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Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 7 2009, 11:27 PM

Hey there Bondy!!

Very excited to start getting down to some of the MTP stuff

Thought I'd at least introduce myself first, and then we can talk about what we'd like to do!

So... In contradiction to my silly user name, I despise being called AJ - it's just my intials! That's not to make you feel bad for calling me AJ earlier, as that would be a rather distressing first post to you as a mentor

I made the mistake of having my first email address as ajmurrell - and my mates all decided it would be hilariously funny to call me AJ dispite my dislike of it, unfortunately the more I disliked it, the more my mates got used to calling it me!

So yes, I'm Adam, and that little ramble above is something I suffer from, it's like a ramble-torrets, just to warn you!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 8 2009, 07:30 AM

Hi Adam well we are in the same country in the same time zone so thats a good start, I'm also a bit of a rambler so you we should go together well, I look forward to my first lesson.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 8 2009, 01:19 PM

Yeah I was talking to Vaialation last night about that, it works out well for us!

I've had a look at your entry video's for the MTP, so I know you'd like to improve your Alternate picking, Sweep picking and Clean playing and I was just wondering if there was anything else you wanted to add that you might want to work on?

I see you're also a Yngwie fan I have a couple of lessons that are right up that street if you're interested!

I wanted to wait for the sylabus thats being provided before discussing a definite plan with you, but I was thinking if we had up to 4 key areas that you wanted to improve, in 4 weeks we can fit them all in nicely and get a little practice reigme going

I'm not sure how hard you want to be pushed, so it might be good if you could let me know realistically how many hours a week you have to put towards practice.

Posted by: Bondy Jan 8 2009, 03:08 PM

That sounds great Adam, my sweep picking really is none existent at the moment and I really need a base to improve that; also I have never had a practise regime which i have stuck too so that would be good. As regards to how far I want to be pushed shove me of the cliff mate, I work better when i'm getting nagged at Time wise I can put in at least 1 hour every weekday; 2hrs or more at the weekends (per day), I'am at you beck and call Master Murrell. I like to have goals they keep me motivated so give me all you got I'm ready to learn & Practise hard.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 8 2009, 03:38 PM

Excellent man! That sounds perfect. I've been working on some sweep picking exercises today and think what I'll do is provide a sweep picking style piece for you practice each week, progressively getting more complex by adding extra strings

I have a 3 note per string exercise for this week, next week we'll move on to 4, then on to 5, and onto 6!

So my plan is to merge the sweep picking into each weeks extra activities as it's a skill thats best not rushed into learning, and very fun to play with too!

I see the syllabus guide has just come online so I will give that an overview before giving a lesson plan - I'll write out the full 4 week cycle as a draft after we've discussed what you'd like to be included. I'll try to include as many GMC lessons as possible, and throw in a couple of mine for more precise exercises on what you would like

I was thinking of using these area's as a base for us to work on:

*Alternate picking

*Sweep Picking

*Tapping

*Clean playing

If this sounds ok, I'll get cracking on exercises for each, making sure they're fun - as that was the most important thing for me when I started practicing properly, still is!

I also want to throw in a brief warm up routine that I would like you to play every day 2-3 times, as this really does help with progression and with each of the key skills above too.

Posted by: Bondy Jan 8 2009, 03:43 PM

That sound great Adam I look forward to seeing the lesson plan

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 8 2009, 04:55 PM

Draft 4 Week Plan

---INCOMPLETE---

I shall be posting two activities per week to keep things in line with the recommended syllabus and also adding some exercises/lessons in which you can ask for specific help on techniques. In both cases a video upload by the end of the week to show progress on each activity would be great.

If you could look through all of the "Activity 1" lessons and make sure you haven't done them before and are interested in learning them, then let me know they're ok. There are other options included http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=23238if you'd also like to check them to see if there are lessons you would prefer to learn, I just choose these ones because I thought they matched your intended target areas for improvement.

The "Activity 2" parts of each week, really are for your particular areas you want to improve, so the posts in the draft aren't written in stone. I would like to have a talk at the end of each week where you can tell me what you'd like to do for the next week.
I can then produce lessons from the GMC archive or record something myself.

Of course if there's anything you're not happy with, or if you find something too easy/hard or would like help on anything please do ask! I want you to be as vocal as possible!



Week 1

Activity 1

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/beginner-strumming-and-arpeggios/
This lesson will prove very usefull for working on timing, picking and rhythm. It will also highlight any problems that we may need to work on.

Activity 2

Tapping exercise 1 - Introduction to tapping using hammer ons and pull off's.
Sweep picking exercise 1 - Introduction to sweep picking using 3 string arpeggio's

Week 2

Activity 1

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/blues-groove-library-part-1/
This is an excellent lesson for improving some blues rhythm ideas. It will also help with timing, finger strength and left/right hand synch.

Activity 2

Tapping exercise 2 -
Sweep picking exercise 2 -
Alternate Picking exercise 1 -

Week 3

Activity 1

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/john-frusciante-lesson/
John Frusciante is legendary for his melodic phrasing and fantastic clean tone This lesson will be excellent for getting used to adding personality to your playing. Working on your vibrato, timing and rhythm.

Activity 2

Tapping exercise 3 - Introduction to tapping using hammer ons and pull off's.
Alternate Picking exercise 2 -
Sweep picking exercise 3 -

Week 4

Activity 1

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-picking-thirds/
Here's another lesson from the guitar god himself (No sucking up anyone, honest ). This one will obviously be great for what it says - Alternate picking! But it will be great for improving speed, finger movement, dexterity, scale shapes and stamina.

Activity 2

To be decided

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 8 2009, 05:56 PM

Week 1

Activity 1

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/beginner-strumming-and-arpeggios/
This lesson will prove very usefull for working on timing, picking and rhythm. It will also highlight any problems that we may need to work on.

Activity 2

Tapping exercise 1 -  gmc_tapping_lesson.wmv ( 10.61MB ) : 241

-  GMC_Tapping_Lesson___Nuno_Bettencourt_style.gp5 ( 4.08K ) : 163


Introduction to tapping using hammer ons and pull off's.
I would advise learning this one bar at a time. Don't worry about needing to upload a video in a time frame, lets see how you do first.
I have used my third finger for tapping, simply because I find it more comfortable and easier to apply enough pressure. You can use either third or fourth finger for this exercise.


Sweep Picking exercise 1 -  gmc_sweeping_lesson_1.wmv ( 6.49MB ) : 214

-  GMC_Sweep_picking_lesson.gp5 ( 3.96K ) : 186
-

Introduction to sweep picking using 3 string arpeggio's
As above, I would recommend learning this one bar at a time. Take care with fretting each string as you sweep upwards, and practice much slower than the tempo I posted!! Try playing this on a clean amp setting to begin with, so you can hear any unwanted string noise.
If you have problems with it then do let me know, and like I say do take your time and if you'd rather ignore the song part and just practice the arpeggio's individually thats absolutely fine.

Ok man, the lessons are up! It was quite an adventure for me I must say First time for lots of things!

First off, don't be put off if these seem to long or too fast or whatever! I wanted to at least give you soemthing that would keep you busy for a while, while also improving your technique. So I'm not expecting you to learn all the parts for both exercises.

Hope this is all ok!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 8 2009, 08:24 PM

Looking good Adam; I have done a couple of the lessons before, but i'm willing to do them again because I did not complete all of them upto the full bpm last time around. Besides I want to lose all my bad habits so starting from scratch is probably the best thing for me. On another note I have to say I think your doing a great job so far, i'm very impressed with what you have done here to help me. top marks lol 10/10

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 8 2009, 09:02 PM

Great to hear!!

