Hi DeGroot!! Welcome to your Gab's Army thread!!

Could you please tell me a bit about you, your musical tastes, influences, strengths and weaknesses? I would need some videos of you playing rhythm and solo guitar, so please post your best material here. If you have some music or ideas of your own, also post them here. Also let me know how you think that I can help you and what are your expectations for our job. You can check the other Army's thread to discover the different modalities of this project.


The principles of our Army are:

+ Improve your technique
+ Make music and solos
+ Have fun
+ Destroy the enemy (hahaha not realy just kidding... )

Hey Gab!

Well, I've been playing guitar on and off for about 15 years. I took a long hiatus from playing for a couple years. I would play but I wouldn't really practice anything new. A couple months ago I decided to take a new approach. I started learning some riffs like AC/DC, Maiden, Scorpions etc. as rhythm playing has never been my strong suit. I'm interested in learning some more intricate rhythm playing and learning to develop soloing skill like Friedman, Yngwie, Zakk Wyld etc. and learning some new styles as well. It looked like you have a strong background in this area and can help my technique. From there I'd like to start writing some music of my own.

I have just started to record my own playing since I've been here (about a month). So my references are limited to the REC sessions I did here. My latest is from your Led Zep collab which I'll post here for a reference. I'm trying to improve on my recording sound as it sounds better live then it does recorded. Next time I'll include a video as well!!

I've also been working on Uli Jon Roth style solo by Ben. One of my major problem areas are in the really fast runs. I think I have the pick speed and left hand speed. The problem is syncing it up.

http://soundcloud.com/degroot-2/led-zep-collab-gmc

Hi friend! Thanks for your description. So.. our goals will be "Building Speed" & "Composition".

In your Led Zeppelin solo I can note what you mean about both hands synchronization. We must work on your alternate picking technique and maybe also in your Sweep Picking (do you use this technique?). We will use the Alternate Picking lessons from my Intensive Technique Course as a starting point to work on this. I want you to have a look on Lesson Number 3 and work and record a video after a week of practising the Lesson Number 4.

LESSON #3 – RIGHT HAND / ALTERNATE PICKING
LESSON #4 - RIGHT HAND II / ALTERNATE PICKING & HANDS SYNCHRONIZATION

These exercises are single string so you don't have to concentrate on crossing string that is the most difficult part of Alternate Picking technique. Work on this exercises slowly over metronome and only increase the tempo when you feel comfortable and decrease the tempo if you don't play with both hands perfectly synchronized.

Regarding your take for the collab, I think that the composition is really good, the licks are interesting but as you don't play it perfectly (mostly because of the AP problem), in the end it doesn't sound like a professional take. The second part of today's assignment is to select a collab to join and compose a solo at your level.. I mean, a solo that you can play perfect... as if Guthrie or Vai would be playing it. The idea is to get a professional take, and then with some hard work here, take your playing to a new level to be able to play your ideas perfectly.

Excellent! I will get practicing on those assignments. I do use sweep picking which is an area I would like to improve on.

Great! Keep me updated!

Hi Gab! Here is my video for AP Lesson #4. The first 4 parts are at 160bpm and the last one is at 120bpm. I think I had a harder time syncing the video/audio then the lesson itself

Regarding the collab: I'm going to participate in SInisa's new one. Since it is brand new I have just started working out some ideas!

I also did write a solo for the Racer X collab yesterday. I did not submit it as the collab is closed. The composition is not so great either but it does demonstrate some sweep picking. Anyway, i will post that here later so you can get an idea of my sweep picking technique.

Hi mate! Good job!
The exercises sound good, every note sounds at the same level and your right hand movement is perfect. I note that you lose a bit of synch at 160 bpm but this will be fixed with some more practice.
I suggest you to develop those patterns horizontally and vertically in 3 notes per string shapes. You can play 4 repetitions at every position and work it for example in this shapes:

Horizontally:








Vertically:




We will add this lesson to this week's job. I would like to see your progress on this one so please record some videos of you playing it and after some days of practice we can go for the REC.

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guit...picking-thirds/

What do you think?

Regarding collabs... that sounds great please post all the ideas here.

Perfect! Look forward to getting into these next lessons! Really cool sounding REC lesson

So, as far as the horizontal patterns go. For example: I will play on the first line F-G-A X4 then move to position G-A-B X4 etc...? just want to make sure I'm practicing it right

Here is the solo I was talking about earlier. http://soundcloud.com/degroot-2/racer-x-solo

yes! that's how the exercise should be!!

Let me say that this solo is fantastic! It's 100% Racer X style and your playing is perfect! Those sweep picking arpeggios sound excellent! Well done mate! You have to do something with this... at least a video for youtube!

