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Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 4 2009, 05:32 PM

Welcome to bass MTP Mrblomme!

All your assignments and discussions will be presented here.

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 4 2009, 10:56 PM

Hi Bogdan!

Well as allready mentioned in the PM I've send you: I'm on a holiday from the 7th until the 13th of September so I can start from 14th (maybe 13th).

I hope this aint a problem for you? I will come online a few times in the next week so if you want you can allready post the assignments and I can have a look at them on holiday but I cant carry my bass.



EDIT: just saw the CV thread, will do that tomorrow

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 4 2009, 11:21 PM

It's not a problem. First assignment will be technique basics oriented. I think you have already practiced that so I'm sure you will be able to catch up. I'll post you an assignment on Monday (when my MTP kicks off) and then you can catch up when you get back from holiday and do the take then. I'm sure it won't be a problem for you.

Looking forward to a CV thread!

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 4 2009, 11:23 PM

CV is coming in tomorrow

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 5 2009, 12:29 PM

As promised, here's the CV!

Well as you allready know I only play the bass a short time and I didnt had much practice the last weeks due to some private problems. Things I allready did are some lessons of you, like the root lesson and the Muse style.

I cant slap but I sure want to learn it and I think I'm a pretty quick learner!
Music I like the most is some punk like Bad Religion/Zebrahead but I also listen to a lot of different genres as Rolling Stones, ACDC but can also enjoy classical or drum&bass.


My favo bands




My bass playing is at the moment at the very basics but I'm sure with your help I can get it to the next level!





If you need to know something just shoot!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 5 2009, 02:28 PM

Good introduction, its enough for start! First assignment will be posted on Monday (you can then do it the week after along with that weeks task - to keep up).

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 5 2009, 04:17 PM

Allrightie!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 5 2009, 08:14 PM

Weekly assignment 1:

Technique and timing workout

Lesson to practice: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/technique-exercises-1/

Goal : To be able to play all 6 exercises without mistakes on various tempos and all over the fretboard.

Purpose : Develop proper right and left hand technique and posture + work with a metronome to gain better time keeping skills.

Instructions :

Start tempo: 60 bpm
Target tempo: 120 bpm
Time to practice: 30 minutes daily

You should start by playing quarter notes (meaning one note per metronome click). After you successfully master the tempo of 120bpm (in quarter notes) switch to playing 8th notes (meaning 2 notes per metronome click). You need to play each exercise continuously over whole fretboard. In practice that means - you want to start an exercise on 1st fret, do the exercise ascending and descending and once you finish the pattern immediately move the whole thing one half step higher starting now on 2nd fret and move up the neck that way. For successful practice you need to be able to get to the 12th fret without mistakes on each tempo you practice on.

Rules of the practice:

1. Fretting hand will be fretting 1 finger per fret. You fretting hand thumb should be behind the neck - giving support.
2. Picking hand will be doing alternate picking. When picking notes alternate strictly between index and middle finger. Keep alternating even when changing strings you are playing on. Playing two notes in a row with a same finger is considered as a mistake when doing this kind of practice.
3. Picking hand thumb should be anchored on a "string above" the one you are playing on. If you are playing on E string, rest the thumb on the pickup. If you are playing on G string rest the thumb on D string - you get the concept.
4. Do not go to a higher tempo until you are comfortable on the previous one regarding all aspects mentioned.
5. Making mistake in alternating, fingerings or thumb positioning will restart your exercise. Pay attention to ALL the points mentioned. Do not go to a faster tempo if you can't maintain perfection in all three aspects (alternate,thumb position,fingering).

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done. On which tempo have you started and ended up. What part of the exercise (technique) is challenging etc...
In the end of the week I want you to record one of the patterns (your choice) played on the tempo your are comfortable with (highest comfortable one for you at that time) starting from 1st and ending on 12th fret. Include a metronome click or drum backing in your recording. Recording should be VIDEO but if you can't make it I can accept audio one too (but I need video to see your posture and everything so aim for the video one).

