 8 2015, 08:23 PM

Hello long time
Ive worked a lot so I have just praticed music

Now when I have free time its time to make a single song
after various song ideas I have decided to pick one and bring out as full song
A friend of mine will mix it later and put real drums and bass on

I think we talked about this song in the thread
It was the chorus/prechorus thing I will change now to make more tension

Will send u some stuff soon

needs som new drum software first

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 9 2015, 07:39 PM

Hi mate! Welcome back! It's great to hear from you again!

What VSTi drum are you planning to get?