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GMC Forum _ MTP (Muris) _ Lcsdds (monte) Mentored By Muris

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 17 2009, 10:37 PM

Hi Muris,
I will go into detail a little more about my goals etc. a little later but I wanted to get some clips up so you can see my current playing level.







Before we get started I just want to say thanks for taking the time to help me with my playing. Means A LOT!!

BACKGROUND

I am 38 and have been playing for around 20 years by now. My favorite players when I was learning were Vai, Satch and Vito Bratta. I have been playing pretty consistently for those 20 years but in the last 2 years and especially the last 6 months I have become extremely focused and consistent with my practicing and playing. My favorite type of music is Rock and I just love instrumental guitar music.

Never been in a band and really never had any kind of contact with any musicians until I joined GMC.


CURRENT STATUS

I think my strengths are my legato and tapping. I think I can bend pretty decent and I think I can come up with nice melodies/licks etc. I think I am decent at sweep picking and economy picking as well although they could use some work as well.

My weaknesses are definitely my vibrato and my alternate picking. I don't know why I dont consistently work on this technique, although since January I have been more consistent than usual. I think it is because my legato and tapping are so developed compared to my AP that it is just easier for me to fall back into my comfort zone and rely on those techniques rather than take the time to develop a good AP technique. THIS WILL BE REMEDIED THIS YEAR!! I just need some guidance on how to do it.

THEORY

I think I have a pretty good background here. I know all my scales and triads and I understand modes etc. I know where chords come from and how to build them. In this area I feel pretty comfortable about where I am although I could always learn more. smile.gif

CURRENT ROUTINE

My current routine consists of daily practice of the following techniques:

TAPPING
LEGATO
HYBRID PICKING
ALTERNATE PICKING
ECONOMY PICKING
SWEEP PICKING

I am currently working on the following GMC lessons:

Your "Phrygian advanced" lesson
I have this pretty much up to tempo except for the AP parts!! laugh.gif A couple of the licks in this sound better played with a different technique to my ear so I have changed a couple of them. The AP and economy picked runs at the very beginning however need to be picked so I am working on these and I am making progress.

Your "Lydian advanced" lesson
This one is just being held up by the sweep tap arpeggio and the 16th triplet hybrid picking. I also changed the last hybrid lick to tapping, just sounds better to me. I have designed an excercise to help me with the 16th triplet hybrid part and I am really close to getting it up to tempo.

Your "Sweeping Etude"
Just started this. I can sweep pretty clean and fast when staying in one position but have problems shifting around so I decided to tackle this to remedy that. Only have the first couple of parts memorized and I am really slow at it right now. This will be really good for me.

I'll post takes on both of the phrasing lessons this weekend so you can see where I am at. I haven't worked with the backing track yet but shouldn't be a problem to get a 75-80% take on both of these.

I plan on devoting 1 hour a day to whatever it is you want me to work on Muris. Just show me the way master!! smile.gif

OVERALL GOAL

If I could get some AP chops, or at least pointed in the right direction out of the MTP I would be happy. One other goal I would really like would be for you to show me how to structure an instrumental. Kind of like your "final dance" entry. I don't expect to play like that but I would like to know how to structure the different parts so it sounds like a song and not just a bunch of licks thrown together.

Anything else you think I need to know I will do for sure. Thanks again Muris and let me know if you need to know anything else.

Monte

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 18 2009, 03:41 AM

So Muris I thought I might try to give you a little more insight into my picking issues.

I am basically an economy picker although I am not a very skilled one. I do pretty well when combining it with my legato but not so much when trying to pick every note. I had a friend back in the day when I had only been playing a few years who lent me the Frank Gambale video where he demonstrated his sweep picking technique. I worked on it a little bit but wasn't very disciplined with it because I wasn't really into any players that were known for their picking chops. When I come across an AP run, like in any of your lessons I will either play it legato or try and change the lick so it can be economy picked. This ususally consists of doubling up some of the notes so my pick is going in the right direction to change strings. To my ear this sounds OK because in my opinion when you are playing something at high speed it is just and effect and adding an extra note here or there to the beat doesn't change the overall feel of it.

I have been chatting with fellow GMC'er SonofDestiny and he pointed out that he thought my AP woes were simply a synchronization issue. I think he is right. I have decent legato so my left hand can move fast enough. I can tremolo pick just fine and I can even get some decent speed when doing single string AP runs. The problem comes when I go to change strings and sychronize my right and left hand.

To remedy this I have recently, meaning this week, started working on your AP in thirds lesson and your string skipping lesson. I have been working pretty hard for the last month or so on my economy picking and I think I am making some good progress on this.

I really want to get my AP together so I am gonna do whatever you tell me too to fix this. I have set aside an hour a day to work on whatever it is you want me to work on. Probably 2 hours on the weekends. Let me know if you want me to post me playing any kind of AP excercises. It won't be pretty but I can do it for sure. laugh.gif laugh.gif



Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 19 2009, 01:08 PM

Hey Monte!!

First of all guys, pardon me for cleaning this thread a bit,
there was some random talking and I wanted to keep this space
easy to navigate over, hope you don't mind. smile.gif

You said that you're pretty much interested into
composing catchy songs and solos and I like that a lot.
We'll try to talk about this subject more in next period
since we have one very concrete topic to work on atm.
Alternate Picking.

I can see that you're very good when it comes to legato,
sweeping, economy etc.
And your theory knowledge is fine as well,
we won't be having lot of problems to guide you at all.
What we need to do is to simply break your practicing routing
a little and work on alternate picking more than usual.
Since you like legato and everything I listed above A LOT
I'm sure you won't stop practicing those techniques anyhow,
that's why I'm gonna give just one lesson to start with
and it's about alternate only.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-picking-upstroke-focus/

You'll notice that this lesson nicely prepares you for many situation
that you might run into when you play straight alternate picking.
Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.
I was thinking to give you 7 days but feel free to bump this topic
whenever you feel to, I know that you're hard worker and so
if you bump it tomorrow it's not gonna surprise me at all. biggrin.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 19 2009, 01:39 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Feb 19 2009, 01:08 PM) *
Hey Monte!!

First of all guys, pardon me for cleaning this thread a bit,
there was some random talking and I wanted to keep this space
easy to navigate over, hope you don't mind. smile.gif

You said that you're pretty much interested into
composing catchy songs and solos and I like that a lot.
We'll try to talk about this subject more in next period
since we have one very concrete topic to work on atm.
Alternate Picking.

I can see that you're very good when it comes to legato,
sweeping, economy etc.
And your theory knowledge is fine as well,
we won't be having lot of problems to guide you at all.
What we need to do is to simply break your practicing routing
a little and work on alternate picking more than usual.
Since you like legato and everything I listed above A LOT
I'm sure you won't stop practicing those techniques anyhow,
that's why I'm gonna give just one lesson to start with
and it's about alternate only.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-picking-upstroke-focus/

You'll notice that this lesson nicely prepares you for many situation
that you might run into when you play straight alternate picking.
Give it a shot and let me know how it goes.
I was thinking to give you 7 days but feel free to bump this topic
whenever you feel to, I know that you're hard worker and so
if you bump it tomorrow it's not gonna surprise me at all. biggrin.gif


I'm on it Muris. smile.gif I'll post a take at my top clean speed ASAP and I'll be working on this lesson VERY hard!! I'm gonna post where I am at on your lydian and Phrygian lessons as well and change a few licks so you can see how I have been compensating for my lack of AP chops. Thanks. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 19 2009, 01:57 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Feb 19 2009, 01:39 PM) *
I'm on it Muris. smile.gif I'll post a take at my top clean speed ASAP and I'll be working on this lesson VERY hard!! I'm gonna post where I am at on your lydian and Phrygian lessons as well and change a few licks so you can see how I have been compensating for my lack of AP chops. Thanks. smile.gif


I KNOW you'll do it great. wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 19 2009, 03:32 PM

Alright Muris,
Went through this lesson this morning and it is just what the doctor ordered. smile.gif None of these shapes are new to me, I use them all the time in my legato phrasing so the fingering isn't a problem. The hard part for me is gonna be syncing the hands and trying to remember to stick to steady alternate picking. I am constantly wanting to "sweep" when I change strings. I'm gonna work hard on this and get you a post at 100 bpm and 120 bpm by Sunday. smile.gif I think I can play it pretty clean at 100 bpm but 120 bpm is where it starts to fall apart as you will see. Since I have limited practice time I am gonna keep my video posts to what you are having me work on if that is OK. I really want to focus a lot of energy on what you are having me work on so unless you request something I am going to just post this lesson for now. Thanks Muris!! smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 19 2009, 05:50 PM

Working on that lesson only atm is fine with me Monte,
we will have plenty of time to mess with other things
once we get your picking in order. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 20 2009, 12:57 PM

Muris,
Could I get the backing track to the downstroke/upstroke lesson? Thanks.

Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 20 2009, 12:59 PM

On its way. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 21 2009, 03:20 PM

I thought I would just give you a quick update. I'm having a hard time breaking old habits. My biggest problem is training myself to stick to strict alternate picking. I keep wanting to sweep when changing strings. Right now I would say my top clean speed is 100bpm. I am taking it all the way up to 130 bpm when practicing and some of the licks I can play pretty cleanly at this tempo. The very last 2 licks where you are running the ascending an descending scales just scream to be economy picked, at least that is what my fingers are hearing. laugh.gif laugh.gif I'm gonna go through this lesson a couple more times and give you a video post tomorrow so you can see where I am at. I'll be interested to hear what you think of my AP technique. I've never posted anything with me using AP before on GMC. You'll probably see why tomorrow. laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 22 2009, 01:01 AM

I can feel your pain Monte,
playing economy for so many years
and now jumping into only alternate must be horror for you
but I'm afraid that it's the best way to do amp.
Good thing tho is that your muscles are pretty much trained already
and it won't last long for you to take AP as your own weapon. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 22 2009, 07:43 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Feb 22 2009, 01:01 AM) *
I can feel your pain Monte,
playing economy for so many years
and now jumping into only alternate must be horror for you
but I'm afraid that it's the best way to do amp.
Good thing tho is that your muscles are pretty much trained already
and it won't last long for you to take AP as your own weapon. smile.gif

Muris I have a question for you. Why would you use economy picking when you can AP like you can? Do you really hear that much of a difference in sound? I ask because I was noticing on your Phyrigian advanced lesson that the first descending lick you use economy as opposed to AP. I am already getting A LOT more comfortable with AP. I will post a take today hopefully. I am only gonna post it at 100 bpm. This is the tempo I can play ALL the licks cleanly for the most part. Some of them I can play faster but some of them I can't. The toughest licks so far are any of the licks that inolve 3nps where you are doing a run over 3 strings or more. When I get to the higher tempos my muscle memory kicks in and I start to sweep when changing strings. I am spending quite a bit of time at slower tempos to remedy this. I think a realistic goal for me for this lesson is between 5-10 bpm increase in my top clean speed per week. My goal is to be able to play this lesson up to tempo in 3-4 weeks.

I have also started working on your AP string skipping lesson. I started this lesson a few months ago and stopped because it was so frustrating. sad.gif I can already feel that I have more control on my AP chops and I am excited about this. I'll get you the 100 bpm take later today. Thanks Muris and let me know what you think about my 5-10 bpm increase per week. Do you think this is realistic or do you think I should be improving faster?


Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 22 2009, 10:34 PM

Hmm, tricky question, but when you have alternate and economy
in your arsenal you just combine them as you please,
sometimes it's because of sound but sometimes it's just
cause you want it that way, period! smile.gif

And as for progress, I was never following my own progress via BPMs
so I really cannot say what is the best "lap time",
make as much effort as you can and we'll see the result, agree? smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 22 2009, 11:45 PM

Here you go Muris. 100bpm. I don't know, I've never seen a video of me using so much AP. It looks awkward to me. laugh.gif laugh.gif I will upload again in 7 days and my goal is at least 115 bpm. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks Muris. smile.gif



Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 22 2009, 11:52 PM

Ehey, that was clean as it can be, well done Monte!!!!!!!!!

Now, while you're pushing up the tempo
the only thing I might eventually suggest is try
not to anchor that much with your pinky.
As you can see,you roll your entire wrist pretty often because of that
and might cause you some troubles to play faster, much faster.
It isn't that serious at this speed you presented but
on higher tempos rolling with the wrist is the problem
when you play alternate picking, you just won't be able to
roll and do fast picking movements at the same time,
not to mention string skipping including alternate. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 23 2009, 02:05 AM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Feb 22 2009, 11:52 PM) *
Ehey, that was clean as it can be, well done Monte!!!!!!!!!

