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Posted by: fatb0t Jan 8 2009, 05:10 PM

Hello SonOfDestiny my friend! Is your name George?

My name is Jonathan first off, I sent you a PM of my MSN user name so we can chat too

I hope you're ready to begin your rigorous study of guitar. A few points before we begin...

Just like with anything in life, you get out what you put in. The pleasure you receive from playing the guitar is a direct function of how much time/energy is spent honing your skills, learning new techniques, and practicing composing.

I am here in hopes to show you some direction in your playing. You sent me a PM when I uploaded my MTP entry and you said you liked the way I played (I was very flattered by the way). Though Smells has given us a basic out line, one thing that I cannot possible stress enough to you is learning some theory. If you want to be able improvise coherently this is a must. This is where I go back to my point of you get out what you put in. Though reading theory might not be the most fun of things, guitar playing or music in general has an intellectual aspect of it that absolutely must be learned.

What experience with music theory do you have? Do you know your major scale? Do you know the relation of the major scale and the pentatonic scale? Do you know how to build chords from stacking thirds? Do you know how to fret a major, minor, and diminished chord? Do you know how to fret M/m/Dim-7th chords? Do you know the difference between a whole note, half note, quarter note, 8th note, 16th note?

If not, have no fear! I can help you, as well as the experienced theory fiends around here. Just let me know where you are at with that.

I watched your video and listened to your solos, over all you have pretty good technique! We just need to polish it up a bit and teach you how to make rocking solos just like Richie Sambora (or get close enough )

Do you know how to use a metronome?



So let me know where you are at with the theory side of things and I will come up with some lessons for you.

-Jonathan

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 8 2009, 06:17 PM

Hey Jonathan!

My experience with music theory is bad. I kind of know the patterns in the included file, but that's all really.

I also know the easiest pentatonic pattern 1-4 1-3 1-3 1-3 1-4 1-4.

Relation of those scales... I know that you have to remove to notes from the diatonic scale, but which ones... good question.

Building a chord from stacking thirds... I think I can do that.

How to fret those chords? Hmm I guess it kind of depends on what you want me to play. I know that major is 1 3 5, minor is 1 3b 5 and dim is 1 3b 5b (right???). I'm probably able to fret them, but not by heart Same goes for 'M/m/Dim/7th chords'.

And yes, I know the differences between the durations of the notes and I know how to use a metronome

I think it's a good idea to start off tackling this problem first. I'm excited to start this. Let's do it

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 8 2009, 07:39 PM

Part I:

Ok George,

Your major minor and diminished formulas were correct, good job. We will get more into triads and more complex chords later, I just wanted to see where you were at.

We have a lot of things to cover, but with persistence, dedication, and practice we can achieve your goals of playing like Slash and company.

First and foremost - you need to learn the minor pentatonic in every position in every key.
Do you understand that the A minor pentatonic is the same shapes as D minor pentatonic just moved down five frets?

Lets have a visual to understand a bit better.





Ok, so what do we see here? We see the pentatonic box position you know. We also see that the box position can move up and down the fret board without changing shape. So if you want to play A Minor pentatonic play on the fifth fret this box position. If you want to play D minor pentatonic move to the tenth fret and play your box....

Now, the pentatonic is made up of five notes. Penta means five. So since there is 5 notes, there are five corresponding chords, and five different positions you can solo in.
What does this mean?! It means you can play up and down the neck. It's the same 5 notes in different positions and different octaves.

Let me show you what I mean.



Here we have A minor pentatonic, you need to learn this scale in every position up and down the neck. You can see that besides that one familiar box you know, there are 4 more! On the low E string on the 3rd fret starting on a G you see a box, on the 5th fret (A) you see your familiar box, on your 8th fret © you have a box, on your 10 fret (D) you have another box, and finally on your 12th fret (E) you have your final box position.

You need to be able to play these 5 positions as soon as possible.

THEORY SUPPLEMENT: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=5023

Read this, and ask me any questions you may have. I find I need to read these pieces three or four times before I fully understand and mentally digest everything in the article. Keep this in mind my friend.

OK, now you must be asking - when am I going to play guitar?!

Good question - First, the first thing I ask of you is to record a video of yourself playing all five positions of the A Minor pentatonic scale preferably with an audible metronome.

Start from the root note of A on the low E string, and go up and down the scale. Refer to Andrews lessons as well. Once you complete this task and you know the pentatonic well, it will give you a nice little road map, a point of reference for all other things.

Let me know how you make do dude!

1/18/09:

Things needed to be completed:

• A Minor pentatonic video illustrating you playing all five box positions (Don't worry about speed, accuracy is the most important) COMPLETED
• Read and understand Andrews pentatonic theory lesson COMPLETED
• Timing & rhythm (Part 1) -Chords to a backing track COMPLETED
  
  http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/beginner-strumming-and-arpeggios/
  
  Goal - To play the whole lesson.
  
  Purpose - practice timing and sense of rhythm. If this lesson gives problems - it will be a useful discovery. Dealing with the problem will help progress to the next level.
  
  instructions - A Video showing progress should be provided playing with the backing provided (slower backings can of course be used)

Good luck my friend, the Timing and rhythm exercise should be a breeze for you judging by your videos and recorded solos. Since dedication is the key here, try to bang this lesson out as fast as possible. I have other rhythm and timing lessons which I believe are better suited for your level.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 9 2009, 09:08 AM

I will get to the timing exercise now Any chance I can get the backing for that?

Oh and another quick question. I always have problems with this, but how do I time that very first chord right? I'm so bad at timing when there's a drum fill. In the lesson it's like Muris hits the chord in between two beats. I'm confused

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 9 2009, 03:24 PM

Ok, you need a backing for practicing your A minor pentatonic scale or you need the backing for the strumming lesson?

If it's for the Strumming lesson go to: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/beginner-strumming-and-arpeggios/ and hit 'Backing tracks' - select the appropriate BMP.

As far as timing the first chord, when you're listening to this lesson you will hear three ticks then a drum fill... When the lesson starts count: 1, 2, 3, 4 with the ticks then prepare yourself begin to play. I suggest you look at the fretboard and prepare your fingers for the first chord. You can count in your head or tap your foot. Ever see a band live? There is usually one person in the band that says really loud ONE TWO THREE FOUR then everyone starts playing. This is the same concept here.

Sometimes if I can't get the timing right I will play nothing at all... I will close my eyes and really really REALLY listen to what I'm hearing. I don't worry about how to play it, I just absorb the song into my head as best as possible. This really helps me get the timing and rhythm of the song. Once I try to play the song again after hearing it, processing it and mentally digesting it - things are a lot easier.

I'm at work now so I can't record myself counting off the track, but if you have any problems let me and when I'm home I'll give you a audio sample!

Let me know how it goes dude, keep me posted Good luck!

-Jonathan

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

I was talking about a downloadable backing

So you mean I should keep counting in my head? Forget about the drumfill and hear 'four'?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 9 2009, 05:29 PM

1, 2, 3, drum fill = 4 - they take up the same amount of time.

