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Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 10 2020, 10:31 PM

Hi mate, welcome to Gab's Army! This is your thread.

Please tell me more about you!

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 10 2020, 11:47 PM

Thanks Gabriel,

I'm Nicolas from Paris.

I mainly played on an acoustic guitar, in order to accompany me singing. I "know" the pentatonic scale but I can't really used it in improvisation..

- I've been playing for maybe 3 years but not regularly...
- My favorite guitarists: Matthew Bellamy, Mark Knopfler, SRV, Django Reinhardt...
- My guitar goals: To be free on my guitar. Currently, I can reproduce some solos note by note, but if I try to improvise, it's sounds very bad .
- In 5 years, I would like to play in bars with a band.
- I can practice 1.5 hours per day
- strong and weak points with guitar: I don't understand what I'm playing . I only learned in tabs to play music I liked..
- My knowledge in music theory is poor but I had 1 year of music theory when I was child.

I only post one REC currently: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=60843

Best
Nicolas

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 12 2020, 11:21 PM

Hi Nicolas! Welcome to this guitar journey!!

I can definitely guide you. Let's choose your next REC lesson take and besides learning the lesson note by note, let's get into the theory behind it and also let's use it to practice some improvisation (if it's a solo lesson).

The idea is that you really love and get inspired with each of the lesson that you decide working so I will always recommend more than 1 so you can choose your favorite. If you don't find them inspiring, just let me know, and we can search for another one!

At first, in order to be sure that you have a good knowledge of Mnor Pentatonic scale, please get into this lesson:
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Learn-The-Minor-Pentatonic-Scale/

and then let's choose any new lesson for REC:

https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Easy-AC-DC/
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Gary-Clark-Jr-Style/

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 12 2020, 11:31 PM

Hi Gabriel,
thanks for your time.

For the lesson on pentatonic minor, you didn't put the right link I think

For the next REC, I prefer the solo lesson but the rythm could be good also to work, maybe I can work the two, what do you think?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 13 2020, 08:30 PM

Pentatonic minor lesson fixed!

Yes, we can go for both lessons!

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 14 2020, 02:29 PM

first try for Gary Clark Jr Style: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=60867

I could take a video when I practice improvisation in this backing track.
Currently I don't understand the scale behind the Am7 (add9), it's C major scale?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 14 2020, 08:04 PM

Hi Nico! Great to see your REC take for this one!!

I think that you are doing a good job with this lesson, these are the main things to improve:

- Guitar tuning: This problem (As Kris said) appears when playing the lead solo. I would go for another take just to hear this one well tuned.

- Rhythm section: This part sounds good but there is some room to improve the groove of what you play. Compare your take with mine and notice what I mean.

- Micro bends: The solo section is also lacking some micro bends. Please re-check the original lesson and let me know if you can identify what I mean.


Theory behind the lesson:

This is a minor blues and the key is Em. As it happens on most blues, the chords are the I (Em), the IV (Am) and the V (Bm) from the key.

There are different options to improvise over this backing track, but the most obvious choice would be to use E Minor Pentatonic.

Your first task here is to use the jamtrack to improvise using this scale and share what happens.

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 14 2020, 08:55 PM

Hi Gabriel,
thanks for your feedback,

yes my guitar was untuned (on the G string mainly)

For the rhythm, I saw it was not perfect, I'll work on it

Same for the micro bends, I understood your explication, maybe my bends are too micro , I'll work on it too

I'm started the other lesson too, but the final is rather difficult for me (rhythm), I need to improve it too.

I work also on the improvisation, I will take a video soon.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 14 2020, 09:10 PM

GREAT!

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 15 2020, 07:46 PM

Hi Gabriel,

First try for Easy AC/DC :
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=60870&start=0&p=776654&#entry776654

I keep working on the other lesson, maybe tomorrow, I will post the videos

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 16 2020, 05:22 PM

Graded and commented there!

