Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Alternate Picking Workout
Posted by: Gert1973 Apr 14 2023, 10:46 AM
Hi Monica,
New lesson... first take...
I have been practising this lesson for 2 weeks now. Today I made the first recording and it hits me immediately when I see myself playing. I believed during practise, I made small movements with my fingers. And when I see myself play... it's the opposite 
So that's already something to work on. I did the whole lesson in this first take. And I already know you're going to say I have to break it into pieces 
But I just like to do the full lesson, so in one month from now, I can look back and see the progression.
So here it is...
Analysis:
I think there a good difference between muted and not muted.
11: missed a note
26: bad note
1.23: missed the note and vibrato
1.27: screwed this up
1.30: missed this note
2.16: missed this vibrato
2.21: tapping needs more work
2.27: missed a note
1.18-1.35: this part definately needs more work
Question:
1.21: Darius makes the vibrato with 2 fingers
1.28: Darius only uses one finger (see video 5 around 1.15)
1.33: Darius also uses one finger (see video 5 around 1.19)
Where he uses one finger, he does not tough the botton of the fretboard and kind of makes the vibrato with a loose finger. To me it does not look like the correct technique for vibrato, right?
Don't worry if I get feedback AFTER this weekend 
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Apr 14 2023, 12:51 PM
Hi Gert!
First of all, I want to say that I absolutely love to work with you. 
I know how many new things you have learned this week and I'm very proud of you and your awesome attitude.
Hahaha...you know me very well. I was going to say "to break it into pieces".
At least, for a short period until you fix the important issues that I will point out immediately. Then you can practice the entire lesson without any kind of problem because the lesson is based only on the alternate picking technique.
Let's start with the details:
Right hand:
1. Picking direction - you need to review this.
0:14; :21; 0:33, 0:39; etc - you don't keep a good picking direction assignment. You tend to do 2 downstrokes instead of the downstroke and upstroke. This makes you change the direction of picking and everything will sound different. You end the phrase with downstroke instead of upstroke as Darius did.
So, that's the most important thing to fix in your take.
2. You need to add more power to your right hand.
On the E lower string you make wide movements, which is perfect for this lesson. Unfortunately, when you switch on the other strings you start to minimize the movements. Due to this, your notes stop sounding equal, some of them sound shorter than they should be and give a staccato kind of feel, which is wrong. Also, some notes have a weaker sound.
3. Try to control a little better the difference between muting vs open strings.
You have already got which notes are played with muting and which notes are without muting. The problem is that sometimes 1-2 notes sound open in the palm muting part and vice versa.
Left hand:
4. Try to minimize your finger movements (you also noticed this issue ). Keep your fingers closer to the frets. Look at Darius' fingers and try to copy the same position/movements.
At this moment your pinky and ring finger seem to swim backstroke (look at 0:53 - 0:56).
5. Your question about vibrato.
No, the technique is not wrong. There are many types of vibrato: classical vibrato, soft, shallow, wide, vibrato with variable speed, etc. Each will deliver a different kind of sound.
In the slow video no 5, Darius makes a combination between:
- classical vibrato (that hand position and that finger used it's common when you make classical vibrato)
- vibrato with a random speed variation. This means just a fast vibration - similar to a trill, where you repeat two notes very fast, but there is no match with any beat measuring.
What I would like you to do, is to make the same kind of vibrato, like Darius does in the main video from the lesson (not like in the slow video 5). Let's first learn how to manage the normal vibrato, played using the hand position that you already know. We will have enough time in other lessons to approach many more types of vibrato.
Overall, you are going in a good direction. For next time, please prepare a shorter part () and try to fix the details that I pointed out earlier (and also the details that you highlighted).
Posted by: Gert1973 Apr 19 2023, 02:37 PM
First of all, I want to say that I absolutely love to work with you.
I know how many new things you have learned this week and I'm very proud of you and your awesome attitude.Hahaha...you know me very well.
I was going to say "to break it into pieces". At least, for a short period until you fix the important issues that I will point out immediately. Then you can practice the entire lesson without any kind of problem because the lesson is based only on the alternate picking technique.
Let's start with the details:
Right hand:
1. Picking direction - you need to review this.
0:14; :21; 0:33, 0:39; etc - you don't keep a good picking direction assignment. You tend to do 2 downstrokes instead of the downstroke and upstroke. This makes you change the direction of picking and everything will sound different. You end the phrase with downstroke instead of upstroke as Darius did.
So, that's the most important thing to fix in your take.
2. You need to add more power to your right hand.
On the E lower string you make wide movements, which is perfect for this lesson. Unfortunately, when you switch on the other strings you start to minimize the movements. Due to this, your notes stop sounding equal, some of them sound shorter than they should be and give a staccato kind of feel, which is wrong. Also, some notes have a weaker sound.
3. Try to control a little better the difference between muting vs open strings.
You have already got which notes are played with muting and which notes are without muting. The problem is that sometimes 1-2 notes sound open in the palm muting part and vice versa.
Left hand:
4. Try to minimize your finger movements (you also noticed this issue
). Keep your fingers closer to the frets. Look at Darius' fingers and try to copy the same position/movements.At this moment your pinky and ring finger seem to swim backstroke (look at 0:53 - 0:56).
5. Your question about vibrato.
No, the technique is not wrong. There are many types of vibrato: classical vibrato, soft, shallow, wide, vibrato with variable speed, etc. Each will deliver a different kind of sound.
In the slow video no 5, Darius makes a combination between:
- classical vibrato (that hand position and that finger used it's common when you make classical vibrato)
- vibrato with a random speed variation. This means just a fast vibration - similar to a trill, where you repeat two notes very fast, but there is no match with any beat measuring.
What I would like you to do, is to make the same kind of vibrato, like Darius does in the main video from the lesson (not like in the slow video 5). Let's first learn how to manage the normal vibrato, played using the hand position that you already know. We will have enough time in other lessons to approach many more types of vibrato.
Overall, you are going in a good direction. For next time, please prepare a shorter part (
) and try to fix the details that I pointed out earlier (and also the details that you highlighted). Hi Monica,
As requested... a shorter piece of the alternate picking lesson
I only played the first 8 bars.
I have payed attention to the picking direction, which is good now and also the movement of my right hand. I think I make more equal picking movements and strength. I think I also have a better difference between muted and unmuted notes.
My left hand (fingers) movement although is a little bit better. From my point of view, it always seems like I have my fingers close to the fretboard. But from a third person, it tells something different.
I have studied the left hand of Darius, and I can see he sometimes also has his pinky far from the fretboard. So I think it's something normal that the pinky is less controllable when you add force with the first or second finger. But I will try to minimise my movements a little bit more...
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Apr 19 2023, 04:35 PM
As requested... a shorter piece of the alternate picking lesson
I only played the first 8 bars.
I have payed attention to the picking direction, which is good now and also the movement of my right hand. I think I make more equal picking movements and strength. I think I also have a better difference between muted and unmuted notes.
My left hand (fingers) movement although is a little bit better. From my point of view, it always seems like I have my fingers close to the fretboard. But from a third person, it tells something different.
I have studied the left hand of Darius, and I can see he sometimes also has his pinky far from the fretboard. So I think it's something normal that the pinky is less controllable when you add force with the first or second finger. But I will try to minimise my movements a little bit more...
Hi Gert!
I can say that you succeeded in improving a lot of things in such a short time.
I love the fact that now you play the notes equally. You added force to your right hand when you pick the notes and this highly improved the sound delivered.
You also minimized the left hand movements a little more and that is great. Overall, your left hand started looking better. Of course, you need to control these movements even more, but soon you will succeed in this.
Yes, the difference between palm muted and unmuted notes is awesome now!!! This is exactly what we need to hear. Good work!!!
Now there are two things that I really don't like and we need to fix them.
1. Your right hand doesn't look so good because it's too tense. There are moments when your hand looks like a piece of ice and moments when you try to play using weird positions for your hand.
0:18-0:21 and 0:24 -0:27 - in these spots your hand doesn't keep a good position, and you also change the angle of the pick.
When you play the open notes on the E lower string, please don't do that movement with your right hand. Don't switch the angle of your hand, the angle of your pick and don't take away your fingers from the strings in such a way. How you keep your hand to play those unmuted notes is wrong.
To fix this issue, you need to:
First thing - use your forearm to move your hand a little up on your guitar to reach the E lower string easily.
Second thing - keep your pinky finger on the higher strings and just release the pressure from the lower strings (leave a space between your hand and E lower string).
Please look at Darius' right hand and copy the same movement. On the slow video number 2 you will see perfectly how your hand should stay when you play the unmuted notes.
2. Left hand - starting with 0:16 you tend to keep your pinky finger in a very flat position. This adds tension to your left hand and it also doesn't look good. Relax your finger. Let him stay in a natural position like you do with the other fingers.
Overall, I'm very satisfied with what you have done today. For next time, try to fix the issues that I pointed out. You can add a few more bars.
Congrats on your awesome work!!!
Posted by: Gert1973 May 1 2023, 12:14 PM
Good afternoon Monica,
I have been working on the issues you pointed out. And I think I managed to improve them...
Analysis:
6: this note was too weak
51: unwanted string noise from G-string
Overall I think I manage to keep my right hand very relaxed (I've been training for that and will continue doing off course)
My left hand is also more relaxed and more close to the fretboard
As always curious about your feedback
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 1 2023, 03:12 PM
I have been working on the issues you pointed out. And I think I managed to improve them...
Analysis:
6: this note was too weak
51: unwanted string noise from G-string
Overall I think I manage to keep my right hand very relaxed (I've been training for that and will continue doing off course)
My left hand is also more relaxed and more close to the fretboard
As always curious about your feedback
Hi Gert!
You definitely improved a lot of things.
First of all, I like the fact that your left hand is more relaxed and the movements are more minimized. That is awesome.
But....I don't like the fact that you still play with your pinky finger in a flat position. This doesn't look good at all. You need to fix this issue because it will turn out into a bad habit and this will cause you trouble when you will learn to play legato, pull off, etc.
Your right hand looks less tense than the last time. With a little more practice, you will be able to play more relaxed.
I'm happy that you started fixing the right hand issue when you play the open notes on the E lower string. It's better but still not correct.
When you play open notes your fingers should not fly in the air. Rest your ring and pinky finger under the E higher string (but touching it). You need to block the strings to avoid unwanted noises.
Here you can see the difference between your hand and Darius' hand (the same spot of the song):
So...all you need to do is to keep your right hand like Darius. Let a space only where your hand touch the E lower string. The rest of the hand touches the other strings. Keep in mind that you need to change the resting point. In this way, you will have the open notes played clearly and you will avoid unwanted string noises.
Be careful because when you play with palm muting you press too hard with your hand on the strings and that's why the notes have a staccato sound. Also, because of that, you have moments when some notes have a "stuck sound".
How we add pressure matters because it changes the sound. Where we keep the hand also matters (near the bridge, further from the bridge and closer to the neck) and will change the sound.
A slight pressure will give you a light muting with a fuller sound.
A heavy muting (too much pressure added) will enhance the staccato effect and will make the notes less recognizable.
Now I want you to remember something. When we did the "Palm muting" lesson, we talked about the sweet spot.
In your previous take of this lesson, you kept the right hand in a better position regarding palm muting sound. You can make a comparison.
So, move your right hand just a little to the right side and the sound of the palm muting will be improved.
Another thing is timing. Don't rush the notes and play them equally.
For next time, try to fix the details that I pointed out.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 May 2 2023, 03:32 PM
Hi Monica,
I made this recording to at least fix the muting problem. I was indeed pressing to hard on the strings and I think in this take it's better.
About the open notes on the low E-string: I need to practise this a little bit more but I managed to rest at least my pinky and a little bit my ring finger on the high E-string. It gives me a better controle to play those the open notes.
But the big issue I encounter is getting my hand the same as Darius.
When I don't play guitar and I let my right hand loose and relax it without holding a pic, my pinky is a little bit bend and goes away from my ring finger. They don't stay together. If I want my pinky next to my ring finger, I need to use a little force and my hand does not feel relaxed anymore.
I tried to play it in this take and hold my hand in the same way as Darius and tried not to stretch my pinky but I feel I need to use little force and it does not feel comfortable. Not in the same way as the last recording. Now my hand feels more tensed.
When I play the low E-string, my pinky, ring finger and middle finger do not come over the high E-string because they are too short.
I tried to play the low E, A and D-string with my hand fully relaxed and my pinky, ring and middle rush over the B-string and high E-string. But in a relaxed position, they are as in the previous take. My pinky looks stretched but it had very little tension and is quite relaxed. So I don't know if it's a good thing to have this tension I feel in this take.
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 2 2023, 07:41 PM
I made this recording to at least fix the muting problem. I was indeed pressing to hard on the strings and I think in this take it's better.
About the open notes on the low E-string: I need to practise this a little bit more but I managed to rest at least my pinky and a little bit my ring finger on the high E-string. It gives me a better controle to play those the open notes.
But the big issue I encounter is getting my hand the same as Darius.
When I don't play guitar and I let my right hand loose and relax it without holding a pic, my pinky is a little bit bend and goes away from my ring finger. They don't stay together. If I want my pinky next to my ring finger, I need to use a little force and my hand does not feel relaxed anymore.
I tried to play it in this take and hold my hand in the same way as Darius and tried not to stretch my pinky but I feel I need to use little force and it does not feel comfortable. Not in the same way as the last recording. Now my hand feels more tensed.
When I play the low E-string, my pinky, ring finger and middle finger do not come over the high E-string because they are too short.
