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Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 30 2013, 03:18 PM

Hi krakou!! Welcome to your Gab's Army thread!!

Could you please tell me a bit about you, your musical tastes, influences, strengths and weaknesses? I would need some videos of you playing rhythm and solo guitar, so please post your best material here. If you have some music or ideas of your own, also post them here. Also let me know how you think that I can help you and what are your expectations for our job. You can check the other Army's thread to discover the different modalities of this project.


The principles of our Army are:

+ Improve your technique
+ Make music and solos
+ Have fun
+ Destroy the enemy (hahaha not really just kidding... )

Posted by: krakou Jan 30 2013, 04:06 PM

Hi there,

First a little intro.
I'm a old guy(43) from Belgium trying to produce some interesting sound with its guitar.
Can't be called a beginner, but only playing for 6 years now, so let's say semi-beginner.

I know this site since my early days with learning guitar, but at that moment, even the easiest lessons was already too much for me.
It means I've watched a lot, worked a lot too, but sometimes without clear results.
Now I've improved a little, and I would say lessons taggued as difficulty = 3 are ok (not always ).


So what I propose you is to challenge me a little bit if you agree.


If you want to have an idea of how I'm playing now, here is a link to 2 videos (the only 2) posted last year on youtube.
It was for 2 contest, without any objectif to won something of course, just pleasure to be heard by friends and other people. For the French Guitar Contest, I'm playing at 110%, I've had to make a lot of tests before achieving that result on a one shot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMOZJ4oLwn4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtDdaAZoqGg

Et voilà !

Up to you :-)

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 30 2013, 05:02 PM

Hi mate! Your guitar playing is already very cool! Your phrasing is very tasty, and both your tone and vibrato are good. I don't find timing issues in your solos. I think that you should work on technique to be able to play faster licks in some sections.

Which are you favourite musicians?

Posted by: krakou Jan 30 2013, 06:24 PM

Tnx a lot for your kind words !!

So here is the list..
David Gilmour, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Gibbons, Angus Young

I like a lot that kind of playing, Mike Slamer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uusPWKMky0

And here a friend of mine..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VVKL3FiMRg

I like also stoner rock, Kyuss, QOTSA, Red Fang, Fu Manchu

Voilà !

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 31 2013, 02:30 AM

Your musical taste are wide but everything is connected! I really liked Mike Slamer's playing, his technique an style are killer! Your friend's track is also interesting!

What do you think if we start with this lesson?: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Modal_Madness_pt5-Pentatonic_Scale/

Posted by: krakou Jan 31 2013, 10:56 AM

Hello,

Sure, ok for me, will try this and come back to you with a mp3 as soon as I reach a decent speed.
Will tell you from the beginning what is ok and what is too much.

I really like the "evil disguise lead" and "hyper blues" lessons of Zsolt, still a couple of steps too far for me now.

Bye

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jan 31 2013, 03:40 PM

yeah! those are lesson that we should work in the near future!

Posted by: krakou Jan 31 2013, 08:05 PM

Here is first take on Zsolt penta lesson.
Please prepare your ears, they will bleed ;-)
Played at half speed (6 notes per beat, 50 bpm), once legato, once picked.
Timing is not accurate, some unwanted noises (played with gain on purpose).
At that speed, it's even easier for me to pick all the notes, when I do legato, it's not "rolling" perfectly, don't know if you see what I mean.
It will improve in the coming days/weeks

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 1 2013, 02:26 PM

heheh don't worry mate! my ear wont bleed! The take is not bad! You are doing a good job. I think that you could practice this one a bit slower but trying to pick notes stronger to get used to a fuller sound.

Posted by: krakou Feb 1 2013, 09:33 PM

Good evening colonel

Think I've made some progress on the scale exercice, but not yet worth listening, it gets smoother.

I've also learned on of your old but famous lesson on this site, this one
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/blues-licks1/
I'm almost ok at when I play it a little bit slower than you (in fact I even prefer the way it sounds a little bit slower )

I've also spent some minutes watching your chat, but to be honest, I don't really know what to write or say except, yeah, of course I appreciate a lot your sharing of knowledge (but to be honest, I'm not interested in your les paul, even if I don't doubt it is a great instrument :-)).

Take care

Bye

Posted by: krakou Feb 2 2013, 02:46 PM

Hello maestro !

Some saterday stuff here.

Two takes of the penta legato scale, one at 50, one at 60. 60 still too fast, 50 seems already better than 2 days ago, but maybe I'm wrong.

And one shot on your blues licks 1, played a little bit slower than the lesson, with room for improvement almost everywhere, bends are not perfect, timing is not perfect.

Hope everything is fine for you

Bye

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 2 2013, 06:20 PM

Hi mate! I didn't get what you mean about being not interested in my les paul!



I checked the 3 takes and you are on the right track with this one! I notice a timing issue in the 60 bpm take, it seems that you do the hammering faster and then the following note is a bit longer, pay attention to that. The blues licks lesson is good but I also notice some little timing issues here and there, concentrate on it!

Posted by: krakou Feb 3 2013, 09:57 AM

No worry, it should be stupid belgian sense of humour.
It's just that every time I was landing on the chat, all the guys were just asking you questions about your guitar.
I'm more interested about the great sounds you get from it than from the guitar itself

Yep, it's like I'm afraid to be late for the next group of 6 notes, then I go faster with the last hammer which becomes more like a trill.
What do you propose, should I stick at a speed where things are more or less rolling (around 50), or try faster hoping problems will solve with repetition.
If I repeat a mistake hundred times, maybe there is a great chance that it become a part of my game, not good..

Bye

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 3 2013, 05:00 PM

ahh hahah sorry I didn't understand that!

Well, I think that we must go for option one. It's always important to work at comfortable tempos until you can play the exercises/licks/solo perfectly and the go to a higher tempo. Sometimes you can try at 5 or 10 bpm faster for some minutes but then you should get back to the previous tempo. It doesn't help to do repetitions of something bad played. Is it clear?

Posted by: krakou Feb 3 2013, 07:36 PM

Crystal clear, it's also the way I understand this exercice.

By the way, if you think to another lesson, more "musical" than just scales, don't hesitate to challenge me a bit.
This afternoon, I've learned a Gilmour lesson from David Walliman, it was quite nice.

Have a nice afternoon

Krak'

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 3 2013, 07:42 PM

Challenge? Ok! What about one of these lessons?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-Phrasing/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Stevie_Ray_Vaughan_Inspired_Phrasing/

Posted by: krakou Feb 3 2013, 07:54 PM

This site is a goldmine !!

Let's go for Kenny Wayne this week, I'll try to propose what I'm able to do next week-end.
About the SRV, I will learn the licks, coz they are killing, but, arghh, I won't propose it to you next week end

Tnx a lot

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 3 2013, 08:27 PM

hehehe yeah, it's full of awesome lessons! Ok mate, I will wait for your takes.

Posted by: krakou Feb 5 2013, 02:18 PM

Hello !

Just to tell you I'm learning the KWS now, and really like the phrasing.

Also, here is my take of the Gilmour lesson from D. Walliman, cool to play.
Not perfect, but at least it doesn't sound rubbish..

Bye

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 5 2013, 05:44 PM

Nice take mate! I like the feeling of your playing on this take! It sounds very warm, well done! The only thing that you have to review is the pitch of some bends which isn't perfect but not too far.

Looking forward Kenny's lesson! Have you heard his songs?

Posted by: krakou Feb 5 2013, 06:08 PM

Tnx for the review, and yes, bends still need to be improved.

I know KWS yes, he's sometimes on my spotify list :-)
I've already practice the lesson, some parts are ok, some are grmpff

Bye

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 6 2013, 02:49 PM

Great! I'll wait for your take!

Posted by: krakou Feb 9 2013, 09:38 PM

Here it is !!

Not completely happy with it.
There are 7 licks/phrases.
In my humble opinion, licks 1, 2, 3 and 5 are not too bad, there is not enough life in my game, it sounds a little bit too shy, but it's listenable (can I write that ?)
Licks 4 and 6, my fingers aren't simply fast enough, so there are interpretation mistakes.
Last lick, I've made a variation, I tried to play it like him 30 times, but I've always timing issues.

Voilàà :-)

Hope your ok, have a nice afternoon/evening whenever you read this.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 9 2013, 10:08 PM

Hi mate! It's great to see you working hard! You are right, there are some licks that are better than other ones but the overall is on the right track! I recommend you to continue practising but each lick as isolated exercises over the backing track, repeating many times the same lick.
Pay attention to timing and bending.

Posted by: krakou Feb 24 2013, 11:49 AM

Hello Gab !

Hope you're doing fine.

Still working on KWS licks and legato penta, but progress are not huge.
It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock n' roll

Here are dry licks from KWS lesson, only me and drums.
I've tried also the SRV lesson, but definitely too challenging for me at this moment.

I've post some penta stuff soon too.

And I'm learning this lesson today
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/rocking-tune-beginner/
Already know all the licks, but at slow speed.
I've uploaded a shot at 110 bpm instead of 130. I cannot add vibrato when I'm bending like Muris is doing, but hey, it's Muris ;-)
Playing correctly fast is really a problem, I mix my fingers all the time

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 24 2013, 09:02 PM

Hi mate, I have to congrats you for the great job that you are doing in this thread. I can see a big improvement in your playing. You bending and vibrato are much more precise now in the KWS lesson but also in the one by Muris. The Pentatonic exercises need more work but I'm sure that you will master it with some diary practice.

"It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock n' roll "

yes... let me add that it's long and hard.

Posted by: krakou Feb 24 2013, 09:57 PM

Tnx a lot for your review, and yeah, there is still a lot of work to do !
You're too nice with my Muris shot, I find it awfull, but I know I can play it quite well in a couple of weeks.
It is a really great piece to play, melodic, mix of techniques, notes all over the fretboard..

One of my favorite tune of ACDC, live, at their best, with Bon Scott singing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEwQK3DjOCs

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 24 2013, 10:59 PM

Don't be bad with you! You are on the right path. Just keep on working hard every day.

What a great track by AC/DC. Did you know that their new dvd was filmed in Argentina? (Live at River Plate).

Posted by: krakou Feb 25 2013, 08:39 PM

Just to show you I'm not overcomplaining on myself like a poor little boy, Muris full speed this evening for me !!

Accuracy and precision are not present all along the track, but I think I will be able to play it correctly quite soon, cool..