Listen to the music, you've heard that fill ten million times whether you realize it or not... Watch Muris play it, listen to Muris play it, internalize the song, try to slow down and relax. Could you record yourself playing the song so I can hear where you are at so far?

I requested the backing from Muris: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=23290

Update: George, I PMed you the backing.

Thank you Muris for supplying it for us.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 10 2009, 03:32 PM

Dude, I feel so stupid. This should have been perfect the first take, but it still isn't! I hate it when I have to slow down while doing arpeggios.

Oh and about the pentatonic scale. I added a bit of a noodle at the end. I hope you don't mind

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 10 2009, 06:20 PM

Ok, I sent you the strumming backing track via email - you should recieve it shortly. The reason I want you to record with that is to see if you fixed your timing issue with the drum roll. When you record again, like I told you before - relax - don't worry about the record button, don't worry how many takes it requires, loosen up your shoulders, loosen up your strumming arm, loosen up your wrist, relaxing is key to making a real convincing take. It might seem silly at first but I can assure you it works.

Secondly, the pentatonic scales sounded pretty good - great job man. Now the real question, do you feel comfortable with all five boxes? Can you effortlessly move between boxes? Interconnect licks?

Also, how did the reading of Andrews lesson go? Did you have any questions, did you know most of it, was it enlightening?

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 10 2009, 06:49 PM

Am I comfortable with the boxes? Not really, I will have to be doing that for another couple of days (well I think it's going to take me weeks before it's perfect, but a couple of days should be enough for proper control).

How did the reading go? Allright, I suppose. I don't really think I can apply it to shred the neck in every possible pentatonic scale though! I think I knew most of it already

Man, recording that strumming exercise was so annoying. I always strum and pluck fast and energetic, so I really had to come down from that speed and it was hard to control myself. You will hear that in a couple of measures.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 10 2009, 07:54 PM

Good job George - you definitely have the point of the exercise down.
I'm glad you understand most of the theory lesson, it's not intended to teach you how to shred, rather it's purpose is to create a road map around the fretboard in your mind.
You have your home base right now, the minor pentatonic in it's root position, and probably the accompanying box as well. We just have to build on this idea and create a larger map in your head

Ok, since we need to continue to cover material this week - I want to stick to rhythm. When I started playing I made one very serious error... I only practiced soloing. I ended up a very unbalanced guitar player - I would jam with people and all I could do was solo! Balance is the key with guitar, you need to be versitile, be able to cover many different genres with your rhythm playing and still be able to pump out expressive and effective solos.

If you even look on GMC, most of the material is oriented for solos. As I've learned in my travels of playing guitar - a solo is pretty meaningless in most cases without rhythm guitar. 90% of the song is rhythm guitar playing, 10% is solos. Why spend 90% of practice sessions on something that you only use for 10% of a song? Well, because it's fun - but that's besides the point - we need to get you a very solid foundation with rhythm.

(This is a very simplified explanation, practicing solos is very important as well because it teaches you how to add embellishments and vary your rhythm playing - we will get to that later on)

Theory supplement: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3630


To be completed:
First ryhthm exercise: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/rhythm-guitar-workout/
This is good for strumming - let me know how you make out. I PMed Dejan to get the backing track for you to record onto as well COMPLETED


Read and understand how to build chords from scales COMPLETED

Second rhythm exercise: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/pentatonic-rock-cliches/ COMPLETED

This is a good lesson because it blends rhythm and solos - all using the pentatonic scale

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 11 2009, 02:31 AM

The backing should be in your inbox, good luck.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 11 2009, 12:07 PM

Thanks man!

I really enjoy the way you structure this.

When is the deadline?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 11 2009, 07:33 PM

Well since you did did you first assignments already - you should be finished up by the 15th. The main objective was those first lessons you already completed. Try to do these, once you finish up these rhythm exercises we're going to work on some funk strumming and metal riffing. We need a very solid foundation in rhythm before we can move further. Try to learn these lessons, on Gabriels lesson don't worry about that solo so much. If you can do it, great - but if it's difficult don't worry about it.
Also, if you could provide videos of you playing that would help a lot...I need to see your technique, how your holding the guitar, how your fingering chords, ect...

How did your theory reading go? Do you have any questions? Do you understand how to build chords from the major scale now? You won't absorb all of it right away - you will need to read and reread many times.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 11 2009, 07:37 PM

I understood it all man But is it even possible to have this stuff in you like vocabulary? I mean, isn't it always going to be like you have to write your stuff down or will I be able to do it in my head someday?

Oh and next time there will be a video of me playing! You will have a lot of work with me from that point I'm afraid I handle the guitar pretty .... bad, I suppose haha.

EDIT: that Gabriel lesson... with or without backing? I don't think it will be a problem by the way

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 12 2009, 02:24 PM

The Gabriel lesson you can just record yourself playing with the backing... have the lesson playing in the background and record yourself playing with it. Do you have a microphone? If you want I can try to request that backing from Gab - then you can just record yourself cleanly and clearly. However, that lesson is pretty old - he may not have it.

Well, having this knowledge is useful for composing. Eventually you will know 90% of this by heart - I must admit, I write this stuff down at all the time. I only started to learn theory once I joined GMC, that was only a little over a year ago. I must say I retain quite a lot of the theory lessons though and you will too. My advise to you is to learn as much theory as possible!

Please post a video of your playing - It will help me critique your playing

QUIZ TIME!

1. What are the seven chords for Bb Major scale (Ionian mode)?
2. What are the seven chords for the G minor scale (Aeolian mode)?
3. Is there any special relationship between these two scales that you can discern?
4. What interval of the 'Blues scale' is considered the 'blue note'?
5. Please give me a progression in which the E minor pentatonic scale would sound appropriate.
   
6. Please take your backing from: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=12397 and record a simple, slow, melodic solo.
   Hint: Have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Think of soloing as approaching someone. First you say 'Hello' - then you express whatever it is you need to express, then you say 'Goodbye'. Take your backing, listen to it - think about what emotion you want to convey in the solo - sadness, excitement, confusion, whatever - then make it happen.
   
   The reason I ask for this is two fold; First I want to see where you are at as far as bending, legato, alternate picking, and phrasing - secondly - it should be fun... Since you've learned a few more pentatonic boxes you should have an extended view of the fret board. On week three when we move to solo-ing this sample will give me good insight into what we need to work on. George - don't go crazy with this, just record one or two takes and upload your favorite.

COMPLETED

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 12 2009, 10:26 PM

# What are the seven chords for Bb Major scale (Ionian mode)?

Notes Bb Major: Bb - C - D - Eb - F - G - A

General rule = I, IIm7, IIIm7, IVmaj7, V7, VIm, VIIdim

Seven chords for Bb Major: Bb, Cm7, Dm7, Ebmaj7, F7, Gm, Adim

When I was trying to get the notes of the scale I kind of did it with the help of my guitar. Playing the major scale from Bb on the e-string 3nps ... is that allright? Or should I do it with the 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 formula?

