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Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 4 2016, 06:40 PM

Welcome to SHRED BOOTCAMP! I'll be your Drill Instructor! And I do mean DRILL! As in a large power tool used in slasher films and Paul Gilbert concerts. Here is were you EARN THE LIVING DEATH out of your fingers and break through any speed bumps/barriers to become a MASTER CHIEF of Shred!

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 4 2016, 07:47 PM

Thank you for having me Todd.
So is this first lesson four notes per beat?
Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 4 2016, 09:02 PM

There is no hard requirement. It's really whatever you can play clean. The only real criteria is that every note should be distinct and spaced evenly from every other note and I need to hear the metronome or whatever you are using for time as well as your guitar track. That's it These first few lessons are very basic but contain bits that you will need in order to progress. Onward!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 4 2016, 02:47 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 4 2016, 09:16 PM

Ahhh thanks, I wondered what the target speed is. I mean if it's 160bpm doing one note per beat that's a bit different to doing four notes per beat.

Cheers buddy.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 6 2016, 08:47 PM

There is no "Target Speed". There are no requirements other than playing it as cleanly as you can. If you can play it clean at 240BPM great! if you can play it clean at 50 BPM that's great too! It doesn't matter at all really. Speed is not the point here. These are designed to get you to focus on your technique to develop your precision. After all "Speed is just a byproduct of precision". Find the speed for you by finding where it gets sloppy sounding and then slow down until it cleans up. That will be the speed to go for with your video. Make sense?

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 4 2016, 04:16 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 23 2016, 08:46 PM

Makes sense sarge

I've been so busy but I am working on this now

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 23 2016, 11:09 PM

We are ready when you are Soldier!! No rush. When you are ready to post, we are ready to listen!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 23 2016, 03:46 PM)

Makes sense sarge

I've been so busy but I am working on this now

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 3 2016, 09:16 PM

Ok Todd,

Finally I have recorded something. I need to find a better way to record though. I can't see how to record the metronome in Reaper. I'm sure I read somewhere that you can so I'll dig deeper. I wonder if there is a VST metronome? I'll look for that too.

Anyway, here is 100bpm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rAwNXhL9_8&feature=youtu.be


Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 4 2016, 11:57 PM

BINGO!!!! CONGRATS SOLDIER!!!! This is your FIRST MISSION and you KILLED IT!!!!! Let's debrief...

MEDALS OF HONOR

1.)Maintained splendid palm mute / right hand control.
2.)Maintained tight and precise picking.
3.)Maintained control of each strike and it's timing.

This is exactly what I like to see. You really nailed it. I know these first few lessons are very simple, but they do help you get your production process smoothed out and get you ready for the HELL that's yet to come!!


*If you want to record a metronome in reaper, try this!

A simple metronome is available under "Insert/Click Source"
Hilight the resulting item and hit "Ctrl+F2" to change parameters. Drag the edge to loop to the desired length.

Congrats Soldier, you just ...

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 3 2016, 04:16 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 21 2016, 11:02 PM

Hello Todd
Sorry I'm not a prolific soldier but I have to put these exercises at the back of Gab's lessons. I am trying to improve but life seems to take over most of the time.

Cheers buddy.

Speak when I return, so long as ISIS ; don't get me

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 22 2016, 07:17 PM

If Gabe's lessons are helping you on your Journey then I'm all for it That's the only reason GMC exists. Best of luck with them!!! Your bootcamp will still be here when you are ready to Shred!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 21 2016, 06:02 PM)

Hello Todd
Sorry I'm not a prolific soldier but I have to put these exercises at the back of Gab's lessons. I am trying to improve but life seems to take over most of the time.

Cheers buddy.

Speak when I return, so long as ISIS ; don't get me

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 7 2016, 09:52 PM

OK, first attempt at Drill 2. I completely didn't play the final note then thought "Oh shoot!" and played it but I ran out of time to re-record so posted this anyway.

Cheers Todd.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 8 2016, 11:48 AM

Welcome Back Soldier! Nice Axe!!

BINGO!!!!! Soldier, after seeing your playing in the Collab I have high expectation and you just met them!

Let's Debrief....

MEDAL OF HONOR

1.)Steady pace without rushing or lagging.
2.)Solid Techniques on all fronts, right hand, left hand, picking, synch, nice!
3.)Keeping Good right hand position, planted on the bridge.


You are gonna rip through these missions like a hot kbar knife through butter!

You Sir have just earned your SECOND MISSION BADGE!!!!

and ...

!!!!!!!LEVELED UP!!!!!!!!!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 7 2016, 04:52 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 13 2016, 08:31 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Struggling a bit with the 3rd one, harder to keep the palm muting going.

Working on it though, only started on it tonight.

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 14 2016, 04:00 AM

Being able to palm mute while you are traverse picking is a KEY skill that you will use time and again throughout the SHRED JOURNEY. It does take some getting used to, but you can do it!!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 13 2016, 03:31 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 24 2016, 03:56 AM

How is your palm muting coming along Soldier?

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 13 2016, 03:31 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Oct 29 2016, 09:49 AM

To be completely honest with you I have been neglecting exercise three, I couldn't seem to improve at all so it went onto the back burner but I am planning on starting to practise it again this weekend.

Sorry sarge.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 30 2016, 06:47 PM

No worries Soldier!! Sometimes a break is exactly what is needed. To step away from the instrument and come back, often provides a fresh perspective Give em Hell!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Oct 29 2016, 04:49 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 6 2016, 09:06 PM

Thanks Todd,

Just letting you know I had another go at this today, I got up to 190bpm with whole lick taking a bar. I started to get cramp in my forearm so had to stop

I am back on it now though, just gotta find time to fit it in, I certainly can't do 30 minutes a day though.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 6 2016, 10:08 PM

Keep in mind that "Speed is a byproduct of precision" so sometimes I see players actually getting in their own trying to play fast, when instead, the focus should really be on playing well. Speed will just happen as you go, especially in these Missions, it's inevitable So don't kill yourself or make your arm hurt trying to reach a certain BPM. I realize it's hard to not try to play some of these as fast as possible, but fight it I"d much rather see it played evenly and cleanly than briskly

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Nov 6 2016, 04:06 PM)

Thanks Todd,

Just letting you know I had another go at this today, I got up to 190bpm with whole lick taking a bar. I started to get cramp in my forearm so had to stop

I am back on it now though, just gotta find time to fit it in, I certainly can't do 30 minutes a day though.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 6 2016, 10:23 PM

Thanks Todd,

There must be a limit though, I mean we couldn't pass at 30bpm could we

Tell you what I find of though, so far there's been a "natural" speed for me, for example, 140bpm, and I actually struggle to play in time below that, particularly this number 3. I actually thought about setting the time signature to 3/4 in my DAW so I could play one note per best with the luck spread over two bars but that's cheating so I didn't.

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 7 2016, 09:26 PM

Hello Sarge,

I've posted this here not because i think it's good but because I want to show you how far I've got. It's only had about 20 minutes but I thought you should see it so maybe you could advise. I do play a wrong note halfway through and that throws my timing off

Cheers buddy.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 8 2016, 11:10 PM

This Mission is flat out hard Soldier as it forces you to play in an awkward way, essentially. It requires you to go up the neck, while going down the strings and lead with the Pinky. You look like you have a good grasp on the fundamentals that the Mission is intended to work on but I fear you may be playing it simply too fast. I'd suggest slowing down a bit. Also, due to the way the mission is built, you may want to go to only clicks on your metronome. E.G. only one type of tone for your time keeping instead of the default which is to let the metronome use two separate tones so as to let you know when the time cycle is repeating. As there are 6 notes in this bit, it's an odd thing to time. So just clicks, might help. Also, you can play one note per click. So slow way down, pick a note each time you hear a click and work your way back up. Let me know if this makes sense

Good progress Soldier! Keep it up!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Nov 7 2016, 04:26 PM)

Hello Sarge,

I've posted this here not because i think it's good but because I want to show you how far I've got. It's only had about 20 minutes but I thought you should see it so maybe you could advise. I do play a wrong note halfway through and that throws my timing off

Cheers buddy.

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 8 2016, 11:15 PM

Thanks Todd

It makes sense, I was just trying to keep it musically correct in 4/4 really. I'll look at how to alter the metronome times in Reaper next time.

Cheers buddy

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 9 2016, 12:55 AM

No worries You can use any app you like as a metronome. Some metronome apps and even web metronomes are quite simple and will often let you use just clicks for example by ticking a check box or something. For some missions, having only a single tone makes the entire bit a tinge easier to play as some of the missions feel odd in 4/4 even though they fit in 4/4.

I think it will be a bit simpler at a less brisk pace. I'm thinking your next vid will be a Badger FO SHO!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Nov 8 2016, 06:15 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Nov 9 2016, 04:10 PM

Thanks Todd

I guess that was my thinking about setting the metronome to 3/4 time, then the first note on each string would be accented. Hope that makes sense but i will go for just a single tone click track next time.

Cheers bud.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 10 2016, 12:53 PM

Whatever works best for you is fine for me as well Just offering some tips to try out is all. You are very close on the vid you put up, I'd say you are probably ready to BADGE UP if you are ready to shoot again

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Nov 9 2016, 11:10 AM)

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Nov 6 2016, 05:23 PM)

Thanks Todd,

There must be a limit though, I mean we couldn't pass at 30bpm could we

Tell you what I find of though, so far there's been a "natural" speed for me, for example, 140bpm, and I actually struggle to play in time below that, particularly this number 3. I actually thought about setting the time signature to 3/4 in my DAW so I could play one note per best with the luck spread over two bars but that's cheating so I didn't.

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 22 2017, 01:37 PM

Sarge,

I have been MIA and completely neglected my duties since early November. I really struggle to fit these exercises in. Partly because I'm not a repetitive drill kinda person but I am going to try again. I had my first practise this morning since November so here is my video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfheUmlHni0

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 22 2017, 04:41 PM

Well Fought Soldier!!! Drills are something that can be a bit repetitive (No pun intended) for sure. You don't have to practice them with an amp/plugin or even metronome. Once your fingers know the pattern, you can take your guitar in to the den and watch a movie/tv whatever, and just loop the drill. Once the patter is locked in to your brain, it's just a matter of repetition, I used to pick a scale, memorize it, then watch my fave movie of the moment a couple of times while playing it back and forth. It worked well for me, but may not work well for you, but it's worth a shot It certainly took the drudgery out of it when I didn't feel like running scales for a couple of hours.

Eventually, these techniques, become simple second nature and you won't even have to think about them. They will just happen. Getting to that point is what Bootcamp is for.

You did great on this one and I want to push you a bit at this point before we badge you up and throw you in to Mission 4. Try one pass of this Mission DOUBLE PICKED. Just pick every note twice. There is a LOT of multi picking coming up and I want to prep you for it. It will feel odd at first and it doesn't need to be fast, just precise. . ONWARD!!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 22 2017, 08:37 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 22 2017, 09:13 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 22 2017, 03:41 PM)

I used to pick a scale, memorize it, then watch my fave movie of the moment a couple of times while playing it back and forth. It worked well for me, but may not work well for you, but it's worth a shot It certainly took the drudgery out of it when I didn't feel like running scales for a couple of hours.

Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 22 2017, 10:09 PM

Well fought Soldier!! Time is the enemy as they say!! In your case it's a serious and vicious enemy! With your schedule your progress is more than I'd expect so your doing just fine IMHO

The muting while traversing strings is what makes this Mission such a pain in the neck. Then to boot, I added Multi picking which makes some things even more of a pain in the neck Put together it's great practice on traverse and muting whether picking once or twice per string.

Let's Debrief!!

CONGRATS SOLDIER!!!! You are ripping it up!! You are a more advanced player than I expected. Keep killing it!

MEDALS OF HONOR

1.)Precise Pick Control during traverse.

2.)Good Palm Mute all the way through.

3.)Aggressive style and solid pacing.

You really tore it up here soldier!! And with quick turn around!! Welcome to the fun world of Multi Picking

Congrats Soldier, you just ...

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 22 2017, 04:13 PM)

Thanks Todd,

I don't get time to watch a film once never mind twice I get in from work at around 17:30, I have my dinner, I sit and watch the news and chat with my wife until around 19:00-19:30 then I enter my man cave until around 20:30-21:00. I then go and spend an hour or so with my wife. We usually go to bed around 22:00-22:30 as I am up again at 06:00 to leave for work.

I hope this explains why I don't progress very quickly. Weekends we are out living, visiting historic towns and villages, or away for the weekend at a seaside town. Sometimes I manage to get up early and have a practise before we go out but mostly it's the 90-120 minutes in the evening.

Here is the double picked version you asked for buddy I hope it's ok, I still struggle to palm mute the strings with this string crossing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH9B6dkY2Jk


Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 28 2017, 10:14 PM

Hello Sarge,

Reporting for duty.

Mission: Drill 4. Total practise time 10 minutes. Recorded for assessment. Current issue: Palm muting on thin strings.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 28 2017, 11:46 PM

You are on the right track here Soldier The reason the high strings are selected is to try to force your left hand in to a position where it's able to mute the high strings while you pick them. This is NOT an easy technique. You may need to slow down a bit and focus more on articulating the pick with thumb and finger while resting the back of your palm on the bridge. Think of your hand as the hands of a clock and middle of you back side palm rest/mute, as the center of the clock around which the hands of time spin. Allow your fingers to shift/tilt forward a bit so that you can maintain your full mute on the bridge. This will feel very very very odd at first. It's not something you will always need to do. It's just something I'm trying to teach with this particular Mission.

I notice you seem to be going a bit too far perhaps beyond the "String Threshold" e.g. the point at which the pick passes the string and comes closer to the body of the guitar. Try to keep as much distance from the guitar and the tip of your pick as possible. E.G. Just barely dig in enough to strike the string with the very tip of your pointy (assuming your using a pointy /stiff pick) tip on your pick. This will reduce the recovery time between strikes.

I hope all that made sense. Please let me know

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 28 2017, 05:14 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 29 2017, 12:54 AM

Thanks Todd,

It kinda makes sense. I'll keep trying when I get spare time. That take was after only ten minutes practice.

Cheers buddy

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 29 2017, 12:58 AM

Watch the vid that goes with this mission and especially toward the end where it shows my picking hand. I"d be happy to make another vid if need be, just let me know

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 28 2017, 07:54 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 29 2017, 09:55 PM

Is the "left" hand comment correct Todd? I'm not being a pedant, just clarifying because I know some use the left hand to mute adjacent strings.

I can see a mechanical reason for it being difficult too. Unlike the wound strings, the unwound strings sit low in the groove of the saddle so it's hard to roll your fleshy part of your palm onto a sweet spot. The wound strings sit just above the saddle making it much easier. I am either killing the note, making it buzz or just picking it cleanly with my palm away from the string, the last way is the way I can play it fastest.

UPDATE::
I've stained some muscles in my forearm doing drill 4 so have to rest my arm.

Cheers

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 28 2017, 10:46 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 29 2017, 11:46 PM

I'm an idiot. I"m talking about the RIGHT hand, the picking hand. Planted on the bridge and just sort of turning a bit to reach high and low strings

Forget playing "fast". Just try to do this Mission with your right/picking hand flat on the bridge I know it's not easy. It's not meant to be. It's just a Mission to train your picking hand, nothing else. Being able to not over mute, and not under mute, takes time and practice. you can take your fretting hand off the guitar and just practice picking high e to low e if that helps. The picking hand is really the big point of this Mission.

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 29 2017, 04:55 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 30 2017, 10:18 PM

Sarge,

Been doing my drill. Here are two videos for assessment.

Thanks

Private Phil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnFbF-T2enQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AEap4NjxN8

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 31 2017, 03:02 AM

WELL FOUGHT SOLDIER!!! You are getting the hang of this. I still suspect your pick may be breaking the plane of the string just a pinch to far as it's causing your fingers to have to pull the pick back before making your next strike.

The good news is that you have a good handle on a very difficult muting technique. I know it feels odd. It's natural for it to feel odd

I know I have been pushing you way harder than normal on this one, but this Mission in particular is the "Gateway Drug" to many things to come. I can tell you have been putting in time on this and I promise you it will be worth it as you go Let's debrief!!!

MEDAL OF HONOR

1.)Planted Right hand, Centered and not drifting, per Drill Instructor.

2.)Steady picking and tight synch between right/left hands.

3.)Solid pacing and consistent muting.

You ticked all the boxes Soldier!!!! I am tempted to have you run DOUBLES on this but I'll save that for next time!! For now you just

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 30 2017, 05:18 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 31 2017, 07:54 AM

Thank you sarge,

I didn't expect to level up yet. To be honest with you, total practice time on this is no more than 30 minutes. If you want me to hold out on taking the badge and try to improve some more I will.

Cheers

Private Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 31 2017, 10:13 PM

I think you are ready Soldier There is always an element of learning as you in these missions. There is plenty more to cover and I'm happy with your progress on this particular technique. So I say ONWARD SOLDIER!!!!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 31 2017, 02:54 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 31 2017, 10:43 PM

Thanks Todd,

I've started on drill 5. I'm away in London from Thursday until Sunday for my wife's 50th birthday so I won't be able to practise then.

I noticed in the video, your pick looks like it isn't far from perpendicular to the strings. I've tried but it feels weird as my pick is pretty much parallel with the strings. Maybe my way hinders me and I need to adapt.

Cheers buddy.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 1 2017, 03:25 AM

Since my pick is very, very, very pointy, I can keep it nearly perpendicular to the string without issue. If the pick is less than very pointy, doing this tends to cause over reach and breaking the plane of the string too far to allow quick recovery. I choke up on the pick so that only the tip is used for the most part. This places my thumb "string adjacent" so that I don't have to shift my hand to hit pinch harmonics. I can pull them off anytime I like.

