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GMC Forum _ Cosmin Lupu _ Jtaylor's Groove Workshop

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 4 2012, 10:56 PM

Hey mate! This is your personal thread so...let's start using it wink.gif shall we? Tell me please, which is your favorite most difficult rhythm lesson at GMC?

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 5 2012, 01:19 AM

Hey Cosmin and thank you! There are so many, but I think I would like to try Slayer style by Lian Gerbino. It is a level 4 (and I am a level 2). However, it looks like something I could do with some work! smile.gif BTW, I am done with school until March 19. Since work slowed down (stopped) I have volunteered to go up north with my church and help victims of the tornadoes that happened this week. Not sure if they will be able to send a team, but I'll let ya know if I go.
Sooo, for the time being, shall I work on that lesson or do you have something else in mind? Thanks again! wink.gif Jon

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 5 2012, 08:59 AM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 5 2012, 12:19 AM) *
Hey Cosmin and thank you! There are so many, but I think I would like to try Slayer style by Lian Gerbino. It is a level 4 (and I am a level 2). However, it looks like something I could do with some work! smile.gif BTW, I am done with school until March 19. Since work slowed down (stopped) I have volunteered to go up north with my church and help victims of the tornadoes that happened this week. Not sure if they will be able to send a team, but I'll let ya know if I go.
Sooo, for the time being, shall I work on that lesson or do you have something else in mind? Thanks again! wink.gif Jon


Hey Jon smile.gif I think we can start with that lesson and see how you fare with it wink.gif can you record after learning it?

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 6 2012, 01:47 PM

Gonna try to have my Jackson set-up today (if the guitar shop can fit it in their schedule). Should have the REC done before the week is over smile.gif . Question about the Slayer-style lesson: Lian plays this with just downstrokes on the open E string. However, in the tab and the GP file, he shows E5 (I hope I said that correctly). Which way do you want me to do it?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 6 2012, 09:37 PM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 6 2012, 12:47 PM) *
Gonna try to have my Jackson set-up today (if the guitar shop can fit it in their schedule). Should have the REC done before the week is over smile.gif . Question about the Slayer-style lesson: Lian plays this with just downstrokes on the open E string. However, in the tab and the GP file, he shows E5 (I hope I said that correctly). Which way do you want me to do it?


Hehe biggrin.gif E5 will provide more chunk so, I would suggest you try to insert it there instead of the open E (the later will provide more definition as it's only one string) let me know how it goes man!

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 7 2012, 06:20 PM

Just submitted the REC. Let me know what ya think and be hard on me! smile.gif Thanks Cosmin!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 8 2012, 10:27 AM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 7 2012, 05:20 PM) *
Just submitted the REC. Let me know what ya think and be hard on me! smile.gif Thanks Cosmin!


Hey Jon biggrin.gif Cool trick with the nails tongue.gif wasn't it a bit hard to play like that?

Now, timing would be essential to focus on - try to listen and see how the guitar parts in Lian's version are blending in with the drums, then play them at a very slow tempo, paying attention to be as tight as possible biggrin.gif then speed it up, by keeping a relaxed vibe wink.gif how does this sound my friend?

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 8 2012, 12:15 PM

Hey Cosmin! Yes, I'm going to back and work on this. I will re-submit it in a couple of days. If it was not beginner rhythm, I would be happy with 8's, but I think I need to nail this down to 9's and 10's. I wish I had caught the timing because it sounds really bad in some areas. I wish I could blame it on not aligning the tracks right in Audacity but that is not it. I will do the next REC minus the "nails" laugh.gif . This brings a question to mind: Except on this one, I always try to fret with the very tips of my fingers. I didn't do it on this one because, yes, my nails were in the way. Are the very tips of the fingers the correct way? I know that sounds like a stupid question but I figured I'd better go ahead and ask before I go any further. smile.gif Thanks! Jon

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 8 2012, 03:27 PM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 8 2012, 11:15 AM) *
Hey Cosmin! Yes, I'm going to back and work on this. I will re-submit it in a couple of days. If it was not beginner rhythm, I would be happy with 8's, but I think I need to nail this down to 9's and 10's. I wish I had caught the timing because it sounds really bad in some areas. I wish I could blame it on not aligning the tracks right in Audacity but that is not it. I will do the next REC minus the "nails" laugh.gif . This brings a question to mind: Except on this one, I always try to fret with the very tips of my fingers. I didn't do it on this one because, yes, my nails were in the way. Are the very tips of the fingers the correct way? I know that sounds like a stupid question but I figured I'd better go ahead and ask before I go any further. smile.gif Thanks! Jon