I tried to play the low E, A and D-string with my hand fully relaxed and my pinky, ring and middle rush over the B-string and high E-string. But in a relaxed position, they are as in the previous take. My pinky looks stretched but it had very little tension and is quite relaxed. So I don't know if it's a good thing to have this tension I feel in this take.
Hi Gert!
Great, you found the sweet spot for muting, the notes have a fuller sound and that is good. It's exactly what we want to hear.
I also can see that you have got better control when you play the open notes on E lower string. Now your right hand has a good position to execute these notes. With a little more practice, this part will sound perfect.
Now let's go further and solve the other issues that you pointed out.
That's a normal thing and happens to all of us.
If we keep the hand relaxed without holding a pick, the pinky finger will not stay glued to the ring finger. It will go away from the ring finger. When I play the low E-string, my pinky, ring finger and middle finger do not come over the high E-string because they are too short.
I tried to play the low E, A and D-string with my hand fully relaxed and my pinky, ring and middle rush over the B-string and high E-string. But in a relaxed position, they are as in the previous take. My pinky looks stretched but it had very little tension and is quite relaxed. So I don't know if it's a good thing to have this tension I feel in this take.
Don't worry, from what I see, your fingers are long enough to cover all the strings. They aren't too short.
No, you should not feel your hand tensed. Just a wrong hand position can create this.
To fix these issues be careful at:
1. Where you rest your wrist on your guitar. If it's placed too high on the guitar, the fingers will not be able to cover all the strings. Do an experiment and move your wrist in different positions (higher/lower) and you will feel when the hand is in the correct position.
2. Assure yourself that when you make palm muting, you rest your side (not the palm) of your hand on the strings. The side of your hand that is below the pinky finger.
I tend to believe that from here comes the issues with the tensed hand and short fingers.
Take a look at this lesson (video number 2) and you will see the explanation for the hand position:
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Palm-Muting-Technique/?part=2
Let me know how things work.
EDIT: I woke up and thought that the best way to convince you that your hand/ fingers aren't too short is to measure my hand and post a picture.
I know how many times I tried to explain to Darius that my hand is too short, but every time he destroyed my theories.
After you will make a comparison between our hands, I'm sure you will laugh.
As you see in the picture, from the tip of the longest finger (middle finger) to the crease under the palm, I have 16,3 cm.
My pinky finger has - 5,1 cm
Ring finger - 6,7 cm
Middle finger - 7,1 cm
Index finger - 6,6 cm
See...my hand is not as huge as you think.
I'm very curious when you will make the measurements of your hand, if you will still believe that your fingers are too short.
Posted by: Gert1973 May 3 2023, 10:56 AM
Good morning Monica,
Hahahahaha.... thank you for this great picture and measurements
I just took a similar picture but I don't know how to insert an image here
I can see 'insert image' but it asks me to insert a url link...
So, something more you have to teach me
Anyway... our hands have very similar measures!!
Full hand: 16,5 cm
Pinky: 5 cm
Ring finger: 6,5 cm
Middle finger: 7,3 cm
Index: 6,3 cm
Conclusion 1: I have small hands for being a full grown male person
Conclusion 2: From now on when you say you can do it, I know it's possible with my hands too
Btw... I'm very interested in buying a new guitar: LTD MK 600. IT's a flying V type and great for metal!
-> I did some research in specs and I think this guitar can be very good for my hand size. It has some similar specs as my Gibson Les Paul, which also favours people with smaller hands.
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 3 2023, 12:21 PM
Hahahahaha.... thank you for this great picture and measurements
I just took a similar picture but I don't know how to insert an image here
I can see 'insert image' but it asks me to insert a url link...
So, something more you have to teach me
Anyway... our hands have very similar measures!!
Full hand: 16,5 cm
Pinky: 5 cm
Ring finger: 6,5 cm
Middle finger: 7,3 cm
Index: 6,3 cm
Conclusion 1: I have small hands for being a full grown male person
Conclusion 2: From now on when you say you can do it, I know it's possible with my hands too
Btw... I'm very interested in buying a new guitar: LTD MK 600. IT's a flying V type and great for metal!
-> I did some research in specs and I think this guitar can be very good for my hand size. It has some similar specs as my Gibson Les Paul, which also favours people with smaller hands.
Hahaha....I knew you would laugh
I'm happy that we solved the fingers length problem.
Sure, I will explain to you how to post a picture. These are the steps:
1. Press "Reply"
2. Press "Browse" and select the file from your PC.
3. Press "Upload"
4. Press on "Manage Current Attachments":
5. Choose the spot in the message where you want the picture to be inserted and press on the first item:
About Flying V type of guitars. I personally don't like them.
Look, the neck is comfortable for playing and these guitars are suitable for metal, but I find them uncomfortable to play in a seated position. The guitar just slides right off your leg if you try to rest it on its side. It forces you to play in a classical seated position. For me, this is a minus.
My advice is to go to a music store and try one. Try more types of guitars and see which one it fits with you.
I recommend you to also try a Jackson guitar (not because I love them). From all of the guitars that I tested, Jackson remains for me the most comfortable guitar. It has a very slim neck and no matter how small you have the hands, it's very easy to reach the higher frets. It's suitable for many music genres including metal.
But this is just my honest opinion about it. Test more guitars and choose the one that feels more comfortable in your hands.
It's not all about the shape of the guitar. Also, the neck shape (C, V, D, U, asymmetrical, etc) matter when we talk about playing comfort.
Posted by: Gert1973 May 3 2023, 02:29 PM
I'm happy that we solved the fingers length problem.
Sure, I will explain to you how to post a picture. These are the steps:
1. Press "Reply"
2. Press "Browse" and select the file from your PC.
3. Press "Upload"
4. Press on "Manage Current Attachments":
5. Choose the spot in the message where you want the picture to be inserted and press on the first item:
About Flying V type of guitars. I personally don't like them.
Look, the neck is comfortable for playing and these guitars are suitable for metal, but I find them uncomfortable to play in a seated position. The guitar just slides right off your leg if you try to rest it on its side. It forces you to play in a classical seated position. For me, this is a minus.
My advice is to go to a music store and try one. Try more types of guitars and see which one it fits with you.
I recommend you to also try a Jackson guitar (not because I love them). From all of the guitars that I tested, Jackson remains for me the most comfortable guitar. It has a very slim neck and no matter how small you have the hands, it's very easy to reach the higher frets. It's suitable for many music genres including metal.
But this is just my honest opinion about it. Test more guitars and choose the one that feels more comfortable in your hands.
It's not all about the shape of the guitar. Also, the neck shape (C, V, D, U, asymmetrical, etc) matter when we talk about playing comfort.
Ok, let's see if I can manage to insert an image...
Yesss, I can
Although the colour of my hand looks very creepy
About the flying V-type...
I know these types are best to play in the classical position. It was Todd who recommended me to play in classical position and I feel very comfortable playing in that position. Sometimes I try to play in the casual position but then my guitar slides of my right leg after 30 seconds. So that's why for me a flying V type could be a good thing.
My teacher in Belgium has this LTD MK 600 and from all his guitars, this guitar is his favourite. That's why I got interested in it and started to do research. It's not that he recommended this guitar. But because he talks very positive about this LTD flying V, I got interested.
And yes, I learned that the neck shape is also important. The LTD MK 600 has a thin U-shape. When I started taking lessons with him half year ago (my God, time flies
), I played the guitar for a few minutes and I remember how tin the neck felt compared to my Gibson Les Paul. Yesterday normally I had a session with him and I wanted to ask him if I could test his guitar for a little bit longer. But the lesson got cancelled because he spilt coffee on his interface
So I hope nothing got damaged. But next week is the next lesson and I will test his guitar then..
And I agree witth you it's a good thing to go to a store and test more guitars. The only problem with the LTD MK 600 is that at the moment, there's very limited stock. The nearest store is in Germany and a 5 hour ride from my place.
But I will certainly have a look at the Jackson guitars because you know what?? If you say they are good for small hands, then I believe you because I have the same size
Ok, practise time now...
Posted by: Gert1973 May 3 2023, 03:38 PM
Ok, back real quick because I want to find a good hand position...
I made this quick recording (without interface):
Let me know if this is going in the right direction
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 3 2023, 05:19 PM
Yesss, I can
Although the colour of my hand looks very creepy
About the flying V-type...
I know these types are best to play in the classical position. It was Todd who recommended me to play in classical position and I feel very comfortable playing in that position. Sometimes I try to play in the casual position but then my guitar slides of my right leg after 30 seconds. So that's why for me a flying V type could be a good thing.
My teacher in Belgium has this LTD MK 600 and from all his guitars, this guitar is his favourite. That's why I got interested in it and started to do research. It's not that he recommended this guitar. But because he talks very positive about this LTD flying V, I got interested.
And yes, I learned that the neck shape is also important. The LTD MK 600 has a thin U-shape. When I started taking lessons with him half year ago (my God, time flies
), I played the guitar for a few minutes and I remember how tin the neck felt compared to my Gibson Les Paul. Yesterday normally I had a session with him and I wanted to ask him if I could test his guitar for a little bit longer. But the lesson got cancelled because he spilt coffee on his interface
So I hope nothing got damaged. But next week is the next lesson and I will test his guitar then..
And I agree witth you it's a good thing to go to a store and test more guitars. The only problem with the LTD MK 600 is that at the moment, there's very limited stock. The nearest store is in Germany and a 5 hour ride from my place.
But I will certainly have a look at the Jackson guitars because you know what?? If you say they are good for small hands, then I believe you because I have the same size
Ok, practise time now...
Great....the picture that reveals the truth.
We really have similar hand sizes. I think when you will test and feel more guitars in your hands, you will know exactly which one is perfect for you.
Make searches, analyze things, think about how much money you want to spend on a guitar and choose the best option for you and for that range price. Don't rush is the best advice that I can give you.
BTW, the neck shapes between Jackson and the LTD MK 600 are quite similar.
I made this quick recording (without interface):
Let me know if this is going in the right direction
Yes, you are going in a good direction.
Your fingers cover the strings and also, when you play, the hand is not so tense anymore. The position looks ok. Just every time you start practicing the alternate picking lesson, assure yourself that you rest the side of your hand (below the pinky finger) on the strings. Have a great practice time!
Posted by: Gert1973 May 7 2023, 03:33 PM
Hi again
Practise day today, so here I am with a next recording.
I think my right hand has improved. I worked on the issue about my pinky gets stretched. In this take it looks ok to me...
I think I don't have small hands anymore
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 7 2023, 04:43 PM
Practise day today, so here I am with a next recording.
I think my right hand has improved. I worked on the issue about my pinky gets stretched. In this take it looks ok to me...
I think I don't have small hands anymore
Hi Gert!
Hahaha....your sentence "I think I don't have small hands anymore" made my day.
See...a measuring tape always solves the small hands problem.
Your right hand starts looking nice. Just be careful because you have moments when you still tend to add too much pressure to the strings. We need to avoid having notes with a staccato sound.
The pinky finger also acts well and I like the fact that you understood how you need to keep the right hand when you play the open notes on E lower string. Good job!!!
Now, one little trick for the left hand regarding the open notes on E lower string. Before and after you play the G# note (E lower string/4th fret) with your index finger, use it to block the below string (A string). In this way, you will be sure that will not appear unwanted noises. It's better to prevent it before it happens.
If you look at Darius' left hand, you will see that he also does this (slow video no 2).
For next time, I think you are ready to add more bars. I will let you choose how many.
Great work for today!!!
Posted by: Gert1973 May 12 2023, 04:18 PM
Hello Monica,
Here's a new take and I added 6 bars
Analysis:
17-19: when I play the open notes on the low E-string my pinky stretches
19: slightly hit the a-string
I see my pinky stays stretched for 10 seconds before it relaxed again.
I don't know if the muted notes are enough muted?
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 12 2023, 06:36 PM
Here's a new take and I added 6 bars
Analysis:
17-19: when I play the open notes on the low E-string my pinky stretches
19: slightly hit the a-string
I see my pinky stays stretched for 10 seconds before it relaxed again.
I don't know if the muted notes are enough muted?
Hi Gert!
Unfortunately, this time your take it doesn't sound so good. Maybe you were a little tired and that's why you couldn't focus at maximum.
First of all, you have timing issues. The weird thing is that in your previous attempts you did not have this problem.
At this moment, I think it is better to slow down the back track a little because you will not be able to play at this speed entire lesson.
Yes, the muted notes are not enough muted.
You modified the tone? Somehow, it sounds different than the last time. In your previous recording you played in a good way the open notes on E lower string. This time, it's like you make a huge effort to keep the right hand in a good way. I have the feeling that you fight with yourself to not take away the fingers from the higher strings.
I don't like how you do the upstrokes on the E lower string. Take a look at Darius' hand and try to copy the same movement/angle.
Today your right hand looks tense. You need to let some headroom for the wrist movement. To understand what I'm saying, take a look at this lesson "Alternate picking basics" made by Darius:
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Alternate-Picking-Basics/?part=main
Watch his slow videos about: hand position, resting points, wrist angle, pick angle. Try to apply his advice.
For next time, slow down the backing track and try to fix the issues that I pointed out.
Keep up your great work!
Posted by: Gert1973 May 15 2023, 02:24 PM
Hi Monica,
I'm back with another take.
About the previous take...
I think the timing issues came from editing in Logic pro. I think I could not align the video of my phone and the backing track 100%. Maybe that's why it seems there was a timing issue. Because in the original video, I did not have it.
And about the tone... I think there was another 'sound' active together with the sound of the alternate picking lesson. I forgot to mute it. And then you get a blend of two sounds. That must be the reason because I did not change a thing on the sound of this lesson.