It's ok to hold the pick in whatever way is comfy, just try to choke up on the pick so that mostly the point sticks out and addresses the string and you don't want to break the plane of the string any more than you have to. Over committing to a single pick strike will cause you to take an extra millisecond to recover for the next strike. This is something we want to avoid for the long term. Eventually, you wont have the millisecond to spare as you run certain licks.


Take your fretting hand off the neck for a bit and focus on getting a comfy grip with your picking hand. Flatten the palm on the saddle/bridge or just above it whether you are muting or not, always be able to grab a mute, even "alternate mute" (e.g. mute every other note) sort of like being able to grab pinch harmonics at any point. If you place the hand well, you are not hit sideways when it's time to mute part of a lick/passage or hit a pinch, etc. it just flows smoothly As it should. Some folks never quite get this and you can see on their face that a mute and or pinch is coming up and they change their entire hand position to prep for it. Then change back.

So focus on your pick hand for a bit, till it feels more comfy Also, focus on not tensing, tensing kills.

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 31 2017, 05:43 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 19 2017, 08:59 PM

Hello Todd,

Things are settling down a little bit here now, I'm starting to work on drill 5, I can't give it 30 minutes a night though, maybe 10. I just nearly worked up to 300bpm with one note per beat but I lost it at around the 9th fret so had to slow it down again.

Cheers buddy.

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 20 2017, 09:37 PM

Are you using a sharp pick? if not, give one a shot or use a pocket knife and carve a pick to a nice point. It really helps reduce the way picks sometimes hang on a given string so it makes things a lot easier later on as string traverse becomes more and more part of things. Keep at it and I look forward to your vid!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 19 2017, 03:59 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 20 2017, 10:18 PM

Thanks Todd,

I use these, Been Higgins like them too. I think Petrucci's picks are based on them too.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 21 2017, 06:10 AM

Nice!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 20 2017, 05:18 PM)

Thanks Todd,

I use these, Been Higgins like them too. I think Petrucci's pic ok s are based on them too.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 16 2017, 08:10 PM

Talking to the Boss now, looks like we may be able to work something out so I"ll let you know asap

Todd

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 14 2018, 11:16 AM

Sorry but what was your post above in relation to?

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 14 2018, 07:23 PM

From way back when I didn't know if I was staying on!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 14 2018, 06:16 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 14 2018, 08:43 PM

It was out of the blue mate, we hadn't mentioned anything about you not staying on

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 16 2018, 03:09 AM

Kris and I had spoke about it a while back and I'm glad that I"m staying Could have just posted by accident. I hope you get to take a stab at this weeks quick licks!! It's a finger twister!


Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 14 2018, 03:43 PM)

It was out of the blue mate, we hadn't mentioned anything about you not staying on

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 18 2018, 01:59 PM

I will mate, just takes me time to get sequences into my fingers and I've had the chore of my car insurance to sort out

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 20 2018, 09:26 PM

I hear ya. Life can get in the way of important things like GUITAR!!!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 18 2018, 08:59 AM)

I will mate, just takes me time to get sequences into my fingers and I've had the chore of my car insurance to sort out

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 19 2018, 04:04 AM

Soldier!!! As Metallica would say "BACK TO THE FRONT!!!"

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 14 2019, 09:11 PM

BootCamp drill 5 take 1 up for critique. It's a bit shakey in parts.

https://youtu.be/pdTfJhgzTjg

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 14 2019, 09:34 PM

You had it going strong until 26 seconds in when your fingers seem to lose the flow and stumble a bit. You recover very nicely! You start strong and end strong which is great. This one is about consistency over a length of ground so I have to send you back to the FRONT to fight again. Don't feel you have to push the speed to the point where you start trippinng over your own fingers as this is counterproductive. Play recorded missions at a speed that is comfortable. Speed is a simple matter of repetition. It's more importan that you synch the right and left hand over an over without a slip. Also, you are barely using any gain at all, which is fine if that's what you want to do, but I'd suggest maybe a pinch more since I can't hear your palm mute very well. With a bit of gain it changes how the strings sound when muted, they sound more metallic.

ONCE MORE IN TO THE BREACH!!
Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Sep 14 2019, 04:11 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 14 2019, 10:05 PM

Thanks for the advice Sarge. I'll do my best. Do you accept accuracy over speed in this boot camp?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 15 2019, 03:16 AM

Speed is just a byproduct of precision and repetition. It's Precision that always matters most in Bootcamp!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Sep 14 2019, 05:05 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 17 2019, 08:54 PM

Take 2 Sarge. I feel I could have gone quicker and didn't push myself enough

https://youtu.be/EnLvZUwuj98

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 18 2019, 09:49 PM

NICE!!! Slow and steady wins the race. This is one of the 'Sleeping Policeman" licks that sounds like it should be played fast when in fact it's really a study in precision. Push it to far and it falls apart. The good news is that the speed will come with repetition. In the demo vid, I'm playing it at full tilt. That's as fast as I can play it without it just turning to mush and it's still not that fast. Pushing the precision to meet the speed is the crucible. It's the fire in which we burn!!!
Let's Debrief!!
MEDALS OF HONOR

*TRAVERSE: The first thing I'm looking for on Mission 5 is STRING TRAVERSE. If you don't do smooth string traverse, this just falls apart. That's why I have it looping on a traverse point. To make your fingers constantly go back and forth traversing strings. Once you slowed down a pinch, your traverse is spot on!![/size]
*PACE:It's tempting to rush or lag the bits that feel easier, say notes on one string, then change pace during the tricky bit, say during traverse, not so here! Nice and smooth the way I like it!!

*ARTICULATION: The last box I need to have you tick is pick articulation. if your articulation is poor, yet again, lick falls to crud. Good news is that all of your time spent in quick licks is paying off!! You have very fine articulation here. Score![size=2]


LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Sep 17 2019, 03:54 PM)

Take 2 Sarge. I feel I could have gone quicker and didn't push myself enough

https://youtu.be/EnLvZUwuj98

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 18 2019, 10:19 PM

Thanks buddy, now I finally understand that speed is not a prerequisite for boot camp and precision is the key.

Cheers buddy

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 18 2019, 10:26 PM

It only took 10 years but I think you've got it!! LOL

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Sep 18 2019, 05:19 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 19 2019, 07:30 AM

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 23 2019, 10:08 PM

Drill 6 take 1 up for scrutiny Sarge. Sorry about video quality, I forgot some of the settings I used on my old computer and I also forgot to use the noise gate on the Helix.

https://youtu.be/HA75Pix42o4

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 24 2019, 12:02 AM

Off to a fine Start soldier!! But it looks like you are only doing the ascending bit? Only one note missing.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Sep 23 2019, 05:08 PM)

Drill 6 take 1 up for scrutiny Sarge. Sorry about video quality, I forgot some of the settings I used on my old computer and I also forgot to use the noise gate on the Helix.
here is the second tab from the Mission page.

https://youtu.be/HA75Pix42o4

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 24 2019, 06:13 AM

Doh! Back tonight.

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 24 2019, 09:59 PM

Take 2 Sarge.

https://youtu.be/8Jy-GdYZVXc

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 25 2019, 05:16 AM

Better!!! You got the lick Down Soldier!!! I want you to be the best you can so I went back and reviewed this many times. Your playing drifts from the metronome over time. It's a tricky lick so i can imagine it's hard to keep listening to clicks and pegging it to pick strikes. I think you may just need to slow down a pinch. I appreciate you trying to push yourself Soldier!! I Encourage it! One should push past where they can play, every time. It just doesn't always work for Combat Mission Videos.

I hate to send you back to the front Soldier! I just can't let this slide with that much drift from the click. As always, no speed requirements. Back off the speed just a pinch and I think you will badge up and be on to your next Mission!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Sep 24 2019, 04:59 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 25 2019, 07:10 AM

Thanks Sarge,

I did hear myself drifting BUT only when I played the video back and I was outta time to do another one so I posted for critique.

Gotta earn it buddy and if that means going back to the pit then that's what has to be done

Cheers

Phil

UPDATE: Take 3 up for scrutiny Sarge. Make me earn it buddy For some reason YT messed with the vid/audio sync.

https://youtu.be/Rx6u9ULg07I

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 25 2019, 10:51 PM

BINGO!!! No that's what I'm talking about! Let's Debrief!!
MEDALS OF HONOR

ALT PICKING: Your doing great on your Alternate Picking here. It's consistent and that's what I'm looking for. Nice!!

MUTE: Very solid work on the palm mute. Also critical. If you can't mute, you will get string noise. Not a problem here!!!

SYNCH: Right/Left hand synch is the core of this drill. If your synch is off, the entire thing will fall apart. Again, not a problem here! Your synch is spot on!
After a couple of near misses, you got this Soldier!!!! You are ready for what lies in wait!! Keep your weapons loaded!!
You just..
LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Sep 25 2019, 02:10 AM)

Thanks Sarge,

I did hear myself drifting BUT only when I played the video back and I was outta time to do another one so I posted for critique.

Gotta earn it buddy and if that means going back to the pit then that's what has to be done

Cheers

Phil

UPDATE: Take 3 up for scrutiny Sarge. Make me earn it buddy For some reason YT messed with the vid/audio sync.

https://youtu.be/Rx6u9ULg07I

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 26 2019, 08:07 AM

Thanks Sarge,

Onward and upward

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 26 2019, 09:11 PM

You are getting in to the first challenging area on Boot Camp. Looking forward to your next Mission! Enjoy your Holiday!! The TORTURE CHAMBER / MEAT GRINDER will be here when you get back!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Sep 26 2019, 03:07 AM)

Thanks Sarge,

Onward and upward

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 21 2020, 08:23 PM

I'm back Sarge, I know this is more strict than Quick Licks so here is take 1 of BC7 for you to tear down

I couldn't get the metronome to render in Reaper, just a click track. If you know how to render the metronome please share. Cheers.

https://youtu.be/XFv8OXmOVsM

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 22 2020, 06:52 PM

You've sorted Quick Licks, you are ready for the next Challenge! As for getting a metronome track to render in reaper, here is a quick vid. What you have works too!


I notice around 10/11 seconds in your Mission Video that it almost sounds like a dissonant chord is being played probably just an artifact of fretting the next note before pulling up the previous one. I can tell you are pushing the speed to get some momentum going which makes this more difficult all around. This is only Mission 7 after all, you got another 400 or so to go, along the way, you will work out the method for your fingers to move faster. Along the way it's really important to focus on precision so that you don't end up playing briskly but mushy.

If this were a quick lick, this would be more than enough. But as you say, this is Bootcamp where precision rules the day. I'd say maybe slow down just a pinch so that you can get better separation on the notes. and give this one more go!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 21 2020, 03:23 PM)

I'm back Sarge, I know this is more strict than Quick Licks so here is take 1 of BC7 for you to tear down

I couldn't get the metronome to render in Reaper, just a click track. If you know how to render the metronome please share. Cheers.

https://youtu.be/XFv8OXmOVsM

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 22 2020, 07:16 PM

Thanks Sarge,

I'll give it as many goes as it needs buddy, I want you to be tough on me, this is bootcamp after all.

I haven't watched the vid yet but I did use the clock track in Reaper unfortunately you can't set it to any time sig.

Back to the bridge for me.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 22 2020, 09:25 PM

Take 2 Sarge, I wanted to play it as you do so the metronome is only clicking on the down beat, this is, I find, more challenging than having the metronome click on every pick.

I also tried to minimise right hand movement.

It's not perfect and my palm muting messes up sometimes but I can practise more if it isn't worthy of a pass, is a pass 80%, 90% or 100%?

Cheers

https://youtu.be/iqkAiXP2_ig

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 22 2020, 10:10 PM

Much better Soldier!! You slowed down a pinch and you are synched up to the click. You can use any type of click / beat that works for you. It's just there to help train your internal metronome. Eventually You'll hear the clicks in your head and you won't need the metronome.

This one has better overall control and I don't hear any double fretting. That's what I'm really looking for is a clean pass on Mission Vids. Progress Vids, can have mistakes galore, they are just for feeback. Mission Vids are ones that you are putting up for a Badge so they need to just be a clean take.

Let's Debrief!!
MEDALS OF HONOR
ALTERNATE PICKING MADNESS - Firstly, this is all about alt picking. So if the alt picking is bad it all falls apart. Your alt picking here is good! Alternate Picking is the core of these drills.
TRAVERSE IN STYLE - Secondly, I wanna see traverse. In addition to Alternate picking, this requires nearly non stop string traverse. Each time you switch strings, you risk missing the strike, or catching the pick on the string and missing a beat. No worries. Smooth as glass.

SILENT AS DEATH - Lastly, Palm muting is always critical. Any gaps in the mute and string noise raises it's ugly head. Not here!! Solidly done.

The first dozen or so are foundational bits meant to get you prepped for the more crazy bits. You have wads of experience from Quick Licks which should come in handy!!! This one is sorted YOu just.
LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 22 2020, 04:25 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 29 2020, 09:43 PM

#8 Take 1 Sarge.

https://youtu.be/Z6hs_H_OGJs

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 30 2020, 12:05 AM

You got it! Very clean and precise playing here.
TRAVERSE OF KINGS You may have noticed that these licks have a LOT of string traverse. This one certainly does. Non stop traverse. It's a good way to see if the picking and fretting hand are talking in in synch and your hands are well synched.

SOLID PACING Any looping lick like these is about pacing. It can be tempting to rush or lag and not even realize it. You don't fall victim to this and you play with smooth confidence.
ALT PICKING FROM HELL Pretty much non stop alternate picking. This is a "shred lick" so it's a good one to work up speed on. I often have to tell Bootcampers to slow down a pinch. In your case, I think you have a bit more gas in the tank. I think you may be able to push a bit faster. I don't want you to play sloppy of course, but your precision is very good, I think you may have more speed in your fingers than you realize.

You've got this one sorted Soldier!
You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 29 2020, 04:43 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 30 2020, 08:32 AM

Cheers Sarge,

Would you like another take a little quicker?

Phil

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 29 2020, 11:05 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 31 2020, 02:01 AM

Well sure! I think your fingers have some hidden TURBO in them that we just need to let out I've always harped on precision so much that I may have stunted your growth as a shred monster!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 30 2020, 03:32 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jan 31 2020, 10:00 PM

Take 2 Sarge, was well ahead of the metronome in places.

https://youtu.be/fu08qvJAkFk

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 31 2020, 11:10 PM

NICE!! Brisk and smooth. Just the way it should be. I thought you had a bit more turbo in those fingers! Your precision on every lick is always good. I think you may have developed faster fingers along the way than you may be aware of. This drill is a good example. You sped it up but didn't lost any of your control/precision!

If possible, see if you can push your quick licks to the wall just before they fall apart. You have trained your hands well for precise playing, this is a chance to start training them for speed as well. Keep it up! Feel free also to put a slower and faster take on you mission vids, even if the faster take isn't used for grading, it will let me see how your progress is coming.
I look forward to the next one!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jan 31 2020, 05:00 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 1 2020, 10:08 AM

Thanks Todd,
For work flow I'll do a controlled run and almost falling apart run in the same take, just one sound /vid sync

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 2 2020, 12:21 AM

Looking forward to seeing your progress! These Missions are built to push your abilities in every area. You have earned your way here and I think you are in great shape to attack these Missions!!
Sarge

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 5 2020, 09:43 PM

BC9 Take 1. Had to learn a new skill Sarge, multiple tempos in one Reaper track

Round 1 320bpm, Round 2 200 bpm 1/4 notes (crotchets). I don't know the key because it looks like C major or A minor on teh staff as there are no sharps or flats but there are accidentals and i don't know if that changes the key sig.

https://youtu.be/XKqosBMots4

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 5 2020, 10:55 PM

Well Fought Soldier! I can tell you have hanging on for dear life in the fast one at the start so there is some drift but that's fine as it's good to see what happens when you push a bit. The second on is clean and spot on so I'll use that take for the Debrief.

As this is a "drill" and moves chromatically up the neck, I'd originally left the key just in concert tone of C as it's not really in any particular key since it's just a symmetrical shape that repeats on two strings that gets moved around the neck.

Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

SNIPER The more precise one's picking is, the better one's playing is overall. You have sniper precise picking here which is great to see and what I'm looking for on this mission![/size]
CONSISTENCY The second thing I want to see on this Mission is consistency. After all, it's the same shape on two strings played around the neck. If one does not play in a consistent manner, it will stick out like a sore thumb. No worries here. Very consistent.
MUTE TO KILL The last thing I want to see if a good mute. Muting is key to playing imho. Without a good mute, nothing works well. You are already off to a good start of planting your palm on the bridge and keeping it there. Nice!! You've got this one well in hand Soldier. You are ready to move on! You just..
LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 5 2020, 04:43 PM)

BC9 Take 1. Had to learn a new skill Sarge, multiple tempos in one Reaper track

Round 1 320bpm, Round 2 200 bpm 1/4 notes (crotchets). I don't know the key because it looks like C major or A minor on teh staff as there are no sharps or flats but there are accidentals and i don't know if that changes the key sig.

https://youtu.be/XKqosBMots4

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 5 2020, 11:05 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Now I've learnt a new skill of multiple tempos in one take I'm going to have a different approach if that's okay with you. One slow and precise, one where I'm as quick as I'm comfortable with and one pushing my speed.

Let me know if you'd rather me not do that.