Deadline to complete: 13th of September

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 6 2009, 11:36 PM

I didnt have much free time today but I've started with the excercise. I practiced the first 2 patterns and it goes pretty well!

First 2 patterns are @ 100BPM 8ths at the moment with all rules good.

Maybe I can practice a little before my depart tomorrow but I'm not sure, I'll try to play the first 2 a few times at 100BPM 8ths and maybe try an other pattern at slow tempo.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 7 2009, 12:03 AM

Glad to hear about your progress! I would recommend playing 3 exercise patterns per day. Starting from 60bpm and then going up by 10-20 bpm depends where the problem tempo is towards target tempo. It would be good for example to go till 100bpm and to go through all the exercise patterns first. With every repetition on every tempo you need to start on 1st fret and go up to 12th fret without stopping in between, rather just sliding the index finger to the next fret and starting same exercise one fret up. I hope you understand what I mean by that, if you don't I can illustrate that in Guitar Pro for you. That will qualify as a success on a given tempo if you can play it without mistake. Once you go through all patterns you can start pushing the tempo of 100bpm by starting each exercise on 80bpm (warm up before that) and when you get to 100 you can make increments smaller like 5bpm or even 1-3bpm depending on difficulty.

100 bpm is a very good progress regarding all the techniques you have to focus on during exercise! Good job!

Generally 30 minutes of focused practice a day will do wonders! I know about your vacating, I guess you'll be able to catch up as I think you have already worked on the next assignment's topic so you'll have time for technique practice!

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 7 2009, 12:27 AM

I'm doing the sliding thing!
Well there's a small chance the bass is going along with me on holiday to practice maybe 15mins a day when I'm not drunk enough.

Yeah I'll try to do that, first all pats at 100bpm 8ths.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 7 2009, 12:44 AM

Good plan! You will see once you go through all patterns and connect few days of practice - everything will be much easier to play and somehow feel more satisfying. (even though its only "boring exercises"). Don't forget to take your metronome with you

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 7 2009, 12:47 AM

O yes need to take metronome with me! Almost forgot that!
Well it's not 100% sure my bass is going with me (will depend on how much empty space there will be left in my car ).

Now I'm off man, getting some sleep, tomorrow get the car ready, maybe practice a little and then the holiday begins!

Cheers!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 7 2009, 11:20 AM

Have a nice trip and fun!

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 13 2009, 10:09 PM

Et voila I'm back! Tomorrow I'm getting back on the bass!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 13 2009, 10:43 PM

Welcome back! Hope you had a great time!
I suggest you to start working on the first assignment tomorrow, there will be another one posted too but you'll manage it!

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 14 2009, 08:25 AM

Working on it

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 14 2009, 01:43 PM

Weekly assignment 2:

Technique and theory workout

Lessons to practice:

Technique: http://../ls/technique-exercises-2/

Theory: http://../misc-lessons/intervals-bass-lesson/
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3285

Goal : Further extend technique by playing a new set of exercises this week and being able to play faster.(bpm). Learn and understand theory about intervals.

Purpose : Develop proper right and left hand technique and posture + work with a metronome to gain better time keeping skills. Learn a basic theory topic - intervals. You really need to understand them well for future progress.

Instructions for technique exercises:

Start tempo: 60 bpm
Target tempo: 120 bpm
Time to practice: 30 minutes daily

You should start by playing quarter notes (meaning one note per metronome click). After you successfully master the tempo of 120bpm (in quarter notes) switch to playing 8th notes (meaning 2 notes per metronome click). You need to play each exercise continuously over whole fretboard. In practice that means - you want to start an exercise on 1st fret, do the exercise ascending and descending and once you finish the pattern immediately move the whole thing one half step higher starting now on 2nd fret and move up the neck that way. For successful practice you need to be able to get to the 12th fret without mistakes on each tempo you practice on.

