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Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 19 2019, 11:09 PM

Welcome to SHRED BOOTCAMP! I'll be your Drill Instructor! And I do mean DRILL! As in a large power tool used in slasher films and Paul Gilbert concerts. Here is were you EARN THE LIVING DEATH out of your fingers and break through any speed bumps/barriers to become a MASTER CHIEF of Shred!
QUICK TIPS TO PREPARE YOU FOR BATTLE
*Make sure you get both hands in the shot when shooting your video*Make sure you use a metronome for the first several Missions and that the metronome can be heard.*After you complete a mission, shoot me a PM and let me know it's ready and I'll give you a debrief! These are pass / fail, so if you pass you BADGE UP and if not, I'll give you some feedback and you head in to the breach once again.
*The first several missions are VERY simple. They are just to get you used to the bootcamp process.
*Most importantly, there is NEVER a speed requirement in bootcamp. I want you to push yourself to play as brisk as you can, but NEVER at the expense of precision. If you find you are missing a note here and there, slow down a bit. Speed is just a byproduct of precision so my goal is to make you a very precise player. At that point, speed just happens.

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 20 2019, 07:24 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Dec 19 2019, 10:09 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 21 2019, 05:03 AM

Welcome To Bootcamp Soldier!!! You've done great on your first Mission here. These first few are just about working out the kinks. I can hear the metronome just fine but the guitar is maybe a pinch quiet, not a deal killer. Maybe a bit more guitar volume next on Mission 2. All of the Missions are linked in the main link which is part of the original post in this thread. Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

*MUTE: Solid Palm Mute. You are doing it just right imho. Your palm remains planted and your articulating the pick with the thumb and first finger. NICE!!!

*SYNCH: The point of this Mission is to test your hand synch and let me know if there are issues wit it. The Good News is that I don't see any issues.

*PACE: Another aspect of this mission is pace. I want to see if you can play without rushing or lagging. No rushing or lagging. Score!!!


In short, you just.......

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 20 2019, 02:24 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 21 2019, 02:32 PM

Thank you, I am happy that I passed the lesson.

I think I can play it faster, but I am afraid not to mess things, but I also want to push my speed.

I will post lesson 2 soon.

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Dec 21 2019, 04:03 AM)

Welcome To Bootcamp Soldier!!! You've done great on your first Mission here. These first few are just about working out the kinks. I can hear the metronome just fine but the guitar is maybe a pinch quiet, not a deal killer. Maybe a bit more guitar volume next on Mission 2. All of the Missions are linked in the main link which is part of the original post in this thread. Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

*MUTE: Solid Palm Mute. You are doing it just right imho. Your palm remains planted and your articulating the pick with the thumb and first finger. NICE!!!

*SYNCH: The point of this Mission is to test your hand synch and let me know if there are issues wit it. The Good News is that I don't see any issues.

*PACE: Another aspect of this mission is pace. I want to see if you can play without rushing or lagging. No rushing or lagging. Score!!!


In short, you just.......

LEVELED UP!!!!

Looking forward to Mission 2!!!!
Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 21 2019, 08:02 PM

Keep in mind that speed is a by product of precision. Each Mission is about playing with as much precision as possible. Speed comes from repetition of precision. Eventually, you will notice that you are playing at insane speed without tensing up, without even really working very hard. It will just be natural.
Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 21 2019, 09:32 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 24 2019, 02:13 PM

Hi,

Here is lesson #2, you can see the speeds written in the Video

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Dec 21 2019, 07:02 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 25 2019, 03:46 AM

Happy Holidays!! Xmas break is a great time to put in some extra practice and get some work in on your long terms music goals! To Wit! Mission 2. You got this sorted. It's a very simple Mission that is really just about hand synch. if one can't play this bit, there is no point in going further in to the more complicated bits. The good news is you can play this with no problem. I can already see your hand synch improving. Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR
*FORM: First off I want to see good form on this one. You are displaying solid technique here Soldier. keep it up! Muting, hand synch, clean strikes. Nice!
*TEMPO: The second thing I"m looking for is your tempo. Not rushing or lagging, Spiff!
*AGGRESSION: Lastly I like to see a big of aggressive style. You have aggression to spare!!!
You are on a roll Soldier!! Keep it up!!!You just...

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 24 2019, 09:13 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 25 2019, 10:18 AM

Thank you,

I will proceed by practicing LESSON #3 - Reversing Patterns /Changing Strings, I will play it as triplets and 8th notes, meaning that each time I change a string the metronome click will hit the first note. (3 notes per beat)

Not sure how I should practice LESSON #4 - Right Hand / Left Hand Synchronization, because there are 5 notes on a string, I am not sure how the notes should fit in a measure and where to put the metronome click. The easiest way for me I think would be to just put the click on the first note when I change the string, that means I would play 5 notes per beat.

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Dec 25 2019, 02:46 AM)

Happy Holidays!! Xmas break is a great time to put in some extra practice and get some work in on your long terms music goals! To Wit! Mission 2. You got this sorted. It's a very simple Mission that is really just about hand synch. if one can't play this bit, there is no point in going further in to the more complicated bits. The good news is you can play this with no problem. I can already see your hand synch improving. Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR
*FORM: First off I want to see good form on this one. You are displaying solid technique here Soldier. keep it up! Muting, hand synch, clean strikes. Nice!
*TEMPO: The second thing I"m looking for is your tempo. Not rushing or lagging, Spiff!
*AGGRESSION: Lastly I like to see a big of aggressive style. You have aggression to spare!!!
You are on a roll Soldier!! Keep it up!!!You just...

LEVELED UP!!!!

Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 26 2019, 02:45 AM

For any lesson like Mission 4 where there an odd number of notes, just change your metronome to clicks only. Most metronomes have this feature. BY default, it's usually 3 clicks and one slightly different tone to let you know the end of one measure. By changing it to just clicks, you can focus on striking the string each time you hear a click. For Mission 4, it's a slightly different pattern on each string. So it's not the same thing being played on both even though the notes are the same, the pattern for each string is slightly different. It loops quite well though. Give it a go and hit me up with any questions!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 25 2019, 05:18 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 26 2019, 09:08 AM

Thanks,

I think I understand, but not sure if I should go with 8th notes or 16th notes.
I think it's easier for me to go with 8th notes because I know that I have to fit 2 notes on a click

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Dec 26 2019, 01:45 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 26 2019, 09:49 AM

If you can keep it to one note per click it will probably make things easier in that you know you need to strike once, at the same time of the click. Just crank up the BPM or down as needed to find the spot where you can play without too much hand tension, and still strike once per click. Does that make sense?

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 26 2019, 04:08 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 26 2019, 08:47 PM

Yes, it makes sense.
But for lesson 3 I can play triplets per click, 3 notes per click, if that is ok.

And for lesson for I think I can go with 1 note per click, or should I practice all with one note per click?

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Dec 26 2019, 08:49 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 27 2019, 02:27 AM

I'm sure we can work it out Do what works best for you and we will go from there. In general, if you can match a click to a pick strike, it can be helpful. It allows you to synch your time with the clock. It won't work for every lick, it's just something to keep in mind as you go. After a while, you will become your own metronome. That click will live inside your head. I can't play guitar without hearing it in my head. It keeps me playing in synch/time
Todd

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 26 2019, 03:47 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 4 2020, 06:25 PM

LESSON #3 - Reversing Patterns /Changing Strings

Playing triplets 8th notes at 100, 120, 140 and 160BPM.



Please let me know what you think.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 4 2020, 10:43 PM

Well Fought Soldier!! I can see your precision/speed is already starting to increase. I can tell you are pushing yourself which is good! You will get out of Bootcamp exactly what you put in to it, so pushing the envelope is always a good thing. I did notice that towards the end of the faster passes you start to lose tracking on the beat just a pinch and start to rush ahead just slightly. It's a natural thing actually since the hand is trying to push forward, it sometimes gets ahead of the beat. It's very slight though so it's not enough to keep you from leveling up. I think you have gotten out of this Mission everything that I wanted to see. Let's Debrief!!!

*PALM MUTE STEADY ON: The first thing I'm looking for is a solid palm mute. This lick is non stop string traverse so poor muting will result in rampant string noise. Not a problem here, solid as a rock. keep that up!

*PICKING STEADY ON: The second thing I'm looking for is steady picking rate. Your picking is very even and solid as it should be. You do rush just a pinch at the end of the faster passes but it's very slight and will correct itself as you move forward.

*ENDURANCE: Lastly, I built this one to test endurance. Without good endurance the fingers just start to fail and lose hand synch. You've got very good hand endurance and you synch is tight. Nice!!!

In short, you've got this sorted and are ready for what's ahead! You just...

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 4 2020, 01:25 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 9 2020, 01:17 PM

Hi,

Thank you.

I am currently working on the next lesson.
Yes I am pushing myself.
Not sure if I should keep pushing or if I should play it safe, or how much should I push myself?

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 4 2020, 09:43 PM)

Well Fought Soldier!! I can see your precision/speed is already starting to increase. I can tell you are pushing yourself which is good! You will get out of Bootcamp exactly what you put in to it, so pushing the envelope is always a good thing. I did notice that towards the end of the faster passes you start to lose tracking on the beat just a pinch and start to rush ahead just slightly. It's a natural thing actually since the hand is trying to push forward, it sometimes gets ahead of the beat. It's very slight though so it's not enough to keep you from leveling up. I think you have gotten out of this Mission everything that I wanted to see. Let's Debrief!!!

*PALM MUTE STEADY ON: The first thing I'm looking for is a solid palm mute. This lick is non stop string traverse so poor muting will result in rampant string noise. Not a problem here, solid as a rock. keep that up!

*PICKING STEADY ON: The second thing I'm looking for is steady picking rate. Your picking is very even and solid as it should be. You do rush just a pinch at the end of the faster passes but it's very slight and will correct itself as you move forward.

*ENDURANCE: Lastly, I built this one to test endurance. Without good endurance the fingers just start to fail and lose hand synch. You've got very good hand endurance and you synch is tight. Nice!!!

In short, you've got this sorted and are ready for what's ahead! You just...

LEVELED UP!!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 9 2020, 09:57 PM

Forward momentum is more important than getting too hung up on any one Mission. There are many Missions ahead and each one adds to the previous one. You will have plenty of chances to work on your speed as you go. It's more important that you find your limit on each mission in terms of being able to play it in a precise manner andthen move on to the next one. If possible set yourself a schedule, for example,one Mission per week. That way you don't over practice any particular mission.

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 9 2020, 08:17 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 10 2020, 06:51 PM

Hi Todd,

Here I am playing 16th notes in a 5/4 measure.
This lick fits twice on each measure.

I think it sounds pretty well the video (I mean the audio ), so I did not used the audio that was recorded separately, the audio is the same that was recorded with my cam.

I play at 80, 90 and 100BPM, respectively.



I think I lost the timing in the beginning because when I started I was not sure how fast or slow was 80 BPM.

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 9 2020, 08:57 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 11 2020, 07:34 AM

The lick is not easy to match to a metronome with the 3 clicks and one pop. It's easier if you match your pick strikes to clicks only and turn off the 4th sound typically but whatever works for you works for me You drift a pinch but your playing in a precise manner which is what I want to see. Let's Debrief!!
MEDALS OF HONOR
*PALM MUTE STEADY ON: Keeping a steady palm mute without moving your pick hand all over the place is key. You have a good and centered technique here. keep that up!
*PICKING STEADY ON: Your picking is very even and solid as it should be. If your picking rushes or drags, it will ruin your ability to play briskly with precision. Great to see your picking is solid and steady!! This will serve you well as you work on your speed.
*ENDURANCE: I have not had a chance to really see your endurance on display until Mission 4 and I'm impressed. This Mission is one that can burn your arm off if you are not doing it correctly which is sorta the point of Mission 4.
You checked all the boxes I'm looking for on this one. You are ready for Mission 5!
You just..
LEVELED UP!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 10 2020, 01:51 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 14 2020, 10:33 PM

Hi Todd,

I am currently practicing Lesson #5, I am trying my best to make it match the beat perfectly.
I will post it in a few days, but before that I have a question on how to practice Lesson #6 - Pedal Point?

I attached the Guitar Pro file.

As you can see measure 8/4, 8th notes and triples, the click will match the notes with 12, 14, 16, which is perfect for me.
But to do this I have to start with a small "rest", and that is a little strange.

What are your thoughts on this?

 LESSON__6___Pedal_Point.gp5 ( 2.13K ) : 3985

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 15 2020, 01:46 AM

That's fine Try to play it like the video demo if possible but feel free to play in a way that works for you.

Todd

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 14 2020, 05:33 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 15 2020, 07:22 AM

Check the attached guitar pro file, I forgot to add it, yesterday in the post, I added now by editing that post, and I will add it here also.

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 15 2020, 12:46 AM)

That's fine Try to play it like the video demo if possible but feel free to play in a way that works for you.

Todd

 LESSON__6___Pedal_Point.gp5 ( 2.13K ) : 1921

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 15 2020, 08:25 PM

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 15 2020, 06:22 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 16 2020, 05:24 AM

I"m not using a metronome in that vid actually. As long as you can play evenly, you can skip the metronome unless you want it as a speed measure. However, it wont' work as a speed measure if you do my suggested pick strike per click as you have to set the metronome crazy high. The gp5 file works fine If you want the metronome just to measure your speed, you can set a metronome click in reaper and set it at any speed you like. There are many ways to skin a cat as it were Did you understand what I meant about making all the metronome clicks the same? The fourt click sounds different and throws people off. Most metronomes let you have a single tone click which helps as you can pick on each click. usually this means cranking the metronome up to crazy high speeds to get a click on each pick strike.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 15 2020, 03:25 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 16 2020, 12:28 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 16 2020, 04:24 AM)

I"m not using a metronome in that vid actually. As long as you can play evenly, you can skip the metronome unless you want it as a speed measure. However, it wont' work as a speed measure if you do my suggested pick strike per click as you have to set the metronome crazy high. The gp5 file works fine If you want the metronome just to measure your speed, you can set a metronome click in reaper and set it at any speed you like. There are many ways to skin a cat as it were Did you understand what I meant about making all the metronome clicks the same? The fourt click sounds different and throws people off. Most metronomes let you have a single tone click which helps as you can pick on each click. usually this means cranking the metronome up to crazy high speeds to get a click on each pick strike.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 17 2020, 06:18 PM

Here is a new guitar pro file with just two loops of Mission 6. It's pure alternate picking and and palm muting. Just make sure you use your pinky for the last note if possible Here is the correct tab and a picture of it as well in Guitar Pro Format. I'll change on the lesson as well. Let me know if you have any questions

 6PedalPoint.gp5 ( 1.88K ) : 986

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 17 2020, 08:27 PM

Hi Todd,

Here is Lesson #5,

Check out my playing and I wrote the speeds in BPM.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 18 2020, 12:11 AM

I did notice that your timing began to drift on the last run. Not enough to make you have to re do the Mission but something to look out for. I'd rather see you pushing it. I"m not grading that last one, it's more of a proof of concept. You will be playing smoothly at that level in no time.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 17 2020, 03:27 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 18 2020, 02:14 AM

Here are improved Files for MISSION 6. A new Guitar Pro file (the original lesson was created before I switched to guitar pro) and a picture export of same.
 6PedalPoint.gp5 ( 1.88K ) : 973

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 14 2020, 05:33 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 18 2020, 10:17 AM

I am glad that I could practice in way where I could find my limit, in Lesson #5.