Now, while you're pushing up the tempo
the only thing I might eventually suggest is try
not to anchor that much with your pinky.
As you can see,you roll your entire wrist pretty often because of that
and might cause you some troubles to play faster, much faster.
It isn't that serious at this speed you presented but
on higher tempos rolling with the wrist is the problem
when you play alternate picking, you just won't be able to
roll and do fast picking movements at the same time,
not to mention string skipping including alternate. smile.gif

Thanks Muris. I will work on holding my right hand more like you do with your fingers curled in more of a fist instead of fanned like I do. I always knew I was doing something technically wrong but couldn't figure out what it was. I will post again next sunday at 115 bpm with my fingers in more of a fist hopefully. smile.gif I'm gonna get this AP thing down if it kills me!! It just might too!! laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Pedja Simovic Feb 23 2009, 02:07 AM

Sorry don't mean to spam this topic but I just want to say great work and improvement is being done here already. I look forward to final results once mentoring is finished wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 23 2009, 05:41 AM

Muris,
So I started practicing the picking without anchoring my pinky. Feels strange to me but at the same time I can tell it is going to let me change strings cleaner once I get the feel for it. The licks that are holding up my progress I think are the "thirds lick" and the lick where you do the "octave string skip". I'll post a video in the next couple of days, maybe tomorrow if I get a chance. I want you to tell me if I am still rolling my wrist. I studied closely the video of you playing the lesson and I tried to curl my fingers when playing but it feels really strange. I'll get you a video in the morning of my modified right hand technique. I know if can correct this ASAP it will make it much easier to get the speed where it needs to be. BTW, could I get the backing to your string skipping AP lesson as well. I'm gonna start working on it as well. Thanks. smile.gif

Monte

Posted by: UncleSkillet Feb 23 2009, 05:46 AM

Sorry to spam as well, but I am going through the same thing with changing my right hand picking technique for AP.

We can do this man!! smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 23 2009, 12:59 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Feb 23 2009, 05:41 AM) *
Muris,
So I started practicing the picking without anchoring my pinky. Feels strange to me but at the same time I can tell it is going to let me change strings cleaner once I get the feel for it. The licks that are holding up my progress I think are the "thirds lick" and the lick where you do the "octave string skip". I'll post a video in the next couple of days, maybe tomorrow if I get a chance. I want you to tell me if I am still rolling my wrist. I studied closely the video of you playing the lesson and I tried to curl my fingers when playing but it feels really strange. I'll get you a video in the morning of my modified right hand technique. I know if can correct this ASAP it will make it much easier to get the speed where it needs to be. BTW, could I get the backing to your string skipping AP lesson as well. I'm gonna start working on it as well. Thanks. smile.gif

Monte


It does feel strange indeed when you first change your picking hand shape
but very soon you'll get used to that, trust me!!
And of course this will NOT affect your sweeping and economy in any way,
it's just that your hand will stay more steady when doing all the job
which means less movements for better and faster execution!

Backing you are asking, is it for http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/string-skipping-lesson2/ lesson? You want full tempo backing or? smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 23 2009, 01:19 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Feb 23 2009, 12:59 PM) *
It does feel strange indeed when you first change your picking hand shape
but very soon you'll get used to that, trust me!!
And of course this will NOT affect your sweeping and economy in any way,
it's just that your hand will stay more steady when doing all the job
which means less movements for better and faster execution!

Backing you are asking, is it for http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/string-skipping-lesson2/ lesson? You want full tempo backing or? smile.gif

I'm already getting used to it and you are right, I can feel the steadiness already! smile.gif Yes, that is the lesson I would like the backing for and full tempo please. Thanks Muris! smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 23 2009, 01:34 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Feb 23 2009, 01:19 PM) *
I'm already getting used to it and you are right, I can feel the steadiness already! smile.gif Yes, that is the lesson I would like the backing for and full tempo please. Thanks Muris! smile.gif


That's awesome Monte, here's is backing for you, rock it! smile.gif

 String_Skipping_Lesson_2___BT_150_bpm.mp3 ( 1006.25K ) : 1


Posted by: lcsdds Feb 23 2009, 04:09 PM

Alright Muris, my practice session went really well this morning. Changing my right hand by curling my fingers made a HUGE difference. I think I am going to make some good progress this week. smile.gif I think the pinky anchoring was my problem all along. Changing strings feels much smoother now and especially on the last two runs. I am also finally getting over the wanting to sweep urge when changing strings. The change in right hand posture also helped my economy picking. That little tip was worth it's weight in gold!! Thanks Muris, I just might get some AP chops yet. laugh.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 23 2009, 11:22 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Feb 23 2009, 04:09 PM) *
Alright Muris, my practice session went really well this morning. Changing my right hand by curling my fingers made a HUGE difference. I think I am going to make some good progress this week. smile.gif I think the pinky anchoring was my problem all along. Changing strings feels much smoother now and especially on the last two runs. I am also finally getting over the wanting to sweep urge when changing strings. The change in right hand posture also helped my economy picking. That little tip was worth it's weight in gold!! Thanks Muris, I just might get some AP chops yet. laugh.gif


2 words, hell yeah! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Carlos Carrillo Feb 23 2009, 11:41 PM

ohmy.gif WOW!! you are great mate!! wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Feb 25 2009, 10:35 PM

Hi Muris,
Just wanting to check in. Things are progressing well. I will post another take on Saturday or Sunday. I would say that I can play all of the licks with the exception of 2 of them between 130 and 140 bpm fairly clean. My ultimate goal is to be able to play it "boost" style at 160. laugh.gif I won't stop practicing this lesson until I reach that goal and post it for you to see. The licks that are holding me up are the lick played in 3rds and the lick with the octave in it starting from the A on the G string. I think it is the string skipping and the inside picking that is giving me problems. I have started practicing your string skipping lesson to remedy the string skipping problem tho. I just wanted to check in and let you know things are progressing nicely. I can't believe what a difference changing my right hand posture made. smile.gif I'll get you a video post with the new tempo and right hand posture this weekend. Thanks. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Feb 26 2009, 01:14 AM

Those are licks must be problem since
you recently switched to pure alternate picking practicing!!
No worries tho, there is some major progress as you can see,
make me happy and post those clips asap, ok? wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 1 2009, 01:23 AM

Hi Muris,
Here is my take for the week. Last week was about 100 bpm and this week was about 112 bpm. This weeks take wasn't quite as clean as last weeks. The string skipping and thrids licks are the "limiting licks" in the piece for me. I can play all the other licks cleanly at about 130-135 bpm. My goal for next week is 120 and I am gonna double up my time on the string skipping and thirds lick. Everything else I think should be at tempo next week. You always gotta throw a curveball in your lessons don't you!! laugh.gif laugh.gif



It's funny, when I am playing it feels like my right hand fingers are really curled in more of a fist but when I watch the video they are still fanned out. The pinky wasn't anchored though. Did I fix the wrist rolling problem or not? Thanks Muris and I'll keep working on the string skipping. I've added a few of the first bars of you string skipping lessons to my routine as well to get used to string skipping when using AP. I will say that the urge to sweep when changing strings has virtually dissapeared. Let me know what you think and thanks.


Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 1 2009, 01:34 AM

Your picking looks like new Monte
and I believe we solved rolling nicely
which is easy to notice if you compare those 2 clips!! biggrin.gif

Spot on about fanned fingers, perhaps you could just THINK of curling them while playing,
might be hard to handle at the beginning but becomes habit after a while, no worries.
Looking forward to 120 bpm take and of course
String Skipping lesson, can't wait to see how you're doing there,
awesome progress Monte. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 1 2009, 01:45 AM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 1 2009, 01:34 AM) *
Your picking looks like new Monte
and I believe we solved rolling nicely
which is easy to notice if you compare those 2 clips!! biggrin.gif

Spot on about fanned fingers, perhaps you could just THINK of curling them while playing,
might be hard to handle at the beginning but becomes habit after a while, no worries.
Looking forward to 120 bpm take and of course
String Skipping lesson, can't wait to see how you're doing there,
awesome progress Monte. smile.gif

Thanks Muris. I am only working on the first few bars of the string skipping and I only have it up to about maybe 100bpm so far. I'll post what I have so far on the string skipping next week, that way you can make sure I am at least practicing it properly. The string skipping lesson is a long term goal for me but I figured I might as well start working on it now. smile.gif

Muris, could you tell me what you have planned for me once we get done with AP boot camp? laugh.gif laugh.gif

So my focus for next week will be to curl my fingers more and to isolate the string skipping and thirds licks a little more.

I have NEVER worked this much on AP!! !'m excited that I might actually get some AP chops. laugh.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 1 2009, 01:48 AM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Mar 1 2009, 01:45 AM) *
Muris, could you tell me what you have planned for me once we get done with AP boot camp? laugh.gif laugh.gif


Oh, there are so many things around to work on, lets keep it secret for now. wink.gif

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Mar 1 2009, 01:45 AM) *
I have NEVER worked this much on AP!! !'m excited that I might actually get some AP chops. laugh.gif


I know the feel and guess what, you've already got some chops. biggrin.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 6 2009, 04:25 PM

Hi Muris,
So I think I have hit the point of diminishing returns with this lesson. I think I have been practicing it so much that I am either totally hitting a wall or I am getting worse. mad.gif I am gonna back off on it for a couple of days and let my muscles kind of grasp what is going on. What do you think? I can play all the licks clean at 140, except the two we talked about earlier. I am still a little sloppy with the ascending an descending run at full tempo as well. Sooooo.....What would you think about me switching gears and trying to apply what I have learned? I am going through your Phrygian and Lydian Serial in my MTP. I have already posted my take on your phrygian beginner lesson, even curled my right hand fingers for the picking parts. smile.gif I am gonna post a take on the Lydian beginner sometime this weekend. So I am ready to tackle the Intermediate level on both of these and it looks like there is quite a bit of picking going on. What would you think of me starting those? I can still post another take on the upstroke lesson tomorrow or sunday tho. I will also post those first few bars of the string skipping licks at about 80bpm so you can see my technique with string skipping as well. Thanks Muris.


Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 6 2009, 04:45 PM

I happens all the time Monte and no worries,
have a break from those lessons for a while, no big deal!!

Btw, I'm really glad you've been working on this Phrygian Beginner lesson,
those kind of stuff are always good to pay more attention
to very important details like vibrato, dynamics, overall feel etc.
Speaking of it, I have a suggestion,
how about to try dialing gain lower, specially for this Phrygian Beginner lesson?
Those are slower lick, nothing scary and with lower gain ( even kind a OD )
you'll have much more space for dynamic, give it a shot.
You can do the same for everything that is not difficult technique wise,
less gain also means better articulation, bare that in mind. smile.gif

In a mean while here's another home work for you. wink.gif
take this same BT for Phrygian serial and record a solo over it,
compose it, let it be musical but don't be afraid to shred here and there if you want tho,
keep it wise and aim to satisfy some random listener,
then we'll listen to it and discus you composing skills. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 6 2009, 05:18 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 6 2009, 04:45 PM) *
I happens all the time Monte and no worries,
have a break from those lessons for a while, no big deal!!

Btw, I'm really glad you've been working on this Phrygian Beginner lesson,
those kind of stuff are always good to pay more attention
to very important details like vibrato, dynamics, overall feel etc.
Speaking of it, I have a suggestion,
how about to try dialing gain lower, specially for this Phrygian Beginner lesson?
Those are slower lick, nothing scary and with lower gain ( even kind a OD )
you'll have much more space for dynamic, give it a shot.
You can do the same for everything that is not difficult technique wise,
less gain also means better articulation, bare that in mind. smile.gif

In a mean while here's another home work for you. wink.gif
take this same BT for Phrygian serial and record a solo over it,
compose it, let it be musical but don't be afraid to shred here and there if you want tho,
keep it wise and aim to satisfy some random listener,
then we'll listen to it and discus you composing skills. smile.gif

Awesome Muris!! You know, since I joined GMC 7 months ago I have consistently practiced 2-3 hours a day. First time I have been consisten and FOCUSED. Problem is I have been pretty much just focused on technique. I have made A LOT of progress though and most of it is thanks to your lessons. smile.gif I think I am ready to start taking half of my practice time and start applying what I have learned.

I'm gonna start working on the Phrygian solo tomorrow and I will post what I have composed so far in a week. Then you can tell me how to improve. I will still keep working on my picking obviously, It is in my routine now and it is just a matter of time until I get competent with it.

I'll get back to you with my take on your cool backing! smile.gif

Thanks Muris. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 6 2009, 05:22 PM

Absolutely Monte, practicing technique is what we all have to do
but it's nice to also to look around and see how it actually sounds
in your own music!
Looking forward to those takes, great job so far!! smile.gif

Ohh, and BTW, do you mind putting back your old avatar Monte?
It's very scary to give advices while looking at Mr. Vai. laugh.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 6 2009, 05:56 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 6 2009, 05:22 PM) *
Absolutely Monte, practicing technique is what we all have to do
but it's nice to also to look around and see how it actually sounds
in your own music!
Looking forward to those takes, great job so far!! smile.gif

Ohh, and BTW, do you mind putting back your old avatar Monte?
It's very scary to give advices while looking at Mr. Vai. laugh.gif

Sorry Muris...No can do!! I figured between the cool new Vai avatar and you mentoring me I GOTTA get a little better. laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 6 2009, 10:37 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Mar 6 2009, 05:56 PM) *
Sorry Muris...No can do!! I figured between the cool new Vai avatar and you mentoring me I GOTTA get a little better. laugh.gif laugh.gif


Ok then biggrin.gif biggrin.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 8 2009, 04:42 PM

Hi Muris...Just wanted to check in really quick. I have my brother in law in town for the next week and I am going out of town next weekend so I don't know what I will be able to upload next week. I have been kicked out of my practice room for the week. mad.gif mad.gif I can still practice but I make my videos in the mornings usually. Anyways, gonna be kind of a weird week but I wanted to know I am still working on everything. Here is what I am hoping to upload for you next week:

Upstroke lesson

My take on the Phrygian backing track

I also finished my tapping etude over your upstroke backing and I'm gonna upload that as well. Had alot of fun working on this one. smile.gif

I told you I am gonna be trying to complete your phrygian and Lydian serials this year. I'm even gonna try to get the AP licks up to tempo and not cheat and play them legato. tongue.gif Anyways, Here is my take on your Lydian beginner lesson. I tried to spice it up a little with the tremolo bar...Don't know if that worked or not. laugh.gif tongue.gif Tell me what you think of the AP string skipping lick as far as my technique. We talked abou me posting a take on your string skipping lesson at about 80 bpm and just the first few bars. I figured this might work instead. Thanks Muris, and good luck on your tour in the US. I hope I get to meet you!!


Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 8 2009, 05:05 PM

Thanks for update Monte,
you did make a huge plans and I can't wait to see those next takes! smile.gif


I see you were using whammy bar A LOT here which is great nonetheless
but there are some quite a shorter notes and you did dive after most of them,
it sounded like overpushed and out of tune cause you indeed
don't have enough time to perform all those whammy tricks there
and keep them sweet sounding.
I'm talking about smaller details here, phrasing moments
that you should think of when you play or compose,
those details no matter how small they are are making major difference! smile.gif

Picking was fine too,
you did open your fist pretty much on last section but that is NOT a problem at all,
just try to close it and not anchor when doing faster stuff,
for slower licks you can even use your teeth, just don't break them! laugh.gif

Good job Monte, keep 'em coming! cool.gif

Posted by: UncleSkillet Mar 8 2009, 05:21 PM

QUOTE
for slower licks you can even use your teeth, just don't break them!


laugh.gif I would like to see this! Maybe you could do the tapping part with your nose. tongue.gif biggrin.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 8 2009, 05:26 PM

QUOTE (UncleSkillet @ Mar 8 2009, 05:21 PM) *
laugh.gif I would like to see this! Maybe you could do the tapping part with your nose. tongue.gif biggrin.gif laugh.gif


Another option biggrin.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 8 2009, 06:00 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 8 2009, 05:05 PM) *
Thanks for update Monte,
you did make a huge plans and I can't wait to see those next takes! smile.gif


I see you were using whammy bar A LOT here which is great nonetheless
but there are some quite a shorter notes and you did dive after most of them,
it sounded like overpushed and out of tune cause you indeed
don't have enough time to perform all those whammy tricks there
and keep them sweet sounding.
I'm talking about smaller details here, phrasing moments
that you should think of when you play or compose,
those details no matter how small they are are making major difference! smile.gif

Picking was fine too,
you did open your fist pretty much on last section but that is NOT a problem at all,
just try to close it and not anchor when doing faster stuff,
for slower licks you can even use your teeth, just don't break them! laugh.gif

Good job Monte, keep 'em coming! cool.gif

Totally agree Muris!! I'm gpnna post another take on the lydian lesson minus the wiggle stick. tongue.gif Should have quite a few post for you next week. Hopefully I can get in my practice room long enough to get them done. laugh.gif

QUOTE (UncleSkillet @ Mar 8 2009, 05:21 PM) *
laugh.gif I would like to see this! Maybe you could do the tapping part with your nose. tongue.gif biggrin.gif laugh.gif

Ahhhh....Another technique to work on!! laugh.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 9 2009, 12:02 AM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Mar 8 2009, 06:00 PM) *
Totally agree Muris!! I'm gpnna post another take on the lydian lesson minus the wiggle stick. tongue.gif Should have quite a few post for you next week. Hopefully I can get in my practice room long enough to get them done. laugh.gif


Fingers crossed! cool.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 19 2009, 05:44 AM

Hi Muris....Hope your stay in the states is going well. smile.gif I will upload the upstroke lesson on friday at whatever tempo I can get it clean at....I'm shooting for between 120 and 130...we'll see. I haven't had a chance to work on the Phrygian solo but I have next week off so I am gonna work on it then and I'll upload what I have so far next week. I'm working on your Lydian and Phrygian intermediate lessons and I can play pretty well....but not up to tempo with the AP licks yet tongue.gif . I've added some "inside" and "outside" picking excercises to my routine as well. Over all I am happy with how my AP is progressing....just not a fast as I would like but I am not gonna give up until I get to my goal.

I will say that I am getting EXTREMELY comfortable with curling my right hand fingers and it has made a HUGE difference in my playing......not only my AP but my sweeping as well. I am very surprised by this. This MTP experience has been worth it just for that one piece of advice from you. I was having problems with my sweep/taps with regards to muting. I wrote a sweeps/arpeggios etude and put a few sweep/tap licks in there and the curling my fingers cleaned up my muting when doing the ascending sweeps. Thanks for the advice Muris!! smile.gif

I know I told you about the etudes I have been working on over your upstroke track as well. I have finished the tapping etude and I have written an arpeggio etude and a legato one as well. Here is the tapping etude and I'll upload the upstroke lesson on Friday. Hope you are having a good time in the States....wish I was closer so I could meet you and see you play. smile.gif



EDIT: I just realized you won't even be back into town until next week. I'll wait to post anything until you get back into town. Thanks Muris!! smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 25 2009, 12:50 AM

Hi Muris,
Hope you made it home safely. I am gonna work on the Phrygian composition this week and will post when I have something worth looking at. smile.gif

I have two videos to show you. I have the upstroke lesson and I played it twice....once at about 125 bpm and once at full tempo. You can see that my biggest problem is the thirds lick. I just gotta keep working on this. I think I have my right hand posture down now and I find that I am more comfortable now with curled fingers than with fanned fingers and I don't anchor my right hand at all now. biggrin.gif I think I have progressed nicely with my AP and I am hoping to be able to start using it in my playing soon...still not quite there yet, at least as far as shred licks go. I have completely sworn off economy picking until I get my AP where it needs to be....don't want to relapse. tongue.gif



I also have a video of my take on your lydian intermediate lesson as well. I can actually ALMOST play this using AP.....not quite tho, so I had to rely on my legato and tapping to be able to play it. I am gonna learn your Phrygian intermediate next and then your Mixolydian. I would say I spend about half of my practice time working on my AP right now and I think it is paying off. Thanks for your help with this and I will get you a take on the Phrygian backing by this weekend. Thanks. smile.gif



Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 25 2009, 12:53 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Mar 19 2009, 05:44 AM) *
Hi Muris....Hope your stay in the states is going well. smile.gif I will upload the upstroke lesson on friday at whatever tempo I can get it clean at....I'm shooting for between 120 and 130...we'll see. I haven't had a chance to work on the Phrygian solo but I have next week off so I am gonna work on it then and I'll upload what I have so far next week. I'm working on your Lydian and Phrygian intermediate lessons and I can play pretty well....but not up to tempo with the AP licks yet tongue.gif . I've added some "inside" and "outside" picking excercises to my routine as well. Over all I am happy with how my AP is progressing....just not a fast as I would like but I am not gonna give up until I get to my goal.

I will say that I am getting EXTREMELY comfortable with curling my right hand fingers and it has made a HUGE difference in my playing......not only my AP but my sweeping as well. I am very surprised by this. This MTP experience has been worth it just for that one piece of advice from you. I was having problems with my sweep/taps with regards to muting. I wrote a sweeps/arpeggios etude and put a few sweep/tap licks in there and the curling my fingers cleaned up my muting when doing the ascending sweeps. Thanks for the advice Muris!! smile.gif

I know I told you about the etudes I have been working on over your upstroke track as well. I have finished the tapping etude and I have written an arpeggio etude and a legato one as well. Here is the tapping etude and I'll upload the upstroke lesson on Friday. Hope you are having a good time in the States....wish I was closer so I could meet you and see you play. smile.gif



EDIT: I just realized you won't even be back into town until next week. I'll wait to post anything until you get back into town. Thanks Muris!! smile.gif


That was great tapping etude Monte, well done!!

There is only one chord arpeggio that was a bit out of key,
at 0:19 you played Major7 arpeggio over 5th degree chord
so it should be 7 chord, not Major7.
This is just tiny theoretical digression, technique was great nonetheless! smile.gif

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Mar 25 2009, 12:50 AM) *
Hi Muris,
Hope you made it home safely. I am gonna work on the Phrygian composition this week and will post when I have something worth looking at. smile.gif

I have two videos to show you. I have the upstroke lesson and I played it twice....once at about 125 bpm and once at full tempo. You can see that my biggest problem is the thirds lick. I just gotta keep working on this. I think I have my right hand posture down now and I find that I am more comfortable now with curled fingers than with fanned fingers and I don't anchor my right hand at all now. biggrin.gif I think I have progressed nicely with my AP and I am hoping to be able to start using it in my playing soon...still not quite there yet, at least as far as shred licks go. I have completely sworn off economy picking until I get my AP where it needs to be....don't want to relapse. tongue.gif



I also have a video of my take on your lydian intermediate lesson as well. I can actually ALMOST play this using AP.....not quite tho, so I had to rely on my legato and tapping to be able to play it. I am gonna learn your Phrygian intermediate next and then your Mixolydian. I would say I spend about half of my practice time working on my AP right now and I think it is paying off. Thanks for your help with this and I will get you a take on the Phrygian backing by this weekend. Thanks. smile.gif



Your picking looks and sounds better each day Monte, way to go!!
However, in Lydian lesson you still had kind a fanned out hand,
probably cause you didn't think about AP only, no worries tho,
it'll become fully natural after a while. smile.gif

While we wait for Phrygian composition
what do you say about starting with http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/muris-varajic-alternate-picking/?
If you you're up for it just let me know which backing you would like. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 25 2009, 01:39 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 25 2009, 12:53 PM) *
That was great tapping etude Monte, well done!!

There is only one chord arpeggio that was a bit out of key,
at 0:19 you played Major7 arpeggio over 5th degree chord
so it should be 7 chord, not Major7.
This is just tiny theoretical digression, technique was great nonetheless! smile.gif



Your picking looks and sounds better each day Monte, way to go!!
However, in Lydian lesson you still had kind a fanned out hand,
probably cause you didn't think about AP only, no worries tho,
it'll become fully natural after a while. smile.gif

While we wait for Phrygian composition
what do you say about starting with http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/muris-varajic-alternate-picking/?
If you you're up for it just let me know which backing you would like. smile.gif


Great you are back Muris!! Alternate Picking etude sounds great. I actually started this one before I started the MTP and got kind of frustrated with it. mad.gif I think with the technique change in my picking hand that I can do better with it this time....I am ready for a new AP lesson as well. smile.gif

I noticed that I fanned my fingers in the Lydian lesson as well.....I notice I still tend to do it when I do any kind of sweeping and I really have to think about not doing it. I am working on a sweeping etude right now and really trying to focus on not fanning.

I will start the AP lesson and give you a post of that and the Phrygian track by next saturday. I need to work on Emir's collab the next couple of days but after that I will have some time to dedicate to composing the Phrygian solo.....should be a lot of fun.

Thanks for pointing out the 7th chord flub in the tapping etude....I am still getting used to composing and I have done this a couple of times now and I will remember this from now on.

I'll post in a week with the Phrygian solo and the AP etude. I'll take the full speed BT for the picking etude...I slow it down using "Transcribe". Thanks. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 27 2009, 09:17 AM

Here's the backing for you Monte,
looking forward to it and all other takes! smile.gif


 Alternate_Picking___BT_150_bpm.mp3 ( 818.57K ) : 6

Posted by: lcsdds Mar 27 2009, 06:35 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 27 2009, 09:17 AM) *
Here's the backing for you Monte,
looking forward to it and all other takes! smile.gif


 Alternate_Picking___BT_150_bpm.mp3 ( 818.57K ) : 6

Thanks Muris....I'm 2/3 of the way through this one. This is a tough one!! Never tried to AP arpeggios before. I am hoping to post a take of the whole lesson next weekend along with the my take on your Phrygian backing. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Mar 28 2009, 02:06 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Mar 27 2009, 06:35 PM) *
Thanks Muris....I'm 2/3 of the way through this one. This is a tough one!! Never tried to AP arpeggios before. I am hoping to post a take of the whole lesson next weekend along with the my take on your Phrygian backing. smile.gif


You got it!
Tho I have to agree with you that it IS a tough one
but after you nail it your AP will improve a lot,
just focus on your picking hand, keep fingers out of your way
and feel every note that you pick, you should be fine. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 3 2009, 02:40 AM

Hi Muris,
It's been a busy week for me. Both my little kids...4 and 7.... got sick so I have been busy trying to help my wife taking care of them as well as ridding the world of Dental Disease during the day at work. tongue.gif laugh.gif I am still about 2/3 of the way through the AP etude. I'm liking it but it is difficult. I'll keep working on it and I will post a video of what I have so far on Sunday probably. As far as the Phrygian solo I was wondering if we could go a different direction on that. Last year sometime I got really anxious to start writing my own instrumentals....that has been my goal since starting guitar in 1988....but I had no idea how to go about it. My solution was to buy a cheesy midi program similar to "band in a box" for my backing tracks. Then I picked an instrumental that I liked and analyzed what they were doing as far as form.....How many bars for the verse/chorus/bridge/solo etc. Then I just started composing parts and seeing what I could come up with. So in July of last year I came up with this little ditty:




Then 2 months later I found GMC and I have been focusing on my chops and got away from trying to write my own stuff. It thought maybe you could help me with this little tune I came up with and I could make a proper recording of it. What do you think? It would be cool to have a song that I came up with from start to finish. Thanks Muris and I'll post what I have on the AP etude on Sunday Morning.