About my hand, yes... it looks like it was too tensed, Allthough I did not have that feeling. But you're right, I was too tensed. I was thinking too much about that right hand to keep it good.
The past days, I trained a lot on the right hand and to keep it relaxed. And I feel improvement.
I looked at Darius' hand and tried out some things. His hand moves just a little bit when he plays the open notes on the low E-string. It seems I need to move up my hand a little bit more to have that low E-string not blocked with my palm. And them my hand start to flood in the air. Thats why it tensed up in the previous take.
I don't know if I fixed this issue entirely.
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 15 2023, 04:15 PM
I'm back with another take.
About the previous take...
I think the timing issues came from editing in Logic pro. I think I could not align the video of my phone and the backing track 100%. Maybe that's why it seems there was a timing issue. Because in the original video, I did not have it.
And about the tone... I think there was another 'sound' active together with the sound of the alternate picking lesson. I forgot to mute it. And then you get a blend of two sounds. That must be the reason because I did not change a thing on the sound of this lesson.
About my hand, yes... it looks like it was too tensed, Allthough I did not have that feeling. But you're right, I was too tensed. I was thinking too much about that right hand to keep it good.
The past days, I trained a lot on the right hand and to keep it relaxed. And I feel improvement.
I looked at Darius' hand and tried out some things. His hand moves just a little bit when he plays the open notes on the low E-string. It seems I need to move up my hand a little bit more to have that low E-string not blocked with my palm. And them my hand start to flood in the air. Thats why it tensed up in the previous take.
I don't know if I fixed this issue entirely.
Hi Gert!
Great to see a new take from you. This is definitely an improved one.
This time your right hand looks more relaxed. That's a really good thing.
Also, I like the fact that you kept quite good timing. There are just a few moments when you play some notes a little shorter than they should.
Try to play the notes with the palm muting a little clearer (as you played them at the beginning of the take).
Now about the open notes on the low E-string. I looked very closely at your hand and I noticed that you kept the wrist glued on the guitar. To make these notes sound good, you need to change the resting point.
I will try to explain you the hand position in a different way. Imagine that you have to play some chords and you need to execute strumming. When you do this, the wrist is not fixed on the guitar. Keep your wrist in the position for strumming and fix the pinky finger on the guitar after the higher E string.
Maybe this picture from the moment when Gabriel explained palm muting notes vs open notes, will give you a clear image of the hand position:
Of course, don't leave so much space between hand and strings.
I'm very satisfied with your today's take. Great work!!! For next time, you can add more bars.
Posted by: Gert1973 May 21 2023, 02:45 PM
Hello Monica,
A new recording with some extra bars
I have practised on the issue of the open notes on the low E-string and I think it's better now. Also try to pay attention to the muted notes so they do not sound staccato.
Here's the take:
26: my E-strings rings against the fretboard
38: missed a note
49: missed a note
I'm quite happy with this take. Not too many mistakes. I don't know if I have to make the picking movements more wide?
Have a nice sunday!
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 21 2023, 04:48 PM
A new recording with some extra bars
I have practised on the issue of the open notes on the low E-string and I think it's better now. Also try to pay attention to the muted notes so they do not sound staccato.
Here's the take:
26: my E-strings rings against the fretboard
38: missed a note
49: missed a note
I'm quite happy with this take. Not too many mistakes. I don't know if I have to make the picking movements more wide?
Have a nice sunday!
Hi Gert!
Your today's take sounds quite nice.
I can see some improvements.Yes, you need to make the picking movement more wide (exactly like you do when you play on the G string). This will help you to always keep good timing and also to play the notes more equally. This is highly important.
At this moment, because you do not use an equal distance when you pick, you tend to play some notes a little shorter than you should.
Also, you need to add more power to your picking hand. This will make you achieve the gain from the hand that we need and is missing from your take.
About the open notes on the low E string - it's better but still not ok. Your pinky finger does not give a good point of support.
Look at 0:24 - your pinky finger has got "moves like Jagger".
To have stability, your pinky should stay fixed on the guitar (like in the picture with Gabriel that I posted in the previous message) not on the E string how you made in the video.
I'm satisfied with your today's take. You succeeded in managing in a good way, the timing and also the contrast between muting vs open notes. If you fix all the things that I pointed out, your overall performance will be improved.
For next time, you can add a little more bars.
Also, I have an additional request. If you can, please make a second take which will contain only the part from 0:15 - 0:27. Play this very slowly and try to put the camera in such a way as to capt only your right hand. The idea is to try using the same angle like in the picture with Gabriel but catch a little more from your right hand (from the elbow).
I want to see exactly how your right hand acts when you switch from palm muting on open notes (low E string).
Keep up your awesome work!
Posted by: Gert1973 May 31 2023, 02:43 PM
Hi Monica,
Finally have some time to make this additional task... because the past week I have been a little busy with 'things'
I made the recording and then saw you asked to play it very slowly... that part I forgot
So let me know if the angle is good enough or I have to play it more slow. Then I will make a new one.
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici May 31 2023, 03:23 PM
Finally have some time to make this additional task... because the past week I have been a little busy with 'things'
I made the recording and then saw you asked to play it very slowly... that part I forgot
So let me know if the angle is good enough or I have to play it more slow. Then I will make a new one.
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Don't worry, I know how busy you were.
BTW...your new guitar looks awesome!!!
First of all, thank you for the fact that you did this additional task. The video is perfect. You don't need to make another one played much slower. From this angle, I can see exactly how your right hand acts when you play the open notes on the low E string.
The movement of your right hand is correct and I don't see any problem. The issue was probably corrected while practicing and that's awesome!
Just have more trust in your pinky finger and let the weight on it when you play those open notes (E string).
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 3 2023, 03:59 AM
Sweet Ibby!!!!! I love the Ibanez neck profile.
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jun 3 2023, 08:55 AM
The Ibanez and Jackson guitars really have an awesome neck profile.
You imagine how huge Gert felt the difference between the guitars, considering the fact that he owned a Gibson.
Gert can tell you better than me how much he loves Ibanez now. All I can say is that he wanted a guitar (a quality one), much more comfortable than Gibson (to reach the higher frets easily). During one month, he did research and learned a lot of things about guitars. The funny thing is that the story ends with him being the proud owner of two amazing Ibanez guitars (different guitars which combine everything he wanted).
I will let him tell you which models.
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 3 2023, 10:37 AM
You imagine how huge Gert felt the difference between the guitars, considering the fact that he owned a Gibson.
Gert can tell you better than me how much he loves Ibanez now. All I can say is that he wanted a guitar (a quality one), much more comfortable than Gibson (to reach the higher frets easily). During one month, he did research and learned a lot of things about guitars. The funny thing is that the story ends with him being the proud owner of two amazing Ibanez guitars (different guitars which combine everything he wanted).
I will let him tell you which models. Hi, my name is Gertbanez and I am the proud owner of 2 great Ibanez guitars
And yes Todd, I fell in love with the Ibanez after the first tough
Monica is right... it's a high difference with my Gibson. Not only can I finally reach the upper frets, but everything goes smoother nog because of the neck profile. It's a serious upgrade and I'm very happy with these Ibanez pearls!
And to reveal the models
:- Ibanez AZ2204N 22 frets (very versatile guitar soundwise)
- Ibanez J. Custom RG8570 24 frets with gotoh bridge and locking nut (the one from the video)
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 6 2023, 02:35 PM
Hi again Monica,
Here's an extended take of the alternate picking workout. I added a few extra bars...
Analysis:
24-27: it seems my low E-string is buzzing against the fret.
46: this note was not clear enough
1.34: this note also not clear enough
1.40: unwanted string noise. I think D-string rings here. This chord did not sound entirely right.
I'm curious what you think about the part I added...
Greetz,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jun 6 2023, 04:21 PM
Here's an extended take of the alternate picking workout. I added a few extra bars...
Analysis:
24-27: it seems my low E-string is buzzing against the fret.
46: this note was not clear enough
1.34: this note also not clear enough
1.40: unwanted string noise. I think D-string rings here. This chord did not sound entirely right.
I'm curious what you think about the part I added...
Greetz,
Gert
Hi again Gert!
Overall, your take sounds really nice. I like the fact that you keep quite a equal distance when you pick the strings. This is a very good thing.
Apart from the issues that you already pointed out, there are a few details that require attention.
1. When you play the notes with PM, you have moments when you press too hard with your right hand on the strings. This enhances the staccato effect and also makes some notes less recognizable.
Because each guitar is different, you also need to find the sweet spot for muting (hand position + amount of applied pressure) on your new Ibanez.
2. You play the open notes on the low E string much better. Just be careful to play all of them very equally.
3. The new part goes in a good direction, but you messed the picking direction.
Take a close look at 1:16; 1:22; 1:28. Every time you switch from D to G string, you use two downstrokes which is wrong. After you do the downstroke from the D string, you need to play the note on G string with upstroke. In this way, you will keep a correct picking direction.
There's a difference in sound between upstroke and downstroke. If I close my eyes, I can tell you where you stopped using the alternate picking.
4. The left hand on the new part. This doesn't look good from many points of view:
- stretch your fingers more and avoid making slides when you switch from your index to your pinky finger. At 1:21 and 1:27 you make very audible slides which is not correct.
- don't make that jump between your pinky and ring finger.
You need to review the fingering a little. Apart from the first lick (1:15 - 1:20) where you need to use your ring finger, on the rest of the licks (1:21 - 1:26 and 1:27 - 1:32) after the pinky finger, you need to use your middle finger as is in the lesson. You made this part look much harder than it is. Also, take away your pinky finger from the string only at the moment when you start playing the next note.
- you need to play the notes (1:15 - 1:32) more glued. Be very careful how Darius plays this part. Don't stop the notes earlier.
I'm satisfied with your today's take. There are a few issues but things are going in a very good direction.
For next time, try to apply the details that I pointed out. We need to fix these details before going further.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 11 2023, 02:35 PM
Hi Monica,
Have been practising some time now to try to fix the issues you pointed out.
The fingering was indeed not good. Although I find it more difficult to use my middle finger instead of the ring finger. Also I'm struggling to find the right sound with this guitar. I have tried all the different pick-up positions and the neck pick-up seems to work good. Although I don't like the sound of the open low E-string.
In this take, the difference between muting and open is not bad, but I had better takes before.
Here's the take:
Analysis:
24-27: E-string does not sound ok to me
42: two note are too staccato
53: this note does is blocked a little bit
1.22: this note did not ring good
I'm satified with this take. Need more practise on the last part but I think an improvement with the last take.
Have a great hopefully not too hot sunday
Greetz,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jun 11 2023, 03:59 PM
Have been practising some time now to try to fix the issues you pointed out.
The fingering was indeed not good. Although I find it more difficult to use my middle finger instead of the ring finger. Also I'm struggling to find the right sound with this guitar. I have tried all the different pick-up positions and the neck pick-up seems to work good. Although I don't like the sound of the open low E-string.
In this take, the difference between muting and open is not bad, but I had better takes before.
Here's the take:
Analysis:
24-27: E-string does not sound ok to me
42: two note are too staccato
53: this note does is blocked a little bit
1.22: this note did not ring good
I'm satified with this take. Need more practise on the last part but I think an improvement with the last take.
Have a great hopefully not too hot sunday
Greetz,
Gert
Hi Gert!
I can see that you fixed some of the issues.
From the fingering point of view, you played the new part correctly. Don't worry, the more you practice, the more easy you will find to play using the middle finger in that spot. Also, the sound is now more fluid/more glued because you don't do anymore that jump with the ring finger. That's really great!
Just try to have a much more natural hand position when you play this part. This means not letting your pinky finger swim on the back.
I'm sure at some point you will find a tone that you will like which will fit well with this guitar. It's good that you chose the neck pick-up position because Darius played this lesson on neck pick-up. It's a detail that we need to respect.
Same as you, I also don't like how open low E string sounds. Hmm...it sounds out of tune.
What I don't like in your take is the fact that in the new part you messed again the picking direction. Please, review point no 3 from my previous feedback.
Be careful when you switch from D to G string. Use a wider motion when you hit the D string with downstroke and, in this way, it will be easier to apply upstroke on the G string.
Overall, your take sounds really nice. I also like the fact that you succeeded in fixing a lot of details. Great work!
For next time, you can add a few more bars.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 11 2023, 04:58 PM
I can see that you fixed some of the issues.
From the fingering point of view, you played the new part correctly. Don't worry, the more you practice, the more easy you will find to play using the middle finger in that spot. Also, the sound is now more fluid/more glued because you don't do anymore that jump with the ring finger. That's really great!
Just try to have a much more natural hand position when you play this part. This means not letting your pinky finger swim on the back.
I'm sure at some point you will find a tone that you will like which will fit well with this guitar. It's good that you chose the neck pick-up position because Darius played this lesson on neck pick-up. It's a detail that we need to respect.
Same as you, I also don't like how open low E string sounds. Hmm...it sounds out of tune.
What I don't like in your take is the fact that in the new part you messed again the picking direction. Please, review point no 3 from my previous feedback.
Be careful when you switch from D to G string. Use a wider motion when you hit the D string with downstroke and, in this way, it will be easier to apply upstroke on the G string.
Overall, your take sounds really nice. I also like the fact that you succeeded in fixing a lot of details. Great work!
For next time, you can add a few more bars.
Have a great evening!
