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GMC Forum _ Mtp (Bogdan) _ Gitarrero Mtp Thread - August

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 6 2010, 01:04 PM

Hello my friend! Welcome to the last month of MTP. You have made lots of progress during this mtp and I want to congratulate you on keeping up the good work!

Do you have any special request for this month work?

We could focus more on improvisation (walking bass) or we could work on technique some more?

I think both need more focus, maybe you want to do 2 technique and 2 walking assignments?

Let me know your thoughts so we can start working on the first assignment! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 6 2010, 02:33 PM

Hi Bogdan!

You're right, I need to work on technique and on improvisation some more, while I think technique needs more work, especially the fretting hand. After all, bass strings are much thicker than guitar strings and harder to push down. So I guess we could start with two assignments for technique and then come back to walking bass again!

Looking forward to this last month, I have learned a lot in this time!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 6 2010, 04:25 PM

Yes I agree! Technique needs more focus.

Here is your first assignment that will really get your fingers moving.

Weekly assignment 1:


String Crossing Workout 1


Lesson to practice:

String Crossing workout 1 lesson : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/string_crossing_workout_1/

Goal :
To expand your technique abilities.

Purpose :
Give your left and right hands a challenge. Develop dexterity and alternate picking technique.

Instructions :

Go through the lesson material and practice the patterns. This will really be challenging at first but don't worry about it. Play it on the slow tempo with supplied backings in the lesson.

Requirements :


Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done.
As an assignment I want you to record a video of you playing the patterns. Now as always, its better to record it on a slow tempo (one you feel its fastest comfortable for you). Please let me know about the tempo of the drum backing you'll be needing so I can supply you with one.

Deadline to complete:
12th of August

Let me know if you have any questions etc.

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 9 2010, 05:24 PM

Hi Bogdan,

this is a challenging assignment! It is really hard to keep the alternate picking throughout the patterns, and sometimes I pluck the wrong string by accident. I think I'll have to practice the patterns over and over till they really sink into my memory...Nevertheless, I will submit a take on thursday. Not sure about the tempo yet...

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 9 2010, 10:13 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Aug 9 2010, 06:24 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,

this is a challenging assignment! It is really hard to keep the alternate picking throughout the patterns, and sometimes I pluck the wrong string by accident. I think I'll have to practice the patterns over and over till they really sink into my memory...Nevertheless, I will submit a take on thursday. Not sure about the tempo yet...


Yes this is challenging but doable. You have to play it REALLY slow! Just use the GMC metronome for that at play one note per metronome click.
Since its challenging, for assignment video - you can record some patterns you practiced mostly and you don't need to do them all (for me to check out your progress and you playing). Key with this is to play it really slow at first and concentrate on your plucking hand! Let me know how it goes.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 13 2010, 04:35 PM

How is it going? Do you need the slow backing? We can also exchange this assignment for an easier one if you wish ?

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 13 2010, 05:03 PM

I'm recording it at 80 bpm at the moment, video will be up in a few minutes!

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 13 2010, 05:36 PM

Here we go! This assignment was really challenging, I'm gonna keep practicing this one.


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 13 2010, 10:11 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Aug 13 2010, 06:36 PM) *
Here we go! This assignment was really challenging, I'm gonna keep practicing this one.



Very good! This is challenging and you did well. When practicing this work on the sustain of the notes and concentrate on plucking hands alternation. This is quite a workout for the fretting hand too. But once you get into it, you will get better at it fast and it will definitely develop your technique pretty fast.

Weekly assignment 2:

Walking Bass Concept 4

Lesson to practice:

Walking Bass Concept 4 lesson : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/walking-bass-concept-4/

Goal : Learn how to improvise 4 feel walking bass lines!

Purpose : Develop your improvisation toolbox!

Instructions :

Go through the lesson material. Understand the concept of playing in 4 feel and using triads for improvisation.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done.
As an assignment I want you to record a video of you improvising the walking bass line to the backing track. I would like if you could improvise your own version of the line using the concepts covered.

Deadline to complete: 17th of August

Let me know if you have any questions etc.