Usually yes smile.gif so, get rid of the nails my friend wink.gif let's see the next one blazing wink.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 10 2012, 04:17 PM

Hey Cosmin!
2nd REC submitted! smile.gif I actually found part of my problem because I took the time the watch every part of the instruction.... I will make it a habit to do that from now on! biggrin.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 11 2012, 12:31 PM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 10 2012, 11:17 AM) *
Hey Cosmin!
2nd REC submitted! smile.gif I actually found part of my problem because I took the time the watch every part of the instruction.... I will make it a habit to do that from now on! biggrin.gif


Also, Sinisa just put a new lesson up today. Is that a good one for me? Started messing with it and it is kicking me sideways laugh.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 11 2012, 04:50 PM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 11 2012, 11:31 AM) *
Also, Sinisa just put a new lesson up today. Is that a good one for me? Started messing with it and it is kicking me sideways laugh.gif


Hey Jon! Yes, Sinisa's lesson is tackle-able biggrin.gif and it'll serve you good, as well as it'll serve me good as well wink.gif

Now about the take - there's definitely improvement there, but you can do better, as Gabe said, if I am not mistaken, you should tap your foot to the ground in order to get better and better at working with your internal body clock wink.gif

let me know how this feels man!

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 12 2012, 10:55 AM

Hey Cosmin!
I'll be working on two things now. In regards to the timing on the Slayer lesson, Ben actually made a video just yesterday and sent me the link to it! biggrin.gif It is dealing directly with the problem I am having. As far as moving my head or tapping my foot, I have tried it..it seems to mess me up even more. I've got such bad habits deeply ingrained that I must work my way out of.
Having a bear of a time on Sinisa's lesson.... have always had problems with changing barre chord shapes and also arpeggios, beyond the real simple stuff. When I watch my picking, I fret the wrong notes....when I watch where my fretting hand is, I pick the wrong strings. Starting to think I should do it blindfolded.. huh.gif
So, that's where I'm at today. Hope your day is good. Jon

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 13 2012, 10:41 AM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 12 2012, 09:55 AM) *
Hey Cosmin!
I'll be working on two things now. In regards to the timing on the Slayer lesson, Ben actually made a video just yesterday and sent me the link to it! biggrin.gif It is dealing directly with the problem I am having. As far as moving my head or tapping my foot, I have tried it..it seems to mess me up even more. I've got such bad habits deeply ingrained that I must work my way out of.
Having a bear of a time on Sinisa's lesson.... have always had problems with changing barre chord shapes and also arpeggios, beyond the real simple stuff. When I watch my picking, I fret the wrong notes....when I watch where my fretting hand is, I pick the wrong strings. Starting to think I should do it blindfolded.. huh.gif
So, that's where I'm at today. Hope your day is good. Jon


hey Jon, all of us feel different at times regarding our personal progress and development when facing stuff we have never dealt with before, or too often smile.gif I would like to add that, nothing as actually difficult. It's just new biggrin.gif once you get used to it, it'll be normal smile.gif

Now, tapping a foot is always helpful, so try and get used to it a little at a time smile.gif find the parts which you feel confident when playing so that you may tap the foot without focusing on what you play. The idea is, that the foot should work independent of anything else - just like a metronome but built on your body smile.gif

About the chords - try and practice each shape at a time like this:

1) hold each shape and exercise the picking pattern
2) connect the shapes against a metronome, by only playing with your fretting hand - shift the positions when the time comes but do not pick them smile.gif
3) connect two shapes then 3, 4 and so on till you get them all flowing WHILE picking biggrin.gif

tell me how it worked tongue.gif

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 13 2012, 09:21 PM

Hi Cosmin!
This is what I have so far. Less than half of it but I'm plugging away! biggrin.gif the barre arpeggios are really hard and just makes me realize how sloppily I was playing barre chords all this time! laugh.gif
[attachment=26708:Sinis_Ce...w_Lesson.wav]

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 14 2012, 09:43 AM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 13 2012, 08:21 PM) *
Hi Cosmin!
This is what I have so far. Less than half of it but I'm plugging away! biggrin.gif the barre arpeggios are really hard and just makes me realize how sloppily I was playing barre chords all this time! laugh.gif
[attachment=26708:Sinis_Ce...w_Lesson.wav]


Hey Jon, aside from not letting some notes ring out (a bit more practice on that and it will be ok) timing is good and the tone as well smile.gif keep up the good work.