Hi Monica,
Thanks for the quick feedback... as always
About my low E-string. It was out of tune! I had my locking nuts open for the past days bacause I was waiting until the strings were 'settled in'. So today, I locked the nut and that must have done something with the tuning. Because they were in tune befote I locked the nut. Anyway, the E-string is back in tune
About point number 3... yes, I see now what I was doing wrong. 2 months ago when I learned this lesson, I just learned it wrong. I thought I had to do sweep picking at that spot. That's why I do 2 downstrokes from G to D. But I had a close look at Darius now and I see what I have been doing wrong the whole time. And when you pointed it out last time, I still did not see that I was doing it wrong on that spot. But ok, It will be fixed on the next take for sure
Enjoy your evening.
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jun 11 2023, 05:36 PM
Thanks for the quick feedback... as always
About my low E-string. It was out of tune! I had my locking nuts open for the past days bacause I was waiting until the strings were 'settled in'. So today, I locked the nut and that must have done something with the tuning. Because they were in tune befote I locked the nut. Anyway, the E-string is back in tune
About point number 3... yes, I see now what I was doing wrong. 2 months ago when I learned this lesson, I just learned it wrong. I thought I had to do sweep picking at that spot. That's why I do 2 downstrokes from G to D. But I had a close look at Darius now and I see what I have been doing wrong the whole time. And when you pointed it out last time, I still did not see that I was doing it wrong on that spot. But ok, It will be fixed on the next take for sure
Enjoy your evening.
Gert
You're welcome!
Great to hear that your E string is back in tune.
Don't worry because you didn't saw the picking direction issue. I know you always fix all the details.
Haha....you probably felt that the next lesson would be related to sweep picking. That's why you decided to learn this technique earlier.
Have a great practice time!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 14 2023, 02:56 PM
Hi Monica,
The past days I worked hard on the 2 last parts I added. The part with my picking issues and the extra part I added since the last take.
I isolated those parts and recorded it today.
I have tried to contain my pinky and I guess it's better now. It does not do backstrokes anymore. But my pinky likes to swim so... what can I do
Analysis:
11: note not well fretted
21: unwanted string noise
29: missed the timing here
44: missed a muted note
Still needs work but the part with the picking issue is already more fluent.
Have a great day!
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jun 14 2023, 04:14 PM
The past days I worked hard on the 2 last parts I added. The part with my picking issues and the extra part I added since the last take.
I isolated those parts and recorded it today.
I have tried to contain my pinky
and I guess it's better now. It does not do backstrokes anymore. But my pinky likes to swim so... what can I do Analysis:
11: note not well fretted
21: unwanted string noise
29: missed the timing here
44: missed a muted note
Still needs work but the part with the picking issue is already more fluent.
Have a great day!
Gert
Hi Gert!
Good decision to isolate and practice these parts separately.
About your pinky finger - looks a little better than last time but you still need to add a little more work on this area.
Your pinky still swims. I like the fact that you fixed the picking issue. Also, you are right, this part sounds more fluid. That's awesome!!!
To improve this section even more, try not to make audible pauses between the last 2 notes from each sequence (0:14 - 0:16; 0:20 - 0:22; 0:26 - 0:28). Remove the finger from the string only when you start playing the next note.
The extra part added - it goes in the good direction. Don't minimize the movements of your picking hand. It's just a reversed picking direction. You need to keep the same wide right hand movement.
A little more practice and these parts will start to sound good. Great work for today!
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 20 2023, 03:48 PM
Hello Monica,
I have prepared a new take on this lesson for you
As you will notice, it's the lesson from the beginning till the point where I got so far...
The first half starts to feel familiar as the second part will need more practise. So in the next days I will do some additional practise on the second part.
Analysis:
0-5: I was not entirely on the sweet spot here
1.14: Missed a note here
1.24: First play note and then vibrato
1.37: Played this not clear enough
1.43: I still need to make my picking direction more wide
I still can not tame my pinky. It is still doing backstrokes. He likes to swim... what can I say I have tried to figger out how to keep my pinky closer to the fretboard, but as you notice, I did not succeed. It feels very difficult to have control over my pinky.
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Manu RASSE Jun 20 2023, 03:53 PM
Hi Gert
Very great great job. Keep hard work.
Playing slowly like you do is very good to improve your playing
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jun 20 2023, 05:09 PM
I have prepared a new take on this lesson for you
As you will notice, it's the lesson from the beginning till the point where I got so far...
The first half starts to feel familiar as the second part will need more practise. So in the next days I will do some additional practise on the second part.
Analysis:
0-5: I was not entirely on the sweet spot here
1.14: Missed a note here
1.24: First play note and then vibrato
1.37: Played this not clear enough
1.43: I still need to make my picking direction more wide
I still can not tame my pinky. It is still doing backstrokes. He likes to swim... what can I say
I have tried to figger out how to keep my pinky closer to the fretboard, but as you notice, I did not succeed. It feels very difficult to have control over my pinky. Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
That's a really good take!!! I love the fact that you respected and managed in a great way the parts with muting vs open notes. That's awesome!!!
It's exactly the contrast that I want to hear. The second part also started to sound way better. I can see an improvement in your left hand. You are right, there are moments when you still tend to swim with the pinky finger.
Don't worry, it's normal and this issue will be fixed in a much longer time. But if you work on this daily, the problem will disappear faster.I know it's hard, but when you will get used to this harder part of the lesson, the easier it will be to ban swimming for your pinky.
For next time, besides the things that you pointed out (you did a great analysis), be careful to always be on the sweet spot when you play the muting sections.
Also, I would like you to try applying the type of vibrato that Darius used in the main video of the lesson (not in the slow videos from the lesson). It will give a different flavor to your take.
You can slow down the main video (50%) and take a look closely. First you need to play the note and then vibrate it using an oscillation a little wider (not too much because it will not fit anymore with the song).
You did a great work today!!! I'm very proud of you!!!
Have a nice evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 21 2023, 09:19 AM
Very great great job. Keep hard work.
Playing slowly like you do is very good to improve your playing
Hello Manu,
Thanks for the message...
And yes, playing very slow is a key factor to improve your skills. That much I already have learned the past 8 months
Hope you're doing well!
Gert
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 23 2023, 03:10 PM
Hello Monica,
Today I had a new take of this lesson on my schedule.
I tried to apply the type of vibrato as you suggested. It feels a little more easy so I think I managed it in a good way already. Maybe not perfect but after some more practise, this will become ok.
Analysis:
35: That note was a little too soft/staccato
55: note staccato
1.10: missed a note here
1.15: this note also missed
1.27: another note that was refused
I did 29 takes before I had this one. I notice my fretting hand gets a little more tense after so many takes. My pinky also swims more in take 30 then in take 1.
Hope you have a great day!
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jun 23 2023, 05:19 PM
Today I had a new take of this lesson on my schedule.
I tried to apply the type of vibrato as you suggested. It feels a little more easy so I think I managed it in a good way already. Maybe not perfect but after some more practise, this will become ok.
Analysis:
35: That note was a little too soft/staccato
55: note staccato
1.10: missed a note here
1.15: this note also missed
1.27: another note that was refused
I did 29 takes before I had this one. I notice my fretting hand gets a little more tense after so many takes. My pinky also swims more in take 30 then in take 1.
Hope you have a great day!
Gert
Hi Gert!
A nice new take from you. You found a sweet spot for muting and that is very good!!!
Besides the details that you pointed out, I don't see critical issues (only the ones you are already working on).
Your right hand works great. I like the fact that you have good right hand movements (equal distance).
The left hand looks better and better. The pinky finger still swims, but as I said in my previous feedback, this issue will be fixed in a much longer time.
You said that you noticed that your fretting hand was a little more tense after you played 29 takes. Don't worry, things like this happen at this learning stage. When you start the first recording you are very relaxed. You know very well that you need to use minimal movement of your fingers when fretting. But the more you play, you start losing control of the left hand and that's why your fingers start swimming. Taking away your left fingers too far from the fretboard makes you target the fret harder and also makes you add more pressure to the strings. All these things create tension in your hand.
To fix this - everytime, when you feel the most tiny tense in your left hand, it should be a trigger for you that it's time to minimize the movements and release a little the strength (work on applying the least pressure needed to make the notes ring clear).
Vibrato - you are going in a good direction but you need to make a little more wide movements and don't play this too fast (count the number of pulsations made by Darius for each vibrato).
You did a great work today!!! For next time, you can add the final part of the lesson.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jun 29 2023, 12:18 PM
Hello Monica,
Here's a take from the second part of the lesson, with the last part as a first take. The last part did not feel so difficult to me as it is not so technical. Only the trills are new to me but I watched how Darius performed it and tried to copy it as good as possible. Of course it still needs work and practise but for the first time I'm quite happy about it.
Analysis:
0-28: this part feels more relaxed and comfortable to play. It's smoother then the last take. The vibrato's are better I think. Only the pinky still likes to swim
40-1.02: I hear good difference between muted and not muted. No big issues here...
1.07: this vibrato should last longer. I moved my finger too early.
1.10: the first trills are a bit harder to execute because it's higher up the fretboard.
1.29: I let the end chord ring too long
I'm satisfied with this take
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jun 29 2023, 01:53 PM
Here's a take from the second part of the lesson, with the last part as a first take. The last part did not feel so difficult to me as it is not so technical. Only the trills are new to me but I watched how Darius performed it and tried to copy it as good as possible. Of course it still needs work and practise but for the first time I'm quite happy about it.
Analysis:
0-28: this part feels more relaxed and comfortable to play. It's smoother then the last take. The vibrato's are better I think. Only the pinky still likes to swim
40-1.02: I hear good difference between muted and not muted. No big issues here...
1.07: this vibrato should last longer. I moved my finger too early.
1.10: the first trills are a bit harder to execute because it's higher up the fretboard.
1.29: I let the end chord ring too long
I'm satisfied with this take
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
That's a really nice take and, from what I see, you succeeded in managing the last bars. That's great!!!
As usual, your analysis is correct.
Hmm....your G string sounds a little out of tune.
The vibrato is better but still requires a little more work. The motion should be wider. Imagine that you should play there half step (almost half step) down bends. To make a good vibrato, you need to have a solid point for your hand (same hand position as for the bends).
The trills - sound ok for the first try but....let me explain to you the technique to do them.
When we play trills, we use a combination of hammer-on and pull-off techniques.
Hammer-on means to hit the string with the tip of your finger without picking the string. It's actually what you have done in your take.
Pull-off is exactly the opposite of the hammer-on. You need to pull the finger off the fret, pulling on the string a little with that finger and letting the note ring. This is what is missing at this moment from your take.
Here you have a lesson about pull-off. Take a look to understand the technique better.
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/How-To-Play-Pull-Offs/?part=main
Great work!!! For next time, you can try playing the entire lesson.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jul 2 2023, 11:01 AM
Hello Monica,
The task was... try and play the whole lesson.
Well... here it is!
I must say it went quite smooth. I only needed 5 takes to get to this one. Of course there's always a kind of stress when you hit the record button and it affects your playing a little bit then without the record button. But I'm happy I can play this lesson already with minor mistakes.
Analysis:
0-1.18: this part goes really well. I think I played all the notes as they should be. All notes that should be muted are muted and vice versa.
1.19; unwanted noise here
1.18-1.46: This part is also going much better then the last take. I don't know if there's an improvement in the vibrato in this part? I tried to have my angle to execute these vibrato's.
2.00: this note was muted and should not be
2.18 and 2.24: the trills sound better, right?
I'm very satisfied about this take!
Let me know if there are some issues I need to adress
Have a good sunday!
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jul 2 2023, 01:10 PM
The task was... try and play the whole lesson.
Well... here it is!
I must say it went quite smooth. I only needed 5 takes to get to this one. Of course there's always a kind of stress when you hit the record button and it affects your playing a little bit then without the record button. But I'm happy I can play this lesson already with minor mistakes.
Analysis:
0-1.18: this part goes really well. I think I played all the notes as they should be. All notes that should be muted are muted and vice versa.
1.19; unwanted noise here
1.18-1.46: This part is also going much better then the last take. I don't know if there's an improvement in the vibrato in this part? I tried to have my angle to execute these vibrato's.
2.00: this note was muted and should not be
2.18 and 2.24: the trills sound better, right?
I'm very satisfied about this take!
Let me know if there are some issues I need to adress
Have a good sunday!
Gert
Hi Gert!
Great to see you playing the whole lesson. Your take sounds nice and I can see a lot of improvements.
The G string still sounds a little out of tune on some particular frets. I wonder why, because I know you went with both your guitars at luthier. When you tune your guitar, please verify for me the 5th, 7th and 9th fret from the G string.
Vibrato - you are going in a good direction but....we are still far away from what we need. At this moment, you just make the note to "shake" around the perfect pitch. To make this vibrato work you need to apply the same technique as you did in the last part from the AC/DC lesson. Push the string down a little and then return the string to point zero. When you make the oscillations, you must audibly change the pitch of the note (with 3-4 cents). You can also count the number of pulsations (downward movements) that Darius does on each note.
To help you more, I can tell you that in the part between 1:18 - 1:36 you need to:
- on 1 pick the note, and on 2,3, 4 execute 3 downward movements. In this way, the vibrato will fit perfectly with the song.
Yes, the trills sound way better. Actually, you are very close to playing them perfectly. That's awesome!!!
I liked your take and you really did a great job today!!!
You said that you "only needed 5 takes to get to this". That's really great. So... let's make things more spicy.
For next time, I think you are ready to raise the tempo a little (5-10 BPM).
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jul 2 2023, 02:39 PM
Great to see you playing the whole lesson. Your take sounds nice and I can see a lot of improvements.
The G string still sounds a little out of tune on some particular frets. I wonder why, because I know you went with both your guitars at luthier. When you tune your guitar, please verify for me the 5th, 7th and 9th fret from the G string.
