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Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 13 2014, 11:11 PM

Hi friend! Welcome to our thread for Gab's Army!

At first, I will share here a routine that I recommend to work during the next 3 weeks in order to master the things that I noted you have to improve based on Metallica's lesson take.

Besides this exercises, please keep on working on the musical lessons that you bookmarked. These ones are long term lessons to polish your technique:

- Warming up
http://youtu.be/1XsLRQFV7rY

- Alternate Picking
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Alternate-Picking-Workout-2/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Alternate-Picking-Workout-1/

- Bending
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginners-Corner-21-String-Bending/

- Vibrato
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Vibrato-Odyssey-5/
http://youtu.be/Hh_pYY6UYIw

- Legato
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Land-Of-Legato/

Posted by: yoncopin Jan 5 2015, 03:52 PM

Hope you had a good vacation, and I just wanted to post a quick update on what I've been working on. I posted a few REC takes while you were gone:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=53603&st=0&p=703245&#entry703245
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=53618&st=0&p=703387&#entry703387

I've been working on Ben's Vibrato and Legato lessons as well and http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Hendrix-Meets-Sayce/ too. Besides that I'm continuing to try to work to memorize the Major scale and the notes of the fretboard.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 5 2015, 10:04 PM

Hi Yoncopin! I had a great time! Thanks for asking and also thanks for your update!

Congrats on passing the bending lesson. You did a great job with that one since all the bends reach the correct pitches. and there are some details to improve as timing and vibrato as the guys commented there. I think that it's time to work on a more advanced lesson that applies these technique on phrasing situations.

The kyuss lesson is also sounding really good and I think that Ben has commented there the details you need to have in mind in order to take it to a new level. Your timing is good on this one and you have a very enjoyable tone. Try to make those phrases starting at 00:37 (to 00:45) sound smoother (compare your playing with the original lesson), take that comment about bending down and keep on rocking!

Posted by: yoncopin Jan 8 2015, 03:53 AM

I've started spending some time some on the Alternating Picking Workout 2 and have run into a question. I've been playing off and on for almost 18 years now and I use a combination of mostly economy picking with some alternating picking depending on the situation. The muscle memory is pretty programmed in at this point, and if I try to adhere to strictly alternate picking my speed goes down a lot.

I don't think my pick speed is my biggest limiter right now but really want to improve my playing. Is it the best use of my time to "go back to square one" on picking vs some other aspect of my playing? Thanks for any advice.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 8 2015, 04:06 PM

Hi mate. There is not a right answer for this question, this depends on you. There are guitarist that play both ways, while some others just use alternate picking or economy picking. Each option has it advantages but what's more important a different feel and sound. Alternate Picking is a bit more difficult for crossing strings because you have 2 different possibilities (outside and inside) and it's not the most natural way to cross strings. You get a more aggressive and accentuated sound with AP. Economy picking is naturally easier and the sound that you get is smoother and lighter.

Paul Gilbert is a good example of Alternate Picking while Frank Gambale is an example of using strictly economy picking for everything.






What's best? In my opinion it's always better to be able to play the same lick with different techniques in order to have more colors, more tool to give different feeling to your phrasing. However Gambale is a good example of the opposite.

Posted by: yoncopin Jan 8 2015, 04:15 PM

I agree I'd like to develop my alternate picking so I have more options. Thanks for the videos, I enjoyed them.

I guess my question is more, what's the best way forward right now? I have limited time due to work and family and the exercises I'm working on now are primarily technical (legato, vibrato, picking, etc...) I kinda feel like I'm bouncing randomly through lessons with no real goal as I've done for too many years.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 9 2015, 03:23 PM

Hi mate. Our short term goal is to polish the techniques that you are currently working on. I mean vibrato, bending, legato and picking. Each of these techniques is equally important. You shouldn't be practicing randomly, you should be working on the routine shared previously and divide your diary time to cover those topics.

Let's say that you have around 2 hours of practice each day. You can divide your work like this:


- Warming up (5 minutes)


- Alternate Picking (30 minutes)


- Bending (30 minutes)


- Vibrato (30 minutes)


- Legato (30 minutes)


In order to make your practice more focused, the best would be to take the lessons that I suggested and work on 1 or 2 parts each day of the week. You can write down the routine for each day, for example, Monday: part 1 of Warming up, part 1 and 2 of alternate picking lesson, part 1 of bending, and the same for the other days.


As we are working on Alternate Picking, not economy as a part of this routine, you could dedicate the 30 minutes to the new way of crossing strings. (AP technique).

What do you think?

Posted by: yoncopin Jan 9 2015, 03:43 PM

Yes, ok that sounds good. I'm sorry for not understanding. What I've realized after so many years of aimlessness is that focused practice is what I need to break the plateau I've been stuck on for way too long. Learning how to practice properly is what I need to make real progress. Thanks so much for clarifying!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 9 2015, 07:02 PM

Great! Use a notepad where you write down the routine, and weekly goals. You can focus a bit more on one technique over the others each week of the months and take some conclusions after the first month of practice. Practice is also trial an error, there are some things that will work better than others for you and this can be noted with experience. But as you said, focus is very important.

Please keep me updated.

Posted by: yoncopin Jan 28 2015, 10:25 PM

Hi Gab,
I have been practicing hard on the legato and vibrato lessons and making good progress, but I have a question about http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Vibrato-Odyssey-5/ There are two parts B:5-7-9-10 (repeated at different tempos) and E:10-12-13-15 I want to practice with a metronome to bring my vibrato up to speed. I think the 'vibration beats' are as follows, can you confirm? Thanks.

85bpm

B:5-7-9-10
1) 1/4 notes
2) 1/8 notes
3) 1/16 notes
4) 1/32 notes

E:10-12-13-15
10=1/8
12=1/8
13=1/16
15=1/32

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 29 2015, 01:56 PM

Hi mate, it's an excellent plan to work on this over metronome. I checked the rhythm used for each vibrato part and I think that this is the correct description:

B:5-7-9-10
1) 1/4 notes
2) 1/8 notes
3) 1/8 notes (triplets)
4) 1/16 notes


E:10-12-13-15
10=1/8
12=1/8
13=1/8 (triplets)
15=1/16


Please record yourself practicing this and share it here.

Posted by: yoncopin Jan 30 2015, 02:59 AM

Ok, well you asked for it... I feel kinda embarrassed sharing this because it's just so awful. In the video is first a take of the vibrato lesson with the backing track followed by the legato lesson to a metronome at 90 bpm (I can't even come close to full speed yet). I have mistakes all over the place in both of the takes.

Vibrato lesson: I clearly have pitch problems, but I'm struggling most with tempo. I need to keep working on my endurance for the 16th notes and I lose all sense of the beat when I try the triplets.

Legato lesson: I'm having a lot more success with this one. I have lots of mistakes and excess string noise, but I can hammer-on/pull-off all of the notes pretty strong. I'm making progress on the transitions at slower speeds and feel confident I'll get this one if I just put the time in. I've made tremendous progress since starting, I couldn't even get all the notes to sound at first.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 30 2015, 04:02 PM

Hi mate! Thanks for this video! It's a big help for me to give you feedback and for you to note the issues and notice the future improvements.
Let's go with some comments:

Vibrato lesson: As you said, one of the biggest issues on this on is the pitch. It seems that the higher you go in the neck, the more notorious is the problem. Maybe you are basing the technique on "strength" instead of "hearing". The strength that you have to do when do the vibrating bends is different depending on the fret that you are playing so you have to be sure to listen to the pitches while you do the vibrato. The second issue, which is a bit less notorious is timing, mostly for the faster vibratos. You are close, but you are still slower, focus on it while you practice, and use the slower backings if it's necessary to be sure of the rhythm. At 00:58, both issues are combined and the result is an irregular out of pitch vibrato/bend. I notice that you don't get back to the note's pitch, you keep the string bent. It's the trickier part so pay special attention to it.

Legato: Once again I agree with you, the things to improve on this one are avoiding the unwanted noises and adjust a bit more timing. As there are parts that sound tight, and others that sound clean, I think that this is not a problem that you can't solve soon, it's just a matter of practice. You already know and can apply the techniques, just take your time to polish the lesson, it's going on the right track.

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 7 2015, 03:36 PM

Hi Gab, I'm planning to make another progress video shortly (hopefully this weekend). I've continued improving on both the legato and vibrato quite a bit. In the meantime, I was hoping you could recommend another lesson on right hand speed/timing/rhythm. My left hand has been getting a LOT of work lately with the big stretches and vibrato strength and is getting pretty fatigued. I was hoping for something I could continue to work on primarily with my right hand that was easy to fret with the left. Thanks!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 7 2015, 04:01 PM

Hi mate, thanks for the update. What about one of these?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/stoner-rock-lesson/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/stoner-rock-lesson2/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Queens-Of-The-Stone-Metal/

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 7 2015, 04:23 PM

Those look great thanks! A bit more fun in terms of musicality too. Would the Queens one work in Drop D? I don't have a guitar I want to tune to Drop C without the setup being off and floppy loose strings.

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 8 2015, 08:37 PM

Ok, here is an updated practice video after another week of progress. Things are definitely improving, it's cool to watch the last video and be able to see it after just a week of work. It definitely helps you see that you are slowly getting better.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 8 2015, 10:51 PM

Hi mate, thanks for this new video.

The main problem on the vibrato lesson the pitch of your vibrato. You are bending too much most of the time and that makes your notes sound out of tune over the backing. Your timing is ok but if you pay attention to Ben's original take, he is bending the strings to notes that are part of the scale that he is playing, and this makes his vibrato sound on key. You need to use a lot your ear at this stage and play along with the original lesson to be sure that you are reaching the right pitches for each bend. As the strength and tension will be different for each fret, I recommend you to work slowly on 1 fret each time. This means that you listen to ben's first vibrato, then you try to replicate it, again listen, again replicate it, until you feel that you are reaching the same notes. This process should be applied to each note.

The legato lesson has improved! I notice that you avoided unwanted noises on this one which was one of the last tasks I gave and now this one just needs more practice to polish the sound of some sections and to keep timing tight along the whole lesson. It needs more work but you are on the right track! Well done.

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 14 2015, 09:06 PM

Thanks so much for the feedback Gab!

Here's an update video after another week of practice. The vibrato is still giving me difficulty with pitch and tempo, but I think it's improving... some. The legato is going much better and this take was getting pretty close. I'm up to full speed now but need to work on my pinky more. It tends to fatigue by the end of the piece and I lose the timing.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 15 2015, 01:32 PM

Hi mate, congrats on your good job. I note that both are improving compared with the previous entry. The vibrato lesson is still the one that has more important problems and they are still related to the pitch of your bending. I'm not sure how you practiced this but it would be important to re-check the pitch of end bend comparing and playing over the original lesson. That's the only way by now that I think will help you to fix the pitches issues. However, I'd like to ask you, can you hear the pitch issues when you replay your take?

The legato evolves good, there are not unwanted noises now, there are just some notes sounding weak, and what's the main thing to focus now, I notices timing issues here and there. You tend to play the hammer ons and pull of a bit faster than you should and it makes the patters sound sometimes before the beat.

You are going forward, so keep on the hard work.

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 15 2015, 02:31 PM

Yes, I can hear the pitch issues in the video. It's still difficult to hear and make my fingers do when I'm actually playing though. I've practiced with the original lesson, with the backing track, a metronome and unplugged around the house. After reading your response it reminded me of what I did for the string bending lesson, record a drone note and bend/vibrato to it. It's less cluttered for my ear and I can sit on one note as long as I need to work on the muscle memory. Are all the vibrato lesson pitches essentially repeated half step bends?

I've been making these last few videos to sort of document my progress as a video diary like you mentioned. I know they aren't perfect but wanted to share how hard I've been working on these lessons. These two pieces are the only things I've been playing for the last few weeks and I've been spending a ton of time trying to perfect them. Maybe it would be better to post less?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 17 2015, 06:46 PM

This idea sounds promising. The problem is related to tempo, you need more time to be able to think on all the things that you need to think so that's why your idea or working everything at a very slow tempo is the key to progress. Vibrato is not always half step, sometimes when it's fast, it can be less than that but your ear must be trained enough to be sure that you are not making it sound out of scale. Listen to guitar solos, or instrumental guitar songs and pay attention to vibrato, try to notice how much they are bending the strings up and down. Listening and analyzing is part of the learning process.




It's the best thing you can do, record, listen, share here the more you can. It's an excellent diary of progress and let's me monitor your practice. Sometimes I'll repeat the same things many times, but don't worry, it's just to keep you focus on the right things.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 9 2015, 05:27 PM

I posted a Rec Take of Ben's Land of Legato today. Thanks so much for your guidance! We'll see what you all think but I wanted to place the video here for the purposes of recording the progress.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 9 2015, 06:23 PM

I also have a question about your http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/stoner-rock-lesson/ In part 3, there's a bend which the tab and Guitar Pro files say is a bend on fret 5, but on the videos it looks like you're bending 7. 7 sounds right to my ear, but I want to be sure. Thanks!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 10 2015, 03:27 PM

Hi mate! Great to find this video from you! This lesson is evolving really good since the sound of your legato is loud and clear. This is a very important step on this technique.

Your take is good but there is still room to polish details that will take your playing to a new level of perfection. I notice that there are some moments when your timing is not completely tight, sometimes the legato pattern seems to be "hurried" while others you go a bit before the beat. This is not anything very dramatic but it should be worked to make your playing sound more regular and consistent.

I also note that there are some position changes that are giving problems (for example at 00:23), so isolate those two positions and work on the change looped over a metronome. It's tricky to make this kind of "jumps" smooth so dedicate some time to visualize the change and to get used to it.

You're totally right! I'll fix it, thanks for notifying!

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 15 2015, 02:47 PM

I posted this to REC, but kinda wish now there was a delete button. The more I listen to it, the more issues I am seeing and realize now that this wasn't ready for REC. I bend sharp at 0:11 but pretty much all of the B string bends are ?sharp? Tempo is close but not quite. Dunno, it just needs more practice I think, got too excited and should have just posted it here. It is much better than my previous attempts and shows improvement, but still needs work.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 15 2015, 07:32 PM

Hi mate, this lesson obviously needs more work but that doesn't mean that it's not for REC. That program has been created to receive feedback from many instructors at once, and that's a big advantage because you have different perspectives and comments about the things that you could change or work to improve your playing, so never regret sharing a REC take!

