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Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 14 2012, 08:26 AM

Good morning man!

Welcome to your spot of constant evolution

I will start out by asking you to tell me your story Your gear, your musical preferences, your aspirations, experience?

Cosmin

Posted by: Argennau Nov 14 2012, 12:18 PM

Hello again

Well, where do I start?
In the past I played piano and keyboard in music school, but I found great rock music which changed my point of view about guitar players. I made a dream to be a guitarist in a band (aspiration n1 ). I got a noname classic guitar for my birthday many years ago and I started to learn by myself. It was terrible.. I wanted learn hard songs while I couldn't play anything. My motivation turned into disappointment very fast. I made nearly nothing for years until i bought my electric guitar (Cort X1 guitar pack). I started learning again, but my guitar playing evolved very slowly. It's clear now, I need some guidance because I can't make it alone :/ And now I have a new positive thinking and I feel nothing can stop me to be a better guitar player
I think my experience are between beginner and pre-intermediate. I really want to be better in rythm and solo playing. And I hope I can make my own sound in the future.
I listen rock/metal most of time, but I like nearly all music genres. I see only good and bad music.

ohh.. my biggest weakness is playing with metronome... but I already practice a lot with it.

Can you explain me what is the mysterious "one thing" i need to focus??
If anything's unclear feel free to ask!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 14 2012, 04:56 PM

Howdy man Well, that one thing, to start with is to focus on our own uniqueness rather than trying to hopelessly imitate some great player to no end. Most people want to sound like x and y and z, but they end up as bad copies, instead of being brilliant as themselves.

One guy is not that proficient in alternate picking but he is good with legato and bending and so on - we owe it to ourselves to discover our qualities and take them to full level

In the mean time, I think you should focus on rhythm playing, ear training, articulation and maybe some alternate picking/ legato in the beginning. Sounds like too much? No worries we'll make it fit your time

What do you say?

Cosmin

Posted by: Argennau Nov 14 2012, 07:33 PM

I'm agree with you. Let's do this

I already started the following two lessons:
The voice of your guitar by you
Him style: love metal by Gabriel Leopardi

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 15 2012, 04:47 PM

Absolutely great! We can focus on these 2 then as they incorporate lead and rhythm playing Just the thing!

Tel me mate, do you have any possibilities to record video/ audio?

Cosmin

Posted by: Argennau Nov 15 2012, 11:33 PM

I found a video tutorial in the REC topic. I will try it tomorrow, I hope it works with my laptop.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 16 2012, 03:36 PM

Ok, but tell me if you have any questions and I would also be curious to ask about your progress with these lessons so far

Posted by: Argennau Nov 17 2012, 12:22 PM

Him lesson:
I can play the rythm part with 120 BPM. I didn't start the solo part yet.
Your lesson:
I know half of the song with 50.

Should I record the rhythm and lead together or make separate videos?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 17 2012, 02:17 PM

Hey mate, well, together as layered tracks, can you do that? If you haven't done it yet, tell me and I'll tell you what's what

Uh-oh, about my 'Voice of your guitar' lesson - take care about the details mate Be careful at every bend, intonation and such!

Posted by: Argennau Nov 17 2012, 02:49 PM

No worries, I can do the video.

Yeah, the bends are really tricky. I have to ask on thing: what's the real difference between bend and bend-release? I'm not sure I truly understood this.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 17 2012, 02:55 PM

Alright mate - well, when you bend you only reach a certain pitch but when you bed and release, you reach the pitch intended when bending and come back again at the original note Hope this makes sense, does it?

Posted by: Argennau Nov 17 2012, 04:59 PM

Yeah, thanks
I did it right every time, I'm calm now

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 18 2012, 02:31 PM

Very good! Waiting for the results

Posted by: Argennau Nov 20 2012, 08:51 PM

Im curious too... but I have less time to practice now. Too much university stuff.... :/

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 21 2012, 09:46 AM

See man... school is nothing but a scam to make us play less guitar... Take your time bro! Better to play 30 minutes a day rather than none and 5 hours in a weekend

Posted by: Argennau Nov 24 2012, 01:20 AM

Yeah :/ hard times are coming in school life...
But I reached 120 BPM with lead guitar in HIM lesson. I still have few mistakes, but It will be okay very soon. I hope I can make the full video in Thursday or Friday.
About your lesson... it's very very tricky. I don't see the light in the end of tunnel

Can you offer me some lessons? I'm looking for new adventures!
Two more questions: is it a good thing to analyze other guitarist play style? Do I have to get more knowledge (about music theory) first before it?