BTW...I just purchased Logic 8 and EZ drummer so I think I have everything I need to make a half way decent recording of it. I know the video is sloppy but it is just to give you an idea of what I have so far. I think I have improved alot since I made this video as well. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 4 2009, 06:39 PM

Sorry Muris...I'm not gonna be able to post anything this weekend. I tried to install logic on my mac and I CRASHED IT!!!
I'm gonna have to take it in and have somebody look at it....my wife is gonna be so happy!! mad.gif mad.gif mad.gif

I'm gonna go cry now!!!! mad.gif If you see a Dentist on the news who went on a shooting spree....in Oregon...you'll know who it is. smile.gif laugh.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 5 2009, 08:31 PM

Sorry for delay Monte, just got home from Frankfurt!! smile.gif

Sorry to hear about kids tho, are they better now???

As for instrumental, you've got some fine melodies in there,
there is just one thing I would like to point at right now
and those are strong notes in this very instrumental you've recorded.
Thing is, you've been following progression nicely
but you played B note few times over D chord and that sounded pretty
away and not so powerful.
You did play note E as a strong note over the same D chord few times
but as you can notice, 2th or 9th works very nice
for this kind of pop=rock music in general.
But 6th isn't the same, you should be careful with those
cause 6th is used as strong note indeed only for a reason,
when you want to point at 6th chord or som.
Now, there is some room for improvement regarding
construction of whole tune, you were kind of limited
by the backing too, you have 2 lines of chords,
with D in first variation and then with Bm in second,
correct me if I'm wrong.
Now, how about you give this BT and I record a take for you?
Then we'll analyze both takes, your and mine
and get some conclusions smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 5 2009, 08:48 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 5 2009, 08:31 PM) *
Sorry for delay Monte, just got home from Frankfurt!! smile.gif

Sorry to hear about kids tho, are they better now???

As for instrumental, you've got some fine melodies in there,
there is just one thing I would like to point at right now
and those are strong notes in this very instrumental you've recorded.
Thing is, you've been following progression nicely
but you played B note few times over D chord and that sounded pretty
away and not so powerful.
You did play note E as a strong note over the same D chord few times
but as you can notice, 2th or 9th works very nice
for this kind of pop=rock music in general.
But 6th isn't the same, you should be careful with those
cause 6th is used as strong note indeed only for a reason,
when you want to point at 6th chord or som.
Now, there is some room for improvement regarding
construction of whole tune, you were kind of limited
by the backing too, you have 2 lines of chords,
with D in first variation and then with Bm in second,
correct me if I'm wrong.
Now, how about you give this BT and I record a take for you?
Then we'll analyze both takes, your and mine
and get some conclusions smile.gif


Kids are much better now....Thanks for asking. smile.gif

You are definitely right about the backing. This was my first attempt at trying to even think of a chord progression to solo over.....I was just excited that I had anything that even remotely sounded like a song. laugh.gif tongue.gif

I am actually really working hard on this song right now because I really want to try and record it. Thanks for pointing those things out. I posted the Midi File I created and I would love to see what you would play over this. I'd also love to hear some ideas for changing up the chord progressions and the construction in general.

Muris could you be specific about the construction of the song? I see it as follows:

Intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-verse-chorus-outro....How do you see it?

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO HELP ME WITH THIS. Writing an instrumental has been my goal since the first time I picked up the guitar in 1989!! smile.gif

 happy_head.mid ( 27.58K ) : 2
 

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 5 2009, 09:23 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 5 2009, 09:48 PM) *
Intro-verse-chorus-verse-chorus-solo-verse-chorus-outro....How do you see it?


Yeah, that would be most common type of construction
but those sections have to be kind a different one from another
but well connected at the same time, hard to explain tho,
easier to realize after you hear it!
I'll try to record something asap. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 5 2009, 09:34 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 5 2009, 09:23 PM) *
Yeah, that would be most common type of construction
but those sections have to be kind a different one from another
but well connected at the same time, hard to explain tho,
easier to realize after you hear it!
I'll try to record something asap. smile.gif

Thanks Muris....I think I can come up with half way cool sounding melodies. But like you say....connecting them together via chord progressions etc. is still a mystery to me. I would love to hear anything you have to say on the subject. smile.gif

I can't wait to see what you come up with and how you would improve the construction....THIS IS WHAT I REALLY WANT TO LEARN. All the chops in the world won't make a horrible song sound better!! laugh.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 01:07 AM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 5 2009, 09:23 PM) *
but those sections have to be kind a different one from another
but well connected at the same time.


Muris are you referring to the chord progression here or what I played.....or both. I know the chord progression is very similar and even the different chord between the two progressions is VERY similar. What I actually played sounds different to me though. Just curious to what you mean. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 07:57 AM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 6 2009, 02:07 AM) *
Muris are you referring to the chord progression here or what I played.....or both. I know the chord progression is very similar and even the different chord between the two progressions is VERY similar. What I actually played sounds different to me though. Just curious to what you mean. smile.gif


Well since progression is pretty much the same
I was referring to what you played,
there are many ways to split parts and connect them at the same time.
Sometimes lead line doesn't do much but the rest of the bend does,
there are many examples of that.
But it this case I was thinking of guitar part, yeah,
I'll try to split them when I record and we'll talk about it.
Btw, Midi file doesn't work easy for me since maps aren't the same,
can you give me simple BT as a MP3 maybe? smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 02:45 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 6 2009, 07:57 AM) *
Well since progression is pretty much the same
I was referring to what you played,
there are many ways to split parts and connect them at the same time.
Sometimes lead line doesn't do much but the rest of the bend does,
there are many examples of that.
But it this case I was thinking of guitar part, yeah,
I'll try to split them when I record and we'll talk about it.
Btw, Midi file doesn't work easy for me since maps aren't the same,
can you give me simple BT as a MP3 maybe? smile.gif

Thanks Muris. Here is the BT....Tempo is 140. smile.gif

 Happy_head.mp3 ( 2.65MB ) : 7
 

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 06:23 PM

Hi Muris.
Here is a better backing....Jer made if for me..should sound A LOT better than the midi file.

 happy_head2.wav ( 31.37MB ) : 11
 

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 08:45 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 6 2009, 07:23 PM) *
Hi Muris.
Here is a better backing....Jer made if for me..should sound A LOT better than the midi file.


Thanks Monte, gonna record something for you right now. smile.gif

Btw, we're missing bass guitar in both versions,
maybe there is one but it's mixed too low or som, dunno. smile.gif

Posted by: jer Apr 6 2009, 08:50 PM

Nope, no bass. There wasnt any in the midi and I dont own a bass....

We'll get on in there before all is said and done. I can borrow one from a buddy. \m/ \m/


Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 08:52 PM

Sorry...I told you I'm a hack. smile.gif laugh.gif tongue.gif

Besides...bass just gets in the way of your guitar... laugh.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 09:29 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 6 2009, 09:52 PM) *
Besides...bass just gets in the way of your guitar... laugh.gif tongue.gif


Almost. biggrin.gif

Here's a take, have a listen and lets discuss both, your and mine. smile.gif

 Happy_head_w_Muris.mp3 ( 4.26MB ) : 40



Posted by: jer Apr 6 2009, 09:33 PM

Now that is what makes playing rhythm guitar SOOOOOO worth it.



QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 6 2009, 03:29 PM) *
Almost. biggrin.gif

Here's a take, have a listen and lets discuss both, your and mine. smile.gif

 Happy_head_w_Muris.mp3 ( 4.26MB ) : 40


Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 09:43 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 6 2009, 09:29 PM) *
Almost. biggrin.gif

Here's a take, have a listen and lets discuss both, your and mine. smile.gif

 Happy_head_w_Muris.mp3 ( 4.26MB ) : 40

Awesome Muris!!! Took you awhile to come up with it though.. tongue.gif

So do you think I should try and redo the whole thing? Your take was more shreddy than mine....which was way cool...I liked how you had a basic motif and spiced it up some with the shreddy lines thrown in there.

What can I say....YOU DA MAN!! tongue.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 09:55 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 6 2009, 10:43 PM) *
Awesome Muris!!! Took you awhile to come up with it though.. tongue.gif

So do you think I should try and redo the whole thing? Your take was more shreddy than mine....which was way cool...I liked how you had a basic motif and spiced it up some with the shreddy lines thrown in there.

What can I say....YOU DA MAN!! tongue.gif laugh.gif


Damn, I even tried NOT to play shreddy, gonna do another one then. laugh.gif

On the topic, you spotted nicely that I was using one (actually 2) motifs
and I spiced it with some extra lines but also with different techniques in execution.
2nd motif is the one that starts with prebeat and first note on F#m chord
is bended note on B string, progression is also changed at that point so
you can't miss it.
That leads to another conclusion, I also used different starting point for
those 2 motifs, for 1st one I gave almost 2 beats free every time it appears
but for 2nd one I played even on prebeat.
And I played different rhythmic groups for both motif
to get as much difference as possible!
Those are things you can always look at when composing or just improvising,
what I did was kind of composed improvising. smile.gif

Now you can simply apply some of those ideas into your own solo you posted above,
you don't have to change melody a lot,
just break things into sections and give them more sense in musical way,
how about that? smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 10:03 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 6 2009, 09:55 PM) *
Damn, I even tried NOT to play shreddy, gonna do another one then. laugh.gif

On the topic, you spotted nicely that I was using one (actually 2) motifs
and I spiced it with some extra lines but also with different techniques in execution.
2nd motif is the one that starts with prebeat and first note on F#m chord
is bended note on B string, progression is also changed at that point so
you can't miss it.
That leads to another conclusion, I also used different starting point for
those 2 motifs, for 1st one I gave almost 2 beats free every time it appears
but for 2nd one I played even on prebeat.
And I played different rhythmic groups for both motif
to get as much difference as possible!
Those are things you can always look at when composing or just improvising,
what I did was kind of composed improvising. smile.gif

Now you can simply apply some of those ideas into your own solo you posted above,
you don't have to change melody a lot,
just break things into sections and give them more sense in musical way,
how about that? smile.gif

Mine was more of a rhythmic motif...1 and 2 and......on every measure. Just changed up the notes but always pretty much played on the first 4 8th notes. The second section...I guess the chorus...I just played the same thing but changed the ending a little each time through.

Yesterday, I tried to change that "B" note you talked about over the "D" chord but I couldn't find anything that sounded good.

So what do you think I should try and do? Change up the motif.....and if so which one...both? smile.gif

I liked my solo until the end where I tried to AP...that is another topic and as you know I'm working HARD on that...just gonna take some time. biggrin.gif



Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 10:20 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 6 2009, 11:03 PM) *
Mine was more of a rhythmic motif...1 and 2 and......on every measure. Just changed up the notes but always pretty much played on the first 4 8th notes. The second section...I guess the chorus...I just played the same thing but changed the ending a little each time through.

Yesterday, I tried to change that "B" note you talked about over the "D" chord but I couldn't find anything that sounded good.

So what do you think I should try and do? Change up the motif.....and if so which one...both? smile.gif

I liked my solo until the end where I tried to AP...that is another topic and as you know I'm working HARD on that...just gonna take some time. biggrin.gif


I see.
Well, you could try to keep motif No 1. as it is and maybe
to change rhythmic for motif No 2.,
keep the same notes but play them differently rhythm wise,
you'll be surprised what results you might get!
As for chorus, chorus is usually new material,
split it from verse somehow,
maybe go for longer notes with more bends, why not?
And solo, solo was fine more or less, there were some issues with AP as you said
but we are not talking about pure technique now,
you'll get there, no worries. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 10:31 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 6 2009, 10:20 PM) *
I see.
Well, you could try to keep motif No 1. as it is and maybe
to change rhythmic for motif No 2.,
keep the same notes but play them differently rhythm wise,
you'll be surprised what results you might get!
As for chorus, chorus is usually new material,
split it from verse somehow,
maybe go for longer notes with more bends, why not?
And solo, solo was fine more or less, there were some issues with AP as you said
but we are not talking about pure technique now,
you'll get there, no worries. smile.gif

I like this idea Muris....so I'm gonna try and do what you said. Change up the 2nd motif. I don't know when I will be able to record...probably not this week because of my computer issues.....but I'll do it ASAP.

