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GMC Forum _ Todd Simpson _ Gitarrero's Bootcamp
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 5 2012, 06:17 PM
HERE IS A DIRECT LINK TO YOUR BOOTCAMP! http://bitly.com/Gitarrerosbootcamp
Welcome to SHRED BOOTCAMP! I'll be your Drill Instructor! And I do mean DRILL! As in a large power tool used in slasher films and Paul Gilbert concerts. Here is were you EARN THE LIVING DEATH out of your fingers and break through any speed bumps/barriers to become a MASTER CHIEF of Shred!
THE MISSION
1.)Your mission is to go all the way back to the very start. The base of the mountain.
LESSON 1. http://bitly.com/gmclesson1
Which you will play SLOWWWWWWLLY, very SLOWWWLLLLYYYY until you master it at a crawl (As You'll Do With Each Mission, and focus on left hand FORM! Make it SUPER PERFECT!). Speed it up bit by bit until you feel your ready to take it to WAR (Any speed, it's up to you) Shoot a video and post it as a reply to this post. I'll then offer a constructive and brutally honest critique.
THE AFTERMATH
Upon nailing the crap out of lesson one at a speed you didn't think possible, and playing it a clean as a freshly waxed floor, you will be given your first insignia of Rank in BOOTCAMP!
Practice!
Todd
Posted by: Gitarrero May 5 2012, 07:21 PM
SIR YES SIR!!
I shall use this as my warm-up for tonight's video chat 
Posted by: Gitarrero May 6 2012, 05:21 PM
Hey Todd!
As I am having a lazy sunday I thought: "why not practice in front of the TV?"
As I was getting in a flow I just got my laptop and recorded the final lick of yesterday's chat (at 200 bpm) and the first assignment (at an easy 200 bpm as well). For the assignment, the speed was pretty easy, so I'll crank the speed up within the next few days 
As I was saying, I was sitting in front of the TV, so my position is not the best for serious shredding 
Soundwise, I used you TH1 patch...I disabled the two noisegates you implemented and I think the sound rocks!
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 9 2012, 04:09 AM
I practice in front of the TV and to a Movie or what not quite often. Once I have something down in terms of form, it's in need of WADS of repetition to burn in to the brain. So I"ll put on a movie and run a scale a few hundred times. Keep in mind you can't let your form drift! But it does help to distract the brain enough that tedium doesn't set in. Nicely done on the last lesson bit too! On to the Mission Debrief!
Well played! Your First Mission is an overall success, but before we can give you your first mission badge......
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Consistent strikes, Nice!
2.)Consistent Tempo, also Nice!
Here is where half your squad got killed.
PURPLE HEART
1.)String traverse: It's hard, believe me I know. But just like in the end of the demo video, make some fret changes and show you can "Stick the Landing!" When shifting between strings and trying to maintain consistent speed/strike, any flaws will show up in a big way. The good news is, it's fixed with some more running of the bit.
So try one more pass and add in some
*String Traverse
*Faster Speed
*Double Picking
*Fret changes (skip from 5 to 12 for example.)
In short, WELL DONE BUT YOUR NOT DONE YET! Take another pass at this one and focus on string traverse and higher frets as those are hard sometimes, Shoot one more Vid and SLAY THE ENEMY!
FIGHT! I mean, PRACTICE!
Todd
As I am having a lazy sunday I thought: "why not practice in front of the TV?"
As I was getting in a flow I just got my laptop and recorded the final lick of yesterday's chat (at 200 bpm) and the first assignment (at an easy 200 bpm as well). For the assignment, the speed was pretty easy, so I'll crank the speed up within the next few days
As I was saying, I was sitting in front of the TV, so my position is not the best for serious shredding
Soundwise, I used you TH1 patch...I disabled the two noisegates you implemented and I think the sound rocks!
Posted by: Gitarrero May 9 2012, 08:14 PM
Hey Todd!
Here we go again
I increased the speed to 240 bpm, walked up the neck a bit and throw in some string traversing. But, how should I double pick this, since I am kinda quadruple picking the lick? 
Anyway, here it is. Notice the shirt
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 10 2012, 03:40 AM
Here we go again
I increased the speed to 240 bpm, walked up the neck a bit and throw in some string traversing. But, how should I double pick this, since I am kinda quadruple picking the lick?
Anyway, here it is. Notice the shirt
Take another look at Video 1, about 1:20 in to and try to hit roughly that speed if possible. If you play at the speed in the first vid you submitted, cutting the picking in half to "doubles" will get your left and right hand working about where I"m wanting them. I hit 160 BPM in the First Vid but go back and play along with that vid and you'll see what I'm talking about. The pick rate is much faster than you may be thinking. And I almost put a Mission Badge up after seeing that AMAZING Shirt! But, Private Git the video is set to "PRIVATE" so I can't see it! A small mission glitch, just set it in between public and private so that folks with the link or embed can see it.