Rules of the practice:

1. Fretting hand will be fretting 1 finger per fret. You fretting hand thumb should be behind the neck - giving support.
2. Picking hand will be doing alternate picking. When picking notes alternate strictly between index and middle finger. Keep alternating even when changing strings you are playing on. Playing two notes in a row with a same finger is considered as a mistake when doing this kind of practice.
3. Picking hand thumb should be anchored on a "string above" the one you are playing on. If you are playing on E string, rest the thumb on the pickup. If you are playing on G string rest the thumb on D string - you get the concept.
4. Do not go to a higher tempo until you are comfortable on the previous one regarding all aspects mentioned.
5. Making mistake in alternating, fingerings or thumb positioning will restart your exercise. Pay attention to ALL the points mentioned. Do not go to a faster tempo if you can't maintain perfection in all three aspects (alternate,thumb position,fingering).

Instructions for theory practice:

I want you to you read the material in my spoken video of the lesson about intervals. You also need to read the Andrew's thread about intervals as its more elaborated and covers more material. Try to understand the intervals, what they are, how are they built, how to name them etc....Try to get into the material and understand it, not just read it. It is a very important subject you need to master for your future progress.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done. Regarding technique exercises - which tempo have you started and ended up. What part of the exercise (technique) is challenging etc...
Regarding theory assignment, I want you to consider it your primary one! Go through all the materials (you don't need to actually learn my video lessons bass line, just the theory about intervals).By the end of week (friday) I will post a little intervals test for you to fill in and check your knowledge.

Deadline to complete: 19th of September

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 14 2009, 02:34 PM

Allright this one will be pretty easy for me since you allready teached me the intervals.
So no videocapturing needs to be done this week?

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 14 2009, 03:26 PM

Yeah no video capturing is needed this week. Only to grasp the knowledge of intervals well and to practice technique exercises! Latter on I'll post you individual tests to check the intervals knowledge

But it would be good if you could record last weeks assignment, just for me to see if you are doing the exercises properly.

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 14 2009, 05:28 PM

Jup I was planned to do that. Shouldnt be online before friday though ... start tomorrow with school ...

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 15 2009, 01:40 PM

Good plan! Just make sure you read the Andrews article on intervals too as it contains some more in depth stuff we didn't go through before.

Post if you encounter any questions...

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 16 2009, 10:44 AM

Allright, will try to practice some today when I'm home from school.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 18 2009, 11:54 PM

TEST:

1. What is the definition of interval?

2. Term major interval applies to:

- thirds
-
-
-

3. When you lower the major interval by a half step, which interval it becomes : __________

5. When you rise the minor interval by a half step, which interval it becomes: __________

6. If the root is note C ,

major 7th =
diminished 5th =
augmented 5th =
minor 3rd =

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 19 2009, 03:55 PM

TEST:

1. What is the definition of interval?
The distance between two notes.

2. Term major interval applies to:
- thirds
- seconds
- sixths
- sevenths

3. When you lower the major interval by a half step, which interval it becomes : minor

5. When you rise the minor interval by a half step, which interval it becomes: major

6. If the root is note C ,

major 7th = B
diminished 5th = F
augmented 5th = G#
minor 3rd = D


Hope I'm right!

But I have a small problem ... since I restarted with ju jitsu I have a pain just under my thumb so I think I better dont play bass for a few days ... but I'll try to catch up! The movie is coming as soon as my thumb is back ok!

btw to let you see how you can hurt yourself with ju-jitsu I've embed a small youtube movie! First it's some pictures but soon you see the movies.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 20 2009, 12:09 AM

Hello, good work. Here are corrected results :

6. If the root is note C ,

major 7th = B
diminished 5th = F#
augmented 5th = G#
minor 3rd = D#

diminished 5th is perfect 5th lowered by half step

minor 3rd is major 3rd lowered by half step

Pay attention to these details about intervals. You want to be able to recognize them and be able to play them instantly on fretboard.

I recommend resting a bit and then getting back to technique practice!

EDIT: If you have any questions about intervals etc feel free to ask me!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 21 2009, 07:27 PM

Weekly assignment 3:

Improvisation - roots and 5ths

Lesson to practice: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/walking-bass-concept-1/

Goal : To learn the concept of improvising a walking bass line using roots and 5ths as a note choice in a 2 feel type of line.

Purpose : Develop improvising skills that will help you create more interesting bass lines. Be able to "jam" to any chord progression.