The picking etude is coming along....the AP arpgeggios are KILLING ME though!!! I think you did that on purpose.. tongue.gif laugh.gif

Thanks for your help on this Muris...much appreciated..... smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 10:36 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 6 2009, 11:31 PM) *
I like this idea Muris....so I'm gonna try and do what you said. Change up the 2nd motif. I don't know when I will be able to record...probably not this week because of my computer issues.....but I'll do it ASAP.

The picking etude is coming along....the AP arpgeggios are KILLING ME though!!! I think you did that on purpose.. tongue.gif laugh.gif

Thanks for your help on this Muris...much appreciated..... smile.gif


No need to rush Monte,
you can even work on those motifs in your mind,
while fixing someone's tooth.
Just don't use syncopes too much,
patient might scream laugh.gif

You're welcome tho. wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 10:40 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 6 2009, 10:36 PM) *
No need to rush Monte,
you can even work on those motifs in your mind,
while fixing someone's tooth.
Just don't use syncopes too much,
patient might scream laugh.gif

You're welcome tho. wink.gif

I just called the computer repair place...they won't even look at it until friday. mad.gif

I'm gonna have to figure out how to hook my laptop up...I can't go a WHOLE week without working on this....I'm having hallucinations already. laugh.gif tongue.gif

I'll try to be careful when synopating my MOTIF whilst drilling!!! tongue.gif laugh.gif Could help with extractions tho. tongue.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 10:43 PM

Take it easy,
sometimes unplugged guitar is worth a lot. wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 6 2009, 10:46 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 6 2009, 10:43 PM) *
Take it easy,
sometimes unplugged guitar is worth a lot. wink.gif

BLASPHEMY!!!.. tongue.gif

Alrighty....I'll work on it..thanks.

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 10:47 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 6 2009, 11:46 PM) *
BLASPHEMY!!!.. tongue.gif

Alrighty....I'll work on it..thanks.


Deal. cool.gif

Posted by: skennington Apr 6 2009, 10:49 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 6 2009, 04:29 PM) *
Almost. biggrin.gif

Here's a take, have a listen and lets discuss both, your and mine. smile.gif

 Happy_head_w_Muris.mp3 ( 4.26MB ) : 40


Sorry to barge in guys but DAMN!! That take was like you were singing it Muris, awesome stuff! Fully captivating and yes, you are Da man! biggrin.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 6 2009, 10:49 PM

QUOTE (skennington @ Apr 6 2009, 11:49 PM) *
Sorry to barge in guys but DAMN!! That take was like you were singing it Muris, awesome stuff! Fully captivating and yes, you are Da man! biggrin.gif


Cheers Steve. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 7 2009, 01:45 AM

Hi Muris....It's me again. smile.gif


Could you do the same thing for this tune when you get a chance. PLLEEEAASSE. tongue.gif



These are the only two tunes I've ever written so I won't bug you again....PROMISE. biggrin.gif

I'm not in a hurry so take your time. I didn't get as far on this one as I did on the other.

This is "A Ionian" for main themes and then "A lydian" for solo, which I only finished half of.
There is bass on the backing of this as well. smile.gif

Thanks Muris....again, not in a hurry.






 breaking_dawn.mp3 ( 3.88MB ) : 1
 

Posted by: jer Apr 7 2009, 03:06 AM

I need to make a backing for this one. That was fun.

Plus having Muris playing in my band is cool.

smile.gif


Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 7 2009, 06:54 AM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 7 2009, 02:45 AM) *
Hi Muris....It's me again. smile.gif


Could you do the same thing for this tune when you get a chance. PLLEEEAASSE. tongue.gif



These are the only two tunes I've ever written so I won't bug you again....PROMISE. biggrin.gif

I'm not in a hurry so take your time. I didn't get as far on this one as I did on the other.

This is "A Ionian" for main themes and then "A lydian" for solo, which I only finished half of.
There is bass on the backing of this as well. smile.gif

Thanks Muris....again, not in a hurry.


You;re not bugging me at all Monte, don't worry about! smile.gif

However I've been having some problems to hear whole progression
in this tune, I guess you recorded using mic on your cam,
sound of your guitar was too loud compared with BT,
it covered it almost entirely.
Could you re-record it with better mix this time?
I would also need backing track (MP3 please, not Wave)
to do the same as I did with previous tune. smile.gif

Btw, nice melodies once more, specially tapped harmonics, very sweet and bright theme! smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 7 2009, 09:55 AM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 7 2009, 06:54 AM) *
You;re not bugging me at all Monte, don't worry about! smile.gif

However I've been having some problems to hear whole progression
in this tune, I guess you recorded using mic on your cam,
sound of your guitar was too loud compared with BT,
it covered it almost entirely.
Could you re-record it with better mix this time?
I would also need backing track (MP3 please, not Wave)
to do the same as I did with previous tune. smile.gif

Btw, nice melodies once more, specially tapped harmonics, very sweet and bright theme! smile.gif

Thanks Muris,
I'll get crackin on this one and see if I can't re-record it.
Here is the backing and again...sorry for the crappy midi file. smile.gif

 breaking_dawn.mp3 ( 3.88MB ) : 6
 

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 8 2009, 12:30 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 7 2009, 10:55 AM) *
Thanks Muris,
I'll get crackin on this one and see if I can't re-record it.
Here is the backing and again...sorry for the crappy midi file. smile.gif


Thanks Monte.
However I'll wait for your new take, listen closely to what's going on
in there and then I'll do my take, is that ok? smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 8 2009, 02:38 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 8 2009, 12:30 PM) *
Thanks Monte.
However I'll wait for your new take, listen closely to what's going on
in there and then I'll do my take, is that ok? smile.gif

Yeah...I've made some small changes to it since then...just added a few fills and different runs. I'lll get you a new take as soon as I'm able. Thanks Muris. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 8 2009, 03:07 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 8 2009, 03:38 PM) *
Yeah...I've made some small changes to it since then...just added a few fills and different runs. I'lll get you a new take as soon as I'm able. Thanks Muris. smile.gif


You're very welcome, looking forward to it. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 13 2009, 05:13 PM

Hi Muris,
Just wanted to update you where I am at.

AP etude: Still working on it. Still don't have the very last section memorized....the sycopated part. I have had a tough time with this piece so I have had to spend a lot of time just trying to get used to using AP on the arpeggios. I'm getting there though. I really like this and it is helping....this will be one I will be working on into the forseeable future. tongue.gif Long term goals right.

My tunes: I'm relearning these and I'm reworking both of them a little bit.

Hopefully in a week or so I will be back up and running and can start posting some videos again. They still haven't even looked at my Mac yet. mad.gif

Last night I put together my last project guitar and was playing it for a little while and I was actually playing some AP licks and they sounded pretty good. This is HUGE for me. I NEVER use AP when I am just jamming. So this shows me that I am making progress with it. Hopefully I can start using it in my collabs and my own music.

My focus has shifted in the last month to trying to write my own stuff. It is coming along nicely and I am having fun.

Thanks for all your help Muris. I'll get some vids posted as soon as I can. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 13 2009, 06:58 PM

It's GREAT to hear that you feel progress
cause I can see it too Monte!!

Take your time, looking forward to new clips and mp3s. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 20 2009, 04:24 AM

Muris.....Can I just give you an upload of what I have so far with the AP etude to a drum beat rather than the backing? I am thinking just a half speed version so you can see my technique. This lesson is a BEAST. I have had to really break it down into small chunks and isolate the different parts.......it is basically like 8 or 9 AP excercises. I still have to learn the last part with all the rests in it......I'll learn that in the morning.

Sorry about my lack of activity in the last few weeks. I have had some personal issues I have had to deal with....and you know about my computer issues. Good news is that my computer is up and running. I'm gonna start learning to use either Logic 8 or Sonar in the next few weeks. I have relearned the Breaking Dawn tune and will record a real take of that this week so you can actually hear the backing and then you could give me your take when you get a chance.

Hopefully I can get back on track here shortly. I have still been working on my AP A LOT.....it has improved a TON. I am actually starting to think about where to use it when I am doing collabs and trying to write my own stuff now. I wanted to try and use it in Emir's Satch collab but the tempo was 180 bpm......I can barely tap that fast. laugh.gif

I'll get you an AP etude take at about 80 bpm or so so you can check my technique.....this is gonna be a tough nut to crack at full speed but I'll keep at it until I get there. Thanks Muris.


Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 20 2009, 12:55 PM

Of course Monte, post what you've got, it doesn't have to be whole lesson atm,
do it with drum beat or backing , as you please!! smile.gif

And as for using AP in your playing,
you'll notice one thing in a while that happens with
everything we practice actually, legato, tapping, picking etc,
once you really get comfortable with it
you'll start throwing it in without any thinking, normal thing. wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 30 2009, 03:30 AM

Hi Muris,
I've already explained to you my lack of posts this month so no need to go into it again. smile.gif I FINALLY have your whole AP etude memorized.....this was probably the hardest lesson I've done. One of the reasons for that is that I am determined to beat my AP demons....I don't care how long it takes. tongue.gif For this reason I have been really disciplined to play this lesson using ONLY AP, whereas in the past if I couldn't play one of your lessons using AP I would tap or play it legato. I've posted plenty of videos demonstrating this. tongue.gif laugh.gif I'm gonna take the next few days to start practicing playing the whole etude from start to finish.....I broke it up into about 8 mini passages and even broke that up into a couple picking excercises to try and make some progress on this. On Sunday I am going to play this to a drum machine at whatever I can play it at cleanly....maybe 80 or 90 bpm....and then post a vid of it. Then you can tell me to get back to work. tongue.gif laugh.gif I FINALLY got my recording issues sorted out for the most part. Andy (wrk) has been kind enough to put up with me bothering him to help me with logic 8. I will be bothering David Walliman and Berko to I am sure. tongue.gif laugh.gif I also got a new video camera so I can make some better quality videos for you to see.

I just wanted to let you know that I am still around and working hard on my AP.....I'm gonna post some vids of me playing some different diatonic patterns that are more "shred friendly" so you can see that I am really making some good progress. smile.gif Your AP etude is going to be a long term project I think....but I am noticing that after playing it consistently that it makes alot of the other AP stuff I am working on a lot easier. Thanks a lot for helping me with my AP and everything else. I shall post on Sunday.....I promise. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 30 2009, 07:33 AM

Hey Monte!!

What can I say, best way is to split lesson or a solo
into small pieces and work on them independently,
then take some single licks and use them
as individual exercises, sometimes even for warm-up, good job!
You don't have to rush on AP etude tho,
there is plenty more stuff that you can record and most in a meanwhile,
AP is something that would never be 100% in shape
so we all have to work on it endlessly. wink.gif
Glad to hear about Logic, now I can expect your second tune as we agreed? smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Apr 30 2009, 10:48 AM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 30 2009, 07:33 AM) *
Hey Monte!!

What can I say, best way is to split lesson or a solo
into small pieces and work on them independently,
then take some single licks and use them
as individual exercises, sometimes even for warm-up, good job!
You don't have to rush on AP etude tho,
there is plenty more stuff that you can record and most in a meanwhile,
AP is something that would never be 100% in shape
so we all have to work on it endlessly. wink.gif
Glad to hear about Logic, now I can expect your second tune as we agreed? smile.gif

Yes Muris....I'll get what I have written so far on my second tune as well so you can do your take over my backing. Thanks. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Apr 30 2009, 04:53 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Apr 30 2009, 11:48 AM) *
Yes Muris....I'll get what I have written so far on my second tune as well so you can do your take over my backing. Thanks. smile.gif


Sounds cool Monte, keep me updated! smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds May 2 2009, 06:38 PM

Hi Muris,
I have 3 videos I am gonna upload in the next few days. Here is the first one. This is me just playing a scalar sequence using 16th triplets. First tempo is 105 and second tempo is 120. It sounded and felt pretty clean to me.....the cleanest I've ever played ANYTHING with AP for sure. laugh.gif I just wanted to show you this little clip to show you that I think I have totally worked out my right hand hand position issues that I had when I first started MTP with you. I think I am doing a good job of curling my right hand fingers and I think I am doing a decent job of rollling my right hand up and down as I ascend and descend.


Tomorrow I am gonna upload the AP etude. I might just upload it in chunks rather than me trying to play it from start to finish. To be honest with you I see myself practicing this for a year or so. Even though I can't play it any where near full tempo.....although I will someday laugh.gif .....I have found this etude invaluable for my AP development. thanks for recommending it.

The third upload will be the tune I am working on that we agreed you would do a take over.....Just gotta record it. smile.gif Thanks again Muris. I'm really starting to enjoy using AP and I think it will start popping up in my playing soon. smile.gif I still need to gain a little more control but it is getting better every day.

I look forward to your thoughts. smile.gif




Posted by: Muris Varajic May 2 2009, 08:02 PM

I can see one clip atm Monte and what can I say,
it works GREAT!!
Your picking hand looks smooth and relaxed,
fingers and nicely curved and there is no wrist rolling, good job. smile.gif
A note, to test it even better you can try to play
regular up and down without repetition, 3nps only, not 6.
Try it (maybe even record) and let me know how it goes. smile.gif

QUOTE (lcsdds @ May 2 2009, 07:38 PM) *
Tomorrow I am gonna upload the AP etude. I might just upload it in chunks rather than me trying to play it from start to finish. To be honest with you I see myself practicing this for a year or so. Even though I can't play it any where near full tempo.....although I will someday laugh.gif .....I have found this etude invaluable for my AP development. thanks for recommending it.