Sorry the video's for activity 2 aren't ready, I know exactly what I want to do, I just want to record during the day time while its sunny so you can actually see what I'm doing in the video I make I left it too late today and by the time I'd written all the lesson plan out - It was pitch dark outside and my "eco" light bulb thats replaced my 100w in my room should not legally be allowed to call itself a "light".

Glad I'm meeting your standards If I don't in the future you have to kick me a bit! I'll try to keep it at 10/10

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 9 2009, 04:53 PM

Right... Ok!!

I've recorded the two exercises/lessons, and may have bitten off more than I can chew! I've been tabbing out to Guitar Pro 5 for what feels like hours - there must be an easier way than inputting each fret!!

But Activity 2 is now up and live I do hope you have guitar pro, otherwise I can send you it in regular tab format.

The lessons are longer than I expected and thus I'm going to re-arrange the plan a bit as I'm still uploading and sorting this out - gimmie an hour or so!

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 9 2009, 05:19 PM

OK bondy - just finished uploading the video lessons and Guitar pro files (Please have guitar pro! I really should have asked you first ) so check them out!!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 9 2009, 05:26 PM

I got Guitar pro 5 Adam so breathe easy just downloaded the Tab sound really cool looking forward to doing that one having problems atm with you tube uploading a video for the MTP ahhh

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 9 2009, 05:29 PM

Thank god for that!

I've updated the "Week 1" post so check it over

I can see this thread getting mega messy!!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 9 2009, 06:57 PM

Here is my first video for you, had a few problems with you tube took ages to upload(then found out i uploaded the wrong one) So this one will do for now LOL.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 10 2009, 02:21 PM

Excellent man! Can see you have little problems with this level of playing Thanks for uploading though, it helps in deciding what lessons to recommend. How do you feel about the syllabus lessons planned for the future weeks? Also, what are your thoughts on the 2 lessons I uploaded yesterday?

I may well have overloaded you, sorry!, but I thought if you worked on them bit by bit, you'll have things to switch back and forth with when you get annoyed/bored with one

Thats the way I practice, making sure i keep myself entertained!

I would like to recommend that we keep the chord lesson (the one you just posted your playing on) as part of the warm up routine that I'll get together for next week. So just play through this a few times a day if you get the chance.

Small little things repeated, even if they're a bit easy for you, really do help you feel more "intune" with the guitar over a few weeks.

Posted by: Bondy Jan 10 2009, 02:33 PM

Adam the other two lesson you did are really cool and I'm enjoying playing them alternately as you suggested; I have just about memorized them both. I have to give you some credit here because this is the first sweeping lesson i have enjoyed learning. As for the rest of the syllabus lessons I'm looking forward to next weeks Blues lesson alot, and week 3s lesson I have done before but that was a long time ago and I probably did not finish it so I'm quite happy with those 2, the alt picking one not to sure on thats a long lesson to learn in a week but I will give it ago.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 10 2009, 03:29 PM

Glad you're enjoying them I remember learning those two examples and having a lot of fun with them, especially the sweep picking one.

I personally find exercises a little too mundane for me to get the motivation to really improve my playing with them, so always looked for ways to included them into something that is pleasing to the ear, and satisfying to learn.

I'm going to do the blues lesson next week as well, as I haven't seen it before and I want some new blues licks in my playing, so we can exchange notes on that one well.

If you've already done a lesson and would rather do one of the others (if you check the syllabus I believe there's 3 for that particular week to choose from) otherwise I can select one that works well with what you want to accomplish.

I have other lessons in mind too Should be a pretty full few weeks!

Do you have any questions or problems with the lessons I gave you?

Posted by: Bondy Jan 10 2009, 04:29 PM

No Problems atm Adam think I will stick with the 2 lessons you provided, I want to get them down before I do anything else.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 11 2009, 02:10 AM

I think I've given you enough to work on for now

Really glad you're enjoying it though mate. How's the tapping one going? I based it on a nuno bettencourt solo, in a song called "flight of the wounded bumblebee" which is a song I learnt fairly early on. (Not up to full speed!)

I recommend giving it a listen if you haven't heard it already, I also recommend checking out the album Extreme: Pornografitti.

It's got some seriously cheesy 80's power ballads but Nuno does some AWESOME guitar work.

As usual, any questions let me know.

Just so I can get an idea of where to look for alternative lessons for the following weeks - could you have a think about what areas you definitely want to cover? I know you've said: Alt picking, sweep and clean playing but should I focus on any in particular?

Also, could I ask for a video of the lessons I've provided by next Thursday? Don't have to be up to tempo, just want to give you a week and see how you get on with it

Posted by: Bondy Jan 11 2009, 11:43 AM

Hey Adam the tapping one is coming on fine, I will check out the Extreme cd for sure I thought it sounded like Van Halen LOL.

I have been having some thoughts about lessons and really think I should drop the clean part of the brief and do something on scales because my knowledge isnt very good, perhaps you could come up with something for me to learn.

I wont be able to post my videos until Friday though because i work late on a Thursday and the kids will be in bed when I get back, I dont know how to record with headphones on plus i no longer have my Fasttrack. i'm connecting to my laptop through my X3 Live.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 11 2009, 01:03 PM

Thats fine, we can say Saturday or Sunday if its easier for you to record then?

I need to do some scale work myself! Are you familiar with any of Andrew's theory lessons here on the forum? Which scales do you know?

Posted by: Bondy Jan 11 2009, 02:32 PM

Complete newbie when it comes to theory I find it hard to get my head round, Gmajor scale and some pentatonic thats it shame on me

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 11 2009, 04:32 PM

No worries man, I'm very bad when it comes to theory too - so I'll be on the same wave length with you.

I'll find some of Andrew's lessons to work through, he's done an amazing job on providing in depth theory lessons that I actually understand - it's just getting myself to read them thats the problem, my attention span is so low! Maybe this will both kick us up the arse a bit to get learning a bit more.

As Ivan said on the chat the other day, "knowing theory for a musician is like knowing grammar for a writer." I saved that quote as it rang very true for me.

Posted by: Emir Hot Jan 11 2009, 04:48 PM

how is it going guys? Adam, you said you will have a video here soon so I am just checking

Posted by: Bondy Jan 11 2009, 04:52 PM

Not too bad Emir, Adams A great teacher so far

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 11 2009, 04:53 PM

Yeah sorry, its a bit of a maze here!! If you look at the post starting "Week 1" there's a tapping lesson and a sweep lesson

Really enjoying the MTP so far! Already learnt a fair deal with video software and things. Still trying to work out the best way to output videos in small size with good quality using Adobe Premier.

Posted by: Emir Hot Jan 11 2009, 04:54 PM

cool guys this must be a lot of fun. I was going through your plan and I can tell you that I feel like doing something like this as well I would probably be surprised how much I still have to improve even from a simple stuff.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 11 2009, 05:17 PM

Thanks Bondy, hope I continue to keep you practicing up!

So to clarify, I shall take some time to look at some GMC lessons that work in tune with some of Andrews theory lessons for next week.

I can give you another tapping exercise, sweeping or alternate picking one for next week also.

I think the plan works quie well for us if we do one syllabus style lesson, keeping focus on building up strength in Rhythm and timing, while providing you with some more fun technique exercises in a song type format to keep it interesting.

Coming from the maker of Sevdah metal?! Can't see much areas you need to improve on!!