Cheers

Cadet Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 7 2020, 02:02 AM

Works for me!!!! Just let me know which one is which!!
Todd
Thanks for recreating the tab!!  BC10toddfix.gp5 ( 3.8K ) : 201




Thanks Sarge,
Now I've learnt a new skill of multiple tempos in one take I'm going to have a different approach if that's okay with you. One slow and precise, one where I'm as quick as I'm comfortable with and one pushing my speed.

Let me know if you'd rather me not do that.

Cheers

Cadet Phil[/quote]

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 11 2020, 09:43 PM

Hello Sarge,

I am working on Bootcamp 10, I'm just letting you know that I am struggling to get the sequence into my fingers even in position one. I'll get there but this one is odd for some reason. Also I'm back into my work with Gab and giving that more time, it's bloody hard for me though having to play more than one note at a time (https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Beginner-Blues-Riffs/)

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 11 2020, 10:31 PM

DONT GET STUCK ON MISSION 10!!! It's still in the intro section!! You don't have to play this all the way up the neck!! This is just the "getting ready" set of Missions. Play 4 bars of it to show you have the pattern down and you can move on. Don't let yourself get overly stuck on any one Mission. That's PART OF WHAT I"M TRYING TO TEACH That you can learn something "enough" to make it useful and move on. There are 400 of these. So learning to let it go is part of the Lesson and it ill help you in every area of your life. I know you in particular struggle with this. So it's a very important part of bootcamp for you much more so than anyone else.

As for gabs work, one note at a time is how we all learn. So take it as it comes. Also part of what you are hear to learn. Patience.

Onward!
Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 11 2020, 04:43 PM)

Hello Sarge,

I am working on Bootcamp 10, I'm just letting you know that I am struggling to get the sequence into my fingers even in position one. I'll get there but this one is odd for some reason. Also I'm back into my work with Gab and giving that more time, it's bloody hard for me though having to play more than one note at a time (https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Beginner-Blues-Riffs/)

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 12 2020, 09:24 PM

Cheers Sarge,

I can't even repeat the first four bars twice correctly, this is currently my "Red Lorry Yellow Lorry"

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 13 2020, 02:17 AM

Sure you can. You've just got to learn to listen to the click and play with them on the click. Also for tricky licks like this you have to slow down at first. The speed will come. These licks are complicated to serve as a speed bump to keep you from trying to shred it, It's done on purpose to get you to focus on your technique and precision. The easy breasy shred licks are coming later on down the line once you have your technique sorted out. Otherwise it will just be slop city. Make sense?
Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 12 2020, 04:24 PM)

Cheers Sarge,

I can't even repeat the first four bars twice correctly, this is currently my "Red Lorry Yellow Lorry"

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 13 2020, 08:40 AM

Makes perfect sense Sarge, it's that fourth bar sequence with the pinky going ot the 5th fret on the D string that gets me but for some reason, the first time around it's ok but on the second cycle of the four bars it goes awry even playing very slow so it's not a technique thing but a brain thing.

I WILL get it for sure, I thought Quick Licks had sorted my sequence remembering skills but there will always be one that gets one eh?

I reckon I'll get a video to you by the weekend.

Cheers

Phil

UPDATE:

Here is Take 1 Sarge, I had a couple of minor mis-fingerings and played it up the neck until I fluffed it and converted it into a little eight note lick finale

https://youtu.be/IHiWSXpD8As

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 14 2020, 12:59 AM

SORTED!!! Nicely done Soldier. This one is a bit tricky as it just keeps being tricky as it travels up the neck. You've got it handled!!! Let's Debrief!
MEDALS OF HONOR

*SYNCH OR SWIM: Great job on synch! Perfect use of the metronome. One strike per click. Well done!!

*MUTE OR DIE: Due to the massive amount of string/fret traverse, you gotta keep a good palm mute on this guy or string noise will just wreck it. Your mute is spot on. Well done!


*AGGRESSIVE STYLE: This is a hard lick to play. You jumped right in and pushed the envelope and still kept it under control. Nice!!!
In short you just....LEVELED UP!!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 15 2020, 07:09 AM

Thanks much for the better version of MISSION 11 Tab!! Here it is with a pic.
 BOOTCAMP_11_FIX.gp5 ( 4.23K ) : 197

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 19 2020, 09:55 PM

Hello Sarge,

This week and the foreseeable future are going to be a serious struggle. I won't bore you with details but I am doing what I can when I can in both Bootcamp and Gab's stuff

Do be expecting much though, at least for a couple of weeks, I may even end up regressing somewhat but I can always start progressing again when things settle down. I do think I'll get a BC11 take to you soon.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 20 2020, 06:24 AM

Life has a way of getting in the way of important stuff like playing Guitar!!! You've worked hard to get where you are. Don't let it slide too much as it is a perishabled skill!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 19 2020, 04:55 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 20 2020, 09:23 AM

I know Todd, I'm trying but it's 10000% unavoidable, mainly work related. When you own the company you can't get out of stuff

Nothing bad just one of the workers in hospital (we only have 10 machine operators so it's a large percentage of the machining workforce), a £70k new machine coming so having to prep for that as 5 two ton machines have to be moved out of the way to get it in and then they have to be put back, levelled etc, then training for new machine and getting familiar with it during out of hours so to speak, so as not to encroach on other work that I need to get done in normal hours. BEFORE all that we need to do extra hours to cover the time we're going to lose.

I also signed up for Ben Higgins' 10 day intense speed accelerator course open to a limited amount of students over on Facebook. I may have to pull out of that as my first allegiance is with GMC. I'll see how it goes.

Sorry to bore you with details, hope you understand. Some days won't be affected some will be heavily affected

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 21 2020, 01:45 AM

I wish you the best of luck Phil!!! I didn't know it was your company! Well done there!
Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 20 2020, 04:23 AM)

I know Todd, I'm trying but it's 10000% unavoidable, mainly work related. When you own the company you can't get out of stuff

Nothing bad just one of the workers in hospital (we only have 10 machine operators so it's a large percentage of the machining workforce), a £70k new machine coming so having to prep for that as 5 two ton machines have to be moved out of the way to get it in and then they have to be put back, levelled etc, then training for new machine and getting familiar with it during out of hours so to speak, so as not to encroach on other work that I need to get done in normal hours. BEFORE all that we need to do extra hours to cover the time we're going to lose.

I also signed up for Ben Higgins' 10 day intense speed accelerator course open to a limited amount of students over on Facebook. I may have to pull out of that as my first allegiance is with GMC. I'll see how it goes.

Sorry to bore you with details, hope you understand. Some days won't be affected some will be heavily affected

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 21 2020, 09:01 AM

Thanks Todd,

I didn't start it, it was started by my dad and two other blokes in the seventies, my dad and one of the others still work there, and the other bloke's son is a director along with me, my father is 82 and still working machines albeit just until lunch time then he goes home.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 21 2020, 06:28 PM

That's very cool. To be able to have a biz that is second generation. Also very cool that your pop still works the machines at 82! Even half a day is pretty darn amazing.
Todd

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 22 2020, 09:51 PM

BootCamp 11 take 1 up for scrutiny Sarge.

https://youtu.be/hx4INWauArE

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 23 2020, 04:08 AM

This is just flat out hard soldier. Your climbing the neck, the pattern keeps changing as you goand you've got to keep leading with the pinky!!! It's meant to stress the weakest parts of your playing but you have no problem with it! NICE! Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR

LOOPY: You may notice that I have you play licks often in a "Loop". I do this to stress test your hand and your endurance. This one is kind of a loop, but it keeps changing as you move. So it's way harder than playing the same pattern in a loops.

NON STOP TRAVERSE: As with a few others, this lick traverses strings and frets non stop. Partially to build endurance, partially to get your hands accustomed to playing long sequences of notes. This will serve you well when we start doing very long scale runs.

ARTICULATION: You are doing a very good job of articulating the pick with your thumb/first finger and avoiding the dreaded "Picking from the Elbow" keep that up!!
You've got this down pat Soldier!! You just...
LEVELED UP!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 25 2020, 11:47 PM

Many thanks for all your hard work and here is the updated MISSION 12 BOOTCAMP Guitar Pro file/tab. I hope your work load isn't killing you these days!!! It's a very cool gig from the sound of it making race car bits!


 bootcamp12fix.gp5 ( 1.98K ) : 194

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 26 2020, 06:28 AM

Thanks buddy,

There's a new video for work coming very soon featuring yours truly. Work isn't killing me, it's stressful at the moment but I have the genes of a cockroach so I'll survive

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 28 2020, 10:01 PM

Bootcamp lesson 12 take 1 Sarge.

Too much right-hand movement, couldn't get the harmonics at all.

https://youtu.be/-5mnMGBhPfA

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 28 2020, 10:28 PM

The harmonics are are just a flourish for fun. They are not required. It's tough to do all the movement and then hit a pinch harmonic on the fly. Eventually it will be second nature. Look at Zakk Wylde. He can't stop himself from adding a pinch in about every other bar Let's Debrief!


MEDALS OF HONOR


ALT PICK OF DESTINY: The first thing I'm looking for is solid Alternate Picking. Without good alt picking technique, this lick won't work. It's the kind of thing you just cant play with all downstrokes and have it work well. You Killed it!

TRAVERSAL OF FORTUNE: The Second thing I wanna see is solid fret traverse. Non stop fret traverse is required on this one. You gotta slide a bit to make this work and you slide quite well!!! SCORE!!

PINKY TIME: The PINKY RULES!! You need it on this one for sure. Good use of the pinky here! On the lower frets, Pinky Power is crucial to make this lick sound smooth once you get to the lower frets.

You KILLED it!!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 1 2020, 11:20 PM

Here is the new guitar pro for this Mission. Well done!!!! You can pick it any way you like.
 BOOTCAMP_MISSION_13.gp5 ( 2.58K ) : 165

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 7 2020, 04:42 PM

Hello Sarge,

You know there's always that one phone number you can't remember no matter how many times you recite it? Bootcamp 13 is that phone number I can play it but I HAVE TO look at the tab.

I WILL do it though Sarge.

This was just to let you know I haven't gone awol

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 7 2020, 11:26 PM

You are past the first dozen Missions so here is where it gets a bit tricky. Each one is meant to stress test certain parts of your playing. In this case, part of what I want is to see if you can memorize long complex patterns. You can do it Soldier!!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 7 2020, 11:29 PM

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 8 2020, 09:35 PM

Bootcamp 13 Part 1 (descending), take 1 progress report Sarge. It's that bar 7 that throws me every time, I'm still having to look at the TAB, it's like that one telephone number that you can't remember, I'm talking about the olden days when phones didn't have memories

https://youtu.be/i6aSN1U5FCg

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 8 2020, 11:55 PM

This is a very tricky lick soldier. It's my favorite way to run a scale though Once you get it down you can apply this approach to any scale. I learned this technique long ago under the name "Scale Inversion" but other folks call it various things. Whatever one calls it, it is a finger twister for sure!! Your finger position is a pinch different that what I'm using in the vid but that's find if it works for you. About 16 seconds in, I think you lose the sequence just a bit but before that it's spot on.

I'd suggest breaking this down in to 2 chunks. High 3 strings and low 3 strings and then stitch those together once you have both. Otherwise, the two sections are so different in terms of fretting, that it can be very confusing. Not to worry though, with a few more runs you'll be doing quad picking on this both ascending and descending with no trouble!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 8 2020, 04:35 PM)

Bootcamp 13 Part 1 (descending), take 1 progress report Sarge. It's that bar 7 that throws me every time, I'm still having to look at the TAB, it's like that one telephone number that you can't remember, I'm talking about the olden days when phones didn't have memories

https://youtu.be/i6aSN1U5FCg

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 9 2020, 08:25 AM

Thanks Sarge,

I did play it with your fingering for a long time but yesterday I tried something else and it seemed to help. On the fourth bar, G string, when the 4th fret is followed by the 5th fret I used to play that with the index (4th fret) and the middle (5th fret) but yesterday I tried to slide from the 4th to 5th and it seemed like it didn't confuse my pinky as much.

The biggest hurdle for me is bar seven where you have to go back to the D string and play three notes in a row, that really throws me and has from day one.

Funny old thing the brain eh?

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 10 2020, 01:53 AM

I hear ya!!! It might help to break it down even further in to 2 string chunks and then put those together. The way the minor scale it built, it requires some wonky fingering to play this. It's much easier to play this on a single string IMHO, but that's a different drill

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 9 2020, 03:25 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 10 2020, 09:53 PM

Hello Sarge,

Well, I think I've got the descending part down okay, I didn't look at the TAB once. I've also nearly got the ascending part down. Once I've got that sorted I'll play them back to back at the same speed

https://youtu.be/6vgGgSkBn_s


Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 10 2020, 11:02 PM

Just a bit of bad news. I was watching this and thinking you may have misread the tab so I went back and looked and it's the tab for the ascending and descending together that is wrong. I went and fixed it. The scale goes down to the A on the E string. since it's an A minor Scale. I've fixed the tab and hope this helps. I think it was a tab you'd made for me which looked correct til I went through it note by note. It's what is making you play this a bit wrong. This should sort things out and hopefully make it easier to play

 BOOTCAMP_MISSION_13_2.gp5 ( 2.58K ) : 199

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 11 2020, 12:10 PM

I'm so sorry buddy, I'll get something right one of these days

Back to the drawing board.

Cheers


UPDATE:

Take 3 of the descending section Sarge. I know I'm a little ahead of the beat.

https://youtu.be/kpNebsXcWsU

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 11 2020, 07:50 PM

No worries! It's just a few bits out of place but its sorted now. It was probably harder to play the other way. I hope this way makes more sense for your finger! I love running scales using this

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 11 2020, 07:10 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 12 2020, 12:32 AM

BINGO!!!! YOU GOT IT!!! That's perfect!!! if you can reverse that and go back up the strings you are ready!! NICE!


Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 11 2020, 07:10 AM)

I'm so sorry buddy, I'll get something right one of these days

Back to the drawing board.

Cheers


UPDATE:

Take 3 of the descending section Sarge. I know I'm a little ahead of the beat.

https://youtu.be/kpNebsXcWsU

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 12 2020, 08:33 AM

Thanks Todd,

It's still a "learner", I can't just reverse that I have to learn it. I remember the days of Tomb Raider with the labyrinths, even simple ones, I got to the prize but it took me ages to find my way out. I'm the same with driving, I never return in the opposite way I went unless I've done it a hundred times. Must be some kind of geographical dyslexia.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 12 2020, 10:12 PM

I just checked the one that downloads in the bootcamp wiki and it's not the write one. This is the write one right here. I'll have fran do an update. Sorry for all the drama.
 BOOTCAMP_MISSION_13_final.gp5 ( 2.58K ) : 170

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 12 2020, 03:33 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 12 2020, 10:20 PM

No worries buddy, I was only playing the ascending part for my practise and I thought "this feels and sounds odd" checked the descending and that G jumped out at me.

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 15 2020, 09:22 PM

Take 1 Sarge, this was the hardest thing, not the actual playing but the remembering. What do you think about the sound sync? I dropped it down to 720p instead of full HD and it seems pretty close without any editing.

https://youtu.be/Dv99CFgzP84

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 16 2020, 12:26 AM

NICE!!!! This is a full on tricky bit of playing. It's the basis for a LOT of stuff that's coming up. Being able to use scale inversions is key to being able to make prpgress in boot camp and you got it!!

Let's Debrief!!

TACTICAL PRECISION: Very well done on pick strikes and fretting. Without a high degree of precision, this lick just falls apart.

STEADY PACE: Didn't rush, didn't lag. Being able to play at a steady pace and not rush the easy bits and then drag the difficult bits is crucial to being a well rounded player. Well done!

QUIET AS DEATH: On these types of licks that use all the strings, it's very hard to keep it from generating string noise. Not a problem here! Silent as the grave!

Well fought Soldier! You just..

Despite how hard this is, you nailed it!! Your ready for what's next.

Congrats! You just..

LEVELED UP!!!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 15 2020, 04:22 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 16 2020, 09:18 PM

Thanks Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 17 2020, 01:33 AM

You earned this big time Soldier!! Sorry for all the back and forth!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 16 2020, 04:18 PM)

Thanks Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 17 2020, 02:19 AM

Thanks again for your vigilant eye!!! This is the NEW MISSION 14. Feel free to try on every string but only one string is required for your MISSION VID to badge up!!!

 14fix2.gp5 ( 2.26K ) : 190

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 17 2020, 10:09 PM

Take 1 Sarge.

https://youtu.be/cJ1CBCkauRE

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 18 2020, 04:22 AM

You've got the pattern and that's the main part of this fight Soldier!!!! There are a couple of bits of spit and polish that might make it a bit more spiff.

1.)Lead off with the Pinky! if at all possible Then use second finger, then the first and shift the first finger down for the fourth fretted note. Playing it this this way lets you move the left hand a bit less and leverages your finger power.

2.)Slow down just a pinch. I think you may be rushing/lagging just a bit to try to keep pace with the metronome. I'd rather have one good pass on one string, then a pause and all the other passes, rather than trying to get them all in. You only need one pass on one string to badge up!

3.)Nice Ibby!!!


I think your sense of timing might be good enough for you to try your internal metronome on this one if you want to give it a go! Sometimes the metronome gets in the way. It's up to you!! Good fight Soldier!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 17 2020, 05:09 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 18 2020, 09:59 PM

Very low on time tonight Sarge, only one string I'm afraid and I tried the internal metronome as you suggested.

https://youtu.be/eeFD58qXTMs

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 20 2020, 09:01 PM

NICE! This is exactly what I was hoping to see. This single/double picking thing can be tricky. It's a great way to add texture to a single string lick. We have done quite a few single string licks, this method of picking can be applied to all of them! It could be multi picked as well which if doubled would be a double/quad sort of thing. Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

*PICKING- This one is all about the picking. It's single string based so it allows for a bit more focus on the picking as there is no string traverse, only fret traverse. You do a great job on the picking on this one. NICE!