Now I am practicing Lesson #6, the pedal point, I checked the guitar pro file.
It's a bit hard for me to play on time, since the metronome click hits in weird places (at least for me), I guess I have to keep on practicing it until I get used to it

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 17 2020, 11:11 PM)

PAUL GILBERT STYLE LICKS.

PAUL GILBERT is one of my fave players of all time. I learned long ago that much of his style centers around a very simple idea. "Back and Forth". Essentially, going forward in a scale and then back and then forward again. This "Whiplash" effect is what gives him his signature shred style. This lick is based roughly on that approach.

MEDALS OF HONOR

*TRAVERSE: First things I wanna see is gooString Traverse is a tricky thing. It's easy to stumble on it. You play it clean and confident.
*PACE:Next, It's tempting to rush or lag these bits based on which sections feel easier or harder. You play very evenly which is what I like to see.
*ARTICULATION: Lastly, Pick articulation. You are not picking from the elbow which is great. It's easy to stiffen the entire arm and elbow pick which is a bad habbit and hard to break. You are articulating the pick very well.


I did notice that your timing began to drift on the last run. Not enough to make you have to re do the Mission but something to look out for. I'd rather see you pushing it. I"m not grading that last one, it's more of a proof of concept. You will be playing smoothly at that level in no time.
In other words, you just...


LEVELED UP!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 18 2020, 08:16 PM

Can you set your metronome to clicks only like we talked about? not 3 clicks and a clack, but just clicks. Same tone each time. Most smart phone based metronomes will let you do this. That way you can line up each click with a pick strike.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 18 2020, 05:17 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 20 2020, 04:08 AM

P.S. You can just turn the metronome off entirely as long as you can play the bit in a smooth and even manner. After all the metronome is just for reference to let you know if you are rushing or lagging. I fear you may be getting too bogged down on this one Mission. Go ahead and share what you have and let's see what we are working with

Todd

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 18 2020, 05:17 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 24 2020, 12:31 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 20 2020, 03:08 AM)

P.S. You can just turn the metronome off entirely as long as you can play the bit in a smooth and even manner. After all the metronome is just for reference to let you know if you are rushing or lagging. I fear you may be getting too bogged down on this one Mission. Go ahead and share what you have and let's see what we are working with

Todd

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 24 2020, 08:52 PM

Well Fought Soldier!! This is a foundational lick so it's important to be able to to play it and play it well without issue. You've got a good handle on it! The first take is the best as it is the most clean and precise. You are correct when you say that your synch starts to drift as you speed up. This is something that we will sort out as we move through the missions. At each one, push yourself during practice to the edge of your ability and feel free to include those takes at the end of your mission vid. That way I can see where your playing is heading. Let's Debrief!!
MEDALS OF HONOR

ALT PICKING: First things I"m looking for is Alternate Picking. Your doing great on your Alternate Picking here. It's consistent and that's what I'm looking for. Nice!!
MUTE: Secondly, I need to see a good palm mute. Very solid work on the palm mute. Also critical. If you can't mute, you will get string noise. Not a problem here!!!

SYNCH: Right/Left hand synch is the core of this drill. You have very good synch on the first pass and it degrades a bit as you speed up. As I mentioned, we will sort this out as we move through future missions. Eventually it won't be an issue at all.

The first dozen or so Missions are foundational and core to what will be coming up in later missions. It's important to play these all in a very clean manner. Well Fought, you are ready for what awaits! you just..
LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 24 2020, 07:31 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 31 2020, 09:02 PM

Hi,

What is your advice on practicing speed?
At what speed should I focus practicing more?

Let's say 100% speed is the limit. Where should I spend the most time, 75%, or maybe 90%? And how much of my time should try to push beyond 100%, and how much beyond, 105%, 110%?

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 24 2020, 07:52 PM)

Well Fought Soldier!! This is a foundational lick so it's important to be able to to play it and play it well without issue. You've got a good handle on it! The first take is the best as it is the most clean and precise. You are correct when you say that your synch starts to drift as you speed up. This is something that we will sort out as we move through the missions. At each one, push yourself during practice to the edge of your ability and feel free to include those takes at the end of your mission vid. That way I can see where your playing is heading. Let's Debrief!!
MEDALS OF HONOR

ALT PICKING: First things I"m looking for is Alternate Picking. Your doing great on your Alternate Picking here. It's consistent and that's what I'm looking for. Nice!!
MUTE: Secondly, I need to see a good palm mute. Very solid work on the palm mute. Also critical. If you can't mute, you will get string noise. Not a problem here!!!

SYNCH: Right/Left hand synch is the core of this drill. You have very good synch on the first pass and it degrades a bit as you speed up. As I mentioned, we will sort this out as we move through future missions. Eventually it won't be an issue at all.

The first dozen or so Missions are foundational and core to what will be coming up in later missions. It's important to play these all in a very clean manner. Well Fought, you are ready for what awaits! you just..
LEVELED UP!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 31 2020, 09:17 PM

Good question. I'd say spend most of your time near the edge of your ability but say just a quarter of your time pushing beyond it. It's important to push the boundary of one's speed by finding a comfortable speed and bumping up the metronome just a bit.

Also, you can always play in fast busts to get a feeling of what it will be like once you get there. It's important not to spend all of ones practice time playing outside of ones ability or one ends up simply with sloppy playing. So in each drill find that spot where you can play it clean, and smooth, but just at the edge of where it starts to fall apart.

Then try to spend a little time each session go beyond your comfort zone to try to see what parts go wrong so that you can isolate those parts and practice repeating them. Usually, in a given lick, there is a part or parts that are more tricky for the hand. Those are the stick points. Finding those spots and isolating and looping them will help. Slowly build speed on those parts, then when you put the entire lick together, you should be able to play the entire thing faster than before.
Does this make sense?
Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 31 2020, 04:02 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 1 2020, 09:30 PM

Hi Todd,

New Video, Lesson #7.
18th notes played at 80, 90 and 100 BPM.
Let me know what I need to improve.

Video with low quality sound, so I will attach the mp3 file with high quality sound.

The mp3 file is the same recording as the video from youtube.

Even though the mp3 has high quality, I don't like how my playing sounds there compared to the video.
It sounds like some notes are cut off, and also it sounds too scratchy.

 Lesson_7___Back_and_forth_revised_from_higher_to_lower_strings.mp3 ( 2MB ) : 3065

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 2 2020, 03:01 AM

You have got this lick down very well and your speed it good! The problem with the metronome is that you seem to be drifting in and out of synch with it. You speed up a pinch and start rushing the pattern and get slightly ahead of the metronome. The metronome is meant to act almost like a leash to prevent you from rushing or lagging. I know it's tough to play a complex pattern while listening for the click on the metronome but that's a foundational skill. You are playing very well! You are just having a pinch of trouble synching your playing to the metronome. The purpose of trying to synch to a metronome is to be able to play at a consistent speed. For example if you were playing with a band, and started rushing the song, everyone else has to rush as well. It ends up ruining the song. So it's important to be able to play while listening to something for a beat to go by. I know this is not easy, especially at first as the mind will focus on the playing and not hear the metronome and maybe not realize synch has been lost.

You don't have to play a lot of bars of each drill, just a few bars is fine. It's easier to stay synched to the metronome in shorter bursts. As you get better at staying synched you can play longer and longer with the metronome going without losing synch. This just takes time and practice and you'll get it along the way.

I'd say make a video for this mission that is just shorter so that you can stay in synch and not drift. I don't think your quite ready to play 32 bars of this drill without losing synch with the metronome. You've got the drill well in hand! It's only the lack of synch with the metronome getting in your way. One more time in to the breach!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Feb 1 2020, 04:30 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 2 2020, 09:12 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 2 2020, 02:01 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 3 2020, 04:45 AM

Try it with the 16th notes on the metronome and see if you can keep it synched with the metronome. Once you can always keep a lick tight with a metronome, you can stop using one as your internal metronome will take over. But as long as you find you are too focused on the lick to stay synched with the metronome, it's a good idea to keep using one. You can clearly play this lick. I think you may just get too focused on it and it's hard to focus on a fast lick and listen to a click at the same time but that is why we are here It's possible, just takes some time. Keep it up!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Feb 2 2020, 04:12 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 4 2020, 09:18 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 3 2020, 03:45 AM)

Try it with the 16th notes on the metronome and see if you can keep it synched with the metronome. Once you can always keep a lick tight with a metronome, you can stop using one as your internal metronome will take over. But as long as you find you are too focused on the lick to stay synched with the metronome, it's a good idea to keep using one. You can clearly play this lick. I think you may just get too focused on it and it's hard to focus on a fast lick and listen to a click at the same time but that is why we are here It's possible, just takes some time. Keep it up!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 5 2020, 12:52 AM

BINGO!!!! Now you are getting it Soldier!!! This is exactly what I"m talking about. I just need a few bars to see if you are getting the hang of it. You got it!!!! This is a great lick for working up speed so keep it in your WARMUP ROUTINE!! Let's Debrief!!



MEDALS OF HONOR

ALT PICKING: The first thing I look for on this Mission is your Alternate Picking. You are off to a good start here. Some quick tips.1.)KEEP IT SHALLOW: When alt picking in bootcamp, make sure to "shallow pick" E.G. The space between the strings and the body of the guitar. Your pick should only strike deep enough to let the tip of the pick hit the string. No deeper than that. 2.)
2.)TRY CLASSICAL POSITION: See if you can place the guitar on your left leg instead of your right leg. This will help you a great deal as you re train your picking hand. It changes the entire angle of your hand/arm. Also it raises the angle of the neck. Put your left foot on a stack of books or something to raise it off the floor. This is called "Classical position" since it's how classical players play. There is a very good reason they play this way. It makes playing the guitar easier once you get used to it!!! Here is a pic.


MUTE: Second thing I look foor here is a good mute. Well done there! No string noise. QUICK TIPS!!1.)Proper Mute: Put your palm on the bridge and keep it flat against the bridge so that you can mute all of the strings just using your picking hand. This is a pic on how it should look. Keep your hand in this position even if you are not muting so that you are always close to the bridge for a quick mute.



SYNCH: The last thing I look for here is SYNCH. You keep good synch on this one and don't drift.



Well done Soldier!! You are ready for Mission 8! Try these QUICK TIPS and see if you can incorporate them in to your playing style. They will help you in a HUGE way going forward.
You just..
LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Feb 4 2020, 04:18 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 11 2020, 06:40 PM

LESSON #8 - Different shapes on different strings

Playing in classical position, starting from fast to slow and the speeds are respectively: 100BPM, 90 BPM, 80 BPM.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 12 2020, 12:05 AM

'I can see you are still fighting a bit with the metronome. You drift off beat just pinch and the catch back up. You seem to be playing on a down beat, e.g. between the clicks instead of on the clicks. Playing with a metronome is not easy at first. But 's a foundational skill.

Watch this vid. At the end, he does a good job playing on beat with the metronome. Sometimes it just helps to hear it done right.


*Around 3:30 he plays one note per beat which is what I'd like you to try.

Despite the odd drift now and then, this is a worthy take. Let's debrief!
MEDALS OF HONOR

TRAVERSE OF KINGS i do use a LOT of non stop string traverse to get you used to crossing strings without losing time on the metronome. You are getting very close. You seem to start on a down beat which is odd and I think may be getting in your way. I'd say get rid of the clack that happens every few clicks and just use clicks if possible. Try to tie your pick strike to a click instead of trying to stick it after the click in the space in between. Make sense?

SOLID PACING Despite losing track on the metronome a couple of times your overall pace was solid.

ALT PICKING FROM HELL This one requires a lot of alternate picking and string crossing. Well done!! You just...

LEVELED UP!!!

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 12 2020, 12:02 PM

Yes, that makes sense: I can play one note per beat, but that means I will have to slow down very much. If this is helping me to fix my timing I will focus on this.

It's a bit hard for me to play on time since I am not even able to say exactly where I drift off the beat.
What I try to do is listening to my recording, I will also slow it like half of the speed of the original and try to listen if my timing is off.

Also you mistaken my "Medal".

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 11 2020, 11:05 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 13 2020, 02:30 AM

I understand that it's hard. It's meant to be. Retraining your hand and eliminating bad habits is never easy. You will have to slow down QUITE a bit. That's ok. Once you get the technique in hand, you'll be able to speed up to any speed you like. I can play at any rate for as long as I want because i put in the work to be able to play correctly in the start. Without that, one never gets fast, one just gets sloppy. Control is everything. You have to train your ear to hear the metronome as you play. This may require you to slow way down so you don't have to focus so much on guitar. That ok. You'll speed back up quickly. Keep at it!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Feb 12 2020, 07:02 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 19 2020, 07:47 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Feb 13 2020, 01:30 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 20 2020, 06:38 AM

This is much better Soldier!! You get better with each take and that's a good thing. You are finally in full control of your playing. You keep Solid synch the entire time, you are locked in with the metronome and you play with precision. This is exactly what I want to see. From here, you are ready to start speeding up. You've got to make it to this point before you can start getting "Fast". You have made it that point Soldier!!! Let's Debrief!!
SNIPER Just like a SNIPER, being able to STRIKE WITH PRECISION is CRUCIAL!! It's the foundation of everything. You are getting a good handle on your precision!!!
CONSISTENCY This the second most important thing you have to learn. Without consistent playing, you get random rushing/lagging and one can never truly shred. You are breaking through the barriere here and showing very good consistent playing.
MUTE TO KILL Lastly, you HAVE to be able to palm mute while you traverse string without lifiting your hand. This is something we have been working on for several Missions. I've been trying to help you train your hand to just tilt while keep contact with the bridge and picking with the thumb/first finger. You've finally got it!!

Congrats Soldier... You just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Feb 19 2020, 02:47 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 22 2020, 09:02 PM

Play each note on each click increased speed from the last lesson.
Here I play at at 240 BPM.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 24 2020, 12:50 AM

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Feb 22 2020, 04:02 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 2 2020, 08:59 PM

Lesson 11, playing at 250 BPM.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 3 2020, 02:25 AM

Well Fought Soldier!! I can see that you have been working hard with the metronome to be able to keep tight hand sych and stay in time with the click. Eventually, this click will live inside your head and you will hear it when you play even if the metronome is turned off. You will develop your own internal metronome. It's your own internal sense of time. It will come in very handy when playing with other musicians and playing on REC and collab tracks. You have clearly earned it Soldier!! Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR


LOOPY: Firstly I want to see you play a lick in a loop with the metronome. If you can repeat something and stay in time, then you've got it.. This is so that you focus on the lick itself. Also, it allows me to see your playing over a distance of ground. If you rush/lag, it will stand out. Part of what I'm trying to teach you is Playing like a Robot in order to Shred Like a God. Paul Gilbert is a good example of putting loops of a given lick to good use.

NON STOP TRAVERSE: Secondly I want to see you have good string traverse. Going back and forth between strings without losing pace or precision. You have made great gains in this area. Score!

ARTICULATION: You are doing a very good job of articulating the pick with your thumb/first finger and avoiding the dreaded "Picking from the Elbow" keep that up!!


I can hear the practice time when you play soldier!!! Well done. Keep pushing it!!!

You Just..