Your take is not bad, but I notice that the main problem appears when you have to play the faster vibrato. There your technique is not consistent, you lose the groove and you miss some of the pitches. I think that your left hand movement looks good so the only thing that this needs is practice. Playing along with the original lesson can really help to improve the things that are giving problems.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 21 2015, 04:22 PM

This lesson has been a lot more fun to play and jam with than some of the other more exercise type lessons I've been working. A welcome change to feel like I was actually rocking out with a band. It has a really fun riff to loop and improvise solos to.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 23 2015, 02:30 PM

Hi mate! It's cool to know that you are enjoying this one! There are some other stoner lessons in my archive and some new coming.

Your take on this one is good, you can play the riff section very good, and excepting some little timing issues when you play the trills, I can say that it's close to be perfect. The solo section is also ok but could be polished a bit. There are some moments in which your timing is not totally tight and some unwanted noises here and there. I think that you are very close but your fingers still need to feel more familiar with those licks (mostly around 00:53).

About your vibrato and bending, it sill can be polished but your technique is really improving. You are on the right track with this.

So keep on the good job.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 30 2015, 10:51 PM

Hi Gab! I posted two REC takes over on the other forum, but am also putting them here to log my progress.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54146


http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54148

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 1 2015, 02:19 PM

Hi mate, I commented and graded these ones at REC.

Stoner rock:
"Hi friend!

I have played 3 times this one to be sure that I wasn't missing anything and I have to say that except a little timing detail on the the first trills and some adjustment that you could give to the licks around 00:52, your take is VERY good. YOu can play the whole thing tight and comfortable over the backing.

Keep on rocking soldier!"

Hendrix meets Sayce
"Hi again mate!

I also think that you are doing a great job with this lesson. Your playing is consistent on this one as it happens with the Stoner Lesson. I think that there are two things that could be improved on this take:

- Vibrato: Working on a wider and more consistent vibrato (for example the one at 00:32)

- Tone: I feel that a tone with more presence and definition could make this one sound better.

Other than that you're on the right track. Keep on the good job!"

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 1 2015, 03:04 PM

Thanks! Those got some good grades, probably some of my best yet. I'm still working the vibrato lesson, it and the alternate picking #1 are going to take some time I think. Building that strength and speed is just going to take time, but I've got a good start on both. I'm going to start on your 2nd stoner rock lesson too.

I also found a new website http://www.playthisriff.com last night which has video lessons directly from some of the artists I mentioned in your other thread (High on Fire, 3 Inches of Blood, Dead Meadow) It's pretty cool to hear the artists themselves describe their playing. I'd like to learn/record some of my favorite covers at some point so might check out a song to work on too and post it here. A downside is a lot of those bands use dropped tunings which I don't feel like dealing with, maybe I can just transpose them somehow?

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 1 2015, 04:29 PM

After thinking about it, I bit the bullet and ordered a set of 12-60 gauge strings to set up one of my (too many) guitars for drop C. I don't know why I was resisting it. Hopefully that will be good enough for a 24.75" scale length. I'll either use my Schecter C1 or an Epiphone Les Paul. Should be fun!

For recording a cover song video, how do guitarists go about creating a backing track for an actual song? I could manually program drums, bass etc... but one song would take forever to produce. I was also thinking about using http://www.riffstation.com/ to try to filter out the guitar parts on the actual recording. Any ideas/opinions?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 2 2015, 01:42 PM

Hi mate! Great stuff!

It's a very good decision to set on of your guitars with C tuning if most of the bands that you heard use that tuning. Regarding backing tracks, all those options are possible. If you decide to produce your own backings, it will take more time but the learning/practice process will be richer since you'll be also learning and analyzing what other instruments are doing. Using software to filter guitar or searching for backings on youtube is also ok so I think that you have to do what you prefer.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 10 2015, 08:55 PM

Hi Gab, I made a recording of your Stoner Rock 2 lesson. I think it's pretty close, what do you think?

I used a new technique for recording this time. Based on the tone comments from the Hendrix video, I wanted to be able to re-amp my recordings using my Pod HD500X. I was able to figure out how to route a dry track from the DAW back into the Pod and re-record my track with any tone I want. That should let me focus on just the take and then dial in the best tone afterwards.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 11 2015, 09:25 PM

I was able to learn the Queens of the Stone Age lesson in about a day and get (what I think) is an almost identical recording. I posted it on the Rec forum with some details about the new re-amp technique I'm using to match tones.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54201&b=1&st=0&p=0&#entry0

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 12 2015, 06:35 PM

Fantastic work mate! The tone of this one is perfect for this tune and style, it sounds very stoner. It has that fuzzy feeling but it doesn't lack definition. Your playing is also very tight on this one. Just the last solo vibrato could be a bit more consistent (check kyuss and quees of the stone age "wide/fast vibrato") but it's just a details. You did a great job.

It's always really helpful to be able to reamp or adjust amp setting when you are doing the final mix so this new method is very clever.




Once again the tone is KILLER!! Great job mate! And I also agree that your playing is perfect on this one. Nothing to fix, it's a 10 at REC.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 21 2015, 09:40 PM

Ok, here's my latest take on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/stoner-rock-lesson2/. I posted it to http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54248&b=1&st=0&p=0&#entry0 and tried to give the vibrato a wider/faster feel after your comments.

I'm still working on the vibrato and alternate picking. The vibrato is much better but the tempo of the 16th notes is still challenging on the lower frets. Any trick to improving on 5 & 7? I find that I have a lot more leverage on the higher frets. I'm up to about 120bpm on the alternate picking, that lesson is really going to take a long time to master.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 22 2015, 01:00 AM

Hi mate! Great job with the Stoner lesson! You can play the whole thing really good, I like the vibrato added on lower strings during the firs riff, it goes great with the tune's groove. Just be careful with the connection at 00:38, and the timing of your only down strokes riffs, starts exactly at 00:39. Other than that, the take is killer!

" Any trick to improving on 5 & 7? "

I don't understand what you mean with this question...

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 22 2015, 01:06 AM

Thanks! Sorry that question wasn't very clear. On http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bens-Vibrato-Odyssey-5/ I have difficulty with the 16th note vibrato on frets 5 & 7 on the G string, but I find it gets easier the higher up the neck I go. I can play the 16th note vibrato pretty well on the 10th fret because I can get more leverage with my hand there. Is there anything I should focus on to improve my faster vibrato on the lower frets?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 22 2015, 04:50 PM

Well, this is normal. The tension on lower frets is higher and we need to do more strength. How to work on it? There are no shortcuts, work on vibrato on lower frets to get used to the strengh required for this, it's the only things you can do.

You could work chromatically using the classic 1 2 3 4 exercise on every string but adding the vibrato (like in the lesson) to each note.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 29 2015, 01:56 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Way-Practice-Performance-Wellness-ebook/dp/B004RL74SE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

I started reading the book, The Musician's Way a few days ago and am finding it really helpful in making an effective practice routine. Just thought I'd share, it's really interesting.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 29 2015, 11:10 PM

Interesting! I've heard about it but never had the oportunity to read it. What things can you highlight from what you've read?

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 30 2015, 04:03 PM

I started reading it because I know I need efficient practice and proper goals to improve my playing. Discipline has never been my limiter but a clear direction has. The topic of guitar is SO broad that I'd try to build a routine to cover everything and just never have enough time to see real progress on my overall playing. With work and family obligations I have about one hour per night and a bit more on the weekend. I started playing in 1995 and know exactly zero songs, my entire guitar life has been noodling (which I am decent at, though with a limited "vocabulary") and trying to find my voice through trial and error. Almost 20 years, off and on, and my skill level is that I'm fairly adept at box 1 minor pentatonic playing, basic open chords and power chords.

So, here I am at GMC again and trying the whole process over... http://www.amazon.com/Musicians-Way-Practice-Performance-Wellness-ebook/dp/B004RL74SE/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid= had an example plan with a few main topics - repertoire, technique and musicianship. I liked that because I can't just play exercises, I need to make actual music to enjoy the guitar. Here are the best highlights so far:

• Choose accessible material, 1-2 weeks to master
• Focus on ease not speed
• Mental focus, avoid mindless repetition
• Emphasize excellence to imprint correct habits
• Concentrate on efficient movements
• Get out of your comfort zone

Here is the resulting plan I've been working with for the past few days:

Repertoire

• Black Sabbath - Paranoid: Power chord transitions between 5 & 6 strings, pentatonic solo, always alternate picking
• http://www.amazon.com/Guitar-Licks-Brit-Rock-Heroes-Clapton/dp/087930796X: Primarily pentatonic licks

Technique

• Alternate picking
• Pick grip - Tuck my fingers in, small movements
• Right hand placement - Using the bridge as a reference point, try not to let hand drift
• Left hand position - Emphasize correct hand placement based on the material (back of neck vs thumb over)
• Use finger tips not flats

Musicianship

• Minor pentatonic scale - box patterns, 3/4/5 note sequences, 1/2/3/4/5 notes per beat, ascend/descend in fourth intervals
• Learn notes of fretboard - Smartphone apps and review strings note names aloud with guitar

There's a lot of focus on the pentatonic scale in there because it's kind of what I understand and it's the first chapter in http://www.amazon.com/Fretboard-Theory-Volume-Desi-Serna/dp/1508566593, another book I'm using which progresses Pentatonic -> CAGED -> Major scale.

Lastly, here are a few tools I'm using to learn and keep organized.
Tools

• https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/praxis-music-practice-journal/id900896010?mt=8
• https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fretboard-monkeys/id449523833?mt=8
• https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fretwiz-guitar-fretboard-trainer/id558187930?mt=8
• http://anytune.us/

I've also found some good exercises and technique instruction at http://www.pbguitarstudio.com/GuitarLessonPDF.html and from his https://www.youtube.com/user/pebberbrown.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 1 2015, 03:01 AM

Hi mate! It's awesome to see how much inspiration this book has bring to you. This plan sounds fantastic, it's focused on making music and that's the main thing! I'm sure that you'll see incredible results if you keep this routine and work every day on the different tasks. This is the direction that you need to achieve your goals.

If you want an extra excuse to practice and progress, you can use this thread to share your reports, progress, audios, videos and everything else related to this journey, I'll be happy to give my feedback and suggestions.

Posted by: yoncopin May 1 2015, 02:46 PM

It's not only this book, but it did put some things in very clear terms I could use. The next challenge will come in a few weeks when I need to revisit this plan and make changes. Another problem I've had in the past is knowing when to move on to the next thing. How fast should I get at running the pentatonic scale before I move to the next step? 100bpm? 180? 999999? It can go forever but you have to push forward at some point and I've had trouble knowing when to do that, then eventually getting bored.

I do want an extra excuse to practice! You've been extremely helpful thus far, and I really appreciate the time you spend communicating with me (as well as the other instructors in REC). I don't have any other musicians in my life, so it's really motivating to have someone critically listen to my playing and give me a reason to record and strive for perfection. Your guidance is perfect for keeping me on the right track because I don't need so much hands-on instruction as I'm very self-directed.

As for my progress thus far, I've kind of "finished" the lessons you set out for me with the exception of the vibrato and alternate picking. I got some very good scores in REC on the stoner rock ones and really enjoyed them. Do you have any new suggestions which would be fun and complement my plan?

Status:
Ben's Vibrato Odyssey - Still working on this, just not quite there with the 16th notes. My vibrato is SO much more usable now, I want to get some musical variety and focus on using my new skills in real solos.

Alternate Picking Workout 1 - 180bpm is blazing fast, so this is a really long term goal. I'm a bit tired of the Canon Rock, so instead of continuing to try to bump the bpm on that one piece I'm going to work to make alternate picking a priority and second nature in other (slower) musical pieces. I was up to about 114-118bpm on the 16th notes.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 1 2015, 09:28 PM

Hi mate, I'm glad to know that my work here is exactly what you need to keep going! I'm feel honored and inspired by reading your post. As you are already working on technique lessons I think that combining this work with more musical solo lessons could be a good idea, as well as some rhythm stuff to continue the work that you are doing with Stoner series.

I was thinking on something like this:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/guitar_loves_piano/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Summer-Tune/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/The-Voice-Of-Your-Guitar/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Instrumental-Rock-With-Melody-II/


What do you think?

and about rhythm lessons, I have lots of lessons in the style of that you could check and use the ones that are more close to your musical tastes: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/instructor/Gabriel-Leopardi/

Posted by: yoncopin May 2 2015, 09:11 PM

Those are some great solos to get outside of my comfort zone. With a little practice they seem mostly in reach and have lots of subtle technical bits to develop. For example, I'd love to learn some basic whammy bar stuff. Today I was able to spend two hours (kid's nap time) on guitar and was able to finish learning the solo in Paranoid. It feels so awesome to play along with the band, even slowed down, and brings me a lot of joy.

Looking at your lesson list I also just realized that now I have a drop C guitar and can learn your http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/In-Flames-Style-Lesson/ lesson. I heard that one a while back and the riffage is just awesome, really looking forward to it!

Thanks again for the guidance, hopefully I'll have the Black Sabbath Paranoid cover recorded before long.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 3 2015, 05:01 PM

Great stuff mate. Yeah, that In Flames lesson is very cool to hear and play so it's a great choice!

I'm happy to know that my guidance here is helping, thanks for your words, I'll be waiting for some audios and videos to monitor your progress and suggest new ideas.

Keep on the good job!

Posted by: yoncopin May 16 2015, 01:44 AM

Just saw your new http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Red-Fang-Style/ lesson, it's awesome!!!! I'm almost up to full speed on the Black Sabbath Paranoid solo, so hopefully I'll have a recording soon. I want to get it really tight though. Just wanted to tell you how much I liked the sound of the new lesson.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 16 2015, 04:35 PM

Hi mate, thanks for your words about my new lesson and also for the update. Keep on the hard work!

Posted by: yoncopin May 24 2015, 05:57 PM

Ok, I finally finished my Black Sabbath Paranoid cover and am really pleased with my playing. I tried some new things for the song production as I learn more too. I started a http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54410 to see what other GMCers thought too.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 24 2015, 10:59 PM

Wou!! This cover sounds fantastic! Your playing is excellent on both rhythm and solo sections! I also like your guitar tone and how it fits with the backing track. Congrats friend!!

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 1 2015, 01:55 AM

Alright! Finished recording my REC take of your http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54450. That riff in part 6 is seriously awesome, I could just sit and play it over and over again

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 1 2015, 01:29 PM

Commented http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54450&view=findpost&p=712463

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 10 2015, 06:24 PM

Hi Gabe,
Now that the Borderline program is over and I'm back from vacation, I want to start putting together a new practice plan. As it is, I have too many interests and not enough time, and don't want to get off track with my guitar playing. I need to start focusing on some home improvement projects on the weekends, because we are expecting a new baby girl in January!