About ACDC and Argentina, yep, I've seen this, and some extracts seen on youtube showed me how crazy you are over there

I've also noticed there is a new soldier in your army with good taste (I've seen Fugazi live 15 years ago, and Ice cold Ice from Husker Du is an all time favorite of mine ;-)).

But as I'm gettin' older, I've switched to blues rock, that's life.
This week I'm listening to latest album of Philip Sayce, listen to this riff, huge !!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjIqJRzxmIM

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 25 2013, 09:12 PM

Hi mate! thanks for sharing that song! I like it! It's rocker and also remember me a bit to Jack White. And yeah! a new rocker soldier is part of the army! You are doing a great job with that lesson by Muris! I think that you will be mastering this one soon!

Argentina's audience crazy???

Check these video by the Ramones here in Argentina...

Posted by: krakou Mar 23 2013, 02:11 PM

Hello Gab'

Long time no see :-)

No worry, I'm still busy with the guitar, I've just had other priorities than GMC last weeks.
Firts, I've played on stage with a friend of mine, was first time for me, with acoustic.
It was a little bit scary, but in the end, everything was ok.

Then I've made a video for the French Guitar Contest, like I've done last year.
It took me endless time to ba able to simply pass my scale at the end of the vid', but now it's behind me and I'm happy with that !
If you like it, don't hesitate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsCaIEsk9MY


So now, I'm back, if you think of any of your lesson I could learn, I'm ok.
I could even propose it to the REC program.

Bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 23 2013, 08:33 PM

Hi Krakou! It's great to hear from you! Thanks for sharing your take for the French contest. I like the phrases and licks that you composed for this one! Good job! I can also note some things to work on: Bending, timing, and technique training to take your playing to a limitless level.
Besides working on new lessons you should have a series of AP, Legato, Bending, Sweep Picking (If you like this technique) that you practice everyday as a training routine.

Posted by: krakou Mar 23 2013, 10:02 PM

Tnx for your comment !

I already have more or less some exercices, but it is true it I don't have a real routine.
For instance, for this contest, I had to train a lot simply to pass the scale at 117 bpm, but for that kind of stuff, I come from nowhere, so it's already not so bad (for me I mean..).
Sweep I can already do some argpeggios, but I really don't know how to incorporate that into...music.
So I guess you're right Ihave to create some exercices.
No to reach limitless level, but regarding lessons, if in a couple of years I'm able to play level6 lessons, I would already be very pleased in fact

Bye

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 24 2013, 05:40 PM

Great mate! Do you have some thoughts regarding the routine?

Posted by: krakou Mar 24 2013, 08:04 PM

More or less.

I guess I can write down a list with exercices for each category, and then take notes of the speed at which I'm comfortable with.
Just I don't want my guitar trip being an endless exercice :-)
Also I'm not sure doing the same AP exercice every day is valuable, I must also integrate that into the routine maybe.
Playing the same pattern over and over may hurt, don't forget I'm an old dude, ha, ha.

Regarding sweep, I've learned the rising force pattern from Malmsteen, like this guy is doing

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

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 25 2013, 02:51 PM

Hi mate. You won't imagine how effective is to practice AP exercises. If you could at least dedicate 15 minutes to AP patterns and exercises, you would note a big change in your playing. There are many good exercises in my ITC.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=42832

Posted by: krakou Mar 25 2013, 03:31 PM

Waouw, this looks great !!

With which of these exercices would you advise me to begin ?

JL

ps: tnx again for sharing the knowledge !

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 25 2013, 04:01 PM

This exercises are organized in order so you can start from lesson 1 (warming up) and follow the instructions there. You can also learn Left hand and Right hand lessons to add them to your routine. The lessons are in order but you can work on different technique simultaneously.

Posted by: krakou Apr 2 2013, 08:36 PM

Hello Gab,

I have a little question regarding fingers :-)
With AP exercices like 5-7-8, 12-14-15, a lot if not most of the guitarists I see simply does not use their pinky.
Best example for me would be Gary Moore.
And this does not seem to be a problem for lightning fast playing.
So, most of the time, I play with fingers 1-3-4 such patterns, but sometimes I wonder if 1-2-3 would not be more efficient.
What do you think of this ?

Tnx

JL

ps: I've started your intensive technical training :-)

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 3 2013, 02:55 PM

Good question! I use both depending on the part of the fretboard and also depending on the frets that I'm going to play in the following string. There is not one rule for this, as you can notice, different shredders can use one or the other way successfully. From my point of view, using fingers 1, 2 & 3 should be more efficient since you have and extra finger and this fingers are usually more agile. However I have trained my fingers through the years and I can play in both ways effectively. So, the short answer would be, it's up to you and to what you find more comfortable.

Posted by: krakou Apr 4 2013, 02:36 PM

Then I think I will stick to fingers 1-2-3 for a couple of weeks.
I can clearly play faster, with a more defined tone with that configuration.
Drawback is the higher tension in the index.

These days I'm listening a lot to Neil Schon. It's incred but 10 days ago, that guy was just one amongts the guitarists that I haven't been listening at.
Today, with that piece, he's one of the most important ones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpRV-GK1zb8

The part that begings at 2'45 is one of the most beautifull ever heard by me.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 4 2013, 02:55 PM

Hi mate, that's a nice song. I like the phrasing of the player and feeling in general. At some point I can hear some Joe Satriani's influences in him but it also sounds very personal. That part that you marked, when the most driven guitar starts is very emotive. I didn't know him... what can you tell me about this player?

Posted by: krakou Apr 4 2013, 03:10 PM

If you have 20', you won't regret the time spent watching this video, it's a long interview with that guy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euYZBsYZ-Yk

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 4 2013, 03:32 PM

Thanks for sharing! I bookmarked the video to see it later.

Posted by: krakou Oct 1 2013, 09:12 AM

Hey,

Finally I've found the way to my thread :-)

Not perfect of course, slower than the original at this moment (problem with transitions), but it will be ok in a few weeks.
I'm playing that stuff for weeks now !
It is a perfect exercice for playing arpeggios with the pick, something I've had never done, and it sounds really cool.

Bye

JL

ps: your power lesson is killer !

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 1 2013, 04:46 PM

Fantastic mate! Welcome back here! I think that you have to continue practising the lesson at that tempo until you can play it tight and then increase the tempo. Be patient and work hard.

Posted by: krakou Oct 5 2013, 07:36 PM

Hi there,

Do you remeber that I was trying to play a Murris track a couple of month ago ?
Here is where I am with it these days.
There a still some problems here and there (timing around 30, intro), but I'm almost ready for a REC proposal..

About the Ratt track, I've been working on it today, but not enough improvement.

If you have another nice tune to propose me, you're welcome !

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 5 2013, 09:20 PM

Good job on that lesson by Muris! I think that you are ready for REC!!

What is making Ratt lesson difficult to master?

Posted by: krakou Oct 6 2013, 08:42 AM

Mainly the transition between the power chords and the palm muted arpeggio at 32 sec.

In fact every transition between power chords, where you put energy, and palm muted parts, where you need to be very relaxed are quite complicated.
Control is everything :-)
This makes me think that this less, although tagged level 3 is far more complicated to master than a "simple" solo.

Have a nice day !

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 6 2013, 09:41 PM

yes, this is something that usually happens. Sometimes happens that guitarists dedicate more time to practice soloing and forget the importance and difficulty of rhythm. Even knowing that we use to play much more time, rhythm guitar that solos when we play in a band.

Posted by: krakou Oct 15 2013, 02:44 PM

Hi there,

Here is what I think about some of my REC comments

Yep I'm a little bit stressed, but hey,I've to record and film myself, it is not common even if it not the first time :-)
It is true that I'm not attacking too much the strings, but I was more focusing on playing everything correctly.
As Darius have noticed, there is one lick which I f¨$%ù up a little, but that's the game, it's clear I don't want to overdub on this exercice.
And Yeah, I have listened a lot to the original version, but comparing myself to Murris is a difficult exercice.
I find his bends and his vibratos and his overall playing so precise and powerfull..
But in the end, I'm very pleased you find this not too bad.

Take Care

JL

ps: I think I will learn the Peter Green blues lesson posted today, and still work on your RATT one

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 15 2013, 02:48 PM

Hi mate! I can't agree more with your comments about your REC. That's exactly what we meant with our comments. So keep on playing it and enjoying it, you will take it to the next level soon.

The new lesson posted is fantastic, you definitely should give it a try! I'll wait for new videos.

Posted by: krakou Oct 20 2013, 03:18 PM

Hello Gab,

Hope you're ok !

I've given that try to the Peter Green lesson, and gosh, this is not easy to play at all :-)
I knew it, because not a lot of notes are used, almost all the time at the same place of the neck, but despite this, it tells a story.
It is also quite difficult regarding timing, which is quite "floating" but in the end, it is what you want to ear..
So here is the first try. The first half is what is played by Stephane, the second is a little bit improvised, because I'm quite lost.
I'm pretty sure that for those blues guys, speaking or playing guitar is quite the same, maybe it is even more natural for them to play guitar..

ps: I like you're punk rock lessons, funny to see you jump between helloween and black flag..
Do you know Fugazi ? I saw them, hmm, more than 15 years ago, one of my best live souvenir..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGJFWirQ3ks

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 21 2013, 12:24 AM

Hi mate, yeahh, that how my musical tastes moves all the time. I'm very open minded regarding music style. I think that it's because I listen to a lot of music every day and I could get bored just listening always the same. I've never listened too much to fugazzi but I will do it! Thanks for the link.

Regarding the lesson, I think that you are on the right track. As you said there are some licks that need some practice, there are timing issues in some sections but you are getting close. Another important thing to have in mind is concentrate on dynamics, check Stephane's playing and see how he manages dynamics on each lick. This adds a lot to the take.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 12 2013, 02:48 PM

Hi krakou! How are you? I'm back from vacation and I was wondering about your news. How was your week?

Posted by: krakou Nov 24 2013, 06:03 PM

Hi Gab,

Gosh, it seems i've missed this message, really sorry about that.
I'm ok, still working on a couple of lessons, I've added an old post of you, a Satriani style one.
I can play it, but still too noisy at normal speed.
I'm also learning some open G and slide lessons from Mate Nagy, I really like his playing, very "Doug Aldrich".
I've also had a look to your routines, I find that very interesting, it is something I'm looking for a long time.
But most of the exercices are quite complicated, with big streches or complicated figures, but I guess I can try that at my speed.
I propose you that I review all what you have posted in your 3 routines, to explain you what I can play, at which speed, what I can't, and why I can't.