LEVELED UP!!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 2 2020, 03:59 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 3 2020, 10:43 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Mar 3 2020, 01:25 AM)

Well Fought Soldier!! I can see that you have been working hard with the metronome to be able to keep tight hand sych and stay in time with the click. Eventually, this click will live inside your head and you will hear it when you play even if the metronome is turned off. You will develop your own internal metronome. It's your own internal sense of time. It will come in very handy when playing with other musicians and playing on REC and collab tracks. You have clearly earned it Soldier!! Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR


LOOPY: Firstly I want to see you play a lick in a loop with the metronome. If you can repeat something and stay in time, then you've got it.. This is so that you focus on the lick itself. Also, it allows me to see your playing over a distance of ground. If you rush/lag, it will stand out. Part of what I'm trying to teach you is Playing like a Robot in order to Shred Like a God. Paul Gilbert is a good example of putting loops of a given lick to good use.

NON STOP TRAVERSE: Secondly I want to see you have good string traverse. Going back and forth between strings without losing pace or precision. You have made great gains in this area. Score!

ARTICULATION: You are doing a very good job of articulating the pick with your thumb/first finger and avoiding the dreaded "Picking from the Elbow" keep that up!!


I can hear the practice time when you play soldier!!! Well done. Keep pushing it!!!

You Just..

LEVELED UP!!!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 4 2020, 01:30 AM

The metronome can feel like a ball and chain holding you back. But in truth it's just keeping you honest. It prevents the hand from playing easier parts a beat faster than harder parts. For the next mission, try the MULTI PICKING. Now that you are used to the metronome, it should work. It's just two strikes instead of one. You can increase the number of clicks on the metronome to match the double picking. So that you are stick making a strike on each click. It's worth digging in to. Being able to multi pick is a great skill to have. In a solo it can add a lot of texture without adding more notes.

Todd

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 3 2020, 05:43 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 4 2020, 11:46 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Mar 4 2020, 12:30 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 5 2020, 12:57 AM

See what works best for you. Try it both ways and play it back to see which way you can keep better time. I'd say try to play one note per click if possbile just so you can tie each pick strike to a click. Otherwise, you have to tie a pick strike to a gap which might not work. Give it a shot and see what goes best!

Todd

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 4 2020, 06:46 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 5 2020, 08:03 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Mar 4 2020, 11:57 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 5 2020, 06:51 PM

You can do it! If you need to slow down the metronome to do it, that's ok. Eventually multi picking full scales will seem very simple. Like many things it's only hard at first. Start with double picking, then triple, then quad. Just like in the demonstration video.

You can make a progress video and I can give you some pointers if you like. Or you can dive in and just give it a Mission vid. Whatever works for you.

I look forward to seeing it!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 5 2020, 03:03 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 7 2020, 06:42 PM

Hi

Playing 2 notes per click at 180BPM.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 7 2020, 11:45 PM

NICE ONE SOLDIER!!! Not too long ago, being able to mute without lifting the hand and while alternate picking was a LOT more of a challenge for you. Now look at ya!! Picking hand PLANTED firm on the bridge, articulating the pick with the thumb/first finger, keeping good hand synch, need I go on? You've started to put all the little bits of technique together and it's working!!!!

Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

ALT PICK OF DESTINY: The first thing I'm looking for here is solid Alternate Picking. Alternate Picking is at the core of this lick. Without good alt picking technique, this lick won't work. It's the kind of thing you just cant play with all downstrokes. You keep your hand planted on the bridge and manage to use your fingers to control the pick. It's EXACTLY what I was hoping you'd be able to do at this point. SCORE!!!!

TRAVERSAL OF FORTUNE: This lick never stops moving. If you don't nail it at each position, it falls apart. So not only do you have to pick perfectly, you have to have left hand control as well, which you do!!! DOUBLE SCORE!!

PINKY TIME: A strong pinky is crucial to becoming a great player. Your pinky has come a long way in a short time. Good use of the pinky here! On the lower frets, Pinky Power!!! TRIPLE SCORE!!!

You are ripping it up Soldier!! It only gets harder from here. But you are ready!!! Forward!! NO MERCY!!!

You just...

LEVELED UP!!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 7 2020, 01:42 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 16 2020, 05:50 PM

Hi,

Playing at 320 BPM.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 17 2020, 04:40 AM

NICELY DONE!!!!! I can't tell you how important this Mission is. This "Scale Inversion" is the basis for a LOT of upcoming work. Being able to smoothly play this particular pattern is CRUCIAL to your success in BOOTCAMP. It's the foundation of more licks than I can even count. It's super important Soldier. I"m gratified to see you blazing through it with such confidence. It bodes well for what's to come. Nicely freaking done Soldier!! Let's Debrief!!!


MEDALS OF HONOR

TACTICAL PRECISION: The first thing I want to see in this Mission is PRECISION. You'll noticed I use that word a LOT. It's the foundation of good playing. Bad precision equals sloppy playing. No slop here. You have quickly developed the precision required. NIce.

STEADY PACE: There are parts of this lick that are easier and parts that are harder. So it's tempting for the hand to rush and lag. It's a bit of a "speed trap" to see if you will lose control and let yourself rush/lag. You didn't!!! You kept it high and tight. NICE!

QUIET AS DEATH: You have gotten a good handle on playing while keeping a solid palm mute. I can't tell you how important that is as well. Without that, you may as well quit now. You've got it Soldier! You are ready!!!

I'm really impressed with how smooth and flowing your playing is on this finger twister of a lick. Well done!! you just..

LEVELED UP!!!

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 17 2020, 05:55 PM

I will get to the next lesson?
Or I still have to do double third and fourth picking of the same note on lesson 13?

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Mar 17 2020, 03:40 AM)

NICELY DONE!!!!! I can't tell you how important this Mission is. This "Scale Inversion" is the basis for a LOT of upcoming work. Being able to smoothly play this particular pattern is CRUCIAL to your success in BOOTCAMP. It's the foundation of more licks than I can even count. It's super important Soldier. I"m gratified to see you blazing through it with such confidence. It bodes well for what's to come. Nicely freaking done Soldier!! Let's Debrief!!!


MEDALS OF HONOR

TACTICAL PRECISION: The first thing I want to see in this Mission is PRECISION. You'll noticed I use that word a LOT. It's the foundation of good playing. Bad precision equals sloppy playing. No slop here. You have quickly developed the precision required. NIce.

STEADY PACE: There are parts of this lick that are easier and parts that are harder. So it's tempting for the hand to rush and lag. It's a bit of a "speed trap" to see if you will lose control and let yourself rush/lag. You didn't!!! You kept it high and tight. NICE!

QUIET AS DEATH: You have gotten a good handle on playing while keeping a solid palm mute. I can't tell you how important that is as well. Without that, you may as well quit now. You've got it Soldier! You are ready!!!

I'm really impressed with how smooth and flowing your playing is on this finger twister of a lick. Well done!! you just..

LEVELED UP!!!

Also, I'm updating MISSION 14. Here is the new Guitar Pro file and tab.


[attachment=50007:14fix2.gp5]
[attachment=50008:14fix2_1.png]

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 18 2020, 05:06 AM

You are ready to move on Soldier!!! The multi picking is just something to add in to your warm up workouts for endurance. Try it when possible!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 17 2020, 12:55 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 28 2020, 06:21 PM

Hi,

Playing at 330 BPM!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 29 2020, 08:36 AM

It's the Single/Double Pick strike pattern that sometimes really throws people off. Once you get used to it, it's a great way to add texture to just about any lick you play on one string or several. Looks like you are getting the hang of it!! Keep it as a warmup as it gets much faster very quick as you keep using it.

Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

*PICKING-The Single/Double Strike is tricky. It helps a pinch that it's just one string. Even still, tricky stuff. Being able to alternate pick on a single string without getting the pick caught, losing track of the strike pattern, etc. You did a great job on picking this one!!

*TIMING-Second thing I'm looking for here is your timing. Does it rush or lag? Timing is crucial in this lick. If the timing is off at all, it sound very obvious. Your timing is smooth as glass!!

*DIFFERENT STRINGS- I'd have been happy with just one string but you go the extra mile Soldier!!! Being able to pull this lick off on different string shows that you can traverse to new strings without losing control of your technique. You have no troubles on the other strings. NOOIICE!!!

In short you KILLLED IT!!!

You are ready for new BATTLES and what's coming next!!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 28 2020, 01:21 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 4 2020, 05:35 PM

Hi,

Lesson 15, economy picking.
Playing at 300BPM

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 5 2020, 02:24 AM

NICE! LOVE that axe btw. What is it again? On to the mission you got the ECON/DOUBLE DOWN STROKE thing going which is a tricky bit for many folks. Also, you made it loop!!!!!!! Yet another trick bit for many. Let's Debrief!

*Sweep Shape: The whole point of this is to prepare you to work up to sweep picking so the first two strikes are both down stroke just like all the strikes in a down rake on a big sweep picked arpeggio. It trains the hand to get used to doing sweep picking which is done as a rake of all down strokes and then all up strokes.

*Follow Up: Right after the econ comes a scale bit with a big pinky stretch and zero time to adjust. Any gaps and it falls apart. NO GAPS! NICE!!!

*Precision: Sloppy work is bad work but you got no slop at all. Solid, precise and clean. SCORE!!!!

You got this sorted Soldier. You are ready to FIGHT ON!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Apr 4 2020, 12:35 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 5 2020, 08:51 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Apr 5 2020, 01:24 AM)

NICE! LOVE that axe btw. What is it again? On to the mission you got the ECON/DOUBLE DOWN STROKE thing going which is a tricky bit for many folks. Also, you made it loop!!!!!!! Yet another trick bit for many. Let's Debrief!

*Sweep Shape: The whole point of this is to prepare you to work up to sweep picking so the first two strikes are both down stroke just like all the strikes in a down rake on a big sweep picked arpeggio. It trains the hand to get used to doing sweep picking which is done as a rake of all down strokes and then all up strokes.

*Follow Up: Right after the econ comes a scale bit with a big pinky stretch and zero time to adjust. Any gaps and it falls apart. NO GAPS! NICE!!!

*Precision: Sloppy work is bad work but you got no slop at all. Solid, precise and clean. SCORE!!!!

You got this sorted Soldier. You are ready to FIGHT ON!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!


Thank you.
My guitar is: Ibanez SA 160 AH STW

Sarge

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 10 2020, 06:15 PM

Hi,


I played this shape in multiple places over the freatboard.
In one place I played something else, flipped a few notes, if you don't mind.

I think I lost my hand sync for a bit around second 35-36.
I think my playing is not so tight on the beat in the beginning of the video but I decided to leave it like this instead of cutting that part.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 11 2020, 08:00 AM

You got it Soldier!! I only need one good clean pass to show you got the lick and you have more than a few in there. I can see your progress in the space of one vid which is handy too. I can see you start to experiment with the bit and start to make it your own which is always a good thing. Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

*Sweep Shape: This drill is about prepping your hand to play sweeps/arpegios. It starts with a sweep shape and goes right in to a scale bit. It requires three string traverse the entire time so we are expanding a bit from some of our two string and single string bits. You adapt quite well. NICE!

*Follow Up: The transition to the scale bit from the sweep bit has to be smooth or the entire thing falls apart. Your hands get the hang of it after a few reps and BINGO you nailed it.

*Precision: There are no gaps, no time to recover, so precision is key. You do several passes with very good precision. SCORE!


You've got this one Soldier. You are ready for the crazy stuff heading your way.


You just...

LEVELED UP!!!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Apr 10 2020, 01:15 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 11 2020, 09:34 AM

Thank you for your feedback.

I will start next lesson,

I added drums for practice.

Here is the updated file:

 mission_17_part3__with_drums.gp5 ( 4.36K ) : 1127

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 12 2020, 12:35 AM

Playing with drums is always a good idea imho. The metronome is really just to get you ready for playing with a drum kit IMHO. Once you can play with a drum beat, you are ready to start playing in time/on time with a live band/drummer and or with a midi drummer like EZ Drummer 2. Being able to keep time while listening to a drum track is a skill some folks never quite master. As a result, you will often see musicians recording in the studio with a "click track" which helps them keep time. Once you get your internal metronome working well, you should not need a click track ideally. The drum track is what everything else is sorta built on so eventually, just hearing the drums should be enough to lock you in to the beat. There is a LOT of debate on this issue though as many folks have never played with a real drummer and are very much accustomed to playing to the click track in most DAW software. I have found that this does tend to make any performance a pinch more sterile, at least to my ears.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Apr 11 2020, 04:34 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 17 2020, 07:06 PM

Hello,

Lesson 17 is ready!

Playing at 70BPM, 80 BPM, 90 BPM and 100BPM.
Let me know if you think this is in my comfortable speed and if I can increase my speed or not.

Hand Sync:
I think my hand sync is good.
Timing:
I don't think the timing is perfect everywhere

Speed:
Here at my maximum speed 100BPM I play 16th notes, so that is the equivalent of 400BPM for each click, so this is faster than my last take. So let me know what you think about my playing at 100BPM (16th notes).

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 17 2020, 11:24 PM

Doing good Soldier!! The one run that ends at 1:03 gets a bit loose but the faster one after that makes up for it. I can see progress!!! You are getting better with each one of these. I remember your first few Missions and there was a bit of drift between the click and the pick strike. You are steadily getting rid of that drift and playing with more and more precision. NICE!!!!

Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

PLAYING WITHIN ABILITY: On a lick like this it's tempting to play well beyond ones ability and end up with pure slop. The good news is that you are playing within your ability even though you are pushing the edge, which is great to see!!!

NOT TENSING UP: I'm wanting to see you keep loose while playing at speed. This is something that everyone struggles with. It's only natural for the body to tense under load. The good news is that you don't tense! You stay nice and loose yet still in control. SCORE!!!

PACING: It's also tempting on a lick lick this to play the parts that are easier for the hand faster than the parts that are more difficult. Good news is you don't fall in to that trap!!!

Keep playing these bits and see how far you can push it!!! Practice makes perfect!!!

In other words you just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Apr 17 2020, 02:06 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 18 2020, 07:03 PM

Hi,

I feel that is easier to play with drums because:

1. If I play 100BPM 16th notes, meaning 4 notes per click, I need to be on the click on the fourth note and fill the gaps between.
2 If I play at the same speed meaning 400BPM one note per click, there will be so many clicks that I hear that it's so hard for me to jump on a click. I feel like jumping in a train that is moving fast and if I am lucky to land inside I have to concentrate to not fall.

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Apr 17 2020, 10:24 PM)

Doing good Soldier!! The one run that ends at 1:03 gets a bit loose but the faster one after that makes up for it. I can see progress!!! You are getting better with each one of these. I remember your first few Missions and there was a bit of drift between the click and the pick strike. You are steadily getting rid of that drift and playing with more and more precision. NICE!!!!

Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

PLAYING WITHIN ABILITY: On a lick like this it's tempting to play well beyond ones ability and end up with pure slop. The good news is that you are playing within your ability even though you are pushing the edge, which is great to see!!!

NOT TENSING UP: I'm wanting to see you keep loose while playing at speed. This is something that everyone struggles with. It's only natural for the body to tense under load. The good news is that you don't tense! You stay nice and loose yet still in control. SCORE!!!

PACING: It's also tempting on a lick lick this to play the parts that are easier for the hand faster than the parts that are more difficult. Good news is you don't fall in to that trap!!!