When I sit down with my guitar to practice, I know I'm going to do these exercises first to focus purely on technique at least a bit every day.

+ Alternate picking, left/right synch
+ Bending / vibrato
+ Finger independence / legato

Secondly, I'm drawn to practicing this lesson to learn something challenging and musical with my guitar (aside from only doing exercises)
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Winter-Tune-II/

Here's where I'd like to grow, but I'm not sure how to approach it. I'm not sure exactly where to start and this is where time starts to be an issue.

+ Songwriting, composition, and arranging
+ Audio production for writing my own songs & backing tracks (I have a copy of Propellerhead Reason I'd like to learn more about)
+ Mixing techniques

On vacation I was doing a lot of reading and watching video tutorials.

http://www.amazon.com/Mixing-Secrets-Small-Studio-Senior/dp/0240815807
http://www.amazon.com/Music-Habits-Electronic-Production-Procrastination-ebook/dp/B00ZJG398U

and a lot of video tutorials on mixing/production from a trial subscription to http://www.groove3.com

I know you learn by doing, not reading, so I want to put some of this into action. I was hoping you could help me form a practical plan to continue growing my music. I know you'll have some good advice, what do you think?

- Brian

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 11 2015, 05:30 PM

Hi Brian, this is a fantastic plan, very creative and modern. I also think that it's very wide so being able to focus on too many things is possible only by following a very well organized schedule. At the same time, I consider all this topics really important so it's ok to want to cover them all.

There are some tricks to do many things at the same time... for example, if you want to train your alternate picking, you can compose your own alternate picking etude, record your backing, mix it, practice the idea over if and then record it and maybe upload it to youtube.

This is exactly what you've said on the last line: learning by doing. If you focus mostly on this mode and combine it with some specific extra reads and exercises you'll keep moving forward.

The first question is, how many time per day can you dedicate to your musical works?

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 11 2015, 06:20 PM

I have roughly 1:30 per day to spend.

"There are some tricks to do many things at the same time... for example, if you want to train your alternate picking, you can compose your own alternate picking etude, record your backing, mix it, practice the idea over if and then record it and maybe upload it to youtube."

I think my weakest points in this plan are the ability to compose satisfying melodies and backing harmonies. My creative voice is very basic, what should I focus on to improve that?

I just found the thread for yourhttp://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54319, I think that method (photo as inspiration) seems like a good place to start. It looks fun to participate, but I can't produce one piece per week. I need more time. Is it ok to just work on ones that inspire me and take my time producing them?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 11 2015, 08:15 PM

Hi Yoncopin, yes! That's a good place to start mixing everything. I would divide the practice time in:

30 minutes: Technique

1 hour: Creativity works. In this moment you can dedicate to record your own ideas, and you can also dedicate some minutes to explore any tutorial about mixing and software.

In order to make your creativity time efficient you should set weekly goals. For example, this week, you'll improve your mixing skills, so you do everything related to that. The next week you'll want to develop your melodic composing so your goal will be to create a tune with backing track. Write a list of long and short term goals and build your map.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 3 2015, 08:01 PM

Hi mate, here I am ready to help you to organize your creativity time.

Are you in?

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 3 2015, 09:11 PM

Yes!!! Teach me oh wise one!!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 5 2015, 02:03 PM

Well, at first I'd like to ask you to share here 5 songs that you think show a bit the direction of your own album. Please share names and links here.

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 5 2015, 03:39 PM

Alright, in no particular order, I have lots of favorites/influences but I tried to keep these stylistically similar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdtATSsw4HQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dra6y5agWM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iwC2QljLn4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEGuHdKn0Lc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-MSfd2S7lo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSBIDIZ6ySc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igOQclFxHAc

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 6 2015, 01:36 PM

Awesome! Let's star analyzing these songs. Please choose one and write down what's happening based on the following table:


Structure // What's happening? (arrangement) // Theory (chord progressions and scales)



Try doing it and let me know if you need help.

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 9 2015, 01:53 AM

Ok, here's the first one, is this what you're looking for?

Sleep - Dragonaut

Tuning: C Standard
Scale: F Minor

Chords:
F5 A#5 C5 G#5

Structure:
Intro A B A C A

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 9 2015, 02:20 PM

That's a good first step. I think that a deeper analysis will be more eye opener about the main concepts used by each band to create their songs. I have a notepad where I do my analysis and create columns for each of the three elements of the table.

I write Intro on the first column, write what's happening regarding arrangments (for example, guitar starts playing 8th notes arpeggios during 4 measures, then drum starts with a mid tempo groove and bass plays roots and fifths), and the theory behind the part on the third column (I write the tonality, the chords with name and also grade of the scale, and the scale used). Every detail can be useful to understand what is being used and also will add vocabulary to your own composing skills.

This thread can give you ideas: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=53964&view=findpost&p=707977

As soon as you analyze many songs from the same band or maybe from different bands, you'll start to identify the concepts that you like more and what's the secret behind the music that you like.

Does it make sense?

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 9 2015, 06:44 PM

Yes, that makes perfect sense and the reference thread was very useful. Ok, so I redid that song, and this is every detail I could extract from it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdtATSsw4HQ

Tuning: C Standard
Tempo: 126bpm
Scale: F Minor

0:00 Intro x10
F Minor Pentatonic
G# F D# F 8th notes
1 - Guitar only (light distortion)
2 - Bass added (wah effect)
3 - Drums added
6.5 - Distortion / volume increase

1:17 A x6
C octave double stop palm muted
Open C used almost as a drone note with more F Minor Penatonic double stops A# C C#
Riff ends with descending chromatic G5 F#5 F5
1 - Guitar only
2 - Bass, (light drums - tempo only, like a count-in or metronome)
3 - Vocals

2:03 B x4
A#5 C5 G5 F5 Chords

2:34 A x4 w/ Vocals

3:06 C x6
1+2 - Guitar Only

3:55 A x4
1 - Guitar (light drums - tempo only, like a count-in or metronome)
2 - Bass added
3 - Vocals (Strong fade in effect)

4:26 Guitar Solo

5:00 Bass & Drums only
5:26 Bass Outro

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 11 2015, 11:52 PM

Awesome analysis mate!! I can imagine that you have clearer idea of the structure and overall concepts behind this song. Let's continue with more songs to see which are the concepts that are most used in the music that you like.

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 22 2015, 02:49 PM

Hi Gabriel, just wanted to check in. My wife and new baby are in the hospital, there was an emergency and the baby had to be delivered prematurely at 28 weeks. Things are all kinda scary right now and I probably won't be too talkative for a while. Regardless, I'm still practicing, so don't give up on me, we'll get through this. Thanks, Brian

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 22 2015, 04:25 PM

Hi mate, I'd like to send you all my best wishes and positive feeling to your new baby. I hope that everything works good during this period.

Thanks for the update. I'll be hear if you need anything.

Posted by: yoncopin Nov 3 2015, 02:29 AM

So I know I said I might be gone a while, but things are going ok here for now. I've been playing my guitar a lot and finding it very calming. I've been working on the http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Winter-Tune-II/ for a long time now and decided to post a new http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=55156&hl= of it. Let me know what you think!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 4 2015, 01:50 PM

I forgot to say here that I've commented this video at REC. Check it out!

Posted by: yoncopin Nov 4 2015, 05:02 PM

Thanks for the feedback! I always post it here so we can discuss the feedback I get. I'm waiting to see what the other instructors think but I see all of your points clearly. Gonna keep working on this one, but maybe take a break to work an easier rhythm lesson or something. If your score is an indication of the ones to come, I'd like to do better.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 5 2015, 01:27 PM

Ok! Let's wait! Please remember that REC grading is not more strict and takes pass with a 6.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54577

Posted by: yoncopin Dec 9 2015, 02:44 PM

Hi Gab! It's been a while, but I wanted to check in and let you know I'm still out here working. Life has been crazy, but I've been working on http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Gary-Moore-meets-Peter-Green/ to continue building my vibrato. I can really feel my control improving. I have to keep small goals right now because of our new baby, but I'm still practicing every day. I also finished a MAJOR project of releasing my iPhone game, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/code-of-arms/id1059589325. It's all my art, music and programming and took me almost 3 years to build. I've been getting a lot of good feedback and am very proud of it. Anyways, just wanted to say hi.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 10 2015, 02:43 PM

Hey mate! Great to hear from you! I'm also happy to know that you are following your dreams and growing as a person and professional. Congrats on the game released! Are you planning to make it available for android too? I'd like to try it.

About your playing, feel free to share some clips to let me check your progress.

Keep going!

Cheers,

Gab.-

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 4 2016, 03:43 PM

Hi Gabriel, just wanted to check in, it's been a while

I finished my first pedal build, ahttp://www.madbeanpedals.com/projects/SlowLoris/docs/SlowLoris_2015.pdf, which is a modded up ProCo Rat. Pretty fun, I'm definitely going to build some more stuff. Downside is it takes up some of my playing time, but I'm having a LOT of fun with it.

I've been working on https://youtu.be/k3dtPTOp7Xg?t=34s fromhttp://www.amazon.com/Metal-Lead-Guitar-Book-Vol/dp/0793509602/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8 for about a month now. I'll post a take here when I've got it down, just a little more speed needed at the end section.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 4 2016, 07:33 PM

Wou!! It looks great! Congratulations on your pedal!

I'd like to head some samples! I like rat pedal, I've used one from a friend and use a lot the plug in emulation.

Troy is a great teacher, looking forward to hear your take on his song.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 18 2016, 02:44 PM

Hi Gabriel,
I hope your shows are going well! I posted some samples of my Rat clone pedal A/B'd with my Pod HD500X https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=56635&st=20&p=728826&#entry728826. Can you tell the difference? It was pretty hard for me, very interesting.

I was hoping you could help me get over a barrier I'm having with my practicing. I've been working on that Troy Stetina solo for almost two months now. When I practice a piece I tend to focus on only playing it because of my limited practice time (it's just how I like to do things). So... after two months I'm getting pretty bored with it and the limiter is my speed on this final section. I think I'm doing everything I need to to move forward: isolate movements, practice small chunks, slow down, metronome, etc... but is building speed like building bending/vibrato? By that I mean does it take a LOOOOONNNGG time? I feel like speed is now the primary limiter in my playing. Should I try a different approach or am I on the right track?

I've started to look for a complementary lesson to practice alongside the speed work, something more musical/style focused which is easier technically to play. I was thinking something Hendrix/Classic/Blues rock-esque. I've been looking around GMC but haven't found anything that inspires me, I was inspired by http://texasbluesalley.com/woodshed/full/jimis-influence (https://vimeo.com/113745946) but I don't want to pay for anything else right now. Any suggestions?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 18 2016, 08:20 PM

Hi mate,

I don't have good monitoring here to check your pedal samples but I'll do it when I get back home. About building speed, in my personal experience, repetitive technique exercises are what helped me to expand my limits regarding speed. I remember that https://youtu.be/tKOvlsTvjic clinic helped me a lot when I was a teenager who wanted to shred.

I've also shared https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42832&st=0&start=0, all the exercises that helped me to polish my technique.

There are no short cuts, but the secret is to practice every day and repeat the same routine for at least 1 week before you change it.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 24 2016, 09:50 PM

Ok, I finally "finished" http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Lead-Guitar-Book-Vol/dp/0793509602's To The Stage. Lots of new stuff, vibrato, pinch harmonics, and had to build a lot of speed. Comments?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 25 2016, 09:21 PM

Hi mate, good job with this one.

It's a very intense solo and you can play everything at tempo really well. I think that the overall of your take is really good. There is only some room to adjust timing when playing fast pentatonic legato parts (as the last one), and you can also make your vibrato even more consistent. Sometimes it starts too quickly of the vibration isn't totally related with the backing.

Other than that you did a great job. Is there a youtube video of Troy playing this one?

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 26 2016, 04:19 PM

I couldn't find a video, but https://youtu.be/k3dtPTOp7Xg?t=34s from the book. I agree with everything you said here. I often do a better vibrato, the first and last parts being the major ones, but again this was a case of freezing up when hitting "record". I'll continue to work on the vibrato and speed exercises as I move to future lessons, I feel pretty good about where I got with this one, I'm glad you agree.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 27 2016, 02:00 AM

... and here's the finished Tubescreamer! This is addicting, what kind of pedals do you use? I'm all about different boosts, overdrives, and distortions. I want to try them all! I did a MUCH better job at the finishing for this one, both inside and out.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 28 2016, 02:46 AM

Wou! I love how it looks!! Is it available for ordering one??

I'm currenly using a 2 in 1 pedal called Dr Jekyll & Hyde which has an overdrive and a distortion, a wah wah bad horsie, a volume pedal, a chorus ce-5 ensemble, and just bought a delay memory man with hazarai. I also use a lot Phraser but now it's broken so I need to get one... I also have a reverb and some other delays but not now at my pedalboard for playing with my band.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 29 2016, 01:02 PM

Thanks! If you want anything, I'd be happy to make you one for free, you've been a great help to me. Right now, I'm building meat and potatoes one, the classics. Next, I want to try some clones of really expensive/rare effects, like the AnalogMan King of Tone LovePedal Eternity, etc... I'm having so much fun with it!

I think I'm actually going to get a tube amp today to support this direction. I tried a new Fender Bassbreaker 15 combo this weekend and it was really killer. Kind of a Bassman / JT45 hybrid and the wattage was really controllable for comfortable volumes. I sold an unused bass amp to make some room, and am so excited to explore how pedals and amps work together.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 29 2016, 03:24 PM

Wou! That's so promising mate! I'd be happy of using one of your pedals! Let's discuss something cool!

I don't know the meat and potatoes, what is it?

and also one of these? https://youtu.be/O7tYWQ4C8r4 Awesome!

Why don't you start your own brand?

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 30 2016, 03:03 PM

By "meat and potatoes" I just mean "the basics". No branding for me, it's way too much work to build these Just for myself and friends. I've thought I might make two every time, one to sell and one to keep, to try and keep the cost down. I'm not sure if it would work though, I don't know who would buy it. Chinese pedals are so cheap now, but I'll probably give it a try.

Yes, let's build you something cool! The Gab/Cirse "signature" pedal I did some research on your Jekyll & Hyde and it seems like a Tubescreamer and Marshall Shredmaster in one box. There are so many designs out there. The first question is what type of pedal (overdrive/distortion/boost/etc...) Then, what general tone (vintage/high gain/etc...) We can find some promising circuits to start from, I don't have the experience to start from scratch, but at this point no one really does that anyway.