Let me throw some light on you,
I tried the same lesson few days ago and I had real problems first I started,
I took me several minutes to play it without too much troubles and fully clean.
My point is, practicing goes on and on, we are never done. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds May 2 2009, 08:18 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ May 2 2009, 08:02 PM) *
I can see one clip atm Monte and what can I say,
it works GREAT!!
Your picking hand looks smooth and relaxed,
fingers and nicely curved and there is no wrist rolling, good job. smile.gif
A note, to test it even better you can try to play
regular up and down without repetition, 3nps only, not 6.
Try it (maybe even record) and let me know how it goes. smile.gif



Let me throw some light on you,
I tried the same lesson few days ago and I had real problems first I started,
I took me several minutes to play it without too much troubles and fully clean.
My point is, practicing goes on and on, we are never done. smile.gif

Can't fool you can I. laugh.gif I actually was thinking this morning that I really need to just play it with 3nps as well. I'll add this into my routine tomorrow as well.

I am gonna upload the AP etude tomorrow but I decided I'm gonna break it up into the 8 or so chunks like I told you earlier. That way you can comment on a specific section if you feel it is appropriate. Thanks Muris and I'll upload again tomorrow. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic May 2 2009, 10:30 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ May 2 2009, 09:18 PM) *
Can't fool you can I. laugh.gif


Hmm, I had no idea that you wanted to fool me. laugh.gif

QUOTE (lcsdds @ May 2 2009, 09:18 PM) *
I actually was thinking this morning that I really need to just play it with 3nps as well. I'll add this into my routine tomorrow as well.

I am gonna upload the AP etude tomorrow but I decided I'm gonna break it up into the 8 or so chunks like I told you earlier. That way you can comment on a specific section if you feel it is appropriate. Thanks Muris and I'll upload again tomorrow. smile.gif


Agree, you can upload it in segments, no problem at all Monte. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds May 3 2009, 04:26 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ May 2 2009, 10:30 PM) *
Hmm, I had no idea that you wanted to fool me. laugh.gif

Didn't really try to fool you but you picked up right away that it is easier to play 6nps pattern than to run the scale using 3nps. I didn't really think about it being easier until you said something....but it is easier since there is less string crossing....at least I think so. laugh.gif

Posted by: lcsdds May 3 2009, 05:54 PM

Hi Muris,
Here is the video of the AP etude. Sorry I'm not very good at putting video together. I basically just made a video of my practice session this morning and then tried to pick out the fastest cleanest bits.....that is why the tempo varies and it is split up into chunks. I don't see any point in trying to string this thing together until I get it closer to full speed. Some parts I can play at 120 bpm and others only 75 or 90. The parts I have the hardest time with is when there is only one note on a string....a shape that I would normally sweep. Like I told you earlier this is a LONG term lesson for me but I am getting better at AP....at least I think I am. tongue.gif



Posted by: Muris Varajic May 3 2009, 11:44 PM

Ohh, you're not using your pinky AT ALL at the end,
those 3nps runs higher on the neck, I feel fooled once again. sad.gif unsure.gif laugh.gif

Joking of course, that part isn't crucial here
so you can use any fingering you want, no problems. wink.gif

And I really like the way you broken the lesson into smaller parts,
one lick or arpeggio pattern as a single exercise , I really like that Monte!

Now here's a deal, try to find a tempo that will allow you to play whole lesson
without too much troubles, play it few times and even record a clip for me.
Doing that is really good since you really have to bother yourself with
all parts that you can play a lot faster but still you have to follow tempo
determined by few trickier licks, like those 1nps arpeggios you mentioned.
And at the end you become sooo frustrated with those few licks that cause
you troubles and keep you on slower tempo and then you go nuts,
you play them alone like thousand times and you nail them nicely,
I've tortured myself that way many times. biggrin.gif

Posted by: lcsdds May 4 2009, 01:11 AM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ May 3 2009, 11:44 PM) *
Ohh, you're not using your pinky AT ALL at the end,
those 3nps runs higher on the neck, I feel fooled once again. sad.gif unsure.gif laugh.gif

Joking of course, that part isn't crucial here
so you can use any fingering you want, no problems. wink.gif

And I really like the way you broken the lesson into smaller parts,
one lick or arpeggio pattern as a single exercise , I really like that Monte!

Now here's a deal, try to find a tempo that will allow you to play whole lesson
without too much troubles, play it few times and even record a clip for me.
Doing that is really good since you really have to bother yourself with
all parts that you can play a lot faster but still you have to follow tempo
determined by few trickier licks, like those 1nps arpeggios you mentioned.
And at the end you become sooo frustrated with those few licks that cause
you troubles and keep you on slower tempo and then you go nuts,
you play them alone like thousand times and you nail them nicely,
I've tortured myself that way many times. biggrin.gif


Breaking it down like that is the only way I'll EVER be able to get this to tempo. This lesson has really pushed me. It has taken me a LONG time to learn this lesson....meaning memorize it.....because almost EVERY lick is a pattern that up until now I would NEVER play on top of using a technique that I NEVER use......at least used to never use. tongue.gif laugh.gif

I'm sure you noticed in my little video that I turned the first diminished arpeggio the arpeggio right before that into a repeating excercise that I could just cycle over and over.....and over. tongue.gif laugh.gif I just did that about a week ago for the very reason that you mentioned. Most of the lesson I can play pretty decent at 120. But those two arpeggios had really been holding me back so I made an excercise out of them so I could play them over and over without stopping. It has really helped too.

So my uploads for next week will be my own tune so you can do a take over the backing and give me some direction there.....and then I'll work on doing a non-stop take of the whole AP lesson.

Also Muris....and this is pretty big for me.....on that E Lydian take I posted yesterday that I am still working on, I just wrote out a really cool AP lick to end it. It is about 11 bars long and it is 16ths at 160bpm. I am actually pretty close to being able to pull it off too. When I started MTP with you.....I think about 3 months ago.....I was only at MAYBE 100 bpm with 16ths...... and that was pushing it too. So I think I have made some pretty good progress on my AP. I have told you as well that I am actually looking for opportunities to use it.....which NEVER happened before MTP. It's amazing what a little detail like curling your right hand fingers makes. laugh.gif

BTW Muris.....not using my pinky was pretty difficult for me. I don't know why I did that but I SWEAR that I saw that that was what you did in your lesson and I was really trying to play it exactly the way you did.....that was one of my main goals for this lesson. No cheating!! tongue.gif laugh.gif I'm gonna have to make sure I wear my glasses next time I watch the video for this lesson. laugh.gif

Thanks Muris.

EDIT:

I just watched the video of your AP lesson again and you do use your pinky.....although your fingers are moving so freaking fast that it is still a judgement call. tongue.gif laugh.gif I'm gonna switch my fingering on this to use my pinky. Like I said before, my main goal for this lesson was to play it exactly like you did....no switching picking strokes or fingering or note positions etc. Now that you pointed out that you use your pinky I think I will actually be able to play those last 3nps runs cleaner because I can use fingerings I am more comfortable with. I don't think that is dirt on your axis fingerboard Muris.....I think it is burn marks. laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

BTW....did your stuff arrive yet?

Posted by: Muris Varajic May 4 2009, 01:27 AM

Many players do not use pinky at all when playing
3nps shapes higher on the neck,
however I prefer to use wherever possible
since its our sweet little tiny weak finger
and it needs better/special treatment ( read torturing biggrin.gif ) .

And there's no need to prove me your progress Monte,
it's all very obvious, take a look at your clips at the beginning
of the thread, you were avoiding AP all the time
and now you're playing it very comfortable and with fun
which is all that matters, we have done a great job so far, no doubt!! smile.gif

I'll wait for your tune to comes, no problem. wink.gif


Posted by: lcsdds May 10 2009, 04:09 PM

Muris,
I played ZERO guitar this week. The WHOLE family is sick....all have the flu mixed with a nasty cough. Should be back on track next week and get some uploads. Hope you are feeling better than me. I'm having withdrawl pains from my guitar which makes my cold and flu even worse.... tongue.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic May 10 2009, 04:12 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ May 10 2009, 05:09 PM) *
Muris,
I played ZERO guitar this week. The WHOLE family is sick....all have the flu mixed with a nasty cough. Should be back on track next week and get some uploads. Hope you are feeling better than me. I'm having withdrawl pains from my guitar which makes my cold and flu even worse.... tongue.gif laugh.gif


Oh man, you scared me to DEATH when you mentioned flu,
thought it was the one from Mexico!! ohmy.gif

Wish you and your family fast and safe recovery tho. smile.gif

And if it means something, I had ALMOST zero guitar this weak. wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 1 2009, 05:12 AM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ May 10 2009, 04:12 PM) *
Oh man, you scared me to DEATH when you mentioned flu,
thought it was the one from Mexico!! ohmy.gif

Wish you and your family fast and safe recovery tho. smile.gif

And if it means something, I had ALMOST zero guitar this weak. wink.gif

Hi Muris,
I know you are busy rehearsing for your GI show so I'll keep this short. smile.gif I've been battling burnout for the last few weeks so I haven't played near as much as I would like. I am still working on my AP and it is progressing nicely. The only thing I have really worked on other than trying to learn to use Logic 8 Pro and my AP is this take on and E lydian backing track. It is still sloppy and needs cleaned up but overall I think it turned out OK.

Good luck at the GI show Muris....you deserve to win. smile.gif I will post again when I have something else to post. I'm gonna shift gears a little and get away from your AP etude for awhile. I might do a take for the PetrucciFever solo contest that they have going right now. Not that I could even compete with those guys but it could be fun to work on it.....\m/\m/


Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 1 2009, 12:55 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 1 2009, 06:12 AM) *
Hi Muris,
I know you are busy rehearsing for your GI show so I'll keep this short. smile.gif I've been battling burnout for the last few weeks so I haven't played near as much as I would like. I am still working on my AP and it is progressing nicely. The only thing I have really worked on other than trying to learn to use Logic 8 Pro and my AP is this take on and E lydian backing track. It is still sloppy and needs cleaned up but overall I think it turned out OK.

Good luck at the GI show Muris....you deserve to win. smile.gif I will post again when I have something else to post. I'm gonna shift gears a little and get away from your AP etude for awhile. I might do a take for the PetrucciFever solo contest that they have going right now. Not that I could even compete with those guys but it could be fun to work on it.....\m/\m/



That was very very well played Monte!!!!! smile.gif

Actually I was a bit worried when I was watching,
you played tons of uber cool tapping, legato and sweeping lick but no alternate picking.
And then near the end you applied some one string AP licks!
Now, I'm sure that you wanna be able to throw in much more than just that
but hey, you played none AP before we started MTP, way to go! smile.gif
And with more pushing in AP direction you'll naturally play
more and more AP when improvising or composing,
that's how things work. smile.gif

Yeah, I fully advise you to participate in the contest,
contest are great and are not just for the win,
you get motivated to play better and that's the key imo.
Let me know when you upload your take so I could have a look, ok?
Best of luck with it Monte, I'm sure you'll do a great job!

And thanks for your kind wishes and support regarding GI 2009, means a lot! smile.gif

We will talk soon, you record as times allows you, no worries.

Cheers! smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 1 2009, 01:14 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jun 1 2009, 12:55 PM) *
That was very very well played Monte!!!!! smile.gif

Actually I was a bit worried when I was watching,
you played tons of uber cool tapping, legato and sweeping lick but no alternate picking.
And then near the end you applied some one string AP licks!
Now, I'm sure that you wanna be able to throw in much more than just that
but hey, you played none AP before we started MTP, way to go! smile.gif
And with more pushing in AP direction you'll naturally play
more and more AP when improvising or composing,
that's how things work. smile.gif

Yeah, I fully advise you to participate in the contest,
contest are great and are not just for the win,
you get motivated to play better and that's the key imo.
Let me know when you upload your take so I could have a look, ok?
Best of luck with it Monte, I'm sure you'll do a great job!

And thanks for your kind wishes and support regarding GI 2009, means a lot! smile.gif

We will talk soon, you record as times allows you, no worries.