Keep playing these bits and see how far you can push it!!! Practice makes perfect!!!

In other words you just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 19 2020, 11:09 AM

Playing drums is one of the best things any musician can do as a way to get better at any instrument. Being able to play drums is a great way to build an internal metronome and a great way to understand timing and groove. It helped me tremendously.

Todd

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Apr 18 2020, 02:03 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 25 2020, 02:13 PM

Hi Todd,

Lesson 18, is ready



I think I played a wrong note at second 53.
I tried my best to come up with something interesting and not make it sound like a boring exercise.
I also tried to make the recording a high quality sound.

I still think I need to work on my timing.

Let me know what you think

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 25 2020, 11:12 PM

Super congrats on creating a solo here. Also you made really good use of several licks that we've covered and made them work in a musical composition. That's the entire point of all of this after all! It's great to see you put all of this work to good use and create music with it. The timing drifts a bit but it works as it just sounds like you are playing around the beat. Rushing the beat creates some tension and lagging the beat reduces it. Also resolving the note to the root releases the tension. Solos are a balance of tension and release. Soloing is one of the most difficult parts of playing guitar imho. It requires every skill one has a musician. Well fought!!

Every chance you get to create a guitar solo is a wonderful thing. Playing against backing tracks on youtube, playing solos over songs that you like, playing solos over anything that sounds like music, even over a movie or tv show soundtrack as you watch the show, is a good thing. It's the actual improvisation that's important. Responding musically to actual music is a wonderful thing and its great to see you going for it! you sir just...

LEVELED UP!!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Apr 25 2020, 09:13 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 29 2020, 08:08 PM

Hi,

For the next lesson which is a tapping exercise, do I need to use the metronome?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 29 2020, 11:40 PM

The metronome is just for you for reference. If you can keep good time without it, you can stop using it some folks find that it helps, some folks find it just gets in the way after a point. If it sounds like your playing is drifting in time, I might ask you to do a take with the click, but if it sounds solid then your internal metronome has taken over!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Apr 29 2020, 03:08 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Apr 30 2020, 01:55 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Apr 29 2020, 10:40 PM)

The metronome is just for you for reference. If you can keep good time without it, you can stop using it some folks find that it helps, some folks find it just gets in the way after a point. If it sounds like your playing is drifting in time, I might ask you to do a take with the click, but if it sounds solid then your internal metronome has taken over!

Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 2 2020, 06:20 PM

Adding the open string makes the entire thing a bit tricky to be sure. It's a step beyond the Eddie VanHalen style of tapping. You can do tihs! Just go slow until it's comfortable and reduce gain a bit if you are getting too much string noise.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Apr 30 2020, 08:55 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion May 8 2020, 05:44 PM

Hi,

Lesson 19 is ready!

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 8 2020, 08:58 PM

Well fought Soldier!!! This is one of many licks that Ive created using the open string as part of the tapping sequence. It gives you a free note basically and makes the tapping pattern sound more complicated that it really is. This technique is more advanced than the standard tapping approach. This way, you get 5 notes per string in each position. If we didn't use the open string it would be a 4 note per string lick which is still more than the standard 4 note per string where the base note is repeated twice per every four notes played. As you get better at this type of lick, it will speed up. It's a "Shreddy" lick. It's built for speed. I"m glad you are playing with precision since that has to come first Keep doing this lick and try it on other strings as well. It will get fast pretty quick. When you play it "at speed" it sounds killer and works great in solos. It's almost a blur of notes when done fast as there are just so many notes packed in. Also, this will prepare you for the many open string tapping licks to come. Push it until you can play as fast as the video demo and you will have arrived!

Lets Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

TAPPING TO GLORY-As I mentioned, this is not your fathers tapping lick. Many players NEVER use this type of lick as it's just not easy to play. You knocked it out in the first pass so super well done on that. I know this lick can feel very awkward on the hands and that's sorta the point of it. Your brain is in charge of your hands and it can make them do whatever you want. This is one step on that road. Well done!

QUIET AS DEATH-The open string is there partially to test your muting. If your muting isn't solid, the open string will cause lots of other string noise. Your mute continues to get better each time so we have no extra string noise. SCORE!!

PULLING FOR POWER-Lastly, I am looking at your pull off ability. This lick requires good tapping, good muting AND really solid pull OFF work. if the pull offs are weak, the lick just sounds bad. You manage to keep each note sounding the same in terms of loudness/dynamics. That's the capstone bit of this lesson and you got it.

Congratulations Soldier!! You are on your way to being a MONSTER player. Try playing this on every string and try making up your own patters that use this open string in the middle type of tap lick.

You just..

LEVELED UP!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ May 8 2020, 12:44 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion May 9 2020, 11:45 AM

Hi Todd,

In lesson 20 should I include the warm up in the Video or only the workout is enough?
I hope you know what I mean when I am referring to workout or warm up.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 10 2020, 01:55 AM

In Bootcamp warmups are always optional. I'm sorry I should have been more clear on that. They are just to get your fingers moving. So the warmup does not need to be in your MISSION VIDEO. Feel free to include it if you want some feedback on it, it isn't part of the final grade.

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ May 9 2020, 06:45 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion May 15 2020, 08:27 PM

Hi,

Lesson 20.
I think:
- I don't play on time in the first seconds
- After that I think I play on time most of the time

In the beginning of the exercise I didn't know how fast or slow the tempo will start so that's why the first seconds are off.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 15 2020, 09:40 PM

Well Fought! There is a pinch of drift, but it's not that bad. I am glad to see that you are able to detect it even when it's minimal. Your sense of timing has improved quite a bit and you are getting a really good sense of time/synch! This is exactly what I hope to see in these Missions. It will serve you well as you move forward and start playing faster and faster. Also, I hope you are able to use bits of this Mission in your next solo/collab project! Using long runs is part of your advanced training Soldier!

Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR

CONTROL- First thing I want to see here is good CONTROL. You are showing a better level of control each time. Control over your fingers is one of the most important things I'm trying to teach here. It's great to see you work your up the ladder and improve with each Mission!!

ARTICULATION - The second bit I am looking for on this Mission is ARTICULATION. Are you tensing up? Picking from the elbow? Not using the thumb/first finger for pick control? Good news!! You are not showing any bad habits here and have adapted with very solid technique. Very nice articulation on this one. It's got several bits to test your picking and you nailed it!!! Nice. It's important to not let the pick pass too far beyond the point of the string so as to not get hung up in the strings. It's this "shallow picking" that allows quick movement of the pick hand between strings.

MUTE- Lastly, this one has open strings in it so your mute is crucial. Being able to hit the open string and not get other strings making noise is key. These licks are built to show flaws in muting and picking. They simply can't be played properly if there are gaps in ones mute Good news is you have no gaps!

SCORE!!!
You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

You are on a roll Soldier!! keep it up!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ May 15 2020, 03:27 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion May 16 2020, 04:20 PM

Let me know what you think about the Lesson 21 guitar pro file.
I am not sure about the drums

 Mission_21___Third_Hamonization.gp ( 20.55K ) : 1729

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 17 2020, 01:10 AM

That's perfect! It's so good in fact that I'm going to add it to the MISSION itself if you are ok with sharing your guitar pro file! Well done! Drums are perfect btw. you only have to play the primary guitar line for your mission vid, but you can play both if you like


 Mission_21___Third_Hamonization.gp5 ( 6.19K ) : 1364

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ May 16 2020, 11:20 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion May 17 2020, 07:30 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ May 17 2020, 12:10 AM)

That's perfect! It's so good in fact that I'm going to add it to the MISSION itself if you are ok with sharing your guitar pro file! Well done! Drums are perfect btw. you only have to play the primary guitar line for your mission vid, but you can play both if you like


 Mission_21___Third_Hamonization.gp5 ( 6.19K ) : 1364

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 18 2020, 11:50 PM

You are doing great Soldier!!! Keep it up!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ May 17 2020, 02:30 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion May 24 2020, 02:25 PM

Hi Todd,



Playing at 120BPM which is my limit speed for hand sync.
Played using guitar pro as a backing track, muted guitar 1 only, and played guitar 1 only.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 25 2020, 07:44 PM

Well fought Soldier! The fast bit in the in the lick is very tricky and because it goes from slow to fast to slow, it can be very tough to switch back and forth on speed.

Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR

MUTE OR DIE Right hand is firmly planted on the bridge and you are starting to articulate the pick very well with a pinch of wrist and some finger action. This is exactly what I want to see on this one!

PRECISION You show a great deal of precision here. Clean strikes and clean runs on the fast part. Congrats on playing this like a pro!

CONTROL No extra string noise, no unwanted notes. Very clean and lots of control. Keep it u!

You got this one Solider Impressive work!

You just..

LEVELED U!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ May 24 2020, 09:25 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion May 29 2020, 06:51 PM

Hi,

Currently I am practicing the extreme legato lesson.
I have the following problems when playing one handed

1. Hard to do cross strings
2. If it's not enough gain nothing is heard when I play.
3. Some fret buzzing issues mostly on legato, but also can happen even when I am picking.

Posted by: Todd Simpson May 30 2020, 01:22 AM

So you are on MISSION 22 Soldier. This is a MILESTONE in your Journey. Can you give me a bit of video of you playing the drill so I can see what you are talking about? It's always much more helpful to see the hands in action. I'm sure I can give you some feedback that will help.

Keep in mind. I'm just showing off in the video. I play once with a pick and once without a pick. I also play fully ascending and descending just to show you what this will sound like once you get it down. However, I don't expect you to play all of that. I only want to see you play the one bit of tablature. It's a pure left hand power drill. It's all about hitting each strike with the finger tip.

Start on one string only. Just try to do the first few notes. Break it down string by string. As with everything, it's much easier to break it in to small chunks and then build it back up. This drill is to show if there are gaps in y our left hand power. By the end of this drill you will have enough hand power to make picking a choice instead of a requirement.



Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ May 29 2020, 01:51 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jun 4 2020, 08:04 PM

Hi Todd,

Notice how my first attempt is weaker, then I play again, and sometimes when I cross strings you can hear too much noise.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 4 2020, 11:00 PM

Try this very simple OVERLOUD THU Patch on your next mission if you are using overloud that is



 PushedTubeAmp.xml.zip ( 1.87K ) : 1106

Posted by: Victor Simion Jun 5 2020, 04:26 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 4 2020, 10:00 PM)

Try this very simple OVERLOUD THU Patch on your next mission if you are using overloud that is



 PushedTubeAmp.xml.zip ( 1.87K ) : 1106

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 6 2020, 03:59 AM

Yes 22 needs a new take. It looks like you are not playing the scale correctly. It's E MInor and I think you are one fret off for several strings. Don't worry about trying to shred this yet, it won't work until you have enough left hand power to make each note sound through using just a hammer on. Also, use your palm mute while you play to keep string noise to a minimum.

I used GUITAR for a long time and I made some very cool patches for it that are made for BOOTCAMP to help with licks like this. Here is a link to the GUITAR RIG PRESET VAULT in my board. Most are Guitar Rig 4 presets but they are compatible with Guitar Rig 5. They are all built to help you play licks like this. Just turn off the DELAY/REVERB so that the patch is not to busy sounding and you should have plenty of gain to play with just one hand. In the video for this lesson I'm using GUITAR RIG 5!

I've recreated the Tablature for this like just for you. I hope this helps and makes more sense. Give this a try. It will load inside of Guitar Pro and this should help things along! Here is one of my fave patches for you to try.
 GMC_LESSON_87_MONSTER_GAIN.ksd.zip ( 5.56K ) : 390


 22.gp5 ( 2.02K ) : 382




This is the most important Missions so far Soldier. I hope all of this stuff helps you to make it across the finish line!! Let me know if you have questions!


Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 9 2020, 09:06 PM

I hope 22 is not throwing you off to bad soldier. Its a big step for sure. You can mute anywhere on the neck or not mute at all if you can keep it clean without the extra mute. It's up to you. The big thing for this mission is just to hammer on and pull off with the left hand to work up left hand power. I know it's hard. I know it's nearly impossible. I think you can do it! Shoot me a progress vid if you want to get some advice!!

Sarge

Posted by: Victor Simion Jun 10 2020, 06:38 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jun 9 2020, 08:06 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jun 11 2020, 06:45 AM

No worries! Practice makes perfect!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jun 10 2020, 01:38 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 2 2020, 05:27 PM

Hi,

Here is Lesson 22, still is harder without the pick.
Let me know what you think

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 3 2020, 04:03 AM

Well Fought Soldier!! This is one of the hardest Missions in the first 100. Some folks have serious problems getting this one sorted. I must say I'm impressed how you tore through it and keep it in tight with the metronome. The first take drifted a bit from the click, but the second one was really nice and tight. Congrats Soldier, you have just taken your first steps toward not needing a pick AT ALL! It becomes a tone choice once your left hand has so much power that you don't need the pick to make strikes.

Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR

LEFT HAND POWER!!! Firstly I need to see good left hand power. Without enough left hand power, you won't be able to make this lick work. You have to make strikes using just your finger tips. This is a tough trick. You've got it Soldier!!! Spiff!

PACING: This one is tough to keep smooth. Thats why the second thing I always look for is PACE. I want to see it played evenly from start to finish. It's not easy to do as it's a bit more complicated on the higher strings than on the lower strings. Despite that you keep it nice and evenly paced. NICE!

MUTE: I really wanna see if there is a lot of string noise on this lick. Good news is, there isn't any!! I don't know what is going on with your pick hand mute as I can't see the bridge, but your fret hand mute is quite good. Once does need both to really keep control over string noise. Well Done!

Congrats Soldier! you just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 2 2020, 12:27 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 8 2020, 04:47 PM

Hi,

I am currently practicing Lesson 23, and I started orchestrating this exercise:

Take a look and let me know what you think:

 Lesson_23___Extended_Scale_Runs.gp ( 19.78K ) : 377

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 9 2020, 05:03 AM

Very creative! Keep in mind thought I I still need one clean pass, played smooth and even, without rushing or laggin. Doesn't have to be fast, just clean. A metronome is always a good idea on a long passage like this. After you can do anything you want with it so go for it! Sounds cool so far!


Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 8 2020, 11:47 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 9 2020, 07:13 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 9 2020, 04:03 AM)

Very creative! Keep in mind thought I I still need one clean pass, played smooth and even, without rushing or laggin. Doesn't have to be fast, just clean. A metronome is always a good idea on a long passage like this. After you can do anything you want with it so go for it! Sounds cool so far!


Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 13 2020, 08:27 AM

Mission 23 is about playing an extended scale run. The metronome shows that you can play it and not rush or lag. That's sorta the entire point of the Mission. Playing huge scale runs evenly and smoothly. But after you play it with the metronome, please to record the backing track as well as I'd love to hear it! I just can't badge you up unless you play the actual mission as they build on each other. Make sense?

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 9 2020, 02:13 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 13 2020, 05:09 PM

Hi,

Here is Lesson 23:



I tried to get as most as I could from this lesson, so I played it in different ways.

1. Played 16th notes at 100BPM (4 notes per click), this should be in my comfort speed zone, not sure about the timing.
2. I played each note to a metronome click (the same speed)
3. Played with backing track at 115BPM, here I tried to push my speed limit as much as a could.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 14 2020, 07:16 AM

NICE!!! This is exactly what I'm looking for. You did a great job synching with the metronome. This is crucial to developing your sense of timing. Without a solid sense of "time", a player drifts, rushes, lags, etc. In short plays badly. You did a killer job with all the speeds. NICE!!! That is a LONG scale run. Some folks have a really hard time with it You killed it!!