*TIMING-The second thing I'm looking for here is solid Timing. It's tempting to rush or lag depending on how easy a given part is for the hand. You keep it nice and smooth! SCORE!

*DIFFERENT STRINGS- Even though you didn't have to, you went the extra mile and tried it on multiple strings. It gets tricky on the lower wound strings but you didn't slip! NNNOOOOOIIIIICCCEE!!

In short, you nailed it. You Sir..

LEVELED UP!!!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 18 2020, 04:59 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 20 2020, 09:08 PM

Thanks Sarge,

The multi-string version was the take before though

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 20 2020, 09:45 PM

I was impressed with it Soldier. I only needed one string and you went for it on several!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 20 2020, 04:08 PM)

Thanks Sarge,

The multi-string version was the take before though

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 20 2020, 04:08 PM)

Thanks Sarge,

The multi-string version was the take before though

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 21 2020, 12:08 AM

I'm still at work every day at the moment, the workshop is flat out with orders. I sent a worker home on Thursday, he had a sore which in itself isn't an issue but his fifteen year old daughter's best friend is in hospital with confirmed Covid19. So we took the decision to remove him. I spoke to him today he has no fever and family showing no symptoms so fingers crossed he'll be back soon.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 21 2020, 12:40 AM

Racing Parts are "Essential Services" after all. At least as far as I'm concerned. Not to mention a cornerstone of UK GDP. If you guys close, whats left? Cheap parts from knock off vendors? Racing itself may cease to be a sport.

Very sorry to hear about a confirmed case that close to you. Best bet to keep him home and full of chicken soup. Even over here, most folks that get tested/confirmed, many are just sent home and told to stay hydrated/rested. We have a senator who got confirmed and he is quarantined at home doing basic Flu/Chicken Soup/Rest. Only in the most extreme cases are doctors trying off label medications.

A lot of people are being told to "telework" but that doesn't really work when you trying to build race parts. Say phil! Just call it in! Tell that machine press to work itself!!!

I have been shocked to see kids in Florida at spring break just slobbering all over each other, but then again, I was young once.. I would probably be that silly kid on spring break during a pandemic.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 20 2020, 07:08 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 30 2020, 09:36 PM

Finally,

My stress levels have dropped after speaking with the accountants today and arranging a "rescue plan for business and employees, let's just hope it's sustainable. I hope you're coping okay with your sister and family

Regarding Bootcamp 15, years ago I was told by one of my guitar teachers that I was economy picking everything, I didn't know what they meant but it just felt natural to me, "why go down passed a string to pick it upwards?" was my argument against alternate picking, I've spent so much time trying to break the habit that I struggle to economy pick if I really think about. Practising #15 slowly I couldn't stop alternate picking for a long time, tonight, as I've ramped up the speed bit by bit it seems to come more naturally to me, it's kinda like mind hands go into panic rescue mode and take the "easy" route, ie economical route.

Video soon buddy.

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 31 2020, 05:22 AM

Very glad to hear the bean counters have come back with some good news!! As for your picking, I found the same to be true. If my hand is going past a string on the way, why not take advantage of it and just strike it instead of reversing direction to strike? As a result, I usually use econ when it seems to be easier to use it than trying to use alternate. Once the hand gets very used to alternate it can be tough to retrain it back to econ. What I'm going for in all these Missions is a sense of balance in your hand so that you instinctively use econ/alt based on what it is your trying to play. You are on the right path!

I'm moving to florida on Tuesday so I may be out of pocket for a couple days but I'll be back on it soon as I can! Stay safe!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 30 2020, 04:36 PM)

Finally,

My stress levels have dropped after speaking with the accountants today and arranging a "rescue plan for business and employees, let's just hope it's sustainable. I hope you're coping okay with your sister and family

Regarding Bootcamp 15, years ago I was told by one of my guitar teachers that I was economy picking everything, I didn't know what they meant but it just felt natural to me, "why go down passed a string to pick it upwards?" was my argument against alternate picking, I've spent so much time trying to break the habit that I struggle to economy pick if I really think about. Practising #15 slowly I couldn't stop alternate picking for a long time, tonight, as I've ramped up the speed bit by bit it seems to come more naturally to me, it's kinda like mind hands go into panic rescue mode and take the "easy" route, ie economical route.

Video soon buddy.

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 31 2020, 07:28 AM

Wow, the Florida move came out of the blue, to me anyway. All the best with your new location buddy.

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 2 2020, 09:00 PM

Take 1 up for scrutiny Sarge. 120/140/160/180bpm

https://youtu.be/xWVS33tPAYo

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 3 2020, 05:09 AM

This is good Soldier!!! I really want to see you loop this. It makes a great looping lick. Just pick a speed and play the lick on loop. It gives the hand time to get used to it. I think there may be a bit more speed hiding in those fingers as well. Here is your chance to push 200!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 2 2020, 04:00 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 3 2020, 08:37 PM

Take 2 Sarge, same BPMs as take 1 but this time two notes per beat so effectively double the speed but a little trickier with the second note not having a metronome click.

https://youtu.be/muBhdEwyPpE


Cheers

Cadet Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 4 2020, 07:37 AM

Well fought Soldier!!! Being able to loop this is crucial and you got it!

Let's Debrief!!


*Sweep Shape: This starts with a sweep type shape with two down strokes. This is the
most important part. It trains the hand to get used to doing sweep picking which is done as a rake of all down strokes and then all up strokes.

*Follow Up: Following the sweepy bit, you go in to a scale bit which is to test your ability to make shifts very quickly without a pause. You killed it!

*Precision: A high degree of precision is required for this entire thing. There are no gaps per usual. Miss one note, it goes to bits. You nailed the loop!!!

You got a nice pinky stretch going as well Soldier!! This proves you are ready for the deep end of the crazy pool that's up next!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 3 2020, 03:37 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 4 2020, 10:55 AM

Thanks Sarge and thanks for the push

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 4 2020, 11:44 PM

Keep killing it Soldier! Here is the udated 16 many thanks!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 4 2020, 05:55 AM)

Thanks Sarge and thanks for the push

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 5 2020, 08:09 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Is it okay to omit the last note and loop the first six bars??

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 5 2020, 09:51 PM

Sure!!!! That's really the loop spot

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 5 2020, 03:09 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 5 2020, 10:34 PM

Thanks buddy,

Economy picking is definitely easier as one ramps up the bpm. I guess it pretty pointless at low speeds anyway eh?

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 6 2020, 02:41 AM

I still find my hand going down strokes when going to higher strings and alt when going to heavy strings for some reason. After so many scales it almost happens by itself.

I wanted to take a moment to honor your faith in the company your father built and the men in your service.

The Men and families that depend on you are lucky indeed. Not every boss would be doing everything under the sun to make sure his workers were cared for. Many lesser men have fired every single person in their employ. My own countrymen for example have shamed themselves in such a manner.

I wanted to ask about the man who had fallen to this sickness. My prayers are with him and his family and you in this time of greatest need. We are all of one skin, one blood, one family of man and we have to pull together in this or many more of us will die.

If more of my own countrymen fought tooth and nail to save those who work for them, maybe our unemployment rate would not be the worst since the Great Depression.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 5 2020, 05:34 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 6 2020, 10:38 AM

Thank you Todd.

The man you ask about turned out he was fine, similar symptoms but didn't develop a fever and was fine again after about three days but we kept him out for the week, then we closed until after Easter.

Strict working conditions will be imposed when we return unless the government put a harder lockdown in place and stop us going.

Thank you again for you kind words.

Cheers

Phil

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Apr 6 2020, 01:41 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 8 2020, 05:07 AM

I was sad to hear the Prim Minister himself has come down with this plague and is not doing well. I've seen several folks high up in various government positions come down with this thing and some have even died. One of the guys from IRAN who came on and said not to worry was wiping flop sweat from his forehead and ended up passing away a few days later.

Our understanding of this thing is changing day to day it seems as nobody has ever dealt with it before, we are all learning as we go. Be as careful as you can be bud. In the words of Churchill himself, keep Calm and Shred on.

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 6 2020, 05:38 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 20 2020, 08:33 PM

Back on it Sarge,

Sorry for being AWOL on this one for a while, as you know I've been in a bit of a funk.

I have a question. When I start the loop, my hand wants to start the first note of bar one on an upstroke which would technically be economy picking, is this okay? After that one note, the next one is tabbed as a downstroke which would be correct anyway so it's just at the start/end of the loop where that first note would change to an upstroke for ALL subsequent loops.

I hope that makes sense, I'll do it however you tell me Sarge

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 21 2020, 07:27 AM

No worries Soldier!! The entire World is in a bit of a FUNK just now so you, my friend, get a pass!

As for the question. Sure thing!! Starting with an upstroke is fine especially if your hand wants to do it that way. I"m a big fan of listening to the hands even when they don't match up to the tab. There are rare instances when I'm trying to force the hand to do something it doesnt like doing but this isn't one of those. Knock em dead!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 20 2020, 03:33 PM)

Back on it Sarge,

Sorry for being AWOL on this one for a while, as you know I've been in a bit of a funk.

I have a question. When I start the loop, my hand wants to start the first note of bar one on an upstroke which would technically be economy picking, is this okay? After that one note, the next one is tabbed as a downstroke which would be correct anyway so it's just at the start/end of the loop where that first note would change to an upstroke for ALL subsequent loops.

I hope that makes sense, I'll do it however you tell me Sarge

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 21 2020, 08:54 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Here is the file and I LOOP BARS 7-12 ONLY but on the first pick strike I play a down. See how you think it works please.

 Mission_16.gp5 ( 2.39K ) : 163


I wish there was a way to play the whole file and then just loop bars 7-12, I guess it could be done with repeat notation but I don't know how to do that yet. Effectively, play bars 1-6 as per picking notation and then just keep repeating 7-12. This keeps the economy picking on the first two notes of bar one and switches to the upstroke on the first note of bar 7

This extended version shows exactly what I mean as to how I would play it.

 Mission_16_EXTENDED.gp5 ( 4.7K ) : 158


Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 22 2020, 03:39 AM

Yup!!! That's the lick!! It's taken from a classical piece which is why it has such a neoclassical flair to it. It works well single, double, triple and quad picked and gets harder at each stage of multi picking. Feel free to find any spot on the neck where you feel most comfy. Lower spots on the neck are very good for working the stretch, higher spots are good for working on playing in tight spaces. Adapt the Mission to serve your needs. I think you are ready to start modding the Missions to serve you rather than you serving them. Unlike most students you are hundreds of lessons deep with my other GMC offerings such as quick licks.

I say go for it! I'm looking forward to seeing it. Try to see if you can articulate the pick with the finger and and thumb if possible. I know this is a tricky bit to try, but give it a whirl if you can!

Sarge





[

quote name='Phil66' date='Apr 21 2020, 03:54 PM' post='776931']
Thanks Sarge,

Here is the file and I LOOP BARS 7-12 ONLY but on the first pick strike I play a down. See how you think it works please.

 Mission_16.gp5 ( 2.39K ) : 163


I wish there was a way to play the whole file and then just loop bars 7-12, I guess it could be done with repeat notation but I don't know how to do that yet. Effectively, play bars 1-6 as per picking notation and then just keep repeating 7-12. This keeps the economy picking on the first two notes of bar one and switches to the upstroke on the first note of bar 7

This extended version shows exactly what I mean as to how I would play it.

 Mission_16_EXTENDED.gp5 ( 4.7K ) : 158


Cheers

Phil
[/quote]

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 22 2020, 09:09 PM

Take 1 up for scrutiny Sarge. I tried to do more of a sweep rather than a picking motion in the same direction. Couldn't quite pull it off but it's a step in the right direction.

https://youtu.be/cTALu2HZ77c

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 24 2020, 07:14 PM

the CROSS ROADS solo dual. It's not a direct rip off, but I must admit it's pretty close. I loved that solo dual they did and the classical bit that Ralph Machio played was amazing. This is based on a bit from that solo. He was studying classical in the film and wanted to be a blues player to he combined classical and blues in the same solo (for those who have not seen the movie, Spoiler Alert!).

You did a fine job on it. It's a bit of a finger twister, like many classical bits. It requires very similar patterns that move across strings so it's very easy to lose ones place mid stream. You kept it all under control and made it yours! NICE!!! I think you may have struggled with this a couple of years ago, but now you attack it like an old pro!!

Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

SOLID MUTE: Because this one goes over several strings, it's a good test of your mute. You did a fine job! It's the first thing I look for here as this one is prone to string noise if the mute gets away from you . NICE!

SYNCH OR SWIM: Second thing I wanna see if solid hand synch since bad synch will wreck the entire piece. Lots of fret and string traverse so missing a strike is easy to do. Good news is you don't miss any strikes!

ARTICULATION: Good to see you using thumb/first finger pick articulation! It's a very tricky thing to do. Takes a while to get used to it. It does allow part of the hand to keep a mute while traversing.

I know this is a tricky one and I'm very glad to see you have got a good handle on it!! The difficulty level is starting to ramp up and you are keeping it high and tight!

You just ...

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 22 2020, 04:09 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 24 2020, 07:31 PM

Thanks Sarge,

You know two of the trickiest things for me about this lick were, as we discussed, when looping the economy picking goes awry, as you loop back to the low E string even how I do it, economy picking back to the low E, you have to alternate pick for two notes. You either economy pick back to the low E making you alternate pick to the A string or, you alternate pick back to the low E so you can economy pick to the A string.

The second thing is, once one starts the loop it gets tricky, especially if you've learned just the six bars alone to start with as I did . Bars 1, 2, 5, 6 are the same with bars 3 & 4 being similar but starting on the A string. Now when one starts looping there comes a point where one is playing bars 5 & 6 and 1 & 2 right after each other. Now when one learns it at first, one is used to playing the A string lick straight after the low E string lick and back to the low E string lick, looping forces you to play the low E string lick TWICE and then the A string lick. This messed with my head for along time

Sorry for the long reply Sarge, I hope it makes sense

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 24 2020, 07:50 PM

Its a tricky lick to start with and then I had you try to loop it! I figured it would be a bit intense as it would force your hands to find a way to make it actually work. It's much easier with just one repetition. Even then, it's slightly different on each string so it's very easy to get the fingers twisted up. You powered through and played it quite well!! SCORE!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 24 2020, 02:31 PM)

Thanks Sarge,

You know two of the trickiest things for me about this lick were, as we discussed, when looping the economy picking goes awry, as you loop back to the low E string even how I do it, economy picking back to the low E, you have to alternate pick for two notes. You either economy pick back to the low E making you alternate pick to the A string or, you alternate pick back to the low E so you can economy pick to the A string.

The second thing is, once one starts the loop it gets tricky, especially if you've learned just the six bars alone to start with as I did . Bars 1, 2, 5, 6 are the same with bars 3 & 4 being similar but starting on the A string. Now when one starts looping there comes a point where one is playing bars 5 & 6 and 1 & 2 right after each other. Now when one learns it at first, one is used to playing the A string lick straight after the low E string lick and back to the low E string lick, looping forces you to play the low E string lick TWICE and then the A string lick. This messed with my head for along time

Sorry for the long reply Sarge, I hope it makes sense

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 24 2020, 08:27 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Here is tonight's progress video, just for you to check so I don't practise in any bad habits. First half only

https://youtu.be/d-fS3PBq4As

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 24 2020, 09:16 PM

You got it Soldier! This is my FAVE way to run a scale. It works on any scale, I'm just using the 3nps minor since it's my fave scale As you gain speed on this, you will notice you don't have to pick each notes. Your left hand power can take over and a left hand hammer on done while muted sounds similar to a pick strike when done at speed. When I'm doing this lick at full chat, I strike now and then and fill in with hammer ons unless I want a really percuse sound then I'll strike everything and mute a bit harder.

For practice, try running this way up high on the neck to work in a cramped area and then try on the first fret to test your stretch. Keep this as a warmup lick and something to work up speed on!

Hope all of this makes some kind of sense :

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 24 2020, 03:27 PM)

Thanks Sarge,

Here is tonight's progress video, just for you to check so I don't practise in any bad habits. First half only

https://youtu.be/d-fS3PBq4As

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 24 2020, 09:34 PM

That's great thanks Sarge,, I just wanted to make sure I was on the right track. I did notice before the recording and even at one point in the recording on the G string, that my left hand was trying to take over and do hammer ons but I thought it had to be picked.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 24 2020, 11:21 PM

It's good to learn it as a "picked sequence" so you can work on hand synch as well. Especially at lower speeds. Once you push past a certain point, your hand will try to hammer on here and there almost instinctively. That may be what was starting to happen. At certain speeds the pick can get in the way. WHen I'm shredding this lick I don't always pick every note but I mute all of it so it sorta sounds picked/percussive at speed. Let your hand guide you on which notes can be hammered and which need to be picked. The faster you go, the more strikes you can skip. I might strike 4 out of 5 or 3 out of five. I do sometimes strike them all at speed. I did that on the BEN HIGGINS solo dual a bit back to make it match the surrounding bits better. For practice, see how few notes you can pick and start from the other side, going at it by strike only the first note on each string and hammering on everything else. You'll see which notes sorta want to be picked.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 24 2020, 04:34 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 25 2020, 08:30 PM

Take 1 in full Sarge

https://youtu.be/s07d8yZ4TtY

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 25 2020, 11:54 PM

Got it going descending and ascending and ascending is about twice as hard IMHO. It seems like this is a tricky bit doing the descending bit, then you start the ascending bit and your fingers start to fight back a little. This is normal as the hand just does not want to obey when you tell it to play this going up the strings. Despite that, you still manage it. Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

Economy of Motion: I'm looking for very little wasted motion on the picking and fretting hand on this one since any extra hand wag on either hand will get in the way. There is just no room for it on a lick like this that never stops moving. You keep it nice and tight. SCORE!