Bye bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 25 2013, 06:11 AM

Hi mate! Nice to have news from you! It's ok to check my Vchat routines since there are many interesting exercises there but we can create a custom routine here for you. I think that it can b more effective, and then you can use my Vchat routines as a complement to it. What do you think?

If you agree, please post here all the topics that you would like to cover during your diary routine.

Posted by: krakou Nov 25 2013, 03:06 PM

Hi there,

It would be great to create such a routine !
The main objective is simply to acquire more technical abilities, in order to be able to play at a higher level than what I ca do now.
But what I'd like too, is to build a routine more or less linked to some harmonic context.
I find that cool to play alternate picking or sweep picking lines, but in the end, it is sometimes difficult to incorporate that to my game.
Yesterday evening I've had a look to your first routine, so let's pick every exercices.
I really liked the Ben Higgins warm up, it sounds quite prog-rock, but for me, it is already more than warm up because of streches and string skipping. That kind of exercice is great for me, because I'm quite fast regarding picking hand, but not very accurate regarding fretting had.
So I would place this after a more chromatic warm up.
I can play the alternate picking lines, not at full speed, but I can :-)
I have problem to run some parts of the sweep and legato lines, if it is too acrobatic.
And I really dig the Johnatan Burgos licks in the end, it is more familiar for me.
Of course I have to be honest with me (and you), I can play around one hour per day, and put all techniques is not possible (and I also want to take care of injuries).

Voilà voilà :-)


JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 25 2013, 05:14 PM

Hi mate! Thanks for the info, now I can start designing your own routine. Based on the fact that you have one hour per day to practice I think that we will have to apply a new idea that I started testing the last week. It consists on working on all the techniques every day but giving some priority to one each day. The routine finally would look like this:


MONDAY:

- Alternate Picking (30 minutes)

- Sweep Picking (10 minutes)

- Legato (10 minutes)

- Theory (10 minutes)


TUESDAY:

- Alternate Picking (10 minutes)

- Sweep Picking (30 minutes)

- Legato (10 minutes)

- Theory (10 minutes)


WEDNESDAY:

- Alternate Picking (10 minutes)

- Sweep Picking (10 minutes)

- Legato (30 minutes)

- Theory (10 minutes)


THURSDAY:

- Alternate Picking (10 minutes)

- Sweep Picking (10 minutes)

- Legato (10 minutes)

- Theory (30 minutes)


FRIDAY:

- Alternate Picking (15 minutes)

- Sweep Picking (15 minutes)

- Legato (15 minutes)

- Theory (15 minutes)



I let you decide what you prefer doing during Sunday and Saturday.

What do you think?

Posted by: krakou Nov 25 2013, 07:13 PM

Ok for me, let's try this !

I can begin with the first monday today.
Alternate I will do some of your routines (there is also a Darius lesson which is quite cool).
Legato, I think about major scale descending.
Some sweep stuff I already know.
Theory, hmmmm ??

Let's practice

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 25 2013, 07:56 PM

It sounds great! Remember to add warming up and stretches before the routine.



and learn theory from this thread:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=47852

Posted by: krakou Nov 26 2013, 08:10 PM

Hi there,

Tuesday was the 20' sweep day.
So here are the most terrible 20 seconds of your life

Legato I thought of learning this lesson:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/legato_and_picking_beginner/

Regards !

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 26 2013, 10:46 PM

Hi mate! Good job on those sweeps. The notes are sounding good and now the next step would be to play it tighter over the metronome. Concentrate on timing the next days.

I recommend you to add this lesson to the Sweep Picking topic: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-sweeping-legato/

And the legato lesson sounds great for me. Let's go for it!!

Posted by: krakou Dec 13 2013, 08:47 PM

Hello Gab,

Long time without news, but your sweep picking is hard as hell for me, so I did not want to come back without result.
So, here is what I have not, still poor, but it will improve.

I've also learned the second alternate picking lesson from Darius, and I will send you soon the result.
I also know the legato from Muris.

And I'm learning some Hendrix stuff to relax me from those exercices

Hope you're doing well

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 14 2013, 03:26 AM

Hi mate, nice to hear from you!! The lesson obviously needs more practice. From what I hear, the main thing to fix is timing. This technique takes some time to get used but then it becomes really natural and easy to play. You have to be patient and practice EVERY day.
Let's add these 5 exercises into your diary routine to help you master Sweep Picking technique.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/five-exercises-to-improve-sweep-now/

Posted by: krakou Dec 14 2013, 02:15 PM

Hello,

That kind of exercices, I think I will never play that, because I don't hear music behind, just someone moving fingers with agility on a piece of wood

It's quite logical I have some problems to play your lesson, because you mix lots of shapes, and it's new for me.
But be confident, I will succeed !

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 15 2013, 04:19 PM

hehe ok! I understand what you mean. There are obviously two ways to achieve them. It's like a football player who trains his muscles with some repetitive exercises, not something creative just effective. But I don't disagree with your posture so if you prefer to avoid repetitive exercises!

Posted by: krakou Dec 27 2013, 05:36 PM

Hi there,

Not because I'm quiet on our forum thread that I don't work

So here is where I am with Darius and Muris stuff, still not perfect of course, but it has improved a little.

BTW, I've seen your Hives lesson, I've seen them live a couple years ago in very good condition, it was epic.
I was here in the crowd..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYgvIZk0BfA

Have a nice day

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 27 2013, 06:03 PM

Hi mate! Nice to hear from you!

I checked both audios and I think that you are on the right track with both lessons. There is obviously more work to do, more days of practice but based on what I hear you are doing a good job.

What about the other techniques?


The Hives live are amazing!! I was here in the crowd..

Posted by: krakou Dec 27 2013, 06:39 PM

Cool audience !!

By other techniques I guess you're thinking sweep.
I will send you a take in the coming days.

Tnx for your time.

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 27 2013, 06:41 PM

yes! I'll wait for the take.

Posted by: krakou Dec 29 2013, 09:23 PM

Hi there,

You will notice few changes on this GabSweep stuff
Maybe a little bit more fluid on the first half.
On the second half, I'm quite stressed with that 5-5-5 roll I don't really master.

It would be nice to propose me a kind of rock/blues lesson to post as REC

Bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 30 2013, 11:38 PM

Hi mate! This is sounding good. I can notice that it's more fluid now. I recommend you to start working on a new Sweep Picking lesson. Trying different positions and combinations can really help to master this without getting bored of repetition.

I also remember playing this one every day during my learning process:




Rock blues lesson? Could you name some artists that you have in mind?

Posted by: krakou Dec 31 2013, 12:16 PM

Ok for Malmsteen !!
BTW, the only sweep sequence I really love is the Rising force one from the sweedish guitar god
And the lessons from that guy, which is incredible
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/sweep-picking-arpeggios/



Regarding lesson to cover, what about this one ?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/blues-licks2/

Bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Dec 31 2013, 02:02 PM

yeah! that lesson by Ian is killer! You can start learning some parts from it. Don't worry about tempo, you can start VERY slowly. And regarding my blues lesson, yes! let's go for it.

Posted by: krakou Feb 16 2014, 09:00 PM

Hi there,

It's not because I don't spam my topic that I don't play
But if I don't have a lot of new stuff, I simply work quietly.
I think I could post a couple of rec efforts in the next weeks, I've also worked regularly on the sweep and picking exercices.

Regarding your blues lesson, still to improve, here it is how it sounds today.

Hope you're doing fine !

Have a nice afternoon !

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 17 2014, 07:47 PM

Hi mate!! Thanks for the update! I'm writing this post listening to your take and I have to say that I love it! It has differences with the original one but I think that it has your own style on it. You made your personal take, I hear a lot of Krakou on it and that's the most important thing! My suggestions for our work here is that you continue varying the lesson until you made the licks yours, that's when you will get the most from my lesson. If you want to get a REC grade, you need to play it exactly like the original but in our thread the goal is to learn it first and then make it yours. So keep on the great job!

Posted by: krakou Mar 24 2014, 04:12 PM

Hi there,

A little "crappy webcam hello" from Brussels :-)
Here I would say I play it almost like you, not so good of course.
I've also done quite a lot of sweep those weeks, and it is improving.
Of sure when I say a lot, it means a couple of minutes a day, but anyway, it sounds better.
I even give you a quick shot to prove it..
It's recorded with no DAW and no backing track, but you have an idea..

Hope you're ok

Regards

JL

ps: I give you a bonus recorded this evening with the legato Muris lesson :-)

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 25 2014, 12:41 AM

Hi mate! Cool to hear from you!

The video quality is ok for this purpose, don't worry about it. I can see and hear you clearly. Let me say that my rocker lesson is sounding very good. You played it with a very nice feel and groove and it only has little details different but that I wouldn't consider wrong, just different, your style. Keep on playing this one to feel those licks even more familiar.

Then, the sweeps, are not that crappy as you said! You are definitely on the right track with this technique. You should try to make the movement smoother, it seems that you play each string with a very small down stroke movement while the motion should be a smooth sweep, a simple upward and then downward movement. Does it make sense?

Finally that Muris lesson definitely needs more practice, it is not sounding consistent and tight. Keep on playing it everyday over the slower backings.

Posted by: krakou Jul 4 2014, 12:37 PM

Hello Gabe,

Tnx for your kind work on my REC SRV Shuffle.
Because I've listened a lot to SRV and still love his playing above all, I understand perfectly what you mean.
To play well that kind of thing, you really have to live it, and I'm too scholar in the way I do it.

I will try another shot with more sweat in it :-)

In that style of playing, Denes Nagy on GMC is an absolute killer !
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/SRV-Tips-and-Tricks/

I still work on your rocker lesson and I'm closer to your way of playing it too.

JL

ps: Argentina Vs Belgium tomorrow @ world cup

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 4 2014, 06:40 PM

Hi Krakou! Nice to know that my feedback inspired you to continue working on the lesson. You have a great potential so I think that the next steps will take your playing to a very promising level. The SRV tips lesson is a very good on to keep on working that style of blues rhythm stuff. Denes playing is aggressive and groovy as Vaughan's so I think that it's cool to work on it. Remember to pay attention to:

- Dynamics
- Groove
- Vibrato

and also, a good thing to do would be to analyze the arpeggios and scales used to be able to create variations and your own improvisations based on this style.


And about the match... I hope that Argentina wins... if not, you won't be able to continue in my Army. hahaha just kidding! I hope to see a great match!