Thanks! i appreciate all your feedback. Ok, I'm encouraged to make it into a video. I must admit it took me around 1200 takes to get the the long arpeggio pattern right though. I like to improvise over this style of music.... I hope that another collab will come around in this sort of shred style. In the meantime I need to work hard on my AP!

I'm still thinking on my next collab.. maybe I could go for some Shred.. what bands/guitarists do you think that it could be inspired?

A shred collab would be awesome! SO, I was searching around for neoclassical/shred style backings that sounds inspiring to play over.

I like this Jason Becker song. Something around 1:40 would be a cool bridge in between solos.






I don't know if an Yngwie collab has been done? Of course this is a classic.



Or maybe some Jeff Loomis (Nevermore). I like a lot of his diminished style solos. Though he plays a seven string.

Those are cool ideas mate! I have done a Malmsteen collab a long time ago.. I could start another one.. but the other videos (Becker and Bellas) also give me good ideas regarding progressions and rhythm. I'll work on something!

Cool man, I'm really looking forward to this!

This month I started a Slash Style (you are invited to join!) one but be sure that I'll do one the next month.

Video Collab

Can't go wrong with a Slash collab

I think I will give this one a go!

Fantastic!! Let's work here on it.

Okay great, I've always liked Slash's style but I have never really played his style... I'm going to have to look at those licks. I'd like to capture his style in this one if possible. But before I move on to that I need to tie up another collab that I'm writing.

Here is a demo version of the ideas I have come up with. I guess I was in a ZZ Top kinda mood. The recording is a little rushed as I'm off to a kids Bday party soon... didn't want the ideas to slip out of my head.

http://soundcloud.com/degroot-2/fanatic-band-2

There are some good ideas there. The first part (from 00:00 to 00:19) sounds good for me, you just have to make is sound smoother the passage from lick to lick. Then, I start to hear some problems, the first trill sound weird over the new tonality, I would choose other notes... analyse the chord notes and the notes that you are playing there and you'll find the reason. The following bending lick also sound weird for me...
then you have a cool bending at 00:30 and a last fast lick that needs some work but that is fantastic! So, practice a bit the cool parts and check the notes choices at the sections that I said and I will love the solo!
Some of my comments are a bit subjective so you can just take what you find useful.

Thanks for the useful feedback! I wasn't to sure about the trill part myself... I think I'll rework a couple parts and practice further the ones that sound good.

Cool! Looking forward for the version 2.0!

Hey Gab! This here is where I am at with the latest AP lesson. It was a real challenge for me with the scale pattern variations!

Wou! You are doing it very good mate!! I can note that it's means some effort to you when you have to change the pattern. You , sound a bit sloppy 'cause your hands aren't 100% synchronized in some moments. By the way you'll have a flawless playing with some more practice. You hands motion is perfect for me so keep on working!

Thanks, it is a great AP workout for sure! I'm sure once I get it down perfect it will continue to be a useful warm up exercise. Should I wait to get a perfect video recording or submit this video for REC?

Also, here is my 2nd take on Fanatic collab. I tried to further smooth out the first half with some practice. I pretty much rewrote the second half today, except for a couple small parts.

Version 2.0

http://soundcloud.com/degroot-2/fanatic-band-2-1

Hi mate! You can post the video at the REC always, since the main purpose of it is receiving feedback from every instructor.

The new take for the collab is much better! Good job. The lick at 00:15 could sounds better, it a good idea but maybe with some notes changes or maybe some triplets or longer notes with vibrato could make it more interesting. The second part starts excellent now and continues in the same way. I really like it! I also have a comment about the last pattern... it's cool but it must be played perfectly to have a good impact, try to synchronize more perfect both hands and to play is strictly tight. This last patter could be also be shorter and had a different ending.

By the way I find a big improvement in this new one!

Thanks, this feedback is helping me out! I'm going to see if I can spice up that part at 15 seconds. The last runs sound out of control to me now... I'll need to focus on that section more and come up with something more solid.

Great! Yeah, that last pattern is difficult. Both hands must be perfectly synchronized to sound good. Isolate it and work on it over metronome at slower tempos. That will help a lot.

Hi Gab, Here is a video of the 2nd AP lesson you had transcribed. The first part is the vertical pattern at 165bpm. The second part is the horizontal runs at 160bpm. I started practicing them after a while all together at once. I think it might help with my stamina. I had about 5 takes in a row so the ending sounds a bit sluggish... anyway, I like where things are heading



I'm not sure what we will have planned next? This Muris Alternate Workout lesson really caught my ear and may push me a little further. What do you think?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guit...ernate-workout/

I also ended up posting a altered version 3 of Fanatic collab if you are interested in hearing the final result. Still is a little rough around the edges. Overall though, I'm satisfied with it and with your feedback I felt it improved from where it begun!