Vibrato - you are going in a good direction but....we are still far away from what we need. At this moment, you just make the note to "shake" around the perfect pitch. To make this vibrato work you need to apply the same technique as you did in the last part from the AC/DC lesson. Push the string down a little and then return the string to point zero. When you make the oscillations, you must audibly change the pitch of the note (with 3-4 cents). You can also count the number of pulsations (downward movements) that Darius does on each note.
To help you more, I can tell you that in the part between 1:18 - 1:36 you need to:
- on 1 pick the note, and on 2,3, 4 execute 3 downward movements. In this way, the vibrato will fit perfectly with the song.
Yes, the trills sound way better. Actually, you are very close to playing them perfectly. That's awesome!!!
I liked your take and you really did a great job today!!!
You said that you "only needed 5 takes to get to this". That's really great. So... let's make things more spicy.
For next time, I think you are ready to raise the tempo a little (5-10 BPM).
Have a great day!
The G-string was indeed a little out of tune. Should be corrected now in the next take.
And the out of tune issue on 5th, 7th and 9th fret is because it's me pressing too hard on the string. This guitar has jumbo fret size and I just need to learn more not to press too hard.
Well spotted though...
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jul 2 2023, 03:06 PM
And the out of tune issue on 5th, 7th and 9th fret is because it's me pressing too hard on the string. This guitar has jumbo fret size and I just need to learn more not to press too hard.
Well spotted though...
Great, I hardly wait to see a new take from you.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jul 6 2023, 02:11 PM
Hi Monica,
Here's a first take on a new speed... 90 bpm
I did not expierence much difficulty playing at this speed. But that's probably my swet and pain paying of for playing it at a slower speed first
Here's the take
Analysis:
0-1.08: The first part goes really well. No mistakes here I think
1.13: that note should last longer
1.08-1.25: The vibrato is going better. I tried to apply your feedback about the first note normal and then 3 counts vibrato. I think it's an improvement to the last take. Maybe some more practise on performing the vibrato as I think my guitar makes too much movement instead of the string on wich the vibrato is played on.
1.30: The first strum on the chord was not pure enough. I corrected it although...
1.50: wrong note or unwanted noise
1.56: unwanted string noise
2.02: first trill seems to be ok
2.08: second trill, timing of the last pull was not good I think
Overall satisfied about this take. No major mistakes or issues to be corrected I think. Just some more practise to get it better.
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jul 6 2023, 03:24 PM
Here's a first take on a new speed... 90 bpm
I did not expierence much difficulty playing at this speed. But that's probably my swet and pain paying of for playing it at a slower speed first
Here's the take
Analysis:
0-1.08: The first part goes really well. No mistakes here I think
1.13: that note should last longer
1.08-1.25: The vibrato is going better. I tried to apply your feedback about the first note normal and then 3 counts vibrato. I think it's an improvement to the last take. Maybe some more practise on performing the vibrato as I think my guitar makes too much movement instead of the string on wich the vibrato is played on.
1.30: The first strum on the chord was not pure enough. I corrected it although...
1.50: wrong note or unwanted noise
1.56: unwanted string noise
2.02: first trill seems to be ok
2.08: second trill, timing of the last pull was not good I think
Overall satisfied about this take. No major mistakes or issues to be corrected I think. Just some more practise to get it better.
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
For the first attempt at this new speed, I can say that you succeeded in managing the lesson quite well. That's awesome!!!
Yes, you are right, all your practice at a slower tempo is now paying off. And this is just the beginning.
Besides the things that you pointed out (which are correct as usual), you have some little timing issues.
0:04 - 0:10 - you tend to hurry.
0:52 - you played this note a little late
0:57 - you rushed this note
Vibrato - it's definitely better than last time. I can see that you understood my explanation and you applied it. What does not work at this moment is exactly what you pointed out - too much guitar movement instead of string movement (we don't have that down bends yet).
Let's wait and see how this vibrato will work after more practice.Be more careful of unwanted string noises (1:07; 1:15; 1:19; 1:24; 1:28, etc).
You did really great work!!! As you also said....no major mistakes. I'm proud of you!!!
I think you need a few more days of practice at this speed. If your next take will sounds perfect from the timing point of view, then we can raise the tempo more.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jul 10 2023, 11:45 AM
Hi Monica,
This morning I wanted to send in a new take on this lesson. I was not 'into my game' this morning. It took me 77 takes before I had this one and I'm not 100% happy with it.
But I think at least, I fixed the timing issues
Analysis:
0-1.08: No notes missed nor any mistakes but I know I already played this part 'smoother'.
1.13: only 2 vibrato's applied instead of 3
The vibrato's in this part: I have better control of them. The strings move more then my guitar But also here, I've played them more smooth the past days then today.
1.37: messed up a few notes here
From here till the end no mistakes spotted.
But... as already mentioned a few times. I have played it more smooth. Maybe because of the 76 previous attempts I was losing focus and accuracy
Have a great day!
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jul 10 2023, 01:11 PM
This morning I wanted to send in a new take on this lesson. I was not 'into my game' this morning. It took me 77 takes before I had this one and I'm not 100% happy with it.
But I think at least, I fixed the timing issues
Analysis:
0-1.08: No notes missed nor any mistakes but I know I already played this part 'smoother'.
1.13: only 2 vibrato's applied instead of 3
The vibrato's in this part: I have better control of them. The strings move more then my guitar
But also here, I've played them more smooth the past days then today.1.37: messed up a few notes here
From here till the end no mistakes spotted.
But... as already mentioned a few times. I have played it more smooth. Maybe because of the 76 previous attempts I was losing focus and accuracy
Have a great day!
Gert
Hi Gert!
Don't worry, we all have good and bad days. It's normal, we are not machines.
Also, judging after the fact that you made 77 takes today, I can say that you have good endurance.
This is a great thing.Your analysis is correct.
I can hear that you improved the timing. There are just tiny slips like at: 0:19, 1:25.
The vibrato looks better. It still needs more work but you are going in a good direction.
Be careful to always play the palm muting on the sweet spot. Also, you have moments where you press too hard with your right hand on the strings and this enhances the staccato effect.
Overall, you did great work. You corrected the previous issues and that's the most important thing. You made some mistakes just because you didn't had a perfect day for recording. Don't worry about it.
For next time, you can raise the tempo with 5 - 10 BPM.
Have a great practice time!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jul 10 2023, 03:52 PM
Don't worry, we all have good and bad days. It's normal, we are not machines.
Also, judging after the fact that you made 77 takes today, I can say that you have good endurance.
This is a great thing.Your analysis is correct.
I can hear that you improved the timing. There are just tiny slips like at: 0:19, 1:25.
The vibrato looks better. It still needs more work but you are going in a good direction.
Be careful to always play the palm muting on the sweet spot. Also, you have moments where you press too hard with your right hand on the strings and this enhances the staccato effect.
Overall, you did great work. You corrected the previous issues and that's the most important thing. You made some mistakes just because you didn't had a perfect day for recording. Don't worry about it.
For next time, you can raise the tempo with 5 - 10 BPM.
Have a great practice time!
I will go for 10...
Still a long way to go to reach the initial speed of 160bpm.Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jul 10 2023, 05:25 PM
Still a long way to go to reach the initial speed of 160bpm.Hahaha...I knew you would choose 10.
Posted by: Gert1973 Jul 13 2023, 11:30 AM
Hello Monica,
Here's a first take at 100bpm
The first half of the lesson goes pretty good. I will need more practice with the second half. Especially the vibrato and a little bit on the trills.
Analysis:
31: this note did not ring good
34: unwanted string noise
1.01: strange unwanted string noise going from 4th fret second string to 7th fret 5th string and the note on the 5th string 7th fret all not good
1.04: only 2 vibrato
1.17: note not clear enough
1.50: trill not 100% good
1.57: trills start good but last two are rushed
I will practice the second part more and concentrate on the vibrato and the timing of the trills.
Note: After posting this, I wanted to practice the vibrato's some more so I had a new close look at how Darius performs the vibrato's.
In the main video, I counted the oscillations (and I hope I have the correct understanding of this word, hahahaha). On the first vibrato, he does 3 oscillations and on the second vibrato 2. The same for the 3th and the 4th vibrato (3 and 2) and same for 5th and 6th, right?
But on the slow video, the oscillations are different. Every vibrato has 3 oscillations...
So that means alternate 3 oscillations and 2 oscillations for the vibrato?
I also noticed he uses a different technique on the main video then on the slow video number 5 (look at 1.13-1.21). On the slow video on the 3th, 4th, 5th and 6th vibrate his hand does not have an angle on the guitar. That the reason I used the technique as in the slow video number 5 at one of the first takes I made of this lesson. But as you explained to me yesterday, I have to look at the main video
But now you know why I did those vibrato's with no angle on the guitar as you pointed out in your feedback
Have a good day!
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jul 13 2023, 12:55 PM
Here's a first take at 100bpm
The first half of the lesson goes pretty good. I will need more practice with the second half. Especially the vibrato and a little bit on the trills.
Analysis:
31: this note did not ring good
34: unwanted string noise
1.01: strange unwanted string noise going from 4th fret second string to 7th fret 5th string and the note on the 5th string 7th fret all not good
1.04: only 2 vibrato
1.17: note not clear enough
1.50: trill not 100% good
1.57: trills start good but last two are rushed
I will practice the second part more and concentrate on the vibrato and the timing of the trills.
Note: After posting this, I wanted to practice the vibrato's some more so I had a new close look at how Darius performs the vibrato's.
In the main video, I counted the oscillations (and I hope I have the correct understanding of this word, hahahaha). On the first vibrato, he does 3 oscillations and on the second vibrato 2. The same for the 3th and the 4th vibrato (3 and 2) and same for 5th and 6th, right?
But on the slow video, the oscillations are different. Every vibrato has 3 oscillations...
So that means alternate 3 oscillations and 2 oscillations for the vibrato?
I also noticed he uses a different technique on the main video then on the slow video number 5 (look at 1.13-1.21). On the slow video on the 3th, 4th, 5th and 6th vibrate his hand does not have an angle on the guitar. That the reason I used the technique as in the slow video number 5 at one of the first takes I made of this lesson. But as you explained to me yesterday, I have to look at the main video
But now you know why I did those vibrato's with no angle on the guitar as you pointed out in your feedback
Have a good day!
Gert
Hi Gert!
For a first attempt at 100 BPM it sounds quite good. But it feels that you are not comfortable yet with this speed. Give yourself more days of practice when you change the tempo.
Besides the issues that you pointed out, there are a few more.
1. You do not play the notes equally. More days of practice will fix this issue.
At this moment, you tend to run after the backing track and this makes you lose control of the picking hand.2. On the section with reverse picking, you do not play the palm muting on the sweet spot.
3. Vibrato - this doesn't look good yet. Also, be careful when you make the vibrato, not to press the string too strongly because the note will sound wrong.
Let's see how your vibrato will look after one more week of practice and if this does not work, I will give you additional homework.
Now let's answer to your questions about vibrato.
Yes, you understood correctly the meaning of the "oscillation" word. On the first vibrato, Darius makes 3 oscillations and on the second vibrato, 2 oscillations. On the 3th and 4th, vibrato (3 and 3) and for 5th and 6th (3 and 2). If you play all the vibrato using 3 oscillations it is not a problem. It is important to not exceed more than 3 oscillations because it will change the feel in the song.
Yes, in the slow video, the vibrato is different. That's why in this thread (on my feedback from 20 June 05:09 PM) I told you to apply the vibrato from the main video (not from the slow video).
So, keep in mind that for all the lessons, the main video is the important one. Always compare your playing with the main video. In some advanced lessons you will see some licks that were designed for a very fast speed. At a slow tempo, they can't sound in the same way.
4.Trills - When you execute the hammer-on, add more force to your finger when you hit the string. Also, you need to play the trills faster. Practice them separately, from slowly to a maximum level of speed.
For next time, prepare a take at the same speed.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jul 19 2023, 12:28 PM
Hello Monica,
Today I prepared a new take on this lesson. I think I'm used to the speed now. Also the bends and the trills have improved. This take has tiny mistakes but I'm happy with the result.
Analysis:
25: Missed a note here (upstroke)
1.02-1.16: I have played every vibrato with 3 oscillations. Sometimes the third one is a little weak.
1.22: I think I have unwanted noise in this chord
1.26: The first upstroke is a little muted
1.43: This note is not played correctly.
1.50: Trill fast enough or too fast?
2.00: I have played the ned part smoother already. No mistakes on the notes, but it must be a little smoother.
Have a good day!
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jul 19 2023, 01:49 PM
Today I prepared a new take on this lesson. I think I'm used to the speed now. Also the bends and the trills have improved. This take has tiny mistakes but I'm happy with the result.
Analysis:
25: Missed a note here (upstroke)
1.02-1.16: I have played every vibrato with 3 oscillations. Sometimes the third one is a little weak.
1.22: I think I have unwanted noise in this chord
1.26: The first upstroke is a little muted
1.43: This note is not played correctly.
1.50: Trill fast enough or too fast?
2.00: I have played the ned part smoother already. No mistakes on the notes, but it must be a little smoother.
Have a good day!
Gert
Hi Gert!
That's a really awesome take!!! The trills sound good. Also, the vibrato is very improved (the ones with 3 oscillations). I mean the part from 1:02 - 1:16. This is exactly what I expected to see from you. Huge congrats!!!
Your analysis is correct.
The trill from 1:50 is good (fast enough for this speed)Now let's fix the other notes with vibrato.
1:33 and 1:43 - we will apply the same thinking as we did on the previous notes with vibrato. But...this time pick the note on number one and then make 7 oscillations.