Tell me, did my approach help out?

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 14 2012, 10:31 AM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Mar 14 2012, 04:43 AM) *
Hey Jon, aside from not letting some notes ring out (a bit more practice on that and it will be ok) timing is good and the tone as well smile.gif keep up the good work.

Tell me, did my approach help out?

Cosmin


Hi Cosmin,
Yes, it certainly seems to be helping! This approach is actually helping in several different areas: (1) It is teaching me some patience. At 43, that is a skill I have not learned so this might just be a breakthrough! biggrin.gif (2) I can concentrate on one thing at a time. I have always just strummed any barre chords I have played. Playing them as arpeggios is a different ball game for me because I have to make every note right. This approach is letting me work on the trouble areas without thinking "uh-oh..I hope I can switch to the next chord in time!" I believe it is teaching me accuracy, which every player I have ever spoken to has said is way more important than speed. (3) I have not spent a lot of time doing the chord changes without picking but, just from the little bit I have done, I think those will improve the accuracy / timing.
I also sent my file to Sinisa and he liked it! He gave some good advice on things to work on. He also mentioned my cutting some notes off. That is something I have seen also but I'm not really sure how to fix it. I'll definitely be working on it though! Jon

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 15 2012, 01:32 AM

Hi Cosmin!
It has been suggested that the closer the guitar is to my body, the easier it is to barre a chord. Taking that into consideration, I experimented with this and decided to try the guitar on my right leg (I have always had it on the left). Besides the foreign feeling of it resting on a different leg, I think it might be giving me a little more leverage. I'll have more time to experiment with it tomorrow and will let you know. I am curious of your opinion on this? Jon

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 15 2012, 12:09 PM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 14 2012, 09:31 AM) *
Hi Cosmin,
Yes, it certainly seems to be helping! This approach is actually helping in several different areas: (1) It is teaching me some patience. At 43, that is a skill I have not learned so this might just be a breakthrough! biggrin.gif (2) I can concentrate on one thing at a time. I have always just strummed any barre chords I have played. Playing them as arpeggios is a different ball game for me because I have to make every note right. This approach is letting me work on the trouble areas without thinking "uh-oh..I hope I can switch to the next chord in time!" I believe it is teaching me accuracy, which every player I have ever spoken to has said is way more important than speed. (3) I have not spent a lot of time doing the chord changes without picking but, just from the little bit I have done, I think those will improve the accuracy / timing.
I also sent my file to Sinisa and he liked it! He gave some good advice on things to work on. He also mentioned my cutting some notes off. That is something I have seen also but I'm not really sure how to fix it. I'll definitely be working on it though! Jon


Hey Jon! Glad to hear you're making progress wink.gif indeed, accuracy is a great skill to master, high and low speed so keep up the good work!

Regarding the guitar position - I used to play in the classical position a lot before but since 2010 I think, the side saddle position has been my favorite just because it feels more comfy smile.gif Now, regarding the barre - yes, the side saddle position helps and as a plus, your left leg can be used for tapping on the ground for tempo tongue.gif this is how I'm doing it and it feels incredibly good and fun.

I was thinking that it would be great if you could film yourself playing Sinisa's lesson and post it here so we can discuss further and take it to the REC once it's perfected - what do you say?

all the best

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 15 2012, 12:21 PM

[quote name='Cosmin Lupu' date='Mar 15 2012, 07:09 AM' post='574526']

I was thinking that it would be great if you could film yourself playing Sinisa's lesson and post it here so we can discuss further and take it to the REC once it's perfected - what do you say?