I know what you mean though, I know I'm in the intermediate category so other guitarists can spot my faults and know my weaknesses, but parents for example can say things like "You should go busk, you're so good!" but I feel it doesn't matter how good I get in my life time - I'll be aware of area's I need to improve. No matter what level you're at as a muscian, there's always things to learn

Posted by: Emir Hot Jan 11 2009, 05:24 PM

This is 100% true

Posted by: Bondy Jan 11 2009, 06:07 PM

Not sure if i'm doing this sweeping right so I thought i would post progress of on both lessons for guidance

Sweeping


Tapping



Please excuse the numerous mistakes been trying to get takes down all day

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 11 2009, 06:51 PM

Ah thats awesome man! Really great to see your progress

The video's show really great progress so far, and you've obviously put a fair amount of time into learning the positions of these exercises.

Now for the tips/advice!

Sweeping-

I'm really impressed with your progress on this, and your left hand can obviously deal with the speed of this exercise well.
Advice for the left hand would be to really get used to the two arpeggio shapes because there's a couple of instances that you break the pattern and hit some wrong notes.

This exercise only uses the minor and major 3 note arpeggio's and the first note on the high E is the only note that is different between them.

I suggest switching between them starting the shapes at the 12th fret, just to get used to the shape, and then moving it up and down the fret board to get used to the feel of it.

Muris sweeping lesson here - http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/sweep-picking-lesson/ has some excellent minor/major exercises utilising 2-5 string arpeggio's. Focus on the 3 string arpeggio's for now.

Advice on the right hand - The motion you're using to play the notes at the moment isn't correct, and I'll try to explain how it should be done. If you imagine how you play a chord, with a fast "sweep" of all the strings in one fluid motion, this is, in effect, what we're trying to replicate.

You can think of a strummed chord as a very fast, un-muted, sweep. If you were to slow that strum down so that your picking hand moves in one fluid motion from the low e to the high e string, then we're getting close to what we want. This can feel very sketchy and unnatural to begin with trying to keep it in time, but you'll quickly adjust and feel more comfortable with it.

The other important thing in this technique is muting. Taking the example of strumming a chord, fret a barre chord on the guitar and imagine playing each note in a fluid strum, but once moving from the 1st to 2nd string during the upward motion of the sweep, you will need to mute the 1st string so you only ever hear one string at a time.

We don't fret a sweeped arpeggio as a barre chord, but you can use this as a visual reference, usually we only have one finger in contact with the fret board when sweeping.

If you watch the video of Muris sweeping lesson, and pay attention to his picking hand, you can see this fluid "sweeping" motion in effect.


Advise on tapping

Really good work here man! Wasn't expecting your tapping to be this good, and I don't mean that in a rude way! You mentioned you've tried Muris' EVH lesson but wasn't sure what your abilities were. I recommend just keeping going at the pace your going! Pay attention to the guitarpro tab to get the right notes and descending timing right, but technique wise I can't fault anything.

Excellent work though all round man, the sweeping lesson really should have had some explanation from me and I didn't do this at the beginning so sorry about that.

I hope I've explained myself in a way thats reasonably coherent! If you don't understand my rambling descriptions, do let me know and I'll try again

Awesome work though, looks like I'll have to get cracking on next weeks stuff soon

Posted by: Bondy Jan 11 2009, 07:02 PM

I thought the actual sweep was wrong!! gonna really slow it down and try and get the motion right, Thanks for the positive comments much appreciated

Posted by: Bondy Jan 11 2009, 07:31 PM

Got another question When i a sweep what should i be doing for the 15 up or downstroke because i think thats whats throwing my timing of, Below is how i'm doing it now.
D D U
D 12 15 12 U
D 13 13 U
D 12 12 U

Its not showing this right 12d/13d/12d/15d/12u/13u/12u

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 11 2009, 09:03 PM

I really should have clarified that as well! Sorry, the most important things you end up forgetting to mention when explaining guitar things it seem!

I will try and write this in a way that reads ok, but essentially the difference from the way you play it is to actually use a pull off from the 15th to the 12th fret.

I may have to update the guitarpro file to show you what i mean as it effects every single arpeggio.

On each arpeggio it should be played D 12, D13, D12, U15, (pull off)12, U13, U/D12.

You'll notice the last note I've left as either a down or an up, I need to clarify with someone (maybe Muris?) about which is the proper one to use - as I have learnt to play this with an Upstroke at this point, which means you have to string skip to play the second note of the arpeggio. I recommend trying both and seeing which is easiest for you and I shall PM someone to verify if this is ok.

Sorry for leaving out yet another vital bit of information Bondy!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 11 2009, 09:11 PM

That's no problem Adam; I should have asked at the start will try and work on that and hopefully post another video soon.
Thanks for clearing that up

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 12 2009, 01:39 AM

Hi there Bondy, I just messaged Emir who very helpfully pointed out that the first note of the arpeggio should always be played with a downstroke. Here's what he said:


"The first note always downstroke because the accent is on that note. In this exercise you have 2 accented notes. The first note and the highest - or every first one in the triplet group. You won't get the right accent if you play upstroke. That note has to stand out and always be heard as note number 1 in the pattern. Only downstroke can produce that feel."

So play the first note of the arpeggio with a downstroke from now on

Looking forward to some vids! Do take your time though, no rush

Posted by: Bondy Jan 12 2009, 10:38 AM

Adam Watch Vid explanation in there!!!
 video200901120001.wmv ( 2.3MB ) : 166

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 12 2009, 12:55 PM

Video Response

 gmc_vid_response.wmv ( 9.59MB ) : 191


After trying to get this to work in adobe premier for over an hour, I gave up and used Windows Movie Maker

Posted by: Bondy Jan 12 2009, 05:08 PM

That helps alot Adam thanks, I need a strap to stop my whole arm from moving. it wont stay still

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 12 2009, 05:52 PM

hehe, there is some felxibility allowed in the forearm so don't go asking your local hospital for a cast to keep it stationary

It's just you'll find the motion very uncomfortable when adding extra strings to sweeps or building up your speed.


Also just to note - I'm going to keep the wednesday as the end of the week, so I shall post week 2's agenda and lessons sometime in the afternoon on wednesday.

I was going to say you may want to learn half the examples in the blues lesson by Ivan (which is the syllabus lesson for next week) so that you have plenty of time to continue practicing the tapping/sweeping lessons.

Oh, and I'll be introducing a 10min warm up for the week as well

Hope you're looking forward to it!

As always, any questions or anything you want me to include or ANYTHING. Ask me!!

You're being a great mentoree so far mr Bond(y), thanks a lot.

Posted by: Bondy Jan 12 2009, 07:12 PM

A student is only as good as the teacher going to try and get thie sweeping down if it kills me!!!!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 12 2009, 11:26 PM

Sorry to be a pain Adam I just uploaded a very short video i think the movement of my left hand is now correct just synchronizing the 2 hands together now I think my fingers are about to bleed so please tell me I'm closer before they fall off. LOL

 video200901120005.wmv ( 778.81K ) : 180

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 12 2009, 11:33 PM

I've only read the first four words and desided to make a post about just that before I read on...

You're not a pain! Here to help! Pester as much as you want!

Now to read the next few words!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 12 2009, 11:43 PM

Ok so is it any better am I going the right way now

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 12 2009, 11:43 PM

Left hand is excellent! Well done mate, great improvement there.

Just a note about timing, and this is what I remember being the hardest thing when I learnt this - All notes have to be equal in length. So the pull off note needs to ring out for the same duration as all the other notes.

What you're doing at the moment is playing the pull of and not letting it ring for its duration. This is a bit tricky to get used to because your picking hand has to pause its nice fluid motion while the pull off takes place before continuing again.