Have a nice day!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 24 2012, 09:57 AM

Patience is the key here

Try to internalize everything you learn, at first! Listen to the whole lesson as many times as possible until you are able to hum it over the metronome

I strongly suggest you to finish these first and then we can move on Getting crammed will not help out too much and getting things done at a faster pace (but correct nonetheless) will motivate you towards new challenges!

It's a very good idea to analyze a guitarist's style, even borrow ideas, but it's not good to become obsessed with sounding and playing like that one You will want to be x, y and z and I for one would like you to be yourself, as a player and human being. It's far better to understand one's style and as I said, borrow things from his/ her playing and play them like YOU would

Who did you have in mind?

Cosmin

Posted by: Argennau Nov 29 2012, 08:53 PM

Ahh There are many great guitarists
Sorry for the late answer, I have really little free time now
I installed the softwares but ASIO4ALL doesen't seems to work.. I have no idea how to make it.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 30 2012, 12:43 PM

I think Todd Simpson knows more about the digital devices than me - you could send him a PM and he will direct you towards a good solution, I think.

Anyway, if you could give me a few examples, I would have a much better view on things regarding your preferences - let's say top 3?

Posted by: Argennau Dec 10 2012, 03:32 PM

Hy Cosmin!
I just have to say I'm alive. I'm practice every day, but I have so much things to do too :/ (**** university )
I will come back soon with the promised video, answer, and stuff

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Dec 11 2012, 09:01 AM

Hey mate, no sweat just keep practicing as a constant not a variable I'll be here waiting for your video and your questions

Posted by: Argennau Jan 1 2013, 09:36 PM

Happy New Year Cosmin !

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 2 2013, 10:07 AM

Happy new year to you too mate! What's up? How's practicing?

Posted by: Argennau Jan 7 2013, 07:02 PM

I still have two weeks left from exam time... its so terrible
I practice every day, sometimes i just have half hour to do something
I saw Sinisa's new free lesson. It's very interesting, but there are two things i didn't understand:

Scale Name: C# Minor
Scale Formula: 1-2-b3-4-5-b6-b7-8
Scale Construction: R-W-H-W-W-H-W-W (R- root, W - whole step, H - half step)
Can be used over following chords: E, C#m, C#m9, A, B

1. What does the difference between scale formula and construction? Does the formula just an easier way to memorise the scale?
I understand the construction.. but the formula.. i don't get it
2. How can i choose the correct chords for the scale and vice versa?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 8 2013, 10:57 AM

Howdy mate!

Check this out:

1) The scale construction is meant to show you the distances between the notes and the scale formula is a fast way to figure out what a scale looks like, at least this is how I see it

2) Here, usually the chords you use are the ones which result from harmonizing that particular scale. Another way to look at it, would be to analyze the structure of a chord and see what scale formulas would include that chord formula - see? Another good use for the scale formula

For instance CM7 chord - 1 3 5 7 the Ionian mode - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. Notice that the chord tones are included in this scale - that means that the scale goes well over this chord

Posted by: Argennau Jan 8 2013, 05:27 PM

Thank you

I'm so stupid, I didn't recognize the 1-2-b3-4-5-b6-b7-8 scale formula equals to Aeolian scale mode.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 9 2013, 09:33 AM

Take it easy bro That's why I am here, to push you a little when you need it. It happens all the time - I was searching for my phone once and i was actually talking with somebody on the phone when I realized where it actually was - IN MY HAND

Posted by: Argennau Jan 30 2013, 06:51 PM

Haha, I have a similar story with sunglass

Well I have bad news , my laptop seems useless to take guitar signals. So I'm still searching a sulotion.