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 17 2010, 03:37 PM

Hi Bogdan,

sorry, I cannot finish this assignment in time as I am on a business trip until tomorrow evening (and I don't have a bass with me...), but I'll submit a take on thursday! Practicing went well this weekend, so I shouldn't have to many problems recording this.
See you!
Christian

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 17 2010, 10:20 PM

No problem my friend! I'm glad you had some time to practice it. Looking forward to your take... smile.gif

Here is the 120bpm backing:

 120.mp3 ( 688.29K ) : 280

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 21 2010, 02:26 PM

Hey Bogdan,
I'm really sorry about the delay, been really busy this week...anyway, here we go! And if the next assignment is not too difficult, I will be able to practice it tomorrow and record it on monday evening, so we can keep the time schedule.
I had a few problems with this lesson as it was a bit faster than the others, on the other hand I'm really comfortable with the walking bass concept now and it's great fun to play!


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 21 2010, 02:58 PM

Hello my friend! I'm glad to see a new video of you. I like how you feel more relaxed with the concept of walking bass and you learned some theory tactics for improvisation which will be valuable in all styles not just walking bass. This improv was nice and I see that technique is getting in the way but not to worry - you'll master that. In the mean time just practice with slower backings. Walking bass is very fun to play as its all improvisation - just look at the chords and play. The more you practice it the more confident you will be with different patterns.

For next assignment I want you to learn about muting technique.

Weekly assignment 3:

Muting

Lesson to practice:

Bass First Steps : Muting : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Bass_First_Steps_Muting/

Goal : Learn about muting technique and how to use it to clean up your playing.

Purpose : Be able to control all strings and play cleanly.

Instructions :

Go through the lesson material. Understand the concepts of muting technique and apply them in exercises.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done.
As an assignment I want you to record a video of playing the examples form the lesson against a drum backing. Use one of drum backings you allready have - choose the tempo which is comfortable to you!

Deadline to complete: 23th of August

Let me know if you have any questions etc.

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 23 2010, 02:16 PM

Hi Bogdan!
Her is my take of the muting lesson, it worked well so far, so I gave it a shot at 120 bpm. It was a bit too fast at times, but I am pretty happy with this take. What do you think?
Christian


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 24 2010, 12:38 AM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Aug 23 2010, 03:16 PM) *
Hi Bogdan!
Her is my take of the muting lesson, it worked well so far, so I gave it a shot at 120 bpm. It was a bit too fast at times, but I am pretty happy with this take. What do you think?
Christian



Very good! I see that you are having control over most of muting tasks. Only the right hand technique is a bit slow for the tempo given.

Here is a new assignment :

Weekly assignment 4:

Arpeggios

Lesson to practice:

Arpeggios lesson : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/arpeggios-lesson/

Goal : Learn 4 arpeggio shapes.

Purpose : Develop right and left hand technique and learn theory and fingering of arpeggios.

Instructions :

Go through the lesson material. Understand the theory and fingerings for arpeggios.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done.

As an assignment I want you to record a video of playing arpeggios shown in lesson in 8th notes against a drum backing track you already have. Remember to choose a slow backing so you can comfortably play all shapes. Goal here is to play clean and precise not fast!

Deadline to complete: 29th of August

Let me know if you have any questions etc.

YOUR REC TAKE FOR THIS MONTH WILL BE THIS LESSON (if you agree?) : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/muse-style-bass-lesson/

Its an interesting lesson that will focus on your fingering and plucking technique. Let me know what you think about it.



Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 27 2010, 04:17 PM

Hi Bogdan,

I have been practicing the arpeggios and it works well on 80 bpm so far. Right now I am trying them on 100 bpm, it's not as clean as I want it to be, I'll see what I can achieve until tomorrow, cause then I want to record a video of it.
The Muse lesson is really cool, great assignment for the finish of this MTP. I am already practicing it, so if you send me the backing track I try to record it tomorrow as well.
See you!
Christian

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 28 2010, 04:07 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Aug 27 2010, 05:17 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,

I have been practicing the arpeggios and it works well on 80 bpm so far. Right now I am trying them on 100 bpm, it's not as clean as I want it to be, I'll see what I can achieve until tomorrow, cause then I want to record a video of it.
The Muse lesson is really cool, great assignment for the finish of this MTP. I am already practicing it, so if you send me the backing track I try to record it tomorrow as well.
See you!
Christian


80bpm sounds fine for arpeggios! smile.gif If you can't make 100 clean record 80 please.