If you would like a video demonstration I can get one up in the next half an hour easily? Do ask

EDIT: Just to clarify, left hand is perfect - no BS from me honest, besides the timing issues this is great!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 12 2009, 11:46 PM

No thats ok I understand what you mean I was just trying to get that left hand right, I put 2 hours in today just on sweeping and was starting to get narked LOL

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 12 2009, 11:55 PM

Heh thats awesome, hope you're enjoying it still?! I do hope I'm not coming across too "yay! awesome! well done!" etc and being patronising or appearing false... Honestly, the left hand movement is perfect and just what you should be aiming to get used to for sweep picking.

On a different note as just general adivce about practicing... I would recommend stopping any time you get frustrated or have had enough, and just giving it half an hour or the rest of the day before coming back to an exercise.

It's a bizarre experience, but it seems to be when I just can't push any improvements on something after a practice session and leave the guitar alone for a few hours, when I come back I find it much easier than before.

Might be slightly exagerrated but it's also very true, wish it worked with other things in life!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 13 2009, 12:03 AM

As long as you tell me when I'm Bad its not a problem, The compliments are greatly received

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 13 2009, 08:20 PM

How's it going today mate? Ready for tomorrow's new stuff?

How have you been doing on the tapping and sweep little songs? I was gonna leave doing another new tapping/sweeping song unless you felt comfortable with week 1's?

Of course if you crack them before week 3, I'll just post them here when you're ready

We've got the blues lesson coming, a warm up lesson that I feel is a great Alt. Picking work out too and some of Andrew's theory to go over!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 13 2009, 08:46 PM

Here's another sweeping video that I did this afternoon its getting better i think, I would like another lesson on this as i'm really enjoying doing them.

 video200901130005.wmv ( 1.95MB ) : 125

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 13 2009, 09:00 PM

Thats great work man, oh I'm so proud

Left hand is looking very smooth and fluid which is excellent. Only critiscm would be the timing issues, but as long as you are aware of them then thats fine

I would suggest setting a metronome at say 80bpm, and when playing - each count of the metronome should be the interval between the beginning of the arpeggio, and at its highest point before descending again.

So for example...

E|----------12--15--12--------------12--15--12--------------12--15--12----------
B|------13--------------13------13--------------13------13--------------13------
G|--12----------------------12----------------------12----------------------12--
D|------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A|------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E|------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     B           B           B           B           B           B           B

The notes with B underneath are the ones that should be on the beat. Hope this helps

Great work though!

I can certainly muster up another sweeping exercise, this time it may be a 5 string beast... Mainly because I don't know any 4 string sweeping example's. Plus it's what I learnt next after my 3 string song

More tapping? Or ok for now? All up to you man, what ever you'd like to do

Posted by: Bondy Jan 13 2009, 09:18 PM

I haven't practised the tapping one as much as the sweeping one the past few days so i'm gonna try and get that done so hold of on the tapping one for a bit. maybe next week

Posted by: Bondy Jan 13 2009, 11:20 PM

Ok Adam here's an update on the tapping think i got this down albeit a couple of mistakes
 MTP_Tapping.wmv ( 527.21K ) : 133

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 14 2009, 12:39 AM

Cracking work grommit

Excellent progress yet again Craig! I remember personally taking a good while to get this down, it was one of the first tapping licks I'd learnt after the infamous eruption tapping piece, and the progressive changes with the left hand whilst keeping a melodic piece going with the right really did cause me problems!

So honestly, well done.

I'll leave another tapping lesson for the third week as you have previously suggested, but may give you an alternate way of playing the above exercise, just to give you something else to try

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 14 2009, 03:47 PM

Week 2

Activity 1

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/alice-in-chains-style-lesson/
This lesson is great fun but also will have a good impact on your timing and rhythm playing. Try to play this to the backing track as much as possible when you've got each part down. Get used to learning with some sort of metronome, even if its using the backing track for now.

Pay attention to the particular rhythm in this piece. The chords are often short notes, so don't let them ring after you play them - get your picking hand back on them to mute them. This way they appear almost with a stecatto effect, which really drives home the drive of this piece.

Are you familiar with the technique used for the pinch harmonic? I can describe it if you would like to know how to achieve that particular note.

Have fun with this one! Really put a lot of empthasis on getting the timing spot on this week, at which ever tempo you prefer. If you find the timing cause problems I can help you so please let me know

Activity 2

Andrew's Theory Lessons -

As requested Craig, we shall get down to some theory! I don't want to overload you this week as I've said before, so we'll take it slowly and add stuff progressively during the week IF you feel you want to.

To start off, I would like you to read Andrew's introduction to http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3860 and then move on to http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3967

I'll be reading along with you and ready to answer any questions you may have. If you feel you already know most of the above, give it a read still - you may understand something better than you did previousy, I certainly did!


Sweep Picking exercise 2
 GMC_sweeping_lesson_2.wmv ( 6.2MB ) : 115

 GMC_Sweeping_lesson_2.gp5 ( 2.15K ) : 99


Here's half of a song using 5 string sweeps, I didn't want to overload you this week as there are some tricky stretches in here and I'd like you to really focus on getting the timing right on both last weeks lesson and this weeks.

There are some new techniques in here, but its more or less using the same sweeping techniques as the previous lesson.

There are a couple of instances where you will be using the same finger to fret different strings after each other. Here we "roll" our finger back on to next string, but while paying close attention to not let the note behind it keep ringing. We're not aiming for chord sounds here, but only single notes being played at any one time.

Here you'll be using two hammer on/pull off's on each arpeggio so it's really important to practice slow and get those notes down to a metronome. Start low, between 60bpm and 80bpm and work up to the lessons 120bpm - I don't expect you to have to reach that tempo, but maybe set that as a goal for a few weeks

If you find some of the stretches really awkward and difficult, isolate that stretch and work on it. For example if its the pull off from the 17th fret on the high E to the 12th fret, just practice those two notes by them selves for a while.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, you will find that this is the sort of lesson that you may need to practice in bursts, so instead of spending 3 hours a day solid practicing it, do half an hour then take an hour break. You need to allow time for your fingers to rest and develop the strength for those stretches. It will also really help get this kind of lesson into your muscle memory.

If we could aim to have video uploads of the above lesson before next Wednesday, and keep practicing the previous weeks tapping and sweeping lesson also. I was going to introduce the warm up/alternate picking lesson for this week, but having a look at what you've got to do - I think it's enough!

As always any questions, do ask. I can easily explain things via video as I've now got the record to upload time down to around 10 mins

Posted by: Bondy Jan 14 2009, 04:32 PM

Looks good Adam just gotta do some work will crack on with that tonight

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 15 2009, 01:41 AM

Good stuff! Keep in touch, let me know how its going!

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 15 2009, 07:02 PM

Hey Bondy,

Just wanted to get you feelings about this weeks lesson. Are you happy with whats been proposed? Anything you have worries about or not happy with?

Posted by: Bondy Jan 15 2009, 10:55 PM

I'm really not enjoying the blues lesson so if its ok with you I have swapped to the alice in chains lesson

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 15 2009, 11:21 PM

Thats absolutely fine man, no worries what so ever. I'll update the weeks schedule now.

I have updated the Schedule for this week, have a look mate

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 17 2009, 01:33 AM

Are you finding everything ok man?

Posted by: Bondy Jan 17 2009, 01:35 PM

Not to bad seems to be slow progress this week not picking it up as fast as I would like! I will post a video on Sunday or Monday.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 17 2009, 10:44 PM

No problem man, I'll leave you to it if you like

Just wanted to make sure you wouldn't have prefered a slightly easier tapping exercise? That one I've given you literally took me a fortnight just to get to play it all the way through cleanly, not even at any speed! So it might have been a bit adventurous.

