What Are Your Weaknesses Options

[chmilew]

My number one weakness now, is that I'm on holliday and don't have my electric guitar with me
I have an acousitc one, but it's not as fun to play, and I don't get to practice my tapping all that good...

You can take advantage of it to learn some acoustic slapping
It's fun to play !

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[Daniel Robinson]

Well, I have areas where I have less trainning, but the principal for me must be theory. I'm like, I see stuff like Am, Emaj or hear, this is in the key of A and I have no idea why it's in that key or the notes in the fretboard (but that can be learned), just to mention a few. I also have a week sweeping (YET! )

Learning theory takes just as much dedication as playing scales and what not. I suggest just learning what you need, when you need it so you don't bite off more than you can chew, also definately check out Andrew Cockburns theory lessons, and try to apply what you learn from them.

I am definately not the guy to learn theory from, i have a basic understanding of it and i know the terminology, but there are some area's i am still quite fuzzy on.

It all comes down to just using it when i you need it. If there is a particular theory area i need for a song i am working on, or for whatever reason i just come here and look for the answer i need to continue.

Daniel

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This post has been edited by Daniel Robinson: Jul 13 2008, 11:04 AM

[Ian Bushell]

Would have to be doughnuts!! haha

Seriously...
Whammy bar, nothing against it just don't have one!
Alternate picking is something else i've had to work really hard at.

All that Michealangelo Batio upside down left or right stuff to!!
Geez whats up with that guy?!! That's just mad haha

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[Daniel Robinson]

Would have to be doughnuts!! haha

Seriously...
Whammy bar, nothing against it just don't have one!
Alternate picking is something else i've had to work really hard at.

All that Michealangelo Batio upside down left or right stuff to!!
Geez whats up with that guy?!! That's just mad haha

For me its cookies!

My favorite cookies are cocanut macaroons, i could live on them! lol.

I don't bother with the whammy either, although the last few days i actually took my bar out of the case and dusted it off and began messing with it. I am just looking for more ways to be expressive.

as far as MB is concerned, that guy isnt human, either that or he has no social life whatsoever, he goes from stage to woodshed, and doesnt come out till the next show. lol.

Daniel

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[chladely]

Probably 16th notes can't get the timing or the speed. might be because i'm using downstrokes

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[Déjà vu]

I have a lot of things I should work on. Probably theory, improv, constructing my own songs, accenting notes with pinch harmonics (Damb you, Gilbert!!! ) Fast Tremelo picking, whammy bar tricks, fast pentatonic runs (with no legato). Getting the proper timing with 16th notes. My AP could use some work (I'm trying to get the motion all in my fingers, but it's sooo hard!) But, my biggest enemy is trying to sit down and learn something new. I think it's just because it's summer and I have to much time on my hands, so I don't really use my time as "efficiently".

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[IDontWantMyUsern...]

I'd say my weaknesses are 5-string sweeps (I am VERY slow), legato (When I play an ascending or a descending run, I tend to lengthen the notes where I change to the next string), trills with the first and third finger (It goes perfectly well with first and second though, don't know why ), my rhythm abilities could have been better (I hate to use a metronome, kind of ruins the feel when I'm playing), I think I strain my muscles a little, especially my wrist when I do vibrato on the lower frets. My alternate picking used to be slow, though it was pretty clean, maybe a little noise here and there. Some time ago I practiced Muris' alternate workout for a week or so, and I got so much faster

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[Canis]

Canis,

I know how you feel on this one. You know what works for me when i don't have a guitar? I practice in my head. I visually play in my own mind licks and ideas. Believe it or not you can you actually learn a lick this way without a guitar as long as you know what it sounds like and where on the fret board to sound the notes. I do this quite often actually after a practice session, i will play the lick in my head visualizing my hands and guitar and just step by step playing it in my head. It seems strange at first but for me at least it works.

Daniel

That's an awesome idea
Thanks a lot ^^

I also found out that uncounciously, I whistle the tune I'm playing in my head

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[Daniel Robinson]

Probably 16th notes can't get the timing or the speed. might be because i'm using downstrokes

It is certainly not impossible to get the timing on 16th notes with all downstrokes, the key here is building up your stamina, working all downstrokes there is no fancy excersises to do to increase it, you just have to keep doing it until you build up the muscle to pull it off.