# What are the seven chords for the G minor scale (Aeolian mode)?

G - A - A# - C - D - E - F#

General rule minor: Im, IIdim, III, IVm7, Vm7, VImaj7, VII7 (you start on the sixth chord of the major scale, because aeolian is the 6th mode)

Gm - Adim - A# - Cm7 - Dm7 - Emaj7 - F#7

# Is there any special relationship between these two scales that you can discern?

Uhmm... I think I've kind of already explained that in the previous question. Aeolian is the '6th' mode. It has a lowered third compared to the major scale.

# What interval of the 'Blues scale' is considered the 'blue note'?

Flattened fifth

# Please give me a progression in which the E minor pentatonic scale would sound appropriate.

E-B-D ? Not sure.

# Please take your backing from: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_fo...st&id=12397 and record a simple, slow, melodic solo.
Hint: Have an introduction, body, and conclusion. Think of soloing as approaching someone. First you say 'Hello' - then you express whatever it is you need to express, then you say 'Goodbye'. Take your backing, listen to it - think about what emotion you want to convey in the solo - sadness, excitement, confusion, whatever - then make it happen.

Uploads tomorrow

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 13 2009, 12:08 AM

Correct



This is incorrect. The correct notes are the same as the Bb major scale just starting from G: G A Bb C D Eb F

Gm7, Adim, BbMaj7, Cm7, Dm7, EbMaj7, F7



It is true that the Aeolian mode is the sixth mode of the major scale. It does have flattened third compared to the major scale, however it also has flattened 6th and 7th. What I'm trying to impress upon you is that the G minor scale is derived from the Bb Major scale. So when you're playing G minor or G minor pentatonic you're playing within the Bb major scale.

This is the circle of fifths:
Notice where it says Bb inside that circle you'll see Gminor.

So G minor is referred to as the relative minor of Bb major. Though these two scales have two different formulas they result in the same notes. The only difference is where you start from.
If you start on the Bb you get the Ionian mode,
If you start on the C you get C Dorian,
If you start on D you get D Phrygian,
If you start on Eb you get Eb Lydian,
If you start on F you get F Mixolydian,
If you start on G you get G Aeolian,
and if you start on A you get A Locrian.


Here's an example for C Major (C Ionian):



Good job! This is sometimes known as the "Devils' Interval" - It's widely used in blues music as well. You can use it chromatically, or you can land on it for a dissonant feeling. David did a really good lesson on the Blue note: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/blues-note-focus/
Check it out when you got some time



Lets analyze this: The chords E B D

I can only assume since you just said E, B, D - you meant E Major. Minors would be written out like Em ect...

EMaj = E G# B
BMaj = B D# F#
DMaj = D F# A

So we have the notes: E F# G# A B D D#

The E Minor pentatonic notes are: E G A B D

We can see right away we're going to have trouble with the G# in the E Maj chord and the D# in the B Maj chord. Now this is strictly from a theory stand point - in blues - we mix major and minors all the time... But what I'm trying to make you understand is how to figure out what scale goes with what chords.

What we did here was take chords, break them down to their individual notes, and figured out whether or not they fit in a given scale.

So if we were to use say, E Major (E Ionian) which is E F# G# A B C# D#

E Maj, B Maj, D#dim would sound fine (Why is this D#dim instead of DMaj? Because D doesn't exist in the E major scale)


Ok so what chords would go good with the E minor pentatonic?

The E Minor pentatonic notes are: E G A B D

Emin =E G B
G Maj = G B D
A min = A C E

Wait where does that C come from in that A Minor chord? How does that go with the pentatonic scale? Since we know Emin is the relative minor of G Maj and we know G Maj has the notes: G A B C D E F# - we see our C is in there and we're good to go.





Can't wait!

Over all good job dude, this theory stuff is very difficult - it takes a while to come to grasps with. I am still learning as well. I've asked an instructor to review my post to make sure I haven't mislead you anywhere!


Theory Supplement: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=5012 - Modes 101

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 13 2009, 08:31 AM

Ahh... it shouldn't be difficult man! I can't believe I did that stuff wrong. Guess I will have to put more time into this

A quiz like this is really, really helpful by the way. I can only learn things like these by applying them. Let's do this more often if you got the time

EDIT: I see why I did them wrong now.

Question 2: I confused minor scale with minor chords.

Question 3: Same thing.

Question 4: I think I meant powerchords... but I'm not sure whether that makes my answers right!

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 13 2009, 02:32 PM

For question 4 you meant power chords.

Alright, so lets discuss power chords. If you want to refer to power chords definitively you need to say E5, B5, D5. Why do these 'chords' have a 5 at the end of them? Well, a power chord is comprised of the root and fifth interval of a scale.

So we're looking for chords that would fit in a E Minor scale.

We take the Eminor scale (E natural minor or E Aeolian) E F# G A B C D

To make all the chords in this scale we stack thirds. For E minor we get E G B - We get E min, if we stack 1 more third we get E G B D which Em7. So how do we get a power chord you ask? A power chord is only a root and a fifth - so instead of stacking thirds, we just put a fifth on top of a root. So E B is an E Powerchord or a E5.
E = EB
B=BF#
D=DA

So looking at the notes in your powerchords we get, EF#ABD. All these chords fit perfectly in the minor pentatonic (the F# isnt in the minor pentatonic but it's part of the natural minor scale, so it would fit perfectly). So you were correct afterall!

So what's really interesting about power chords are the fact that they omit the third interval. The third interval defines whether a chord is a Major or minor. As you stated before:
major is 1 3 5,
minor is 1 3b 5

So the flat 3rd (b3) makes it minor, the natural 3rd (3) makes it major. So you may be asking. what's the deal with these power chords? I don't see a 3rd interval at all in that chord, all I see is a root and a fifth?
This is why power chords are awesome, with distortion they sound very full and confident. They're the back bone of heavy metal. They're not bound to a particular tonality since they omit the 3rd. As long as the notes in the power chords exist in the given scale you're trying to solo in you're good to go!
So lets see what other scales will work with those three power chords you gave me.

EF#ABD

Ionian:       E F# G# A B C# D#    We compare this scale with our notes from the power chords. D# and D - out
Dorian:       E F# G A B C# D        This scale works well
Phrygian:    E F G A B C D            We might have some troubles with the F# but we could probably manage
Lydian:       E F# G# A# B C# D   Conflict between the A# from the Lydian and our A from the power chords
Mixolydian: E F# G# A B C# D      This would work (notice this has a major third, but we can still use it)
Aeolian:      E F# G A B C D          This will definitely work
Locrian:      E F G A Bb C D           Bb will conflict with the B in your progression

Theory supplement: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3933

Read up!! Two explanations are better than one I find.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 13 2009, 02:49 PM

Upload

I have uploaded the audio file for the strumming lesson. I'm sorry I didn't do the end as in the lesson, but I really can't imagine myself playing something like that ever, so I improvised it

Remainder to do today

Probably will do Gabriel's lesson and the melodic solo tonight. With video and mic that is. I just wanted to get this recording clean and due to technical difficulties I can't do that with video.