I can arrange it into a 3 string pattern like you did last week if that would be easier?

Just want to know if I've overloaded you. This is a learning experience for both of us so I need to know if I'm pushing you too hard

Thanks for your hard work over the last couple of weeks man

Posted by: Bondy Jan 17 2009, 10:56 PM

You mean sweeping exercise I hope, LOL no there's no problem your not overloading me just had alot going on this week with work,(Curse of being self employed) so I have found it hard to practise like i did last week but I will get on the case and try and post something in the next day or so

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 17 2009, 11:34 PM

Absolutely no pressure man! Just wanted to check

Posted by: Bondy Jan 19 2009, 10:54 AM

I sucky suck bad this week you will not want to pay me $10

I have found it hard this week trying to get the Alice in Chains video up but can't get a half decent take, Here's my progress with lesson 2 sweeping though.

 Sweeoing_2.wmv ( 349.46K ) : 121

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 19 2009, 01:27 PM

Well after a week of hard time with work, you've exceeded my expectations mate!

It's a tricky step, going from last weeks lesson to this weeks. 3 string sweeping to 5 string sweeping, including right hand pausing with the hammer ons, pull offs - is not easy stuff. This is advanced in anybodies eyes.

The great thing about this kind of practising though its hugely rewarding. It may take a lot of time and patience to truely develop a consitent level of playing at moderate speeds, but it will help speed up those fingers for lots of other playing styles. You should also notice that you naturally begin to fret the strings quite lightly - this is an important progression when playing fast. You won't be able to fret the notes with the same level of pressure that you would for slower playing.

I wanted to give you this exercise early on in the MTP because you will see results over a reasonably stretched out time period, so you can practice it along with other things for a little part of your practice regiem

As far as advice goes for your current playing:

Left hand fingering looks spot on, what I would advice is trying to bring your thumb under the neck more. It may feel counter intuitive because you have less grip, but it will make the stretches easier to do fast and will naturally feel better playing lighter. Maybe make a concious effort to bring the thumb around in small increments daily, to make it less alien completley switching.

Great work on the picking hand! This, in my view, is one of the hardest parts of learning to sweep. So it's great you're taking a natural shine to this method. Keep it fluid and smooth, just like you're doing now

Looking forward to your take on Alice in Chains style video. We have a few days left before week 3 so I would suggest making an upload of your current progress just to see if there are any areas to advice on before week 3 kicks in

If you're finding you have less time due to work at the moment, I can factor that in to the weeks practise schedule.

Also, have you had a chance to glance at Andrews section?

Posted by: Bondy Jan 19 2009, 02:08 PM

Thanks for the positive comments I thought I had achieved nothing this week, I will try and take your suggestions on board and move that thumb around abit.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 19 2009, 03:25 PM

Just give it a try in few different positions, at the end of the day its down to how you find it the most comfortable to play. A lot of people find it easier to move the thumb under the neck, I myself have quite huge SPIDER!! fingers so often play with my thumb similar to you

There are lots of elements of guitar that even professionals play completely differently to the next, so yes, don't ever strictly follow other's advice if it doesn't feel right to you

It's difficult when you're starting a new technique as its impossible to know what works the "best" for you. You have to learn one way reasonably well before seeing if other ways are easier.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 20 2009, 08:24 PM

Hey man Just want to give you a gentle push into recording a take of this weeks lesson, just to see how you're doing mate.

Need to assess your current progress to make decisions about next weeks lesson.

Cheers Craig.

Posted by: Bondy Jan 20 2009, 09:29 PM

Will post a take on Wednesday afternoon Adam been flat out today, I cant record at night due to the kids being in bed

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 20 2009, 09:58 PM

Thats cool man no worries, just wanted to get a feeling for how you're doing - I know its been a busy week and all, thats no problem. Still good to be able to advice you on your progress.

Do you think this week will be similar? I can rearrange the schedule for less guitar hours. Also have you had the chance to go over Andrew's lessons?

Posted by: Bondy Jan 20 2009, 11:14 PM

Ok Adam got a few takes here,
My first Alice in Chains Upload part lesson no backing,
Lesson 1 Sweeping at 120bpm mistakes but i think it shows progress;
Sweeping lesson 2 at 60bpm was like 30bpm the other day so an improvement there still mistakes there though.

 Alice_in_Chains_part_lesson.wmv ( 1.63MB ) : 112



 Sweeping_120bpm.wmv ( 2.13MB ) : 111



 Sweeping_2__60bpm.wmv ( 1.21MB ) : 104

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 21 2009, 01:36 PM

Thanks for doing that Bondy, much appreciated.

Alice In Chains -

It's difficult to tell with the video, but are you exclusively using downstrokes for this lesson? If so, great as it looks like Gabriel does this through out the song.

My advice would be to get used to playing this with the backing track, or a metronome - just to sort out some small timing issues. I'm not sure if you do usually do this, as I know recording with backing track and guitar can be difficult on webcams.

There's a small discrepancy when playing the licks in video 2 on gabriels lesson. If you could listen to that video, and compare with how you're playing it I'm sure you'll see what I mean. There's a second, 2nd fret on the low E that needs to be voiced

Good job on the pinched harmonic by the way! They are very tricky so it shows skill

Your progress is going well on this lesson, I'd love to hear you giving the solo part a try as well. This would be much easier to get down right when playing along with the backing. I would also suggest slowing down the tempo in GuitarPro and playing along with the "click" metronome and Midi of the the lesson.

Sweeping Lesson 1, 120bpm -

Great progress here! The timing issues are getting much better, that pulloff note is almost there in being the same duration as the others. Have you been practising this with a metronome? I'm going to keep drilling the metronome my friend as it an essential way to learn We're going for very fluid playing here, so you may find it usefull to slow down a bit with a lower metronome speed. Then build up gradually to 120bpm. Not too low as you are almost there man. Maybe set it at 90bpm, allow yourself to make 2 complete passes of the piece where you're comfortable that its all in time, then set it up 10bpm and repeat.
This is a good method when learning anything up to speed. It is also recommended to actually attempt tempo's that are higher than you intend to play.

For example if your target speed is 120bpm, it is worth attempting 130, 140. Not to get them perfect at these speeds, but just to get your fingers more comfortable playing it at the lower speed. It will get it imprinted in your muscle memory at a slightly higher tempo, so when playing at a slower speed - its much more comfortable and natural.

Sweeping lesson 2, 60bpm -

As I said last week, this really is a lesson to take slowly, so the fact that you haven't had time to really push yourself at this lesson is actually a good thing. We want it to go in to your muscle memory CORRECTLY. I learnt this piece TOO quickly and TOO fast. This left me spending more than twice the initial learning time, correcting bad habits, which is very frustrating I can tell you! So yes, take it nice and slowly as you are doing and guess what? Metronome please heh.
One arpeggio at a time before speeding this up is probably best mate, because we want to be able to link them together before pushing the tempo up. Give the different shapes a try when you can.

I will also give you the names of all of these shapes as it will help you a lot when wanting to write your own sweeping patterns, or use some in collabs

One technical note to point out that should help: I couldn't tell precisely from the video, but it looks like your right hand is above the strings most of the sweeping exercise? You want to be able to mute unwanted string noise so it's best to try to get used to havng your wrist resting on the lower strings and moving up with your sweep to mute the string that you've played previously.

For example you would play the first note on the A string, then play the note on the D string while simultaneously muting the A string you just played.