1:46 - pick the note on number one and then make 6 oscillations
1:48 and 1:49 - pick the note on number one + 3 oscillations
1:52 - pick the note on number one + 7 oscillations
You did amazing work today! I'm very proud of you!!!
For next time, you can raise the tempo with 10 BPM.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jul 28 2023, 08:44 AM
Good morning Monica,
Here's the result of the practice at 110bpm. I did not experience much difficulty at his new speed. The part with the vibrato is going a little bit smoother and starts to feel more comfortable and easy to play and the trills also start to work nicely.
Analysis:
0-56: Good difference between muted and not muted. I did not spot any mistakes here.
58: this note did not ring long enough
1.08: this vibrato sounds not clear enough
1.32: 2 consecutive notes did not sound clear enough
1.41: I like how the trill sounds
1.45-end: good trill, clean ending, no mistakes spotted
I'm happy with this take. Just some tiny mistakes. Maybe you can tell me some issues that needs to be addressed? But that actually a very rhetorical question
Have a great day!
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jul 28 2023, 10:10 AM
Here's the result of the practice at 110bpm. I did not experience much difficulty at his new speed. The part with the vibrato is going a little bit smoother and starts to feel more comfortable and easy to play and the trills also start to work nicely.
Analysis:
0-56: Good difference between muted and not muted. I did not spot any mistakes here.
58: this note did not ring long enough
1.08: this vibrato sounds not clear enough
1.32: 2 consecutive notes did not sound clear enough
1.41: I like how the trill sounds
1.45-end: good trill, clean ending, no mistakes spotted
I'm happy with this take. Just some tiny mistakes. Maybe you can tell me some issues that needs to be addressed? But that actually a very rhetorical question
Have a great day!
Gert
Hi Gert!
You came up with a new awesome take!!!
I really like how things are going. Your right hand has a good posture and the movements look very natural.
Even your left hand started looking better. Mostly because the more we increase the speed, the fingers are forced to do less swimming. Of course, there are a few spots where your pinky tends to pass out.
But...I'm not worried about it because very soon your left hand will not have enough time to add unnecessary movements. Besides the things that you pointed out, be careful in the beginning part of the lesson (0:04 - 0:14) when you play on the first two strings (E and A), to apply a better palm muting.
About vibrato - at 1:03 -1:09 when you have the vibrato with 3 oscillations, it looked and sounded better last time. Just try in this particular part to have as reference your last take.
For the rest of the bends, I can notice a huge improvement. Mostly when you make the vibrato with your pinky finger. That's really great.
I don't have other complaints. You did an awesome work and I'm happy with this result.
For next time, you can raise the speed with 10 BPM.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Aug 16 2023, 04:05 PM
Hi Monica,
Back from holiday and 7 days without playing guitar But the past days I have picked it up again and continued my journey! I must say it's good to put the guitar aside sometimes. My teacher told me the brain needs some time to organize everything you learned and I must say it did me good to just not practice and leave everything to rest for a period.
But now I'm back and I prepared this take! Speed is now 120BPM and already more challenging of course. I think I need much more practice before I will be able to play it at full speed.
Here's the take:
Analysis:
29: unwanted string noise
51-1.02: I have worked on the bends and I think they are better now.
1.11: this note is muted and should not be
1.32: I think this trill is performed good, I like how they start to sound
I can not hear big mistakes and I'm happy with this take! Although it took many to come to this one. The longer I practice, the more my fingers and specially my pinky starts to swim more But overall... I'm happy how this take sounds!
Await your judgement as always
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Aug 16 2023, 05:19 PM
Back from holiday and 7 days without playing guitar
But the past days I have picked it up again and continued my journey! I must say it's good to put the guitar aside sometimes. My teacher told me the brain needs some time to organize everything you learned and I must say it did me good to just not practice and leave everything to rest for a period.But now I'm back and I prepared this take! Speed is now 120BPM and already more challenging of course. I think I need much more practice before I will be able to play it at full speed.
Here's the take:
Analysis:
29: unwanted string noise
51-1.02: I have worked on the bends and I think they are better now.
1.11: this note is muted and should not be
1.32: I think this trill is performed good, I like how they start to sound
I can not hear big mistakes and I'm happy with this take! Although it took many to come to this one. The longer I practice, the more my fingers and specially my pinky starts to swim more
But overall... I'm happy how this take sounds!Await your judgement as always
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Welcome back! I hope you had an amazing holiday.
Yes, sometimes a break can do miracles. When the techniques are learned in a good way, there are no chances of losing the skills that you earned.
Now, let's talk about your take.
You raised the tempo but you still manage to play everything. That's really amazing!!!
Your analysis is correct as usual. Yes, the trills started to sound good.
Hmm.....I think at 51-1:02 you wanted to say that you worked at vibrato not at the bends.
Be careful when you make the vibrato to not press the string too hard because it will sound out of tune.
I know that the longer time you practice the more your fingers start swimming. But...you need to minimize left hand movements.
The more you raise the speed, the more you need to get rid of unnecessary finger movements.Also, take care at your right hand. You have moments where your hand looks too tensed.
Overall, you made an awesome take and I'm very, very proud of you!!!
For next time, you can add 5 -10 BPM but with one condition. A few more days, please still play the lesson at this current speed (120BPM). At the moment when you feel yourself relaxed and your fingers stop swimming, only then can you raise the tempo.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Aug 17 2023, 01:17 PM
After 7 months of bending workout, the word is embedded on my retina
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Aug 17 2023, 02:27 PM
I know a cure...another bending lesson.
Posted by: Gert1973 Aug 17 2023, 03:25 PM
I know a cure...another bending lesson.
Bring it on!!!
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Aug 17 2023, 05:45 PM
Posted by: Gert1973 Aug 30 2023, 02:30 PM
Hi Monica,
I did not have he plan today to post a take of this lesson at 130bpm. But I recorded anyway and came up with this take. I'm getting used to the speed and I start to make less mistakes. This take has of course mistakes but they are tiny ones
Analysis:
16: unwanted string noise
35: this note did was not played correctly
38: missed a note
46-48: I lose pace here
48*59: This part is the hardest of course. I focused on the vibrato. The last two should be a little bit better. I'm also trying to keep me pinky closer to the fretboard
From here till the end I don't hear mentionable mistakes. This part goes really good!
I will stay on 130bpm for a little more time!
But this take is to show how far (or not far ) I stand right now.
Btw. How do you like the sound of my D'Addario 120 9-42 string gauge??
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Aug 30 2023, 03:44 PM
I did not have he plan today to post a take of this lesson at 130bpm. But I recorded anyway and came up with this take. I'm getting used to the speed and I start to make less mistakes. This take has of course mistakes but they are tiny ones
Analysis:
16: unwanted string noise
35: this note did was not played correctly
38: missed a note
46-48: I lose pace here
48*59: This part is the hardest of course. I focused on the vibrato. The last two should be a little bit better. I'm also trying to keep me pinky closer to the fretboard
From here till the end I don't hear mentionable mistakes. This part goes really good!
I will stay on 130bpm for a little more time!
But this take is to show how far (or not far
) I stand right now.Btw. How do you like the sound of my D'Addario 120 9-42 string gauge??
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Your take doesn't sound bad, but as you already pointed out, we definitely need to stay at this speed for a longer period.
When your playing sounds perfectly at 130 BPM, we will raise the tempo.
About your new strings...I really like the sound. It improved your tone and now it's much brighter.
That's one of the reasons why I really love these strings. Now returning to your take...your analysis is correct.
There are some timing issues. Mostly, at the beginning of the take, where you tend to rush too much.
0:03 - 0:32 - be careful on this part because you don't play all the notes equally. At the end of each lick (0:05 - 0:07; 0:09 - 0:11; 0:13 -0:14; 0:16 - 0:17, etc), all the notes played with upstrokes sound sloppy and not equal. This happens because you play some of them shorter than you should.
The second part of the lesson is much better played. Nice trills and also the notes are played more equally. This is because of reverse picking, which does not let you play shorter the notes with upstrokes.
Overall, you did great work and I'm satisfied by the result. Keep practicing and, for next time, prepare a new take at the same speed (130 BPM).
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Sep 11 2023, 03:28 PM
Hello Monica,
After my last take at 130bpm, things started to go downhill with this lesson. I struggled with the speed. So I took the time to go back at a lower speed and built it up again to 130bpm.
Now I feel I'm in control with the speed. Although there are some mistakes, I'm pleased with the result!
Here's the take:
Analysis:
17: unwanted string noise from A-string
27: this note does not come trough enough
0-46: I have paid attention to the last notes of each riff and I think it's improved now
47: little mess up here
46-58: for the most part I succeeded in playing all the note legato
1.06: should be not muted
1.25: messed this note up
1.25-1.35: last 10 seconds are flawless
Await your judgement
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Sep 11 2023, 04:36 PM
After my last take at 130bpm, things started to go downhill with this lesson. I struggled with the speed. So I took the time to go back at a lower speed and built it up again to 130bpm.
Now I feel I'm in control with the speed. Although there are some mistakes, I'm pleased with the result!
Here's the take:
Analysis:
17: unwanted string noise from A-string
27: this note does not come trough enough
0-46: I have paid attention to the last notes of each riff and I think it's improved now
47: little mess up here
46-58: for the most part I succeeded in playing all the note legato
1.06: should be not muted
1.25: messed this note up
1.25-1.35: last 10 seconds are flawless
Await your judgement
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
From what I see, you have become a little more comfortable with this speed.
I like the fact that you fixed a lot of things. The timing is improved and also, in the first part of the lesson, the last notes of each lick sound more equal now. That's really awesome!!!
Take a little more care at the passing between open strings to palm muting. You have moments where the first note doesn't sound played with a good palm muting.
0:46 - 0:58 - this part needs a little more work.
Yes, you are right, the last 10 seconds are played great.
Overall, this take sounds nice and I think you did great work.
There are some little issues (pointed out by you and me) that need to be fixed before we go at a new tempo.
For next time, keep the same speed, but I would like you to focus on the left hand. You need to minimize finger movements. It's highly important to do this. We are now at the moment when we can't skip this detail because our purpose is to make you be able play at a higher speed.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Sep 22 2023, 02:41 PM
Hi Monica,
I have prepared a new take. I have practiced on the left hand to reduce finger movement.
Analysis:
41: Tiny mistake here
50: Messed up a few notes here
I don't know if my finger movement has increased or decreased. When I play, from my point if view, it looks like they decreased. But when I see my fingers on video, it does look like they still make too much movement.
When I compare it with Darius, I think it's about the same
The part 46-56 it's hard to keep the pinky close to the fretboard.
So, should I keep on practicing at this speed for a while?
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Manu RASSE Sep 22 2023, 03:45 PM
Hi Gert
You have made great progress!
I don't want to intrude on your collaboration with Monica....
I just want to tell you that you're close.
To improve your playing, try working on your finger independence with exercises.
This way you will gain in economy of movement
Keep hard work !
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Sep 22 2023, 04:18 PM
I have prepared a new take. I have practiced on the left hand to reduce finger movement.
Analysis:
41: Tiny mistake here
50: Messed up a few notes here
I don't know if my finger movement has increased or decreased. When I play, from my point if view, it looks like they decreased. But when I see my fingers on video, it does look like they still make too much movement.
When I compare it with Darius, I think it's about the same
The part 46-56 it's hard to keep the pinky close to the fretboard.
So, should I keep on practicing at this speed for a while?
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Great, your left hand started looking better. You started minimizing the finger movements and that is awesome!!
Of course, there are some parts where you still make too wide movements, but don't worry. Continue focusing on this area and soon this problem will be completely fixed.
Try when you play, to keep your pinky finger (left hand) a little rounded. Your pinky has a very straight position when it touches the string and, besides the fact that it looks like a piece of ice, it adds tension to your hand and that is not good. Let it move naturally and keep it relaxed.
Yes...you messed up some of the notes.
Also, at 0:50 - 0:52 you messed even the picking direction but you continued to play on timing...so congrats for that!!! 0:45 - 0:56 - I know that in this part it's a little harder to keep the pinky close to the fretboard, but not impossible.
A little more work on this section and you will succeed in doing it. Overall, your take sounds nice. The tiny mistakes (messed notes) that you made happened just because all your focus was on minimizing the finger movements. I understand this very well.
For next time, keep focusing on minimizing finger movements. Also, you can raise the tempo, but only with 5 BPM.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Sep 23 2023, 01:55 PM
You have made great progress!
I don't want to intrude on your collaboration with Monica....
I just want to tell you that you're close.
To improve your playing, try working on your finger independence with exercises.
This way you will gain in economy of movement
Keep hard work !
Hi Manu,
Thank you for your message! Really appreciate it!
And thank you for sending the excercise on my PM! If I find some time, I will try and practise it...
Greetings,
Gert
Posted by: Manu RASSE Sep 25 2023, 05:36 AM
Hi Gert
You'r welcome
Posted by: Gert1973 Oct 6 2023, 02:34 PM
Hi Monica,
As you know, I have been working on reducing finger movement at 135bpm.
I made this take to see if there's some improvement. I think there is
At least I have the feeling my finger and especially my pinky are little more relaxed and is not a block of ice. Just at the middle part (I will mention it in my analysis) my pinky is stretched but for a brief moment.
Also the execution of the part has increased in my opinion as I don't have to give full attention to the finger anymore. I can focus a little more on performance...
Hope you agree...