I did buy the Fender Bassbreaker 15 combo yesterday. It's great!!! The difference in dynamics and feel vs the Pod is very noticeable. Hit the strings hard and the overdrive sort of blooms whereas playing softly is more clean. I love it, it's really going to be a great tool. I actually found my playing sounded worse through the amp vs the modeler? Does that make sense? Mistakes seemed to be more obvious, like bend pitches.... is that just me or is a tube amp less forgiving?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 30 2016, 08:50 PM

Hi mate, great stuff!

I think that well done hand made boutique pedals will be always a choice over cheap pedals done in series so I think that you have a chance if you work on fresh stuff, with high quality sound and also think on cool concepts behind pedal names and design.

Building my signature pedal sounds awesome! About what kind of pedal, I'm a big fan of overdrives so I think it could be a good choice to go for one. I honestly use my jekyll & hyde mostly because of its overdrive. I've found this new pedal (http://truetone.com/v3-series/vs-xo/) which seems to be perfect since it has two overdrive in one that can be used separated or together... I don't know how difficult is to build something like this but it's tricky we can search a simple overdrive pedal around it in terms of tone.

Congrats on your new amp! And yes, the feel is different when you play the real thing and it's normal that you have to get use to its dynamics and sustain. Then, you will miss it every time you don't have it.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 31 2016, 04:36 PM

We'll see... I'm going to make some for friends. Maybe they'll show it to someone, who is willing to pay for something. Ideally I just want to cover the cost of materials so I can keep making more.

I looked at the Truetone VS XO, this one's definitely taking it up a notch, but I think I can do it and the challenge is good. So, I think the left side is a Truetone Open Road Overdrive, which is based on a Nobels ODR-1 overdrive. The right seems to be based on a Klon Centaur or a Maxon OD820. Does that all sound about right? Those circuits are available for DIYers, so I think we can adapt them to the double pedal enclosure with the dual output jacks. Sound good?

What color enclosure were you thinking? We can probably do just about anything here.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 1 2016, 02:00 PM

yeah, you can start with friends but then, creating on online store is not a bad idea. You can also start a youtube channel where you can create video tests as a way to promote them. As everything, it takes time but if you are well focused you can have good results. That's how started most of the brands.

The plan for the pedal sounds great. What do you mean by dual output jacks? stereo out put? or mono out put that mixes both overdrive?


and regarding this....
What color enclosure were you thinking? We can probably do just about anything here.

What do you mean by "anything"? also designs? or one colour?

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 1 2016, 02:55 PM

The same way the XS VO works, it's basically just two pedals in one box. It has 1 out and 1 in for each side, you can route the two pedals separately with 4 cables or use the internal connection which cascades the pedals together using 2 cables.



Yeah color, graphics, knobs, whatever. Any ideas or inspiration for what you want it to look like? I have some ideas but thought you might like to have some input. I'm not sure what your personal style/taste is.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 2 2016, 06:16 PM

Ah ok, that's great!





I'm really curious about your ideas. I don't have clear ideas but I can write a list of elements that I like.

Favourite colours: Black, Green & Red. (we can go for one of these)

Stuff that I like: Owls, skulls, Trees, Eagles

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 3 2016, 01:33 PM

Ok, that's all perfect. I just needed a hint of inspiration, I'll do the rest Now comes the hardest part.... waiting.

So here's the plan, I'm going to make a big parts order for this and a few other projects and that takes some time. I'm going to try a new retailer in Thailand which sells stuff a lot cheaper. When I get that in, I'm going to build a couple of those overdrives I mentioned (without boxing them) and make sure they're a good pairing, since they'll be put in one box.

After that comes the box finishing, which is really the longest part, lots of waiting for stuff to dry.

I'll post some progress here and maybe we can exchange some sound samples, etc... It's going to take a while to finish this, but the process should be fun . In the meantime, I need to find a new GMC lesson to practice...

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 4 2016, 03:26 AM

This sounds so good! It would be great to have a thread where you share this project and share how it progress day by day. I'm obviously anxious to get it but being a musician has trained me to be patient... if you don't learn to be patient as a musician you suffer too much.

About choosing a new lesson, I'd like to help you. Maybe some guides as I did for the pedal? Then, I'll find the right one/s.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 4 2016, 02:24 PM

Awesome! I'm going to start a new thread for the pedal building. I'll post our progress on this project there as well as any other projects I'm working on. I hope you'll track the thread, like my army thread, because I'd love your feedback on not just your pedal but also on other ones I may make. I made a huge parts order last night, can't wait to get it in

I watched this awesome documentary yesterday http://www.fuzzthemovie.com/, it's all about boutique pedal building and the guys who do it. They all pretty much started like you said. Right now I'm just cloning circuits, but I'm trying to challenge myself with each one so that I can mod and design my own soon.

So, I need real musicians to test and give me feedback on the designs, that's where you come in I mentioned it before, but right now I just want to pay for the materials so I can keep building affordably. Is it ok if in my new pedal thread if I offer to build pedals for other GMCers at cost? I'm not looking to profit, just be able to make more and learn.

As for a new lesson, the new amp and pedals have been inspiring me to play classic blues rock. I'd like to learn something like Hendrix or SRV. I was considering just trying to learn an actual Hendrix solo, Voodoo Child or something, but the tunings are often Eb. I just did the metal solo, so I think it's time for a change of pace. What do you think?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 4 2016, 03:27 PM

Hi mate, this is a great idea! Count with me to follow the thread and receive all the feedback that you need regarding this amazing project. I'll bookmark that documentary! Very interesting, thanks! I even think that you should share this documentary at the pedal thread as well as some other interesting stuff related to the topic. It can make it even more attractive for everybody here.

About offering pedals at cost, I don't think that there is a problem with it but to stay safe please contact GMC admin to tell about the idea and they will help you on how to deal with it.

Hendrix style? That's a cool idea! It's cool to learn some of his solos as well as get into his way of creating solos and rhythm using double stops based on Pentatonic and chord scales. You can choose any song that you like and you'll learn a lot about this. About the tuning, you can pitch the original, or use any other youtube cover to learn it. There are many recorded using standard tuning. (like this one: https://youtu.be/ggdhypZwAZQ)

Some gmc lessons:

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Double-Stop-Ballad/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Jimi-Hendrix-Rhythm-Style/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Jimi_Hendrix_Meets_John_Frusciante/

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 19 2016, 05:19 PM

I've been spending a lot of time lately developing my analog multi-fx rack, it's really getting there! At the same time I've been working Javier's Double Stop Ballad like you recommended. It's coming along nicely, but I was considering a change to my practice routine and wanted to see what you thought.

Up until now I've only had the time and focus to grind on one lesson hard until I get it. As I've started to learn harder lessons, they take much longer to perfect and I've been getting kind of bored. I want to spice things up and add some variety, so I'm going to try to work on a few things in one practice session, we'll see how this goes.

I've talked about my speed limits before, so I PMed Todd about working through his Shred Bootcamp. I'm going to continue Double Stop Ballad, and have started learning https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Judas-Priest-Style-Riffing/ for a style change-up.

What do you think, too much?

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 20 2016, 08:35 PM

and here's https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Lesson_Series:_%E2%80%9C0_To_60%2C_An_Introduction_to_Alternate_Picking%E2%80%9D_-_Lesson_1!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 20 2016, 09:07 PM

Hi mate, great stuff!

If this keeps you motivated and playing, it's ok! I don't think that it's too much because everything is related to make your playing more consistent and expand it. I have to say that working on the shred journey is a GREAT idea, and that the first vid that you've done sounds very good.

Regarding the multiFX rack, wou!! Can't wait to see it working!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 21 2016, 08:50 PM

Sorry to bust in to your thread gabe I wanted to give yoncopin the link to his own BOOTCAMP thread
http://bit.ly/yoncopinsbootcamp

I'm glad to see you working with more than one instructor, it's a great way to get better quicker!!!

Todd

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 22 2016, 06:27 PM

Well done Todd!

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 13 2016, 01:19 PM

Any news on the pedal? I finally finished the Double Stop Ballad and posted a https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=57224&b=1&st=0&p=0&#entry0. I've been working hard on my https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=57128&st=20 and have been progressing pretty comfortably through the early lessons. The alternate picking practice is really helping my playing and especially with my Judas Priest lesson. So... my new plan to work on multiple things is working so far! I feel like I'm making good progress!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 13 2016, 08:22 PM

Hi mate, how are you?

A friend who uses to buy pedals and other stuff says that we are still on time. It's so weird but well, I hope that he is right.

About your update on practice, it's great to know that you notice progress and that you are on track motivated. That's the most important thing. I'll check the REC take in a moment.

Congrats on reaching a new level at the Shred Journey!

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 15 2016, 02:01 PM

I read your REC take feedback and I agree 100%. I finished the video a few days ago and have watched it many times since. After watching it a lot and comparing to the original, I kinda knew what your were going to say. I've been working that piece for the last few months and at this point, I feel like I'm only good enough to just barely get through all the notes at tempo. To me, that's the bare minimum, I'm a bit disappointed in myself.

It takes SOOO long to get a piece even close to ready, there are so many techniques to master in just one lesson. I feel like to get from where it is now to "perfect" is many more months, maybe longer... I've been working on my bending for 1.5 years now and I still missed a bunch of the pitches. The details are so hard to dial in perfect and then you have to capture them in one take recording. But, I guess that's what separates a pro from an amateur...

Not sure how I should proceed with this one. I think I've had this happen before, but at this point, I'm kinda tired of even playing that song. But, if I don't keep playing it I'll never get it right. I'm kind of stuck in the middle.

Am I on the right track? How do you guys manage to play things so perfectly? Should I be attempting easier lessons? That was one you suggested so I assume you think it's appropriate for my skill. I have music I want to play/make and it feels like I'm never going to be actually good enough to achieve it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 15 2016, 03:15 PM

Hi mate, good post!

This is normal and I think that it has solution. The lessons are really good to let us see which are the techniques that need more work among the ones that we like using. There are few guitarist that master all techniques with perfection, you'll see great guitarists that are better at some techniques than others and focusing on their strong sides is how they build their own style as musicians, their own voice. However, when we are at the student stage (let me say that this can be a never ending stage for a musician because most of us never stop learning new things) we need to practice until we can play our favorite techniques with mastery.

This are the steps that I recommend.

- Learn a lesson that you like that is in your style and that uses your favorite techniques.
- Practice it for some time and record a take.
- Isolate the licks that are giving trouble.
- Identify the reason why this licks are giving trouble. Is it related to any technique? any expressing element?
- Write down the techniques and elements that you need to work.

---------------- OK, all the previous things are done now and the elements that you need to work are listed at the REC comment.

Next steps:

- Work on complementary exercises that help you to master those elements.
- The main goal of everything is not to master the lesson, the main goal is to become the best possible with those elements to be able to play your own stuff with mastery.
- Let's say that you need to work on: Bending, vibrato, dynamics, timing. 4 elements that can be divided in four weeks. So you would have:

Week #1: Bending Week

Week #2: Vibrato Week

Week #3: Dynamics Week

Week #4: Timing Week

Diving your practice time in 3 blocks of the same duration. 2/3 would be dedicated to work on complementary exercises for the technique of the week. 1/3 would be applied to play the lesson from the rec, any other lesson or improvise.

What do you think?

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 15 2016, 04:47 PM

Yes, that sounds great, a short-term plan. Thank you for the very thoughtful response, it was just what I needed to hear.

I've been doing very well in the Shred Journey because the goals are small. I've seen your assignments to other students in their mentor threads, and it's fun to get more frequent feedback, maybe we could do something like that too? I tend to take your lesson suggestions and then only come back months later, maybe smaller assignments would be good to help get better results? I'm very committed, work well with deadlines and want to deliver, so I know assignments would get intense focus during the week.

I've done what you said before, isolate difficulty in licks and build them into exercises. I just haven't been doing those exercises consistently for as long as a full week. I actually don't mind exercises at all, sometimes I actually find them very meditative, trying to focus the mind on just one thing in the moment. Sometimes full lessons can be overwhelming because there is just SO much to master.

So... Week 1 - Bending... I identified these bends in Double Stop Ballad (some are repeated)
0:12
0:15
0:37
0:40
0:46

Should week 1 be building exercises out of those bends and posting a video next weekend of my routine, or do you have a more effective assignment in mind?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 17 2016, 06:27 AM

ASSIGNMENT #1:

Goal:

- Improving your bending technique.
- Polishing Double Stop Ballad.


TASK 1:

- Work on this lesson: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Bending-Workout/


TASK 2:

- Polishing the bends of Double Stop lesson. Work on each of the bends that you've listed in the previous post.


Exam and deadline:

By July 28th you'll have to share 3 videos:

- A video playing beginner bending workout (4 coins)
- A video playing only the bends worked from the Double Stop Ballad (4 coins)
- A new take of the Double Stop Ballad (2 coins)

Each of this videos will be evaluated (check the coins value below). You need to get at least 7 coins to pass. If you pass, we can continue, if you don't you will have a second "call".

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 17 2016, 06:45 PM

Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to plan that out for me I like this approach. I'm on vacation at the beach right now, but I brought my guitar and an iPad to practice. I already started on your assignment, the bending lesson is really good. You're the best Gab, thanks for all your help!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 19 2016, 01:13 AM

Hi mate, nice to know that my assignment looks good! Enjoy you time at the beach!

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 24 2016, 07:22 PM

In part 7 of https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Bending-Workout/ the first two bends... is the 13b supposed to be a whole or half step bend? I've learned the whole lesson, and the beginning sounds good, but I still need to polish the end. I tried recording it today, but listening back to it, it was clear the end needed more work.

I've also made some progress on my tone. I discovered https://www.cantabilesoftware.com, which is a free VST host. I downloaded NadIR impulse loader fromhttp://www.igniteamps.com/en/audio-plug-ins with different cabinet IRs and just turned the cab sim off in my Pod HD. The IR cabs sound MUCH better than the built in ones on the Pod, and I always play in front of my computer anyways.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 24 2016, 08:08 PM

Hi mate, the bends that you've asked are whole step, you need to reach the pitch of fret 15th.

I'm really curious about the Cantabile software, but I'm not completely sure of what you can do with it. I assume that you can open your amp emulators there and add effect, but what else?