Instructions :

First check out the lesson and learn it by heart. Make sure you understand the concept behind this kind of improvisation. You want to use only roots and 5ths as your note choice. Make sure you follow the chord progression so that you connect what is being played with the chords in backing - that is very important. Walking bass line will be 2 feel - that means 2 half notes per bar. Try to get in that kind of groove and keep time well. Once you learn the lesson, start practicing your OWN improvisation over the same backing track. I want you to spend at least 2 hours during the just practicing your own improvising over the backing. When improvising I want you to play the backing and look at the printed chord staff (progression on paper) and by following chords - choose appropriate roots and 5ths for improvising.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done. I want you to record in video (or audio only if you can't make it) your OWN roots and 5ths improvisation over the same backing. I will attach the backing track in a day or two, which you will be using to record your own improvisation during the weekend!

Deadline to complete: 27th of September

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 21 2009, 10:19 PM

Allright! I think I'll try to pick my bass back up tomorrow, hand starts to feel normal again.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 22 2009, 01:18 PM

Sounds like a plan! I wanted to ask you if you are clear with intervals since you made some mistakes in the test? Do you have any questions about them etc?

Here is the backing track for this weeks assignment:

 120.mp3 ( 688.29K ) : 194


Chord progression:

Am - G - C - D - Em - Am - Em - Bm - G - Am

It's two bars for each chord. Follow the backing track and look at this progression in order to improvise the bass line.

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 22 2009, 06:46 PM

Yeah now I'm clear with the intervals, now that you've corrected my mistakes! thanks

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 22 2009, 10:53 PM

Those are good news!

Regarding your question about this new assignment.

I think it would be wise to play half notes. Why? Because you will practice classic jazz 2 feel walking bass line! You will also practice your time keeping skills - playing longer notes will require you to count beats in your head and its somehow "harder" to play in that feel then in straight 8th notes. If you have troubles with timing when playing half notes I advice tapping your foot to the beat (two taps per note).

Now let me explain a little about the roots and 5ths approach to improvising. Its also called 2 notes approach so yeah if you have Dm chord in backing you are basically playing D as root and A as perfect 5th. Those are only two notes and it looks "limiting" of course but you want to learn how to make interesting lines with only two notes. Also thing is that you can use also octave higher D and octave lower A so that makes 4 notes in one position to choose for improvising! You can chose those two notes anywhere on the fretboard actually! Its advised to start each chord changing phrase on root note, after that you can go to 5th or octave and you can also repeat notes if you want. Repeating notes is a good thing, many players do that instead of choosing different note for each one you play in a walking bass line (which can result in "not so organized" line). But in "Walking bass series" I went for different note each time to demonstrate more possible variations.

I don't mind about distortion. But it would be nice to hear a standard smooth 2 feel jazz walking bass line.

Maybe you could record one version with instructions I gave you and second with distortion and 8th notes (do anything you like!). That would be really cool to have both versions from you! One classic and other rocked

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 23 2009, 09:50 AM

Allright! Will first need to get my pod back working ... I think it's broke ... but at the moment I'm at school so I have a look at home.

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 23 2009, 03:07 PM

edit: pod is back to normal, cable was down

btw one more question, when the chord is Am do we need to get the minor 5th or doesnt that matter?

Posted by: Iluha Sep 23 2009, 03:23 PM

I think you'r confusing the 5th with the 3rd
The 5th note is the same with both major and minor chords

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 23 2009, 03:35 PM

Iluha is right.

Minor term applies to : seconds (2nd), thirds (3rd), sixths (6th), sevenths (7th)

Perfect term applies only to : unisons (root), fourths (4th), fifths (5th) and octaves (8)

Good thing with this week's task is that root and perfect 5th are located in construction of both major and minor chords. If you had a diminished chord (Adim) then you would need to play diminished 5th (one half step lowered perfect 5th).

Ask if you have any other questions about intervals. I suggest studying more this article :
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=3285

You really need to understand intervals well in order to grasp later on improvisation concepts etc. Its actually an easy topic once you study them hard enough - it will just "click" in your head and then you'll see why you studied that topic.