Cheers! smile.gif

Thanks Muris. My plan was to do that last legato lick using AP. It is still about 15-20 bpm above what I can play cleanly. I'm still working on it though. I'm working hard on my AP and I'm actually using it quite a bit in my playing....I'm just kind of in that in between stage right now. A couple more months of hard work and I think I should be able to use it quite a bit. I'm probably gonna focus on the PetrucciFever contest this month. Just for fun and it will be fun to get your input. I'll post an initial tak as soon as I have one and you can give me some input as time allows. I know you are gonna be UBER busy with the gigs with Emir and the GI finals. Good luck again Muris......\m/\m/

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 1 2009, 02:09 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 1 2009, 02:14 PM) *
Thanks Muris. My plan was to do that last legato lick using AP. It is still about 15-20 bpm above what I can play cleanly. I'm still working on it though. I'm working hard on my AP and I'm actually using it quite a bit in my playing....I'm just kind of in that in between stage right now. A couple more months of hard work and I think I should be able to use it quite a bit. I'm probably gonna focus on the PetrucciFever contest this month. Just for fun and it will be fun to get your input. I'll post an initial tak as soon as I have one and you can give me some input as time allows. I know you are gonna be UBER busy with the gigs with Emir and the GI finals. Good luck again Muris......\m/\m/


No problem Monte.
I do understand "between stage" feel tho, more work as you said
and it'll become quite natural. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 1 2009, 05:17 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jun 1 2009, 02:09 PM) *
No problem Monte.
I do understand "between stage" feel tho, more work as you said
and it'll become quite natural. smile.gif

Muris.....It's the start of a month and last month was tough for me. I made some good progress on my AP and I am still working on it but I am getting burned out. I think I am gonna switch stuff up this month. Here is my plan and let me know what you think.

I'm gonna work on a take for the PetrucciFever contest....I'll decide whether to submit it or not after I get it done. I also have always wanted to learn Vai's "windows to the soul". It has a couple of AP licks in there and it will give me something new to work on. I'm gonna slowly break this song down and start working on it. I'll post takes as I get them up to speed and you can help me with my phrasing and technique etc. With my AP I am really focusing on 3nps shapes and I am playing in the boxes and also working on playing two string shapes and moving them up the neck and changing positions. I'll post some vids of this this month as well and you can give me some pointers.

I think working on these two things will give me some much needed change in my routine. What do you think? BTW....when do you leave for London?

Thanks as always Muris.....my AP is much better already than I ever imagined and I am finally confident that with some more hard work I will get it to a competent level......\m/\m/

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 1 2009, 05:41 PM

All that sounds fine to me Monte,
as long as you practice and focus I can't complain,
all that I CAN do here is to look at your takes and recordings,
give some advices IF something doesn't look or sound the why it should.
I just sent you some idea for contest via email, check them out!
And I'm leaving for London on June 9th, in a week. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 1 2009, 05:49 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jun 1 2009, 05:41 PM) *
All that sounds fine to me Monte,
as long as you practice and focus I can't complain,
all that I CAN do here is to look at your takes and recordings,
give some advices IF something doesn't look or sound the why it should.
I just sent you some idea for contest via email, check them out!
And I'm leaving for London on June 9th, in a week. smile.gif

Thanks Muris....I'll get to work.... smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 1 2009, 05:58 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 1 2009, 06:49 PM) *
Thanks Muris....I'll get to work.... smile.gif


Ok! wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 4 2009, 04:09 AM

Hi Muris,
Here is what I have so far with the PetrucciFever take. I'm a VERY SLOW composer... tongue.gif tongue.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif The last note is a clunker I know. I think I am going to go into a long tapping or legato run from where I ended......unless of course I can borrow your AP skillz. tongue.gif laugh.gif I'm still in that in between stage. I can get some adequate speed but nothing like I can generate with my tappng and legato. It'll come though....just not for this take. tongue.gif laugh.gif

Any comments are much appreciated. Thanks. smile.gif

 PetrucciFever2.mp3 ( 817.47K ) : 11
 

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 4 2009, 11:08 AM

That was nice take Monte!

Now, I believe you can come up with more "catchy" lines
in the beginning before rhythm guitars start,
something to hold at, something easy to remember for an ordinary listener.
Have you tried to sing along with the backing?
That always helps to come up with very sweet melodic lines, give it a shot!
And second part could be more aggressive tho,
everything is burning pretty much so you might as well. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 4 2009, 11:52 AM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jun 4 2009, 11:08 AM) *
That was nice take Monte!

Now, I believe you can come up with more "catchy" lines
in the beginning before rhythm guitars start,
something to hold at, something easy to remember for an ordinary listener.
Have you tried to sing along with the backing?
That always helps to come up with very sweet melodic lines, give it a shot!
And second part could be more aggressive tho,
everything is burning pretty much so you might as well. smile.gif

Thanks for the suggestions Muris. I just listened to it again and I agree with you about the second part. I always struggle with playing too many notes and playing something melodic..... tongue.gif laugh.gif Back to work and I'll keep you updated... smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 4 2009, 04:56 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 4 2009, 12:52 PM) *
Thanks for the suggestions Muris. I just listened to it again and I agree with you about the second part. I always struggle with playing too many notes and playing something melodic..... tongue.gif laugh.gif Back to work and I'll keep you updated... smile.gif


Anytime, make few more versions and let me hear all,
we'll try to do a fine mix of couple ideas! smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 4 2009, 05:13 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jun 4 2009, 04:56 PM) *
Anytime, make few more versions and let me hear all,
we'll try to do a fine mix of couple ideas! smile.gif

Will do Muris. I'll do a couple of versions and we'll pick the best. smile.gif Probably wait until you get home from the GI finals. When are you scheduled to come back?

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 4 2009, 05:50 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 4 2009, 06:13 PM) *
Will do Muris. I'll do a couple of versions and we'll pick the best. smile.gif Probably wait until you get home from the GI finals. When are you scheduled to come back?


Hopefully on June 16th or som. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 17 2009, 04:39 AM

Hi Muris,
Here is my entry for the PetrucciFever solo contest. I made some mistakes but it is the best I got right now. I don't know how much time I am gonna have to work on it in the next few weeks so I thought I better make a take now or it might not get done. I had a hard time with one of the sections until I remembered that you told me "YOU MUST USE HARMONIC MINOR IN THIS SECTION".... laugh.gif laugh.gif

I wish I had my AP to the point that I could use it for some uber fast licks.......maybe next time...... smile.gif

Great job on the Guitar Idol Final Muris.....\m/\m/


Posted by: skennington Jun 17 2009, 05:03 AM

Nice Monte! smile.gif Good luck bro, you looked very relaxed which spilled over into your composition. Enjoyed it! cool.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 17 2009, 06:40 AM

QUOTE (skennington @ Jun 17 2009, 05:03 AM) *
Nice Monte! smile.gif Good luck bro, you looked very relaxed which spilled over into your composition. Enjoyed it! cool.gif

Thanks Skenny.....appreciate it. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 17 2009, 03:12 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 17 2009, 05:39 AM) *
Hi Muris,
Here is my entry for the PetrucciFever solo contest. I made some mistakes but it is the best I got right now. I don't know how much time I am gonna have to work on it in the next few weeks so I thought I better make a take now or it might not get done. I had a hard time with one of the sections until I remembered that you told me "YOU MUST USE HARMONIC MINOR IN THIS SECTION".... laugh.gif laugh.gif

I wish I had my AP to the point that I could use it for some uber fast licks.......maybe next time...... smile.gif

Great job on the Guitar Idol Final Muris.....\m/\m/



Nice job Monte!!
Is this final take or you can still fix it?
The only this that bothers me a little is ending of heavy section,
you could slow things down at the end using few long and strong notes
to calm down before easy section but that's just me, this is cool as well!
Technique wise it was perfect, maybe we are missing some AP licks
but there's plenty of time to fix that. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 17 2009, 03:18 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jun 17 2009, 03:12 PM) *
Nice job Monte!!
Is this final take or you can still fix it?
The only this that bothers me a little is ending of heavy section,
you could slow things down at the end using few long and strong notes
to calm down before easy section but that's just me, this is cool as well!
Technique wise it was perfect, maybe we are missing some AP licks
but there's plenty of time to fix that. smile.gif

No I can still fix it. I wanted to submit something because my wife informed me that she will be out of town the next two weekends and my older daughter just started working. That means no babysitter on the weekends for the rest of the month. I should be able to tweak it a little bit though.....I still have a couple of weeks.

I hear you on the AP licks.....my problem with it is that my top speed on anything that sounds halfway fast for an AP run is only about 160......the tempo for this is 100bpm. 16th notes are too slow to sound cool, 16th triplets might work but they still don's sound as fast as I can tap or do legato. What would you reccomend Muris. Tell me where you would slow it down.....like the time. I'll work on it and post a new take. If It works better I'll redo it. If not I already have a submission. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 17 2009, 03:38 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 17 2009, 04:18 PM) *
No I can still fix it. I wanted to submit something because my wife informed me that she will be out of town the next two weekends and my older daughter just started working. That means no babysitter on the weekends for the rest of the month. I should be able to tweak it a little bit though.....I still have a couple of weeks.

I hear you on the AP licks.....my problem with it is that my top speed on anything that sounds halfway fast for an AP run is only about 160......the tempo for this is 100bpm. 16th notes are too slow to sound cool, 16th triplets might work but they still don's sound as fast as I can tap or do legato. What would you reccomend Muris. Tell me where you would slow it down.....like the time. I'll work on it and post a new take. If It works better I'll redo it. If not I already have a submission. smile.gif


Well as for AP, you don't have to play it for 4 bars,
you can play short licks, like 4 or 6 notes, 16ths or 16ths triplets,
or even some random timing ala Malmsteen, just fire it!
And you should slow it down from 1:09 till 1:18,
were you played some trem picking.
You can leave few faster runs there but try to come up with nice line
that would lead smoothly into next section. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 17 2009, 03:52 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jun 17 2009, 03:38 PM) *
Well as for AP, you don't have to play it for 4 bars,
you can play short licks, like 4 or 6 notes, 16ths or 16ths triplets,
or even some random timing ala Malmsteen, just fire it!
And you should slow it down from 1:09 till 1:18,
were you played some trem picking.
You can leave few faster runs there but try to come up with nice line
that would lead smoothly into next section. smile.gif

Good advice Muris.....I'm gonna work on this. smile.gif wink.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 17 2009, 04:24 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 17 2009, 04:52 PM) *
Good advice Muris.....I'm gonna work on this. smile.gif wink.gif


NP Monte, give it a shot and post it! smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 28 2009, 07:41 PM

Hi Muris,
I'm finding out that I have ADD.....I can't focus on one backing track for more than a few weeks. laugh.gif So this last week I had Andy email me the backing track from the Petruccifever contest that you were a judge for. I had been watching the videos from it and I had a bunch of licks stuck in my head and I needed to release them so I could get some sleep......Andy was kind enough to help me out. laugh.gif laugh.gif

Anyways.....here is what I have so far. I took your advice that you gave me on the last one and just let the notes fly on the last little part. I even threw in an AP run using more than one string. I'm finally getting to the point where these AP licks are starting to pop up without me having to think about them so much.......very new territory for me. Thanks for your help and I'll post this again when I get the rest of it done.....probably next weekend.

I'd love to hear what you think of my note choice.....hopefully I didn't hit too many clunkers. I really tried to be less shreddy and more melodic on this. laugh.gif


Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 29 2009, 04:18 PM

Ahh, I saw those AP licks, well done Monte,
it IS getting more and more natural! smile.gif

Notes choice was fine too, all long and string ones
were right on the stop and chord, that was nicely organized.
Now, it's not just notes (pitch) that gives us cool melodies
but also RHYTHM!!
Here's what you could do later on,
doesn't have to be for this track (tho it won't hurt wink.gif ).
You can analyze your playing (this take as well)
and locate starting point for each phrase/lick.
There are many repetitions considering starting points,
you might wanna mess around with that
to get more color in your playing.
An example, you start phrase right on the first beat,
then you put next phrase on 2nd beat, 2nd 8th note etc.
There are many, many options to play with rhtyhm
and you will surprised with results, in a good way of course,
try that! smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jun 29 2009, 04:22 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jun 29 2009, 04:18 PM) *
Ahh, I saw those AP licks, well done Monte,
it IS getting more and more natural! smile.gif

Notes choice was fine too, all long and string ones
were right on the stop and chord, that was nicely organized.
Now, it's not just notes (pitch) that gives us cool melodies
but also RHYTHM!!
Here's what you could do later on,
doesn't have to be for this track (tho it won't hurt wink.gif ).
You can analyze your playing (this take as well)
and locate starting point for each phrase/lick.
There are many repetitions considering starting points,
you might wanna mess around with that
to get more color in your playing.
An example, you start phrase right on the first beat,
then you put next phrase on 2nd beat, 2nd 8th note etc.
There are many, many options to play with rhtyhm
and you will surprised with results, in a good way of course,
try that! smile.gif


Thanks Muris. I'll work on the Rhythm thing. I still have the last part to compose so I'll keep this in mind. So many cool tools when composing/improvising. I'm just trying to constantly be composing over some sort of backing so I can get comfortable with it. Thanks for the input Muris...... smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jun 29 2009, 05:04 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jun 29 2009, 05:22 PM) *
Thanks Muris. I'll work on the Rhythm thing. I still have the last part to compose so I'll keep this in mind. So many cool tools when composing/improvising. I'm just trying to constantly be composing over some sort of backing so I can get comfortable with it. Thanks for the input Muris...... smile.gif


You're welcome Monte, let me know if you need anything else,
will wait for your update. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 24 2009, 07:29 PM

Hi Muris,
Been awhile since I have posted because I have had nothing to post about.... tongue.gif laugh.gif Still working hard on my playing I'm just in one of those in between stages where I'm trying to get to the next level. I think my AP is finally to the point that I can start working on your lessons again and play them as written.....with AP where needed instead of legato and tapping. I'm gonna start tackling your Modal lessons. I'm gonna start with the Mixolydian advanced and see how I do.......I'm hoping I can pull it off. I'll upload as soon as I learn it and get a half way decent take......might not be full speed but I'll do my best. Thanks Muris. smile.gif

BTW Muris.....how would you reccomend I work on my vibrato. I've been doing slow bends to build strength.....any other suggestions? smile.gif

EDIT: Muris...I just realized I don't have the Mixolydian backing.. tongue.gif Any way I could get it from you? I thought I had it but I must have lost it when my computer died. sad.gif Thanks.. smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 25 2009, 03:04 AM

Here are 2 backings with different speeds,
great to hear you're back on track Monte!!