Theory question

Can I conclude that a the starting not of a relative minor is three half steps below it's relative major starting note?


Feedback

Oh and uhm... about the info you just gave me. No offense, but it kind of came out of nowhere Especially the last part I didn't really understand it's use. I hope you don't mind me giving you feedback on the teaching! I think you're doing a great job so far! Clear structure and explanations, but that last post was a bit confusing .

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 13 2009, 03:20 PM

Good job dude, you sound like you're playing with conviction and confidence. There are a few weak notes here and there but overall I'm impressed. Even though you don't think you'd ever need to know these types of rhythms you'll see over time - they pop up here and there and you'll be glad you have a wide array of rhythms at your disposal.


Great, can't wait.


http://files.meetup.com/227762/Circle%20of%20Fifths%20wheel.gif
That is correct. Playing E Aeolian, 3 half steps up the guitar neck gets us to G Ionian. Good job



The last part of the post was showing you how to figure out what scale can go with what chords, we figured out Dorian, Aeolian, and Mixolydian would work best. We took your chords, broke them down to their individual notes, and compared them with the scales. If all the notes from your chords matched the notes in the scale then we can use it. This is one thing you realllly need to understand, so if you don't get it let me know and I'll try to explain it better.

The reason I was trying to explain to you power chords is because on question 4 you said that's what you meant. It is true that the power chords you gave me would work with the E minor pentatonic. I'm trying to make you understand that an E isn't the same thing as an E5. An E5 is a power chord, an E usually is referred to as E Major. So that's the confusion there I think

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 13 2009, 06:32 PM

Okay I think these uploads will have to wait. I'm getting megafrustrated on the Gabriel thing. I did it perfectly before dinner and now I screw up everytime. Grrrrrrrrrr

I have serious anger problems.... (See vid)

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 13 2009, 06:41 PM

Well, are you listening to the advice I gave you?
Relax, don't worry about how many takes it requires, don't think about the recording button, if you make an error play through it, know that you probably won't get it perfect right away, loosen up your shoulders, arms, wrists, relaxxx.

Try it again after you take a few minutes to refresh your brain.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 13 2009, 06:42 PM

Yeah okay, but sorry, I can't relax right now! I wanted to have it done by now and it just frustrates me. My fingers just go everrrrrywhere, but not where I want them.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 13 2009, 06:50 PM

Dudeeee chill out, remember this is supposed to be fun! Don't let it burn you out, go play something else for a little while...Maybe work on some soloing since we're coming up to that soon.
In a few hours come back and try to record, if you make an error leave it. It doesn't have to be perfect. You're not competing with anyone, this is strictly for you. Infact, the next take you do - save it regardless to how many errors and post it. If you're worried about others critiquing the video you can send it to my email....

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 13 2009, 07:38 PM

I'm not worried about that at all. It just annoys me that I can't do stuff right at the moment. And yeah, I am a perfectionist. I want to have it all 100% or rather 110%

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 13 2009, 07:42 PM

Hahha, well truthfully that's a good personal characteristic. Perfectionists seem to be the best guitarist, because the put the time in, work the hardest, and are never satisfied or content - they're always pushing themselves.
You can see this trait in athletes, they just train harder and harder, and eventually they're the best. So that's a good trait to have but for the purpose of me helping you I need to see how you're playing consistently...

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 13 2009, 07:54 PM

Hahah aahhh you just wanted me to upload a bad take I get it, I get it Hahaha. Okay okay I'll upload it then......

(Sound quality is really bad, sorry for that, but this is the best I've got recorded)

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 13 2009, 08:31 PM

Excellent job! Sounds like your practice paid off big time..The audio was a bit difficult for me to discern but overall everything sounded pretty spot on dude! I didn't see any errors, timing was good, solo had feeling, bends were in pitch (from what I can hear hah), fingering and positioning on the guitar looked fine as well.

You might want to move the microphone away from the speakers a bit though, some serious clipping going on there.

Be careful with your pinky anchoring to the pick guard, I do it sometimes, sometimes I don't. I've heard people having problems with speed when they do this...They feel 'anchored' to the guitar body and it limits speed or expression. When I go fast I make a fist of sorts, my index and middle finger hold the pick and I leave only a small piece of the pick available to pluck the strings...I think it helps me go faster.

Over all great job dude, you seem like a very capable guitarist - we need to up the ante and give you something more challenging I believe!

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 13 2009, 08:35 PM

Haha ahh thanks man. I'm flattered

What's next ?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 13 2009, 08:56 PM

Part II:
Okay, rhythm is still our game here.

Dejan has a very good lesson on palm muting, riffing, and moving around in a scale. This lesson has a strong rhythm element to it but it also will prepare you for soloing a bit more. It will develop your alternate picking, your ability to play on the beat will be enhanced by this lesson, it will show you in depth the D Minor scale, and well...it just sounds good

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/palm-mute-workout-lesson/ COMPLETE

This lesson isn't an easy one, but you're up to the challenge I'm sure. Don't rush it, we have plenty of time..Start with the solo backing tracks will you can get full tempo. I'm excited to hear your results on this one.

When I came to GMC, this Alice in Chains lesson was one of the first ones I learned. At the time I didn't have a subscription so I just tried to figure it out by ear. The main riff isn't too hard to figure out, but the solo got kinda confusing. Over all I thought it was a very useful lesson. I think you should give it a shot.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/alice-in-chains-style-lesson/ COMPLETE


The beginning riff is played in a staccato manner.... There is a distinct separation of notes here. This is going to further develop your sense of time, then there is a rockin' solo. I think you can handle it.

Currently we're ahead of schedule. You still have to the 15th to record your own improvisation on that Am strumming lesson you did earlier this week.

These two lessons aren't due until the 22nd. So you have plenty of time. But remember the more we cover, the more you practice, the greater the pay off is.

Good luck

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

Ahh!! Now we're talking man I'm gonna have fun with these lessons I'm sure.

Thanks!

Are we gonna do some more theory quizes by the way?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 14 2009, 01:53 AM

You can guarantee it dude!

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 14 2009, 05:01 PM

Ask and you shall receive! Theory quiz time! We are here once again to test your knowledge, to see your strengths, and expose your weaknesses.

Quiz #2:

1. The major scale and the natural minor scale have alternative names, what are they?
2. Which mode of the major scale has a #4th?
3. Of all the major scale modes the only one with a b2nd is what?
4. Which key of the major scale has no sharps nor flats?
5. Why is a power chord not really a 'chord'?
6. What interval defines the tonality of a chord?
7. If the I chord is a D7 the II chord Em7 and the III chord is F#Dim this usually indicates which mode is at work?
8. What is the circle of fifths used for?
9. Please explain to me the concept of a relative minor.

Good luck! And I'm still waiting for your Am improvisation.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 14 2009, 05:11 PM

Quiz #2:

1. The major scale and the natural minor scale have alternative names, what are they?
   
   Ionian and Aeolian
   
2. Which mode of the major scale has a #4th?
   
   Lydian
   
3. Of all the major scale modes the only one with a b2nd is what?
   
   Phrygian
   
4. Which key of the major scale has no sharps nor flats?
   
   C major? (A key is what comes out of the scale formula when you enter the root note right? In that case C major definately )
   
5. Why is a power chord not really a 'chord'?
   
   It doesn't have a third.
   