I hope all this makes sense, if you have any questions or doubts, as always do ask. I know this week has been difficult with work taking up a lot more time than you thought, so overall great job on still getting some good work down on these lessons

Posted by: Bondy Jan 21 2009, 03:38 PM

yep been using the metronome in gp thanks for the comments

Just to clarify the only reason I did not use the backing on the A,I,C lesson was because i recorded at night and i cant figure out how to get the backing track to record on my webcam, whilst using headphones and i no longer have my fastrack pro, sold it because i thought i could use gearbox doh!!!

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 21 2009, 05:07 PM

Ah yes I have that problem mate. I don't know if you can make a direct "what the computer hears" recording using Gearbox, I used to be able to with my old Live! hardware on my old PC.

The way I do it is request the backing track from the author (I can contact Gabriel If you like) and insert it into a multitrack DAW software. Do you have any software that could be used?

The only problem then is I have issues synching up the audio to video feeds. I have to use Adobe Premier to align up the audio track and video track, and then for simplicity use Windows Movie Maker to convert to a smaller internet friendly video size.

It's a complicated process! Really should find out if there's a simpler way to do it.

Keep rocking with that metronome, and I'll set-up Week Three's plan tomorrow, as today has been a bit hectic here!

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 22 2009, 05:22 PM

Week 3

Alternate Picking Basics:

Now before we go on, I'd like to briefy describe what exactly Alternate Picking is. It's very simple to explain, but much harder to use in practice. It essentially means that every single pick follows this pattern: Down, Up, Down, Up, Down, Up and so on.

Now you may be thinking, yeah? And what?! I do that already! And that may be true for some of the time, but the difficulty is keeping it alternate ALL the time.

For example try this: Play the first arpeggio from the 3 string sweeping lesson I gave you using sweep picking, then attempt it with alternate picking.

The first note (12th fret on the G) is played with a Down pick, the second note (13th fret on the is played with an Up, the third note (12th fret on the E) is played with a Down pick, the fourth note (15th fret on the E) is played with an Up.

Obviously for this example we're not playing it with a hammer on as we have been doing previously, but this should give you a feel for how different it is to play using alternate picking.

So thats what it is, now lets use it

Activity 1

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/palm-mute-workout-lesson/
This lesson is just pure awesome. Dejan's done an outstanding piece for palm muting, but I personally feel this is a fantastic lesson for alternate picking too. Remember this week, and especially early on in learning alternate picking isn't about playing fast. I want to make sure you understand the technique and have a natural feel for it before pushing the tempo over the edge.

Now I'm not expecting you to learn all of this lesson, as I mainly want you to focus on the picking technique opposed to the piece its self. So I would suggest learning up to video 4, before he moves the position up to the higher strings.

I've recorded a couple of takes to help you as you're learning it, to make sure you get the picking technique spot on.

 Palm_Muting_lesson.wmv ( 16.78MB ) : 105


This video also has a little bit at the end where I show you how it should be palyed with the left hand, and how it shouldn't.

It's an example of how much easier and fluid fretting becomes when positioning the thumb under the fretboard, notice that when I have my thumb up along side the fretboard, all my fretting fingers have to work MUCH harder to get to the frets on time. This makes it easier to make timing mistakes and wear out your finger stamina when playing faster.

Activity 2

Alternate picking Exercise 1
 alternate_picking_exercise.wmv ( 9.21MB ) : 104

 Alternate_picking_exercise.gp5 ( 1.68K ) : 97


Here's a second, slightly more demanding exercise for using alternate picking. Mainly becuase occasionally there are times moving from string to string where it might feel more easy to play a second downstroke, or a second upstroke. This, you are NOT ALLOWED to do. I PROHIBIT such ideas and thoughts about doing so.

Pay attention to the down and up stroke markings in the GP5 file, The rectangular symbol represents a downstroke and a V represents an Upstroke.

Easy way to make sure you've manage to play the piece using the correct picking method is to insure that a downstroke is played on every beat, or repeat of the exercise. If you started it wit a downstroke, and end up playing the beginning of it when repeating with an Upstroke, you've gone wrong somewhere.

You still haven't mentioned if you've had time to go over Andrew's Theory lessons so if you could let me know if you have or not, or if you'd like any help with it or an "Ajmurrell trademark Quiz" on the lessons.

If you have I'll post the next ones to look at over this week, if not... Well, I shall have to take appropraite action.

I've kept it nice and simple for this week, because I know you're having trouble with finding as much time for guitar with work pressure. This week is really all about making next weeks lesson a lot easier.

Next week I'll give you the rest of the sweeping piece and possibly another tapping piece as it will be the last week of our wonderful mentoring partnership and will want to leave you with Ajmurrell things to do if I don't go further in the MTP

Posted by: Bondy Jan 22 2009, 08:45 PM

Those are some cool lessons there i look forward to learning them thanks Adam, on the theory side I have read the first part but i'm gonna go over it a few more times to let it sink in.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 23 2009, 01:34 PM

Thanks

With these lessons it may be a good idea to upload a take (at least with the second exercise as it's faster to learn) once you've got the fingering right.

This way I can point out any bad picking habits out before they it starts to sink in to muscle memory. If you do upload a take, play slowly for me to see the picking hand please

Adam

Posted by: Bondy Jan 25 2009, 12:55 PM

Hey Adam here is a slow video of the alt picking exercise, also i'm close to doing a video of the palm mute exercise upto video 4, plus a video on the john fruscantie lesson which I did anyway just for fun

 Alt_pic_exercise.wmv ( 1.23MB ) : 116

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 25 2009, 04:14 PM

Cheers mate,

I've got my other half round till monday morning, so will try to get some feedback to you before the end of the day.

Thanks for sending me some stuff though

Also, sorry if you've been working in advance towards the Frusciante Lesson, and I ended up not putting in the weeks schedule!

Great to see you're doing more than I give you though, keep it up!

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 26 2009, 03:12 PM

Hi Bondy,

Nice job on going for the Frusciante lesson as well this week, picked it up very quickly I might add too!

Just have a couple of points about your playing, but overall this is certainly a level that you are comfortable with.

One point would be with muting strings you don't want playing. There are a couple of instances where you bend a note, or add some vibrato and this picks up some unwanted string noise from the other strings. With bends this can be because your finger nail can pinch the string above when you start to release the bend, or just because you're touching it as you move your other fingers in to the next position.

Try to assess what causes this unwanted noise to stop it from happening, more often than not this can be done by using your picking hand. Just try to keep the strings below the ones you are playing muted with your palm, this will minimise string noise. On the odd occasion when you might be getting string noise from the strings above where you're playing, it's not possible to mute with your palm as this would mute the strings you want to ring out. Here try to mute the strings using your fretting fingers, by lightly pressing against them being careful not to push hard enough to fret unwanted notes.

My second point would be towards your vibrato, and this is something that we can always work on at whatever level we're at. You seem to be using quite fast movements which might be counter productive in producing a nice vibrato, although it is good practise for getting used to be able to move your fingers in this way. I'd suggest trying to slow the virbato speed down, but using a wider vibrato at the same time. This way you'll get a nice feel for what sounds good and its suprising how less, is more sometimes with this technique

Keep going on this one, would love to see how it progresses during the end of the week!

As for the alternate picking take, I'm struggling to work out if it's definitely all alternate picked because when I load that video in VLC, it seems to be a bit pixelated! So can't be sure if you are doing it perfect, or have a few mistakes

Would it be possible to have another take, with just how picking hand in view and go as slow as you can go? This would be very helpful

As far as I can tell though this is a good start, and the right hand wrist looks good in the motion you're using as the movements coming from the wrist, and not from the forearm which is GOOD.