Let's Debrief!!!


PINKY TRAVEL leading up the fretboard with the weakest finger (the pinky) is something that takes real work. I can see the work in your playing soldier. Nice!! It's also the key to doing fast runs up the neck.

PACING If you rush or lag, the lick falls apart and you get to start over. Not so here, you played it several times at several speeds and KRUSHED IT.

MUTING I know I'm always banging on about palm muting. It's that important. Especially on long runs like this. Some folks just cant do it and use a wrap at the first fret. You did it just fine!

Congrats soldier, you can now do full neck runs with the best of them. Try to use this in music, even if you have to write the music yourself. Great lead work needs a good backing.

You just..
LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 13 2020, 12:09 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 15 2020, 06:47 PM

Hi,

LESSON #24 - Building Left Hand Strength, Stretch and Speed.

This is the way I want to practice it. Let me know what you think
I made them triplets.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 16 2020, 02:28 AM

That works! It's basically triplets all the way. Just the minor scale in 3 note per string chunks. Go for it!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 15 2020, 01:47 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 16 2020, 03:40 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 16 2020, 01:28 AM)

 LESSON__24___Building_Left_Hand_Strength.gp ( 10.46K ) : 359

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 18 2020, 01:10 AM

Attachment seemed to work ok But usually it helps to zip them first.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 16 2020, 10:40 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 20 2020, 04:47 AM

Triplets are perfect VICTOR go for it!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 16 2020, 10:40 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 22 2020, 06:10 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 20 2020, 03:47 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 22 2020, 08:50 PM

A good batch to be working on! The one lick that is chromatic is almost exactly like one of our upcoming missions. I throw in chromatic stuff here and there through out bootcamp. It's a great way to work on hand synch without having to worry about the pattern too much. I don't use a shift for the B string, it's just straight chromatic type stuff. Onward!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 22 2020, 01:10 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 22 2020, 08:58 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jul 22 2020, 07:50 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 23 2020, 05:21 AM

REC is always graded very tough so make sure your ready! You've been doing great here in BOOTCAMP. keep it up!!! I look forward to seeing your next take Soldier!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 22 2020, 03:58 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 23 2020, 07:33 PM

Hi,

Here is Lesson 24 - Building Left Hand Strength



I listened carefully to my playing and I think that a few spots were not perfectly on time, but most of them were on time.
What do you think should I level up?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 23 2020, 09:51 PM

You got this one Soldier!! It's a tricky bit of playing but you have sorted it! This is a great warm up lick and also makes a pretty fun solo lick as well. This is a "Shred" lick so it's built for speed. The more you play it, the faster it will get. You are off to a good start here and have good precision. It's just a matter of repetition now to get speeeeeeed!


LET'S DEBRIEF!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

PICK AND HAMMER ON: The "Pick and Hammer On" is a crucial technique for speed. It lets you play a top speed without having to pick every single note. You only have to pick one of every 3 notes which can really streamline a given lick.

MUTE OF DEATH: Very solid palm muting on this one. Your mute keeps getting better each time so keep it up! On a lick like this, muting is extra important as it can trick the ear of the listener in to hearing pick strikes even when they are not there. If you keep a solid palm mute, and hammer on with the left hand, especially on the low strings, it can sound very percussive.

TIMING: Very tight and very evenly played. This is a long lick so it's got plenty of rope for you to hang yourself if you get off pace. Not to worry here as you stay on pace the entire time.

You got this one Soldier! Put it in your bag of tricks and go for the next one, you just..
LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 23 2020, 02:33 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 30 2020, 08:37 PM

The link I provided for Tightness Etude in one of my previous posts it's not working anymore.
I thought it was removed.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jul 31 2020, 05:30 AM

Any links you want to share about any of your playing I'd be happy to watch and give you some feedback on

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 30 2020, 03:37 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jul 31 2020, 08:06 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lI__Rxy5j8&feature=youtu.be

Playing at:

- 100 BPM
- 112 BPM
- 125 BPM

In the slower speeds takes, (100BPM and 112BPM) I think I missed a few notes.
The Speed 125 BPM is beyond my max speed so I kept the part were I think I played it best, and removed the others.
So let me know what you think is my playing at 125 BPM.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 1 2020, 05:13 PM

Impressive!! You only missed one note in the second time through. The first time is very solid. The third time is pretty solid as well. This lick is much harder when picking every note, but it's meant to work up your synch. When used in a solo, you might only pick one of every three notes and just mute the entire thing to make it sound like they are all picked.

However, one thing you didn't do here was embed the video. Which is fine if this was just a preview but it's good enough for a MISSION VIDEO IMHO as there is a good take a both speeds so I'd say embed it and get ready for a debrief!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jul 31 2020, 03:06 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 1 2020, 07:36 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 1 2020, 04:13 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 2 2020, 01:04 AM

Well Fought Soldier!! This has a LOT of notes in it and it's played quite briskly. This is yet another "shred" lick that sounds best when played fast. You have two really good takes here. There is one bad note in the second take but the third take works. This is impressive playing Soldier. Your fingers are starting to find their groove and get comfortable playing briskly! Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR

PACING You do a great job of pick control on this one. Steady pace and even playing. Nice!!

NO MUTE NO DEAL: Very clean palm mute per usual as I've come to expect. Without a good mute, fast playing just becomes a blur without detail so a mute is crucial.

BACK AND FORTH Back and Forth like a champ! This lick has bits of Paul Gilbert and Yngwie in it and you krushed it!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 1 2020, 02:36 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 10 2020, 05:49 PM

Hi,



Here is lesson 26

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 12 2020, 04:34 AM

Impressive work Soldier!! This is NOT an easy one. It has a LOT of string traverse and requires precise picking and very tight hand synch. You are now in the deep end of the swimming pool. Let's debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

PLANTED LIKE A TREE: Your palm mute has really improved. NICE!

TRAVERSE FOR THE WIN Traverse is just plain difficult for many a Soldier. Traverse of course, just talking about moving from one string to another. Once you get this, it can be leveraged in to so many other things.

PACE WINS THE RACE: Even handed timing and synch. Not rushing or dragging, just right.

you krushed this one Soldier!

You just

LEVLED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 10 2020, 12:49 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 12 2020, 06:38 PM

In this Lesson:
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Lesson_Series:_%E2%80%9C0_To_60%2C_An_Introduction_to_Alternate_Picking%E2%80%9D_-_Lesson_27

I don't see any economy picking, only alternate picking.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 13 2020, 11:11 PM

Good Eye!! I trimmed this lesson back as the other examples that used to be in it were starting to confuse people so I chopped it down to size. I also just now removed econ from the Title of the Mission. it's just the one lick and it's a shred lick. This is your chance to see how fast you can play it!

Also, I'm re doing the guitar pro file as I noticed it didn't have any pick notation or palm mute notation. Here is the new version!
 Lessson27.gp5 ( 1.67K ) : 405

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 12 2020, 01:38 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 14 2020, 03:53 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 13 2020, 10:11 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 14 2020, 09:33 PM

Good eye Soldier!! it should NOT start with an upstroke. Should be a DOWN stroke. Of course, you can start it with an upstroke to reverse all the strikes if you want, but yes. It should be a down stroke to start. Updating the files!!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 14 2020, 10:53 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 15 2020, 10:43 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 14 2020, 08:33 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 15 2020, 11:07 PM

Could be me trying to fix it without a guitar in my hands. One second. I'll sort this. Yup. I'm trying to use a different riff here and it's not what is left in MISSION 27 as it stands. Good eye again. It's one of the licks I removed as it was confusing folks. I left in the one in the original link. I'll do a new version of that. Sorry or the confusion Soldier!!

There. It should finally be fixed. Thanks for your patience Soldier. Moving too quickly can easily lead to mistakes. After the first few notes I thought I knew which lick this was. I should have read all the notes.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 15 2020, 05:43 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 17 2020, 04:05 PM

I think I played guitar a bit too much because I started to feel a little tension near the elbow.

I played almost for 4 hours, but intense playing like near my max speed with little to no breaks.

And I had this tension in my left hand and just a little pain.
This has happened to my for a few consecutive days for the first time.

I don't know if I should worry.
Maybe I should take a break for a few days.

How much is too much?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 17 2020, 11:51 PM

In general, if you feel pain, STOP PLAYING

If you feel tightness, outside of what is normal, take a break and do some stretches. When playing at or near top speed, it's instinctual to tense up a bit Part of what I'm big on teaching is that one can over ride the instinct and stay loose, even when playing at high speed Actually, the tension holds back speed and learning to play while relaxed can get you over the hump in to new territory in terms of speed/precision.

I have a couple of stretches that I always do BEFORE i play a single note. These are simple warm up stretches that can help you to get the blood flowing, before you start playing. Give this a quick watch. I'd say try these before and after you play until the tension goes away. After that, I'd still say do them before you play from now until you part from this earth.



These are just a couple to start with. There are tons of videos about guitar stretching on youtube. Same rules apply for stretching as playing. If it hurts, stop doing it.

Take a litttle break playing, maybe for a few days, and focus on stretching. Drink plenty of water, don't over exert yourself. That feeling of tightness should go away in a couple of days or so, and you can get back to the FRONT!!
Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 17 2020, 11:05 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 23 2020, 05:11 PM

Hi

Here are all various speeds,

From 70BPM to 140 BPM.
140 BPM is and should be way above my current level of speed.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 24 2020, 04:53 AM

Well Fought Soldier!!! I can see you are making progress on your SHRED!!! You have some very solid takes here. One thing I'd suggest is to pick as lightly as you can so that your pick is just barely striking enough to make the string sound. You may need a bit more gain for this. Too much gain can be bad, but too little can also be a problem. Finding the right balance just takes some tweaking. For moving at top speed, you want your hands relaxed as possible so that your arms don't burn out. Also, tension will kill your speed. It takes time and focus, but you are getting there! You are tight on the metronome until you hit 120. You do a good pass on 120 but it's drifting from the metronome. It's still evenly paced though and that's what really matters. It's good to push beyond your boundaries as well as that is the area you are heading towards playing in. Eventually it will feel easy. Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

PLANTED MUTE: Easy to get string noise when traversing, you keep it nice and clean. Well done!!

SYNCH ON POINT: If your hand synch drifts even a pinch, drills like this will let you know. You keep tight synch which is great. Score!

TRAVERSELY: Being able to traverse frets and strings while making everything sound like it's being played on one string that's moving under your hand instead of your hand moving is what I want to see from this mission and you nailed it! Smooth and under control.

This is a great drill for working on your overall top speed. Focus on relaxing in to it and picking a bit lighter with a bit more gain. Also, Try this without the pick. Just using your left hand to hammer on the notes. Loop that for a bit. Put enough gain on to let you hear it without the pick. Work that for a bit then add the pick back in. It's like a batter swinging with weights on the bat to prep for his turn at the plate. It makes the actual lick easier one you add the pick back.

You've gotten what I wanted you to get out of this one Soldier. You are ready for the next one!!! Keep your picks sharp!! (use a pocket knife if you have to, keep a find beveled point on your pick which reduces the time it takes from one strike to the next) and keep up the fight!!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 23 2020, 12:11 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 25 2020, 12:06 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Aug 24 2020, 03:53 AM)

Well Fought Soldier!!! I can see you are making progress on your SHRED!!! You have some very solid takes here. One thing I'd suggest is to pick as lightly as you can so that your pick is just barely striking enough to make the string sound. You may need a bit more gain for this. Too much gain can be bad, but too little can also be a problem. Finding the right balance just takes some tweaking. For moving at top speed, you want your hands relaxed as possible so that your arms don't burn out. Also, tension will kill your speed. It takes time and focus, but you are getting there! You are tight on the metronome until you hit 120. You do a good pass on 120 but it's drifting from the metronome. It's still evenly paced though and that's what really matters. It's good to push beyond your boundaries as well as that is the area you are heading towards playing in. Eventually it will feel easy. Let's Debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

PLANTED MUTE: Easy to get string noise when traversing, you keep it nice and clean. Well done!!

SYNCH ON POINT: If your hand synch drifts even a pinch, drills like this will let you know. You keep tight synch which is great. Score!

TRAVERSELY: Being able to traverse frets and strings while making everything sound like it's being played on one string that's moving under your hand instead of your hand moving is what I want to see from this mission and you nailed it! Smooth and under control.

This is a great drill for working on your overall top speed. Focus on relaxing in to it and picking a bit lighter with a bit more gain. Also, Try this without the pick. Just using your left hand to hammer on the notes. Loop that for a bit. Put enough gain on to let you hear it without the pick. Work that for a bit then add the pick back in. It's like a batter swinging with weights on the bat to prep for his turn at the plate. It makes the actual lick easier one you add the pick back.

You've gotten what I wanted you to get out of this one Soldier. You are ready for the next one!!! Keep your picks sharp!! (use a pocket knife if you have to, keep a find beveled point on your pick which reduces the time it takes from one strike to the next) and keep up the fight!!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!
Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 25 2020, 10:59 PM

Yup. It's flat out hard. You have to use the first finger to strike all by itself and it's just hard. Even if it barely makes a noise that's ok. It's the practice of moving the fingers thats important. Even if some notes barely make a sound. It's a power drill for the left hand.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 25 2020, 07:06 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Sep 2 2020, 03:55 PM

Hi,

Here is Lesson 28.
I want to focus on playing it perfectly.

So after last time when I pushed my speed limit, this time I played it very slowly in the video 60 BPM, focus on make it sound as good as possible.

I attached a reaper screenshot.
This is where I compare my playing to the metronome and see if it's on time.
From what I can see I generally tend to play a little in front of the beat.

In this screenshot I can see that I played most of the in front of the beat, but just a tiny fraction.
I can also notice some spots where I played after the beat in this example.

But as I wrote above I generally tend to play a fraction in front of the beat.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 3 2020, 03:48 AM

Look at him go!!! Yet another tricky one. You don't seem to have much trouble with it! I do notice you are drifting just a pinch on the metronome clicks. But you are doing much better than in previous Missions. You get better with each one so keep it up!!!

Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

TRAVERSE OR DIE With skill and grace, you traverse like a champ! It's a good thing too because this is non stop traverse up and down without a break. Score!

SILENCE IS GOLDEN: Solid mute resulting in clean tone without string noise. KEY to playing a bit like this. Without good muting, it's a mess. With so many notes and so much happening, if your mute is lose it turns in to a noise fest!

PICK ARTICULATION: is some of the best from you I've seen from you. Your pick articulation gets better each time as well!!!

You KRUSHED IT!!! Super Congrats!!
You are entering the deep end of the pool Soldier. You are ready!
You just..

LEVELED UP

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Sep 2 2020, 10:55 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Sep 13 2020, 06:17 PM

Hi,

I tried to get a better angle of my playing but this was the best I could for this video.
At second 7 I was a bit hesitant in playing that note not sure what was coming next because I was focusing on camera and that resulted in a hand sync loss.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 14 2020, 06:21 AM

Well fought Soldier!! There is just a pinch of drift so not enough to keep your from attacking the next target!! Let's Debrief!!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

CLEAN KILL: Doing a great job managing the string noise that is very hard to escape in licks like these! Not a problem for you. You've developed a very good palm mute Soldier!!!