Posted by: Gitarrero May 10 2012, 05:51 AM
my bad! I always upload these videos as private ones and then switch to "not listed" so that my channel isn't full of recs and other practice videos, but visitors only see my lessons and collabs.
Changed it now, so you should be able to see it!
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 14 2012, 11:00 PM
Changed it now, so you should be able to see it!
MISSION DEBRIEF: BACK IN THE BLUT!!!!!
Much better and very tight! However, PRIVATE GIT YOU CAN PLAY FASTER THAN THAT AND I KNOW IT! This is your first Mission Badge Soldier! PUSH IT!!!!!!!!
I know how hard you have worked on your picking over the past year, and it shows! Very clean, very tight! Put a bit more speed on it and let it serve as testament to perseverance! Todd
Posted by: Todd Simpson May 27 2012, 09:38 PM
Soldier you are on a MISSION! Actually several MISSIONS. As you complete one mission/lesson, start on the next! So Do one Lesson/Mission at at time, making a video example for each workout in a given lesson. If there are four examples, then you have to master all four and make videos so it gets CRAZY hard later on. For now, there are mostly one example per lesson. So start on your next!
All of the lessons/Missions are listed at the bottom of this page in the wiki! Get Moving Solider!
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Todd_Simpson_-_Shred_Journey
Todd
Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 16 2012, 07:14 PM
Private G reporting back for duty (after being MIA for a couple of weeks )
I recorded lessons 1 and 2 today, back to back, at 100 bpm. Double picked the first lesson, had some trouble finding into the beat and keeping it, but I pushed, like you wanted
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 18 2012, 12:50 AM
WELL PLAYED SOLDIER! [/b]
First I NICE SHIRT! , Second, Great Tone! Third, YOU NAILED IT! Plenty of speed, precision and overall AGRESSION! I can feel you are pushing it!
You just made two levels up in one Video! YOUR RAWK!
On to the next Mission Soldier!
Todd
Posted by: Gitarrero Jun 18 2012, 08:18 PM
Private G is on a killing spree!
Here is my take for mission 3 at 150 bpm. I tried it at 160 bpm too, but it was too messy to upload it.
And just for the fun, I played it on the E and A string as well, going down the neck again. That was the hardest part.
Here we go!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 20 2012, 04:35 AM
Here is my take for mission 3 at 150 bpm. I tried it at 160 bpm too, but it was too messy to upload it.
And just for the fun, I played it on the E and A string as well, going down the neck again. That was the hardest part.
Here we go!
CONGRATULATIONS SOLDIER! YOU NAILED IT! THE ENEMY ARE ALL DEAD!!!!!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Consistent strikes, Nice!
2.)Consistent Tempo, also Nice!
3.)Palm Mute in place and not driftin at all, Nice!
4.)Impressive speed!
You know what this means! PROMOTION! Hold your head high Soldier! You are climbing the ranks!
On to MISSION 4 Soldier! NO MERCY!
Todd
Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 20 2012, 08:10 PM
Private G is back
I recorded mission 4 at 200 bpm, a few glitches, but I let you be the judge of that
Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 22 2012, 07:06 PM
Hey Todd,
on to mission 5 and 6! I recorded mission 5 at 110 bpm, mission 6 at 130. I was pushing it both times, and the video is blurry cause I practiced in front of the TV (The Simpsons was on, so I thought I'd practice for the bootcamp ) and was too lazy to get decent light
Also, you might wanna check Ben's Demon Slayer collab thread, I used some of the tapping stuff in my take.
And please check my new song with the X-Orcism plugin, there's an extra thread for it.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 23 2012, 05:27 AM
SOLDIER! Well done on having the stones to TACKLE A DOUBLE! But I can't see them as they are PRIVATE! ARGGHHHG! I had my listening ears on and speakers up full blast to hear every detail. I didn't want to dissapoint the neighbors now that it's midnight so I played your new composition at full volume in stead. I think they liked it as nobody called the police!
P.S. That is the BEST SHIRT I"VE EVER SEEEN!
on to mission 5 and 6! I recorded mission 5 at 110 bpm, mission 6 at 130. I was pushing it both times, and the video is blurry cause I practiced in front of the TV (The Simpsons was on, so I thought I'd practice for the bootcamp
) and was too lazy to get decent light Also, you might wanna check Ben's Demon Slayer collab thread, I used some of the tapping stuff in my take.