Here's the take:
Analysis:
44: unwanted string noise
0-46: My fingers are a little bit bend (included my pinky) and look more relaxed in this part
47-50: my pinky does not stretch
50: but here it goes into stretch for a very brief moment
54: same here but this middle part sounds better then the last time with less finger movement I think.
1.14: little messy here
1.23: nice trill
The last part does not give much issues
Overall satisfied with how this take sounds!
Curious what you think about the finger movement...
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Oct 6 2023, 04:32 PM
As you know, I have been working on reducing finger movement at 135bpm.
I made this take to see if there's some improvement. I think there is
At least I have the feeling my finger and especially my pinky are little more relaxed and is not a block of ice. Just at the middle part (I will mention it in my analysis) my pinky is stretched but for a brief moment.
Also the execution of the part has increased in my opinion as I don't have to give full attention to the finger anymore. I can focus a little more on performance...
Hope you agree...
Here's the take:
Analysis:
44: unwanted string noise
0-46: My fingers are a little bit bend (included my pinky) and look more relaxed in this part
47-50: my pinky does not stretch
50: but here it goes into stretch for a very brief moment
54: same here but this middle part sounds better then the last time with less finger movement I think.
1.14: little messy here
1.23: nice trill
The last part does not give much issues
Overall satisfied with how this take sounds!
Curious what you think about the finger movement...
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Wow...it's obvious that you worked a lot and the result is really awesome!!!
You started playing more relaxed and the overall performance it's improved.
The left hand looks better and better. You minimized the movements and that's great because it helped you to manage the playing at this tempo.
The pinky finger still needs more adjustments.
It's still not rounded enough and doesn't have a natural movement. Look how good position has your ring finger and then look at your pinky finger and you will see the difference.Yes, you are right, the middle part sounds definitely better than last time. If you compare the takes, last time you made even wider movements in this part. The clearness that we hear today in this passage comes from the fact that your left hand started to have a much more correct position and your fingers press in a good way on the frets.
1:23; 1:25 - the trills.
I don't want to destroy your excitement, but the trills don't sound good at all. Aren't executed correctly. First...you played them too fast, second...you did not made clear the pull off technique (which has a specific sound). Don't forget that trill means hammer-ons and pull-offs in succession.Be more careful of the contrast between muting vs open notes. You have parts where you don't have a good separation.
You did a great work and I'm very, very, veeery proud of you!!!
For next time, you can raise the tempo again with 5 BPM (not more).
Continue focusing on the left hand movements (same as you did for today) and mostly take care of the pinky finger position.Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Oct 27 2023, 11:32 AM
Hello Monica,
I'm back after an intensive musical bootcamp in Romania
Let's see if it pays off... 
I have prepared a take on this lesson at 140 bpm
Analysis:
0-44: I don't see or hear any mistakes. I think the separation of muted and not muted has improved.
45-55: I immediately do vibrato on all the second vibratos. The first ones are better because I play the note before vibrato.
1.04: this note was not played clear enough (little muted)
1.19 and 1.22: THE TRILLS I think there's some improvement, no?
1.30: The last chord should be a little better
Overall happy with this take. I'm comfortable with the speed. My left hand stays kind of relaxed, even after 27 takes
As usual, I wait your judgement
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Oct 27 2023, 01:19 PM
I'm back after an intensive musical bootcamp in Romania
Let's see if it pays off...
I have prepared a take on this lesson at 140 bpm
Analysis:
0-44: I don't see or hear any mistakes. I think the separation of muted and not muted has improved.
45-55: I immediately do vibrato on all the second vibratos. The first ones are better because I play the note before vibrato.
1.04: this note was not played clear enough (little muted)
1.19 and 1.22: THE TRILLS
I think there's some improvement, no? 1.30: The last chord should be a little better
Overall happy with this take. I'm comfortable with the speed. My left hand stays kind of relaxed, even after 27 takes
As usual, I wait your judgement
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Great to see you back.
First of all, I really want to congrats you on all the work that you put into our musical bootcamp. I know it wasn't easy and we worked a lot, but I think we succeeded in fixing many, maaaany details and that's really awesome. I'm impressed by your hard work and dedication and I will do my best to help you become an awesome guitarist.
So....27 takes and your left hand is still relaxed.
Hahaha...after you played so many hours/day in our bootcamp, everything now seems much easier. Now let's talk about your take.
I can notice a huge improvement in your left hand position. The movement is minimized and also the fingers position (rounded) looks now great. Awesome work!!!
0:00 - 0:44 - In this part you have tiny moments when you don't keep a perfect timing. You tend to rush a little.
Also, be careful at the last note of each sequence because you play this note shorter.
The separation between muting vs open notes is improved but still not sound perfectly.
0:45 - 0:55 - Yes, you are right about vibrato. Try to play first the note and then make the vibrato.
The trills -
I can see a tiny improvement. The start of the trills is good and I can hear and see how your finger executes the pull off, but then......your finger looks like it's having a stroke and everything falls apart. But....you are going in a good direction. Overall, I like your take. You fixed a lot of things and that's amazing. GREAT WORK!!! I'm very proud of you!!!
For next time, you can raise the tempo with 5 BPM.
But...before raising the speed, practice the lesson for a few more days at the current tempo.Have a great day!
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Oct 27 2023, 01:44 PM
Great to see you back.
First of all, I really want to congrats you on all the work that you put into our musical bootcamp. I know it wasn't easy and we worked a lot, but I think we succeeded in fixing many, maaaany details and that's really awesome. I'm impressed by your hard work and dedication and I will do my best to help you become an awesome guitarist.
So....27 takes and your left hand is still relaxed.
Hahaha...after you played so many hours/day in our bootcamp, everything now seems much easier. Now let's talk about your take.
I can notice a huge improvement in your left hand position. The movement is minimized and also the fingers position (rounded) looks now great. Awesome work!!!
0:00 - 0:44 - In this part you have tiny moments when you don't keep a perfect timing. You tend to rush a little.
Also, be careful at the last note of each sequence because you play this note shorter.
The separation between muting vs open notes is improved but still not sound perfectly.
0:45 - 0:55 - Yes, you are right about vibrato. Try to play first the note and then make the vibrato.
The trills -
I can see a tiny improvement. The start of the trills is good and I can hear and see how your finger executes the pull off, but then......your finger looks like it's having a stroke and everything falls apart. But....you are going in a good direction. Overall, I like your take. You fixed a lot of things and that's amazing. GREAT WORK!!! I'm very proud of you!!!
For next time, you can raise the tempo with 5 BPM.
But...before raising the speed, practice the lesson for a few more days at the current tempo.Have a great day!
I wanted to edit something in my feedback and instead of pressing "EDIT" I pressed "REPLY".
So...ignore this new message
Posted by: Gert1973 Oct 27 2023, 03:41 PM
Great to see you back.
First of all, I really want to congrats you on all the work that you put into our musical bootcamp. I know it wasn't easy and we worked a lot, but I think we succeeded in fixing many, maaaany details and that's really awesome. I'm impressed by your hard work and dedication and I will do my best to help you become an awesome guitarist.
So....27 takes and your left hand is still relaxed.
Hahaha...after you played so many hours/day in our bootcamp, everything now seems much easier. Now let's talk about your take.
I can notice a huge improvement in your left hand position. The movement is minimized and also the fingers position (rounded) looks now great. Awesome work!!!
0:00 - 0:44 - In this part you have tiny moments when you don't keep a perfect timing. You tend to rush a little.
Also, be careful at the last note of each sequence because you play this note shorter.
The separation between muting vs open notes is improved but still not sound perfectly.
0:45 - 0:55 - Yes, you are right about vibrato. Try to play first the note and then make the vibrato.
The trills -
I can see a tiny improvement. The start of the trills is good and I can hear and see how your finger executes the pull off, but then......your finger looks like it's having a stroke and everything falls apart. But....you are going in a good direction. Overall, I like your take. You fixed a lot of things and that's amazing. GREAT WORK!!! I'm very proud of you!!!
For next time, you can raise the tempo with 5 BPM.
But...before raising the speed, practice the lesson for a few more days at the current tempo.Have a great day!
Thanks Monica... I enjoyed the musical bootcamp very much and there will be a follow up for sure!! We have a very good dynamic and that's what makes it a great teacher-student situation. And thank you for putting so much effort and time into me. Can not express how much it mean to me and how big my gratitude is.
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Oct 27 2023, 05:01 PM
You're welcome! It's always a pleasure to work with you and I'm happy to hear that you liked it so much. Definitely, we will set up a new musical bootcamp (Dan also hardly wait).
BTW...next time you should send the luggage one week before you come to be sure that it will arrive at the same time with you.
Posted by: Gert1973 Oct 27 2023, 05:03 PM
BTW...next time you should send the luggage one week before you come to be sure that it will arrive at the same time with you.
Hahahahahaha... good idea!!
Posted by: Gert1973 Nov 14 2023, 04:34 PM
Hello again Monica,
Another take of this lesson was scheduled for tomorrow but I felt good and did it today
I think I made some progress but this lesson still needs more work.
But I'm curious if my trills have improved
Here's the take at 145bpm
Analysis:
0-42: first part no wrong notes but some timing issues
42-56: on the middle part the vibrato's sound better now
56-1.12: this part sounds good
1.16: trill number one
1.19: trill number two! I have worked hard on the trills. I think they have improved but still need some more practice.
1.19-1.28: no issues here
Overall not many mistakes and some improvement compared to the last take.
I think I will remain on the same tempo for at least one more week IF you tell me to raise the tempo
Have a great CHRISTMAS evening, hahahahaha
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Nov 14 2023, 05:35 PM
Another take of this lesson was scheduled for tomorrow but I felt good and did it today
I think I made some progress but this lesson still needs more work.
But I'm curious if my trills have improved
Here's the take at 145bpm
Analysis:
0-42: first part no wrong notes but some timing issues
42-56: on the middle part the vibrato's sound better now
56-1.12: this part sounds good
1.16: trill number one
1.19: trill number two! I have worked hard on the trills. I think they have improved but still need some more practice.
1.19-1.28: no issues here
Overall not many mistakes and some improvement compared to the last take.
I think I will remain on the same tempo for at least one more week IF you tell me to raise the tempo
Have a great CHRISTMAS evening, hahahahaha
Gert
Hi again Gert!
That's a really nice take. I noticed a lot of improvements.
Your analysis is correct. You are right, in the first part you have some timing issues (there are moments when you hurry).
0:42 - 0:56 - vibrato from the middle part. I like the fact that you played first the note and then you made the vibration.
What I don't like is the fact that you pressed very hard on the string when you made the vibrato and because of that the notes sound very out of tune. Calm down the movements and control the strength.
The trills - finally we have some good sounding trills.
Just a little more practice and it will sound perfect. Great work!!! Overall, I really like your take. You don't have many issues (as you also said) and I think you manage the lesson well at this speed.
For next time, guess what?....You can raise the tempo with 5 BPM.
Of course, you can practice one more week at this speed (to gain more confidence) and then increase the speed. Hahaha....thanks...I intend to enjoy my Christmas evening.
As you saw, we decided to start earlier this year. Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Nov 22 2023, 01:44 PM
Hello Monica,
I have prepared a new take on this laesson. For the first time at the speed of 150 bpm.
After one week at this speed, it already feels comfortable. There a a few tiny mistakes but if I practice one more week, it will be even better
Analysis:
21: tiny unwanted string noise
30: same here
0-42: I don't think I have timing issues anymore in this part
43-56: I have practiced on strength here. I think I improved the vibrato's as I put less force on the strings. This part has improved I think.
57-1.24: this part is going really well.
1.14: nice trill, no??
1.17: and again?
Overall very happy with this take!
Curious about your opinion as always
Have a great Christmas day
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Nov 22 2023, 03:04 PM
I have prepared a new take on this laesson. For the first time at the speed of 150 bpm.
After one week at this speed, it already feels comfortable. There a a few tiny mistakes but if I practice one more week, it will be even better
Analysis:
21: tiny unwanted string noise
30: same here
0-42: I don't think I have timing issues anymore in this part
43-56: I have practiced on strength here. I think I improved the vibrato's as I put less force on the strings. This part has improved I think.
57-1.24: this part is going really well.
1.14: nice trill, no??
1.17: and again?
Overall very happy with this take!
Curious about your opinion as always
Have a great Christmas day
Gert
Hi Gert!
From what I see, you are very close to reaching the full speed of this lesson. That's awesome!!!
0:33 - be careful at the right hand not to touch the string with the finger because it will enter the pinch harmonics.
0:37 - 0:38 - these notes don't sound clear enough.
0:43 - 0:56 - from the strength point of view, it's better than last time, but you still add too much force when you make the vibrato and the string goes out of tune. You need to release the strength even more.
0:58 - 1:03 - the reverse picking part. Try to always play the palm muting on the sweet spot. Also, be careful of timing because you rush a few notes in the middle of the lick.
1:14; 1:17 - yes the trills sound good now.
The first one does not shine but the second one is awesome from both points of view: sound and speed.Overall, your take sound really nice. You did an awesome work!!!
Be more careful at unwanted noises, at the clarity of the notes and control the strength when you execute the vibrato.For next time, you can raise the tempo with 5 BPM.
Of course, play one more week at the current tempo and then increase the speed.Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Dec 8 2023, 12:28 PM
Hello Monica,
I'm back after practicing hard on this lesson (and other lessons too )
I had a bit of a downfall with this lesson a few days ago. So I went back to 145bpm and build it back up.
So today I come with this take at 155bpm!
Analysis:
14: unwanted string noise
0-40: beside one unwanted string noise, this part is going good.