Posted by: krakou Aug 17 2014, 04:58 PM

Hi there,

Hmm, no post since the match against Argentina :-)
Did not had a lot of time for the guitar, but now hopefully, should be possible to practice again a little.

Here is the latest of your lesson I've learned, an old but good one.
You may never see it on Rec as you play it at a speed where I'm loosing everything (expression, accuracy, coordination,..).
But at a slower pace, it's ok, even if my take needs lots of improvements.

Tnx for your comments on the Rec SRV shuffle, I will come back with a "almost perfect" take !

Take Care

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 18 2014, 04:11 PM

Hi Krakou, nice to hear from you again here!

The rocker lesson is sounding good. I can notice that you are still limited with this current tempo, but you will be able to play it faster with this precision with some more practice. You have to be careful with your bending technique because sometimes I notice that you don't reach the correct pitch. Another detail that I would like to mark is that sometimes you play the notes a bit before the beat, mostly in the first riff when you play 16th notes. The best would be to divide this lesson in parts and work on them isolated to improve details and to focus on gaining some more speed.

So you are getting back to practice, what's the plan? and the goals?

Posted by: krakou Aug 18 2014, 06:59 PM

Hello,

Plans and goals sound way too much project management oriented, even if, in the end, I may come with someting that looks to a "plans and goals" solution :-)
I would say that I "simply" need to focus on 4-5 lessons, and learn the most from them.
A problem I will always have is that I like lots of different styles, and sometimes it is quite difficult to connect things.
I list you here all the lesson I already know, but I still cannot play good.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Angus-Young-Style/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/evening-blues-lesson/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/neoclassical-3-levels-beginner/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Peter-Green-Style/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Soul-Guitar-Lesson/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Slash-Slide-Boogie/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-Phrasing/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/rocker-riff2/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/blues-licks3/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/blues-licks2/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/blues-licks1/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/david-gilmour-style-lesson/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Ratt-Style/

And there are even more :-)

I know I could do exercices but it does not sound like music, and as I don't have a lot of time, it's better for me to focus first on pleasure to play.


Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 19 2014, 01:03 AM

Hi mate, this sounds very good. Don't worry about exercises, it's always better to focus on musical stuff, that's why GMC lessons are so effective. This two tips can help you to get even more from these ones:

- Work on variations of the licks. I've been talking about this previously on this thread but I wanted to refresh it. This idea will make you incorporate the licks and make them of you own. Improvise over the backing track provided combining the licks with your own ideas.

- Create exercises based on the tricky parts in order to master them. This is applicable when you find parts that are difficult and that need some extra practice. Isolate the ideas, try to identify the reason why you can't play it well and create some exercises based on it to practice as a loop over metronome.

It's very useful to set goals and plans when you have them because it will be the guide to design your guitar routines and practice. Everybody is different so there can be exceptions but we tend to waste our time when we don't have at least some guidelines on the things that we should work. We can even dedicate the guitar time to just trying to decide what to practice.

You said: "A problem I will always have is that I like lots of different styles, and sometimes it is quite difficult to connect things."

You made me remember this amazing speech:

Posted by: krakou Sep 27 2014, 09:58 AM

Hi there,

As requested, a quick off the Record Record of the Joy Div lesson !

Have a nice day

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 28 2014, 09:39 PM

Hi mate, good shoot!

The overall take is very close but it has some rhythm / timing details to improve.

- There is something different at 00:17 compared to the original lesson. All that section has a difference that you should review in the tabs.
- The part that starts at 00:40 has some timing and rhythm issues. Some notes are played a bit early while some others a bit late.
- The lick starting at 00:50 is played with a different rhythm compared with the original lesson. Re-check it.
- Try to make the connection between melodies and power chords at 01:01 smoother and the following section's timing tighter.

Focus on those details and you will master this lesson soon, I think that you are close to master it.

Keep on the good job.

Posted by: krakou Sep 29 2014, 10:25 AM

And you understand why I will never be a rec master ;-)
When I learn a lesson, the more I repeat sometimes the more it become slightly different from the original.
Then it is damned complicated to play it as the original, because I have my version in my head..
Regarding this track, the biggest problem (in my opinion) is the missed connection at 1:01, you should never listen to that on a track.
Well, maybe drunk punks :-)

I give you an enhanced version soon.

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 29 2014, 02:55 PM

Hi mate. Well, I can say that this is not a problem. I think that it's good to start trying to master lessons as they are to be sure that you are not changing the things because of limitations. This is off course, having in mind that you are on a learning / training period. However, it's also important to dedicate some time to some random practice that includes variations, and some extra improvisations that help you to incorporate some of the licks and ideas on your own playing and style. The idea is that the lessons add some licks to your vocabulary as well as inspire to to come out with some new stuff.

Posted by: krakou Sep 29 2014, 03:38 PM

You're right (as always..).
In that case, it is not really a problem, because I can make it sound quite ok, and the little discrepancies do not mean I'm not able to play it.
For other lessons, it is definitely an issue if I choose the easy way to hide the fact it is too difficult for me.
It can be ok to play a little bit dusty or even out of tune for instance (at least for my ears), but only if it is by choice and you can also play it clean.

And now, some laidback inspiration :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOfIN7XBl-4

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 29 2014, 04:01 PM

Exactly. This is the way to find your own voice with the instrument and that's our main goal. That's a nice song, thanks for sharing.

Posted by: krakou Sep 29 2014, 04:45 PM

This one is closerI think.
I also try to keep the energy of the style
In fact I would like to be able to jump while playing this...

I also give you my first "Gilmour/walliman" draft lesson, not perfect yet, but listenable.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 30 2014, 02:57 PM

Hi mate! Great takes! Joy Division's one still has differences in the parts that I previously marked but it sounds much more solid now. The changes are all musical now, there aren't timing issues. Well done!

And about the other lesson (Gilmour), as you said, it's a very enjoyable take. I like your feeling and phrasing on this one. I can notice how your soloing skills are taking shape. Your bending technique is precise, and your timing is quite perfect in the whole take. I also like the way you set delay effect and the quantity of drive used, it sounds clean but it has enough sustain, it's great!

Posted by: krakou Oct 6 2014, 07:40 AM

Hello Gabe !

If you agree, we could try to focus a little bit about that Gilmour lesson.
I know that my take is of course not as perfect as the original one, but at this point, I have the feeling I'm more or less at the closest point I can reach.
Maybe a strategy would be to play something else, but I will face all the time the same beding/vibrato issues.
Unless I decide to focus on punk stuff :-)

Bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 6 2014, 01:31 PM

I think that it would be really useful if you incorporate these two exercises into your diary practice:



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


and off course some other phrasing lessons....

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/guitar_loves_piano/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Steve-Lukather-Modern-Style/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Blues-Dynamics/

Posted by: krakou Oct 6 2014, 07:00 PM

Oki, I will integrate some bending exercices !

Regarding the phrasing lessons, gosh, like I said, this is not punk

The guitar loves piano, I will try to learn it, it is the only among the 3 that I'm able to play in less than six month, but as you can imagine, I find it quite boring if I compare it to the other ones.
I should write learn it, play it like Piotr with all nuances is probably complicated..
The Lukather is great, I've always found that Jonathan Burgos had terrible phrasing skills, and the SRV lesson is terrible too but, hey, there are even 3 lessons in one in that one. Playing exactly like SRV with so little gain is killing me, I guess that's what dynamic means...

I come back when I have some material.

JL

ps: just for fun, I'm learning your Trivium tune !

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 6 2014, 11:59 PM

hehehe great to know that you liked the suggestions! Don't think too much, practice and enjoy the journey. And off course, keep me updated about your progress, with posts, audios and videos. Ok?

Posted by: krakou Oct 10 2014, 05:44 PM

Hi there,

Bloody hell this is difficult to play correctly
So, this is the shot of he week, without taking too much care about the vision of the composer.
I'm not satisfied with the sound, but this is what I have now..

I've seen your message about the VChat, I promise I'll try to attend one of these weeks, but at that moment my kids are sleeping, so you understand guitar is no longer an option for me.


Bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 10 2014, 07:26 PM

Hi mate!

The lesson is evolving very well. It's not as easy as it seems because it requires a good manage of feeliing and timing. The first one (feeling) is better than the second one, but off course there is room to improve both things. There are notes that are not clear (you surely note them) and there are also some timing issues, mostly the phrases with palm muting.

It's not an easy task to keep timing tight when you just have a piano in the backing track so I can say that even with the little timing issue, you take is very valuable. The next step is to practice it over the original lesson to emulate expression and timing details. Focus on vibrato, notes length, dynamics and timing.

The tone is not bad, I would like to hear a warmer sound, but it's not bad. Delay setting fit great with the phrases and backing. So just experimenting a bit with EQ is my suggestion.

Keep on the good job!!

Posted by: krakou Oct 10 2014, 08:33 PM

Hey, tnx for this quick reply :-)

Clearly it is a draft, and I've also noticed that there is room for improvement regarding timing, feeling and tone.

About the "feeling", I will always have the problem with the rec exercice to put myself in someone else's footsteps.
Regarding that, it's easier with lesson like the Trivium one I'm working on it, because it is more on the energy side.
But trying to reproduce what Piotr is doing is a nice exercice, there are lots of variations in his vibrato, I'm too much "one kind vibrato" on my take.

The tone is a little bit too harsh, I need to find something with warmth and dynamic, should be feasible

I'll be back...

Take care

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 11 2014, 04:49 PM

Can't agree more with your words mate. Keep on working on those things and please keep me updated of your progress!

Posted by: krakou Oct 12 2014, 02:52 PM

Hi there,

Don't know if you will call this post "progress" :-)
Honestly, I'm quite ok with this take, timing is better, felling could be better here and there but I think it is not too flat.

I give you also a "trivium" take. I guess when the guys are drunk to death they may sound like that, not even sure.
This one is not complicated to learn, and it's even fun to figure out I don't have to much problems to follow the rythm.
I just have to slow down for the intro part in fact.
But ok, to be perfect it terms of timing with this, it will take a couple of month/years, I don't really know.



Voilà !

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 12 2014, 08:54 PM

Hi Krakou! Good job on these lessons!

You are working hard, motivated and doing a very deep analysis of your progress. I checked both lessons and I can say that both are evolving very well.