6. What interval defines the tonality of a chord?
   
   The third.
   
7. If the I chord is a D7 the II chord Em7 and the III chord is F#Dim this usually indicates which mode is at work?
   
   Major general rule: I, IIm7, IIIm7, IVmaj7, V7, VIm, VIIdim
   
   So that means it's the fifth mode ... which is (I actually have an acronym for this and it's called "I Do Piss Like My Alternative Lefty")... Mixolydian.
   
8. What is the circle of fifths used for?
   
   Hmm. Good question. An easy system to find the relative minor?
   
9. Please explain to me the concept of a relative minor.
   
   Every major key has a relative minor that contains the same notes. The relative minor is 3 semitones below the major.

Oh that improvisation! I'm going to try to record it tonight, but don't expect too much as I'll be knackered from the gym

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 14 2009, 06:02 PM

Good job dude, looks like you have a good handle on the basic theory side of things. You got every question correct! Do you feel like you have a better grasp of things now? We'll be working on triads and more complex chords soon so get ready for that
I feel like things are working out really well, you seem to be able to play well and think well. These are two important characteristics of playing.

Do you have a DAW like Reaper or Protools? Do you have an audio interface like an Mbox, Firewire 410, Line6 toneport? Do you have Ezdrummer or any other drum programming software? I'm thinking for your 'final' you could compose a song with all the things you've learned from the mentored training process. The reason I'm telling you about it now is I think we only have like 2 weeks to work on it. I could help you with the drum tracks and stuff like that but I want you to compose it.

That means you pick a key, a chord progression, write an intro, a verse, chorus, rockin' Richie Sambora/Slash style solo and an outro (maybe a variation of the intro?). What do you think? Would you be interested in something like that?

I want to teach you more than just how to play guitar, I want you to learn how to apply all this theory I'm drilling into your head. Basically composing a song would be the ultimate culmination of all your practicing and studying.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 14 2009, 06:25 PM

Yeah I think this theory is getting into my head!

I have Reaper, Toneport UX1, no drumsoftware. Would be cool to do that man I've been composing stuff for some time now. I can show you some examples if you like.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 14 2009, 06:58 PM

Cool, send me a sample of something you'd like to make into a mini or full fledged song. You know my email right?

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 14 2009, 08:36 PM

Take 3! What do you think ?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 15 2009, 03:13 PM

Excellent take, your playing has lots of room into between the notes. The solo felt very alive and melodic. It's very soulful and pretty darn precise. I particularly liked the intro, that fast little run was a nice touch. Your bends are to pitch, I really don't hear any sour notes. Perhaps the middle could use a bit more development, but over all I like it a lot.

You seem to have a good grasp on soloing as well. To add some spice to any solo there is one thing that will always do it, ARPEGGIOS! What do you know about arpeggios?

Before we get into learning any arpeggios we need to learn about intervals, the things that build chords, which are in turn arpeggios.

Theory supplement:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3285
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3342

Expect some questions

I got a arpeggio lesson headed your way sometime today too...so get ready to practice

How are those other lessons going by the way?

Can you send me some sample progressions/licks so we can start to form your final song? I'd like to get started on that ASAP, if we finish early we can get into some really crazy stuff!

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 15 2009, 07:11 PM

I uploaded a happy song for the change

What do I know about arpeggios? Hmm... I don't use them a lot That's what I know haha. And I guess I know that they're chords broken down into separate notes?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 15 2009, 08:03 PM

Arpeggio Study:

An arpeggio is "is a broken chord, where the notes of the chord are played in succession"

Okay so you now know you're major scale and it's modes to some capacity. You should know your Minor pentatonic pretty well by now. And you know how and what chords come what what scale. Lets learn about some playing arpeggios within a solo.

For a major triad we have three intervals as you know: 1 3 5
For a minor triad we have three intervals differing only by a b3: 1 b3 5

Lets have a visual:

Major triad:


Minor triad:


Do you see how the three intervals keep on repeating across the neck?

This is the first three notes of an A minor triad, try it out on guitar. You can use these for rhythm or for shooting into solos.

Here's a single octave A Min arpeggio:

|-------------------|
|-------------------|
|-------------------|
|-------------------|
|--------------7----|
|----5----8---------|

Here's a two octave A Min arpeggio:

|----------------------------------5----|
|-----------------------------5---------|
|------------------------5--------------|
|-------------------7-------------------|
|--------------7------------------------|
|----5----8-----------------------------|

Do you see how this A Minor two octave arpeggio lies within the A Minor pentatonic scale?

Lets look at some other triad shapes that you should know, especially for when we want to get into sweeping/tapping.

Here we have another Am arpeggio, this one only being 5 strings:


Notice the first note is the root note.

Here is a THIRD Am arpeggio:


So lets take a very basic blues progression Am Dm Am Em Am

Whenever the progression goes back to Am, play the notes from the Am arpeggio. When the progression goes to Dm play the notes from a Dm arpeggio.

David Williman has a very good lessons about arpeggios:

• http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/improvising-with-arpeggios/
• http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/triad-arpeggios-lesson/

Make sure you listen to the second video of each lesson where he talks and explains the lesson and gives his wisdom.

What is kinda tough about arpeggios is you absolutely must know what chords are being played at all times. You should really familiarize yourself with the progression before you start off with these arpeggios. You need to change arpeggios every time the chord changes.

Anyways, this isn't the most indepth lesson, but there are lots of resources here on GMC about them. Let me know if you have any questions.
Further reading: http://www.cyberfret.com/arpeggios/index.php

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 15 2009, 09:20 PM

I just got home from work and listened to that guitar pro song you had. The intro seems really very familiar I can't remember exactly what song it reminds me of though. If that's the song you want to do lets do it, all we need to do is expand it a bit more and perhaps add a solo.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 15 2009, 09:22 PM

I don't know why but it has similarities with Air on the G-string (if you ask me ). I didn't write that intro myself by the way. Bassplayer did

Oh and the lessons are going pretty allright. I can almost nail the PM-one and the other one... I think only the solo will be a problem. I'm not sure whether I'll get that done before the 22nd, but I'll give it a shot bro

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 16 2009, 02:20 PM

If you could, please record yourself playing the lessons with video. It's difficult for me to critique your technique without seeing you actually playing..

Are you doing any studying of arpeggios yet?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 18 2009, 03:26 AM

http://www.jazzguitar.be/arpeggio.html

This is a cool website, I find useful information on here from time to time. If you have a moment, check it out.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 20 2009, 01:22 AM

How are you making out? Do you have any samples yet that i can hear? You don't have to have the whole lesson done yet, just curious as to how you're doing.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 20 2009, 09:35 AM

I haven't had a lot of time for the last couple of days. Funny how life goes busy when you laugh at it haha. Ah well, I will try to record today. I won't get the Alice in Chains solo down I'm afraid.