My advice though is not to push too hard on this and work on other aspects as well like AP and legato. The more you can train your left hand to be strong, fluid and independent the easier it will be to increase your picking speed no matter what technique you are using.

Daniel

I have a lot of things I should work on. Probably theory, improv, constructing my own songs, accenting notes with pinch harmonics (Damb you, Gilbert!!! ) Fast Tremelo picking, whammy bar tricks, fast pentatonic runs (with no legato). Getting the proper timing with 16th notes. My AP could use some work (I'm trying to get the motion all in my fingers, but it's sooo hard!) But, my biggest enemy is trying to sit down and learn something new. I think it's just because it's summer and I have to much time on my hands, so I don't really use my time as "efficiently".

Sounds like you know what you need to work on, so get to it!

Honestly though motivation is hard sometimes, you just need to find what triggers you to work on the guitar. For some people it is a combination of things. For others doesnt take much. I find just listening to music motivates me to pick up the guitar. Next thing i know, half the day has gone by lol

Daniel

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[Daniel Robinson]

I'd say my weaknesses are 5-string sweeps (I am VERY slow), legato (When I play an ascending or a descending run, I tend to lengthen the notes where I change to the next string), trills with the first and third finger (It goes perfectly well with first and second though, don't know why ), my rhythm abilities could have been better (I hate to use a metronome, kind of ruins the feel when I'm playing), I think I strain my muscles a little, especially my wrist when I do vibrato on the lower frets. My alternate picking used to be slow, though it was pretty clean, maybe a little noise here and there. Some time ago I practiced Muris' alternate workout for a week or so, and I got so much faster

As far as sweeping in general check out page 4, post #70 in this thread. I talk about how i first learned how to sweep. As far as 5 string and 6 string sweeps the technique is the same, the only difference is the fingering on the left hand. It depends on if you are doing barre shapes or not, sometimes rolling your finger in a barre shape because you are rolling off of the flat part of your finger is a bit hard. Just keep working on tightening up the rake to be in sync with your left hand pattern. The biggest key in sweep picking is hand synchronization.

The legato issue you are talking about with note lengthing is normal when learning, it just means you are not comfortable yet with the string transistion. Its bound to happen. Typically when desecending you are moving to the next string with your ring finger or pinky, which adds to the delay since those two fingers are the weaker ones. My advice for this is just practice the transistion over and over since it seems to be your hurdle.

Play a pattern like this


E---------------------------------------------------------------------------
B---------------------------------------------------------------------------
G----------------------------------7----------------------------------7-------
D---10--8--7-------7--8--10------10--8--7-------7--8--10------------------
A--------------10--------------------------------10----------------------------
E---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just keep repeating a pattern like this so you can get fluid at the string transisition it will help. After you get this under your fingers try changing it up, instead of going to 10 on the A string go to 8 on the A string with your middle finger for example. The key here is to get the string transistion fluid.

As far as trills go, the biggest issue with trills in general is just finger strength, and on a smaller level finger independence which works against you as well. The best way i find to build up strength for trills is just to do a simple drill everyday. For you for example pick a spot on the neck you are comfortable with. Trill between first and ring finger with a metronome clicking at near the fastest speed you can play it cleanly, now play that trill for a full minute after about 30 seconds, or maybe even less it will start to get uncomfortable, it is normal just keep it up as long as you can. Do this every day, after a few days of doing this raise the metronome level about 2 clicks and increase the trill duration about 10 to 15 seconds keep increasing every few days, eventually you will find trills to get easier and easier. Just keep doing it till you reach a level you want it to be. You are strengthing your fingers, and increasing your stamina at the same time. Pretty soon you will be a whizzing away with little to no effort.

If there is a specific area with your rhythm playing please feel free to ask me or another instructor to help you.


As far as straining your muscles on vibrato, strain is good.....pain is bad. If you are just tiring the muscles that is a good thing as you are strengthing your hand. If it actually hurts maybe there is something you are doing wrong.


Daniel

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This post has been edited by Daniel Robinson: Jul 14 2008, 01:55 PM

[Canis]

I've definetly found my biggest weakness while trying to record stuff for the MTP: Playing along with a backing track

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[Daniel Robinson]

I've definetly found my biggest weakness while trying to record stuff for the MTP: Playing along with a backing track

What are you having trouble with exactly Canis? If your more specific i will do all i can to try and help you.