41-50: I have practiced this part very much and I think it has improved
51-1.08: I think I'm on the sweet spot now with muting. This part is also better then the previous one
1.11: What about the trills now?? I do hear an unwanted string noise but this trill sounds very good in my opinion
1.15: second trill is also good, no??
1.16: unwanted string noise because I was excited of my trills
I'm very happy how this take sounds. Especially because a few days ago this lesson started to fall apart.
Am I ready for full throttle??
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Dec 8 2023, 01:28 PM
I'm back after practicing hard on this lesson (and other lessons too
)I had a bit of a downfall with this lesson a few days ago. So I went back to 145bpm and build it back up.
So today I come with this take at 155bpm!
Analysis:
14: unwanted string noise
0-40: beside one unwanted string noise, this part is going good.
41-50: I have practiced this part very much and I think it has improved
51-1.08: I think I'm on the sweet spot now with muting. This part is also better then the previous one
1.11: What about the trills now??
I do hear an unwanted string noise but this trill sounds very good in my opinion1.15: second trill is also good, no??
1.16: unwanted string noise because I was excited of my trills
I'm very happy how this take sounds. Especially because a few days ago this lesson started to fall apart.
Am I ready for full throttle??
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Don't worry, we all have days when things do not work how we expect.
Your take sounds nice, but I would like to hear a better separation (more visible contrast) between muting vs open notes.
Be careful of timing because you tend to rush (mostly in the first part of the lesson).
0:41- 0:50 - unfortunately, this part still does not sound good because every time when you make a vibrato it sounds very out of tune. This happens because when you execute the vibrato, you pull the string down and you make the oscillation keeping the string down. That is totally wrong. You need between oscillations to let the string return to the point zero. Otherwise, it will sound out of tune.
Look very closely at your hand and you will see very clear the mistake that you made (you have this issue on all the vibratos from your take).
1:11- 1:15 - yes, the trills sound excellent from both points of view: execution and fastness.
Great work for today!!! For next time, you can play the lesson at full speed.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Dec 20 2023, 04:14 PM
Hello Monica,
Here's the first take at FULL speed!! And therefore also a first REC take
But I know this one will probably need some more polishing.
I have worked on the vibrato. Although I'm already at 160bpm here, I hope there's a tiny bit improvement in them
I have also tried to make more audible difference between muted and unmuted notes. I must say, for my taste, they are a bit too muted and sound a bit too staccato. But maybe that's the goal I need here...
Here's the take:
Ooooh, this take is not played with the new guitar. As I'm typing this, the guitar is at the luthier for a full set-up. Some things needed adjustments
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Dec 20 2023, 05:15 PM
Here's the first take at FULL speed!! And therefore also a first REC take
But I know this one will probably need some more polishing.
I have worked on the vibrato. Although I'm already at 160bpm here, I hope there's a tiny bit improvement in them
I have also tried to make more audible difference between muted and unmuted notes. I must say, for my taste, they are a bit too muted and sound a bit too staccato. But maybe that's the goal I need here...
Here's the take:
Ooooh, this take is not played with the new guitar. As I'm typing this, the guitar is at the luthier for a full set-up. Some things needed adjustments
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Awesome to see you playing this lesson at full speed.
Let's analyze your take:
First of all, you need to take care of timing. It's visible that you need a little more time to get used to this speed (probably around 1–2 weeks of practice). That's why besides the timing issues, you also have spots where not all the notes sounds perfectly clear.
We can hear the difference between muted and unmuted notes but this time you added a little bit too much muting and that's why it sounds too staccato.
The goal is to add more muting than last time but less muting than today.Vibrato - I definitely can see an improvement. It's still not well executed, but at least it sounds less out of tune than last time. That's a good step forward.
Overall, you did a great work and I'm very proud of you!!!
For next time, try to polish all the things that I pointed out.
BTW, I was thinking that your new guitar is at luthier. I hardly wait to see the beast in action.
Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jan 16 2024, 01:37 PM
Hello Monica,
I'm surprised to see it's already over one month ago I posted the first REC attempt. So the past month I have worked hard at this lesson. The speed and the vibrato has been the biggest challenge here.
So today I finally made a second REC attempt. It was a big challenge to get this take. I'm proud to present it and I hope you like it
Await the feedback and the points from the international jury
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jan 16 2024, 03:11 PM
I'm surprised to see it's already over one month ago I posted the first REC attempt. So the past month I have worked hard at this lesson. The speed and the vibrato has been the biggest challenge here.
So today I finally made a second REC attempt. It was a big challenge to get this take. I'm proud to present it and I hope you like it
Await the feedback and the points from the international jury
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
It's a challenging lesson and it's normal to need more time for practice between takes. Don't worry about it.
It's obvious that you worked a lot and I can say that you are going in a good direction.
But...we still need to add more work before the REC section.There are a few details that we need to polish:
1. Timing - You are not comfortable yet with this speed. You tend to rush too much (play in front of the beat) and this happens on the entire take. Only in the middle part you play off beat because you have some moments of hesitation (0:41). Try to calm down a little.
2. You don't play all the notes equally. Don't forget that Darius uses a stronger picking. This will make you sound better and will also help you to have a better timing.
3. Vibrato - looks definitely better than last time, but you still have spots where you make it too nervous. Try to make it more delicate/gentle.
4. There are moments where I can't hear all the notes played clearly (0:31, 0:36, 0:48, 0:57, 1:02, etc). Be careful when you have the sections played with palm muting to not block the notes (mostly when you play the part with reverse picking).
All the things that I pointed out are normal mistakes that happen at this level. There is nothing critical happening to worry about. I'm satisfied with how things work and I'm very proud of you!!!
For next time, (you will not like what I will say but...
) please slow down the backing track with 10 BPM. It's better to make this tiny step back and fix everything in a perfect way. In this way, we will avoid bad habits occurring. Our purpose is to achieve accuracy in playing and we will work to achieve it. Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Jan 26 2024, 01:20 PM
Hi Monica,
As instructed I have backed down not only with 10bpm but I have build it up bar per bar starting at 120 bpm, 130bpm, 140bpm and 150 bpm.
I also have worked more on the vibrato's. Maybe they are the least improved in this take. But I guess a lot of things have been polished. I have used a stronger picking strength and I think all the notes are audible now and timing should also be improved.
But I let you be the judge
Here's the take at 150bpm
Let me know if some more polishing needs to be done
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Jan 26 2024, 02:32 PM
As instructed I have backed down not only with 10bpm but I have build it up bar per bar starting at 120 bpm, 130bpm, 140bpm and 150 bpm.
I also have worked more on the vibrato's. Maybe they are the least improved in this take. But I guess a lot of things have been polished. I have used a stronger picking strength and I think all the notes are audible now and timing should also be improved.
But I let you be the judge
Here's the take at 150bpm
Let me know if some more polishing needs to be done
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Great choice to slow down the backing track even more. This is what we always need to do when we practice.
Definitely you succeeded in polishing a lot of things. The stronger picking helped you to keep a better timing. It's not perfect yet because you have spots where you tend to rush a little, but it's highly improved compared with your last take. That's really awesome!!!
0:03 - 0:29 - don't let the last note from each open note section overlap on the notes played with palm muting because it sounds very, very wrong. When you play the first note from the muting section, it is the moment when the last note from the open notes section stops ringing. Block this with your hand.
0:09 - 0:11 - I can't hear all the notes clear.
0:24 - the D note (fret 7/G string) can't be heard.
0:50 - this vibrato sounds out of tune. Don't add too much pressure on the finger.
0:52 - I can't hear the C# note (fret 4/ A string).
0:56 - 0:59 - don't rush when you play with reverse picking.
Overall, you did a great work!!! I'm very proud of you!!!
For next time, fix the details that I pointed out and you can also raise the tempo with 5 BPM.
Keep practicing by building the speed until you achieve 155 BPM. BTW....you named the track "bending workout".
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Feb 15 2024, 12:41 PM
Good afternoon Monica,
I have prepared a new take at 155 bpm. I have been working hard on this lesson. I think I have made some progress. The issues from last take are fixed I think. The vibrato's have improved a little bit and I feel also more comfortable at the speed.
Listen for yourself:
Analysis:
42: this note and vibrato should be more clear
1.09: this vibrato should not stop and need to be more legato
1.11: same here
A few little mistakes but I'm very happy with this take. For me it's the best so far...
I hope you agree
Let me know how much polish I have to do
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Feb 15 2024, 01:48 PM
I have prepared a new take at 155 bpm. I have been working hard on this lesson. I think I have made some progress. The issues from last take are fixed I think. The vibrato's have improved a little bit and I feel also more comfortable at the speed.
Listen for yourself:
Analysis:
42: this note and vibrato should be more clear
1.09: this vibrato should not stop and need to be more legato
1.11: same here
A few little mistakes but I'm very happy with this take. For me it's the best so far...
I hope you agree
Let me know how much polish I have to do
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
Definitely, your playing is improved! Yes, I agree with you about the fact that this is your first take at 155 BPM which sounds quite nice.
Of course it doesn't sound perfect yet but you are going in the good direction. The progress is visible. You have spots ( 0:09; 0:14; 0:37; 0:50; 1:05) where the sound of some notes can't be heard (stuck sound).
0:24 - you rushed these notes
0:40 - 0:49 - in your previous take you played this section much better.
Be very careful to not block the notes (0:40; 0:43; 0:46) when you change the shape of your fingers from rounded to flat. 1:17 - you accidentally hit a wrong note
Overall you did a great work and I'm very proud of you!!!
For next time, remain at the same speed (we need to spend more time at this tempo) and polish all the things that I pointed out. Focus on playing all the notes very clear and equal.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Feb 28 2024, 12:49 PM
Hi Monica,
I have prepared a new take at 155bpm!
I think the vibrato's sound better and I kind of succeeded in retiring the string to point zero (that's the most difficult part with vibrato in my experience).
I think every note is audible also...
Here's the take!
Let me know if I can move to full speed or stay at this tempo to polish some more
Have a great day!
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Feb 28 2024, 01:27 PM
I have prepared a new take at 155bpm!
I think the vibrato's sound better and I kind of succeeded in retiring the string to point zero (that's the most difficult part with vibrato in my experience).
I think every note is audible also...
Here's the take!
Let me know if I can move to full speed or stay at this tempo to polish some more
Have a great day!
Gert
Hi Gert!
It's obvious that you have worked hard and today you came up with a very improved take. Great work!!!
Yes, the vibrato sounds better because you let the string return to the point zero. This is a good thing. But...keep in mind to play first the note and then start the oscillations.
0:13 - 0:18 - in this part I can't hear all the notes clearly. Some of them have a blocked sound.
In the first part of the lesson, be very careful and don't let the last note from each open note section overlap on the first notes played with palm muting. Also, avoid playing the last note of each section shorter than it should be. Keep the correct duration of the note.
I'm very proud of you!!! For next time, you can move to full speed.
Have a great day!
Posted by: Gert1973 Mar 16 2024, 05:31 PM
Hi Monica,
Today was all about this take!
I proudly present REC attempt number 3. REC attempt number two was exactly 2 months ago. I think the difference between number 2 and this one is noticeable.
Here's the take:
For me this if the best one I have delivered since the start 11 months ago
Enjoy and I hope you'll like it too...
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Mar 16 2024, 06:46 PM
Today was all about this take!
I proudly present REC attempt number 3. REC attempt number two was exactly 2 months ago. I think the difference between number 2 and this one is noticeable.
Here's the take:
For me this if the best one I have delivered since the start 11 months ago
Enjoy and I hope you'll like it too...
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
This is definitely your best take.
Yes, you are right, the difference between attempt number 2 and attempt number 3 is huge.Your progress is very visible and I'm very proud of you.
Let's analyze your take:
At this moment, you don't seem to be very comfortable with this speed. You have spots in the take where you give me the feeling that you will fail. Try to relax a little.
Vibrato - it's a little too nervous and the oscillations aren't executed in a good way.
0:41 - you played a wrong note. Instead, of playing F# (A string / fret 9), you played F (A string/ fret 8)
0:53 - 0:57 - be careful at timing and don't slow down
As overall advice, take more care regarding the equality of the notes and your performance will be improved.
You did an awesome work. I know you want to finish this lesson until on 27 March and we will try to do that.
But....my advice would be to practice a few days more and shoot a new attempt (but keep this take as back-up). We will then choose the best one. Have a great evening!
Posted by: Gert1973 Mar 21 2024, 01:22 PM
Good afternoon!
I have practiced a few days more and have (tried to) fix the remaining issues from the previous take!
It was intense to record this take but I'm very proud and satisfied with this result
Here's the 4th REC attempt of this though alternate picking lesson:
Let me know if there're issues left to fix or I can put this take into REC...
BTW... I want to finish it before 25th... not 27th
Cheers,
Gert
Posted by: Monica Gheorghevici Mar 21 2024, 02:07 PM
I have practiced a few days more and have (tried to) fix the remaining issues from the previous take!
It was intense to record this take but I'm very proud and satisfied with this result
Here's the 4th REC attempt of this though alternate picking lesson:
Let me know if there're issues left to fix or I can put this take into REC...
BTW... I want to finish it before 25th... not 27th
Cheers,
Gert
Hi Gert!
From what I see, you fixed the mistakes and I think this is the best recording that you have made for this lesson.
Apart from 1-2 spots where you rush a little and a blocked note at 0:26, I don't see critical mistakes.
Your vibrato is better than last time, but still need more work until you will be able to manage this at a faster tempo. Don't worry, this will come with time and practice.
Congrats on this take. Your progress is amazing and I'm very proud of you!!!
It's time to say goodbye to this lesson. You can post this take in REC.
Hahaha...we succeeded in ending this before 25 March.
Have a great day!
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)