EDIT: I uploaded the videos. They have mistakes in them, but that's all I've got for you today

EDIT II: about the arpeggio study. I don't really know how to approach this. (So much information.. I'm drowning in it) Can you maybe assign me with an arpeggio lesson?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 21 2009, 05:44 PM

PART III:
Hey man ,

Good to see you're back and practicing! Dejan’s palm muting work out sounds pretty good. I like the fact that you add embellishments here and there and do things in your way, in your style. The point here isn't to play exactly like the instructor; the point is to learn from their style, their knowledge, and their technique. So I definitely think you have a good handle on Dejan’s lesson. All fingers seem to be moving in sync and on time. No one finger is being left out and no fingers in particular are over used. Thumb placement seems to be fine. Around the 37 second mark I see some slight issues regarding following the backing track, sounds like you just improvised a few notes here and there. Like I said that's okay, we're not aiming for perfection here.

Which brings me to my next point, why couldn't you record yourself attempting the Alice in Chains solo? Judging by your other videos you uploaded there's no doubt you could play at least 1/4 of that solo. If I don't see how you play these things I cannot help you unfortunately . Say you're struggling with alternate picking or something, if I see you playing the solo I can figure out where you need help and where you don't. Like I said before, this isn't who can play the best, the point of me mentoring you is to see where you need improvement and give you the tools to make it happen.

So for better or worse upload what you have in full. I don't care what the tempo is or how many mistakes are made I just need to see you play otherwise I can't be much help to you

The palm muting exercise should have improved your alternate picking a lot, given you a better sense of rhythm and expanded your knowledge of the minor scale. The Alice in Chains lesson should have improved your rhythm a bit, give that solo a shot! According to the MTP syllabus the 'purpose' of that assignment only requires you playing half of the backing, which you did - and did well. But I know you can do more!

Show me your weaknesses and I can try to make them into your strengths.

-----------

Ok, so I think we need to get you out of your comfort zone a bit. The third week of the MTP is to be dedicated to soloing!

The past two weeks we've talked about the minor pentatonic scale, the natural minor scale, how to build chords from the scales, relative minors, and arpeggios. Now it's time to apply some of this stuff!

Marcus Siepen has a very good pentatonic rock solo. Since you like Slash and guitar slingers like him this is a good solo to learn. It has a catchy melody, fast alternate picking passages, artificial harmonics and brief usage of a scale you haven’t played in the MTP yet, the Harmonic Minor.
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/pentatonic-solo/ COMPLETE

Muris has a very good soloing lesson that I’d like you to try to learn. It uses arpeggios, soulful bends, and a mode you might not be accustomed to playing in. C Phrygian.
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/phrygian-soloing-beginner/COMPLETE

Give one -or- both of these lessons a shot.

Also we can’t forget about rhythm right?
Here’s something different for you, funk guitar.
Joe Kataldo does a great funk lesson here: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/james-brown-funk-blues-style/
Remember keep your picking hand constantly on beat! Let me know if you have any issues.

You got till the 28th dude! Have fun, keep me posted on your progress so I can help you. If you need me to record myself playing any of these lessons for you so you can see other angles please let me know.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 21 2009, 05:56 PM

Haha okay I will give the Alice in Chains solo another shot then. You are probably right that I can play it, but I wouldn't have made it within this time span.

The problem was that I was very uncomfortable with the pulling off. I think pull-offs are my biggest flaw. Especially on the thicker strings and with my pinky I have major problems with it. Also... you know that you sometimes have situations where you have to hammer on with your first finger out of nowhere? I can't do that properly either. Maybe we can work on those next time?

I will get to work!

Thanks man.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 21 2009, 09:07 PM

I will definitely look for some lessons on legato and other hammer on and pull off techniques dude.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 21 2009, 09:36 PM

I was checking out of your forum posts, I noticed you're interested in sweeping. Would you have any interest in me whipping up a quick little sweeping lesson for you? I ties directly into the arpeggio lesson I hope you looked at...

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 22 2009, 04:16 PM

Sure! Sweeping would be nice You're definately getting me out of my comfort zone with that.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 22 2009, 05:49 PM

Cool when I go home I'll make something up for ya...

So I've been playing in a few bands recently, usually we stick to 4/4 timing - but lately with a progressive rock group I'm in, the bassist/singer who writes a lot of the material is experimenting with alternate time signatures - like 3/4 (waltz) or a 6/8 time signature... I got a handle of it after a while (...sorta, still can't solo very well in 6/8) but I was thrown off guard at first...

Here is some interesting reading material regarding time signatures - it has backing tracks too. It's just food for thought, not you 'need' to know - but the more knowledge you got the better player you are I believe...

http://www.guitarnoise.com/lesson/time-signatures/

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 24 2009, 05:51 PM

Hey Jon, I got a question. What is the best way to memorize solos quickly? Technically I don't really have problems with the lessons, but I can't memorize them! Do you have any suggestions or is it just a matter of repeating over and over again?

I also have this problem when I have to practise songs for my band. I just forget

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 25 2009, 02:40 AM

For me it's easiest to memorize solos by learning what scales the guitarist is using. When I know which notes the guy picked and why he picked them it makes it a lot easier to retain. Also a lot of fast solos are repeating patterns, so I try to learn the patterns in every key and different positions, it really helps it sink in.

Forgetting songs I do often to..The thing I do is, listen to the song. A LOT. Like 30 or 40 times in one day....You'll hate the song after listening to it so many times but you'll know it really well by then.

How are you making out with those solo lessons? Any advancement?

Sorry for the lack of sweeping vidoes, been having - quite possibly the strangest weekend ever. So look for something during the week

Post some videos!!
Good luck dude

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 25 2009, 11:50 AM

Haha don't worry about it I will post a video later on today. From the pentatonics lesson I only have to memorize it, work on timing and learn the last part. Phrygian lesson is memorizing only

Any chance you could get me some BTs?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 25 2009, 06:19 PM

Ok, I will try

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 26 2009, 01:45 PM

Check your email =)

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 26 2009, 09:22 PM

Any development of those ideas for your song? If you send me an actual main riff I can start working out drums for you..

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 01:59 PM

Wow, I look like one pissed off batty boy on these vids! Maybe I should take lessons from that Guitar Idol winner

These are not the complete versions yet as my fingertips hurt, but I wanted to show you my progress.

What do you think so far?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 03:41 PM

Marcus's Pentatonic solo lesson:
The intro sounds great, bends are to bitch mostly, vibrato is a bit shaky here and there, especially vibrato with your bends- but over all it sounds pretty good. Try to vary your vibrato with the tempo of the song... Sometimes fast vibrato give a real crazy manic kind of feel. Slower vibrato gives a soothing feel. When you're adding vibrato on a bent note make sure you're not shaking the note too far out of pitch...Bending really takes an ear and time to develop. Over all I say you have a good handle on it and over time it will just get better and better. I like when the lesson has that harmonic minor part; you tapped it instead of picked it. It shows you have confidence in your playing and you're not afraid to experiment. That's definitely a good thing. Around the 40 second mark your playing could be a little cleaner..sounds like a few fumbled notes here and there. Over all, great job. Sometimes when I'm playing along I'll tap my foot and it gets me into the groove a bit more, give that a shot...