Right Hand is Relaxed: It's only natural to tense up the hand during tricky bits. You've adapted your hand to relax a bit and not tense which takes work. NICE!

Longest Lick Ever There are a ton of notes in this lick. Many of them are repeated notes, but it's still a wad of notes. Miss a single note and it ruins the run. You clearly put some time in to get this work both up and down. SUPER KILL!

Very impressive work Soldier! You just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 25 2020, 03:30 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 26 2020, 08:13 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Shame we can't see our sigs any more let's hope it gets fixed when Kris and Gab have sorted out all of the video lessons


Here is a quick take for you to listen to just to check I'm on the right track. My ear isn't the best when using backing tracks, I spend quite some time with Gab trying to follow chords but it was a real struggle so with this I kept in the one key, whether I'm right or wrong I don't know, it sounds okay key wise to my ears but then most things do even when I accidentally play a fret down for the whole scale

https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/tbc-18-progress-take


Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 27 2020, 06:44 AM

If you use the small badge I've been making, and put your text links on bottom, you can see your sig. That's why I started making the small one Not perfect, but at least it's a patch for now.

I like where your solo is going especially the tapping part! I would like to hear a couple more bends in there to show your bending to pitch. Just on the G string in a pentatonic scale, the bend up a step that is a traditional part of rock soloing.

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 26 2020, 03:13 PM)

Thanks Sarge,

Shame we can't see our sigs any more let's hope it gets fixed when Kris and Gab have sorted out all of the video lessons


Here is a quick take for you to listen to just to check I'm on the right track. My ear isn't the best when using backing tracks, I spend quite some time with Gab trying to follow chords but it was a real struggle so with this I kept in the one key, whether I'm right or wrong I don't know, it sounds okay key wise to my ears but then most things do even when I accidentally play a fret down for the whole scale

https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/tbc-18-progress-take


Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 27 2020, 08:54 PM

Thanks Sarge,


Progress take 2, I think I got a little overambitious on the tapping bit. This is a hard Bootcamp lesson Sarge, years and years ago, before I took guitar up for the first time, my mindset was, "Improvising like the jazz players do must be a piece of cake because you play do what you want". How wrong was I? Yes you can just play what you want, so long as it's musical and in key for the most part, therein lies the hard part.

https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/tbc-18-progress-take-2

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 28 2020, 12:51 AM

BINGO!! I just wanted you to add a bend here and there to show your bending skills I like that tapping bit too. This is a good pass, it's got a little of everything. I'd say you are ready for MISSION VID!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 27 2020, 03:54 PM)

Thanks Sarge,


Progress take 2, I think I got a little overambitious on the tapping bit. This is a hard Bootcamp lesson Sarge, years and years ago, before I took guitar up for the first time, my mindset was, "Improvising like the jazz players do must be a piece of cake because you play do what you want". How wrong was I? Yes you can just play what you want, so long as it's musical and in key for the most part, therein lies the hard part.

https://soundcloud.com/gmcphil-1/tbc-18-progress-take-2

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 29 2020, 08:36 PM

Video as requested Sarge, the tapping didn't come out so well this time, sweaty hands (REC Button Syndrome )

My favourite part is after the tapping to the end, there's something about it, can't put my finger on it but I like.

https://youtu.be/24d_jAF_gOg

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 30 2020, 03:15 AM

NICE! That is what I was looking for. You put it all together on this one. Even had a bending tap lick! Also a pinch harmonic for good measure. This is the culmination of all of the Bootcamp missions to this point. Also, all of your experience in Quick Licks has paid off as well. It's all come together here in this Mission. You've put together a solo with a wide variety of licks and techniques that is musical as well as technical. Your experience on the collabs has come in to play as well. One has to play through a lot of bad notes to get to the good ones and you are getting to the good ones in a big way Soldier!!!! Super Congrats you just...

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Apr 29 2020, 03:36 PM)

Video as requested Sarge, the tapping didn't come out so well this time, sweaty hands (REC Button Syndrome )

My favourite part is after the tapping to the end, there's something about it, can't put my finger on it but I like.

https://youtu.be/24d_jAF_gOg

Posted by: Phil66 Apr 30 2020, 07:45 PM

Thanks Sarge

Posted by: Phil66 May 6 2020, 09:16 PM

Struggling with this one Sarge,

It's the left-hand transition from bar 2 to bar 3. On bars 1 and 2 I'm using my pinky, ring and index, then for bars 3 & 4 I'm using ring, middle and index. I've tried other ways but not found anything better even though the "better" way is still confusing my fingers.

Just a heads up for you.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 7 2020, 12:05 AM

If you get a chance to shoot a progress vid I may be able to make some suggestions? Sounds like you are using the same fingering I'm using in the video yes?

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 6 2020, 04:16 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 May 7 2020, 10:13 AM

Yes I'm using the same fingerings Sarge, it's just taking my fingers a while to get used to it. I can play each of the three patterns it's just the transition. It will drop into place soon I'm sure

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 7 2020, 12:05 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 8 2020, 02:29 AM

I hear ya Soldier! The open string bit is the only gap there is in which to make the switch and each change is a bit awkward to be honest and doesn't even ring true with the ear most of the time. I wanted it to sound and feel a bit "off" just to make the brain realize that it's gotta detach a bit and make the hands do it's bidding sometimes. Looking forward to your take!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 7 2020, 05:13 AM)

Yes I'm using the same fingerings Sarge, it's just taking my fingers a while to get used to it. I can play each of the three patterns it's just the transition. It will do into place soon in sure

Posted by: Phil66 May 8 2020, 08:43 PM

The open string isn't where you make the switch though You have to make the switch when you tap on the 12th fret. Very tricky

Take one:

https://youtu.be/epmaLmTmlTc

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 8 2020, 09:57 PM

YOU ARE VERY CLOSE HERE SOLDIER!! The left hand looks good except for one bit about 10 seconds in. The only niggle is the right hand from the look of it. You tap on the fret instead of between them pretty early on about 5 seconds in, but it's a small issue and easy to repair. I know this is NOT an easy lick to play with all the plate spinning it requires. Your doing well on it especially given that this type of lick is not your go to type of thing. I realize it feels awkward and strange. The good news is that I think it will open up options in your playing and soloing! The speed is more than enough and with just a pinch of shift to the tap hand to keep it inside the lines you've got it!!

Not only does this have the open string thing going on, which is advanced tapping, it changes shape and uses fret traverse on the left hand. It's a LOT of things for the hands to do. I think you are on the verge of VICTORY!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 8 2020, 03:43 PM)

The open string isn't where you make the switch though You have to make the switch when you tap on the 12th fret. Very tricky

Take one:

https://youtu.be/epmaLmTmlTc

Posted by: Phil66 May 9 2020, 08:16 PM

Take 2 Sarge

https://youtu.be/k3F-87rR9AU

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 10 2020, 02:11 AM

Well Fought Soldier!! You fought through it! This is looking good. Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

TAPPING TO GLORY-This is NOT your standard VANHALEN lick. Using an open string requires a lot of control with both hands and very good hand synch as well as the ability to focus on both hands at once as they are both doing different bits that only work if they are in solid synch. You got it!! Nice.

QUIET AS DEATH-The open string is there partially to test your muting. Any open string lick is a challenge for your palm mute technique and this is not different. The good news is your mute is very solid so no random string noise! Score!

PULLING FOR POWER-Without the pulloff, this lick doesn't work. You gotta pull that last note off to the open string, which is what makes it sound smooth. You got it!! Bingo!!

You've added something very cool to your lick library with this one. Congrats!! you just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 9 2020, 03:16 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 May 11 2020, 05:26 AM

Thanks Sarge. I've sent you a pm

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 11 2020, 10:59 PM

You've got it Soldier! I like yours way better. Gonna swap em out!


 TBC_20_Pt_1.gp5 ( 2.33K ) : 153



 TBC_20_Pt_2.gp5 ( 2.69K ) : 151

Posted by: Phil66 May 19 2020, 08:21 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Update, or more like a downdate.

Been back at work just over a week, I've been snowed under with paperwork for risk assessments regarding Covid-19, sorting out new working practices, sourcing PPE etc, all of this has had to be done in my own time as I need to do what I need to do at my workplace. Not had any time or energy to practise buddy, but things are settling down now.

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 19 2020, 09:10 PM

NO worries Soldier! You are the GENERAL in charge of all battle operations in your theatre of war. You gotta tend to your troops!!! The battle here will still be here when things calm down a bit at THE FRONT!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 19 2020, 03:21 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 19 2020, 09:47 PM

I was going through the tab for 20 and noticed a note out of place in part two and noticed that the open string bit should actually be a separate lick, or part 3. I've tweaked the tab and here are all three bits. Thanks for your help getting to the bottom of this!

 TBC_20_Pt_1.gp5 ( 2.33K ) : 190



 TBC_20_Pt_2.gp5 ( 2.38K ) : 188



 TBC_20_Pt_3.gp5 ( 1.76K ) : 147

Posted by: Phil66 May 20 2020, 08:28 PM

Sorry Sarge, I'll get it one day, 100 push ups NOW!

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 21 2020, 01:54 AM

No worries Soldier!! You are keeping me on the straight and narrow!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 20 2020, 03:28 PM)

Sorry Sarge, I'll get it one day, 100 push ups NOW!

Posted by: Phil66 May 29 2020, 09:01 PM

TBC20 Pt 1 Take 1 Sarge.

First pass is at my current limit second is more comfortable. Sorry for the delay, been having a lot of trouble with a trapped nerve in my neck causing a lot of issues with my left arm, I can't lift it above my shoulder, it doesn't hurt it just won't go any higher, also grip strength is very low, the whole arm feels slightly numb, vibrato is very hard to do, not because of pain, my arm just won't respond. Can't get to a physio unless I go to A&E and I'm not venturing into a hospital at the moment, I'll wait until the private physio opens locally. It makes playing guitar tricky. I've been doing my own manipulation, it crops up once in a while so I can do what the physio told me when I first went with it. It's a very strange feeling, a bit like when you have an injection for a filling in your tooth and it is starting to wear off or when you've had a gruelling squat session and your legs feel like jelly.

https://youtu.be/QyPuRsZhprc

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 30 2020, 02:36 AM

Look at him go!! The first one is brisk and I like your aggression!! It's great to see you pushing the edge! There is an extra note on the high string section but it's very clean considering the speed! The second one is perfect. This lick is one that you are probably already familiar with. It's a classic lick that works in just about every solo. You've probably used this lick before in solos. It's a very handy lick to have on your lick library!!! For kicks, try double picking it !!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ May 29 2020, 04:01 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 1 2020, 08:50 PM

Part 2 & 3 Sarge,

You may notice a strange body movement when I slide down from the 5th to 3rd fret in the part 2 vid, it's what I have to do to get my arm to get moving with this nerve impingement

Not sure part 3 is up to scratch Sarge, my arm seemed to move a little easier on that one for some reason. Funny old thing, joint issues eh?

https://youtu.be/rADOHorA-iA


Part 3
https://youtu.be/PUwruDQssqQ

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 2 2020, 05:48 AM

Well Fought Soldier! You have a good handle on these licks which is great to see. It was only when I watched the third video that I realized I'd left out important parts of the tab! I re did the tab, to wit!!!

 TBC_20_Pt_3.gp5 ( 1.85K ) : 169



This is why this bit is separate. The goal is to to keep a light palm mute, and strike the open string and then hammer on the next two notes. This allows this lick to be played smooth and brisk with minimal picking. Due to the mute, it sounds like it's all picked, even though it's only one pick strike every three notes.

Being a bit of perfectionist/completionist, I'm putting the new tab here and it will be updated on the Mission page as well by Fran. I do appreciate all of your help in getting this Mission sorted. I"m going to make a video for this one as well. So the first two vids are set and try the third vid with the new tab and BAM MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 1 2020, 03:50 PM)

Part 2 & 3 Sarge,

You may notice a strange body movement when I slide down from the 5th to 3rd fret in the part 2 vid, it's what I have to do to get my arm to get moving with this nerve impingement

Not sure part 3 is up to scratch Sarge, my arm seemed to move a little easier on that one for some reason. Funny old thing, joint issues eh?

https://youtu.be/rADOHorA-iA


Part 3
https://youtu.be/PUwruDQssqQ

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 2 2020, 08:03 PM

Part 3 take 2 Sarge.

https://youtu.be/wvyR-5t86go

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 3 2020, 04:57 AM

BINGO!! That's freaking PERFECT!! Exactly what I wanted to see. You've got this sorted Soldier!! That last one in particular shows how far you've come as a player. The technique, timing, it's all there. Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

CONTROL- First thing I'm looking at is your level of CONTROL. Control over your fingers is one of the most important things I'm trying to teach here. If your fingers are out of control, out of synch, you will never be able to shred. You gain more control each mission and I"m stoked to see it.

ARTICULATION - The second thing I'm looking at is your ARTICULATION. It's got several bits to test your picking and you nailed it!!! You have very good pick articulation here. Not wagging the pick to far from the string, not going to deep on each strike. Spiff!

MUTE- Lastly I wanna see a solid palm mute! These licks are built to show flaws in muting and picking. They simply can't be played properly if there are gaps in your mute. The good news is your muting is solid as a rock.

You got this down cold soldier!!!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 2 2020, 03:03 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 4 2020, 06:34 AM

You are ready for 21 Soldier!!

 Mission_21___Third_Harmonization.gp5 ( 3.1K ) : 133

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 5 2020, 08:54 PM

21 Take 1 Sarge

https://youtu.be/2gV35P1FeW0

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 6 2020, 04:11 AM

BINGO!!! That's exactly it Soldier!! Your pacing is solid and smooth and even. This is a speedbump lick. It's got a slow easy part to trick the hand in to playing fast and then a crazy fast part so that the hand hits the wall when trying to play the fast part relative to the slow part and keep it sounding smooth. This is the trap that many a fine player have fallen victim to. Not you soldier!!! You saw it coming. You didn't over play the slow part so that you were not stuck scrambling during the brisk part. Nay, the entire thing was solid and steady. Well done. You've got exactly what I was hoping out of this Misison. From this point, try to add one beat per minute after a few revolutions, then another. This slow march of speed can seem tedious. It's a far cry from the "burst" approach. It's a different way of building speed. One BPM at a time. The good news is, once you build speed in this manner, you can play at your best speed for extended periods of time, instead of only being able to play briskly in bursts which is what many players get stuck doing.

Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

MUTE OR DIE The first thing I want to see if a solid Palm mute on this as it's required to keep string noise at bay. The tricky thing is that you have to mute while doing all this delicate picking work. It's a far cry from muting while doing power chords. That's the point of this Mission, to combine your muting with subtle pick articulation and you did it! All you need to do now is keep doing repetitions and bumping up the metronome. You have the foundations, all that remains is the speed. Once you can play this lick at speed, you can play pretty much anything at speed. Not burst speed, sustained, as long as you want, speed. Not that it's always called for, but when it is, you will have the chops to pull it off.

PRECISION Precise as a Scalpel. Precision is KEY on this one as it's always moving and has two entirely different speeds in the same riff. Miss one note, it falls apart. You pick each one and keep synch/pace. Nice!


CONTROL No extra string noise, no unwanted notes and very even and deliberate pacing. All of the elements coming together here Soldier. Like I said previously, a bit of repetition and you will have your "Shred Legs" in place and playing briskly, even for long periods, will be no problem at all. I've always thought that ones creative expression should not be limited by ones technical ability and you are very close to eliminating any technical restraints on your uplaying.

Very well done Soldier. This is a VERY tricky bit and you played it with confidence. Did you end up using one of the THU patches I made or use one as a starting place to make your own ? Just curious about the tone, sounds nice!

You just.

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 5 2020, 03:54 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 6 2020, 10:02 AM

Thanks Sarge,

I tried the YJM patch but it seemed to increase banking noise from the palm mute. I could use the other as I didn't have the ovp file.

I used one of the TH-U Modern Metal patches. I'll let you know which one later when I'm home. I just added the "Quiet" nose gate, nice and simple.

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 6 2020, 07:16 PM

Here is the OVP file for the second patch just in case. I included it in the bottom of your critique. Just wanted to make sure you didn't miss it. Like every patch, it may not work as is for you. But it's a good start on a pushed tube amp rig. It's a tube amp being pushed by pedals. Building these up, even from a starter patch is a great way to understand signal path/chain.

I"m hoping that using a patch like this will allow you to play with a bit lighter picking hand which will open up your speed and smoothness quite a bit. Also, the added compression makes it easier on your left hand as well so that you don't have to press as hard to fret. You still can of course, it just changes the tone a bit. But learning to play with a light touch is one of the things that will take your play to the next level. For example, watch SLASH play a solo. Looks like he is barely extending any effort at all. The natural compression of his high wattage tube amps is doing it naturally.

 HardPushed_Tube_Amp.ovp.zip ( 2.74K ) : 148

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 6 2020, 05:02 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 6 2020, 07:20 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Why is it better to push a tube amp with a pedal instead of the gain knob?