Cheers,
Bogdan

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 23 2009, 04:22 PM

ooooo I get it! haha thanks now I really get it!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 23 2009, 10:17 PM

You're welcome! Intervals can be a little tricky to grasp at start. But with practical application (like this week's assignment) - I think you will understand them much better

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 28 2009, 07:57 PM

Weekly assignment 4:

String muting and incorporating "dead notes" in a groove!

Lessons to practice:

Left hand muting exercises: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/left-hand-muting-exercises/
Dead Notes Lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/dead-notes-lesson/

Goal : To practice the string muting technique and be able to incorporate "dead notes" in a groove situation.

Purpose : Develop string muting technique and be able to add "dead notes" to grooves you compose!

Instructions :

First I want you to practice exercises included in the "Left Hand Muting Exercises" lesson. I want you to go through each exercise and to have this week at least 2 hours of practicing those exercises against a metronome.
Second task is to learn the "Dead Notes Lesson" and to record it! That will be an opportunity to practice this new technique in a groove situation (and to learn some other ways to produce dead notes).
Regarding time managment, try to finish the first task till Thursday and second one till Sunday.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done.For the second task, I want you to record in video your performance of the "Dead Notes Lesson". I will post the backing track tomorrow!

Deadline to complete: 4th of October

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 28 2009, 09:54 PM

Allright mate I've allready tried the first lesson! I know I'm the perfect student.

The first lesson is allready going pretty well! I just need to get the timing perfect.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 28 2009, 10:19 PM

I want to congratulate you on your dedication mate!

Just make sure that you play exercises with a metronome (without it it just won't work).

Good job so far! Looking forward to videos later on

Posted by: Mrblomme Sep 28 2009, 10:39 PM

I'm getting really nuts from the BEEP BEEP BEEP BOOP BEEP BEEP BEEP BOOP sound but yes I'm using the metronome.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Sep 28 2009, 11:34 PM

hehehe that is the spirit! You will get used to it so much that you won't need to pay that much attention to the annoying sound and still be able to play in time

Posted by: Mrblomme Oct 3 2009, 12:12 PM

I dont think I can get the take tomorrow, probably monday but could you post the backingtrack?

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Oct 3 2009, 12:19 PM

Cool, its ok. There is thread open where you can get the backing : http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=30966

Looking forward to your take!

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Oct 5 2009, 09:36 PM

Weekly assignment 5:

Arpeggio shapes on bass!

Lessons to practice:

Arpeggios Lesson: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/misc-lessons/arpeggios-lesson/

Goal : To learn 4 most common arpeggios shapes on bass which will help you in improvisation over common chord changes.

Purpose : Learn which notes you can use when improvising over common chord types. Practice your playing technique along with the shapes.

Instructions :

I want you to learn all 4 arpeggios shapes included in the lesson : major 7, minor 7, dominant 7 and minor7b5 . For each shape there is a ascending and descending version included. I want you to both learn the shapes/patterns but also to think in intervals and to notice which ones you are using in which shape.

Requirements :

Post updates on your practice daily if possible, describing what have you done. You want to work on memorizing these shapes and interval formulas. When practicing arpeggios, play with a metronome or backing tracks from the lesson. This will be a great technique exercise. Try to incorporate all the rules you learned in "Technique exercises" you did in first assignments (remember to alternate when playing). I will post a little test assignment (mostly written and possibly guitar pro work needed) in few days so I can asses your progress with the material.

Deadline to complete: 11th of October

Good luck and remember to post your questions and progress!

Posted by: Mrblomme Oct 6 2009, 01:34 PM

Aight man, good I dont have to record this week because I have a huge lack of time, I'm also trying to get last weeks assignment recorded.

Posted by: Bogdan Radovic Oct 6 2009, 03:27 PM

I really advise you to get onto it as you don't want to fall behind this month. Recording doesn't need to be perfect. Also this weeks assignment is not light at all - you need to memorize shapes by heart. Try to find at least 30 minutes a day and you will be fine.

Cheers