And please check my new song with the X-Orcism plugin, there's an extra thread for it.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 24 2012, 02:31 AM
SOLDIER! These are good takes and I can tell you've put some practice in! I hate to be overly picky but I think you may be using my patch with one of the noise gates up a bit high as it's cutting off some bits of your playing. I take the blame for gating the snot out of the patch more often than not. I think your playing everything really well, it's just some notes are getting killed it seems by the gate so I can't hear them. Can you trim back the gate and use palm muting for the staccato effect instead?
You are inches from the next MISSION BADGE soldier! One Last Push TO DESTROY THE ENEMY!!!!!
on to mission 5 and 6! I recorded mission 5 at 110 bpm, mission 6 at 130. I was pushing it both times, and the video is blurry cause I practiced in front of the TV (The Simpsons was on, so I thought I'd practice for the bootcamp
) and was too lazy to get decent light Also, you might wanna check Ben's Demon Slayer collab thread, I used some of the tapping stuff in my take.
And please check my new song with the X-Orcism plugin, there's an extra thread for it.
Posted by: Gitarrero Jul 24 2012, 01:53 PM
Hey Todd,
here are the new takes, I went for the Alexa patch this time and as you can hear at the beginning and the end, I cranked the noisegate back quite a bit
Plus I added a little silly bonus at the end of the second video...couldn't help it after saturday's chat
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 26 2012, 02:43 AM
Well fought Soldier! Also, I"m digging the way the ALEXA patch is sounding on your Ibby! Spiff! I must say. As for the Mission, ALL ENEMY ARE REPORTED AS VANQUISHED! NIce!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1)Clean Strikes
2.)Brisk Speed
3.)Aggressive style!
PROMOTED!!!!!!
I"ll review your next mission once this mission badge has had a minute to sink in to your chest!
T
here are the new takes, I went for the Alexa patch this time and as you can hear at the beginning and the end, I cranked the noisegate back quite a bit
Plus I added a little silly bonus at the end of the second video...couldn't help it after saturday's chat
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 2 2012, 04:49 AM
Time for your MISSION 6 DEBRIEF SOLDIER!
Let me say Soldier that I can hear the blood/sweat/tears that went in to your practice! This is not an easy Mission. YOU"VE CRUSHED IT!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Clean Strikes
2.)Nice Palm Mute!
3.)Good Speed!
4.)Aggressive Style!
Here you go Soldier, PROMOTED! And I believe this puts you as the TOP RANKING SOLDIER!
here are the new takes, I went for the Alexa patch this time and as you can hear at the beginning and the end, I cranked the noisegate back quite a bit
Plus I added a little silly bonus at the end of the second video...couldn't help it after saturday's chat
Posted by: Gitarrero Dec 1 2012, 02:51 PM
Hey Todd,
time to get back to my missions!
Here is my take for Mission 7, actually two takes at 100 bpm.
Won't make it to the chat tonight, my excuse is Edguy...and Deep Purple 
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 2 2012, 08:12 AM
Prepare your Body and Mind!!! Time for your MISSION 7 DEBRIEF SOLDIER!
After watching this several time I have to first say..... I LOVE THAT TONE!!!! It sounds like one of my very own but with perhaps a tweak? Nice Gain, makes the pick strikes stand out, nice!!!
As for the playing. Soldier.......
....dramatic pause....
Well fought Soldier! It's good to see you back in the fight!!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Clean Strikes
2.)Bonus points for tone
3.)Assassin Grade Hand Synch
4.)Aggressive Style!
time to get back to my missions!
Here is my take for Mission 7, actually two takes at 100 bpm.
Won't make it to the chat tonight, my excuse is Edguy...and Deep Purple
Posted by: Gitarrero Dec 2 2012, 10:25 AM
Thanks Todd!
It actually is your tone, the lesson 137 lead tone. No tweaking was done...
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 5 2012, 01:53 AM
I thought it sounded familiar It really works well on your recording!! I usually set the gates way high so you may need to adjust them down a bit as they sound like they may be cutting off some of your dynamics. I think I have two stomp gates on each patch try cutting both off and using the gate knob under the tuner instead. Even with that, still sounds very spiff
Todd
It actually is your tone, the lesson 137 lead tone. No tweaking was done...
Posted by: Gitarrero Jan 26 2013, 06:34 PM
Hey Todd,
here is my take for Mission 8!
I used your Orange preset for TH1
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 26 2013, 06:42 PM
Well fought Soldier!!! But given that you are one of our "Old Boys" of long standing in our SHRED SATURDAY sessions, I"m gonna need to see this DOUBLE PICKED!!!!!!!!!