The patch I used for TBC21 was in the Modern Metal bank and it is #8 called Metalcore, Aggressive

Just got https://www.overloud.com/products/choptones-brit-900-2c-el34 Rig library for £7.09 including tax from an offer I got from Overloud via email. €10 off any library even if it's already on sale. It was reduced from €29.00 down to €19.00 and I got another €10.00 off. BARGAIN

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 7 2020, 02:09 AM

Great question! In general, pushing a tube amp takes advantage of the tone of the amp while avoiding the problems you get with increasing the gain on the amp itself. This is why so many people use a "clean boost" like a tube screamer in front of a tube amp. The result is that the tone retains it's clarity and each note can be heard. If you turn up the gain on the amp itself, you run the risk of getting a bit too much fizz/fuzz/boominess going on which can cause notes to get muddy and blend together.

I liked the tone on 21! I'd say start with that patch as start tweaking. Save it to a new bank and then as you make changes, write it to the next slot over so you can always go back to your original patch and see how it changed along the way. I hope that makes sense?


I think you'll like that libarary. The CHOP TONES guys make some very cool stuff. I did one pack of 11 rack patches a long time ago for them. Very nice guys and killer tones.

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 6 2020, 02:20 PM)

Thanks Sarge,

Why is it better to push a tube amp with a pedal instead of the gain knob?

The patch I used for TBC21 was in the Modern Metal bank and it is #8 called Metalcore, Aggressive

Just got https://www.overloud.com/products/choptones-brit-900-2c-el34 Rig library for £7.09 including tax from an offer I got from Overloud via email. €10 off any library even if it's already on sale. It was reduced from €29.00 down to €19.00 and I got another €10.00 off. BARGAIN

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 22 2020, 08:24 PM

Hello Sarge,

I'm still WIA Sarge, slowly getting better, it has times when it seems to get real good then the next day it's gone back two weeks.

I am still trying though.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 23 2020, 06:49 PM

I am very sad to hear this phil as you are the steady pounding heart of bootcamp. Even when Missions are clearly making your head pop off and fingers and balls ache, you push through. It's inspiring which is why you probably have so many views on your bootcamp thread. I hope you get on the mend soon so you can inspire more people to earn it even when it seems impossible.

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 22 2020, 03:24 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 23 2020, 08:09 PM

I'm getting there slowly Sarge,

I explained it to Gab https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=53694&view=findpost&p=777949, https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=53694&view=findpost&p=778149, https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=53694&view=findpost&p=778199, and finally https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=53694&view=findpost&p=778403.

Obviously you don't have to read it but as you've had spinal issues much worse than mine, you may find it interesting. Regarding the "discovery" of what I think the cause was, I'm not so sure about the angle now but more the lack of support as it's only a mesh fabric.

Anyway, sorry to bore you with details but it is what it is, let's just hope that there is no permanent damage.

Talking of hits, have you seen how many Matt's had?????? HUMUNGOUS!!!!!!!

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 24 2020, 03:14 AM

FIrst off, GET THE HELL OUT OF THAT DAMN CHAIR!!!! It sounds like it's making everything worse. Unless I'm reading the story completely wrong Second, GET THE HECK TO A DOCTOR!!! ASAP!!!! It sounds like you need to get yourself looked at my friend. If you can't even play the guitar something is SERIOUSLY wrong. I mean SERIOUS. Get to a doctor as soon as you can as in NOW. Risking not being able to play for the rest of your life is simply not worth waiting till all this crazy covid crap is over. Put on a mask and gloves and get to a back doctor!!! If you are having nerve damage from something you need to find out before it gets worse and you end up paralized. This is very concnerning. Please get to a doctor as soon as you can make an appointment. Unlike our country, you guys have good health care!!!! Please please please get to a doctor.

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 24 2020, 06:31 AM

Thanks Sarge,

I'm not using the chair now, it is gradually getting better, I can pay guitar just not vibrato on chords at the moment or do right hand neck muting while tapping.

The chiropractor said he wouldn't manipulate while he thought there may be damage, this is the norm, the first time I had it bad, about 25 years ago, the physio only gave me gentle exercises.

For the record, the health service is good but if I went to my gp, he would refer me to physio, they don't use osteopaths or chiropractors in the NHS, that would be 4-6 weeks waiting. The only way to get this kinda thing sorted quickly is privately. This is why I have private health insurance. You have to go to your NHS gp to get referred,
this is a bit of a paradox, many NHS GP's say they don't agree with private health care, but they still charge you a private fee to do the referral letter for the insurance company., it's not a lot, around £40 but it's a bit hypocritical, not that that is stopping me,it has to be done to stop people typing off the insurance, it's just that this is a historic issue that I've had just as bad but not for so long so I kinda know how to manage it.

Previous incarnations of this issue I've had to use my right hand to help my left arm push certain buttons on the dash in my car, obviously when stationary and its okay to drive because those buttons are only heating /cooling and that kind of non essential thing. Last time I had it, too get my left hand to the ten o clock position of the steering wheel I had to use my fingers to kinda crawl up the wheel, once there I was fine, driving was fine because I could allow the wheel to support my arm, and I could still grip, it's always lifting the arm and rotating the palm of my hand towards my body that is the issue (playing guitar).

Regarding the chair, as I said, I'm not using it now but the reason I didn't realise at the time was because the chair is so comfortable, it says only when I was getting better with a week of bad weather, and then regressed when I used the chair in the garden again for a couple of hours when the good weather returned, that was when it dawned on me. I guess if its never had this issue before I would have realised immediately. As it is, I've had it for so long, and I can just wake up with it after not having it for a year I didn't think it was the chair because it is so comfortable.

I often get this issue for a few days when I go on holiday, change of bed and pillow but it's usually only a couple of days.

I appreciate your concern buddy but this morning I can lift my arm higher than yesterday so it is definitely improving, I spent an hour after dinner yesterday evening with my wife in the garden sitting in an uncomfortable upright deck chair but it didn't make my problem worse. I spent a few weeks using that chair for a couple hours here and there each day, even though my issue was there, thinking it was helping because of the comfort, so the issue isn't going to go away in a week. In fact the first time it took for weeks with two physio visits a week.

As I said, I appreciate your concern, I really do, but I think I've got this now, I'm not sitting in that chair again, though once my neck is fine, I might spend 30 minutes in it, just to see if I get a hint of an issue, just to prove the point to myself, or eliminate the chair from being the reason.

Cheers buddy, apologies for this none bishop related post in Bootcamp.

Speak soon.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 24 2020, 06:46 AM

I consider you a dear friend after all this time. I'm really worried here. Something is very wrong and it sounds like you are just too stubborn to go to a private doctor just for the principal of having to pay when you shouldn't ? My friend, you can be a stubborn human. I can appreciate that quality as I'm a stubbon human too. As you know it's the only reason I was able to learn guitar and learn to type despite being so dyslexic I can honestly barely read without switching some words around.

Please get to a doctor asap and find out what is causing all of this. You may have a pinched nerve, carpal tunnel, who knows. Whatever it is, it needs to be fixed by somebody who knows about these things. You may need and MRI / CAT SCAN etc. I want you to be healthy my friend. It pains me to know you are not well.

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 24 2020, 08:21 AM

Thanks buddy, I feel the same,

I am stubborn, but trust me I have zero issues about paying, I'd rather pay than go to the NHS. I don't need to pay as I have private health insurance, I have paid many times as there is an excess amount on the insurance and most times the cost of treatment is less than the excess. I paid over £400 for some special insole to be made in California for my feet, the podiatrist cost me another £200, if I'd gone private it would have cost the same due to the excess. It's more about missing time off work while we are trying to get the business back on its feet which is a struggle at the moment.

When my appendix nearly burst, it was NHS op as it was an emergency, they said it was the worst appendix they've ever taken out of a living human, they normally only ever see them like that post mortem. It didn't go well, I had 9 infections of the blood including e coli, due to the infection my legs were solid red like they'd been painted, my entire groin had what looked like a green moss over it and my upper body had what looked like nettle rash. The wound didn't heal, every time I coughed I could feel my intestines pop out. Went private to get it sorted, paid the excess of a few hundred quid, doc thought it would be an hour operation, turning into a two and a half hour op. When he opened me up, there was a hole the size of his fist in my six pack, it had healed all around the edge like a crater so he had to cut around the edge and put two layers of gauze to allow the flesh to grow across. It's still not right, there is a six inch long hard lump that feels like there is a banana in there, could be scar tissue, but I'm functioning.

Most of that is information surplus to requirements but it tell a story, I honestly don’t have an issue with not wanting to pay “ for the principal of having to pay when you shouldn't”. I’d rather pay and let someone else use the NHS resources that isn’t as fortunate as I am financially.

I'm managing to do 8 hours manual work a day as it’s all below shoulder height, so I’m all good, it’s getting better each day. I’ll play it by ear.

Again, I appreciate your concern buddy, I really do, if I do decide to get it looked at I won't even go through my GP and insurance, I'll be able to get an MRI and 10 visits to the physio for the cost of the excess, then if I need more, I'll take the hit and go through the GP and insurance and pay the excess. I've paid for many visits to physios and osteopaths over the years

Thank you.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 25 2020, 08:24 PM

The good news is that it sounds like you have a plan in place and are taking care of it That's all I was really worried about. My Dad would just let things get very bad because he was so stubborn he would wait and wait to see a doctor. I do hope you get better asap. I really hate that you are having to endure this while working your butt off and that it's getting in the way of guitar! The most important thing in life

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 24 2020, 03:21 AM)

Thanks buddy, I feel the same,


Again, I appreciate your concern buddy, I really do, if I do decide to get it looked at I won't even go through my GP and insurance, I'll be able to get an MRI and 10 visits to the physio for the cost of the excess, then if I need more, I'll take the hit and go through the GP and insurance and pay the excess. I've paid for many visits to physios and osteopaths over the years

Thank you.

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 25 2020, 09:44 PM

Thanks buddy,

The most important thing in life at the moment is keeping the business afloat and 19 people in jobs

Put the hybrid strings on my SRV tonight and for the first time in a long time I could tune using my left hand, I've been having to reach over with my right hand to turn the tuners.

It's all good buddy

Thank you

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 26 2020, 12:17 AM

I hear ya! That's 19 families you gotta help get food on the table for.

If the SRV gets to be too much of a pain, hand it off to a luthier and save yourself the trouble and get it back ready to play with the strings stretched and tuned

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 25 2020, 04:44 PM)

Thanks buddy,

The most important thing in life at the moment is keeping the business afloat and 19 people in jobs

Put the hybrid strings on my SRV tonight and for the first time in a long time I could tune using my left hand, I've been having to reach over with my right hand to turn the tuners.

It's all good buddy

Thank you

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 26 2020, 07:43 AM

I will give it to my mate if it's too much, they aren't open until July 4th anyway, it's nearly in tune, I think it's just a matter of balancing the trem springs and the strings. I've never changed string size before, only ever swapped like for like.

We'll get there, as I say, the strings are nearly in tune, some are spot on, I'd like to get experience at changing string sizes because it's something I've not done and presents a different challenge.

Cheers buddy.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 26 2020, 09:10 AM

I posted some advice in the other thread about this.
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=61076&view=findpost&p=778574

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 26 2020, 02:43 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 26 2020, 03:47 PM

Thanks Sarge I've replied and updated the reply

Posted by: Phil66 Jun 28 2020, 11:19 PM

Hello Sarge,

I can now lift my hand above my head, it's still very hard to rotate my palm towards my body but I'm getting there.

I'll be back soon

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 2 2020, 03:48 AM

That's progress!! I hope you get the help you need to get better Soldier!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jun 28 2020, 06:19 PM)

Hello Sarge,

I can now lift my hand above my head, it's still very hard to rotate my palm towards my body but I'm getting there.

I'll be back soon

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 2 2020, 09:16 AM

Thanks sarge, I can even pinch my right ear lobe with my left hand with the thumb at the front now, I couldn't even get it to my nose a couple of weeks ago

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 3 2020, 03:37 AM

Progress!! The more the better I'm glad to hear it sounds like your getting closer to normal each day! Keep it up!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 2 2020, 04:16 AM)

Thanks sarge, I can even pinch my right ear lobe with my left hand with the thumb at the front, now, I couldn't even get it to my nose a couple of weeks ago

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 6 2020, 09:49 PM

Hello Todd,

As I haven't had much recovery progress I had a video consultation today, to get through this final stage of recovery as quickly as possible I have to stop as much movement with my hands supinated (palm turned upwards towards body) as possible. He feels that doing prolonged movements in that position is antagonising the injury and causing much slower recovery. Unfortunately that means no guitar. Hopefully it will only be a few days as I'm 95% recovered but this final 5% is still preventing chord vibrato so I need to get to 100%..

I'll keep you informed.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 6 2020, 10:17 PM

Thanks for the update! I'm glad to hear you are getting close to recovery!!!!

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 6 2020, 04:49 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 12 2020, 07:51 PM

Hello Sarge,

Update, I've just tried the SRV lesson and still can't vibrato the chords, I also still can't do the tapping drill in bootcamp with my right hand muting at the top of the neck, I didn't expect to as I still have weakness in my left arm but it is getting better. As always, the last 20% of recovery seems to take 80% of the time for the total recovery. If I flex my left bicep, a lot of it is still soft whereas my right bicep is very firm. This tells me, I think, that many of the muscle fibres aren't being triggered by the related nerves, this has likely caused parts of the bicep to wither. I'll report this finding to the consultant tomorrow, it may need some electro-stimulation which I can do at home at a certain level.

We'll get there.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 13 2020, 08:52 AM

Soldier. Only the Noble of spirit fight on when pain besieges them. Take pride in you works and effort. Offer yourself the patience you have earned. We will all be here, anxious to hear your playing when the time is right.

Sage

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 12 2020, 02:51 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Jul 13 2020, 09:09 AM

Was your sign off a clever pun or a typo?

To be honest Sarge there isn't much pain, the left arm just isn't responding to nerve impulses at the moment, or rather the necessary nerves aren't being triggered.

We'll get there for sure.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 14 2020, 02:36 AM

I have great respect for anyone who fights through things and doesn't complain and you've have not winged one bit. I'm glad it's getting better Bootcamp and I will be here for ya!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Jul 13 2020, 04:09 AM)

Was your sign off a clever pun or a typo?

To be honest Sarge there isn't much pain, the last arm just isn't responding to nerve impulses at the moment, or rather the necessary nerves aren't being triggered.

We'll get there for sure.

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 3 2020, 09:42 PM

Hello Sarge,


I'm going to start working on strengthening this arm /shoulder for a few days, it's still not perfect but it could take months so I might as well try, the last few % always take the longest or cost the most in practically anything in life.

Hopefully I'll be back in Bootcamp very soon.

Speak soon buddy.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 3 2020, 10:20 PM

Hope you heal up and hair over as they say! Get strong Soldier!

Sarge


quote name='Phil66' date='Aug 3 2020, 04:42 PM' post='779309']
Hello Sarge,


I'm going to start working on strengthening this arm /shoulder for a few days, it's still not perfect but it could take months so I might as well try, the last few % always take the longest or cost the most in practically anything in life.

Hopefully I'll be back in Bootcamp very soon.

Speak soon buddy.
[/quote]

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 8 2020, 04:13 PM

Hello Sarge,

I'm pretty disappointed, tried out my holiday home setup, my shoulder problem seemed much much better but if you watch this video you can see that I still can't slide down the neck whilst holding a chord, even a power chord. I suppose I'll have to get some more help from someone, I think I will need more than a video consultation now which I'm a little bit uneasy about to be honest.

I can try the Bootcamp stuff though as most of that is single note stuff.

https://youtu.be/OeXWGCcyiS8

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 8 2020, 10:42 PM

Congats on getting back on the horse Soldier! I can see it's still painful. The good news is that like you say, bootcamp has a lot of single note stuff. I think you may need physical therapy which is hard via tele visit. Don't give up soldier!!

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 9 2020, 08:56 AM

Thanks Sarge,

It's not painful to be honest, it just won't work, almost like when someone has had a stroke. That grimace on my face isn't from pain, it's from determination trying to get the hand to move. I can move down the neck easily with one finger but not holding a chord.

The physio that I use and trust is only doing face to face consultations for urgent cases so I'm going to arrange another video consultation with them. It's nearly there now, I just hope it needs specific exercises and not more leaving the guitar alone.

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 12 2020, 04:40 AM

Good news about the pain! I'm sure you will work through this soldier!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 12 2020, 07:34 AM

One can only try eh Sarge?

Last night I could slide down the neck a couple of frets holding a power chord on my Ibby, I managed it quite a few times in succession, I was a little bit better than before on my MiM Strat (the white one) but it was a no go on my SRV so it is getting better.

I'm waiting for the physio to get back to me re a Skype consultation, they're having to juggle a lot of appointments as they have a couple off sick and there are only four of them in total so we'll see how it goes. Last night seemed promising though so maybe the whole neurological system is spurting back into life

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 13 2020, 11:28 PM

That's great news Soldier!!! keep calm and shred on!!! I look forward to your being back in the fight!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 12 2020, 02:34 AM)

One can only try eh Sarge?

Last night I could slide down the neck a couple of frets holding a power chord on my Ibby, I managed it quite a few times in succession, I was a little bit better than before on my MiM Strat (the white one) but it was a no go on my SRV so it is getting better.

I'm waiting for the physio to get back to me re a Skype consultation, they're having to juggle a lot of appointments as they have a couple off sick and there are only four of them in total so we'll see how it goes. Last night seemed promising though so maybe the whole neurological system is spurting back into life

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 15 2020, 07:47 PM

Hello Sarge,

Okay, there is some improvement, I haven't managed to get a video consultation just yet, they still have two of the four physios off sick and aren't taking any more bookings until next week but after some email discussion, they think that over the months the muscle fibres that weren't getting the impulse to switch on from the nerve signal have atrophied a lot. They said if there's no pain to speak of, just to keep on working at the stuff they can't do and see if they strengthen. They said if I get any pain at all, to stop again. They still want to see me but I have to contact them next week as the two of them are trying to video conference with their own patients and the two physio's patients that are off sick.