Guitar Loves Piano, is very close because you are already playing it at the normal tempo. I like the way you are managing dynamics for each phrase, and I can say that timing, vibrato, slides and bending are sounding very good. I think that the main thing to improve on this take is your tone which is not as warm and expressive as your playing. I think that you should experiment a bit more with EQ to make it fit better with the backing track. Your playing is better than you think on this one, just keep on playing it to give it more and more feeling, but you are on the right track!

Trivium lesson is still on progress. There are notes that don't sound, grooves that need to be polished but you already know each section correctly, so it's just a matter of practice. The last riff is sounding too muted compared to my take, it should sound with less staccato.

You are doing a very good job, keep on rocking!

Posted by: krakou Oct 13 2014, 06:01 AM

I just wake up and read your cool words..
Nice to begin the day.
For the tone, I've always fight with that, will go from scratch !

Good night ;-)

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 13 2014, 04:51 PM

Nice to read this mate, keep on the great job.

Posted by: krakou Oct 20 2014, 07:15 PM

Hello Gabriel,

Just to give you some stuff to listen, the famous Blues Lick 2 lesson.
I've already had a 7 on that one and would like to avoid a 7,3 next time :-)
Played it a million times but it's not yet ok, I'm just getting closer !
The sound is better, the first one with the Charvel was harsh, with too much gain, and the second part is better too.

For the guitar loves piano, I'm still struggling with my tone.
I've tried with the Charvel with its humbuckers, my first dean with P90, but nothing sound like I would like

And last but not least, I don't play too much, I feel some pain in my index left hand, and I want to avoid injury.
I know that from running, it's a real pain.
When you begin the guitar older, I guess you may have that kind of trouble easier than a nervous teenager, crap

Bye

JL

ps: I like the Interpol stuff, Interpol reminds me The Chameleons UK, one of my favourite band from the 80's

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 21 2014, 02:25 AM

Hi Krakou! Great job with that blues lesson! You did a very good take. Most of the solo is sounding really good. I just can say that there are some little section where the licks could sound more defined, some other parts more groovy, your vibrato could be wider in most of the lesson, and there is a bend close to the end a bit off. This can sound like a lot of things but I'm being very strict, each thing needs some little adjustment.

About you tone, I also note that it would be cool to try to get a warmer sound. You should experiment with the EQ, adding more bass and mid frequencies to make the sound deeper. I think that the problem is more related to the amp, not the guitar. Don't you think so?

Posted by: krakou Feb 3 2015, 03:26 PM

Hello Gabriel,

I know I haven't keep you posted about any kind of progress those weeks, main reason is because I have lots of "frustrations" with the guitar those days :-)

Not that I don't play, not that I don't do some progress on some specific points.

I think my speed and coordination left hand/right hand has improved when I play linear, I can mess quite a bit in the "pride and joy" mode, with lot's of raking, and stuff like that.

But...

I'm still struggling with all the lessons I'm trying to master, without any spectacular progress.
And the problems are always the same. Untill a certain level of speed, it is ok, bends are well done, execution is clean or dirty "the right way" but I never reach the level I'd like.
Then I feel quite stucked in the middle of nowhere these weeks.

Hope I will escape from there one of these days :-)

Bye

Take care

JL

ps: don't like too much that "bouhou, I'm a poor little guitarist" tone of my message, but...

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Feb 3 2015, 07:06 PM

Hey mate, this energy can be used in a opposite way, and convert it into motivation. Maybe the problem is that you are not setting specific "doable" goals to be achieved weekly, and monthly. You are trying to advance on many things at the same time, and that makes the overall progress slow and less motivating.

What about setting a specific goal for the next 15 days? For example, increasing alternate picking speed without losing sync. We should now set what's your current bpm for some exercises, and work on them, variations, other lessons/exercises, licks, adjust technique and movements, in order to see your goal achieved.

Please share here some licks that are giving those problems and your current status regarding tempo.

Posted by: krakou Mar 8 2015, 08:53 PM

Hello Gabriel,

Man, I can't believe how many guys are asking for you help/mentoring, it's very impressive to see all those dudes working with you

Ok, I've taken one of your first lesson on this site, the famous blues lick one
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/blues-licks1/

If you listen to what I've recorded, you will hear bends almost correct but not always correct, vibrato almost good but not yet good enough, somme missing notes,..
This is what I got at required tempo (120).
If I play 20% slower, then it is ok, but every time I want to play at the correct level, it is not completely rubbish, but it is far from being recordable.

I also upload another take I've made but with my licks.
You will listen in the end of the record that even with my licks I want to do stuff a little bit too fast for me :-)

Hope everything fine for you !

JL

ps: these weeks I'm almost only listening to Opeth, funny how a lot of other musical production seems tasteless comparing to what those dudes have done.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 9 2015, 02:34 PM

Hi mate! Great stuff! I'm really glad of finding here new from you and even more because you shared two takes: a lesson and your own licks. This is definitely the way to go if you want to develop your guitar soloing and composing skills! Well done.

Let's go with some feedback:

- Original lesson: You can play the licks correctly but now it's time to polish them. It seems that you are not totally comfortable at this tempo so maybe you can decrease it a bit for practice. This makes that the timing of your phrasing is not going tight with the groove. Also, as you noted, your bending is not precise and I note it just listening to the first two licks in which the bends don't reach the correct pitch. I also agree that vibrato could be wider and more consistent. So, my suggestion is to work at a slower tempo and polish each lick at a time, working on them as a loop and focusing on details: timing, vibrato and bending.

- Your phrasing: You sounds much more comfortable playing your own licks over this backings. This sounds reasonable but it's not what it always happens. I like how the different phrases are clear and how they interact with each other. The use of silences between phrases lets your playing breath and clarifies the structure of your solo. I think that your solo is great on the composing/improvising side and I wouldn't change anything. But it needs to be polished technically to improve: timing, vibrato, bending and dynamics.

I'd like to suggest you the following tasks for this week:

- Polish blues licks 1 lesson.
- Polish your own solo.
- Start working on this lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Blues-Beyond-The-Minor-Pentatonic/
- Record an improvisation of that lesson's backing.

Posted by: krakou Mar 14 2015, 05:40 PM

Hi there,

Still polishing the licks1 lesson, I'll try to post you something I find ok soon.

About the blues beyond, I've not listened to the lesson, I wanted to record something first on the BT :-)

Here is what I have , now I can learn the lesson !

Bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 15 2015, 05:55 PM

Hi krakou! This is a great idea! It would be interesting if you record a new improvisation after learning the lesson to notice what concepts and ideas are added by playing and analyzing the lesson.

Your solo is not bad! I can see that you creating phrases that are interacting one after the other. I like how you manage silences between phrases, and the groove of your playing. In order to make this more interesting, I think that it need more rhythm variations, longer and shorter notes and more dynamics. I would recommend to use more aggressive vibrato in some moments as well as longer bends.

In order to improve this solo, I would re-work some of the first phrases, since I feel that the first 3/4 of the solo needs some more variation, at least in the middle of it. I would let the first two phrases as they are, but re-work the following ones because I feel that it becomes predictable after some measures.

Learn the lesson, and analyze how the instructor manages these things that I commented here and let me know what you find.

Posted by: krakou Mar 15 2015, 08:18 PM

Hello,

Good, thanks for your comments.
Yes I agree it is quite predictable, and now that I've listened to the lesson I find it quite funny we begin with almost the same phrase.
But then what Jacob is playing is far more organized, he knows exactly what note he's playing, there is a clear intention behind every part, I'm nowhere regarding that approach, I just try that things sound correctly.
Now I will learn the whole tune.
Generally on such BT, you have more than 2 measures, here you have the felling you need to close just after the beginning.
Regarding dynamics, I have to admit it is quite obsure to me, even whan I watch a lesson about that :-)

About the blues 1 lesson, I've made a take at 100 bpm, I'm more comfortable at that speed (I also find it sounds better at that speed, I would slow down most of your blues lessons ;-)).
I think it is ok for bends, timing not bad, regarding vibrato, still weak.
On the tune, I really only find 2 spots where to bend, after 8 and 21 sec.

Hope everything's ok for you

Bye

JL

ps: I may learn one of your punk track to "relax" myself from the bends :-)

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 16 2015, 03:03 PM

Hi Krakou! Great job!

I consider this idea of sharing a improvisation before listening a lesson, and then analyzing and comparing that with the instructor's solo is a very rich approach. Please learn the lesson now and then apply the concepts learnt into a new improvisation.

Your take on blues licks 1 is very nice to here. I can say that it has a very cool feeling. It's true that there are some bends that are not totally consistent but I think that this blues intensive works will solve this issues soon. And obviously combined with the bending exercises shared by Ben on the video. About the other techniques, I agree with you, timing is ok, and vibrato could be better.

So well, there is more work to do, but your playing is progressing really well, keep on rocking!

Posted by: krakou Mar 16 2015, 07:41 PM

Hi Gabe,

Before I dive into the beyond, I wanted to do a test..

Then I promise you'll never hear about that BT before a couple of weeks !

We've never discussed about the influence of the guitar on the guitarist :-)
Fact is my "main" guitar is a Strat Ri 62, and I guess it is not the easiest piece of wood to play on the planet regarding action, pickups, radius (7,25), all that kind of stuff.
I really love it, but sometimes playing looks like a struggle.

So I've taken my first but second guitar, which is a Dean with P90, with an almost flat frettboard, lower action,..

Here is what I got. Ok, still a struggle for me, but at least you can hear vibrato.

Bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 17 2015, 01:53 PM

Hi mate, yeah, I can note the differences. Your phrasing sound more consistent with this guitar so you are clearly more comfortable with the action and fret-board of your dean guitar. Vibrato could be more notorious yet, but your bending become much more precise with this other guitar. So the trick would be, practice at home with the less comfortable guitar and then rock live with the easier one... haha just kidding, but there is some truth on this comment. I remember practicing legato exercise on my classical guitar to then get back the the electric and feel a gutiar hero.

Posted by: krakou Mar 23 2015, 06:35 PM

Hello Argentina,

Not that this blues beyond is way beyond my current skills, but not an easy piece to play correctly :-)

The phrase are not usual for me, that's cool.

So here is my first draft, work in progress..

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 24 2015, 05:08 PM

Hi mate, this is a very good draft! I think that you are on the right track with this and that the next things to polish will be very beneficial to take your playing to a new level regarding feeling, phrasing and expression. You surely know that the things to adjust on this one are timing, dynamics and vibrato so please keep on practicing with putting all your focus on these details.

Also, once you feel comfortable with the original lesson, remember to work on your own improvisations over that backing trying to apply the things learnt from the lesson.