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 26 2016, 01:45 PM

That's it really, it just runs VST plugins standalone. Here's how I'm using it:

Analog Pedals -> Fender Bassbreaker Preamp Out -> Pod HD500X (Effects Only) -> Cantabile

In Cantabile I'm running:

Ignite Amps Power Amp Sim -> NadIR Impulse response

The result is, I didn't have to buy anything new, but now I'm using a real tube preamp with real analog pedals and getting better cabinet simulation with IRs that are an upgrade over what the Pod HD has. It's much more dynamic and definitely higher sound quality. Let me know what you think, I'm going to use it to record this week's assignments.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 26 2016, 02:13 PM

This sounds very interesting! I'm very curious to hear your results. I've experimented with this type of combinations in the pasts and the results were good. Adding some analog stuff into the digital chain can improve tone a lot. Well done.

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 27 2016, 12:20 PM

Here's my take on the Beginner Bending Workout. I'm not satisfied, there are still many bends out of pitch and the double stops at the end aren't smooth enough either. I was thinking we push the deadline out another week, I have more work to do here I think. Your thoughts?

This uses my new recording setup, what do you think of the tone?

Posted by: yoncopin Jul 28 2016, 02:34 AM

Ok, scratch that last take... it sucked. I did a much better one tonight. I don't know if it's just coming back fresh, or the guitar switch that improved things. I changed from my Strat to the Ibanez and maybe the flatter radius eased the bends, or the pickup compressed a bit more, or the high frets were easier to access when seated but this is much better. I AM satisfied with this, so if you would critique this one, I'd appreciate it

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 28 2016, 05:48 PM

Hi mate, good job! The lesson is on the right track but it's true that some more days of practice could be a good idea. Most of the bends are reaching the correct pitch but there is more room to adjust the ones that are not perfct and to make everything smoother. This submit would pass the assignment but if you feel that you have motivation to work on this another week, we can go for it.

You tone sounds really good. I only feel that it's lacking some reverb or delay, what do you think?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 5 2016, 04:14 PM

Any news on the pedal?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 6 2016, 04:56 PM

You won't imagine how tricky are importations here. It seems that I have the first part done that is to declare the shipping. However this will be surelly an issue because they don't contemplate this kind of handmade custom stuff which don't have a selling price. Neither they contemplate that this can be a gift so the declaration is not totally clear and I know that I will have some issues when I have the meeting to get the pedal which will happen this week. Also, it is said that the meeting can take around 5 hours until they they finally give you the product... yes. this is crazy but that's how my country functions...

I don't know how to explain this clearly in English, but to give you an idea, this is a viral video of a girl getting mad because of the custom office bureaucracy and its irrational system. You won't understand a word (luckily) but you'll get the feel: https://www.facebook.com/CaraDeLaVergha/videos/277201895984092/?pnref=story.unseen-section

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 7 2016, 05:34 PM

Just... wow... I'm starting to think that maybe I didn't do you a favor after all. Well, good luck...

I've been working on Beginner Bending Workout this week, and here is my latest take. I think some of the unison bends are better. The high ones are still hard to hit when I'm sitting down, my body kinda gets in the way. I got a little off on my timing in a couple places, but I think that bends are decent. Curious to know what you think. I still don't see how you guys hit them so perfect every time.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 7 2016, 10:03 PM

I have no words to describe how happy I'm of the present you've given me mate. And I can't wait to have in in my hands, but patience is the key nowadays with this kind of stuff. We are on the transition from the previous president to the new one and everything is changing (surely not in the right direction but well... that's what we have).

About your take, yes, this is getting better but bending still need more work. The key is diary practice, and complement this with exercises like the ones shared by Ben Higgins at youtube, and you can also use some Guthrie Govan videos where he covers bending.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 8 2016, 03:52 AM

Yeah, it was only a week, but I expected to make more progress than I feel like I did. I think I have a plan though. I was playing the Beginner Bending Workout like music, playing the whole piece over and over again each night. I think I'll break down each bend and do 2-3 per night just getting the pitches right. No backing, no tempo, just getting the bends right. I think I'll try that this week and make another video next weekend, cool?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 8 2016, 01:27 PM

Sounds good, but I think that you could do the same thing over the backing, to have a better reference of pitch.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 16 2016, 03:18 AM

Gab, I'm not going to post a bending video this week. I've been practicing the lesson a lot and am making very good progress with it, but I know it isn't ready so I'm just going to keep working it. I'm very much enjoying it though, it's short, simple and focused. I've also been paying a lot more attention to my bends when just jamming. I realized that I was pretty sloppy and that's just confusing my ears and pitch recognition. So I've been trying to be more disciplined about it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 16 2016, 08:41 PM

Hi mate, cool to read this. Thanks for the update. Take your time to master it.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 21 2016, 09:44 PM

No video again this weekend for a lot of reasons. Reason 1, I am still not happy with my playing on the lesson, I can often get the first part or the unison bend part right, but never together in one take. I take that to mean I can't really play it yet and it needs more. I am recognizing more of the missed pitches, so I am progressing. I think I'm just going to keep practicing it until I either get it, or get to bored with it to keep going.

Reason 2, I spent almost 100% of my free time this weekend building my studio rack for my MIDI pedal project. I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel on this, can't wait to fill it up with awesome pedals!


Reason 3, my recording setup is kind of in flux because I sold my Pod HD and upgraded to.... a HELIX!!!! I haven't quite figured out my new workflow yet, but so far it's killer I'm very excited about it

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 22 2016, 12:32 AM

All great things happening here! Congrats on your new Helix!! and also on the rack project!! Those pics are very promising man!

Take your time to feel happy with your playing on the lesson.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 23 2016, 02:12 AM

Ok attempt number 4. I see improvement, I think.... I have to admit I'm starting to get sick of this one now.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 23 2016, 06:47 PM

Ok! This definitely shows improvements in your bending technique. And I think that it's time to move forward. This assignments are prepared to be worked for around 10/15 days so it's normal that you get bored of the same thing since you've been working on it for more than a month.

Are you ready for a new assignment? Are you working on any other lesson / stuff?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 23 2016, 07:15 PM

Well, that's a relief to hear you say it shows progress Given my personality, I think it may be useful to set a maximum time I'm "allowed" to practice each assignment before moving on, as much as having an initial deadline. That'll keep things fresh and me moving forward, I tend to be kind of hard on myself when I can't get it absolutely perfect after a lot of practice.

Other than the bending lesson, I've been working just as hard on Todd's Shred Journey. I think has been going pretty well so far. I kind of surprised myself, I'm better at it than I expected, or maybe it's just the beginning That's it though, I am absolutely ready for the next assignment!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 24 2016, 02:04 PM

Ok! So please let's take the deadline of the new assignment and share the 3 required videos at that date so I can give you feedback grading and we can keep moving. Deal?


ASSIGNMENT #2:

Goal:

- Improving your vibrato technique.
- Shred Journey


TASK 1:

- Work on this lesson: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Vibrato-Workout/


TASK 2:

- Work on lessons 2 and 3 from the https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Todd_Simpson_-_Shred_Journey


Exam and deadline:

By September 4th you'll have to share 3 videos:

- A video playing beginner vibrato workout (4 coins)
- A video improvising over the backing track from the lesson. (2 coins)
- A video playing lessons 2 and 3 from the Shred Journey clean over metronome the faster possible. (4 coins)

Each of this videos will be evaluated (check the coins value below). You need to get at least 7 coins to pass. If you pass, we can continue, if you don't you will have a second "call".

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 24 2016, 02:25 PM

Oh I like it! Especially the idea to improvise over the backing track With the bending, vibrato and alternate picking, I've been doing a lot of technique, but I think applying it will be good. I did one Saturday Shredfest and it was really fun. I think more of that over time will really help me put it all together.

Lesson 2 & 3 from Shred Journey HA! I'm already on lesson 18 I've been kinda crushing it if I do say so

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 24 2016, 02:51 PM

Excellent!

About the Shred Journey, it's up to you! The idea is to incorporate it to this assignments. As this is for building speed, you can always rework the previous lessons. Maybe you can share a video playing the 17 lessons that you've already worked to let me check them. What do you think?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 25 2016, 02:19 AM

Oh I see what you were getting at I will follow your assignment as you wrote it. I started practicing Lessons 2 & 3 again tonight. It surprised me how much faster I was able to play them

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 25 2016, 02:00 PM

Excellent!

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 3 2016, 09:07 PM

Here are two of this week's assignment videos. I still have to record the improv video, I'm trying to make it really good because I probably spent the most time this week on that assignment. My comments on this week are:

1) I don't think my schedule can handle this many assignments. I felt like I didn't have enough time on each one to see improvement. I also haven't been able to make any progress on my current Shred Journey lesson.

2) The improvisation was what I spent the most time on and was having a lot of fun. I was seeing better ideas come out, not so much trapped in my old pentatonic box, so that was encouraging.

3) The vibrato lesson itself was a little boring.

Shred Journey Lesson 1& 2


Beginner Vibrato Workout

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 4 2016, 09:04 PM

...and here's my improvisation. I probably had better ones, but this one is pretty good and with minimal mistakes while also having the video camera running. My soloing sound/style in this one is often how I play, this is primarily what comes out when I just jam.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 4 2016, 10:30 PM

Hi mate, thanks for the videos and the feedback about how you've felt the lessons. It really helps me to design better assignments that are adequate for you.

The takes are good. There are obviously things that need more time like the Shred Journey, and your vibrato, but I think that even not being able to see quick results, this type of work shows valuable results in the long term. In other words, your vibrato won't become killer in 1 week, and your alternate picking neither will be faster, but diary practice always pays.

One little details to mark about your improvisation is that your vibrato sounds a bit "nervous", try to make it go more natural with the backing track in your next improv sessions.

Let's consider this assignment passed and let's move forward. Here is my suggestion, please let me know if you feel that it's the right amount of material and if everything motivates you to practice.




ASSIGNMENT #3:

Goal:

- Blues phrasing
- Bending & vibrato


TASK 1:

- Work on this lesson: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/King-Alberts-Blues/

TASK 2:

- Improvise over the lesson's backing track.


Exam and deadline:

By September 16th you'll have to share 2 videos:

- A video playing King Alberts Blues (6 coins)
- A video improvising over the backing track from the lesson. (4 coins)


Each of this videos will be evaluated (check the coins value below). You need to get at least 7 coins to pass. If you pass, we can continue, if you don't you will have a second "call".

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 6 2016, 01:56 PM

By "nervous" to you mean the vibrato was faster/off-tempo? If so I think I see what you mean and will work on it.

This Albert King lesson looks like a lot of fun I like this pattern we have going of lesson + improv. I think that is going to yield positive results, I'll learn more phrasing/licks/techniques and then you can help me work on applying them. That seems like a really good way to proceed. I do usually play blues rock (usually soaked in fuzz) and really like it, I'd love to expand on that. I think we should drop the Shred Journey bits, I'll keep working that with Todd. I'd be trying to make 5 videos per week, I only think I can handle about 3.

Here's the nearly complete pedal cabinet. I have the first pedal "card" almost done (tonight?) and it's gonna be awesome! I built an MI Audio Crunch Box 2 and it's a pretty sick sound. Can't wait to show all of GMC.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 6 2016, 06:52 PM

Wou man!! That looks completely awesome! It can't wait to see it finished and working! It will be a monster!

About vibrato, yes! That's what I mean. Regarding the assignment, great to know that you've liked the lesson! and off course you can continue the shred part with Todd, and we can focus on the other things. I'll edit the assignment.

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 7 2016, 01:19 PM

And here it is, the first pedal card!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 7 2016, 07:30 PM

wou! this is brilliant! I can imagine that it's much easier for you to build pedals in this way! I think that you had a great idea by building this, and I think that this could be a great addition for guitar lovers and also at recording studios... go for the patent!

Also, the pedal card design looks beautiful.

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 10 2016, 07:37 PM

I love this blues lesson so far, these one finger bends are really making my finger sore

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 11 2016, 11:30 PM

hehehe great to read this!!

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 17 2016, 07:44 PM

This lesson is really challenging, but I really want to get it. I spent most of my practice time just trying to bend to pitch with my first finger. I don't have enough strength to consistently hit the pitches and I had to build a callous from nothing. I was limited every day by how much my fingertip could handle before getting too sore.

I didn't even bother trying to learn the whole piece and just stuck with the first part as an exercise. I want to keep working on this, the vibe is so cool. I can see working this one for a while to come. Each phrase has so much nuance and "feel" I would really like to learn those details So, I just recorded a quick practice video of me, I've been doing this as part of my practice everyday this week.



An update on my pedal rack, now I have two functioning pedals in the rack and can trigger them from the Helix. I have a few kinks to still work out, but it's getting there!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 17 2016, 10:00 PM

Hi mate! Thanks for the update!

I think that it's ok if you prefer to dedicate more time to work on this lesson. There are two possibly reasons why you prefer to avoid the 10 days plan. The first one can be that the lesson that I suggested is a bit over your current level. The second possibility is that this type of program is not appropriated for you. Each person is different and some things work for some while doesn't for others.

We have to find the best way to keep your motivation, and progress flowing.

About the rack, that's great! I hope that sometime when you have it finished, I could visit you and try it!

How do you control the rack pedals from your helix?

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 18 2016, 01:00 AM

Yeah, I don't think the 10 days is working, mostly because I just don't have the time or ability to tackle a task that big every 10 days. I've kinda been stressing the deadlines a bit How about we continue with your lesson (or just a certain topic) recommendations, to guide the direction of my playing and address weaknesses. Sometimes I don't even know the area that's most lacking.

I think what I used to do (before we started on the 10 days plan) was I'd take a lesson and just come back months later. How about when I'm working a lesson, I break it down and post progress videos when I've finished each of the lesson sections? Those are nice small bites I can work on and get feedback without having to get the perfect complete take (which is REALLY hard). It might work out that I can handle a few different style lessons, to keep things interesting, but only be working one section at a time, not the entire thing.

That sounds kinda fun to try, what do you think?

As for the Helix, it controls it via MIDI. You just assign a MIDI CC toggle # to a footswitch. It works great! If you're ever around Washington, DC you let me know, does Cirse ever play in the USA? Many, many years ago in college I used to work at the http://www.930.com/ downtown. That'd be your spot Now it's just me and the kiddos in the suburbs

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 19 2016, 04:51 PM

Hi mate, I think that your plan sounds good. Let's try it!

About touring in USA, that would be awesome! We didn't play at your country yet, but we hope that it becomes possible anytime!