Definitely! I'll be working on that! When I do, I'll let you know how I am doing the sound. Since I upgraded my guitar and multi-effects, I am not getting a warm sound when I play clean. Sinisa has had experience with Jackson's and has been helping me with it. It sounds fine when running through my amp but, when I run through the line-in on the computer, it tends to give me a sound like "plink" laugh.gif when I pick the notes. The ME-25 is supposed to be able to run through a computer just fine, but I don't like the way it sounds at all. I had better luck with my little Digitech RP-80, but I gave that to my nephew when I bought the Boss laugh.gif.

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 16 2012, 01:18 AM

Hey Cosmin!
I traded my Jackson on this today. I wanted something more versatile because the Jackson just didn't give a warm sound. This LTD is giving great tone with clean and distortion!

[attachment=26761:EC_100QM.jpg]

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 16 2012, 10:25 AM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 16 2012, 12:18 AM) *
Hey Cosmin!
I traded my Jackson on this today. I wanted something more versatile because the Jackson just didn't give a warm sound. This LTD is giving great tone with clean and distortion!

[attachment=26761:EC_100QM.jpg]


Oh oh biggrin.gif this one looks nice mate, but isn't it a metal oriented guitar?

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 16 2012, 10:53 AM

To be honest, I am not really sure. I know it has great, clean, warm sound. Though stock, the neck pickup tone is awesome! I'm getting the feel for the whole guitar now and will, hopefully, get the video done in the next couple of days. The bridge pickup gives as much crunch as my Jackson did. As my interests range everywhere from Christian to metal, it is certainly more fitting for me. smile.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 16 2012, 01:03 PM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 16 2012, 09:53 AM) *
To be honest, I am not really sure. I know it has great, clean, warm sound. Though stock, the neck pickup tone is awesome! I'm getting the feel for the whole guitar now and will, hopefully, get the video done in the next couple of days. The bridge pickup gives as much crunch as my Jackson did. As my interests range everywhere from Christian to metal, it is certainly more fitting for me. smile.gif


Well, it's good to know you found a good choice biggrin.gif let's see those vids wink.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Mar 21 2012, 11:30 AM

Hey Cosmin!
Just letting you know, I haven't forgotten this! I am still practicing Sinisa's lesson. However, it got to the point where I was getting burnt out on it so I have also been practicing Marcus Siepien's "Basic Metal Rhythm." Hope that's a good one... I just don't want to get so frustrated that I end up putting my guitar down altogether. smile.gif Hope you're doing good and I'll be in touch!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Mar 21 2012, 11:55 AM

QUOTE (JTaylor @ Mar 21 2012, 10:30 AM) *
Hey Cosmin!
Just letting you know, I haven't forgotten this! I am still practicing Sinisa's lesson. However, it got to the point where I was getting burnt out on it so I have also been practicing Marcus Siepien's "Basic Metal Rhythm." Hope that's a good one... I just don't want to get so frustrated that I end up putting my guitar down altogether. smile.gif Hope you're doing good and I'll be in touch!


Alright man! No problemmo smile.gif I am just fine and dandy laugh.gif If we can say that biggrin.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Apr 13 2012, 11:12 AM

Okay Cos, here it (finally) is. I have done over 100 takes of this. Except for screwing it up when switching from G to D, I had thought this was pretty good. Then I listened to Sinisa's take again....... Wow, is all I can say. If you don't mind, I'm also gonna have Sinisa give input. What score would you be giving this on a REC? Thanks!
[attachment=27093:REC_of_H...April_13.wmv]

Posted by: JTaylor Apr 14 2012, 10:48 AM

Hi Cosmin!
I went ahead and submitted a REC of the lesson. I figured it might help get me over the "recording fever" laugh.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 14 2012, 01:08 PM

Hey Jon! Just graded this mate smile.gif The idea is that you need more flow and precision in this take, I bet you'll blow everyone away if you practice it perfectly with a backing track at 50% the speed for only 5 times in a row biggrin.gif but they need to be perfect and in a row smile.gif

what do you say - up to the challenge?

Cosmin

PS: what else have you been up to man?