But I tell you my progress now, I learnt two more lessons:

Palm Mute Workout
Los Ramones

I can play these without mistakes
Can you give me some advice? I can't choose next lesson

And I finished my exams so I have much time to play guitar. I'm really happy now

Wassup with you, Cosmin?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 31 2013, 09:21 AM

Hey man glad to hear you are progressing with the guitar but sadly, technology mocks us every time we need it

I was very curious to see you perform though Me... well, busy busy busy, with GMC, Days of Confusion this sort of stuff, things are going good!

What do you say about these two - maybe a little trickier?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/fast-rock-n-roll-rhythm/

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/stephane_luca_first_lesson/

Posted by: Argennau Jan 31 2013, 03:39 PM

If i have a chance I make the video(s) immediately. I hope it's gonna happen soon

Hmm.. interesting lessons. I already started the first one
I'm in love with the sound of funky lesson. But I have to practice more before I start to learn it.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Jan 31 2013, 05:40 PM

No rush mate! I am glad to know you like them

Posted by: Argennau Feb 1 2013, 12:29 AM

Your newest lesson is cool too.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 1 2013, 09:41 AM

Thank you very much man

Posted by: Argennau Aug 30 2013, 03:05 PM

Hy Cosmin!
I posted here a very long time ago because I had to froze my subscription. And I didn't know why, but I believed I can't post anything to the forum
I didn't stop the practicing, my timing improved a lot because I use metronome for everything now. I hope I can reactive my subscription to learn new lessons.
Ahh and an other thing: I wrote to Todd Simpson as you adviced so I will send a recorded videos soon. (I hope so.. )

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 31 2013, 01:47 PM

Hey mate - what are you currently practicing? You know you can always use a webcam and film yourself on the go - it's the simplest method

Posted by: Argennau Oct 25 2013, 09:41 PM

First, sorry for late reply. Time passes too fast

I'm close to finish now this lesson:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/open-chords-rock-rhythm/

I loved the energy which comes from that song Currently I play it with 110 bmp.
And maybe next one will be this :
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Troublemaker/

I have a limited choices because my subscription expired right now. Luckily in the past I downloaded a few lessons so I can practice them
But I hope i can re-subscribe soon. I saw many great new lessons Do you have any ideas for the next steps?

I decided to start learning scales, but I struggled with beginnig.
I follow The Professor's lessons so I know I should start with pentatonics. But I don't really get this CAGED stuff. Especially I have a problem with A form. I can't image that.
Anyway I found 3NPS and 1 octave stuff very useful.
Can you tell me your favourite scale fingerings? Maybe I find one of them very useful.

I try to get a better camera than webcam, but I fear the sound will be awful. But a video with bad quality still better than no video at all.
I tried every way to connect my guitar with my laptop and make it work. At the end they said to me "throw out from the window and buy a new one "

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 28 2013, 11:54 AM

Hey mate

Indeed, as you said, a video would be of a lot of help, so that I may know how you are faring at this point with the lessons you mentioned and where we should go next. By all means make a few tests with your phone and let's see what you get

Also, until your subscription will be back, I will send you a video about scale fingerings and as a preview - I totally think this lesson will open some new horizons

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Intervals-Etude/

Stay tuned!

Cosmin

Posted by: Argennau Oct 29 2013, 08:41 AM

Hy Cosmin!

Well, two thing happend. Yesterday I already wrote an answer, but somehow it's missing
The second thing: I re-subscribed to GMC

It's a really good lesson. I like that point of view to learn scales with intervals.
Luckily I understood this stuff, because I learnt it at music school. But I checked out the Professor's lesson to make sure everything is ok. Well I only have troubles with Descending intervals, I don't remember I learned anything like that

It's time to start new lessons

Have a nice day!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Oct 29 2013, 06:59 PM

Check this out mate:



I think these suggestions and the intervals lesson are quite a lot of info now, so please try and milk them as much as possible to your advantage! Ok?

Posted by: Argennau Nov 1 2013, 09:49 AM

Thank you Cosmin! That was useful!

I started your Intervals Etude lesson. It's very nice.

What do you think about this one?
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Avenged-Sevenfold/

I learnt some parts of it, sounds really cool. It becomes very interesting in the 6th video, when I have to mute all strings except 3th and 5th. This chord a bit weird for me. I'm still woking on it.