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 16 2020, 07:31 PM

I've just created a new video for Gary Clark Jr Style lesson, I tuned my guitar just before recording, it should be a little better
https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=60878&start=0&p=776709&#entry776709

For Easy AC/DC, yeah, I saw just after recording my video there was once again a little problem of tuning
And for the energy, I'm going to work on it.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 17 2020, 04:09 PM

Graded! Check it out!

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 17 2020, 07:21 PM

I recorded myself on an impro on the jam of this lesson. It's a try.
There are some bad notes
I try to improvise in Em penta and sometimes I tried to add Am penta, Gm penta and some triads.
The result is not wonderful but you know my level in improvisation now

https://soundcloud.com/nicolas-lefevre-182391664/gary-clark-jr-style-impro/s-cTOOJVrLRdQ

For your review, I think I need to change the strings (never yet changed).
For the micro bends, difficult for me currently. Work in progress

If you have some ideas for the next lessons, It would be great..

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 18 2020, 10:42 AM

I found these lessons that seem good for my level:

- Arpeggios: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Major-Arpeggios-Exercise/
- Pentatonic: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guitar/slow-pentatonics-lesson/
- Blues riffs: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Beginner-Blues-Riffs/
- Alternate picking: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Picking-Hand-Basics/
- Rhythm/Pentatonic: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Muse-Goes-Stoner/

What do you think?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 19 2020, 05:10 PM

Hi Nico!! That's not a bad impro mate! This is a good first one!

I can notice that you have good ear to create melodies. This will keep on improving but it's a good base. The best you can do to get more variation is to experiment with rhythm and silence. I recommend you to check some Gary Clark Jr. jams to get inspiration and give this one a second chance.

You can also add an extra note to this scale that will give it a "bluesy" sound. This is the b5 interval (commonly known as blue note) and should be used mostly as a passing note.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/scalegenerator


Let me know if you have any questions!






This is a good list!

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 21 2020, 07:37 PM

Hi Gabriel,

Where can I find some Gary Clark Jr. jams?

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 21 2020, 10:04 PM

I took 2 videos today for Picking Hand Basics and Slow pentatonics:

- Slow Pentatonics 95BPM (original speed):



- Picking Hand Basics 110BPM & 120BPM:

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 24 2020, 03:05 PM

In all his live performances:



Great to see your vids playing these 2 lessons.

Slow Pentatonics is interesting because incorporates a new concept into your improvisation skills: Combining Paralell Major and Pentatonic scales.

Your playing on this lesson is good. I only think that there is some room to improve timing/groove. Compare your take with the original to adjust those details. Other than that, your playing is clean and in tune!

As you can see, this lesson shows E minor and E major scale shapes. This is very powerful for blues improvisation. Please dedicate this week to learn all those shapes and to practice switching from one to the other.

You can use this backing to play both scales (and see what happens)



Picking hand basics lesson is also sounding good. I don't see relevant technique issues. I would just keep this one as a warming up to become more consistent (at 120 bpm).

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 24 2020, 05:01 PM

Ok, I will work on this lesson to improve timing/groove.


Ok, but I can play E minor and E major scale shapes on the E7 chord?


I think is a good exercise for warming up too.

I will post a REC for this two lessons this week-end.

I also work on:
- major arpeggios https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Major-Arpeggios-Exercise/
- Muse Goes Stoner https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Muse-Goes-Stoner/
- Jumping Around - Beginner https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/jumping-around-beginner/

I found other really good lessons too (there's too much ) for legato, vibrato and bending...

Major Arpeggios at 60 bpm (original 74 bpm)


Blues Goes Stoner

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 27 2020, 04:18 AM

Hi Nico!

Great! I'll grade your takes at REC.

This new vids are promising. There is still obvious work to do with those arpeggios to make them sound more consistent, and reach the normal tempo but I think that you are on the right track.

Muse lesson is really close. You just need to focus a bit more on timing since you tend to rush the riffs a bit. One thing that I noted (and this comment is valid for Arpeggios lesson) is that you are totally quiet while playing the lessons. I recommend you to add some body movement following the track's groove. This will really help you to make your timing a lot better.