SMOOTH AS GLASS: Pick articulation is smooth and consistent. Just a pinch of drift as you mentioned, but not enough to throw me off. You clearly have a good handle on these licks!

PACE BY PACE On the whole your pace is good. Synch is tight and you play with confidence. It's great to see you making such good progress!!


In short, you just...

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Sep 13 2020, 01:17 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Sep 14 2020, 05:03 PM

Hi,

Here is my tab for Lesson 30.

I feel that the bending note is twice as longer as the other notes.
Let me know what you think.

 Lesson_30.gp ( 17.42K ) : 365

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 16 2020, 12:37 AM

I have guitar pro 6 which can open guitar pro five files but those end with .gp5 I was not able to open the file you sent that ended in .gp however, if you need to adjust the length on a note, that's perfectly ok Soldier. The bend is that lick is just a half step up bend which is traditional for that scale. So as long as the bend is to pitch, you can hold is as little or as long as you like. I really just want to see a bend to pitch. Onward!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Sep 14 2020, 12:03 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Sep 16 2020, 05:42 PM

Hi,

I uploaded Guitar Pro 5 version.

I would have uploaded my reaper file for practice using midi with vst, for drums and guitar, but for some reason this is not working.

Let me know what you think about practicing this way using drums also.

 Lesson_30.gp5 ( 4.24K ) : 385

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 16 2020, 06:50 PM

I was able to open it after all! I don't know what I was doing wrong before Soldier. I see what you are doing and it's a great idea!! Take all the notes and put them to a drum beat. This is a great way of working and getting used to playing over a drum track. I'd say go for it! Very clever approach.

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Sep 16 2020, 12:42 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Sep 23 2020, 07:10 PM

Hi,

Here is lesson 30.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 23 2020, 10:49 PM

Well Fought Soldier!! You put it on the line and walk away a winner! These licks are sorted. Try them in a solo asap to solidify them as part of your permanent back of tricks! Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR

SLOW START FAST FINISH: You show good fret board discipline by being able to play these licks slow and fast. It's important not to skip to the end and just play fast. It's always a good idea imho to learn a lick note by note and then speed it up. Ideally one should be able to play any lick in ones library at any speed within a players range.

MUTE OF DEATH: With licks like these, a weak mute means string noise. Not a problem here. Your mute has developed in to a to a good grip which permits no string noise to get through. Nice!

PITCH PERFECT: The lick with the pitch bend is often tricky. Getting the bend to hit pitch takes a careful hand and a good ear. Miss it by just a pinch and it sticks out. Not so here! Score!!

You've got this licks down pat Soldier! You are ready for what awaits!!
You just...

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Sep 23 2020, 02:10 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Oct 6 2020, 07:13 PM

I am currently practicing Lesson 31:

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Lesson_Series:_%E2%80%9C0_To_60%2C_An_Introduction_to_Alternate_Picking%E2%80%9D_-_Lesson_31

I am practicing with the backing tracks playing all those licks.

Playing lick at 50% speed then playing at 100%.

At 100% speed I start to lose the hand sync, I think the backing track is a little bit too fast for me.
Then I try to play at 100% speed just a short burst, then go back to 50% speed, then I try the next lick and so on.
Then I get back to 100% speed and stay there longer and start to lose the hand sync.

Then I make the backing track slower by using Reaper.

I think I am getting a lot from this exercises from Lesson 31.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 7 2020, 02:16 PM

I'm glad you are getting a lot out of it Soldier! BURST SPEED is a technique that works for many, not for all of course, but many. I"m glad it's working for you! It's a good way to feel the speed of a riff before the hands can quite do it. This is a Mission with some fast play to be sure. It's meant to push your boundaries a bit. You can also use the slow push method of playing with a metronome at a slower speed and bumping up the metronome just a bit to get faster with each bump. You can use both methods is they both help. Also, remember to lighten your touch a bit when playing fast, both hands, and don't tense up. This will allow speed/precision and stamina. Onward!

Sarge

Posted by: Victor Simion Oct 8 2020, 05:52 PM

Hi,

Lesson 31 is here:

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 9 2020, 04:53 AM

Well fought Soldier!!! This is a good example of what I'm looking for. One thing I would ask you for the next mission is to increase your gain/distortion just a pinch, and use the bridge pickup always unless otherwise requested in the Mission description. The reason for the request in additional gain is simple. With a bit more gain than you are using on this mission, it exaggerates any issues in your muting/choke/sustain/etc. which allows me to spot any bits that might need more work. When the gain is just a pinch to low in these types of licks, it minimizes errors which doesn't allow me to help you get better. Also, as for always using the bridge pickup. It allows me to hear your pick strikes. I'm not sure which pickup you are on in this video but I can't hear the attack on your strikes. if you are on the bridge/treble pickup, then please add more treble to your overall tone as I really need to be able to hear the pick strike to be able to best help you move forward. Just a couple of small things to keep in mind for the next mission. Yngwie, as an example, uses the neck/bass pickup quite a bit as it removes the sharpness of the pick attack and results in a more rounded sounding pick attach which gives a distinctive tone but minimizes variation in how each strike sounds which helps gloss over any inconsistencies in picking. Thus, why I suggest you avoid it like the plague during bootcamp. I hope this makes sense!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

PRECISION KILLS Precise and clean picking, even with a stretch. This one has a big pinky stretch in it to force your hand to not use the first three fingers and instead use the pinky. You nailed it!

SYNCHING AND SWIMMING Very tight and controlled, right/left hand synch. One bad strike and the loop falls apart. Not a problem!!! Tight as a drum!

SILENCE IS GOLDEN Very good muting and noise control with the right hand. Like I said, add a bit more gain and we will drill down and make sure there are no issues!

In short you KRUSHED IT and ..

LEVELED UP!!!

Onward!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Oct 8 2020, 12:52 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Oct 11 2020, 04:15 PM

Yes, you are right it makes sense.
When I practiced Lesson 31, I listened to my recording several times.
Then I reduced the gain from my tone in order to find the sweet spot where it sounds like I am playing with as much accuracy as possible.
Ok, now I understand I will increase my gain to see if there are issues in my hand sync.

Regarding the bridge pickup I noticed it makes some unwanted noise on the high strings.

Check my videos here to see what I mean:
Check it around 1:20
I play on the same string so, I don't think any unwanted noise should ring.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 12 2020, 08:17 PM

Noise level seems fine and gain is good here also. The problem starts around 1:35 where you go in to a series of bends and 3 in a row are not quite to pitch. The solo before that is working quite well! When working out which strings to bend, make sure that the note you are trying to bend to is in the scale that you are working in. E.G. if you want to bend up a whole step to a new pitch on a string, make sure that one whole step up from the start of the bend is in the scale you are working in and make sure that the pitch at the end of the bend is the same note you are trying to get (play the bend and check it against the actual fretted note you are trying to reach). These should match. Bending to pitch is one of the trickiest things about playing lead. Especially when one is still sorta new at bending to pitch. The ear doesn't always notice that the hand has missed the note Id' say go back and listen to the bends at the end of the solo and see if you can hear when they go out of pitch. It creates a great deal of dissonance that the ear can be trained to pick up right away.

Once you go back and listen through it, try to play the same thing but with correct bending to pitch. Just map out ahead of time which notes you are bending and how far you need to bend them in order to get them to the right pitch and then re record the solo. You have some space at the start of the solo where you are playing power chords, this could be used to try some other solo techniques. Once more in to the breach!

onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Oct 11 2020, 11:15 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Oct 13 2020, 06:44 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Oct 12 2020, 07:17 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 14 2020, 03:38 AM

Looks like I gave similar feedback when I saw it in the REC take I remember this backing from a collab we did. Very fun to solo over!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Oct 13 2020, 01:44 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Oct 16 2020, 03:46 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Oct 14 2020, 02:38 AM)

Looks like I gave similar feedback when I saw it in the REC take I remember this backing from a collab we did. Very fun to solo over!!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 16 2020, 06:55 PM

It does have a neoclassical vibe to it! Good ear! You are spot on about that track not being the right one. It's the same track we used in previous missions in this series. Here is the link. I'll see about having it fixed on the mission page.

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=22236

here is the file also.
 nolead2.mp3 ( 1.42MB ) : 468

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Oct 16 2020, 10:46 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Oct 18 2020, 04:47 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Oct 16 2020, 05:55 PM)

It does have a neoclassical vibe to it! Good ear! You are spot on about that track not being the right one. It's the same track we used in previous missions in this series. Here is the link. I'll see about having it fixed on the mission page.

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=22236

here is the file also.
 nolead2.mp3 ( 1.42MB ) : 468

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 20 2020, 01:05 AM

You can use either track really Both make a handy backing so I'd say keep both and practice soloing over them. The track meant for the lesson should be 115 bpm.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Oct 18 2020, 11:47 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Oct 21 2020, 04:45 PM

What do you think if I use this tone for the next Video?
Is it ok?

 Lesson_32___Guitar_Only.mp3 ( 597.55K ) : 371
 Lesson_32___Mix.mp3 ( 597.55K ) : 360

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 22 2020, 02:27 AM

Its a "solo" video so yeah go ahead and use your solo tone! Sounds cool For videos where you are playing a solo over a backing, you can make your tone just like you might use in a recording in the studio. For regular missions, I like to keep wah/chorus/delay/reverb to a minimum so I can hear what's going on.

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Oct 21 2020, 11:45 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Oct 26 2020, 07:45 PM

Lesson 32 is ready!



- At second 6, I don't really like how I cut that lick and move to the next one
- The lick that start at second 12, I see that my pinky flies, and I can't make the pinky stay near the fretboard.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Oct 26 2020, 09:10 PM

Well Fought Soldier! This is a good example of using licks in a solo context. The end goal of all of this work is to help you become a better lead guitar player and a better musician. Learning these bits takes work. Takes even more work to use them in context. Super congrats on playing lead guitar with a backing and making it work. Just making licks work against a backing is a skill by itself. Some players can play amazing licks, but can't actually play a solo to a backing track. The playing is only half the battle. The rest is about putting it to use. You can take tons of the licks learned in bootcamp and use them in your guitar solo work. You nailed it and..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Oct 26 2020, 02:45 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 4 2020, 07:26 PM

Hi,

Lesson 33

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 4 2020, 09:09 PM

Nice Stretch Soldier!!! Being able to play with a big stretch is important. You will find a plethora of licks that are based on using your stretch. let's debrief!!

MEDALS OF HONOR

MUTE AND MORE MUTE You continue to impress with your solid planted palm on the bridge! This is something that is very tough to get used to. Nice!

SYNCH MUTE Both of these require the dreaded "Synch Mute", e.g. hand synch while doing a palm mute. You'll find that many Missions require this skill and you have got it!

TRAVERSING NOT TRAVESTY This one is non stop string traverse so if your traverse is bad, the lick falls apart. You have a nice smooth traverse. keep it up!!

This is a tricky one Soldier. Every single string and an open string lick. Licks like this are why it's important to have a good left hand mute. Score!!

You just...

LEVELED UP!!

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 12 2020, 07:41 PM

Hi,

Another Stretching workout!






Because in the first one there is a part that doesn't sound so clean I did another video, that I hope is better.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 15 2020, 08:28 AM

Your stretch is looking good soldier!! The only issue is that your playing has a pinch of rush and lag. Try to put the metronome back in to play here and see if you can get the playing to be even and consistent whether going up or going down the strings. Some folks find going up easier and so going up gets a rush, some folks find going down easier so that gets a rush. The goal of this mission is to play both ascending and descending at the same pace to show control and consistency. You've got the hand movement. Just the timing needs to be sorted and your there!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 12 2020, 02:41 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 15 2020, 08:57 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 15 2020, 07:28 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 16 2020, 02:51 AM

Sure Guitar Pro is great. I'd say for your next video, just focus on playing a single note without using too much thumb articulation. I don't want to teach you to pick like me, I just want to teach you
to pick better. To strike in a way that can grow with your. Your current technique is going
to limit your ability to make progress. So I'd say forget the left hand for now. It's not what
needs the attention. At least in bootcamp.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 15 2020, 03:57 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 16 2020, 10:42 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 16 2020, 01:51 AM)

Sure Guitar Pro is great. I'd say for your next video, just focus on playing a single note without using too much thumb articulation. I don't want to teach you to pick like me, I just want to teach you
to pick better. To strike in a way that can grow with your. Your current technique is going
to limit your ability to make progress. So I'd say forget the left hand for now. It's not what
needs the attention. At least in bootcamp.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 17 2020, 09:49 PM

Just pick one note. Play it using alternate picking. Bend your thumb at the joint.
Try not to use only the thumb to move the pick. Try to use part of the hand and a bit
less of the thumb. Your using a bit too much thumb which is the source of the issue.
make sense?

I want you to focus on the basics. Forget about moving the left hand. Just play one note.
Play it over and over using alternate picking. Trying to work through the issue with
your picking so you can move forward Just a short video will do for this. We need
to focus on on your basic picking technique to improve it so that you can get past
your speed barrier created by over artculating with your thumb. Don't let your thumb extend and stick out straight. Keep it bent.


\-=\=';/ thumb
straighten out as you often do. Try to minimize how much you are using the l

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 16 2020, 05:42 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 17 2020, 11:58 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 17 2020, 08:49 PM)

Just pick one note. Play it using alternate picking. Bend your thumb at the joint.
Try not to use only the thumb to move the pick. Try to use part of the hand and a bit
less of the thumb. Your using a bit too much thumb which is the source of the issue.
make sense?

I want you to focus on the basics. Forget about moving the left hand. Just play one note.
Play it over and over using alternate picking. Trying to work through the issue with
your picking so you can move forward Just a short video will do for this. We need
to focus on on your basic picking technique to improve it so that you can get past
your speed barrier created by over artculating with your thumb. Don't let your thumb extend and stick out straight. Keep it bent.


\-=\=';/ thumb
straighten out as you often do. Try to minimize how much you are using the l

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 18 2020, 05:04 AM

keep your thumb bent.

1.)Fret one note with your left hand.
2.)Strike that note over and over using your guitar pick.
3.)use alternate picking.
4.)Record a video.
5.)Post it here.

I just want to try to isolate your picking so we can improve upon it before we get in to the really crazy Mission bits.
Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 17 2020, 06:58 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 18 2020, 04:51 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 18 2020, 04:04 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 18 2020, 08:23 PM

Thanks!! This shows me what I wanted to see. I think I see the issue. Your picking with your entire hand based at the wrist. There is nothing "wrong" with this technique. It's traditional alt picking using the wrist. The palm mute is a bit of an afterthought using this approach as the hand has to move and drift a pinch from the mute and it's tough to mute all of the strings at once.

I want you to try to modify this just a pinch.

Example 1. Notice how the amount of pick wag decreases as I speed up. Also notice the pick angle. The angle of attack/address is important as it sets up an optimal position for the hand.


In example 2, notice that my palm stays planted on the bridge. I don't lift or shift. I'm using thumb/finger articulation and using part of my hand and just a pinch of wrist. I've isolated to a single note.


