Velvet Roger - Mentored By Muris, CLOSED
Velvet Roger
Feb 17 2009, 09:56 PM
Learning Tone Seeker
Posts: 2.093
Joined: 5-August 08
From: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hi Muris,

In this post I will try to give you some idea on my current status, my background, goals, problems etc.

Background
My name is Roger, am from the Netherlands, 33 years old, and I have been playing the guitar effectively for about a year back in the early '90s, however lacked completely a proper lesson-plan etc etc. I was basically just trying to hit the strings and get proper sounds out of it (which to a certain extend even worked tongue.gif ). After this, I remained playing very minimal (sometimes once a month) for another 2 years, but then the guitars went to the attic.

Since about 1.5 years I have picked up my guitars again, and decided that this time things would go differently. I took lessons (which is extremely helpful getting the theory linked to the actual playing), but somehow it did not give me full joy. I came across GMC a while ago and since then I have developed myself quite a bit due to all the lessons, very valuable forum info and also the collabs. Since about 5 months I also play in a band, and am starting to write material for it smile.gif

Besides playing the guitar, I have been frequently involved in playing music (piano, keyboards, drums), which certainly is helpful for rhythmic feeling etc.

I am interested in quite a few musical styles of which Jazz, Blues, Funk, Rock and Hard Rock are the most important ones. However, I would very much like to get more into other styles as I believe it will make me a better musician in the end.

Current status & problems
I have progressed quite considerably during the last couple of months, due the extreme increase in practicing and making it more focussed and organised. Generally speaking you can also notice this in the collabs I took part in (maybe not in all, but there is a certain line going upwards tongue.gif ).

Techniques
In terms of techniques I practiced most of them already on a regular basis, however there are a couple of technical points which require a lot of attention currently:

- Vibrato (no. 1 for sure)
- Bending
- Sweep picking
- Alternate picking (higher speeds)

Basically, the main objective for technique I have put myself in the forthcoming weeks is to actually achieve a controlled vibrato throughout a solo/song which is confident and contributing to the 'feeling' of the thing I am playing.

Nevertheless, besides vibrato and controlled bending, I would also really make some progress in really developing sweep picking and arpeggiated alternate picking runs at higher speeds.

In terms of rhythm playing, I am currently learning more and more chord shapes, however I would like to implement combining these chords with lead lines (hybrid picking), especially developing them in my own music (example I quite like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSM3FL7zUdw).

Although I would like to be able to playing some very fast runs if required, my ultimate goal is to become a good musician, and playing speed should only be a tool to reach that goal.

In terms of timing I could also learn quite a lot, although people keep telling me that I have quite a good feel for rhythm.

Theory
Theory wise, I am currently at a stage that I know e.g. the 7 3 nps boxes of the major modes, working on the harmonic minor scale currently and trying to connect all those boxes (e.g. sliding shapes through 3 boxes etc) to have proper fretboard knowledge instantly when improvising. It's really getting better and better due to a much structured approach.

Also, things as which chords to use with which modes, playing around chords, more jazz-related theory is something I am quite far in I guess (due to having teaching from a jazz player I guess tongue.gif ). But I certainly can learn loads more!!!!!

My major goal in terms of theory in relation to my playing would be to effectively being able to improvise on the spot using different modes. Part of this would also be developing a proper ear training to recognize all intervals.

A couple of key video's recorded in order of recording

20 Oct 2008 - Slow Blues Improv (first video recorded ever, quite happy with the licks produced, timing could have been better)


14 Dec 2008 - Christmas Rock Improv (was very happy at the time with the used techniques, maybe a bit simple here and there)


24 Jan 2009 - Stop Blues Improv (being able to switch relatively easy between the pentatonic boxes, not good use of vibrato)


12 Feb 2009 - Lick Construction Improv (achieved a fair level of picking speed and melodic/chord following improvisation, not very well controlled vibrato)


15 Feb 2009 - Fusion Jam Improv (not happy at all technique wise (vibrato/bending), first video in which I used a bit of sweep picking (yay tongue.gif ), timing could have been better, composing wise I am quite happy to actually compose something which is following chords, using arpeggios etc.)


Current lesson of Muris to practice
I started with the Phrygian Soloing - Intermediate, 2 weeks ago, learned the notes but then stopped it due to all the collabs etc and some personal things. Nevertheless will start this one up again tonight (update: can play the whole thing a bit sloppy at 60 bpm now). I noticed that some of the faster parts (legato + alternate picking are giving quite some problems).

Overall goal in the MTP
Improve myself as a musician and playing the guitar, which means that I will be able to make well thought own composed music which goes a bit further than the standard ABC. Furthermore, as part of this I would like to develop heavily my technique as this is definitely one of my weak spots currently (and that also limits my speed and other aspects of my playing).

I am extremely motivated to really make this one of the best experiences in my guitar playing life ever, and looking forward to start working with you Muris smile.gif

If you wanna know any more details, just ask as I will probably have forgotten quite some stuff smile.gif

Cheers
Roger


You are at GuitarMasterClass.net


Don't miss today's free lick. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!

Don't miss today's free blues, jazz & country licks. Plus all our lessons are packed with free content!