Posted by: JTaylor Apr 17 2012, 12:52 AM

ohmy.gif ohmy.gif ohmy.gif! OUCH! laugh.gif
So, to be honest, that idea does not excite me at all laugh.gif . However, (as I probably already told you) I bought my first guitar in 1988. If I had stuck with it and did what I was told to do, I would be very good now! So, since you are the instructor, I will do what you think I should. biggrin.gif
I already have a problem though, when I download the 90bpm track, then slow it down to 45bpm, there is a ton of garble in the background. Not sure if there is a way to fix it?
In answer to the PS, I am still not working, which is actually okay for now. God is seeing me and my wife and son through and we are doing great! School is taking a LOT of time and I will be glad for the summer break! biggrin.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Apr 17 2012, 01:56 AM

Also, would it be possible to work on another lesson at the same time? I just don't want to burnt out on one lesson biggrin.gif . If so, which rhythm lesson should I do?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 17 2012, 07:40 AM

Hey man! If the backing sounds nasty, just use a metronome biggrin.gif until you can reach the desirable speed to use one of the available backing tracks wink.gif

As for another lesson, we can use this one: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Hard-Rock-Power-Chords-Beginner/ it may seem a bit tricky but, it involves some new elements which will be developed under the same rhythmic formula. Plus a little vibrato and voicings smile.gif this is a step forward, so what do you think?

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Apr 17 2012, 03:28 PM

I like it! It's not as easy as it looks! You know, when I get discouraged about this, I have to remember something: I joined in December and started everything over. When I did my first level 2 lesson, I had no idea how I was going to do it and I did not pass the first REC. But, here I am, 4 months later, doing mostly Level 3's! biggrin.gif Thanks!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 17 2012, 06:37 PM

That's it mate! Axe up and pick down! biggrin.gif the pleasure is all mine wink.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Apr 19 2012, 12:02 PM

"When I watch my picking, I fret the wrong notes....when I watch where my fretting hand is, I pick the wrong strings."
This is a part of a post I sent to you on March 12, regarding The "Harmonic Key Changes " lesson. Although not 100% perfect, I just played this at full tempo without looking at either of my hands biggrin.gif . Really happy I can see the progress on here!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 19 2012, 12:18 PM

Great to hear man - it's a bit tricky NOT to watch the hands smile.gif I usually watch the left mostly, as the right is somehow going by itself laugh.gif I think I have developed this over the years and I almost never watch the right hand

My advice here, in order to build up confidence, is to check out the positions in the lesson and while focusing on the right hand, try to 'feel' the patterns executed by your right hand smile.gif playing slowly while doing this will help A LOT!

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Apr 25 2012, 12:18 PM

Hey Cos!
Just to keep you updated, I am still practicing. I'm helping a friend of mine this week so I have not been able to practice much, but I am still working on both of Sinisa's lessons that you have assigned me. I think the Harmonic Key Changes was the first REC I have done where I was told my timing was good! biggrin.gif That is improvement in itself! Have a great day! Jon

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Apr 26 2012, 08:05 AM

Hey Jon! Great to hear you are having a good time practicing man smile.gif looking forward to another take from you and of course, let me know if there's anything else you feel like working on. I wouldn't want you to get bored on things wink.gif

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor May 1 2012, 03:08 PM

Hey Cos!
Just to let you know, the VH lesson by Alex is going pretty good. Having trouble with the chicken-picking part... my ring (finger closest to pinky on right hand) seems to get hung up in the strings when plucking. Playing slower, in an effort to control that finger and not let it control me. biggrin.gif Other than that, it's going pretty good.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 2 2012, 02:56 PM

Alright Jon, you let me know when it's done and you think I can take a look over it smile.gif now, tell me did you grow your right hand nails a bit for the chicken pickin? smile.gif

Posted by: JTaylor May 2 2012, 03:08 PM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ May 2 2012, 09:56 AM) *
Alright Jon, you let me know when it's done and you think I can take a look over it smile.gif now, tell me did you grow your right hand nails a bit for the chicken pickin? smile.gif

No! That is funny because I was thinking about it and was going to ask you but I thought it would be a stupid question! laugh.gif So, I need to? Also, I am finding it easier with my middle finger to pluck the B string.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 2 2012, 03:26 PM

It helped me a ton man smile.gif I have my grown nails since 2007 and I won't give em up tongue.gif it's gonna offer the same consistency as the pick when you attack the strings wink.gif

Posted by: JTaylor May 31 2012, 01:51 AM

Hi Cos!
Hope you're enjoying Warsaw! I FINALLY posted a REC of the Van Halen Lesson by Alex. I can play it quite well...... until the "RECORD" button is pushed! laugh.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 2 2012, 02:12 PM

Hey Jon smile.gif I listened and graded! What I think you need is to get in touch with the inner clock a little better. Rigidity in rhythm playing is not desirable, so try and tap your foot to the ground at let's say 75% of the tempo and play each part of the song, relying on your foot as a rhythmical base wink.gif Can you do that for me?