In examle 3, I go through all the strings. Notice I keep a good solid palm mute and dont lift my palm off the bridge. Also, I"m keeping the same slanted forward pick angle. In addition, notice that my pick hand never tenses up. Even at speed, I keep the picking hand somewhat loose. This is key to stamina. Tensing up will kill your ability to play fast for extended periods.\


INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEXT VID
1.)Plant your palm on the bridge. Make sure you find a spot where you can mute every string low to high without using your left hand. To test this, just take your left hand off the neck. Mute all the strings and pick each one to make sure, from low to high E. This is called "center strategy". I want you to find the wrist spot on the bridge where you can tilt your hand to pick each string while keeping it muted. Don't lift or move the hand up and down as you go from string to string. This is not easy at first. You may need to extend your pinky and un clench your fist as the fist method reduces surface area available for muting with the palm. Reference my vids again to see how I'm doing it. You can drift up and down a pinch if needed, but try to keep the hand centered as much as possible.

2.)Pick angle is good! I want you to try to sharpen that pick a bit if possible. Grab a pocket knife and carve it to a very fine point. Then use only the point to pick the string. Don't allow the pick to get any closer to the body of the guitar. Try to see how shallow you can pick. Just barely strike the string with the very very stip of the pick. This allows quicker recovery.

3.)Once you hand is planted, use the hand to do the striking. You can add some wrist in later. For now try to use just the hand. This is not easy. Reference my vids again. Notice has the palm mute stays muted and at slower speeds I'm using just the thumb/finger and part of the hand to control the pick. Once you hit shred speed, you'll add in some wrist. It's possible to use just the thum/finger at low speeds. Check the video of me showing the demo of using only the thumb first finger to articulate. This works well at slower speeds. At higher speeds, the hand / wrist comes in a bit as in my last demo video.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 18 2020, 11:51 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 18 2020, 09:04 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 18 2020, 07:23 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 19 2020, 05:25 AM

I fear I've been confusing you with all this. I'll try to be a bit more clear.

1.)Both videos display similar picking technique. It's not wrong per se. But it could use a bit of adjustment to better serve you. Your picking from the wrist as is traditional. I'm trying to get your hand to do something different.

2.)Plant your palm on the bridge and don't let it move. This will severely restrict your hand. Doing this will allow you to mute all the strings. First, you must unclench your fist. Extend your pinky out a bit to create a straighter line for your palm to allow it to mute all the strings from low to high E. This is the goal of the approach.

3.)Play very slowly as this will feel very odd. Without moving your palm at all, or as little as possible, and not playing with a fist, just pick a single note. Alternate pick it. Any note any string. Just one.

4.)I'm trying to get your hand to do something it does not want to do. It's ok to use some thumb/finger articulation here. This is the "slow speed" picking technique that I display in the demo videos.

5.)Sharpen you pick to a fine point with a pocket knife. Only pick the string with the very tip.

Once you get the hang of this. We can expand on it. But this is step 1.

Let me know if this makes sense

Todd

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 18 2020, 04:04 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 19 2020, 11:59 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 19 2020, 04:25 AM)

I fear I've been confusing you with all this. I'll try to be a bit more clear.

1.)Both videos display similar picking technique. It's not wrong per se. But it could use a bit of adjustment to better serve you. Your picking from the wrist as is traditional. I'm trying to get your hand to do something different.

2.)Plant your palm on the bridge and don't let it move. This will severely restrict your hand. Doing this will allow you to mute all the strings. First, you must unclench your fist. Extend your pinky out a bit to create a straighter line for your palm to allow it to mute all the strings from low to high E. This is the goal of the approach.

3.)Play very slowly as this will feel very odd. Without moving your palm at all, or as little as possible, and not playing with a fist, just pick a single note. Alternate pick it. Any note any string. Just one.

4.)I'm trying to get your hand to do something it does not want to do. It's ok to use some thumb/finger articulation here. This is the "slow speed" picking technique that I display in the demo videos.

5.)Sharpen you pick to a fine point with a pocket knife. Only pick the string with the very tip.

Once you get the hang of this. We can expand on it. But this is step 1.

Let me know if this makes sense

Todd

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 19 2020, 06:47 PM

I felt like I was moving the wrist too much in the video above, so I tried to do another video.

Take a look below.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 20 2020, 07:41 PM

THats it!! The second vid is great. Palm doesn't move. It sometimes help to forget the left hand entirely when learning new pick technique. Try the next Mission and see if you can incorporate this picking approach

Onward!
Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 19 2020, 01:47 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 21 2020, 07:38 PM

Here is my video with drums:



I am not sure if it's ok so I made one with metronome also:



Which one do you think it's better?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 21 2020, 10:31 PM

The Second one is better I think as the first one loses synch about 36 seconds in. The good news is that you are making solid progress. I think you are ready to get back to the Missions!

A few tips for the next mission vid

1.)Focus on using as little pick pressure as possible.
2.)Focus on using a shallow strike depth.
3.)Don't push the speed too much just yet as you are still re learning to pick.
4.)Add a bit more distortion/gain to your tone. It will show any gaps in the mute and help you practice dampening string noise while using a tone closer to a recording/live tone.


Onward!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 21 2020, 02:38 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 23 2020, 06:25 PM

Hi,



What do you think of my picking hand?
I stared moving my thumb more, but am I moving the wrist too much?
At least I am sure I move my wrist as I cross strings.


And here are some of my picks.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 23 2020, 07:45 PM

Which mission is this btw? It's well played! You are getting the hang of it!! A bit of finger articulation and a bit of wrist. That is the idea Keep your hand as loose as you can get it. Hand tension is death for picking. One thing I notice, and some people just can do this, which is ok. But it's worth a try. Your palm mute is moving with your hand. If possible, (and it's ok if this is something your hand just won't do) try to keep your pam mute planted and not moving. When you use wrist motion, when anyone uses wrist motion, the instinct is to move the entire hand. Watch my video about finger articulation again and watch my palm mute. Notice how it does not lift, or move or drift. It stays firm on the bridge. Some folks hands just won't do this at all. If your hand won't it's ok. I just want to see if it might work.

About your picks. Nice thick ones! I used to use CLAYTON picks as they were easy to carve/shape with a pocket knife. The only pick with a point is the small jazz one but they are so small that they get lost in my hand, but that's just me. If you can sharpen you clayton to a fine point, that would be the way to go. Otherwise, try using the jazz for these missions. IT's a bit small for my hand, but some folks find them to be plenty big.

This is a good improvement. If this is a mission, I'd badget it up.

Onward!!
Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 23 2020, 01:25 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 23 2020, 08:35 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 23 2020, 06:45 PM)

Which mission is this btw? It's well played! You are getting the hang of it!! A bit of finger articulation and a bit of wrist. That is the idea Keep your hand as loose as you can get it. Hand tension is death for picking. One thing I notice, and some people just can do this, which is ok. But it's worth a try. Your palm mute is moving with your hand. If possible, (and it's ok if this is something your hand just won't do) try to keep your pam mute planted and not moving. When you use wrist motion, when anyone uses wrist motion, the instinct is to move the entire hand. Watch my video about finger articulation again and watch my palm mute. Notice how it does not lift, or move or drift. It stays firm on the bridge. Some folks hands just won't do this at all. If your hand won't it's ok. I just want to see if it might work.

About your picks. Nice thick ones! I used to use CLAYTON picks as they were easy to carve/shape with a pocket knife. The only pick with a point is the small jazz one but they are so small that they get lost in my hand, but that's just me. If you can sharpen you clayton to a fine point, that would be the way to go. Otherwise, try using the jazz for these missions. IT's a bit small for my hand, but some folks find them to be plenty big.

This is a good improvement. If this is a mission, I'd badget it up.

Onward!!
Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 24 2020, 03:43 AM

Can you do a quick vid on the second part?I think you are ready for what's next!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 23 2020, 03:35 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 24 2020, 05:48 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 24 2020, 02:43 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 25 2020, 01:35 AM

NICE!! This is well played. Just for reference. try to name your video by Mission and sections. E.g. MISSION 24C which would be Mission 24 part C. That way I can tell where each one fits. You are playing very good on these videos. I think your hand is getting the idea!! Well done.

As for your pick, it's not sharp enough. Here is a MATHIAS GUITARS "Impaler" pick. It comes stock with a great point. Try to shape the clayton like this. It will open up a new world for your picking.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 24 2020, 12:48 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 25 2020, 08:03 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 25 2020, 12:35 AM)

NICE!! This is well played. Just for reference. try to name your video by Mission and sections. E.g. MISSION 24C which would be Mission 24 part C. That way I can tell where each one fits. You are playing very good on these videos. I think your hand is getting the idea!! Well done.

As for your pick, it's not sharp enough. Here is a MATHIAS GUITARS "Impaler" pick. It comes stock with a great point. Try to shape the clayton like this. It will open up a new world for your picking.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 27 2020, 02:44 AM

Thats a better point soldier!!! Your work on these past vids has shown very good improvement. You are putting it all together and it's not easy. Completely re learning to pick is a huge deal. Your synch is better, your picking is better, your playing is better, your technique is better. Each one of these vids proves it. You are ready for what lies ahead Soldier. It does get a bit crazy but don't let it throw you off. Each mission will build on the skills you have built. Also with a pointier pick they should be a bit easier. Pointy picks rule!

Always try to keep your hands as loose as you can. Always try to keep your palm stuck to the bridge during a mute. Keep it up!!


You just ...

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 25 2020, 03:03 AM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Nov 27 2020, 08:18 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 27 2020, 01:44 AM)

Thats a better point soldier!!! Your work on these past vids has shown very good improvement. You are putting it all together and it's not easy. Completely re learning to pick is a huge deal. Your synch is better, your picking is better, your playing is better, your technique is better. Each one of these vids proves it. You are ready for what lies ahead Soldier. It does get a bit crazy but don't let it throw you off. Each mission will build on the skills you have built. Also with a pointier pick they should be a bit easier. Pointy picks rule!

Always try to keep your hands as loose as you can. Always try to keep your palm stuck to the bridge during a mute. Keep it up!!


You just ...

LEVELED UP!!!

Sarge

 Vivaldi_RV._199_Allergro_I.gp ( 11.42K ) : 361
 Victor___Vivaldi_RV199_Allegro.mp3 ( 579.18K ) : 366

Posted by: Todd Simpson Nov 28 2020, 09:44 PM

Very cool vivaldi piece!!! ECON is very important for string traverse. I use econ when ascending or descending strings typically. However, when doing a two string loop lick I'll use strict alternate picking. It just depends on which is more efficient. So one does needs both. Your improving quickly keep it up!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Nov 27 2020, 03:18 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 2 2020, 09:50 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Nov 28 2020, 08:44 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 2 2020, 11:29 PM

Very nice! At slower speeds like this try to use a bit more thumb articulation. It's a small thing, but worth trying!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 2 2020, 04:50 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 3 2020, 06:22 PM

Lesson 36 - Shredding The Ionian Mode


Exercise 36a, 36b, 36c, played at 80 BPM (medium speed for me)



Exercise 36a, 36b, played at 120 BPM (fast speed for me)
No exercise c since at this speed it's impossible for me to play that exercise




What do you think of my fast playing?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 4 2020, 02:36 AM

Nailed it!! you are making great progress Soldier. I think you are finally putting it all together! You are in the deep weeds now Soldier. This is where many fine Soldiers just quit. Not you!! Fight on!!

Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR


*AGRESSIVE STYLE: Points for shear aggression on this one Soldier! You attacked it with verve and precision. Also I could see a bit more "going for it" in terms of precision/speed combo. Nice.

*PICKING: Not only did you tear through the Mission, you articulated the pick quite well with thumb and first finger. Score!

*TECHNIQUE: Solid palm mute, precise picking, not rushing or lagging, BAM!

You hit all the marks that I"m looking for in this Mission. You are ready for what lies ahead Soldier.

Onward! You just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 3 2020, 01:22 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 4 2020, 10:54 AM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Dec 4 2020, 01:36 AM)

Nailed it!! you are making great progress Soldier. I think you are finally putting it all together! You are in the deep weeds now Soldier. This is where many fine Soldiers just quit. Not you!! Fight on!!

Let's Debrief!

MEDALS OF HONOR


*AGRESSIVE STYLE: Points for shear aggression on this one Soldier! You attacked it with verve and precision. Also I could see a bit more "going for it" in terms of precision/speed combo. Nice.

*PICKING: Not only did you tear through the Mission, you articulated the pick quite well with thumb and first finger. Score!

*TECHNIQUE: Solid palm mute, precise picking, not rushing or lagging, BAM!

You hit all the marks that I"m looking for in this Mission. You are ready for what lies ahead Soldier.

Onward! You just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

Sarge

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 4 2020, 06:50 PM

It's sounding great Soldier!! Your hands are adapting!! It's really coming together. Can you feel the change in speed/precision?

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 4 2020, 05:54 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 4 2020, 11:39 PM

Watch this vid. IT's a great demo on how to palm mute while articulating the strings. Now, this guy is using his fingers and his pick and a great deal of hammer on/pull off/legato, but focus on his palm mute. Look how he is keeping his mute while he picks. He doesn't lift, doesn't move the entire hand off the bridge. Also, he mutes firmly but doesn't choke the strings.

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 14 2020, 07:02 PM

Lesson 37

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 15 2020, 08:05 AM

Progress!! I notice you are using a good pick angle and keeping your thumb bent and not over committing to any one single pick strike. You are fixing all of the issues that we have found along the way soldier. That's what a big part of bootcamp is about. finding what is going wrong and fixing it step by step. It's only after this that one can start making truly impressive progress. There are often little things, habits that we have picked up along the way that are actually getting in the way of becoming a better player. It's about isolating those elements and then correcting them. Then combining all of what has been learned. You are combining all of it and it's great to see. There are many Missions that are more about testing existing skills to make sure they can be built on later, than about playing fast. Then there are some Missions that are just speed tests more than anything where what you have learned can be used to shred. It's all heading you to one place. Being a better Musician. It's a long journey and you are fighting your way through it with vigor. keep it up!!

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 14 2020, 02:02 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 15 2020, 07:22 PM

LESSON #38 - ECONOMIC PICKING COMBINED WITH ALTERNATE PICKING

Take a look at how I choose the picking direction.

I will do economy picking every time I get the chance, doesn't matter if it going up or down the exercise.

In lick 2 (Back and Forth) there is no way to do an economy picking.

 LESSON__38___ECONOMIC_PICKING_COMBINED_WITH_ALTERNATE_PICKING.gp ( 13.88K ) : 382

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 15 2020, 09:36 PM

Good eye Soldier!! I just checked this lesson and my latest versions of the lesson are not up. I"ll share them here and I"ll ask fran to update them. There are only two parts to this Mission. Here they are with PICK NOTATION. The pick notation is very important. It's crucial for this Mission that you use ECON PICKING when changing strings. That's the entire point of the mission. When ascending strings (from lower to higher strings), use a down stroke and when descending strings (from higher to lower strings) use an upstroke. That's what this mission is all about. Trying to train the hand when it's best to use econ. In general, it's more efficient to use down strokes when heading towards the higher strings, and upstrokes when heading to the lower strings.