Posted by: krakou Apr 20 2015, 07:48 PM

Hello Gabriel,

Here is what I got for you today, it's records of the beyond minor blues lessons, your first blues lick lesson and the Gilmour from David Walliman.
Tell me if you think those are worth a REC and if not, what I still need to improve.

I've also played you blues licks 2 one million of times (maybe 2 or 3), and you know what ? this is not yet it..
Damn, that intro lick drives me nuts, sometimes I play the lesson at 140 bpm instead of 120 and it's ok, and when it comes to record I always fail.
I will be happy to play something else :-)

Hope everything's ok for you

Bye

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 20 2015, 10:06 PM

Hi Krakou! Great to see you working hard!

I can notice that your blues playing is getting better and better. My blues licks lesson is the one that is giving more trouble, and the reason is surely the tempo which is faster than the other two ones. We are not here to suffer or get bored, so let it rest and let's move to another lesson. After some weeks you can get back and see how working on other licks and lessons help you even with the one that you let rest.

The other two lessons are one the right track. I just note little timing issues here and there but nothing very important. You can give them even more "feeling" based on the use of dynamics and different kinds of vibrato but I can say that both are ready to be shared at REC and receive different points of view on things that can make your playing even more enjoyable on this style.

About timing, be careful with triplets. I notice that this rhythm is the one that gives more problem as well as 16th notes.

On "beyond blues..." lesson, be careful with lick at 00:25 which is not sounding clear.

Posted by: krakou Apr 21 2015, 08:03 PM

Page 7, hurray !! :-)

Thanks for being so positive with my playing.
It's true that with slow blues I feel sometimes I'm getting somewhere (even if for Ben timing is not ok, but is a shredder, ha ha).
But I still need to have more conviction when I play.
For your old blues licks lessons, I play them regularly for...years now and what can I say.. Without backing tracks, they're sometimes sounding really ok, but once I have to stick to a tempo, I just loose myself and my playing looses all its coolness.
Just like a rock without the roll..

For the coming days/weeks I will work on the guitar loves piano, to your Ratt lesson and to an instrumental rock from Piotr.
Piotr agrees to help me with my tone, as he works with Guitar Rig like me, this is cool.

Have a nice day

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 21 2015, 10:05 PM

That sounds great Krakou! I think that the lessons you're planing to work are great. It's also interesting to know that you'll work on tone guided by Piotr. His guitar tones are always top level so it's a great opportunity, try to get the most of it, not just copying parameters, as how and why.

Have you been practicing blues licks lesson over the original take?

Posted by: krakou Apr 22 2015, 07:05 AM

For some time of course, but now I know them by heart.
This of course means there's always a risk that you follow your own voice when practicing and not the instructor's one, but is it a problem in a genre like the blues ? Not sure.
Ok, for REC it is not the most clever thing to do to not mimic the original.
Those REC are really complicated in fact, because even for "easier" lessons, it is a completely accomplished guitarist you have to follow.
So maybe it is feasible to move correctly the fingers, but moving them perfectly, arf, it's a long way :-)

Anyway I'm motivated to pratice, more than ever..

Bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 22 2015, 05:20 PM

Great to know it mate! Well, we use to suggest to imitate the original lessons at first, when there is a technique that need to be polished, or when we think that the student needs to develop dynamics, groove or any other element. However, that's just the beginning, once you are able to play flawless, it's time to make develop your own voice on the instrument. This is not something that must be done in a specific order, I think that it's even better to do it at the same time. I mean, divide practice between technique aspects and creativity aspects (like creating variations of the lessons, or your own solos over the backing tracks).

Posted by: krakou Apr 25 2015, 02:01 PM

Hi there,

So, the Gilmour lesson :-)

I've done lots of bends those last days, here's what I got with this lesson today.
For me, it sounds ok, at least better, but I will never drop again a vid in the REC section without a complete review from you :-)

Have a nice day

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 25 2015, 06:01 PM

Hi Krakou! Yeah! Bends are getting better! I can say that most of the bends in this take are on pitch and that shows a bit improvement. The are off course pitches that aren't on pitch (like for example at 00:26, 00:31), while others are there but could be more consistent. I recommend you to keep on practicing bending as you've been doing since I'm starting to see very promising improvements.

Posted by: krakou Apr 26 2015, 08:56 AM

Cool, ok, I continue my bend journey..

I've had a look to your soundcloud link and beside the your nice compositions, I've seen an entry for the French Guitar Contest which occurs 3 years ago.
The funy thing is, as a french speaking guy, I know the web site and some of the guys who were organising that and although I did not have the level to participate to that kind of contest, I've made an humble try :-)
It was like this

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

JL

ps: to give some rest to my fingers after some hours spent bending I play this lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Rise-Against-Hardcore-Punk/

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 26 2015, 02:44 PM

Oh! That was a killer backing! I liked the composition that I created, but I didn't find the time to create the video to submit my take for the competition. I have to say that your composition is also really good. It's nice to hear, your phrasing goes great with the backing and has a good structure. I like that fact that you focused mostly on creating memorable melodies on this one. Your tone is also good, well balanced with the perfect amount of effect. There are only a little moments where the solo lacks a clear direction, but it could be worked just detecting and re-working those parts.

Rise against lesson, good choice! Do you usually hear this band?

Posted by: krakou Apr 26 2015, 04:27 PM

I'm pretty sure if you had participate that you would have finished among the best, reason why I was surprised to find that on your cloud and did not remember you participating the contest.
My compo is ok, sometimes I think I'm better in searching for melodic lines than into playing them, even most of the time in fact, but ok, guitar is just a hobby..

The first time I've heard about Rise againts is in your lesson :-)

I will come with something this week, but I try to play it standing up, I cannot play punk rock sitting on my chair :-)
Not at full speed, 100-110 bpm should be possible, 120 bpm downstrokes I have a doubt.

I also look into other rec lessons from other dudes, and I've found 2 valuable lessons for me, one with bends and one with alternate picking (Vinnie Moore).

See you soon !

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 27 2015, 04:02 PM

Hi mate, everything sounds great! Thanks for your words about my take, I'm really proud of the composition and it's a pity that I could submit it. I remember that I was very busy with my band and job those days... as nowadays too...

About practicing standing up, it's a great decision. Mostly if you are planing to play these type of music in a live band situation. You'll have to be able to play tight standing up. Everything can be a bit more tricky since the hands and arms positions are different. But everything can be mastered with practice.

It's also a good idea to incorporate some new lessons to your diary practice. So if you find them motivating, go for them, I'll be waiting for your takes to check your progress.

Cheers!

Posted by: krakou Apr 28 2015, 12:27 PM

As promised, first record standing up.
Sometimes I miss the camera, it's only 100 bpm, but you got an idea of what I can do now.
Of course, there's still a long road to walk but it's a beginning.

I give you also my first take of the Vinnie Moore alternate lesson.
It's played like the instructor, with inside picking ( http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Vinnie-Moore-style-patterns-1/ ).
I find outside easier, then it's a good exercice.
I will try to get some speed with this one.

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 28 2015, 09:12 PM

Hi Krakou! Good job with both lessons! I can notice that the only issue that you are having playing the lessons standing up is timing. You should focus on playing the different parts tighter with the backing. Your technique looks good.

The alternate picking (vinnie moore) lesson is also sounding really good. Except for one wrong note close to the end, there is nothing to improve, you just need to continue practicing to be able to play this faster.

Congrats on the good work!

Posted by: krakou May 3 2015, 04:00 PM

Hi there,

First congrats for your Red Fand lesson, it is exactly how it should sound !

For the Rage against lesson, I can play it better at 100 Bpm. At that speed it could be an Editors tune and I like it . 120 Bpm downpick is just not for me now.

I've been practicing a little the vinnie moore alternate lesson, I can play it almost clearly at 140 bpm now.
The lesson is at 120, so I can practice something else I guess.

I continue to polish the other lessons for Rec purpose (Gilmour, Beyond Blues, your 2 blues of course).

I've also learned that rythm lesson from Denes Nagy
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Blues-Vibrato-SRV-Style-1/
His vibrato is just killing me, I'm shaking my neck like a clown to reach a ridiculous vibrato comparing to him.
But I will continue to shake, maybe one day it will get result :-)

Have a nice day !

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 3 2015, 05:07 PM

Hi Krakou, good job with this lessons!

The SRV lesson is sounding really good. I notice that the original one has even wider vibrato than your take so it would be cool if you continue trying to get it. It's a killer training. Also be careful with timing.

The alternate picking lesson is also sound good. I notice a little issue just in the last pattern that it's not completely clear, so isolate it and work it.

And about Red Fang lesson, thanks mate, I'm glad to know that you liked it. I think that it's a very interesting modern band.

Posted by: krakou May 3 2015, 06:49 PM

About Red Fang, here's a very interesting documentary I've seen a couple of years ago about a tour in Europe.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FPQiN85sQc

I do like them, but I can't stick to that genre endlessly, I always move from blues to rock to techno to metal to french stuff :-)

And regarding vibrato, I think the one of Denes is "insane", I don't know if the guitar tuned in E flat helps, but in the solo lesson, it's also very cool.
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Blues-Vibrato-SRV-Style-Solo/

Bye

JL

ps: I send you a take of the SRV solo, 110 instead of 120 bpm

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 4 2015, 04:01 PM

Hi mate! Thanks for the link to the documentary! I'll check it later.

Your take on the SRV solo is good, you can play the licks at tempo over the backing. Now it's time to give it that aggressive playing that has made Vaughan unique and loved. It's true that a lower tuning makes things easier, but with practice it's possible with standard 440, so keep on the hard work on this one.

Posted by: krakou Jul 20 2015, 07:54 PM

Hi Gabe,

About your Tycho lesson and post-rock, this is the band I like the most:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6IRi_JTS_Y

It is definitely the kind of music in which I'm the most interested these days.

Regarding my guitar playing, I've noticed the REC program has set the passing level to 6.
As I've miserabilly failed a couple of times at 7,3, I guess I should give some tries in the coming weeks, at least to have some lessons behind me.

I think I will maybe also try to compose some post-rock stuff, if I find time for that.

Hope you're doing fine

Take care

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 21 2015, 05:31 PM

Hi mate, remember that the grading system has changed on REC. Now 6 is more than the old 7, and with a 6 the lesson passes. However, I don't care too much about grading, it a ways to monitor the progress. Please continue practicing with the suggestions and tips in mind.

About composing a post rock tune, that sounds great!! Feel free to share your ideas here if you want my feedback along the process.