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor May 9 2013, 02:07 PM

Hey Cos! I have slowed down the backing track for Ben's "Time to Gallop" from 120bpm to 100bpm. It looks like I will be breaking it down into several parts. Not sure if I need to slow it down more? Also, should I master one section at slower speed, build it up to full speed and then move on to the next, or master the whole piece at a slower tempo and build up the speed from there? Thanks for any advice you can give! smile.gif

Oops! I accidentally had my track muted. Okay, hopefully it is fixed now. ohmy.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 10 2013, 08:28 AM

Hey Jon!

I think that you should approach things like this:

- master each part at a slow tempo
- bring all the parts together and play them against the metronome at first and then, in perfect sync with the backing track at a slow tempo
- gradually raise the tempo while keeping the quality of the playing

I think that at this point, you have issues with timing and syncing with the backing track. You need to focus on these two aspects and why not, when you are ready - record against the original recording. If things will not sound muddy and crowded, it means you are clean and precise in playing the piece.

I would say - let's hear each part recorded slow against a metronome click posted right here in this thread smile.gif It's gonna be a bit tedious at first, but once you get the hang of it, it'll go smooth and fast!

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor May 10 2013, 02:19 PM

Sounds good! I will use the metronome only at 80bpm and start with 0:00 to 0:13. When I feel it is good, I will submit that section twice: once with just the metronome and once with the backing track (both will be played at 80 bpm). I'm a very impatient person Cosmin. Maybe this will help me to work on it biggrin.gif. I won't rush, so don't be surprised if it is several days before I get anything back on here. Thank you for the advice and I hope you have a great weekend! smile.gif
LOL! I'm glad I proofread this. I had accidentally typed that I would use the metronome at 870bpm!!!! laugh.gif

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 11 2013, 06:57 AM

Sounds like a plan Jon! If you will focus, the guitar will teach you how to be patient smile.gif

Looking forward to the takes and don't rush, no one is chasing you, ok?

Posted by: JTaylor May 15 2013, 03:35 PM

Hey Cosmin! Okay, I'm pretty comfortable with the way these sound. I have done one with the metronome only at 80 and one with the BT at 80. I chose a different distortion setting for the take I did with the BT, and I hope it sounds better. Only recorded the first 15 seconds or so. You be the judge and, if you think I'm ready, I will work on the next 15 seconds. If not, I'll keep working on the first section. Thank you!
[attachment=31876:Gallop_m...me_80BPM.wav] [attachment=31877:Gallop_w...___80BPM.wav]

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 16 2013, 09:28 AM

Hey Jon! In what regards timing, this is good and both takes are ok, but indeed the one that has been recorded against the metronome is better sounding, because of the tone.

What I'd suggest here, is for you to try and play the gallop palm muting without separating the notes with the left hand (I can hear the notes being separated by the raising of the fingers from the fretboard). Try to give the riffs definition just by palm muting tight enough for them to be nicely separated and still ring a bit smile.gif Focus on this and then, move to the next bit wink.gif Deal?

Posted by: JTaylor May 16 2013, 01:09 PM

I'll definitely be working on that and I'll use the backing track I used with the metronome. You are 100% correct about me raising my fingers off the frets also! ohmy.gif Time to get to palm muting!!! biggrin.gif

Posted by: JTaylor May 16 2013, 04:12 PM

Working on keeping my left hand pressed down. This is a hard habit to break! biggrin.gif I'm going to have to use some time and effort on this!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 17 2013, 08:53 AM

Don't rush, Jon, ok? Slow and steady makes you ready! biggrin.gif

Posted by: JTaylor May 22 2013, 01:15 AM

Hey Cos!
Okay, here is the first and second parts of the Time to gallop. Again, one is with metronome only and the other is with the backing track at 80 BPM. Have a great day! Jon
[attachment=31953:Gallop_2...etronome.wav] [attachment=31954:Gallop_2_with_BT.wav]

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 22 2013, 12:23 PM

Hey Jon, this is much better mate! I also notice that you are separating the chords using your right hand and thus making things sound heavier! Great going dude! Now, it can sound tighter, if you increase the pressure of the attack a bit more, while taking care not to make the strings buzz. Right hand stuff again - it has to be uber tight. Please post the rest and then we shall increase the speed. Don't forget to focus on tightness, when playing everything. Ok?