I think there is some progress, if you watch this video, it's amazing how the different guitars give different results. Please ignore any tuning issues as I just pulled them off the wall for the demo. This is the 7#9 chord but I'm not really paying much attention to hitting all of the strings, just getting the left hand working. I couldn't do this last week on any of these three guitars. Apologies for the flash of stripey underpants to it's pretty hot and sticky here at the moment

https://youtu.be/RCweZUYq-HE

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 15 2020, 11:03 PM

The docs are right, IF YOU FEEL PAIN STOP PLAYING!!!! You can permanently injure yourself like I've done in the past and it's just not worth it. Each axe will feel a bit different depending on how your body is doing and how thick the neck/strings are etc. Whichever one is the MOST comfy is probly the one to use til things smooth out

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 15 2020, 02:47 PM)

Hello Sarge,

Okay, there is some improvement, I haven't managed to get a video consultation just yet, they still have two of the four physios off sick and aren't taking any more bookings until next week but after some email discussion, they think that over the months the muscle fibres that weren't getting the impulse to switch on from the nerve signal have atrophied a lot. They said if there's no pain to speak of, just to keep on working at the stuff they can't do and see if they strengthen. They said if I get any pain at all, to stop again. They still want to see me but I have to contact them next week as the two of them are trying to video conference with their own patients and the two physio's patients that are off sick.

I think there is some progress, if you watch this video, it's amazing how the different guitars give different results. Please ignore any tuning issues as I just pulled them off the wall for the demo. This is the 7#9 chord but I'm not really paying much attention to hitting all of the strings, just getting the left hand working. I couldn't do this last week on any of these three guitars. Apologies for the flash of stripey underpants to it's pretty hot and sticky here at the moment

https://youtu.be/RCweZUYq-HE

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 16 2020, 07:34 AM

Strangely the SRV feels the most comfortable in my hands but I guess its not sitting the biomechanics at the moment. I'm not going to get the Ibby setup for my current lesson https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/SRV-Chordal-Licks/ which is what I had the SRV setup for, I'll just have to work with the Ibby and practise it in the wrong key

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 16 2020, 08:21 AM

Gotta use what's comfy!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 16 2020, 02:34 AM)

Strangely the SRV feels the most comfortable in my hands but I guess its not sitting the biomechanics at the moment. I'm not going to get the Ibby setup for my current lesson https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/SRV-Chordal-Licks/ which is what I had the SRV setup for, I'll just have to work with the Ibby and practise it in the wrong key

Posted by: Phil66 Aug 16 2020, 10:07 AM

Tye SRV is comfy but I can't use it, the Ibby feels like I'm playing a credit card but I can use it, none of them give me pain though, just on the SRV it's harder for me to move towards the headstock without taking my fingers off the fretboard.

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 16 2020, 08:21 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 18 2020, 01:21 AM

Feels like playing a credit card I got a good chuckle on that. I think they should make one with an American Express pain job. Would make a funny ad campaign I'm just glad that your not having pain when you play. I'm very sorry that this issue has gotten in your way, but I've been very impressed with how you have chosen to work through it. There is no QUIT in you Soldier!! You just don't know how, which is a good thing imho. Stay the course Solldier!! you will make it through this.

Todd

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Aug 16 2020, 05:07 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Dec 21 2020, 10:01 PM

Back in action sarge, shoulder is still weak, for instance, I can lift a guitar at arm's length above my should with my right arm but with my left I can barely lift it, still some work to do but we're getting there and I'm having hardly any hassle playing now.

I'm trying BC22 again, I've been struggling to position my hand to pull off every note so I went and checked on how Adam managed and noticed that, for instance, in bar two, he slides from the 12th fret to the 11th. Is that okay or should I try to pull off every note?

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 22 2020, 02:43 AM

Just do what you can Soldier. It's about getting something out of each mission and understanding what's at the core of the drill. You always put in maximum effort and always seem to get something out of it so I say go for it Great to see you back in the fight!!! Merry Xmas Soldier!!


Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Dec 21 2020, 05:01 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Dec 22 2020, 08:26 AM

Thanks Todd,

Merry Christmas to you too

It's just that I know Bootcamp is strict compared to QuickLicks but I didn't know how far you took the strictness in relation to the GP file.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 29 2020, 12:54 AM

You always put in maximum effort soldier. Keep pushing ahead! you've been doing great work in bootcamp.


Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Dec 22 2020, 03:26 AM)

Thanks Todd,

Merry Christmas to you too

It's just that I know Bootcamp is strict compared to QuickLicks but I didn't know how far you took the strictness in relation to the GP file.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 3 2021, 09:13 PM

Hello Sarge,

As suggested on Facebook, I've been trying thumbless for #22, it's going to take a lot of work to stop my thumb trying to go behind the neck when the tension sets in. I do think that my injury last year may have left some permanent damage, or at least weakened some deep deep areas that need some extreme rehabilitation.

Anyway, I'll give it another week for just 10-15 minutes a day and send a video up.

Cheers

Stay safe.

Peace

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 4 2021, 01:25 AM

Shoot me a preview vid if you can and maybe I can offer some quick tips?

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 3 2021, 04:13 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 4 2021, 09:26 PM

There you go Sarge,

I had to get a string mute wrap because doing the overhand thing at the moment gives a weird feeling in my left shoulder and makes my whole left arm and hand weaker, it must all be down to that injury last year.

Anyway, here is a video, I know there's a lot of unwanted string noise that needs working on as well as the rest. Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

https://youtu.be/YlEJNAxLTkY

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 5 2021, 09:13 PM

Further to the take above, here is this evening's take Sarge.

https://youtu.be/YPHQhdVvdBY

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 6 2021, 09:09 AM

Welcome back to the fight Soldier!! Congrats on just being able to play this as it's a BEAR of a lick since it forces you to only use the left hand. the point of all this is to get your left hand powerful enough to not require the pick. Once the left hand power comes in to play, picking becomes a tone choice, not a requirement. You start off very strong here but start to drift a bit from the metronome about half way down. Maybe back off the speed just a pinch so you can synch better and add a palm mute at the bridge to reduce string noise. It's a noisey lick by it's very nature, so a bit of a palm mute really helps. You can use the fretting hand to mute to a degree, it just makes it all even that much more tricky.


Soldier, I love that IBBY and that's a very nice shirt!!!!!!


Once more in to the breach Soldier!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 5 2021, 04:13 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 6 2021, 09:53 PM

Thanks Sarge,

If I ever have to stop playing I'm shipping this Ibby and the shirt straight to you

https://youtu.be/AuNpKHvoyhU

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 7 2021, 02:20 AM

it starts off well ! About 12 seconds in I start hearing a good bit of string bleed/noise and I notice I can't see where your palm mute hand is? if I could see your mute I
might be able to suggest something to sort out the issue soldier. The good news
is that your fret hand is doing a bang up job!! You are hitting the notes
and hitting them in time with the metronome which is GREAT! On playback, can you hear the string noise I'm talking about? I'm glad you are using a good amount of gain or I might not be able to hear it which isn't could as then we can't fix it!
I hate to have you go back in to breach soldier! But you gotta fight your way out!
Let me have one more where I can see you palm mute if possible. I remember
you injury may be causing this issue and if that's the case, and it can't
be adjusted, please let me know and we can move to the next one. your
fret hand clearly has this sorted out. If injury is creating an issue we can't fix
then there's not reason to keep pushing it.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 6 2021, 04:53 PM)

Thanks Sarge,

If I ever have to stop playing I'm shipping this Ibby and the shirt straight to you

https://youtu.be/AuNpKHvoyhU

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 7 2021, 08:53 AM

Thanks Sarge,

I tried palm muting but couldn't find a way to stop muting it altogether so I tried using my thumb by moving it across the strings as my left hand went across the neck.

The injury is making it more difficult but is rather try to beat it than move on, for me notable isn't about a race to the finish line but getting each lesson down the most accurate that you can so don't worry about sending me back into the beach, it's gotta be earned.

Cheers

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 7 2021, 01:20 AM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 7 2021, 10:08 PM

Hello Sarge,

Further to the above post, I tried again this evening, I couldn't do conventional palm mute, I couldn't find a balance, it either killed the notes or did nothing so I tried muting the adjacent sting that I'd just played with one finger. I also turn the gain up a lot so you could hear more.

https://youtu.be/GOXwYxlUfoI

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 8 2021, 09:13 PM

Hello Sarge,

Here is this evening's take, I think it is an improvement on yesterday's and tighter with the metronome, not spot on but tighter.

https://youtu.be/bpVVmznmKFU

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2021, 06:41 AM

That's the stuff Soldier!! Well done on the MUTE! This one really needs a mute. This is a very awkward lick to play. Playing with no pick isn't something the hand wants to do. It takes a bit of work get get the hands to play nice and just mute or do hammer/pulls. Also, finger power here is really important. Not enough and it won't work. Also, if the mute is to strong it will choke the strings. You got a better take going here and it's well done! There is a bit of bleed but it's good improvement and it's great to see!! Congrats Soldier you just.


LEVELED UP!!!

Attachments seem to have gone wonky soldier. I'll sort it soon as possible.


Onward
Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 8 2021, 04:13 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 9 2021, 08:23 AM

Thanks Sarge,

I might try another take, see if I can improve on the mute, as I said, I just couldn't do a full palm mute so I muted using my index finger as I traversed the strings, I think some of the noise was from my thumb catching the unwound strings.

Cheers

Stay safe

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2021, 08:58 AM

seemed to work I dont know why my attachments are not working properly. Seems intermittent. I'll try to put up your badge soon as I can!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 9 2021, 03:23 AM)

Posted by: azureus Feb 9 2021, 10:38 AM

hmm this looks interesting! .. working on the base is always smart !! .. maybe i should go back there and be smart too huh

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 9 2021, 12:54 PM

It's always good to work on your foundations

QUOTE (azureus @ Feb 9 2021, 09:38 AM)

hmm this looks interesting! .. working on the base is always smart !! .. maybe i should go back there and be smart too huh

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 9 2021, 09:10 PM

Another attempt, trying to eek out the noise bleed but it's so tricky for me.

https://youtu.be/iFOtlYYksqg

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2021, 10:10 PM

It's always worth working on foundational techniques. It can really help everything else in one's playing!

QUOTE (azureus @ Feb 9 2021, 05:38 AM)

hmm this looks interesting! .. working on the base is always smart !! .. maybe i should go back there and be smart too huh

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 9 2021, 04:10 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 9 2021, 10:23 PM

Thanks Sarge,

The injury isn't getting in the way of palm mute, my lack of skill is responsible for that the injury affected my left arm/hand, that's what is making it a struggle to come down in a good position to stop hitting the thinner string than the one I'm hammering on.

Cheers.

P. S sent PM

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2021, 10:28 PM

Glad to hear that, well not entirely but at least it's not hurting your mute! Left hand issues will make this lick all but impossible to play. I'm impressed with your determination Soldier!!! This is every string on the guitar using nothing but finger power. Your mute is improving quite a bit! I'm glad you dug in to this one. Keep that mute going in your solo playing if possible!

Also thanks for the updated 23 tab! I just checked it and it's one of those that I made before I started using GUITAR PRO. I was endorsed by a small company who made a competing product and it wasn't as good as guitar pro. It wasnt until I got a relationship with FRETLIGHT and they gave me the fretlight version of guitar pro that I made the switch. I fixed the red bars in the last bit. The way to do it is to add enough notes (4 quarter notes etc) to fill the bar and use the TIE NOTES function to tie them together. Here is the guitar pro file and picture. I'm going to ask fran to update it!


 23gp.gp5 ( 2.06K ) : 154

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 9 2021, 05:23 PM)

Thanks Sarge,

The injury isn't getting in the way of palm mute, my lack of skill is responsible for that the injury affected my left arm/hand, that's what is making it a struggle to come down in a good position to stop hitting the thinner string than the one I'm hammering on.

Cheers.

P. S sent PM

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 9 2021, 10:38 PM

Ahhh, I knew I needed more notes but didn't know about the "tie" thing.

Thanks for that.

Cheers

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 9 2021, 09:28 PM)

Glad to hear that, well not entirely but at least it's not hurting your mute! Left hand issues will make this lick all but impossible to play. I'm impressed with your determination Soldier!!! This is every string on the guitar using nothing but finger power. Your mute is improving quite a bit! I'm glad you dug in to this one. Keep that mute going in your solo playing if possible!

Also thanks for the updated 23 tab! I just checked it and it's one of those that I made before I started using GUITAR PRO. I was endorsed by a small company who made a competing product and it wasn't as good as guitar pro. It wasnt until I got a relationship with FRETLIGHT and they gave me the fretlight version of guitar pro that I made the switch. I fixed the red bars in the last bit. The way to do it is to add enough notes (4 quarter notes etc) to fill the bar and use the TIE NOTES function to tie them together. Here is the guitar pro file and picture. I'm going to ask fran to update it!


 23gp.gp5 ( 2.06K ) : 154

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2021, 10:56 PM

Took me forever to figure it out. Finally got it It's this little button i've screen grabbed. Just select the notes you want to tie and then hit the icon.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 9 2021, 05:38 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 10 2021, 08:54 AM

Brilliant thanks

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 12 2021, 09:54 PM

Hello Sarge.

TBC23 Take 1. The middle take goes way off the click.

https://youtu.be/vIZzLmZ60nU

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 13 2021, 03:35 AM

Impressive work Soldier!! Running a scale up the neck using the back and forth technique is flat out tricky. This is one of my favorite licks. It makes a great warmup lick for getting the hands ready to do long runs, and it works great as a solo lick for building tension in a solo. It starts way low and runs way, way up the neck. Licks like this look and sound impressive which i why I like them Let's Debrief.

You are displaying very good technique here soldier! You are seated properly and your guitar angle is good. Also, you are NOT picking from the elbow. Your using thumb/finger articulation and some wrist which is appropriate for a lick like this. Also, you have clean pick strikes. (Which pick are you using here btw?) Further you have enough gain on your signal to allow you to lighten your strikes and fretting to allow smooth sliding. Also, I really need to hear it with a good bit of gain on it to tell if there are gaps in your mute, string noise etc. It the gain is too low, it masks many mistakes. So good tone soldier!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 12 2021, 04:54 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 13 2021, 07:19 AM

Thanks Sarge,

I'm using the Ibby pick for this one.

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 13 2021, 11:47 PM

Thanks much for pointing out that MISSION #24 needs a bit of a refresh! I took your first tab that you sent and modified it just a bit. I'll ask fran to replace the docs in the thread the download links should start working again as well. I changed this back to the H marking you suggested to begin with. Good call!

 Phil_Mission_24a_Left_Hand_Strength_Speed___Stretch.gp5 ( 2.11K ) : 141




Here is part B. You did a fine job on this one too! It was missing a few notes, but that is easily fixed. Added palm mute and used your nomenclature for Hammer on.

 Mission_24b_Left_Hand_Strength_Speed___Stretch.gp5 ( 2.18K ) : 141

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 14 2021, 12:01 AM

It's up to you buddy but that doesn't match how I did it.

Your call

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 13 2021, 10:47 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 14 2021, 12:18 AM

I just re did it using the symbol you had originally put in for H. Good call! The note sequence needed a bit of tweaking but it should be correct now for A and B. It's three strings then reverse one string. Maybe I'm not getting what you mean, but it should be correct, hopefully

EDIT: Ahh I went back and looked at yours and you had started the Hammer on at the first strike. That first note isn't a hammer on as it's a strike with a pick. So the next two are a hammer on. I used the H/P icon like you did instead of the Left Hand Hammer icon.

This is a screen grab from your original. Notice how the hammer on notation starts over top of the icon for down stroke. The down stroke isn't a hammer so I adjusted it over.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 13 2021, 07:01 PM)

It's up to you buddy but that doesn't match how I did it.

Your call

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 14 2021, 10:58 AM

Sarge, I made an error in 24a, now corrected and I've sent in PM

Regarding hammer-on/pull-off tab. How I've always seen it is the slur is put from the picked note to the hammered note, it's saying "you go from this note to the next by using a hammer on" this is why the "H" is put between the notes.

In my mind, how you've done it without a slur between the first picked note and the hammered note isn't telling the reader what to do with the second note only to hammer on from the second to the third.

Think about it like this, if there are only two notes, the first picked and the second hammered or pulled, where do you put the slur? From the first note to the second, subsequently, if more hammer ons /pull offs are used, the slur stretches from the first picked note to the last note.

http://totalguitarist.com/lessons/reading/tab/hammer-ons-and-pull-offs/

Here's how it is done in the Troy Stetina books, they put individual slurs on each note but it still originates from the picked note. This is how I have always understood it to be.

https://flic.kr/p/2kBBQUE
© Troy Stetina 1990

Cheers

Phil

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 15 2021, 09:42 PM

Hello Sarge,

24 a+b take 1, a couple of little mistakes but I've put it up for critique before any bad habits develop

Cheers

https://youtu.be/g8LLAVQwkKw

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 16 2021, 09:45 PM

Another take Sarge,

I missed the initial beat on part b but I think I recovered okay. Also injury giving me hassle again, nothing major but you will see my shoulder jump when returning to the bass strings. No pain just trying to throw it into position because it won't go on its own

https://youtu.be/A_7EkH9JTBs

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 17 2021, 02:21 AM

I thought you might make a second take Soldier. You are one of the hardest working blokes around. I like this second take better and I"d say it's ready for a review. Your technique is solid Soldier. This one requires that you run the entire rack of strings. Not only that, it requires you traverse all the way up and all the way down so that I can your traversal technique as well as your fretting technique over the range of . The good news is your left hand is getting way better. Didn't miss a note. Hit everything and used the pinky as needed. A good string pinky is key on this. I've seen some folks try this with the first three fingers believe it or not. I put it way down on the neck to force the hand to use the pinky. Your pinky is up to speed. Also, you are using very clean strikes and hammering on the rest, which is great. The only thing I thing I see that needs work is the position of your picking hand. You are sitting in classical position and have the guitar at a good angle. It's all there. The picking hand is doing it's just moving up and down a bit more than I'd like to see. This is an advanced approach but I think you are ready for it. "center strategy" try to plant your hand on the bridge in roughly the middle if possible. Then angle the hand up or down without lifting. This provides a solid and consistent mute. However, I know you are dealing with an injury and as such this may not be physically possible for you. So take it as a suggestion. As for this mission, you've got it sorted. You are ready for what's next.