Did you go somewhere to celebrate Halloween?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 1 2013, 06:45 PM

Hey buddy! Those are called octaves - in the 6th video and they are very useful to master as they appear A LOT in every style of music almost, especially in rock and metal

I was so tired last evening that after the video chat session, I went straight to bed..

This lesson is nice and you will benefit a lot from working on it, but take care not to stray too much - I think that if you focus on this one and on the interval based one, it's more than enough for next week Try to record them both and we'll see how you fare, deal?

Posted by: Argennau Nov 3 2013, 11:03 AM

I recognized the octave, I had other problems. I watched again the video few times, after that I recognized I was the stupid again. Somehow I believed he mutes the strings with pinky, and I didn't see he actually pushes the 3th string with that XD
It's good to know these octaves are popular, so thanks again

Ahh I didn't know you teached in video lesson. I missed that

I think we made a deal , I try to record it next friday with a tablet

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 3 2013, 11:37 PM

Hehe Excellent, mate! Let me know when you need my assistance and I am looking forward to see the recording!

Posted by: Argennau Nov 5 2013, 08:55 AM

I found a little interesting thing. I took a break in Sunday, I mean I practiced less than before (just half hour). I didn't practice the lessons, I just do some finger excercises etc. The interesting thing I found myself more focused and balanced yesterday, after I did this break. Maybe I should do this once per week.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 5 2013, 09:18 AM

Having breaks is always welcome and it's actually that time when the brain works on putting things together on its own Try it once a week and you'll see that it is actually a part of the practice routine.

Posted by: Argennau Nov 13 2013, 09:25 AM

Hy Cosmin!

Sorry I had a little slow down in the last week. I made no video about the lesson because my progress didn't satisfied me. Actually I still have problem with memorising the etude and I miss many notes. I think I can correct these mistakes until weekend.
Anyway it's fun to learn this lesson

A few days ago I listened your band and I was surprised you are the singer instead of guitar player When did you start singing?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 13 2013, 11:17 AM

Hey mate, no worries - if you get it ready in the weekend, it is good

Regarding singing... started studying in 2008, but frankly I've been singing and imitating characters since early childhood Guess it was the right thing to happen On the EP the guitarwork was split between me and my bandmate Cezar - the bald bearded guy, as Dan the second guitarist arrived later in the group.

Now with the new album, it's probably going to be the same - split guitarwork in 3 guys and vocals by me and Cezar. Fun times

Posted by: Argennau Nov 13 2013, 12:33 PM

I found a real trouble. I can't hold barre with my pinky so one part of your lesson sounds awful when I play it.
Does it possible to build a stronger pinky finger ?

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 13 2013, 12:35 PM

Hey mate Sure - I'll share some ideas in a video later on - deal? Stay tuned

Posted by: Argennau Nov 13 2013, 01:19 PM

Thank you Cosmin!

About singing... my friend gave me a package to help inprove singing voice. It's called singing success( by Brett Manning). Have you ever heard about it? I don't know it is useful stuff or just hype and waste of time.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 14 2013, 10:12 AM

Hey mate I have no clue whatsoever - there are a lot of programs on the market, that's for certain, but the two that I know about and that I know are working are:

Estill Voice Training System - www.trainmyvoice.com and the ever popular Zen of Screaming 1 and 2 by Melissa Cross

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 14 2013, 10:45 PM

Here ya go matey:

Posted by: Argennau Nov 15 2013, 06:52 PM

Thank you! I already started the workout

I tried it with my middle and ring fingers too, it's awsome! I can hold barre chords easly, but it seems to me I have to build muscle for my fingers. So I expanded my finger workout with this practice.

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 16 2013, 08:47 AM

Heh So glad to hear it's working mate! Keep pushing and let me know what sort of changes you feel, ok?

Posted by: Argennau Nov 18 2013, 11:19 PM

At least both string ring, but one of them is still unclean. But it's a good thing after 2 days

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 19 2013, 11:29 AM

Hey mate! How's the video faring? Once I see it, I could help out even more So please, do share it with me at the current state, deal?

Posted by: Argennau Nov 21 2013, 03:02 PM

Ookay, I will record it at the weekend

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Nov 21 2013, 04:34 PM

Great mate - I'll be around