Muris's Phrygian lesson:
I like your vibrato, it's slow and controlled - sounds good. Around the 10 second mark there should be more of a controlled bend. Muris does a slow bend and a nice bend release, he really puts emphasis into it. Same goes for around the 24 second mark. Now this sounds kinda trivial but when you do that, it shows an over all confidence and professionalism in your playing. I think you did a great job with the arpeggios around the 30 second mark. It seems like over all you could 'slow down' a bit more and put really feeling into every note. Vibrato is the key really, knowing how much and when to use it is the trick to sound really convincing. In reality though that is beyond the scope of the 'beginner' mentored training program.
I really feel that you're progressing towards intermediate level very fast.

I would like to get that song together so I can really gauge where you are as far as composition and creating improvisations. Great job George you always impress me with your uploads.

How is your rhythm work going? I hope it hasn't fallen to the wayside, remember guitar is a balancing act. To be a complete guitarist you need to be equally adept at rhythm and solo guitar. No one should over take the other... Though I personally believe soloing takes more practice.

I will draw up your next assignments soon...

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 03:42 PM

Thanks man! That was some really good advice I will work on it and upload the improved versions tomorrow. My vibrato is kind of shaky! How could I have not noticed that

About the song. I think I'm gonna go for something different! Check this out (Gotta record it first though... one minute).

EDIT: they're up! Which one do you prefer?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 03:45 PM

Ok sounds good to me

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 03:54 PM

Bump

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 06:55 PM

Ok, I like both riffs a lot.

I think we should start with the riff in video 379 then do some easy chorus then go into the riffs in video 378 then back to video 379 and end it.

I think there is a lot of potential in those two riffs, we'll make a cool mini song!

I don't have my guitar on me so I can't figure out the key from here... Is it D Major?

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 07:01 PM

Sounds good to me

What key is it in?

In 379 I play this (chords are bold):

A5 B C B E5 E F E F5 C B G G5 G C G

378 is basically A5 and A#5 with some dead notes...

I don't know if that's D major man haha.

EDIT: Hmm I don't think that's D major :\ No idea what it could be.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 07:19 PM

Ok, I know what key it is. It's definitely not D Major hahah... Anyways - I showed you how to figure out what key it's in remember? Break down all the chords to their single notes, take all the notes and see what scale it fits in.

Use this as a tool:
http://www.blackbeltguitar.com/ChordScaleGenerator.php

It doesn't need to be 'perfect'...every single note matches up...but should be pretty close.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 07:19 PM

These are the notes I use: A A# B C# D E F G
So that would make the formula: 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 right..?

Hmm... I'm probably making a huge stupid mistake right now

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 07:24 PM

Ok so we got A5 = A, E we got F5 = F, C we got G 5 = G D

You also said you use the notes B C

So we have something that looks like: A B C D E F G

This is a particularly easy key to see because there is no sharps or not flats. The only scale that has no sharps or no flats is it the C Major scale! But in reality you'd use it's sixth mode, the Aeolian mode. The minor pentatonic would work beautifully over this riff too.

If you take those notes, you see you can start with A on that blackbeltguitar website... The scroll through the different scales till you see notes that match up well... That's how I figure out what scales work best when I'm in a pinch.

That second riff uses a A#, so A Phrygian would work too... Aeolian would be fine though.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 07:30 PM

Ahh right.. I had to fragment the parts. Pretty stupid of me

Allright, so we start off with 379 then 378 then 379 and then a solo over a different part?

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 07:42 PM

Yeah maybe we should throw a chorus or something in there... I dunno - it's up to you.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 07:43 PM

Hmm do you have any suggestions for a chorus? Would be cool if you threw in some guitar ideas as well!! Maybe we can get Nemanja or Luciana to sing

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 07:51 PM

ok, I can throw in a few parts here and there.. I will work on this when I'm home from work.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 08:01 PM

Cool!

I was thinking of a breakbeat kind of drum for 379 and a Guns n Roses style drum for 378. Maybe we can add a verse where there's a bassline that plays 378 (but just the root notes).

379 - 378 (guitar) - chorus - 378 (bass) - chorus - solo (over a to be determined backing... maybe we can do a transition there?) - 378 (and end it metal... like A5-A5-A5-A5-------)

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 08:06 PM

I like that, you have a vision - lets actualize it.

So what should I do? Take your riff and create drums for it?

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 27 2009, 08:07 PM

Yeah If you have drums for me I can record it pretty tight I think.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 27 2009, 10:52 PM

Dude real rough take, had to do it before I left for a rehearsal after work...Put your 379 riff ontop of this A5 E5 F5 G5 progression

Dude real rough take, had to do it before I left for a rehearsal after work...Put your 379 riff ontop of this A5 E5 F5 G5 progression

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 28 2009, 04:03 PM

Hmm... I try to play over it, but either I'm too fast or the recording is too slow...

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 28 2009, 05:15 PM

OK, I will work on it when I'm home. I only had 15 minutes after work before practice to get that done. Sorry man, I won't let you down though! Tonight I will work on it.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 28 2009, 05:21 PM

Hahah don't worry!! For 15 minutes this is kickass.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 28 2009, 05:50 PM

Were the chords correct, just the tempo off?

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 28 2009, 05:52 PM

Yeah the chords were correct, but tempo and rhythm were off What I would like is that the chords are in the same rhythm as I play them... otherwise it's really hard for me to play it correctly.

Bit like the upload, but not exactly, cause it doesn't sound that good like this. Play with it

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 28 2009, 06:52 PM

PART IV:
Okay, so we need to work on our soloing ability..

The MTP syllabus suggests a very good AP lesson from Muris (which I'm working on myself).
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/alternate-picking-thirds/
You'd be amazed how this sounds to speed. Try to bang this one out...

Also, we should start to expose you better to sweeping.
Here's how I learned... It's a ghetto lesson from Pavel, with really crappy audio - but it worked for me.
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/sweeping-lesson/

Learn the major and minor arpeggio shape, work with a metronome..I don't really expect you to master that lesson because it takes months and months to get accustomed to sweeping - but it's good to get started, learn the shapes, and improve your finger independence.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Jan 28 2009, 07:02 PM

Duuduuuuude!! I'm gonna do my best man. Wow.

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 28 2009, 07:39 PM

Well, it's our last week. We gotta really push, we could spend years doing this stuff and really cover everything I'd like. Tapping, legato, alternate picking, sweeping, sweeping with tapping, ear development, composing skills ect... but we don't have that much time:( So, give it your best. I'm currently working on that alternate picking video with Muris so don't feel overwhelmed.

It took me a few months to get down that sweeping video too so this isn't like 'YOU NEED THIS DONE NOW'... It's 'Try you best and learn a few things from the lessons'. but I'd like to see your takes of it now and after a week of practicing...You'll be surprised how much more proficient you are even after just one week.