To Wit!!
 38a.gp5.zip ( 982bytes ) : 418



 38b.gp5.zip ( 1004bytes ) : 405

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 15 2020, 02:22 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 21 2020, 07:15 PM

LESSON #38 - ECONOMIC PICKING COMBINED WITH ALTERNATE PICKING

I can hear a little bit of bleeding notes on the first lick, it happens sometimes on the first lick, I think it's happening where I am doing the economy picking.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Dec 22 2020, 06:01 AM

WELL FOUGHT!!!! Soldier I know that ECON picking does not come natural for every player. I've seen some player struggle with it for extended periods of time. It's great to see you adapting to it. It's one of my almost secret tricks to shredding. The entire point of econ picking is to take advantage of the natural motion of the hand. E.G. If you are moving from a lower string to a higher string, as the hand moves/tilts toward the new string, it's just more "economical" in terms of motion and energy to do a pick strike in that direction as well. So if moving from lower to higher strings, a down stroke makes sense. If moving from higher to lower strings, an upstroke makes sense. Not to say this is the only way to play. Paul Gilbert doesn't do it at all, some players rarely if ever make use of it. Still I found it to be a great benefit in terms of precision and speed. So much so that I almost always use this technique when traversing strings, especially on licks that make use of more than two strings. In addition to your picking, your muting is very good hear and your hand synch is spot on as well. It does sound like you are using the neck pickup here? If you are, try to switch to the bridge pickup for all Bootcamp Missions as it lets me hear pick strikes better. If you are already using the bridge pickup, maybe a bit more treble on the tone. I'm having trouble hearing the pick hitting the string. It's a small thing, but it does help me out. As for this Mission, it's Sorted!!

You just....

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 21 2020, 02:15 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Dec 31 2020, 05:02 PM

Hi,

Lesson 39 is ready!

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 1 2021, 11:16 AM

Well Fought Soldier!!!! This one is all about doing my favorite "Scale Inversion". This inversion, or way of playing a scale, works on any scale of any kind. But my fave way to play it is using the minor scale. It requires some serious finger dexterity to play it and it's always a good challenge to work through it up and down. You do a very good job of playing through it both up and down which is great to see. You don't miss any notes, don't rush or lag, and you have good hand synch and a good palm mute the entire time. Also, you are playing it at quite a brisk pace! If you can play this drill, this well, you are well prepared for the crazy bits that lay in wait on the path ahead Soldier!!! You got this.

You just...

LEVELED UP!!!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Dec 31 2020, 12:02 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 2 2021, 06:40 PM

Lesson 40,

Is this lesson strict alternate picking for 40a, and 40b?

Which fingers should be used in the 40b, last measure?
Until then it should be pretty forward, but last measure could be done using all fingers or you can do a shift with your hand fretting hand?

 40a.gp ( 9.18K ) : 374
 40b.gp ( 9.15K ) : 349

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 3 2021, 04:11 AM

For the first drill, strike once per string. It's a "loopable" bit so start over once you have played the last note. For part B, strict alternate picking of each note. You can finger B any way that you find comfy. What's important is that you Alt pick the enire thing.

Onward!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 2 2021, 01:40 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 3 2021, 05:53 PM

QUOTE (Todd Simpson @ Jan 3 2021, 03:11 AM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 5 2021, 04:14 AM

Take a look at the first piece of tab. It's just using the top 3 strings. It's a looping pattern that just goes over the same 3 strings over and over again It's always best to try to play it as written.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 3 2021, 12:53 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 11 2021, 05:45 PM

Hi,

Here is lesson 40.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 12 2021, 07:23 AM

Well fought Soldier!! These two licks are VERY different to each other. The first one doesn't have much picking. It's really all about left hand power. if one doesn't have any left hand power, this type of lick just doesn't work. You only get one pick strike for each string so the rest has to be hammered on. As a result it's a good benchmark to show where a players hand power is at. I do this so that I can get an idea of left hand power before I ask you to play something like the second lick. The second lick is all about left hand endurance. if one doesn't have enough left hand endurance, about half way through the lick, the notes start to get softer and softer. The good news is that you have very good hand power and you have good endurance so you sort both licks no problem!! Well done.

You just..

LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 11 2021, 12:45 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 13 2021, 08:28 PM

Hi,

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Lesson_Series:_%E2%80%9C0_To_60%2C_An_Introduction_to_Alternate_Picking%E2%80%9D_-_Lesson_41

Part A of lesson 41 should be alternate picking or hammer ons?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 15 2021, 01:56 AM

Good question Soldier and good eye!! I've updated the Mission Notes.
For the Warmup/A Section..
Strike Once Hammer Many! On this first part, strike the open string and then hammer on the other notes. Keep a good palm mute but don't crush the strings or they won't ring at all.

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 13 2021, 03:28 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 19 2021, 07:04 PM

Lesson 41

Here is 41a:
I can't control the flying pinky


Here is 41b and 41c:


Here is 41d:

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 20 2021, 02:42 AM

Well fought Soldier!! This one is a big exploration of the pentatonic shape and how it can be used with open and closed shapes. That is to say with open strings and closed fretting combined . Using an open string in a lick gives you an extra note that you don't have to fret. So you can get three notes per string while only fretting two of them. These licks work great in solo work and work great in a warmup. Keep running them and they will get faster and faster. You've got this bit sorted Soldier. You just..

LEVELED UP!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 19 2021, 02:04 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 27 2021, 06:43 PM

Hi,

Lesson 42,

Just the warming up part.



I still have to do the solo with the backing track.

I am not too happy with my improvisation over the backing track:
- it sounds like I am just playing scales up and down
- if I come up with a melody it sounds like random notes melody
- even if let's see the melody is good it doesn't fit with the backing track

Posted by: Todd Simpson Jan 28 2021, 09:23 PM

Well played!! Don't be shy on your solo. It's just there to let me hear how you are coming along. It's only one short guitar solo, meant to allow you to practice making a solo, and to let me see what might be improved. Quick tips.

Start slow and built up.
Start with a bend, or slow phrase. Leave gaps in between the notes.
Build tension slowly by using ascending scales.
Pay of the tension with something played near the higher frets. Typically a root note with vibrato.
Add on tapping, and other techniques.
Put the backing on a loop in your daw and hit record. Record a dozen takes in a row without stopping. Go back and listen. You may be shocked at what you find. Sometimes, this is how I build solos myself


Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 27 2021, 01:43 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Jan 31 2021, 06:29 PM

Lesson 42,

Tears In Rain improvisation:

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 1 2021, 07:36 AM

Super congrats on putting together a solo!!! I like how it turned out. It's a good example of technique and musicality coming together to make something cool!!! You show solid technique and a good sense of musicality. The only way to get better at playing solos, is to actually play and record solos. The "RED LIGHT" syndrome is something that keeps people from making progress quite often. When that red recording light comes on the camera, sometimes, people freeze. Not you!!

One thing that needs a fix is the bend at 34 seconds. Take a listen to it. It's the one note in the entire solo that is just not right. All of the other bends, etc, work well imho. I want to see if you can do one more pass on this to have a take without any bad notes. Also, try to throw in a little bit of tapping if possible. Nothing fancy, just something to add texture to the solo. The more practice on solos the better!! Give me one more Soldier!!


Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Jan 31 2021, 01:29 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 8 2021, 06:34 PM

Hi,

Here is take 2

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2021, 06:22 AM

Better!! I like how you used various techniques in this one. Added some hammering etc. Also, a good use of empty space. Not using every bit of space in a solo is something that some players really struggle with. I personally struggle with it sometimes when I get a bit carried away It's always a good idea to leave some gaps. Your bending is good here and most of them are to pitch. There is one more at 1:07 that doesn't hit pitch. It's a good idea to think out each bend ahead of time to find out if it's in key or not. A full step bend is like moving two frets up the neck. If you plan on a bend, just move two frets up the neck and check it against the scale chart from the scale generator here on GMC to make sure it's in key for the backing. Your ear will catch this stuff in the future. Until then, it's down to mapping things out.

It's only one note though and this solo is more than good enough to get you a BADGE UP!!! It's great to see you putting all of the work you've done together and apply it to actual music. Practicing your solos against youtube backings is a great way to practice and joining every GMC collab is also a great idea. Just like anything else, the only way to get better at soloing is to do a LOT of it!

Congrats Soldier!
You Just..


LEVELED UP!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Feb 8 2021, 01:34 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 9 2021, 08:56 PM

Hi,

Regarding Lesson 43:

Exercise 43a - Should be done using economy picking or strict alternate picking?

Exercise 43b - I see it's the same shape in Guitar Pro file like in the image attached but moved 2 frets up?
Which one should I practice or it doesn't matter since it's the same shape?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Feb 9 2021, 10:53 PM

They are two separate pieces. The first is just a warmup. The second is an actual scale so the notes are different. I just checked the GP files and they seem correct. I'm attaching the second gp file here so you can see the difference. The second one is a minor scale inversion lick. As for picking, this one is dealers choice. unless it's mentioned to do a certain type of picking, you can use whatever works for you. I typically use alternate on these types of bits.

 43b.gp5 ( 2.24K ) : 430

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Feb 9 2021, 03:56 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Feb 28 2021, 09:18 PM

Hi

Lesson 43a



Lesson 43b

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 1 2021, 03:18 AM

Well played Soldier!! This one can be broken down on three main lines.

PALM MUTE: I have you use every string so that I can see if there are any gaps in your mute. it's harder to tell this when a drill is only on a few strings. When every string is used, it's easy to tell if there are any gaps as the technique will often fall down at some point in the traverse. Your palm mute is very solid. Well done!

PINKY POWER: This is all about pinky power. I'm very glad you are not trying to play this with the first three fingers. Some players will try to use the first three even on the lower frets where it really doesn't work well. Your pinky power has gotten better with each mission and continues to improve. Keep it up!

HAND SYNCH: There are a lot of notes in these. Also constant fret/string traverse. if your hand synch is off, you'll start missing notes. So I give the hand plenty of chances to miss a note. You don't miss any which is great. Your precision is top notch!!

In short you are right where you should be Soldier!! keep doing what your doing and you'll keep getting better!! All of these drills are meant to prepare your hands to express yourself musically. Ideally, your technique should not limit your artistic expression. Technique should simply flow. The best way to test this is to simply improv a solo over a backing. Pick any backing track on youtube, find the key signature and start trying to solo over it. Try to make this a regular part of your practice and feel free to share them with me Also, always hop on every possible gmc collab. They are a great chance to use what you have learned.

Congrats Soldier you just..

LEVELED UP!!

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 1 2021, 06:47 PM

Hi,

Regarding next Lesson https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/wiki/index.php/Lesson_Series:_%E2%80%9C0_To_60%2C_An_Introduction_to_Alternate_Picking%E2%80%9D_-_Lesson_44

The warmup parts are legato only?

The next patterns are to be playing with a metronome or on the provided backing track?

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 2 2021, 12:49 AM

I am adding some text to the mission to try to make it more clear.

For the warmup, Strike the open string and hammer on the next two notes. So one strike and two hammer ons for each 3 note group.

for part A and B, it's purely about technique. You can play A and B back to back or you can play A and then play B. Either way is fine. Keep a good palm mute and strike each note. No legato.

The last bit is just a chance to play a bit of a guitar solo. The backing is in B and I show the B minor scale on the diagram. You can look at the diagram as you play or map out something to play and then record it. I just want to give you a chance to play some actual music.

Hope this helps. let me know if you have questions!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 1 2021, 01:47 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Mar 10 2021, 06:20 PM

Hi,

Lesson 44 is here

Warm Up



Exercise 44 a and b:


Improvisation in lesson 44:

Posted by: Todd Simpson Mar 11 2021, 05:00 AM

Your drills are spot on Soldier and your solo starts well but about 15 seconds in you hit a bad note on a bend that needs to be sorted. Your showing very good technique here all around. Keep in mind for the solo that it's in B minor. If you want to play a pentonic blues scale in B up past the 12th fret, the root note is on the 19th fret on the low E. That bend I think you were going for is the last note on a 24 fret neck on the high E which can be bent to pitch starting on the 22nd fret on the high E and bending up a whole step. I think you bent to pitch in a mid tone between notes in the B minor scale which is why it sounds out of key. Take a look at the fretboard map in the Mission brief. It shows all the notes in B minor up the neck. Stay in this scale and it will sort itself out. Land on a B (marked in blue) now and then to resolve things. This is the basics of rock soloing. I think you have the chops for this soldier! On the neck solo take, give me a pinch more volume and gain on guitar if possible so I can hear you better. Once more in to the breach!!

Sarge

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Mar 10 2021, 01:20 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Apr 26 2021, 05:44 AM

I have created a new Mute Drill just for my BOOTCAMP SOLDIERS! This one is not for a badge. This is just to help you work on your mute. It's a very simple drill. Just palm mute the bridge, and take your fret hand OFF of the guitar entirely. This will force your palm mute to do all the mute work and show you if there are gaps in your mute. So try it as in the vid, just strike each string a few times, and move on to the next string. Make sure that you don't hear any other string other than the one you are striking. That's the point of this drill. To make sure that you can isolate all of the other strings with your palm mute.

if you notice that you hear other strings ringing, even when you are not striking them, adjust your palm mute angle/position until you find that sweet spot where your palm should be resting. This is the secret sauce folks. Once you sort this out, you won't have to worry about string noise getting in your way, even on our crazy open string licks that span several or all of the strings. It's a quick and simple drill that can really help you isolate any issues with your mute. give it a whirl!!

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 22 2021, 07:49 PM

Muting Video


The part of lesson 44 that I haven't passed last time:

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 22 2021, 09:18 PM

Well Fought!! Your mute drill is spot on. That's the technique I'm trying to teach. If you can do all the strings and keep it muted, then you can play any string wtihout lifting the mute and without adding string noise. Nice! Your solo is killer as well. The entire point of that Mission is to get the Soldier to dive in and play a solo. It should sound in key and on time. Yours sounds great! I think your solo ability has come a long way since even the last Mission vid!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 22 2021, 02:49 PM)

Posted by: Victor Simion Aug 26 2021, 06:20 PM

Hi,

After my Metallica REC Rhythm Lesson, you asked for a video of me doing palm muting:
Here it is:


Here is 45 a


Here is 45 b


And here I play a part of metallica lesson at a slower speed at 100BPM:

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 26 2021, 09:34 PM

For tapping, one gets any mute one can grab and it's working well! For chugg ryhtm and even for muting while playing lead, I use a specific technique. I see your picking from the wrist which is normal. However, by picking from the fingers you can flatten your palm mute over all of the strings and get better mute coverage as well as a stronger mute which allows you to impact the overall tone.

Take a look at this video and see if this makes sense. It would mean changing your entire picking technique which might be a lot to ask. I keep the back of my palm planted and don't lift it. I'm using my thumb/first finger to move the pick instead of swaying back and forth at the wrist as is traditional. even at full speed I keep most of it planted on the bridge. I've developed this technique over several years trying to get really heavy chugg tone at first and then for making legato sound like it was picked as this mute yields very percussive tone.

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Aug 26 2021, 01:20 PM)

Posted by: Todd Simpson Aug 27 2021, 07:23 AM

Very well fought Soldier! In this type of work, you get your mute anywhere you can find it. Some bits with one hand, mute other bits with the other, maybe use part of the arm, etc. Whatever gets the job done. You do this quite well hear and keep it all high and tight!

let's Debrief!!

Posted by: Victor Simion Sep 11 2021, 03:38 PM

Hi,

Here is lesson 46

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 12 2021, 06:08 AM

Very cool!! I love this lick. You are making great use of it Soldier!!! Solid technique and timing. Best of all you are making it in to music!!!!

QUOTE (Victor Simion @ Sep 11 2021, 10:38 AM)