This post has been edited by Muris Varajic: Oct 23 2009, 04:29 PM


--------------------
"Don't practice until you get it right. Practice until you can't get it wrong."

Guitars & Amps
Brian Moore DC-1 Custom Shop (Cherry Sunburst, mahogany/rosewood)
Eric Johnson Signature Strat (2-tone Sunburst, alder/maple)
Ibanez RG770 (Black, basswood/rosewood)
Peerless Journeyman (solid spruce/maple)
Sixt Bov-105C (Ovation-like acoustic) - Ibanez SGT-130 (Jumbo acoustic)
London City VS-1 (Precision bass) - Baton Rouge U3S (Ukelele)
Fender HotRod Deluxe 40W combo - Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue 5W combo - Marshall JCM 900 50W Hi-Gain combo

Effects & Other stuff
POD Studio UX2 audio interface - Edirol MA-15D monitors
EH Double Muff - Fulltone GT-500 - Fulltone Fulldrive 2 Mosfet - Guitarsystems TrebleTool Junior - Guitarsystems FuzzTool Junior
Korg Pitchblack Tuner - MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay - TC Electronics Nova Modulator - Morley Bad Horsie 2 Wah
Shure SM58 - Roland PCR-500 midi controller/keyboard & Yamaha Clavinova CL-910 piano


My Website
My MySpace Page
My YouTube Channel
My Twitter Account
My Band 'Gonzo!'



Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

Posts in this topic
- Velvet Roger   Velvet Roger - Mentored By Muris   Feb 17 2009, 09:56 PM
- - Muris Varajic   Hey Roger. Watching all those clips I noticed th...   Feb 19 2009, 01:21 PM
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks Muris, I will get on those lessons immedi...   Feb 19 2009, 01:43 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Of course not only Blues, I said that only because...   Feb 19 2009, 01:56 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks a lot for the reply, I will do my utmost be...   Feb 19 2009, 04:37 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Feb 19 2009, 04:37 ...   Feb 19 2009, 05:51 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Just to quickly update you: I am progressing fai...   Feb 23 2009, 01:51 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   No worries Roger, it is quite natural to face issu...   Feb 23 2009, 01:58 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hi Muris, Here is my first reasonable take on th...   Feb 24 2009, 11:47 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   We're getting there Roger, have no doubt!...   Feb 25 2009, 12:15 AM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks Muris, I noticed that the timing wasn...   Feb 25 2009, 07:31 AM
- - Velvet Roger   Just a quick update here: Starting seriously now...   Feb 25 2009, 10:18 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Thanks for great news Roger and looking forward to...   Feb 26 2009, 12:50 AM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Here is my take on the Blues Bending ...   Feb 27 2009, 11:03 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Oh yeah, I can see you spent lot of time with bend...   Feb 28 2009, 01:45 AM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   My fingers are not happy with you anymore Muris ...   Feb 28 2009, 07:38 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Feb 28 2009, 07:38 ...   Feb 28 2009, 01:52 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Feb 28 2009, 01:52...   Feb 28 2009, 02:15 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Feb 28 2009, 02:15 ...   Feb 28 2009, 02:37 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Feb 28 2009, 02:37...   Mar 2 2009, 12:24 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   Sure thing Roger, take some rest and I'll wait...   Mar 2 2009, 02:38 AM
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Ok, already made a recording of the Blues Bending ...   Feb 28 2009, 08:14 AM
- - Velvet Roger   Hi Muris, Here is my 2nd take on the modern blue...   Mar 2 2009, 02:46 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   That was much much better Roger, of course there i...   Mar 2 2009, 11:23 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks Muris, Start practicing right away!   Mar 2 2009, 11:35 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Mar 2 2009, 11:35 P...   Mar 2 2009, 11:49 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, I have two questions regarding the al...   Mar 3 2009, 02:43 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Hi Roger. As for the angle, I guess you can keep...   Mar 4 2009, 01:22 AM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks Muris, Glad that I started practicing the...   Mar 4 2009, 10:02 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   Awesome to hear Roger, keep me posted!   Mar 4 2009, 12:24 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hi Muris, Attached a quick upload of the first 4...   Mar 5 2009, 12:36 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   It was very nice Roger,as I said in chat! Tr...   Mar 5 2009, 12:52 AM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 5 2009, 12:52 ...   Mar 6 2009, 07:21 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Sounds good Roger, have fun with the band tho!   Mar 6 2009, 10:38 PM
nnn
nnn
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   After recording for about 2 hours , I managed to...   Mar 8 2009, 07:28 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Nice, clean and accurate, thank you a lot for this...   Mar 9 2009, 12:00 AM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 9 2009, 12:00 ...   Mar 9 2009, 12:25 AM
nnn
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Quick question: After looking at the chordprogre...   Mar 9 2009, 08:13 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   Best idea would be C minor plus C harmonic for G a...   Mar 9 2009, 11:57 AM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Ok thanks , will probably record the first part of...   Mar 9 2009, 12:10 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Mar 9 2009, 12:10 P...   Mar 9 2009, 12:18 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Ok, here it is. I have tried to stick...   Mar 9 2009, 07:36 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   I see that you feel much more free to bend the str...   Mar 10 2009, 02:03 AM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks for all the comments, still a long way to g...   Mar 10 2009, 06:55 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   Sorry for delay Roger, I just arrived in US, looki...   Mar 13 2009, 02:59 AM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Mar 13 2009, 02:59...   Mar 13 2009, 07:23 AM
nnn
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Here is my new attempt (HQ setting is...   Mar 21 2009, 06:15 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   That was way more melodic Roger, good job! J...   Mar 25 2009, 01:18 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Thanks for the extensive feedback, wh...   Mar 25 2009, 01:56 PM
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Here is a new take from me. I have fo...   Mar 25 2009, 09:02 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Sorry for delay Roger, I was out of town yesterday...   Mar 27 2009, 09:30 AM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks Muris for the comments. Good to hear that...   Mar 27 2009, 07:39 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Sounds great Roger, have fun with the band and loo...   Mar 28 2009, 02:03 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Just a quick update from my side afte...   Apr 7 2009, 10:39 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Welcome back Roger! Take your time and some ...   Apr 7 2009, 11:23 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 8 2009, 12:23 ...   Apr 11 2009, 05:08 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   I can some some struggle Roger but we can fix this...   Apr 11 2009, 05:26 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 11 2009, 06:26...   Apr 11 2009, 08:00 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Apr 11 2009, 09:00 ...   Apr 11 2009, 10:51 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 11 2009, 11:51...   Apr 11 2009, 11:23 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Apr 12 2009, 12:23 ...   Apr 11 2009, 11:26 PM
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Here is a new take in which I tried t...   Apr 13 2009, 04:09 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Left hand posture is much better now Roger! Ho...   Apr 13 2009, 04:48 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 13 2009, 05:48...   Apr 13 2009, 05:11 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Apr 13 2009, 06:11 ...   Apr 13 2009, 06:59 PM
nnn
nnn
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Just a quick update from my side Muris: slowly get...   Apr 16 2009, 08:57 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Looking forward to it Roger, let me know about Sum...   Apr 16 2009, 10:42 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hi Muris, I've been practicing the alternate...   Apr 18 2009, 10:37 PM
- - Velvet Roger   Just sent a PM with the first part of Summer Song ...   Apr 19 2009, 01:22 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Apr 19 2009, 02:22 ...   Apr 19 2009, 01:39 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks for the comments. Will certainly continue w...   Apr 19 2009, 01:59 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Funk Rhythm lesson, great idea Roger!! A...   Apr 19 2009, 06:14 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 19 2009, 07:14...   Apr 19 2009, 06:42 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ Apr 19 2009, 07:42 ...   Apr 20 2009, 12:47 PM
nnn
nnn
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hi Muris, Here is a take of the Funk Rhythm less...   Apr 26 2009, 09:28 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Nice work Roger!! Here's the thing ab...   Apr 26 2009, 11:45 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Been busy practicing the Funk Lesson and it certai...   Apr 28 2009, 10:57 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Yeah, I just saw it in REC thread and said few wor...   Apr 28 2009, 11:56 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 29 2009, 12:56...   Apr 29 2009, 06:35 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   I knew you're gonna understand my point Roger,...   Apr 29 2009, 03:16 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ Apr 29 2009, 04:16...   May 2 2009, 05:09 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Yeah, I can feel the groove Roger, much better reg...   May 2 2009, 08:11 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ May 2 2009, 09:11 ...   May 2 2009, 08:28 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ May 2 2009, 09:28 P...   May 2 2009, 10:28 PM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ May 2 2009, 11:28 ...   May 3 2009, 12:00 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   QUOTE (Velvet Roger @ May 3 2009, 01:00 A...   May 3 2009, 12:07 AM
|- - Velvet Roger   QUOTE (Muris Varajic @ May 3 2009, 01:07 ...   May 3 2009, 01:02 AM
|- - Muris Varajic   It's all about hours we spend with the guitar ...   May 3 2009, 01:17 PM
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks Muris!   May 3 2009, 01:38 PM
- - Velvet Roger   Just a quick note that I am quite busy with work c...   May 6 2009, 06:22 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   No problem Roger, let me know when you have someth...   May 6 2009, 06:24 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Just to update you a little: 1)...   May 9 2009, 08:47 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Despite of lack of recording I must say that I...   May 9 2009, 10:52 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, Here is another try on the funk rhyth...   May 11 2009, 02:19 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   It IS getting better Roger!! Rhythmic pl...   May 11 2009, 02:54 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Great, thanks for the heads up! Since yeste...   May 11 2009, 03:17 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Eureka is best feel ever Roger!! I canno...   May 11 2009, 03:52 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Hey Muris, As discussed this afternoon in chat: ...   May 17 2009, 06:47 PM
|- - Muris Varajic   Hi Roger and thanks for recording!! I know...   May 17 2009, 11:37 PM
nnn
- - Velvet Roger   Thanks for the feedback Muris, much appreciated...   May 18 2009, 06:21 AM
nnn
nnn
2 Pages V   1 2 >


Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:

 




RSS Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 29th March 2024 - 03:37 AM