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 16 2016, 03:50 PM

I'm back! It took an extra week to get my practice routine re-established and toughen my finger callouses but I think I've got Part 1 of King Albert's Blues nailed, on to Part 2...

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 17 2016, 03:53 AM

Cool! Welcome back mate! Great video. The lick sounds very good, this is promising.

Posted by: yoncopin Oct 20 2016, 10:34 PM

For this week's video I've got King Albert's Blues parts 1&2 at full tempo. The one finger bends are getting a lot easier and the rest of the lesson isn't too hard so far. I'm pretty pleased with the results so far. I've been playing my 24.75" scale Schecter for this lesson because I like the tone and the shorter scale makes the one finger bends much more comfortable. Eventually I'd like to move to the 25.5" but I don't want to limit the practice time by making my finger too sore. How am I doing?

I also made some upgrades to my recording setup which I explainedhttps://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=57511&view=findpost&p=739535. I hope you like the results!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 22 2016, 07:40 AM

Hi mate, that sounds very good. The only part that isn't precise is the last one, starting at 00:25. There the bends are not reaching the right pitch. The other part is flawless and very tasty. Well done!

I'll check the other thread.

Posted by: yoncopin Nov 11 2016, 04:08 PM

It's been a while since I posted an update to my King Albert's Blues lesson. I'm still working it though. I had to slow the tempo down to 110 to hit the fast run at the very end. I'm currently drilling that part during my practice. The slower tempo makes hitting pitch bends a bit easier to focus on too. They still need some work too I think.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 13 2016, 06:45 AM

Hi mate, good take! I just feel that you could play those bends with more confidence, and to get more dynamics on this one. It's a very good take, but there is some little room to give more feeling to the whole thing. You are playing everything at tempo, tight and the bends are precise. Your tone is also great.

What other things are you working?


PS: I've been using the pedal with Cirse and I'm really happy with it. We had a very important gig yesterday and it was on my pedalboard, I'll share some pictures soon.

Posted by: yoncopin Nov 13 2016, 02:23 PM

On Friday I had the day off with no family around, so I recorded like 5 videos. I think this one was the last one, so maybe that explains the lack of emotion. My focus has been on other things lately too, but I'm still working this one and hadn't posted progress in a while per our agreement The fact that I'm hitting the pitch bends is really the most important thing.

Oh man, I've been doing so many different things lately! I was inspired to write some more riffs/licks after the Rammstein collab. So, I did two of Todd's Sunday Shredfests. https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=56954&st=440&p=740436&#entry740436 and https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=56954&st=440&p=740733&#entry740733. You already know I'd been working the Rammstein collab and now the Audioslave. I've also moved forward 3-4 more lessons in Todd's Shred Journey. I also finally https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=57623, built a Tonebender Fuzz and am working on my first delay pedal.

I've also had some gear issues I've been dealing with. My Fender Bassbreaker amp has been at a repair center for the past three months for a factory warranty issue. I finally got fed up and called Fender about it again, good news is they're sending me an entirely new amp so I really hope it's here soon. Also, my Helix has a service issue with the expression pedal. It's a known issue apparently that they start to squeek really bad and mine has started. They've been very helpful, and as soon as I finish the Audioslave recording I'm going to ship it in for service. I don't know what I'll play on then, maybe plugins?

I'm so glad you're enjoying the pedal I couldn't be more appreciative of the instructors here. I feel really optimistic about my playing right now, like I am REALLY getting better The collab and sunday shred have shown me I can do some things I didn't even know I could. I would LOVE to see a photo of your pedal board, really excited my work is out in the world getting used.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 13 2016, 10:31 PM

Hi mate,

Your post is pure energy mate, even with those gear issues! The most important thing is to keep being motivated and that's what happening here. I'm glad to know that the collab has waken up your creativity! Don't stop making music!

In the meantime you can use some plug ins. There are lots of great ones, and some of them are free (Check the ones that I use in my lessons).

And congrats on your modular finished! I would love to see a video of you using it! And sharing how it works.

I'll be back with some pedalboard pics.

Posted by: yoncopin Dec 14 2016, 02:17 AM

I finally got all my gear back! I've been practicing again and think I'm almost finished with the King Albert's Blues lesson. I can play it at tempo pretty well now and it's starting to get a bit boring. Below is a very quick take I did tonight. I thought I would get your feedback on it and then record a more polished take with your feedback for REC this weekend. Let me know if you think I'll be ready to move on and we can settle on what to tackle next. Thanks Gab!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 14 2016, 02:46 PM

Hi mate,

this is a very good take. The things to improve are very subtle but not less important and are related to articulation/groove, and dynamics. If you pay special attention to the "swing" or "groove" feel of the original take, you'll note that the movement regarding timing feels great with the backing's groove, and that it's totally intentional. In your take, there is some of this it's not going with the feel of the backing. This is very subtle, but it's what gives professional playing that "extra" that is difficult to explain. The same happens with dynamics.

This is not anything easy to achieve, and it can take years, but by listening and thinking on it, you are going on the right direction. I can note really important improvements regarding your bending and dynamics comparing this take with the previous ones, so you are definitely on the right track.

Let's discuss about how to continue!

Posted by: yoncopin Dec 14 2016, 03:20 PM

Yes, I totally agree. There is a stiffness to my take that isn't in Chris's lesson. He has this smooth effortless groove while mine is a bit more hurried. I have been focusing on that, for example trying to avoid nervous sounding vibrato, but like you said (and it's much like bending), it seems to be a task that outlasts any single lesson. Dynamics is more challenging to even hear. It's also like bending in that you have to develop an ear for it, but I think I'm less progressed on it.

I do think my bending is really improving, and also with using different finger combinations. I feel like this lesson pushed my bending a step forward on hitting the correct pitches. The very last bend on this take is wrong, but I mostly feel pretty good about the rest.

I do feel like I've taken this lesson as far as I can at my skill level. I think if I revisited it in a year I'd improve a lot, but I don't know if grinding on it daily is going to give me the biggest benefits right now. Let's forget the REC take, if you agree, I think it might be time to move on to the next thing. It's been a few months since we started this one, I'm not even sure what I want to do next

I just went back and watched my older takes on this one, and feel pretty proud of myself. I remember this first video I couldn't even hit the first bend! I'm glad we're doing this more frequent takes approach, it's really good to have these progress videos to look back on

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 15 2016, 01:44 PM

That sounds great mate! I also can hear really important progress in your playing! I think that the last assignments have been really polishing your playing.

The lessons that you've worked on the last assignments are:

- Beginners Bending Workout
- Beginners Vibrato Workout
- King Albert Blues


So this is my suggestion to continue:


ASSIGNMENT #4:

Goals:

- Dynamics
- Bending & vibrato


TASK 1:

- Work on this lesson: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Ballad-soloing-dynamics-phrasing-2/

TASK 2:

- Improvise over the lesson's backing track.

Posted by: yoncopin Dec 16 2016, 02:56 PM

I like it! I started practicing on it last night and I think this is a great choice to follow up with. I want to really dissect it note by note to get the details right

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 17 2016, 07:14 PM

Great! It's one of my favorite GMC lessons ever.

Posted by: yoncopin Jan 10 2017, 04:54 AM

The holidays are finally over... I haven't practiced in what feels like forever. We had guests who were staying in my studio room, so I haven't been in there in a while. It's nice to pick up my guitar again, but my routine is way out of wack and I feel like I must've forgotten a bunch of what I'd learned <sigh>

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 10 2017, 09:14 PM

Welcome back mate! You just need a few days to get back on track. Take a pair of days to move those fingers until you feel comfortable again.

Posted by: yoncopin Jan 27 2017, 03:07 AM

Thought I'd post an update..., ugh things didn't really get better. After I wrote that last message I got pneumonia/flu really bad and have been very sick. My mom is having back surgery and I'm going to go care for her in two weeks. It's been really hard to get any serious practicing done. I've jammed here and there, but I haven't had the energy and focus needed to really practice purposefully. Everything is so disrupted.

I watched one of Kris's live streams this weekend and realized how important it is to jam over backing tracks. When I do it just by myself, that is when I sound stale, but with a backing, new ideas come out. When I noodle around I'm going to always put on a backing from now on. I did get some maintenance done on my guitars while I was home sick. Some string changes and setup tweaks, and I re-configured some switches to add coil-taps, etc... I moved some pickups around and really have been liking having a mini-humbucker in my Strat bridge position. I was hoping it would inspire me, and it did, but I'm still and struggling with energy/clarity to really practice.

So, that's kinda where I'm at. I did discover this lesson (https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Stoner-for-Strat-rhythm-solo/) which is way cool and probably what I want to learn next.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 28 2017, 05:16 PM

Hi mate, I'm sorry about those things mate. I hope that everything gets better soon, and that your mother has a good recovery. All my best thoughts to her and you.

Improvising over backing tracks is great for training and it's also really entertaining. I think that it's good to be able to play over backings but it's also cool when you can also play without a backing, just a guitar and you, and it sounds "full". Both things are interesting.

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 3 2017, 02:43 AM

Here's a quick take of where I am on the Ballad lesson, it's not at full speed, 78bpm. This was just a quick record first take of what I've learned so far. I still have a long way to go, but I wanted to post some progress and see what you thought.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 5 2017, 04:20 PM

Hi mate, I think that this sounds very good! I like your feeling and tone on this one. I'd like to hear a better mix/audio recording when recording the full version, because your playing deserves it.

Keep the great job.

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 5 2017, 07:40 PM

Thanks Gab! That's great to hear I'm on the right track. I did record this in a hurry, but if that's the biggest negative I feel pretty good because it's the easiest to fix

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 7 2017, 04:35 AM

Yeah!

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 24 2017, 03:40 PM

Finally back in town after being gone longer than I originally planned. I am so psyched to play my guitar again. I have a new compound radius Warmoth neck waiting at home for my Strat that I can't wait to put on. I saw this video this morning and was just supremely envious of the playing, I wish I was even a fraction as good. Just wanted to let you know I'll be getting back to it, so I hope to have progress to share soon.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 25 2017, 04:29 PM

Hi mate! Welcome back!! That video is a MASTERCLASS in itself. I'm also impressed on the perfection and naturally of his playing, as well as even playing classic metal stuff, this sounds a lot fresh to my ears.

It would be interesting if you can write down some ideas used on this vid, to be worked in our own playing, what do you say?

Posted by: yoncopin Feb 27 2017, 07:02 PM

Yes, great idea. Here's what stood out to me, that I wish I could absorb into my playing.

1) Improve and expand my library of licks. I feel like I only know/use about a half dozen licks. Everytime I find something I like and really learn to incorporate it into my playing, I feel like my that stale "same"-ness diminishes noticeably.

2) He moves between the octaves really easily, playing the same or complimentary licks. That seems really useful to know the different scale shapes that intuitively.

3) I *think* this is mostly pentatonic playing, but he adds some major/modal flourishes here and there and the ?chorus? has a more major sound to it. I think learning how to break out of the pentatonic boxes with just an occasional note from the full major scale would be really useful.

4) As always, speed and improve my vibrato

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 1 2017, 01:04 AM

Hi mate,

yes! All those things are happening here. I can see some connection between him and Ozzy's guitarists: Randy, Zakk, and even Gus G. This is like the rocker side of Metal. He has a fantastic tone, and a really tasty note choices and melodies.

Technically, there is a great control of alternate picking, sweep picking, vibrato, bending, and some legato. Regarding theory, this is mostly a minor aeolian piece, and most of the things played here are pentatonic minor, blues scale, with some other chromatic notes, and also the use of triads to follow the chords from the backing.

It's not a bad idea to use the slow downer in youtube and transcribe this solo. You'll find lots of great licks that could be incorporated in your playing.

Finally, I think that this type of players have an important arsenal of licks in their brain archive and that's because they have a repertoire of full songs (maybe instrumentals, maybe normal songs but with longs solos). They practice these songs frequently, and they surely play this stuff live. In order words, they study all these licks and ideas and play them diary, weekly. So, I think that having an instrumental repertoire could be a great help to expand your licks vocabulary.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 1 2017, 03:22 PM

I really like this style of playing a lot, like you said, the rocker side of metal. Transcribing this solo is a tall order, but I'm up for it. I am re-establishing my routine and focus after being away for so long. My ballad is progressing as well as the Shred Journey lessons. So you think they have such a repertoire of licks from just playing songs/solos? Not explicit focus on smaller licks themselves? Is that similar to the path we've been on learning the full lessons? I feel that I tend to learn a piece and before long it's forgotten, though small tidbits remain. Am I doing the right thing?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 1 2017, 06:39 PM

He certainly picked the right pickups That set is the best they make IMHO. I put one of them in my 8 string Rusty Cooley and it changed the guitar completely. The 57 / 66 set, are still hot pups but add the alnico clarity to things and remove some of the fizz/darkness that plagued many emg sets. Not to mention he's a killer player

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 2 2017, 01:42 PM

The difference is that in many cases, the solo guitarists play all that repertoire 3 or more times per week live so they don't forget it. The approach that we apply to the lessons is the way to go: Learning the lesson, then creating variations and improvisations over the backing track. However, you need to get back to those lessons that contains licks that you love.

Once you analyze this solo, you'll notice that there isn't a lot of stuff, but it's treated in a creative way. Even the most versatile guitarists like Govan, tend to have a pack of licks that they play in most of their jams. Changing some notes, a different key, group of strings, tempo, are the keys to refresh it...

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 20 2017, 01:45 PM

Man, this Ballad lesson is a beast! I have finally managed to actually learn/memorize the whole thing. I'm still working on smothing out each section before bringing it up to tempo. I'll post an update when I can get it all smooth at a lower tempo.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 20 2017, 02:05 PM

Cool! Thanks for the update. Keep going.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 22 2017, 10:56 PM

So I've been practicing the Ballad lesson now for 14 weeks! (With a couple taken out for travel) I can finally play it from beginning to end at 65-70bpm. I recorded a video to capture the progress and get your comments. I flubbed a few bends and got a bit lost towards the end of the solo, but overall I think it's a fairly accurate take on where I'm at today. After listening to it myself, I think I need mostly to focus on the second half of the solo and my tone needs less gain. Comments?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 23 2017, 03:26 PM

Hi mate! I can see that you are doing a great job here!

I've enjoyed your feeling, and tone on this take. I can note that the first part is more precise than the second one that has some timing issues, but I'm amazed of the tone that you are getting and how natural the different licks are sounding. You are definitely on the right track with this one.