Posted by: JTaylor May 23 2013, 04:08 PM

Hey Cosmin!
Thanks for the kind words! I have put in three files this time. There is one of the entire Time to Gallop with metronome at 80 BPM, one of the entire lesson with backing track at 80 BPM and, just for laughs, I did one of the entire lesson with backing track at 120 BPM. I am amazed at how much better the one at full tempo sounds compared to what I had submitted for a REC! I know it's still not a 10, but it's going to be! biggrin.gif Have a great day, my friend! Jon

[attachment=31968:Gallop_3...e_80_BPM.wav] [attachment=31969:Gallop_3...BT_80BPM.wav]

Posted by: JTaylor May 23 2013, 04:47 PM

Hey Cos! Here is the third attachment. I had to go and delete some previous ones because I maxed out all my available space. laugh.gif
[attachment=31970:Gallop_w..._120_BPM.wav]

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 24 2013, 10:44 AM

A bit more, it is almost there at 120 BPM! At 80 BPM I think I have no observations - everything seems groovy and tight. At 120 tho, you had moments where I felt you were rushing a tiny winy bit laugh.gif

Good work mate! Let's get that darn 10, aye?!!

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor May 29 2013, 02:56 PM

Hey Cosmin!
I've had a lot of stuff going on (repainting part of my house) and have just now got two more takes done. I have increased the tempo from 80 up to 100 BPM. Getting closer to the 120 mark! laugh.gif Thanks for telling me to me patient with it also. I have found that, if I am impatient, it takes all the fun out of playing and this is certainly helping! Have a great day! Jon
[attachment=32066:Gallop_w..._100_BPM.wav] [attachment=32067:Gallop_w..._100_BPM.wav]

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 30 2013, 09:26 AM

Hello Jon!

It is always good to have enough patience with yourself, simply because your spirit will stay calm and focused. Once you start getting frustrated, you lose focus and thus your performance decreases badly!

Now, this take here is not that tight - especially when shifting chords and the best example is occurring at the very beginning, where you can't hear the exact chord, but it's a bit blurry.

Please take care of these shifts before going further with the speed wink.gif

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor May 31 2013, 12:18 AM

Hey Cosmin!
Okay, I backed the tempo down from 100 to 90. Maybe jumping from 80 to 100 was too much. I'm pretty happy with this take.It's not perfect yet, so I'll keep working on it. I'll stay at this one for a while before attempting 100 again, lol. laugh.gif It may be a few days before I get any other recordings done as I have got a lot of stuff going on right now, but I will get one soon. Have a great weekend! Jon
[attachment=32080:Gallop_w...T_90_BPM.wav]

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu May 31 2013, 09:16 AM

Good morning Jon! It's definitely better, man! Strange how 10 BPM can pull you down like that eh? Take your time and record at 100 BPM when you think you can match the tightness you are having here biggrin.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Jun 6 2013, 03:30 PM

Hey Cosmin!
I have been practicing a lot @ 100 BPM and am finally ready to submit my latest for your feedback. Again, I had to go and delete my previous attachments because I had maxed out my space ohmy.gif but it's all good biggrin.gif . Thanks, and have a great day! Jon
 Gallop_Submission_with_BT_100_BPM.wav ( 17.24MB ) : 78

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 7 2013, 12:48 PM

Hello Jon! This is getting better and better - one thing that I started noticing, is the great amount of power behind the riffs - you are becoming more and more surefooted!

Now, there are almost imperceptible hesitations here and there and after 00:50 I can feel a slight de-sync. Push further and see if you can get the balance perfectly and also try to see if you are still so powerful at 110 Bpm. How does that sound?

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Jun 7 2013, 12:53 PM

Sounds great! I'll be working on it! Have a great weekend and thank you for your help my friend!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 7 2013, 12:55 PM

Always a pleasure Jon! I got your back mate!