Notice how Victor dances while playing... and how this is reflected in his playing groove and dynamics:

https://youtu.be/eynnYLXW3Fo

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 27 2020, 08:32 AM

Hi Gab,

Thanks for your feedbacks (the other instructors and you). They are really constructive.

- For Picking Hand Basics, I will continue to practice this one with slowly tempo and increase it. I also noticed the small accent on the first time, it will come

- For Jumping Around, the vibrato, yes not so easy to have a great vibrato, maybe starting this lesson should be great : https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Vibrato-Workout/

- For Slow Pentatonics: the timing, groove (also applicable for the other lessons). Yes this point is important too. I have a little problem when I have to record for a REC, I suddenly become a lot more stressed and I make lots of mistakes that I never did. I will work on this point too, thanks.

For my daily practice routine:
- warming up (20/30min):
- Picking Hand Basic (starting in a slow tempo and increase it)
- Beginner Guitar Boogie
- Gary Clarke Jr Style
- Slow Pentatonics
- Jumping Around

- exercises:
- Major Arpeggios Exercises
- Muse Goes Stoner
- Triad (new): https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Triads_in_Major_Scale_Series_Part_1/
- Vibrato (new): https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Beginner-Vibrato-Workout/
- Improvising on E7 chord

What do you think about the daily routine?

About improvisation, you ask me to improvise with E min pentatonic and E major pentatonic scales? I don't really understand why I can use E min scale on a E7 chord. There is not a problem with the minor third?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 29 2020, 04:19 PM

Hi Nico!

Your routine looks GREAT! Let's go for it and keep me updated.

Yes, that REC light syndrome is very common and the only way to fight with it is practicing. The more you record yourself, the more comfortable you'll feel.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Apr 29 2020, 05:03 PM

This question really makes sense. Dominant (7th) chords is composed of a root, major 3rd, perfect 5th and minor 7th. The obvious choice to improvise over them is Major Pentatonic and off course Dominant arpeggios.

However, there are many other options for this chord and one of the most common is Minor Pentatonic (or blues scale if you add b5). Why? The best answer is that is sounds well! If something sounds good, it's ok! Try it and let me know what you think.

In theory, a minor third shouldn't sound good over a chord that contains a Major third, but Dominant chords are the sound of blues, and we are used to hear a minor third sounding over a 7th chord, and in many cases to hear a bend from minor third to major third. Also, Minor Pentatonic scale includes the root, fifth and the minor 7th which are great chord tones.

Please let me know if you understand this and if you have any more questions.

Posted by: nicoweb Apr 29 2020, 10:02 PM

So, if I understand (not sure ), the minor third create a tension and can be resolved by the major third (it's a passing note)?

I just submit 2 new RECs, Muse Goes Stone and Triads in Major Scale Series - Part 1.
I'm going to start part 2 of triads (1st inversion).

For the arpeggios lesson, I think it's better but when I increase the tempo, I'm more contracted, I work on it.

I would have your opinion on my practice routine for the arpeggios lesson:
Currently, I start at 25% of the tempo on 2 bars. I increase the tempo by 2% and finish at 100%. Then I start another 2 bars.
I do like that every day, but I'm not sure it's the better way. Starting at 25% is very slow. At the beginning, it was great, but I have the impression is too slow now and it takes me about 50 minutes to finish the lesson.

Do you think it would be better to start at maybe 40% or 50% of the tempo now?
How would you do to practice on a lesson like this one?

Another point: I start since yesterday my practice with the exercise of warming up https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Warming-up-with-Lian/ and some chromatic.
I just found this one: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Warming-Up-And-Finger-Fitness/., maybe it is more complete?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 1 2020, 11:31 PM

Hi Nico!

Yeah! That's a good way to see it. However you don't have to always resolve to the major third, you can try other combinations. Experiment, listen, and learn blues licks to see how the great masters use this.