The only thing that I'd like to check if after all these weeks, you are not starting to feel tired or bored of playing this lesson. Maybe you'll want to add some other stuff into your diary routine.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 24 2017, 01:09 AM

I agree with your comments, I got nervous towards the end trying not to screw up... and screwed up the timing pretty good. I can play that and the really out of tune double stop much better than the video shows. It does show what needs work though. I'm going to keep at it.

Now that I've learned the whole thing, it's going to just go on repeat fine tuning and speeding up each section. I'm not bored with it, but I think we should add something new to keep the mind challenged and not just the muscles

Where do you think I should take my playing next? I mentioned that lesson https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Stoner-for-Strat-rhythm-solo/ but I'm up for anything. What do you think would help me grow best?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 25 2017, 05:51 PM

Hi mate,

Yes, I think that "Stoner for Strat" lesson can be a good one to continue in this direction. It continues exploring melodic phrasing, and dynamics, but adds some more aggressive rocker playing that can be positive for your overall playing.

The other obvious lesson is the Ballad #3, but it's more advanced at this point, and you should work on some techniques and lessons before getting into it.

Posted by: yoncopin Mar 30 2017, 01:03 AM

Here's another take at 70bpm. This one is much better, there are plenty of small errors throughout, but I've been focusing on the end section a lot more and it's much improved. I also switched guitars to one with less output to tone down the gain.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 31 2017, 03:30 AM

Hi mate!

Great job! I can note important improvements comparing this one with the previous take. Everything sounds much closer, and there are just small details regarding bending pitches, notes precision, or timing. The overall is very close. I can see that now the second half is more familiar now. The tone fits better too.

I think that you are doing everything well, it's just a matter of time to master this one. It's a very rich lesson that combines many elements to I think that this one will have a big impact in your playing. Remember to dedicate some diary time to improvise over the backing track using the elements and concepts covered in the lesson.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 19 2017, 06:45 PM

Ok Gabe, the beast is slain. I can no longer play this piece anymore https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=58084&hl=, because this is without a doubt the hardest thing I've attempted at GMC so far. I'm proud of my persistence, but relieved to play something else now

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 20 2017, 03:15 PM

Man! This is brilliant! Congrats on your discipline and persistence! This take of the lesson is really good! I'm impressed of the tone and energy of this take which are at the same level of the original lesson. That's not a small thing being the original a Darius lesson.

There are obvious details but nothing is relevant or distracts from the music. The extra work will come with time. I think that it's a good idea to not forget this lesson and play it at least once every day, or every two days since I think that those extra details are what your guitar playing need to be at a new level.

I'm totally impressed and happy of this video.

So what's next?

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 20 2017, 06:32 PM

Thanks Gabe! That feels very good (and relieving) to hear after so much work. I would like to try and continue playing this as part of my practice. I tend to learn and forget stuff, so we'll see if I can improve on that. I notice some of the details which could be better too, but this is my limit for the moment and I'm happy with it.

So what's next? I don't know I have lots of ideas though, and am going to continue working my Shred Bootcamp lessons:

- I've been working on this book, https://www.amazon.com/Chord-Tone-Soloing-Guitarists-Improvising/dp/0634083651. So far I've memorized the natural notes on the neck and the root interval shapes. I'm starting now on the first CAGED scale pattern. I'm trying to review daily to REALLY commit this to memory once and for all, I've tried and drifted away before. I could spend the majority of my time on this topic with a focus on playing creatively with shapes, arpeggios and scales as I learn them to really reinforce them in my memory. Much more time with backing tracks and creative exercises. This is really my big overall goal at the intersection of knowledge and technique.

- GMC Lessons - I think these three are very appealing.
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Stoner-for-Strat-rhythm-solo/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Jimi-Hendrix-Rhythm-Style/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/C-Minor-Soul-Blues/

- Learn https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cviYaFU3RM (or at least some of it)
Kind of like a GMC lesson, but I have to work it out for myself. I'd love to be able to play this, but I don't have much time to play everyday and I want to actually PLAY instead of fumbling around looking for notes and rewinding Youtube videos over and over again. I don't know if this is the most effective use of the time I have to make the most progress.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 21 2017, 01:39 PM

Hi Yoncopin,

I know that book and it's really good. That topic is essential for any guitar player who want to take improvisation seriously. I think that you can complement that work with some Alejandro Pinero lessons, those that connect scales with triads. Being able to visualise triads all along the neck, and connecting them with scale notes from every mode is a great trick to have a full knowledge of the fret-board.

I think that it's a good plan to divide your technique in 2/3. Technique, theory and improvisation. I say 2/3 because theory and improvisation go connected. However there is a moment to practice and another to improvise and try to apply what you've worked. I also consider really important that you keep that work on the book every day, and continue until you reach to the end of the book. Take it as a course and you'll get the most of it. Feel free to share your progress on it also here, share your conclusions, ideas or jams based on each chapter. As I have the book, I can check it there, and we can take the work on it seriously as a part of this thread. I could also add complementary exercises or lessons.

Regarding the lessons, I think that all those 3 lessons are great. Go for the one that inspires you more at this moment.

And regarding the solo by Richie. Start very slowly. Learn 1 phrase each day and write it down. It can be a 5 seconds phrase. It's a very effective method.

Posted by: yoncopin Apr 21 2017, 06:38 PM

That sounds GREAT! I was learning pattern 2 of CAGED last and jamming to a backing track and was having so much fun. I think this will be some good freshness to the routine of just grinding lessons. I want to develop not only improvisation, but also composition. I watched the Joe Satriani video below a while back, and he basically says, "you know what you need to learn, you just need to do it, the path is clear." That seems very applicable, I know I need to know the basic shapes on the neck and more chords, etc... My technique is always going to need improvement, but I think I'm at a place where it's no longer the immediate limiter to my playing, and I'm still working the Shred Bootcamp. Satriani said some other things which stood out too, like "play with sound" and "write songs" Both of which I'd like to have a bit more time to explore.

So, that said, I think I'm going to take a break from pitch perfect lessons for the moment. I still want to explore Alejandro Pinero lessons (which seem very applicable) as well as small phrases/licks from other sources (like the Richie Faulkner solo), but the focus is going to be more integrating those ideas into my style rather than playing them note-for-note perfect. If I spend the next 5 months working the book like a course, I'm very excited about what I might accomplish.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 22 2017, 04:46 PM

Hi mate, your post is very inspiring.

That video, those words by Satriani are everything you need to know. He is a wise person. Everything is on that video. I can't explain it better than that. Just watch that video every time you don't remember your path.

About the 5 months course... let's go for it! Write down the number and date of this post and let's see where you are in 5 months regarding the improvisation topic. Let's consider this a challenge.

Posted by: yoncopin May 15 2017, 01:34 AM

Hey Gab,
I thought I'd post an update on my Chord Tone Soloing coarse. I've managed to memorize the 5 CAGED major scale patterns, more or less. I know the shapes, but I couldn't just find myself anywhere on the neck yet. My next exercise, to get these imprinted on my memory, is to choose any note on the fretboard, designate it as the root and name it, and be able to play the scale position above and below it. I'm hoping that helps me link the patterns on any string and be able to find my way back to the root note.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 15 2017, 01:21 PM

Hi mate, thankks for the update.

It's very important to visualise the scale and chord shape totally related. A good way to get used to the different shapes is to work over chord progressions. Let's say that you work over this one: C - A

The idea is to work on 1 part of the neck at a time. Find a C chord (from the caged shapes), play the scale related, then find the closest A you can, and play the scale shape. Turn on the metronome/backing track, and follow the chord changes with the scale. At first play the scales up and down, and move to the next step by the closest note from the following scale. Does it make sense?

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 7 2017, 02:38 AM

I think I've got a good handle on the major scale patterns now. I'm going to keep practicing them daily (so I don't forget) but I can move up and down a pattern pretty well and shift up and down the neck on single strings to other patterns. I can't make really big jumps quickly, but if I think about it for a few seconds I can. I've already noticed a BIG improvement in my note selection and how expressive/connected my playing sounds to what I hear in my head. It's a pretty big difference from being just stuck in pentatonics.

So, now I'm looking at page 29 "Major-Scale Targeting Exercises" I understand what the objective here is, land on root/chord notes on the strong beats, but I'm not really sure how to practice it. Ideas?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 7 2017, 09:36 PM

Hi mate, great job!

I assume that this should be practised over major tonality chord progressions. Could you please share a photo of the chapter? (I don't find my pdf version at this pc)

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 8 2017, 02:45 AM

http://i.imgur.com/L51A9bx.jpg

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 8 2017, 03:43 PM

Hi mate, that's exactly what I was thinking.

I recommend you to start working over a 1 chord vamp so you play the scale, or phrases, following those guidelines (playing chord tones on strong beats). An easy way to start is to play quarter notes so you would play this code: chord tone - scale tone - chord tone - scale tone. Another idea would be to play only 3: chord tone - scale tone - chord tone - silence.

Once you are comfortable with 1 chord, you can practice over a two chords progression.

Practice this vertically in one shape at a time, and then horizontally, working on 1 string, then 2 strings, and so...

Does it make sense?

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 14 2017, 02:34 AM

Sorry this took me a bit to respond. Yes, that does sound good. I totally get what you're striving at. I'll figure out how to use the looper in my Helix and get to work.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 15 2017, 02:27 PM

Using a looper is a great idea for this.

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 29 2017, 03:12 PM

Progress Update:

1) I've got a decent grasp on the major scale patterns. They have really opened up my ability to express myself. Going from pentatonics to the full scale was a huge step, those missing notes are really vital to being able to find my voice on the instrument. I have kinda settled into a new "sameness" with the full patterns, but I hope as I continue exploring new ideas my vocabulary will grow.

2) Your idea of playing over small chord progressions ballooned into a deeper dive into what makes harmony/melody work together. I purchased an http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigkeys37/ and http://autotheory.net/ (which I later realized could basically be found in free VSTs) to allow me to create progressions quickly in my DAW. I had been playing over Youtube backing tracks, but now I've been trying to follow along on the keyboard to transcribe chord progressions of songs I like and see what makes them tick. These chord movement maps have been really useful.






This video was really great, visualizing inversions on the DAW Piano Roll is easy because you can see how close the notes are on the screen. Also, sometimes the piano chords don't directly map to guitar.
Do you have any suggestions for choosing chord voicings, like in the video at 5:30, but on guitar? Similar to the pentatonics, I feel stuck in barre chords and want to find those more subtle sounds and movements.

3) I've been spending a bit more time in GuitarPro, to transcribe progressions, and to export the resulting MIDI/Audio. Sometimes I play over the loops in GuitarPro and sometimes I'm putting it in bigger arrangements and reamping. That export/"reamp" technique has been a really cool find because I can download popular songs and take bits of the chords, bass, drums, etc... and use them in my own arrangements. It's kind of an unlimited library of MIDI loops to tinker with.

I actually feel like I'm getting close to being able to write the music I've always wanted to (what's in my head). I think I'm close to being able to actually get something out which I'm happy with. Picking speed is still a limiter for me, but I'm still working the Shred Journey too.

I wish I had more time to work on all this, as always I've got 100 other projects in the air too. I'm trying to rewire my house for ethernet and also writing a classic Gameboy game in assembly language as a gift. Oh yeah, I have a family too... So much interesting stuff out there in the world to absorb Hope you're well!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 29 2017, 03:51 PM

Hi mate!! This stuff is very interesting. I'll save the video for watching later. I always think that days should be longer because there are lots of amazing things to learn / do. That's why I don't really understand that people that says "I'm bored".

About the guitar voicing question. I wonder if you've ever studied drop 2 and drop 3 voicings. If not, there you'll start finding your answer. We have many lessons about it at GMC.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 13 2017, 08:56 PM

Gab, so the soloing over chords started to get a bit boring, and I was playing guitar less and less so I decided to change things up. I played a few easy lessons and jammed over some backing tracks for a while. I mentioned in another thread, how I wanted to write music, but I feel like I just don't know how. I was hoping you could help, maybe guide me through the process with small assignments to help me a finish a single track. Just so I could see how it's done... I tried to sit down and force myself to write something today, and got about as far as I usually do, 4 bars and a drum loop and now I'm stuck. I'm not sure what to do next, I was trying to make something Pink Floyd-like. The piano patch is just the default for the synth I was using. I like the chords, but am not sure what to do next. Do you think we can work on this somehow? Can you teach me how to do this?

http://soundcloud.com/pragmapack/chords/s-Zj46P

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 14 2017, 03:47 AM

I sat down again this evening and tried to convert that chord progression onto my guitar. It didn't go very well. It wasn't written for guitar and just doesn't sound good, and definitely not what I was hoping for. I'm starting to think maybe I'm going about this wrong (well of course I am). Maybe I should try taking apart the riffs/chords of some songs and artists I like. I think we did a song deconstruction once before and nothing really came of it, but that isn't writing songs, which is how you get better at... writing songs. I've been working on solos so long now, I feel like I can't write a decent riff. It's like the pentatonic scale I was stuck with before, but now it's that I only really can use barre chords and they aren't expressive enough, but with distortion, fuller chords don't sound good either. It'd be great to be able to write a 1-2 min instrumental piece, like the GMC lessons, that was complete with backing.

Ugh, I'm really frustrated, I can't believe I'm saying this, but maybe I should just give up making my own music and just learn other people's songs. I can figure out a lot of things, but for some reason I just can't seem to figure out how to learn this. It's not just that I can't write a song, it's that I can't even learn how to write a song.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 15 2017, 01:55 PM

Some better progress last night, I found a different technique on a Youtube video. I knew I needed to put my guitar down to compose, because my fingers want to do the same things, which is why I tried to make the previous chord progression with a MIDI keyboard. That didn't work, so this time I tried a microphone and humming a track into the DAW. Then I could find the chords on the guitar. It worked MUCH better and wasn't nearly as laborious. I have two parts now, with some overdubs and am going to work on a bridge tonight. It's a sloppy muddled mess, but is just a sketch to find the actual song. Next, I can practice, record and mix the real thing and hopefully have completed my first song ever.... We'll see.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 15 2017, 05:03 PM

Hi mate, here I am!

I would really like to help you. I have a teaching method that is similar to develop your own licks and phrasing, but applied to a whole song. It's not how you'd compose your own album, but it's the best way I know to train our composing skills and to incorporate the vocabulary learnt by analyzing our favorite songs.

What do you say?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 15 2017, 05:09 PM

Yes Yes! I'll give anything you think will help a try

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 15 2017, 05:21 PM

Well, at first the secret is to not stop, not think too much. Be confident and focus on one goal: finish the song.