Posted by: JTaylor Jun 11 2013, 03:27 PM

Hey Cosmin!
I have been working on this at 110 BPM for a few days and here is my first submission. I tried to tweak it but I think I was concentrating too hard and started making more mistakes. laugh.gif So, even though it is somewhat rough, here is Time to Gallop at 110BPM! I'll keep working on it! biggrin.gif
 Gallop_110_BPM.wav ( 15.79MB ) : 85

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 12 2013, 08:28 AM

Howdy Jon!

Mate, timing and tightness are not with you at this speed smile.gif Give it some more time, ok? Keep me posted of course and keep working hard! I hope you are not tense when playing, yes?

Posted by: JTaylor Jun 13 2013, 11:35 PM

Hi Cosmin!
Yes, you have nailed it. Tenseness is an area that has plagued me and held me back since I bought my first guitar in 1988. Sometimes, even after just a few minutes of playing, my hand and arm will hurt all the way up to the elbow. It is a mental block that I have fought for a very long time. The more I try to relax, the more my mind takes over and makes me more tense. I have no idea what to do about it. If I had the extra money, I would try hypnotism but that costs a lot!!! laugh.gif So, that is where I am at with it. If you know any good techniques for relaxing while playing, I'd love to give them a try. Thank you my friend! Jon

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 15 2013, 02:33 PM

Jon - watch out - I'm making a movie for ya on this theme - and there's gonna be A LOT of philosophical ranting laugh.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Jun 15 2013, 06:33 PM

QUOTE (Cosmin Lupu @ Jun 15 2013, 08:33 AM) *
Jon - watch out - I'm making a movie for ya on this theme - and there's gonna be A LOT of philosophical ranting laugh.gif



Thank you!! I'm very much looking forward to it! Have a great weekend my friend! biggrin.gif Jon

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 15 2013, 07:32 PM

Hey there Jon smile.gif Check this out:


Posted by: JTaylor Jun 17 2013, 01:24 AM

Hey Cosmin!
Great video my friend and I appreciate it! I will be referring to it often and I have it in my bookmarks for easy reference at any time! Yes, I like what you have to say on the subject. Thank you again! biggrin.gif With my latest, I have backed it down to 105BPM. Except for a glitch at 0:33, I am pretty happy with it, but I'll let you be the judge. smile.gif Jon
 Time_to_Gallop_105_BPM.wav ( 16.27MB ) : 87

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 17 2013, 12:06 PM

Hey Jon! Glad I could provide, mate! smile.gif

It is very good - there are some spots where there's a little bit of lack in definition, but I wouldn't worry so much. The big picture is ok! Let's put 5 more BPM on top of this, aye?

Cosmin

Posted by: JTaylor Jun 17 2013, 01:10 PM

Great! When I was recording yesterday, I could feel my mind starting to wander. Then, I would say to myself "I have practiced this and I know I can play it. I am going to have fun playing it!" biggrin.gif I'll work on it at 110 again and submit a good recording. It may be a day or two, but I'm in no rush, lol!
You know, a friend of mine has been playing for 40 years and the guy is just incredible (he's also a PRS man and owns several of them!). He told me that another friend of his asked him if he thought about every single note he plays. He told the guy "no." Well, the guy was surprised, so my friend told him "if I thought about every word when I speak, I would stumble over them, and mess up the conversation." So it is with playing.... I thought that was pretty good also.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 18 2013, 08:26 AM

Great explanation!! Hehe, I will write this one down for certain wink.gif

Well, Jon, indeed, there is no rush mate - send it when you are happy with it wink.gif

Posted by: JTaylor Jun 28 2013, 12:18 AM

Hi Cosmin!
Just letting you know it is going slow right now. I actually have not really even played lately due to a huge project at my house. I will be working on the house for a few more weeks and just wanted to let you know. I'll get back on the gallop lesson eventually though! biggrin.gif Have a great day my friend!! Jon

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jun 28 2013, 07:52 AM

Hey Jon, thanks for writing me man smile.gif Listen, keep your hands warm with playing it daily, for 15-20 minutes if you can. It'll be worth it, trust me!

I am trying to figure out how to build a practice pad for my sword fencing training at home so that I can place it in the garden and train there in from April to October - guess I can say I have a house project too tongue.gif

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