Doesn't have to be fast, just precise. I know Double Picking is hard, and I might not ask anyone else to do it on Mission 8, but your not just anybody Soldier, your YOU!!! Now get in there!!!
Todd
here is my take for Mission 8!
I used your Orange preset for TH1
Posted by: Gitarrero Jan 26 2013, 07:30 PM
I knew I forgot something!
Here is my double picked take now:
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 27 2013, 05:35 AM
I admire your determination Soldier!!!!! Let's review!!!
After reviewing your BATTLE LOG, I"ve come to a decision..... Soldier.......
YOU JUST LEVELED UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Good Clean Strikes
2.)Right hand planted firm
3.)Assassin Grade Hand Synch
4.)Spiff sense of time/rythm
Here is my double picked take now:
Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 11 2013, 02:51 PM
BOOM!
Private G is back in action, after last night's great videochat
So, I recorded yesterday's chat lesson, plus bootcamp missions 9 and 10.
See you in the chatroom.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 13 2013, 04:30 AM
Well Fought Soldier!! You seriously nailed each one of these. We don't usually promote two levels at a time but you are obviously ready for the next mission so let's debrief!!
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Clean Strikes
2.)Even Pacing and Progression
3.)Planted Palm mute.
In short Soldier, you just......
LEVELED UP!!!!
Onward!!!!
Sarge.
Private G is back in action, after last night's great videochat
So, I recorded yesterday's chat lesson, plus bootcamp missions 9 and 10.
See you in the chatroom.
Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 16 2013, 08:30 PM
Here is the video for mission 11:
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 17 2013, 07:26 AM
WOW!!!!! NICE!!!!! KILLLLLLED IT!!!!!!!
Soldier this is impressive. First up, great precision and palm mute while alternate picking!!! I harp on that quite a bit and for good reason. It's really important Lastly, your TONE is killer (If you made that patch by your lonesome, you've got it licked!!!!)
Let's Debrief...
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Planted right hand, Great mute!
2.)Clean precise alternate picking
3.)DOUBLES!!!!!
BONUS POINTS: Great Pinky Work!!!
CONGRATULATIONS SOLDIER!!! YOU JUST LEVELED UP!!!
Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 17 2013, 10:36 AM
Thanks Todd!
I actually used the same tone as for my collab solo, which is the lesson 205 lead tone with delay you created for TH1
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 18 2013, 04:00 AM
NICE!!! Did you tweak it? Sounds really good. Are you using anything on the front end to boost it? Like a pedal overdrive or something? I usually have to drive it with a preamp to get that kind of gain out it. Sounded spiff on the solo too!! Seems to work well with whatever pickups your using.
Todd
I actually used the same tone as for my collab solo, which is the lesson 205 lead tone with delay you created for TH1
Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 18 2013, 08:46 AM
I simply plug my guitar into the Alesis iO2, which is connected to my PC via USB.
The gain nob on the Alesis is up on 50%, that's all.
No tweaking or anything else was done in TH1
Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 20 2013, 04:53 AM
Well cool!! Having tweakable input gain is a wonderful thing. That patch is working out!
The gain nob on the Alesis is up on 50%, that's all.
No tweaking or anything else was done in TH1
Posted by: Gitarrero Dec 1 2013, 05:44 PM
I'm back at the Ponyhof!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 4 2013, 03:29 AM
Welcome back to the fight Soldier!!! Great to see you haven't lost any form!
Let's Debrief...
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Solid Right Hand Work, Firm Mute!
2.)Clean Alternate Picking
3.)Great MultiPicking!
BONUS POINTS: Still doing Great Pinky Work!!!
Soldier you haven't lost a thing and I think you've gained in your absence!
CONGRATULATIONS SOLDIER!!! YOU JUST LEVELED UP!!!
Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 22 2014, 04:36 AM
HERR GITARERRO!!!!
"LIFE IS NOT A PONYFARM!!!!!"
The time has come for you dig deep and leave the PONYHOF!!!! Time to once again go in to the breach!!!
Sarge
Posted by: Gitarrero Mar 7 2016, 03:50 PM
Boom! Out of nowhere, ze crazy German strikes!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ejC5OYzAaLU
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 7 2016, 10:55 PM
THERE HE IS!!!! Welcome back to the BRAWL!
Let's Debrief...
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Picking is sharp as ever
2.)Finger Articulation also sharp as ever
3.)Multipicking is great and you get bonus points for the shirt and pics!