 Mixolydian_Soloing_BT_85_bpm.mp3 ( 877.26K ) : 3

 Mixolydian_Soloing_BT_70_bpm.mp3 ( 1.05MB ) : 0


This Mixolydian advanced has some nice picking licks,
can't wait to see how you're gonna handle those. smile.gif

As for vibrato, it's hard to tell how to work on it, there are many ways.
You can play single note and apply different types if vibrato, slow and wide, fast and wide etc.
Then you can apply same things on bended note, to test how it works when string is bended.
You might wanna record that practicing session and listen to how it sounds,
your ear is best guide, you WILL notice when it sounds wrong.

Now that was "only" practicing, thing is, many players kind a forget to apply vibrato
when playing or just improvising.
Vibrato has to become nature to you, as natural as wearing your underwear,
this might be strange but I hope you get my point. laugh.gif
You have to think of vibrato all the time, apply it on every note possible (usually longer notes),
after a while you'll stop thinking of it and it'll be there, it just happens.
But before it happens you have to focus on it, focus on many different types of vibrato
so you could make fine selection when the time comes,
what kind of vibrato works best for certain note.

Let me know if I missed something. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 25 2009, 03:51 AM

QUOTE
...Vibrato has to become nature to you, as natural as wearing your underwear....


UH-OH.....I can see I'm gonna have a problem already. I don't wear underwear...... laugh.gif laugh.gif Just kidding.

I picked the Mixolydian lesson because it looked like the rhythmns/tempo for the AP licks were in my range now. I'm excited to tackle this one. I've liked your modal lessons from Day one....just couldn't handle the AP on them but I think I am really close now. I've really been working hard on breaking down my AP mechanics and working on them really consistently. I've been studying some of my youtube videos and I've come to the conclusion that my vibrato......IS JUST HORRIBLE.... laugh.gif tongue.gif So I started studying your vids and I'm gonna start trying to emulate yours......especially your finger vibrato that you apply when when your thumb is anchored on the back of the neck and you aren't in a position to use your wrist for your vibrato. You said to record and listen and you are totally right on that. Like I said....my youtube vids have made it glaringly obvious what I need to work on.

I'm gonna learn the mixolydian lesson this weekend and work on it next week and I'll post a take on it next weekend. Thanks Muris....I'm really excited to start tackling these lessons of yours and applying some of my newly acquired AP chops.....no matter how humble they might be. smile.gif

I'm off to buys some underwear so I can improve me vibrato....... tongue.gif laugh.gif

\m/\m/

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 25 2009, 03:55 AM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jul 25 2009, 04:51 AM) *
I'm off to buys some underwear so I can improve me vibrato....... tongue.gif laugh.gif

\m/\m/


laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: skennington Jul 25 2009, 04:06 AM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jul 24 2009, 10:51 PM) *
I'm off to buys some underwear so I can improve me vibrato....... tongue.gif laugh.gif

\m/\m/


laugh.gif laugh.gif sorry to intrude guys but that cracked me up! laugh.gif



Posted by: UncleSkillet Jul 25 2009, 04:13 AM

QUOTE (skennington @ Jul 24 2009, 11:06 PM) *
laugh.gif laugh.gif sorry to intrude guys but that cracked me up! laugh.gif



Me to! If I would have known it was that simple. Its all in the under ware. Works for Micheal Jordan right. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 25 2009, 04:38 AM

QUOTE (UncleSkillet @ Jul 25 2009, 04:13 AM) *
Me to! If I would have known it was that simple. Its all in the under ware. Works for Micheal Jordan right. smile.gif

Yeah.....Maybe Muris can get a Hanes Endorsement....... laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: UncleSkillet Jul 25 2009, 04:48 AM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jul 24 2009, 11:38 PM) *
Yeah.....Maybe Muris can get a Hanes Endorsement....... laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif


ph34r.gif

Sorry to hi-jack your thread bro. Good to see you posting again.

I really don't want to see Muris's reply though so later. laugh.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 25 2009, 02:20 PM

Hi Muris,
I learned most of the Mixolydian advanced lesson this morning. I must say that I did a lot better than I thought I would. My AP focus over the last 4-5 months is paying off. There are a couple licks that are gonna be tough to get down but overall I think I will be able to get a take up next week sometime at about 60-75 bpm. Really cool lesson. You know that I like dissecting your lessons to steal your ideas and I had a question for you. I posted a picture from the tab and had a questio about it. This is the kind of lick that would have killed me before MTP but I was able to play it cleanly at about 60 bpm this morning and that is without really getting it into my muscle memory yet. I was wondering what you are doing here. I recognize that it is a pentatonic lick where you have just combined two box shapes to make it a 3nps shape but it sounds like there are some out notes as you continue on the pattern. Is it just a symmetrical pattern ala EVH? Very cool lick Muris. I remember you did something similar in your Phrygian advanced lesson and I had to figure out how to tap it........ tongue.gif laugh.gif Should be able to play it right this time. Thanks again Muris.



 

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 25 2009, 04:22 PM

Ah, that one is cool!!
Yeah, those are symmetrical shapes as we are using
same frets over 4 strings.
And there is one "out" note there compared with A Mixolydian, note C on G string,17th fret.
But as you can hear it blends smoothly with other notes,
we have have notes B and C# on B string and the whole
thing is small chromatic line: B, C and C#.
Now take a look back at the beginning of the lesson, there you have the same line.
So it's not pure A mixolydian but one extra notes won't hurt us, it's there to spice it up!!
And if you take a look at the notes you get F#m penta (on high E and B strings)
and then Am penta (G and D strings),
notes C and C# are working great together here,
we are getting this bluesy feel by using both major and minor 3rd. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 25 2009, 05:27 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jul 25 2009, 04:22 PM) *
Ah, that one is cool!!
Yeah, those are symmetrical shapes as we are using
same frets over 4 strings.
And there is one "out" note there compared with A Mixolydian, note C on G string,17th fret.
But as you can hear it blends smoothly with other notes,
we have have notes B and C# on B string and the whole
thing is small chromatic line: B, C and C#.
Now take a look back at the beginning of the lesson, there you have the same line.
So it's not pure A mixolydian but one extra notes won't hurt us, it's there to spice it up!!
And if you take a look at the notes you get F#m penta (on high E and B strings)
and then Am penta (G and D strings),
notes C and C# are working great together here,
we are getting this bluesy feel by using both major and minor 3rd. smile.gif

Thanks for the explanation Muris......I thought that's what was going on but I wanted to make sure. I like to understand where these cool licks come from so I can use it to create my own. I'll post again with a take on it as soon as i get one....I'm gonna shoot for 65 bpm for my first upload...... smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 25 2009, 05:32 PM

I'm waiting for it Monte. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 26 2009, 04:06 PM

Muris I have a technical question for you. I've been studying your playing a lot as you know.....especially your right hand. One thing I've really noticed is that when you do legato runs it seems to me that most of the time use use upstrokes with your picking hand. I haven't had any problems with my legato but I was wondering if there is a reason for this or if it is the most comfortable motion for you? Probably a silly question but I was wondering about it just the same. smile.gif

It's been quite a while since I've worked on any of your cool phrasing lessons as I've been really trying to fill some voids in my technique so it's been fun working on your Mixolydian lesson.......I'm gonna dive into your Mixolydian Intermediate as well......both are so cool.... smile.gif

Thanks Muris.

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 26 2009, 10:50 PM

Hi Monte. smile.gif

You don't have to bother that much with your picking when playing legato,
there is probably plenty of time to pick a note since we usually play at
least 3nps if not even more.
Upstrokes only, downstrokes only, combined, it really doesn't matter imo
is long as it sounds ok.
And to be fully honest with you I never even thought of that. laugh.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 26 2009, 11:04 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jul 26 2009, 10:50 PM) *
Hi Monte. smile.gif

You don't have to bother that much with your picking when playing legato,
there is probably plenty of time to pick a note since we usually play at
least 3nps if not even more.
Upstrokes only, downstrokes only, combined, it really doesn't matter imo
is long as it sounds ok.
And to be fully honest with you I never even thought of that. laugh.gif

Thanks Muris.....I thought as much but I was just curious. I'll upload takes of both lessons this next weekend. It's good to get back to practicing some of your lessons. I was getting tired of AP excercises..... tongue.gif laugh.gif They have really paid off though.....at least I think they have. You can tell me next weekend.... smile.gif

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 26 2009, 11:42 PM

QUOTE (lcsdds @ Jul 27 2009, 12:04 AM) *
You can tell me next weekend.... smile.gif


I WILL tell you, you can make a bet on that. wink.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 28 2009, 03:22 PM

Quick update Muris. I have learned all of the Mixolydian Intermediate and Advanced lessons and I am also working on your Bb Minor Intermediate lesson. I'm pleasantly surprised with my AP progress. I am able to play most of the AP licks cleanly up to tempo. There are a few licks that are difficult but I am working on it. I've noticed that alot of the Mixolydian AP runs are phrased in 3rds.....I haven't really practiced these but they are coming along nicely. These lessons are just what I needed after doing nothing but technique excercises for like 4-5 months. smile.gif

The string skipping legato/AP lick in the Mixolydian advanced lesson is kicking my butt to.....but I'm working on it. Should be a good weekend for posts for me..... smile.gif I forgot how cool your phrasing is Muris.....you are so creative with your playing.....\m/\m/

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 28 2009, 04:43 PM

Sounds great Monte, weekend it is then, can't wait to see! smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 29 2009, 11:55 PM

Muris......Any tips for this lick. This and the 3 string sweep are the licks I am having the toughest time with. I can handle the 3 string licks.....just a little practice. I've never really triead a legato/picking lick like this. Any tips with picking direction or anything???? 16th note triplets at 170 bpm..... blink.gif huh.gif You're killing me.... laugh.gif laugh.gif

 

Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 30 2009, 11:29 AM

Ahh, that lick is very Gilbertish one. smile.gif
I guess it might help you if you focus more on accents
and accents should be on 1st and 4th note on each string.
Picking pattern goes like this:
down (accent), up, down, up (accent) and then 2 pull-offs.
Those 2 pull-offs should give you enough time
to place your picking hand on the next string that you play,
let me know if I missed something. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 30 2009, 12:20 PM

QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Jul 30 2009, 11:29 AM) *
Ahh, that lick is very Gilbertish one. smile.gif
I guess it might help you if you focus more on accents
and accents should be on 1st and 4th note on each string.
Picking pattern goes like this:
down (accent), up, down, up (accent) and then 2 pull-offs.
Those 2 pull-offs should give you enough time
to place your picking hand on the next string that you play,
let me know if I missed something. smile.gif

Gotcha Muris......It's just a totally new.....but very cool.....type of lick for me. I'll keep working on it. Just like everything else I suppose......Practice is the key. Thanks Muris.. smile.gif

Posted by: lcsdds Jul 30 2009, 05:33 PM

Hi Muris,
Well as you are aware they are reorganizing the MTP here and that means that somebody else needs the chance to be mentored by you......I've had that great opportunity for the last 5 months. My only goal for MTP with you was to get my AP issues resolved. I've done that.....I still need work but my AP is 100% better than when I started and even more important is that I feel I have a very solid practice routine in place to develop it even more. Maybe someday I will even be able to play the string skipping lick from your lydian advanced lesson......you know the one I'm talking about.... laugh.gif laugh.gif

Hopefully I can rejoin your group in the future but for now there are lots of other GMC'ers that would like the chance to work with you and they should have the opportunity.

My focus for the rest of the year is going to be your Intermediate and advanced Modal serials......you'll be seeing me post them in the REC so hopefully I can get some feedback from you there.

Thank you SOOOOO MUUUCCH for you help Muris......You have helped my playing IMMENSELY.....I'll never be able to thank you enough.

Your Humble Student

Monte smile.gif \m/\m/


Posted by: Muris Varajic Jul 30 2009, 09:08 PM

Ahh Monte, that's VERY kind of you and I'm sure
many GMCers will appreciate that cause I surely do! smile.gif

It's been a great ride whatsoever,
I've indeed enjoyed all of your progress during last few months
and you HAVE progressed a lot.
Ofc there is alwyas room for more progress and you nicely mentioned that,
I'm very glad that I eventually pointed you in the right direction,
keep working as you did so far and you'll surely get on very high standards!

All the best Monte, it has been a pleasure,
I'll see you around the forum ofc and who knows,
maybe you'll jump into my MTP once again, take care. smile.gif

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