Posted by: krakou Jul 22 2015, 12:19 PM

Hi there,

Thanks for listening and reviewing my latest Gilmour take :-)

I have a question regarding Ben's comment.
He's completely right when he states I'm very concentrated on what I'm doing, without doing any extra movement.
A little bit like if my hand was glued on the neck.

How would you proceed to improve that ?


Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Jul 22 2015, 03:14 PM

Hi mate, so the issue is that you are moving your hand too much instead of your fingers? Is that the problem? I'm confused...



I basically note that your fingers and hands don't seem to be totally comfortable with the movements and this is related to some technique lack that can be improved with technique exercises that cover: stretches, fingers independence and legato.

Posted by: krakou Oct 27 2015, 04:00 PM

Hello hello,

Yep, still alive :-)

Not that I did not practiced, simply I've been doing stuff more "on my own"..

I've recorded a guitar-piano lesson, do you think it is recable ?

Tnx

JL

ps: hope you're doing well !!

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 28 2015, 01:05 PM

Hi mate! Great to hear from you!

The take on this beautiful lesson is good, but it has some pitch issues around 00:45, 00:48 and the bend at 00:53. this can be related to the tuning or calibration of your guitar.

Other than that this sounds good! What is your current guitar plan?

Posted by: krakou Oct 29 2015, 09:47 PM

Hello,

Plan is to put behind me a lot of lessons I've learned the past two or three years but that I still can't play correctly, or at least at correct speed.

In the last weeks I've paid some attention to bends and vibrato, but also to picking, I think I've improved a bit in those areas.

I've also had a look to your improv stuff, with the caged system, and begin to really learn note on the fretboard (at least !).

Voilà voilà.

I really hope to provide some rec takes in the coming months, but if you want to give me some specific stuff to learn or practice, I'm always ready for such a thing..

Bye

JL

ps: guitar solo of the millénium for me here :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaH2C2Qe97Y

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 31 2015, 05:07 PM

Hi mate! That's a perfect plan! I'll be here to guide you, check your progress and help with everything you need...

thanks for the video, it's a great solo by the master of all!

Posted by: krakou Oct 31 2015, 10:18 PM

Hello Gabe,

Sooo, here are two very old lessons, blues licks 1 & 2, among the firtst you proposed to the site I thing.
I still not master them perfectly (can't believe it..), but I feel I'm not too far from a correct take.

If you think there are exercices or other lessons I could learn to reach the required level to provide a correct Rec for those takes, feel free to tell me :-)



Regards

Bye

ps; I've learned this one, really love the drop D vibe, but I'm playing it slower than needeed
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bring-Me-The-Horizon-Style/

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 1 2015, 12:34 AM

Hi mate, I've checked both lessons and I noticed that you need to work on these techniques:

- Bending
- Alternate Picking
- Vibrato

Besides isolating each lick and working on it as a loop, you could work on exercises to master these techniques. About alternate picking, I think that this can help:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=54900

About bending, this video shares a good exercise:



Finally, vibrato:

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/lessonseries/Bens-Vibrato-Odyssey/

Posted by: krakou Nov 9 2015, 09:03 PM

Hi there !

Next REC proposal, that first blues lesson on which I'm breaking my fingers for ages :-)

I propose you a first take as "base", at 100 Bpm instead of 120.
There is a timing issue at the end, but except this, at least for my ears, it is decent, even in terms of bend/vibrato/tone :-)

Of course you can have a totally opposite opinion..

If you agree, tell me on which points I need to focus, and I'll try to raise the speed in the coming days.

What I dislike when speed come is I have to get rid of some funny things like pinched harmonics, I don't have time to think about that.

Muchas gracias !!

JL

ps: I'm doing the guitar gym whenever possible, I think it will pay..

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 10 2015, 03:55 PM

Hi mate, good job!

You already know what you have to fix on this one and you also know that you still have to be more comfortable with some techniques in order to be able to play this faster.

How are you practicing the lesson? Do you practice small blocks or the whole thing over and over?

Posted by: krakou Nov 10 2015, 04:33 PM

Hello Gabe,

Of course I know what I have to fix except it seems to me that it is not a complete mess when I play it a little bit slower than what is required.

I will practice the licks with bends like a guitar gym instead of playing it over and over :-)

Tnx for your ears..

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 11 2015, 01:26 PM

Perfect. That's what I was going to say. Work on small sections, licks. Isolate and master the tricky parts. That's the next step for this.

Posted by: krakou Nov 11 2015, 02:31 PM

Hello Gabriel,

It's holiday today in Belgium, yesterday evening I've looped on the bend parts, and again now.
I've made a shot against your lesson :-)
On the right speaker it is your taken, on the left mine.

Have a nice day !

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 12 2015, 01:25 PM

Hi Krakou! It's a very good idea to practice along with the lesson for some days. I've checked your take on this one and I can say that your timing is much better and that the overall lesson shows improvements. However you still need to practice each part to adjust each lick and bend, to polish the phrases which are there, but can sound with more feeling and precision.

Keep on the hard work!

Posted by: krakou Sep 20 2016, 01:31 PM

Hi there,

Hmm what to say after such a long pause ;-)
I did not stop playing at all, but I've more worked on stuff like alternate picking and arpeggios, quietly at home.
I've also made some jams with other musicians, it was new for me and it was nice experience.

I think I've made some progress and here is a little test on what I'll try to propose on a rec one of these days.
There are still some note that does not sound clear enough for me, I guess I could pass with this one, but I want it to be just a little bit better than this.

Hope you're ok

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 20 2016, 08:42 PM

Hi Krakou! Welcome back mate, great to hear from you!

That video looks very good! Well done.

What's your plan for this mentoring thread mate?

Posted by: krakou Sep 25 2016, 09:13 AM

Hello Gabriel,

I've read your comment on the rec thread and feel quite happy about it.

My overall goal has not changed a lot over my guitar years, being able to play fluently, with musicality in mind, in a pop/rock/blues/metal style.
I know it is not very precise, but some rec stuff combined with more technical stuff can help I guess.
I still have a huge list of recs I have to work on, some from you, some from others.

Maybe build some kind of routine with 4/5 recs in different genres and add some warm up stuff, some arpeggios/chors exercices and very important to me, link stuff with some theory behind would make an interesting journey.

What I've done last months is mainly just play major and minor arpeggios in each of the caged positions, and it was very good for my finger accuracy.

Time will always be a limiting factor, I can't dedicate hours everyday to the guitar, but when I'm lucky I can play 5/6 hours per week

Hope you're doing well

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 26 2016, 02:43 PM

Hi mate! That sounds great! Could you share here a list with lessons that you've worked and lessons that you'd like to work?

Posted by: krakou Sep 26 2016, 03:06 PM

Hi there,

I can reply quite fast as I'm @ home today.

Well I know all those lessons, but I'm not able to play them correctly at this moment:

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Blue-Shades-of-Lydian/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bring-Me-The-Horizon-Style/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Peter-Green-Style/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Ratt-Style/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-Phrasing/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Trivium-Style/

And if we stick to lessons,the kind of stuff I would like to master in the longer term is this

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Nuno-Bettencourt-Style-Rhythm/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Instrumental-Rock-III/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/evening-blues-lesson/

Voilà :-)

If you pick some of these you find interesting it would be nice

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Sep 28 2016, 01:37 AM

ASSIGNMENT #1:

Goals:

- Phrasing
- D Major Improvisation


TASK 1:

- Learn this lesson: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Ballad-Soloing-Dynamics-And-Phrasing/



TASK 2:

- Analyze the chord progression and scales used for the lesson.
- Improvise over the backing track of this lesson trying to create your own variations.


Exam and deadline:

By October 10th you'll have to share:

- A video playing the lesson (4 coins)
- A second video improvising over the lesson's backing track (3 coins)
- A video or text explaining the concepts learnt from the lesson (3 coins)

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

Posted by: krakou Oct 3 2016, 07:55 PM

Hi there,

Just to give you some info about my assignement.
First, I did not hang myself trying to emulate the Darius magic touch, and this is a good thing.

I've learned the lesson, but it is not yet fluent, I give you an example of what I can do now.

Analysis is not too complicated, we're in D, all chords are issued from D major scale (D is I, Em is II, G is IV and A is V), all notes are from D major scale except 3 passing notes. I'll give you more details about that before next monday.

More to come soon (well, hopefully before the deadline :-)).

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 5 2016, 08:17 PM

Hi mate,

the lesson take is promising. You can play the whole thing and now you could dedicate some more days to adjust details. I notice that there are pitch issues in many parts of the lesson. It appears when bending but also when you play some phrases with vibrato. I'm not sure if there is a string out of tune, if your guitar has pitch issues, or maybe you are doing too much pressure with your fingers.

The important question is, do you note the issue?

Posted by: krakou Oct 9 2016, 05:38 PM

Hi there,

Regarding your latest question, it depends
When I'm clearly out of tune, or when I'm spectator, I can notice that kind of issue.
But when I play, I'm too much into my "thing" and it's quite difficult to play & listen at the same time.
You're right regarding the guitar, I've some probs with intonation. Even when I'm perfectly in tune at the top of the neck, it's not the case at the 12 fret. I have to correct that..

About my home job, here is what I have:

Regarding theory/analyse

The tune in in D major so all chords should belong to the D major scale (D, E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D).
Chords are:
D (D, F#, A), G (G, B, D), Em (E, G, , A (A, C#, E)
Those chords can be seen as degrees I, IV, II and V
All notes in the solo belong to D major scale except a few passing notes
Don't know if you want to read more regarding that.. :-)

Video of the lesson.
This is the best I can do at this moment, of course it is not perfect, I always have an hesitation at one point.

I don't have time to do a video of my own tune on this, it was already quite time consuming to learn and play and shoot the Darius one
I'm made some trials on the backing track, I mainly have a theme, but I find it quite difficult to develop something interesting.
So I give you one of my takes, I can try to search something from here, but it won't be lightning fast.
Major scale find me dry most of the time..

What I've learned..
First time ever that I really take care of notes that are playing during a solo. Not a surprise to see that all notes are in the scale and in the chords, more a confirmation.
Also that the "Darius touch" is very difficult to mimic. On this lesson, I find he plays a little bit like Neal Schon, and it's impressive how he can makes what he plays lovely with subtle touch.
I'm quite far from that :-) (I knew it, I did not learn it..)

Regards and bye

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 10 2016, 03:03 PM

Hi man! Congrats on your hard work! It's awesome how much profit you've get from this assignment.