I would say that most of the notes have a slight sticatto on them which is not needed, and when speeded up might sound a bit strange if thats not what we're aiming for. Sticcato alternate picking is actually a very cool technique but we have to be able to use both and use either when we want to
By this I would suggest trying to let each note ring for their full duration, try to keep the gap between two notes sounding as minimal as possible.

Hope this helps

Posted by: Bondy Jan 27 2009, 11:37 AM

Here's another take on the John Fruscantie lesson, was just about to do the others then the battery went dead on my camera so will try and do them later on.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 27 2009, 01:19 PM

Nice work man Slowed that vibrato down nicely, does it feel better? I notice you speed up the vibrato towards teh end of the note which can have a really nice effect with increasing intensity. Vibrato is one of those things that is personal to each and every guitarist, and really, if you ever really like your vibrato and someone else is saying to maybe widen it, or slow it down - you should keep it personal

Of course it's good practice to give different vibrato types a go before deciding what feels good to you, and different intensities and styles will work better in different styles.

Great work on cleaning up those unwanted string noises too That was quick work mate! heh. Timing sounds very good too.

Only thing I could say to look at would be your picking, I notice you play exclusively down strokes and its good practice to try and use up strokes as well. Gabriel does indeed play most of this with downstrokes because it is fairly slow and you get a stronger accent on the notes using downpicks, but in the more complex parts (video 5 for example) some up strokes are used.

There are at least two good reasons for trying to encorporate up and down strokes when you can, and these would be timing and conserving energy. You'll find it much more comfortable to play longer pieces and timing will feel much more natural too.

This isn't to say it should be strictly alternate picked, but using up strokes in sequence to downstrokes where it makes playing more comfortable and natural is where it should be applied

Looking forward to the alternate picking takes! Remeber, really close in on that picking hand!!

p.s. does your guitar strap say BONDY?!

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 28 2009, 04:14 PM

Hey man,

Just was thinking it might be a usefull process for me to ask you a few questions about how you've found me as a mentor over the last few weeks. Would you be willing to do that? It would be good for me to understand where I can improve, as this is as much a learning experience for me as it is for you!

I plan on teaching locally again in the next few months, and I have done so in the past - but not with the results I would have liked.

Motivation is one of the areas I want to really home in on and try to improve, I'd love to know if with your experience there could have been ways I could have better caught your interest? For example some other mentors have given side exercises as songs from artists they like and would like to learn to play, or have been more engauged in creating quiz like homework for theory topics?

I mainly ask as if selected to go further in this project, I would like to start a mentoring each student with a small questionaire, which would help indicate what kind of mentoring style would work best.

I don't mind any comments, so don't feel obliged to say nice things! I'm sure it will also prove usefull for judging in the next couple of weeks, so be as honest as you can in regards to future people I could mentor

Thanks Bondy! Great work so far, looking forward to the next batch of vids!

Posted by: enforcer Jan 28 2009, 04:28 PM

Good job Adam and Bondy! You are doing wonderful!

I didnt want to break in but I couldnt stop myself about droping a few lines

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 28 2009, 05:39 PM

Thanks Can I've wanted to break in to peoples threads and say how cool the lessons are and how people are improving and things many times!

You doing a great job too mate Makes me want to start playing Phantom of the opera again!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 28 2009, 06:51 PM

Yeah no problems Adam ask away, To be honest I have had a blast, the way you have mentored me was spot on. Cant really think of any bad things to say .

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 29 2009, 01:11 AM

Well thank you very much You've been just as fun to mentor!


Can't believe its week 4 already I'll have some good stuff for you tomorrow man, maybe a bit more than you need for one week - but it might be the end for me mentoring, so wanted to leave you with some cool things

Rest of that sweeping lesson for sure, some tapping things, Muris' alternate picking thirds

Let's really put our all in to the next week man, lots of focused guitar attention!!

Could you try to record last weeks things for me too? Just so I can plan out tomorrows schedule to your progress. Cheers mate.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 29 2009, 05:00 PM

Week 4

Activity 1

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-picking-thirds/
This is a great lesson for practising alternate picking in one of its hardest forms in my opinion. Three notes per string means that you start each progressive string with a different pick stroke. For example if you started a three note per string pattern on the low E, then moved up to the A for the next three notes - the first of the notes on the low E would begin with a downstroke, and the first of the notes on the A would begin with an upstroke.

This may not sound too complicated, but personally I found it a difficult concept as I naturally wanted to just start each string with a downstroke.

Don't do this here!

You may come across some stretches that are a bit tough, so if you experience any pain when performing them, give yourself a break and let your hands recover. You shouldn't work to the point of pain, so next time practise over a shorter time.

With this lesson for this week I would like you to learn it first at 60bpm, and once you're comfortable with that, then we'll increase speed. Don't worry how long that takes, if it takes the week so be it. We want to get this done right

Activity 2

Rest of sweep picking exercise 2
 GMC_Sweeping_lesson_2.gp5 ( 2.83K ) : 102

 Sweeping_lesson_2.wmv ( 8.93MB ) : 104


I've added the rest of the sweeping positions for this little exercise, some of these last few chord shapes are the hardest here, so be careful to practice them slowly to begin with

Sorry my playing in the video is a bit sloppy, its been a while since I've practised these ones. I've uploaded the slow playing video as I've run out of enough upload space for the moment! But you should be able to see the fingering positions nicely in this video.

Also any video's you've got left to upload like the tapping from week 1 and the AIC solo and last weeks alternate picking exercises.

Posted by: Bondy Jan 30 2009, 12:25 PM

Hey Adam here is the alt picking exercise you gave sorry its a bit dark looked fine before i you tubed it. Anyway just wanted to show my progress will be uploading Palm mute workout soon, the wifes dragging me out to buy paint in a minute so will do that this afternoon.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 30 2009, 01:08 PM

Nice work man

Just be carefull when speeding up to eliminate excess string noise as you push up the tempo gradually.

You may also find that as you increase your speed, it may be easier to allow your wrist to do most of the motion and leave the thumb locked in position on your picking hand.

Great work though, well done!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 30 2009, 04:53 PM

Ok Adam here's my first video of palm mute lesson upto video 4, it's dog rough but gotta get something down, I did use a metronome but you cant hear it, felt i needed to get something down so I can start alt picking thirds, I have enough material here fo another month

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 31 2009, 12:14 AM

Heh, I might have overloaded you Sorry if thats the case!

Nice job so far on the palm muting lesson, got all the right notes down and ready to build on it.

Now for the comments:

I notice a few things I'd like to pick up on, and the first thing I'd point out is that you're not using alternate picking all the time with this lesson. Is there a reason for this or did you not realise I wanted you to practice using this picking technique for this lesson?

I ask because if you are having issues with alternate picking when using different strings, I can try to help you out with it.

The second point would be that you could make things a lot easier on your fretting hand by bringing that thumb further behind the neck. Do you remember the video I posted along side the lesson? At the end I show an example of how much more the left hand has to move when the thumb is not placed behind the neck. You do not always have to play in this way, but when stretches are involved, especially lower down the neck, it makes life much much easier.

Great to see your progress, keep going!

Posted by: Bondy Jan 31 2009, 12:32 AM

I thought I was using alternate picking! I must of slipped up while recording just wanted to get it down without making fretting errors, with regards to my thumb to be honest the neck is a bit too thick for me thats why i'm struggling to get round there. This guitar is just a go between I'm saving up for a Jackson SL1, I sold all my other guitars to go towards the fund so this will have to do for now. I will try harder to get it right though.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Jan 31 2009, 01:25 AM

Nice guitar you're going for! Never played a Jackson before but certainly heard a lot love them

In regards to your picking, if you watch the video you posted you'll notice that at the 18 second mark and 28 mark you break out of the alternate picking cycle.