You'll start writing down the structure of a song that you like and that will be your structure for the song. You don't have to think on what's next, you have it there.

Now that you have the structure, it's time to write midi drums. You can take the groove of any other song that you like and write it down. At this point you don't have chords or riffs so it can be simple, and then you adapt it. You don't need to have a 3 minutes drum track yet, it's ok if you have 1 minute (intro, verse, pre chorus, chorus) to start working on other stuff.

So, that's the first assignment. I'll wait for the structure in words, and drums in a one minute track.

Deal?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 15 2017, 05:47 PM

Yes, ok. I'm going home to meet a contractor in a bit, so I'll have some time to work uninterrupted before the family gets home. I'll try to finish that assignment tonight. By MIDI drums, do you mean selecting loops for each section, or actually MIDI programming the drum hits manually? If so, I imagine you also mean just the basics like snare, kick, maybe some hi-hat?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 15 2017, 09:48 PM

Ok, done. I chose to model my song after https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKz2U4fvA4U

The parts break down to this:
intro
riff
verse
chorus
riff
verse
chorus
bridge/solo
riff
chorus
riff

and here is my drum track to match the song.
https://soundcloud.com/pragmapack/drums1

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 16 2017, 04:33 PM

Hi mate, is the track working for you? I don't know why but it doens't play in my computer. Please upload a mp3 file here.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 16 2017, 04:41 PM

Hmmm, maybe I can see it because I'm logged into Soundcloud... dunno here's the file

 drums1.mp3 ( 5.53MB ) : 70

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 17 2017, 04:11 PM

Excellent! It's time to start building some chord progressions and riffs. The idea is to get a cool riff now but first you need some inspiration. Learn a few cool riffs from other bands than Velvet Revolver. Go for Audioslave, STP, Black Stone Cherry, Alice In Chains. Learn 2 from each and write down the scale used for each.

Then, jam over your drum track creating variations of the riffs. Try things like this:

- Divide the riff in 2, and see keeping one part and changing the other.

- Play one of the riffs but with the rhythm of other riff learnt.

- Took one riff made with Minor Scale and transpose it to pentatonic.

- Transpose a riff, and change the rhythm.


Share here the cooler ideas that you get.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 18 2017, 02:36 AM

I listened to a few Audioslave and Alice in Chains songs and learned a couple riffs from them. There were a lot of songs in the key of Em, so I went with that because then you can use the open strings. So, here's tonight's riffs kinda merging those two bands into one. What do you think?

 riffs.mp3 ( 426.94K ) : 56

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 18 2017, 03:40 PM

Hi mate! Well done! Can we have at least 5 possible riffs to choose?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 19 2017, 01:54 AM

Yes, I'll keep them coming. Here's tonight's Riff #2 For this one I tried Drop D tuning
 riff2.mp3 ( 480K ) : 63

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 21 2017, 04:19 AM

That's really cool! Keep the riff coming until you reach #5.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 23 2017, 06:57 PM

It's tough to come up with all these ideas... but here they are riff 3,4 & 5. Some of the later ones I don't think are the best, but I decided I was thinking about it too hard and that was slowing down the creativity, so I just banged them out.

 riff3.mp3 ( 200.41K ) : 55

 riff4.mp3 ( 267.35K ) : 64

 riff5.mp3 ( 373.47K ) : 59

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 24 2017, 04:37 PM

Hey mate! This is getting better and better!

My favorite riff is number 4, and number 5 is also interesting. However, you can go for your favorite from the 5 that you've composed.

I even think that both 4 and 5 could be part of the same song. The, we'll see.

The next step is to compose the stuff aroung the riff, so now you have to get back to the first inspiration, Velvet Revolver song.

Analyze how the other sections are related to the main riff:

- What's the relationship between the main riff and the verse?
- What's the relationship between the main riff and the pre-chorus?
- What's the relationship between the main riff and the chorus?


Ideas of answers:

Is the verse and variation of the main riff? Is it the same riff but muted? Is it anything else?

How long is the pre-chorus if there is one? What's the relation between the last chord of the verse and the pre-chorus? Do the drums keep the same groove?

The same with the chorus... relattion between last chord from the pre-chorus and the first from the chorus. Chorus structure: how many chords? how many measures? How many chords per measure?



I think that you can do this analisis with the original song, but also with some other songs of the same type.

Write down all the answers and conclusions.

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 28 2017, 03:15 PM

Ok great, I'm on it. Sorry for the slow response, I was having a beach weekend with the family.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 28 2017, 06:41 PM

Ok! Enjoy your vacation!

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 30 2017, 09:01 PM

Ok, here's my analysis of Velvet Revolver's Slither:

- What's the relationship between the main riff and the verse?
Same riff but muted (except for last two note unmuted accent), some single note riff overdubs.

- What's the relationship between the main riff and the pre-chorus?
They are the same riff, pre-chorus 2 bars

- What's the relationship between the main riff and the chorus?
Chorus is D,C,G,D backing chords with single note main riff overdub. The first/last chord of chorus is D which is the starting note of the main riff, D. The chords are each held for 2 bars. Snare drum hits every 4 beats, instead of every 1, a much slower groove. Total chorus length, 8 bars.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 31 2017, 02:27 PM

Nice! I assume that you are starting to have the map of the song in your mind much clearer. Have you checked analized this in other songs?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 31 2017, 02:29 PM

No, that was the first song I analyzed, but yes I am getting the feel for the song structure. I think I'm overthinking it all to some degree. Should I keep analyzing songs, or is there another next step?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 1 2017, 05:03 PM

I've been doing this for 15 years, and I'm still going... does it answer your question?

Let's analize 2 more at least before moving on...

mm did I say 15? I think that 20...

Posted by: yoncopin Sep 18 2017, 02:05 PM

Ok, admission time.... it's now been two weeks since our last exchange. Granted, I have been busy (true but still an excuse). I asked for your help and you gave it, and I am very grateful, but if I'm being honest I've come to realize something about myself. I don't think I actually want to write songs bad enough to put in the real work to get better at it. I've been avoiding this assignment now long enough. I think I'm ok with just improving my playing rather than my writing. I've come to realize that they are completely separate activities, while for the longest time I thought you needed to write to progress on the guitar. I think I'm going to return to learning some lessons, it's really what I enjoy and I find motivation to do that comes easy. Sorry if I disappoint...

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 18 2017, 04:49 PM

Hi mate,

I agree that it seems that this are like two separate worlds, but at the same time, I also think that everything is related so no matter if you dedicate time to practice, improvise or compose, you are building your own voice as a musician. Every person is different and that's why we have so many voices, and so many differeng music styles. Maybe you don't enjoy songwriting, but you like improvisation, maybe you preffer re-arranging songs and play them with your style, who knows... everything is valid and welcome.

What I know from my experience is that composition can be trained and it can take a lot of hard work to compose stuff that we are proud of... but it's nothing different to guitar playing which also requires a lot of practice.

The secret is to enjoy the journey, so I think that being honest with yourself is the key to move forward.

I'm here ready to help with the next steps of your gutar journey.

Posted by: yoncopin Nov 8 2017, 02:40 AM

Hi Gabe,
I started trying to transcribe that Richie Faulkner solo (video below). I got the first few bars pretty quick, but when he starts doing the unison bends on 14 I started to think he may have his guitar tuned down? The opening E chord seems different sounding than when I play it too, but he's using the whammy bar to rise into it so I'm not sure. I was wondering if you could tell?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 8 2017, 04:02 PM

Hi mate, yes, he is using flat tuning, everything is "b". Is that what you are asking?

Posted by: yoncopin Nov 8 2017, 04:03 PM

So Eb standard tuning?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 8 2017, 04:10 PM

Yes, I've been playing along with the solo. There are many great licks there!

Posted by: yoncopin Nov 9 2017, 02:25 PM

Thanks! That helped a lot

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 9 2017, 06:47 PM

Keep me updated, and let me know if any lick becomes impossible to recognize.

Posted by: yoncopin Nov 10 2017, 02:27 AM

Here's the opening and the first phrases. I obviously can't play it well at all, but I think the notes are right? I unblocked my Ibanez trem to learn this one, I have never used one so I have a lot to learn. I think I'm playing the right notes, but it almost doesn't even sound like the same song, maybe just because I can't really play it.

Edit: I'm going to leave this video here, but I got this audio into my DAW and realized some notes were wrong. Plus, I got the tempo aligned (135bpm) and am already playing better than in the video. My comment about it not sounding like the same song is improving.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 13 2017, 03:57 PM

Hi mate! Great to see you playing this!

Yeah, I note that there are things that are different, but it's getting there. The main difference is related to rhythm of some phrases, so I think that it would be better to practice over metronome, or maybe create a backing track, in different tempos. You could also play along with the youtube audio and slow it down (there is an option at youtube).

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 13 2018, 02:14 AM

Hey Gabe! I just finished reading your take on my hard rock REC, as well as the other instructor's comments. I kinda find myself following a repeating cycle when I work a lesson for a long time. After weeks of practicing, I start to really grasp things and feel like I've "got it" I submit my video and after reading everyone's comments, immediately see the flaws and am a bit disappointed with my performance, then those flaws are all I can see.

On this one, the tone is clearly wrong. I did a quick dry take and reamped it and found a much better tone in minutes. I guess I got excited and recorded my "in the room" tone, which isn't always the right recorded tone, I've found they're often different.

I definitely slipped a bend and missed a note at the end, I knew that, but now I see the uneven vibrato and nervousness too. I think that comes from being right on the edge at the highest tempo, but it's a bit more discouraging. I've been working my bending and vibrato since we started together years ago. I think it's improving, but is it? It seems like always the same issues. Am I just trying harder music or is there something missing? Do you see the progress? Any tips on the post REC blues? Maybe I should write a song about it Thanks.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 13 2018, 03:24 PM

Hi mate, good post!

The answer to your question is YES, I note progress.

I understand what you mean about not hearing the things to fix at first and then hearing only the problems. That's normal and it's part of the learning process, and it means that your ear is being trained.

There is an element which is very important here and it's "focus" as a synonymous of "Where you put your attention". Focus is amazing related to the things that we hear. It happens all the time, we can think that something sound good until someone says, isn't this too bassy? and then, we start to hear it extremely bassy. However, we learn from each experience, and we start to contemplate more things everytime we listen to something, and this can also happen when we listen what we are playing at the moment.

I don't think that you aren't able to play with better vibrato, or that you can't hit the right pitch with your bending. I think that you were focusing on other elements from the lesson and that's why they are not precise.

The key here is to dedicate some time this week focusing on this elements, and you'll not only be training your technique, you'll also be training your ear and this will happen less and less in the future.

Does it make sense?

Posted by: yoncopin Aug 14 2018, 08:27 PM

Yes, thank you for your thoughtful answer. I'll keep working on it. Your take on focus feels spot on. It's always a careful balance between speed, tension, tempo, vibrato and that's a lot to juggle when you're recording something challenging. I'm glad to hear you note progress, I do too, but it's good to hear someone else say it from time to time. You're also right about training yourself to notice those small details. I notice a LOT more details when I listen to other people's videos or any of my older ones. I suppose all of that means I'm on the right track and need to keep at it like always. Thanks for the encouragement Gabe!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 15 2018, 09:50 PM

YES, you are!!

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 5 2019, 01:36 AM

Hi Gabe! It's been a while since I posted in our mentor thread... but I could use some mentoring I've been feeling kinda discouraged with my playing lately and I was hoping you could help me make a plan to find my way back.

My favorite thing to do is jam to a backing track, my goal is to take that as far as I can and to be as expressive as I can with chords and soloing. I suppose that has a lot in common with songwriting, and I would love to write and record my own songs. I'm guessing my reason for avoiding songwriting is I still feel like my technique and musical creativity/expression still can't realize the songs I have in my head. I don't want to spend a lot of time on something and have it fall short, even if I'm the only person who'll ever listen to it. I also feel like I just don't have a whole lot to say musically, my "vocabulary" is just a small bag of licks. How can I say anything with only a few words and phrases?

I've also been really frustrated with my speed. It feels like an unattainable goal to shred like you guys can. I don't know what I'm doing or not doing that makes it seem so unreachable. I was trying to learn https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Phil-Collen-Intermediate/ and the lick at 0:35 just feels impossible and the rest is relatively easy. I've been practicing it for ages and it just seems like time wasted because I'm nowhere near the speed I'd have to reach to play it. Learning songs that have any hint of speed seem off limits to me. At the same time, the styles I want to play don't use a lot of shred speed so I'm not sure if I'm focusing on the wrong thing.

Anyway, that was just a brain dump. I was hoping you could make some sense of it and help me get a plan sorted. My goals are pretty vague right now. Below are a few artists I'd love to sound like. Thanks!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 5 2019, 03:00 PM

Hi mate! Your ideas and goals are very clear. This is what I would do:

- Improvisation Practice: I would dedicate a good amount of my practice time to improvise over different backing tracks. Getting into blues, following the chords, triads and modes use as well as other concepts. Kris Dahl's Jam School lessons and his live streams should give lots of ideas.

- Technique: Being able to play some fast passages is always nice but you don't need to be Jason Becker to play in the style of the vids that you've shared. Being able to master Paul Gilbert & Zakk wylde style exercises should be your one of your diary goals but not everything. Youi don't need lots of exercise, you like these ones, an all the variations that you can create by yourself:



- Composition: Dedicate some improvisation time to jam over drum loops can be a good first step to compose rhythms, riffs and chord progressions that can become songs then.


You can use this thread to share your progress to stay motitaved! What do you think?

Posted by: yoncopin Jun 7 2019, 11:52 PM

Ok, yes thanks. I do a lot of improvisation but it has gotten stale. I'm going to start working a few new small licks as well as just being able to run the pentatonic boxes up and down at decent speed, that's not something I can do right now. I often wondered if speed was some general skill you built or if it was speed on certain things you'd practiced a lot. Regardless, improving speed on the pentatonic shapes would probably be useful.

I'm going to try to record my practicing/jams maybe I'll find out I have more creative ideas than I thought. I also think jamming with only drums could be useful without the chords to guide you, but something to give you some musical enthusiasm. I'll try sharing some things and see if that can help bring some focus. Thanks!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jun 9 2019, 06:31 AM

That sounds great mate! Playing Pentatonics up and down at fast tempos is not an easy job. Speed is achieved by practice small blocks as loops every day. Repetition is the key. Those things that you practice more are the ones that you’ll play faster.

Recording your jams and practice sessions is an excellent plan. Feel free to share them here so I can give you some feedback.

Keep me updated!