At first, the theory side is always great in order to go deeper to what we learn and play. It can be insignificant at first, but after many solos and song analysed you'll have a very valuable background that will definitely help you to expand your creativity.

Your take on the solo is good. There is obviously more room to work on details, since as you've said, Darius playing is magic on this one. There is a lot of expressing work done on it so there is always more room to get more from the lesson. It's one of my favourites.

I wonder, if you'd like o dedicate some more days to work on details, or if you prefer to move to a new assignment. I recommend to continue with this lesson but it's up to you.

Posted by: krakou Oct 10 2016, 03:15 PM

Hello Gabe,

Tnx for your kind words.

I would say I can continue to work on this lesson.
First I have to improve what I can do on the Darius take, until I find it "RECable".
Second I can provide you my own take, way better than what I've done here.

That said, I would enjoy to do this while beginning to work on a new assignement, in order to have some variety on what I play.

Regards

JL

Posted by: krakou Oct 10 2016, 07:54 PM

Hi there (again..),

In order to deserve my next assignement, back from work, after the meal, I've grabbed my guitar and tried another version of the song.
The tempo is speed up in order to play a different way, more simple but that does not sound too bad (I think).

Bye

JL

ps: I've changed my track of yesterday evening. Tried to add a slide line on the second rythm part this morning..

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 11 2016, 07:44 PM

Your recording make me smile. This is beautiful mate, very musical. Nice work! You can polish your playing and tone on it, but the most important thing which is music is there! Thanks!!


ASSIGNMENT #2:

Goals:

- Phrasing
- E Major Improvisation


TASK 1:

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



TASK 2:

- Analyze the chord progression and scales used for the lesson.
- Improvise over the backing track of this lesson trying to create your own variations.


Exam and deadline:

By October 23th you'll have to share:

- A video playing the lesson (4 coins)
- A second video improvising over the lesson's backing track (3 coins)
- A video or text explaining the concepts learnt from the lesson (3 coins)

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

Posted by: krakou Oct 16 2016, 04:24 PM

Hi south america !

After some struggling days with that Darius lesson, I can already tell you that I won't be able to play this with 2 weeks
I will continue to work of course, but all parts are more or less challenging, and I come back as soon as I have something not too terrible..

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 17 2016, 01:02 PM

Hi mate. Let's do the following.

Don't work on the whole thing, work on the first parts. The idea is that you can focus on less material and be closer to master it.

Posted by: krakou Oct 17 2016, 06:52 PM

Good idea !

If you agree, I would prefer to work on the second part in fact, the one beginning after the strumming part (59 sec).
There a 2 clearly defined parts for me, I think I could master (more or less) the second in one week.
In fact not even sure, but I will try this

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 18 2016, 07:08 PM

Ok! Sounds good!

Posted by: krakou Nov 2 2016, 09:08 PM

Hi there !

I just can't believe how time is slipping away :-)

I give you here the complete tune, but played at 75% of normal speed, and it still sounds terrible even if it is the best I can produce today.
It is quite challenging to play in fact, lot of "non linear" lines, but that's what makes the tune interesting. It is not "penta shredding" :-)

I guess I need to break everything in chunks now..

Regards

ps: I've submited a REC this afternoon, one of your early blues I used to warm up with. Darius is quite critical about it, but I understand what he means..

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 3 2016, 01:16 PM

Hi Krakou,

I'm checking the audio and it's true that you need some more time, but it's a good idea to work on it at this slow tempo by now in order to get more familiar with the licks.

About the other lesson, I'll check it. If you have many details marked by Darius, that's a great thing! One of the the most difficult things in life is to find honest people who comments us which are the things that we can improve to become better.

Posted by: krakou Nov 3 2016, 03:51 PM

So let's go back to blues 101 if I understand it correctly
What's your plan ?
Lick by lick and working on the tone ?

Regards

JL

Posted by: krakou Nov 3 2016, 07:29 PM

Here's a dry run, a capella.

We can start from here I suppose.

For the tone, I've added a screamer, which gives more bite.

I like my bend at 22, I like less the way I play just after the bend

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 4 2016, 04:00 PM

Hi mate,

the first two goals should be to polish your bending and vibrato techniques. Then, dynamics.

I'd like to assign you this two lessons to complement the blues one:

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Bending-Workout/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Vibrato-Workout/

Posted by: krakou Nov 6 2016, 03:13 PM

Hello,

I got this for the bend lesson, it sounds ok for me, except for the half bend at 22, most of the time that one is not good.
But I guess you may find other problems ;-)

For the vibrato, it's another story if we talk about the first type of vibrato. There is a tiny tiny vibrato although I shake my hand and wrist and finger and everything I can shake. The other types, at least you can hear something..

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Nov 7 2016, 04:06 PM

Hi mate, I agree with your comments but I have to add that the bending lesson show issues on most of the double string bends. Check out the ones at 00:39, 00:45, and 00:54, but also around them, where your bending is not tight.

The vibrato lesson sounds weak yet, you definitely need to go deeper with this one.

Posted by: krakou Mar 1 2018, 06:12 PM

So, what did I do "guitar related" during all those months..

I've tried to understand a little bit more what I was doing, more work on triads, scales, arpeggios, caged, that kind of stuff.

And I must admit I've stayed away of what was giving me issues :-)

I'm still not happy with my understanding of the fretboard, but I tend to overthink stuff instead of doing them.
I guess I need to planify more what I work on, measure progress and don't try to do too many things at a time.

If you agree I can work on a video, and we can use it as a base to go further.
But if you have other ideas I'm open to it.

Bye Gabriel

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 2 2018, 04:37 PM

Hi mate!

Sure. I think that the lesson that you've shared via PM could be a good one to learn and have a video as a starting point on this new beginning.

We can base at this point on more "musical" lessons with real music licks and phrases, and at the same time do a bit of fretboard learning work that would be to get more into triads, arpeggios, scales, modes, and apply them.

There are 3 things that are essential to start.

- Have a clear knowledge of the CAGED System related to Pentatonic scale, all along the fretboard and be able to jam with it.

- Master major and minor triads all along the fret.board.

- Learn major, minor, dominant and b5-7 arpeggios all along the fretboard.


Relate all these three things, and practice it over chord combinations (or backing tracks).

This is a long term work, you won't master this in a week, or in a month. With some diary practice, results can be seen in aroung 3/6 months, but it's what will take your phrasing and improvisation to the next level.

PS: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Kenny-Wayne-Shepherd-Phrasing/

Posted by: krakou Mar 3 2018, 06:17 PM

Hello,

Regarding theory (applied theory), I've made a little video with what I understand, so you get an idea of where I am in my musical journey..
It is improvised, and I've tried to gather everytinh in a few minutes, so be nice to me

Here is the link to it:

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AnDDcf9YqgnugZ4Oyo6Sx5SmT8ohMA

Regards

JL

Posted by: krakou Mar 4 2018, 05:07 PM

Hi again,

First try with the KWS lesson, at 100 instead of 120 bpm.

There are 7 phrases in the solo, some are easier than others (not a big discovery ).

Don't know if objective is first to polish at 100 Bpm or try to play at speed or both.

Speed has always been a problem.

Tnx for your ears and your time

JL

ps: we're on page 10 !; if you have time (more), don't forget to have a look on the latest message of page 9 !

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 5 2018, 05:26 PM

Hi mate! Thanks for this video. It was really helpful to know exactly what and how you know your music theory.

I wonder if you give this any musical application. How would be your approach to play over a backing track? For example this one:







Good job! At first, I recommend to be able to play the whole thing clean and clear at 100 before moving forward. Take the trickier licks and play them as a loop for some minutes over the backing at 100 bpm. Then, try to connect everything. When you feel it's ready, increase tempo.

Posted by: krakou Mar 5 2018, 08:42 PM

Answer is no, I don't give any musical application to what I know, I have to admit it.

In fact it is not completely NO.
If you show me the chords progression (Am-F/G-Am-G-E/Am-F/...), I can play the chords at different places of the neck, I can play triads as far as I've found notes on the neck.

But in term of improvisation, I will first listen to the tune, then search a melody then try to play it.
I guess I cannot really improvise. Most of the time I'm stucked in the same penta position, and I develop from there.
This is what I've done tonight, during a couple of seconds.

I'd like to improve that in order to be able to play more than seconds, and not replay the same gimmick endlessly once I've found one, even if it is sometimes not too bad..

About the KWS lesson, I got the message, I loop on each of the licks and come back once I find each of them is worth a listen.

Have a nice day/afternoon/night/...

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 5 2018, 11:17 PM

Ok, so let's start applying all that knowledge.


TASK 1: Horizontal Pentatonic Practice:

- Practice A minor Pentatonic scale horizontally, one string at a time, up and down over this backing track.
- Create phrases focusing on horizontal playing. Make a 4/5 notes phrase, give rest / breath, and make a new one, and so...
- Add the blue note (b5) and do the same.

Experiment with diifferent rhythms, note values, and note lenghts.

Posted by: krakou Mar 20 2018, 09:49 PM

Hello Gabriel,

A little message before the night here, just to tell you I've worked quite a lot on the KWS tune, I copy here the track played at 140 instead of 120.
Now I will try to polish everything and play it "perfectly" at 120 (perfect means the best I can).

I send you also a little jam made on one string, the kind of thing I'm doing almost every day since you asked me to do it.
Obviously it's not Larry Carlton but it's a long road

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 21 2018, 06:47 PM

Hi Krakou,

thanks for the update and audios! I can see that you can play the faster version of KWS well, I just note some little issues with the faster licks but these won't be a problem at the right tempo. I'd like to hear this one in 120 bpm.

I've also enjoyed your improvisation track. It sounds relaxed and cool. It's true that it's a long road, but it's nice to see you focusing on musical soloing, and phrasing. You are definitely on the right track.

Keep going!

Posted by: krakou Mar 21 2018, 09:41 PM

Hi there,

Here is the tune at 120 bpm, still not perfect, not too far from ok.

About the jam on one string with the penta scale, what do you propose to do next ?

Regards

JL

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Mar 22 2018, 04:40 PM

Hi Krakou! Well done!

This is not far at all. It's time to adjust some details regarding timing, and polish some licks that are not sounding totally clean.

Your tone is perfect and I can notice that you make a good use of dynamics when play licks that you can master by now. It's not a bad idea to isolate the trickier licks and play them as a loop over the backing (or metronome) to polish them.