I've been working on Muris's Paul Gilbert Style lesson for over 2 months straight now... I only practice for 20 minutes or so of it, but I'm like 2/3s through it... With time I will be able to do the whole thing! Same goes for this...

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 29 2009, 04:34 AM

Second try..

Erm I don't have a bass or a bass vst...

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 29 2009, 05:21 AM

So since I'm brushing up on my alternate picking with you with this Muris lesson - my advise for going up thirds is memorize the pattern on two string, then the next two string, then the last two string - then combine the whole thing...

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 29 2009, 05:59 AM

OK here is your sweeping lesson with a video...not the greatest video but something haha...

Track 1
          Em                  F#dim                     G Major          
     S  S S  S S S  S    S  S S     S S S  S     S  S S S       S S   S  
E||--7p-3--------3h-7-|--8p-5-----------5h-8-|--10p-7-------------7h-10-|
B||-------5----5------|-------7-------7------|--------8---------8-------|
G||----------4--------|-------------8--------|----------7---------------|
D||-------------------|----------------------|--------------------------|
A||-------------------|----------------------|--------------------------|
E||-------------------|----------------------|--------------------------|


         Amin                      Bmin              
   S  S  S   S  S S   S     S   S  S    S  S  S   S  
--12p-8-----------8h-12-|--14p-10------------10h-14-|
--------10-----10-------|---------12------12--------|
-------------9----------|--------------11-----------|
------------------------|---------------------------|
------------------------|---------------------------|
------------------------|---------------------------|


             CMajor                        DMajor           
   S   S  S  S      S  S   S     S   S  S  S      S  S   S  
--15p-12--------------12h-15-|--17p-14--------------14h-17-|
---------13--------13--------|---------15--------15--------|
------------12---------------|------------14---------------|
-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
-----------------------------|-----------------------------|


       Emin                  
   S   S    S  S  S  S   S   
--19p-15------------15h-19-||
-----------17----17--------||
--------------16-----------||
---------------------------||
---------------------------||
---------------------------||

[waiting for youtube upload]

ugh the sync of video and audio is messsed up I need to re-record. Ughhgghhghg

Posted by: fatb0t Jan 31 2009, 11:19 PM

I just saw that Guitar Pro thing you uploaded, I really like it. I will try to make some midi drums for behind that..

Posted by: SonofDestiny Feb 1 2009, 11:27 AM

Hey Fatb0t, sorry for not replying these last days! I completely forgot about it.

So what do I have to do now? Your sweeping lesson or the one by Pavel or both?

Posted by: fatb0t Feb 2 2009, 05:23 PM

The sweeping technique I don't expect you to learn completely at all. The reason I assigned it was so you can familiarize yourself with the three triad shapes - Major, minor, and diminished. It's just food for thought really and something for you to practice.

I would like to see you just give it a shot just to see where you're at. Even when this MTP is over I'd still like to work with you if that'd be okay... We just don't have enough time to get everything done that I want too.

Really concentrate on that alternate picking lesson from Muris.. The AP thirds is kinda difficult but if you can alternate pick just the 3note per string scale up and down and in time you got something out of the lesson I think. So really give that one a shot...

I will work on the backing track for your song tonight..

Posted by: fatb0t Feb 2 2009, 07:46 PM

Hey George,

I want to impart one other piece of knowledge that is guitar related but has nothing to do with playing It has to do with setting up your guitar... I for years spent money on getting my guitar setup by the local music shop in my town. I was always unsatisfied with the job the guy did. One day there was a lesson on here from an old instructor about setting up your guitar.
You can find the lesson here:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/recording-lesson2-guitar-tone-playability/

Pay particular attention to how he adjusts the intonation.
Intonation - In - Tone --->in tune

How I check my guitars intonation is fretting the 12th fret on the low E string. I check to see to if the note is sharp, flat, or perfect on my tuner.
If the note is flat I move the saddle on the bridge closer to the fretboard.
If the note is sharp I move the saddle on the bride further from the fretboard.

Make sure you fret the note lightly on the 12th fret, if you press too hard it will make the note sharp and your adjustments will be incorrect.

Also I advise you to use real decent tools...I once stripped a hex head on a friends Licensed Floyd Rose (it was made of crappy metal, but if I had the exact size hex wrench it would not have stripped I think) and we had to get a new one.

Now before you adjust your guitars intonation you should adjust the guitars action to your liking. I personally like the strings as close to the fret board as possible without getting fret buzz around the lower frets. Also one thing I never mess around with is my guitars truss rod - I generally leave that to 'real' professionals because I can cause actual harm to my babies if I mess up and tighten it too much


It's also important to understand that on most guitars you'll never have the guitar's intonation perfect. Check your guitar and let me know how it fares...

Further reading: http://www.fretnotguitarrepair.com/Electric_Guitar_Intonation.htm

Posted by: SonofDestiny Feb 2 2009, 08:21 PM

Oh that is some scary stuff man! I am so scared to set up my guitar by myself. I might kill my babies!!

I'm going to give it a shot though. Just not now... I'm really frustrated already by a meeting I had today and I don't want that to be the cause of a broken guitar

EDIT: Jon... are you really sure you want me to do this? I am so a-technical

Posted by: fatb0t Feb 2 2009, 08:28 PM

Well as with anything with guitar, just exercise caution. You can't really mess up your guitar too badly by adjusting string height and moving the saddles around. Just don't over tighten anything and strip it. Leave the truss rod alone for now... Knowing how to setup your guitar over all is a really good piece of knowledge to have I find.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Feb 2 2009, 08:35 PM

Hehe okay, I will give it a shot. With extreme caution that is.

Posted by: fatb0t Feb 2 2009, 08:48 PM

You don't have to make any adjustments, just take a look to see if your guitars intonation is good, bad - whatever you know?

Posted by: fatb0t Feb 5 2009, 02:51 PM

Looks like we ran out of time George... You did a terrific job, I sincerely hope you took something from this mentoring process..even if it was just a little bit of theory here and there. It would be nice to see if you made any progress with sweeping or alternate picking too - so if you got some videos please do up load.

Posted by: SonofDestiny Feb 5 2009, 02:56 PM

Hey Jon!

I'm not able to post videos yet as I have progressed very little. Haven't even had time for the sweeping Is it okay if I work on it for another week (cos I won't have a lot of time until Tuesday) and show you then? The alternate picking is harder than I thought by the way. That sequence just kills me!! But it's cool, cause the more I get that down, the faster I seem to get at normal alternate picking

I think this program has helped me a lot. Working with you was great and I think I made quite some progress.

Thanks a lot for teaching me and I hope we will keep in touch!

Posted by: fatb0t Feb 5 2009, 03:30 PM

Cool man, I really agree that Muris's AP lesson is nuts for developing your technique. Yeah take as much time as you need for the video. Sweeping is the most difficult technique I think but over time you'll get it. Of course we'll keep in touch, I'm addicted to this forum. It's just a bummer MSN is blocked at work. If they block GMC I don't know what I'd do with myself! Hhaha