Bottom line is that is is one of our core licks and you have seriously nailed it. Once you get this lick, it opens up so much and you really have a good handle on it. Nicely produced vid, good sound, good editing, nicely done. You have come soooooo far since the early days, it makes me proud
CONGRATULATIONS SOLDIER!!! YOU JUST LEVELED UP!!!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ejC5OYzAaLU
Posted by: Gitarrero Mar 8 2016, 10:10 PM
Thanks Todd!
I practiced mission 14 as well and recorded it tonight.
After practicing the singles for quite some time and getting my speed up to 200 bpm, there was not much left for doubles so 100 bpm was all I could manage there.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 9 2016, 07:15 AM
You are on a roll Soldier! Great to see you kicking it in the trenches and taking names!!!!
I like guitar as well. It looks like it's got the original electronics from the first wave bc rich series! Is that a carvin? Fine weapon of choice. On to the debrief!
Let's Debrief...
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Killer job on your muting. You are keeping your hand flat and not letting it drift to much while keeping control of the pick! This is one of the most important lessons I try to teach and you have a really good handle on it!
2.)Precision! Well done on your precision as well! Each strike is spot on and your pick/fret timing synch is great.
3.)Multipicking! Just to round it out, you got some nice double picking in there. Not as easy bit on this as it's always moving. Well done there!
Once again your hard work is paying off and you are really killing it!!! Keep it up Soldier!
I practiced mission 14 as well and recorded it tonight.
After practicing the singles for quite some time and getting my speed up to 200 bpm, there was not much left for doubles so 100 bpm was all I could manage there.
Posted by: Gitarrero Mar 9 2016, 08:16 AM
Thanks Todd!
My goal is to be consistent and submit a few missions per week, right now I'm aiming for three. Gotta keep the motivation high!
To the technical side of the guitar: it's an Oakland ZX1200, made in Japan, sometime in the 70's. That's what I could find out on the Internet.
To the emotional side of the guitar: this is the very guitar I played my first chords on and I even recorded my first songs with back when I was 13, with an old tape recorder. My dad gave this guitar to me and taught me to play. Somewhere at my mom's place there is a picture of him with his band where he plays that guitar on stage. I'll visit her in two weeks and will look for that photo so I can upload it here.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 10 2016, 06:41 PM
WOW!! That's amazing to be honest and I"m impressed. If you can pull of one or more you'd be doing very well, 3 is very ambitious but hey go for it!!!!!! You have spent the time to earn the skills so why not right?
Never heard of the brand of that guitar but it looks like a very interesting piece. Awesome that it was given to you buy your dad
My folks bought me my first guitars as well and I have always appreciated that. I had to ask for one since I was 5 but by 14 they got tired of hearing it and bought me a fake les paul. Persistence!!
Welcome back
Todd
My goal is to be consistent and submit a few missions per week, right now I'm aiming for three. Gotta keep the motivation high!
To the technical side of the guitar: it's an Oakland ZX1200, made in Japan, sometime in the 70's. That's what I could find out on the Internet.
To the emotional side of the guitar: this is the very guitar I played my first chords on and I even recorded my first songs with back when I was 13, with an old tape recorder. My dad gave this guitar to me and taught me to play. Somewhere at my mom's place there is a picture of him with his band where he plays that guitar on stage. I'll visit her in two weeks and will look for that photo so I can upload it here.
Posted by: Gitarrero Mar 12 2016, 06:14 PM
The madness continues with mission 15:
Posted by: Gitarrero Mar 13 2016, 12:21 PM
As promised, here is the lick from yesterday`s chat.
Singles at 190, doubles at 110.
This is where it starts to get sloppy at times. 180 and 100 was comfy, 200 and 120 very sloppy, so I went for the middle.
Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 14 2016, 12:40 AM
Again he is DRILLING AND KILLING!!! I watched this several times trying to find flaws and you are just in BEAST MODE!!
That classic axe still sounds nice too Your muting it great without lifting, your picking is clean without unwanted string noise, everything is nice and tight. So....
Let's Debrief...
MEDAL OF HONOR
1.)Can't say enough about your muting. Being able to plant the back side of your hand while leaving the fingers free enough to pick is something that is the very foundation of lead playing IMHO and you got it.
2.)SNIPER precision!! Each note lives in it's own space and doesn't bleed in to the next.
3.)Multipicking! Of course you have to have some killer multi picking to make it RAWK!!!! You have a great handle on this as well! I'm going to start having you do TRIPLES just to give you a challenge!!
BONUS: you get bonus points for KILLING the lick from the chat as well!!! Soldier, you are just on a MONSTER ROLL!!! Keep it up!
In short you just...
LEVELED UP!!
Singles at 190, doubles at 110.
This is where it starts to get sloppy at times. 180 and 100 was comfy, 200 and 120 very sloppy, so I went for the middle.
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