This lesson is great: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Beginner-Blues-Licks/

And it combines both scales over a dominant blues progression.








If you are now comfortable starting at 40%, go for it. It doesn't make sense to start extremely slow if you are at a higher level. Do you also practice more than 2 bars? Maybe combining the first 2 and the following 2 ones?





Yeah! That's a cool lesson. Go for it if it's more inspiring for you.

Posted by: nicoweb May 3 2020, 02:08 AM

Hi Gab,

thanks for the link to the lesson Blues licks, I will start practice on this lesson soon.

I was looking on the net for a programmable metronome with the possibility to increase the tempo by 1bpm every minutes for example. Impossible to find it. I had to create my small custom tool :

https://flic.kr/p/2iWRw5Fhttps://flic.kr/p/2iWRw5F by https://www.flickr.com/photos/188322179@N08/, sur Flickr

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 3 2020, 09:32 PM

Cool tool!!

Posted by: nicoweb May 4 2020, 08:54 PM

just added a new REC: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=60946

This one was difficult for me (and it is not perfect ) I have to continue to practice (warming up). And maybe try to add some arpeggios in improvisation.

Currently, I practice on this lessons:
- https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Rhythm-Figures-Workout/ (almost finished)
- https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Triads_in_Major_Scale_Series_Part_2/ (almost finished)
- https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Alternate-Picking-Workout-2/ (just started)

When the first two will be completed, I will enter in the blues universe:
- https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Beginner-Blues-Riffs/
- https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/30-Beginner-Blues-Licks/

I also found this series: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/improvising_with_arpeggios_exercise_1/
and https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/rhythm-guitar/different-boxes-of-major-pentatonic-scale-triads/
these lessons could be interesting to better visualize the shapes and notes

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 5 2020, 07:43 PM

REC take commented and graded!!

Posted by: nicoweb May 13 2020, 12:58 PM

Hi Gab,

just a quick update, to tell you I still working on my lessons in progress. I had a lot of good feedbacks (like always ) in my previous RECs, so I tried to improve this points too.

I'm not yet comfortable on improvisation in E7 with Em and E major pentatonic too, so I keep work on it too.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 13 2020, 02:41 PM

Great! Thanks for the update!

Posted by: nicoweb May 17 2020, 07:53 PM

Hi Gab,

I continue to improvise on the backing track E7.

So in this chord, I can use E7 arpeggio, E major pentatonic and E blues scales, if I understood.

- E7 arpeggio: E, G#, B, D
- E major penta: E F#, G#, B, C#
- E blues: E, G, A, A#, B, D

Does that mean I can use any of these notes in my improvisation?
E, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C#, D

Or I have to stay in a scale and change from time to time?

Sorry, I really don't understand how to mix all scales.

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 17 2020, 08:56 PM

Hi Nico!

Yes, you can use all those notes, but each scale (or arpeggio) will provide different colors and feelings (that's the most amazing thing of improvisation). Before trying to mix scales, you need to get used with the sound of each scale, so my recommendation is that you dedicate some time improvising over the backing using one scale at a time. That E7 vamp can become boring to maybe you can try using different backings to vary tempo, rhythm and overall sound.

Then, the possibilities are endless, but first I would like to hear 3 jams from you, one with Penatonic Major, other with Pentatonic minor and one with E7 arpeggio.

Posted by: nicoweb May 18 2020, 07:15 PM

Hi Gab,

ok for the jams, in progress .

I just published a REC: https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/guitar_forum/index.php?showtopic=60973

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi May 19 2020, 06:34 PM

Commented and graded!

Posted by: nicoweb Oct 26 2022, 06:38 AM

Hi Gabriel,
I would like to practice the guitar regularly again, would you still be available as an instructor?

Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Oct 26 2022, 04:30 PM

Hello Nico! Glad to see you're back. I'm not offering any personal mentoring here at the moment.

Sorry about that.

Posted by: nicoweb Oct 26 2022, 06:54 PM

ok, no worry. I hope everything is good for you.