Perhaps you can post something that your working on, and we can give suggestions to try and improve what you are doing.

Daniel

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[Canis]

Well, more spesific; I'm doing the E Minor - Melodic Solo lesson from Muris, which is the MTP for this week. I know the entire song, and I can play it (in my opinion) decent without backing. I've been a bit better with backing since I posted the previous post, but I still just "lock up" some times..
I think the problem is that I concentrate so hard on beeing on time when I listen to the backing, that I sometimes forget what to play next

Beware of spelling mistakes; I'm on a 3/4 size laptop

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This post has been edited by Canis: Oct 27 2008, 07:56 AM

[Daniel Robinson]

Well, more spesific; I'm doing the E Minor - Melodic Solo lesson from Muris, which is the MTP for this week. I know the entire song, and I can play it (in my opinion) decent without backing. I've been a bit better with backing since I posted the previous post, but I still just "lock up" some times..
I think the problem is that I concentrate so hard on beeing on time when I listen to the backing, that I sometimes forget what to play next

Beware of spelling mistakes; I'm on a 3/4 size laptop

Just keep plugging away at it my friend.

The usual setback of this lies in getting past the memorization phase of the lesson. Sounds like you have it commited to memory, but its not automatic yet. Sometimes takes a little while with certain songs or solos.

I have had this problem with a few songs over the years, where i have this mental block for that particular song. I could play it a million times, not play it for a week and forget the whole thing and have to relearn it again. Just keep working thru it and try not thinking too hard about it....you will get it :0)

Daniel

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[CathShadow]

Hey, well... My weeknesses:

My pinky sort of "clicks" if I move it at a certain angle, my left ring finger doesn't move all the way to the side by the fret...

I think the biggest tho: Barring, and also switching quickly without stopping :$

Thats the big ones atm I think

Pierre

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[superize]

I belive i got a new weakness...

Earlier i wrote my weakness was legato. I have imrpoved that alot now.

My biggest problem now is getting my bends in pitch.... It is a real struggle for me but i am going to work on it and eventually it will work for me i hope

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[Disturbed21]

My weakness now is playing fast. Mainly playing cleanly when playing fast.
Oh and if I'm in standard tuning my fingers slip off the string during vibrato (I have been getting better at it though )

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[Canis]

I belive i got a new weakness...

Earlier i wrote my weakness was legato. I have imrpoved that alot now.

My biggest problem now is getting my bends in pitch.... It is a real struggle for me but i am going to work on it and eventually it will work for me i hope

Practicing this bending lesson helped me a lot, together with a master tip from Smells: If you bend with your ringfinger, use your middlefinger and pointer on the two previous frets to support your bend =)

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[opeth.db]

Just found this topic. Great discussions.

I think my weaknesses are not really mostly related to music. I have bad comprehension skills. I always have and have take courses to improve but not much improvements. Being 34 years old and having to read and re-read things many times to fully understand what one is talking about is a frustrating process.

Especially when trying to apply it to music. Learning something from scratch is hard for me which is one of the reasons I have avoided really understanding the theory behind the music. I also have problems understanding the bigger picture at times and creating a lesson plan that fits my needs just not knowing what to do or where to begin.

My goal here at GMC is to become a shredder. Watching many of the videos here of some of the instructors just seem to have that natural ability to do it. But then again im sure it didn't happen over night. Instructors that can easily look at something and tell you a key, what chord or mode they are playing in I think is incredible. I want to get there so bad but fail to understand where to start. I feel it may take me a lot longer to get where I want to be, get frustrated in the process as I know I will and just quit it as I have done in the past.

Its a frustrating process at times and hope to overcome it one day. Playing guitar nowadays is really the only enjoyment I have other than my wife, daughter and new son on the way.

Since I have been here I have learned the Pentatonic scale, different picking patterns and some new technique SMells has been showing me in the MTP. Great stuff. Unfortuanely, my thinking on this subject is that its one thing to mimic ones video, its another thing to fully understand why someone plays what they are playing.

I even sometimes I wonder if I have a goal that is just out of my reach to obtain.

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This post has been edited by opeth.db: Nov 6 2008, 09:03 PM

[Chokehold]

My Weekness really got to be 3-strings sweep picking. I practise it alot but it seems like i'm stuck (at 75 bpm)

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