You just...

LEVELED UP!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 16 2021, 04:45 PM)

Another take Sarge,

I missed the initial beat on part b but I think I recovered okay. Also injury giving me hassle again, nothing major but you will see my shoulder jump when returning to the bass strings. No pain just trying to throw it into position because it won't go on its own

https://youtu.be/A_7EkH9JTBs

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 17 2021, 08:39 PM

Thanks Sarge, onto the next one,

If you get chance could you shoot a quick vid to demonstrate please?

Thanks.

Cadet Phil

P.S Got some good news, I get my 1st dose of the two-stage Covid19 vaccine on Monday evening

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 17 2021, 01:21 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 18 2021, 04:27 AM

There is a vid demo at full chat but it can be slowed down in youtube to .5 or so. Your tab is quite good and much better than the old tab which was pre guitar pro. You've got the idea of the lick. It doesn't need to be played fast. It's just going back and forth in a minor scale.

 Mission_25_Combining_Alternate___economy_picking.gp5 ( 2.41K ) : 142

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 17 2021, 03:39 PM)

Thanks Sarge, onto the next one,

If you get chance could you shoot a quick vid to demonstrate please?

Thanks.

Cadet Phil

P.S Got some good news, I get my 1st dose of the two-stage Covid19 vaccine on Monday evening

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 18 2021, 03:53 PM

Thanks Sarge,

Where does the TAB need improving? You said "quite good" which means it isn't spot on. Just noticed a typo though lol, the number 7 after "Get yer pickin going"

The main thing I was concerned about is the picking directions.

Where do I find the video for the central planted palm Sarge? Can't find the "full chat" anywhere.

Cheers

Phil

UPDATE: I realised you meant a video at "full speed" for the lesson (24), but I actually meant, any chance of recording a quick vid to show what you meant by "The picking hand is doing it's just moving up and down a bit more than I'd like to see. This is an advanced approach but I think you are ready for it. "center strategy" try to plant your hand on the bridge in roughly the middle if possible. Then angle the hand up or down without lifting. This provides a solid and consistent mute" See here >> https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=57060&view=findpost&p=784915

I also notice int he video that your pick is not horizontal to the strings, if the strings are east to west, your pick looks north to south if that makes sense, so your pick is sliding across the strings and not "plucking" them. Is that correct?

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 19 2021, 12:10 AM

tab is perfect. Even has the TIE note and palm mutes. Sorry if I was not clear yes Keeping the pick nearly vertical, about 45 degrees is called pick slanting or pick edging. I NEVER pick flat relative to the string. Ever. It gets the pick caught in the string and ruins recovery time. Kris did a great vid on this It's the forward angle of the pick that lets just the tip do the strike. As for the tab I didn't notice any typos unless you did in which case please share

There is not video for planting the palm. It's a simple idea, just place your palm roughly in the middle of the bridge. That's it, nothing more complicated than that. It's not a matter of perfect precision. Just try to keep the palm centered on the bridge. The idea is to try to not let the palm drift up and down if possible depending on if you are playing high or low strings. Palm travel is something the hand wands to do. So fight it.

Here is kris video.



I like this vid also but he calls it pick edging. NOtice how far up the pick he holds it so that just the tip sticks out. THis is the way I hold it and it's worked better than anything else.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 18 2021, 10:53 AM)

Thanks Sarge,

Where does the TAB need improving? You said "quite good" which means it isn't spot on. Just noticed a typo though lol, the number 7 after "Get yer pickin going"

The main thing I was concerned about is the picking directions.

Where do I find the video for the central planted palm Sarge? Can't find the "full chat" anywhere.

Cheers

Phil

UPDATE: I realised you meant a video at "full speed" for the lesson (24), but I actually meant, any chance of recording a quick vid to show what you meant by "The picking hand is doing it's just moving up and down a bit more than I'd like to see. This is an advanced approach but I think you are ready for it. "center strategy" try to plant your hand on the bridge in roughly the middle if possible. Then angle the hand up or down without lifting. This provides a solid and consistent mute" See here >> https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?s=&showtopic=57060&view=findpost&p=784915

I also notice int he video that your pick is not horizontal to the strings, if the strings are east to west, your pick looks north to south if that makes sense, so your pick is sliding across the strings and not "plucking" them. Is that correct?

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 19 2021, 05:44 AM

Thanks Sarge,

I'll watch this when I get chance,

I did try it last night before you posted those videos and it just felt completely alien, probably because I've flat picked for so long because that's what I thought was how it was done and no one to one teacher has ever told me otherwise. Oh well, we'll see how it goes.

Re the typo, I did share mate, I said "the number 7 after "Get yer pickin going"". Its not a typo in the TAB, its in the subtitle.

Cheers

Stay safe

Phil

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 18 2021, 11:10 PM)

tab is perfect. Even has the TIE note and palm mutes. Sorry if I was not clear yes Keeping the pick nearly vertical, about 45 degrees is called pick slanting or pick edging. I NEVER pick flat relative to the string. Ever. It gets the pick caught in the string and ruins recovery time. Kris did a great vid on this It's the forward angle of the pick that lets just the tip do the strike. As for the tab I didn't notice any typos unless you did in which case please share

There is not video for planting the palm. It's a simple idea, just place your palm roughly in the middle of the bridge. That's it, nothing more complicated than that. It's not a matter of perfect precision. Just try to keep the palm centered on the bridge. The idea is to try to not let the palm drift up and down if possible depending on if you are playing high or low strings. Palm travel is something the hand wands to do. So fight it.

Here is kris video.



I like this vid also but he calls it pick edging. NOtice how far up the pick he holds it so that just the tip sticks out. THis is the way I hold it and it's worked better than anything else.

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 19 2021, 08:55 PM

Helo Sarge,

Further to the post right above this one, I have taken two videos one from the neck and one from the front. In each one, the first play from the high strings to low and back again is my normal palm mute technique and the second is with my palm planted in the middle.

I find when I plant my palm and don't slide it across the string it feels very awkward, I'm having to behave like the fingers on a clock and rotate my hand to get my pick to the strings.

What are your thoughts? The muting isn't up to my normal standard, maybe it's the very close scrutiny going on

Cheers

https://youtu.be/iRgLJ8SraX8


https://youtu.be/5a5_wsUhaus

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 19 2021, 11:42 PM

No worries on the tab I sorted it Thanks again for your work on the tabs. It's great practice to tab things. As for picking, yea, this could be a game changer for your playing. You've been in the trenches long enough now that I think you are ready to start adapting your playing to include more advanced approaches. I don't like throwing everything at a player at once. It can be overwhelming. Pick slanting/Edging an make playing much easier once you get used to it as it's just the most efficient way to address the strings imho. Requires less energy, improves traverse, etc. It's simply the best way to go about it. Now that your mute and and hand synch and timing are all going well. I think it's time to try to improve your pick angle. it's the one thing I can see that is holding you back at this point. it will seem odd at first but only at first. After all your really just letting the hand find a natural angle. Choke up on the pick as far as you can. Just use the tip. Bam. new worlds will open up

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 19 2021, 12:44 AM)

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 19 2021, 03:55 PM)

Helo Sarge,

Further to the post right above this one, I have taken two videos one from the neck and one from the front. In each one, the first play from the high strings to low and back again is my normal palm mute technique and the second is with my palm planted in the middle.

I find when I plant my palm and don't slide it across the string it feels very awkward, I'm having to behave like the fingers on a clock and rotate my hand to get my pick to the strings.

What are your thoughts? The muting isn't up to my normal standard, maybe it's the very close scrutiny going on

Cheers

https://youtu.be/iRgLJ8SraX8


https://youtu.be/5a5_wsUhaus

Posted by: Phil66 Feb 19 2021, 11:42 PM

Thanks Sarge.

I'll do my best Just to clarify, both videos have palm drag and centre plant it's just that in each video the first traverse across the strings and back is palm drag and the second traverse and back is centre plant.

Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 1 2021, 04:24 AM

You've got good palm mute techique here. "Center strategy" is more of a goal than a practical approach. It's just the idea that, when possible, it's a good idea to try to center the palm on the bridge. Depending on what's being played, it can be adjusted as needed. It's really about trying to get away from just moving the pick hand up and down the strings which can cause it's own form of string noise.

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Feb 19 2021, 06:42 PM)

Thanks Sarge.

I'll do my best Just to clarify, both videos have palm drag and centre plant it's just that in each video the first traverse across the strings and back is palm drag and the second traverse and back is centre plant.

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 1 2021, 10:06 PM

TBC 25 Take 1 Sarge,

Sorry I didn't get much of my right hand in shot.

https://youtu.be/sdr0PKrQsdI

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 2 2021, 01:55 AM

BINGO!! This is a complicated lick due to all of the constant back and forth in it. it requires a high degree of concentration since there are so many repeated notes. if one note is out of order, it sticks out like a sore thumb. The good news is that the notes are all in place!! Clean strikes, solid palm mute, good pick angle, it's all there. Your technique is solid soldier!!! This lick can be played a bit faster by using the "strike once, hammer many" approach and striking only now and then and using legato to fill in the rest of the notes. For use in a solo, I often use the pick one hammer many technique on licks like this as it's just more efficient and in a solo context. As for this Mission, you are doing it just right!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 1 2021, 05:06 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 2 2021, 07:23 AM

Thanks Sarge,

Onto TBC26. What is that symbol in the last note of the TAB?

Cheers

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 2 2021, 09:55 PM

TBC 26 Take 1 Sarge. Increasing the BPM with each loop, I did fluff it on one of the loops but I recorved and carried on.

https://youtu.be/BwBg6p1GOjY

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 3 2021, 09:09 AM

Well fought Soldier! This is a very tricky lick due to it's constant back and forth. it's a great way to stress test the fingers and see if they can keep up with each other! Also, it's a stress test of hand synch. It's got so much string traverse, coupled with so much back and forth that it's easy for the fingers to get lost in it. The good news is there is no drift or gaps in your playing. Also, well played on doing several passes. It lets me see your hands over a distance of ground. There were a few bits that needed a polish on some of the runs but a couple of them were really spot on. it's those that im grading here.

Your mute is solid and not lifting or drifting, your synch is tight, your picking is nice and clean and your angle is good. In short your technique is looking good soldier!! Clearly you have put your time in the wood shed!! I think your Tshirt is also helping your playing!! It's a magic talisman that brings good fortune and shred in to focus.

In short you just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 2 2021, 04:55 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 3 2021, 09:44 PM

Thanks Sarge,

BTC 27 Take 1 320bpm 1/4 notes

After a few runs I noticed that I was slightly off with the metronome so I paused and did some more which I feel are more in time.

https://youtu.be/AuOTvoBXYQ4


Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 4 2021, 09:33 AM

Well Fought Soldier!! You are in a RIPPING, TEARING, RAIDING streak. Keep it up! You may have noticed that this bit forces your fingers apart and makes you stretch to reach the notes. it's placed mid neck to make this lesson unplayable if the first three fingers are used. Your first take is nice and clean. Good synch and good timing with the metronome. This type of lick works as a "Shred lick" as you keep going, try to see if you can use the "strike once hammer many" technique and strike as few strings as you can and use legato for most of it instead. The harder you press your palm mute, the more legato notes will sound like they are picked. Also, for solo work, you can rush or lag a bit just to add flavor to a given lick. As with all of these, try each each mission out as a solo lick with a youtube backing if at all possible. It will prep your hands for the next collab!

Well fought Soldier! you are ready for what awaits. You just..

LEVELED UP!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 3 2021, 04:44 PM)

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 4 2021, 09:58 AM

Thanks Sarge,

No need for me to do a GP file for that one, it already had one

On to 28

https://youtu.be/0dY7Xik58NI

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 6 2021, 07:02 AM

This is a great start Soldier! i am hearing just a bit of issue here and there. In the first pass, about 3 to 4 seconds in, when descending. It sounds like perhaps an open string was allowed to slip out of mute and create a bit of string noise. Up til then it was doing very well. This one is all about keeping a huge amount of notes clean and separated. I like how you are pushing your speed here, but it may be just a pinch to far. You can put up a slower take and a faster take if you like to show control and then show how you are progressing on speed?

I noticed small errors in the other passes as well. I'd ask you to watch the video again with fresh ears and see if you can isolate them as well. Part of the process is deconstructing ones own playing which can be very frustrating at times. If I was playing this lick in a solo, I'd legato about half of the notes. But, for a picking drill, it's important to pick them all and keep them all separated. A bit harder push on your palm mute will stop any string noise. Even if you leave the left hand fretted as you transition, if the mute is strong it will clamp notes that are not being struck. This is the tricky part, too much mute and you choke the strings, not enough and you get string noise.

Give me one more on this, slow down a bit on one take and focus on clean separation and speed up on one to show speed progress. The Tab looks perfect btw!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 4 2021, 04:58 AM)

Thanks Sarge,

No need for me to do a GP file for that one, it already had one

On to 28

https://youtu.be/0dY7Xik58NI

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 6 2021, 09:44 PM

Take 2 Sarge,

I do fluff one of the runs, this is 216bpm-264bpm in 2% increments playing quarter notes.

Sorry that the sync is off a little, I forgot to click "record" in Reaper so this is the direct audio feed from one of my headphone sockets into Capture.

https://youtu.be/7AF4ieP6A5o

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 7 2021, 04:58 AM

Nice! The first one is spot on. This is very controlled and very precise. I like to see a "speed run" or two just to see how you are progressing when pushing the envelope. Your displaying a high level of control in picking and muting which is good to see. Your able to keep a solid palm mute while traversing strings which is a skill all by itself. The only small issue I see is sliding first finger back and forth instead of shifting hand position during that first 11/12th fret move. This is just a players preference though as this lick doesn't go any further toward the low E. If the lick were carried all the way to the low E, it would be better to shift hand position. however, I know you are fighting against injury to be playing at all and even at full chat this would still be a very small thing. It's certainly not enough to keep you badging up. Just thought I'd make a note of it.

You got this one sorted Soldier.
You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 6 2021, 04:44 PM)

Take 2 Sarge,

I do fluff one of the runs, this is 216bpm-264bpm in 2% increments playing quarter notes.

Sorry that the sync is off a little, I forgot to click "record" in Reaper so this is the direct audio feed from one of my headphone sockets into Capture.

https://youtu.be/7AF4ieP6A5o

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 7 2021, 10:01 PM

I've taken the badge Sarge but I've also done another take with no slide.

It's 240bpm-300bpm, there are places where i lose it and have to pick up again, and as we approach the 300bpm mark you will hear some hand sync issues, ie, the note is hammered on just before the pick hits the string giving a double note.

As well as learning the exercises, I'm working hard on relaxing both hands ss much as possible, can you notice any result yet? I think I can when I watch the videos.

https://youtu.be/FBFXFGU3Fg4


Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 9 2021, 04:17 AM

Impressive work Soldier! I appreciate you going back to finish it off! This is very good form. That hand position is quite good. Your hand synch is better on this one as well and precision is increased. It was worth doing a few more, I can see the improvements! Well played. Also your faster versions are more precise as well. This is great preparation for what is to come. This style of lick will be run all the way down in various forms. Also all the way back up, so getting used to doing the fret position this way is a very good thing. Super spiff Soldier! I am looking forward to your next mission!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Phil66 @ Mar 7 2021, 05:01 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 12 2021, 06:42 AM

Updated Mission 29

 29a_2.gp5 ( 1.77K ) : 139



 29b.gp5 ( 1.75K ) : 135

Posted by: Phil66 Mar 16 2021, 09:54 PM

Hello Sarge,

Okay, here is take one of SBC29a 168bpm - 192bpm. It threw me of a little bit with the timing, having 1/8 notes with notes grouped in threes, messed with my head This exercise aggravates my injury a little bit for some reason but it's not too bad.

Are they okay submitted like this with the increasing tempo? I think it works well and gives you a chance to see me going from okay to bad so you ight spot something that can be improved.

https://youtu.be/C5kcylZRET0


And here is SBC 29b

https://youtu.be/szGWvQt0_Sw


Cheers

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 16 2021, 10:29 PM

Good job Soldier! Sorry to hear this makes your injury flare up. The second part is very solid. The first part is sorta working as you are clearly able to play it but you rush in the middle nearly every time. You start on the beat and end on the beat, but the middle section seems more like you are focusing on just hitting the notes than being tied to the metronome. This usually happens when a soldier is playing a bit above a comfy speed. As this is not a speed drill, more of a precision drill to see if you can keep to the beat, give me one more of PART A and slow it down a pinch so that you can stick each note on a beat. The notes are in groups of three but each one should be tied directly to a beat. It might help to set the metronome for all clicks and no clacks. Give me one more Soldier!

Sarge