I'm really glad you like the Muse lesson , you can find the backing track in this topic : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=29154

Looking forward to your videos! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 28 2010, 05:59 PM

Hi Bogdan,

here is my take at 80 bpm, worked well so far, but my camera was acting funny, switching to night mode...so I checked the monitor again and again. Anyway, I think you can see clear enough what I am doing!
Thanks for the BT, hopefully I'll be able to record a take tomorrow, I'll keep you updated!


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 29 2010, 02:30 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Aug 28 2010, 06:59 PM) *
Hi Bogdan,

here is my take at 80 bpm, worked well so far, but my camera was acting funny, switching to night mode...so I checked the monitor again and again. Anyway, I think you can see clear enough what I am doing!
Thanks for the BT, hopefully I'll be able to record a take tomorrow, I'll keep you updated!



Very good! I liked the fact you played slower and more precise! You should continue practicing these patterns in order to embed arpeggio shapes in your muscle memory and also because you will as a bass player find yourself relaying a lot on exactly those notes! smile.gif

Looking forward to your REC take!

You did great job this month! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 29 2010, 03:47 PM

Hi Bogdan,

here is my Muse take, just uploaded it, so it may take a little while until you can fully watch the video...youtube is acting a bit funny on my PC lately. That was a fun lesson! I am having trouble playing the fast bit on the E string, but the rest worked well. Do you think this take is good enough for the Rec-section?


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 29 2010, 04:12 PM

This was very nice take! You said it, only the faster part in E is problem and getting it overall a little bit smoother. I would grade this strong 8. Now, video here for me freezes at : 0:15 mark (audio continues) and then at 0:23 continues. See about that and then submit take to REC smile.gif

I really like working with you. This video really shows how comfortable you got with bass! smile.gif

Posted by: Gitarrero Aug 29 2010, 04:35 PM

Hey Bogdan,
just checked, I think the video I shot is corrupted, which means I have to record another take...will do so right away!

Okay, here is the new video, no freezing this time (at least on my PC). I just realized this was our last assignment as MTP is over...I really enjoyed working with you, and I really do feel comfortable playing bass now, so a big Thank You for that, Bogdan!
Are there any lessons or techniques you would suggest for the next weeks and months? I surely will continue playing bass! Oh, and have you seen my new song on youtube? I played the breakdown part with fingerpicking (as you can see in the video), but I have to admit the rest of the song was just too fast so I had to use a pick. I really want to develop some more speed in my right hand.
But I am sure you will still help me in the next months when I have questions, right? wink.gif

See you!

Christian


Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Aug 30 2010, 04:46 PM

QUOTE (Gitarrero @ Aug 29 2010, 05:35 PM) *
Hey Bogdan,
just checked, I think the video I shot is corrupted, which means I have to record another take...will do so right away!

Okay, here is the new video, no freezing this time (at least on my PC). I just realized this was our last assignment as MTP is over...I really enjoyed working with you, and I really do feel comfortable playing bass now, so a big Thank You for that, Bogdan!
Are there any lessons or techniques you would suggest for the next weeks and months? I surely will continue playing bass! Oh, and have you seen my new song on youtube? I played the breakdown part with fingerpicking (as you can see in the video), but I have to admit the rest of the song was just too fast so I had to use a pick. I really want to develop some more speed in my right hand.
But I am sure you will still help me in the next months when I have questions, right? wink.gif

See you!

Christian



Very good job! This is more confident take on the lesson!

Yes its been 3 months and our MTP is over. What I'm really glad is that you made a big journey from where you started and learned to be much more confident in bass playing (which is shown in videos). This was generally and fast paced MTP that was meant to introduce practice routine and different techniques as well as some bass playing insights to composing (walking bass improv etc). What I want you to do is to go through all the assignments again and this time focus on doing them perfectly and at faster tempo etc...

Generally I think you should focus on technique lessons we covered in order to get the fingerpicking and fretting going. Those simple fingering exercises will do wonders fast- you'll see.

I have my personal board, so you are welcome to put on videos/questions there and I'll help you... smile.gif

Yeah I just saw the song on tube - its really good work man! I like the main riff and generally how song feels. You should try to do some vocals for it smile.gif

Keep up the good bass playing and see you round my friend! smile.gif

Assignment 1 - completed -
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=36181&view=findpost&p=495147

Assignment 2 - completed -
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=36181&view=findpost&p=496149

Assignment 3 - completed -
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=36181&view=findpost&p=496471

Assignment 4 - completed -
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=36181&view=findpost&p=497290

REC TAKE for August: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=36468

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