I can understand its hard to notice when playing, because you already have a built in picking tecnhique in your muscle memory. This is great, and shows you put a lot of practice and can play with confidence when learning new licks and riffs.

The problem with learning different picking techniques lyes here really, because you have an ingrained existing technique, as you begin to speed up your playing you'll find that you can go back to a technique you're more used to.

Thats why its especially important when learning new picking techniques to take it slow untill it feels comfortable before raising the speed. It may test your patience! I'd describe it as learning another language. It's true that you can already speak a language well, but learning another one will open new doors and ways to communicate.

Hope this helps

If you ever have doubs as to whether or not you're using the right technique, just slow it down and take a look and make sure every single pick follows the Up, down, Up, down etc.

Posted by: Bondy Feb 2 2009, 11:30 AM

Ok Adam here's my progress with Alt picking thirds this ones tough, just trying to get the patterns down.

On another note I would like to say that you have been a great mentor and over the past 4 weeks I beleive I hae seen a good improvement in my skills, so thankyou very much for all your help i'm sure you will get through to the next stage.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 4 2009, 12:24 AM

Good evening man

Sorry for the delay, been a dramatic day!

I passed my driving theory though, aced it with 49/50! Woop.


I have to say, very impressed with your take. I'll admit I was a little concerned with the alternate picking in your previous video but im sure thats down to a mistake when recording as your alternate picking is perfect in this take. Thats the most important thing in this lesson, getting the picking right.

Keep going mate! Excellent progress.

p.s.

How are those handbrake turns coming along?!

Posted by: enforcer Feb 4 2009, 12:51 AM

Sorry to break in buddy, but you got me with this question

Find a wide and empty road closed to traffic

Speed up around 50 kph, push the clutch down, drop the gear, but dont release the clutch, turn your wheel like 130 degrees, when your car have reached a 90 degree turn (you are facing the sidewalk) pull the hand breake (push the button on it and dont release it!) when your car reaches near 160 degrees start to correct the wheel position. When you reach 180 degrees, release the handbreak, release slowly the clutch and hit the gas

that is how its done, and in some extreme conditions where you can do nothing else(like about to crash) it may save your life, I really believe it must be a part of basic driving lesson not a part of advanced driving technics lesson. Dont perform it anywhere in traffic though, but it is good to know how its done


sorry bondy and adam, keep up the good work

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 5 2009, 11:39 AM

Haha, thanks for the help Can! Only had my first driving lesson yesterday, so will probably give it at least a few days before giving that a go

Posted by: Bondy Feb 5 2009, 12:09 PM

Hey Adam here is my progrees with the sweeping lesson 2, no where near perfect but getting the just trying to get some fluidity
 sweep_2_full.wmv ( 1.71MB ) : 152

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 5 2009, 07:13 PM

Nice work man All the right note's and correct fingering. I found this piece really fun.
I would just say to concentrate on the timing of the notes, you tend to speed up the pull-off notes and the hammer-on's a little bit. Each note played has to ring for an equal amount of time to get the right feel of the piece

Oh and, THANKS!!! For getting me to the final 5 man! We did it!

Posted by: Bondy Feb 5 2009, 07:21 PM

It was fun Adam do you want me to keep posting my progress even though its finished?

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 5 2009, 07:28 PM

Of course man! You're still part of this program and I don't mind if you want to continue to be my devoted student

heh, but seriously yeah looks like I'll be mentoring another 4 mentoree's as well as you so of course keep posting!

That is unless you'd prefer to call it a day with this programme?

Totally up to you man

Posted by: Bondy Feb 5 2009, 08:14 PM

No I defo want to carry on I think you have improved my playing loads!! I look forward to posting more videos

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 12 2009, 02:17 PM

I return! Sorry for the break in my activity, had a bit of a busy week this week.

So here's the golden question, how's your progress going? I'll probably wait and see what the advice is for how the MTP is to progress, whether or not to continue in the forum or via the practice agenda, before posting further lessons.

In the meantime, it would be great to know if there is anything in particular you've discovered in the last few weeks that you would like to focus on, or even something that we haven't worked on yet but would like to.

Let me know!

Posted by: Bondy Feb 12 2009, 03:26 PM

Hey Adam I would love to carry on if we could, One thing i have found out is my Legato sucks and i would like to do something along those lines. My practise this week has sucked because I have been working long hours this week, hoping to get some major practise in over the weekend though. just Sarted Muris's Paul Gilbert lesson I know its way advanced but i'm enjoying trying to learn it.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 12 2009, 08:32 PM

Legato hey? I think we can manage something along those lines I should be able to give you a couple of exercises tomorrow to keep you going untill the next stage of the MTP kicks in.

Muris' Paul Gilbert lessons are awesome, I haven't attempted any yet - but you just might have got me interested in doing so...

I would never say to anyone that something is "too hard" or too advanced for them to practice. In my case it always helped setting goals high, it might take longer to get to them - but the bigger the challange the bigger the reward!

Just make sure you take it slow, and if you have any issues or questions when playing, give me a shout or ask muris on his forum if you want advice straight from the master himself

Feel free to post any video's of your progress!

Posted by: Bondy Feb 13 2009, 02:21 PM

Exercises would be cool i really loved your sweeping and alt picking exercise's, here is a take on my progress on the Paul gilbert lesson i have only been practising it for a couple of hours so don't be to harsh, as i said my legato is really bad but i'm sure you can put my on the right track.

 PG_effort.wmv ( 3.6MB ) : 150

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 14 2009, 08:34 PM

Sorry for the delay mate, promise it'll be back to usual come monday! It's been ONE BUSY WEEK! heh which I'm really not used too, so not the best time manager!

Anyway, for a few hours practice thats really fantastic progress with the PG lesson. Really good bend vibrato in there on that one lick too! That for me is the best skill to develop early on to make anything sound good, well done with that!

I notice you have a little problem with normal vibrato, so I could give you a few exercises that focus just on them, and some legato as you suggest. These aren't song style exercises, but will really help in finger muscle development for use in the song lessons here.

Sound good? - I'll be able to post them on monday if thats ok with you.

Good work mate We'll keep pushing you along at a comfortable pace, we'll pretend this week was a break

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 19 2009, 07:12 PM

Again, sorry for the delay mate. Been a bit crazy lately, which is very unlike me!

I remeber we talked about legato, and exercises to increase your legato ability.

Well I have two suggestions, one is from a GMC lesson source by Ian Bushell called Legato Stamina which can be found here - http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/legato-stamina/

Otherwise my personal recommendation for songs that exist outside of the GMC world, would be ThunderStruck by AC/DC!

This is what I first practiced as legato exercises, and its very fun at slow and fast tempo's so a great one to learn in my books!

I think I'll stick with GMC's policy regarding CopyWrited materials and if you want me to point you in the right direction towards a GuitarPro tab that's accurate for ThunderStruck, please PM me your email address and I'll send one over to you

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 20 2009, 09:21 PM

Hey man,

Just wanted to check you got my previous message?

Cheers,

Posted by: Bondy Feb 20 2009, 09:24 PM

Yeah Sorry Adam been away with the fairys today lol gonna start that lesson on Sat, I have learnt A bit of thunderstruck I get to much ringing from other strings i need to tidy that up alot will post some progress next week.

Posted by: Ajmurrell Feb 21 2009, 01:17 AM

I personally don't feel anyones expected to play that kind of legato playing without muting the strings to make it easier for themselves What I do for thunderstruck is literally hold the two adjacent strings with my right hand, allowing just the G string ring (is that the one? Or is it B? I forget).