Hi mate! You did a really good job with the exercises! Everything sound clean and both hands are synchronized. Well done! Please keep on working on this ones to gain more speed without losing clearness.

I didn't remember that Muris lesson but it's perfect for what we are working now. It's an AP exercise but it sounds very musical. Let's go for it!!

I give a listen to the new Fanatic Collab take! I'm glad to know that the comments helped!

Hi Gab! Just a quick update. I have been spending the majority of my practice time this week with the Muris Alternate Workout lesson. At first I had a difficult time "unlearning" my sweep picking motion with the upstrokes. It felt natural for me to do it with sweep picking so i learned this lesson slowly using just AP. Another obstacle I am facing with this lesson is that I slip near the end every time (you'll hear it in this take where it sounds a little out of tune). The finger position is awkward for me. I notice Muris will curl his index finger almost to the side. Anyway, I think I'm making some progress everyday with this one. http://soundcloud.com/degroot-2/output

Hi mate! I can't see your hands movements but I can say that you are on the right track with this one. You are close to make it sound perfectly so keep on practising in the same way. You timing is good but your picking need to be a bit more precise. Keep on working hard!

I've been jamming to the "running around" collab! It is a backing track to a lesson that Ben has so I was already familiar with it. It fits in nicely with what we have been working on here. Thought I'd bounce this off you... I'm thinking about changing the run at :24 as its similar in style to one earlier. One of the licks is from his lesson!

http://soundcloud.com/degroot-2/running-around

Hi man! The overall idea sounds good. I will mark some sections that sound weird and a bit out of scale... the fast notes at 00:12 and as you said at 00:24. I like the Friedman's sound in the part that comes after that 00:24 lick, and the last fast lick is also good but need some practice to sound perfect. Work on those sections and you'll have a great solo!

Ah! I was playing one note outside of the G minor scale. That really makes a big difference!! Thanks!

Great!

Hi my friend... stopping by to drop off a couple new video recordings!

First video up is the alternate picking lessons. Both are increased by 20bpm from my vid 2 weeks ago. It is at 180bpm now



Second up is the Muris- Alternate Workout. This time with video! I've been working on this one hard. At :53 and :59 I struggle with this position. I've tried different ways to get it more comfortable but it just seems that my index finger likes to slip off the fret when I play that part.

Hi man! Good job! At first, it's great to know that you added 20 bpm in 2 weeks, that a really good progress! The AP licks sound good, you just have some synchronism issues in some sections but that's because you aren't still 100% comfortable with this new tempo. Muris lesson also sound good! As you said there are some parts that still need some work but the overall is good. I have a comment regarding your right hand. I think that the wrist movement is ok but your hand and fingers could be more relaxed when your are playing. Also in the Muris lesson I note that you move a bit the thumb of your right hand when you cross strings, that motion is a bit weird and maybe if will make you waste some time that could be notorious when you try to play faster licks.

Ok great, I will continue to work that out at 180bpm and see if I can get it in perfect sync. I noticed that odd thumb movement in the Muris workout after seeing it on video. I'm going to correct that so it doesn't carry over into other lessons! Thanks as always!

Perfect! Please keep me updated!

Hey Gab! I was thinking of working on this cool sounding AP etude. With the feedback from the Muris REC video I can continue to correct some of my AP technique flaws and have some fresh music to work with! I'm sure this one will keep me busy for a while as it is difficult for my level. What do you think? Maybe you have something else in mind too?

http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guit...tring-skipping/

That lesson is fantastic! I really like it! If you find it inspiring you can go for it. It will take some time to master it but if you keep on working on other things at the same time you won't lose time. Other lesson on the same level that is a bit less musical but very effective is this one:
http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/solo-guit...upstroke-focus/

Nice!! That upstroke/downstroke lesson will be effective. I'll give them both a shot!

Perfect!

Here are the ideas for the collab that i mentioned in the PM. Some of the ideas here aren't as tight as I'd like since I only had about a half hour to put this down

I did have a different ending with a lot of pull offs and stuff but I couldn't get it down... I put some sweeping over it instead. Well, I guess we will take it from here. Thanks Gab




http://soundcloud.com/degroot-2/neo-power-collab-mp3

Hi mate, the overall idea for the solo is ok. However there are some notes that must be fixed to make everything sound in scale. This problems appera at 00:19 and also in the last sweeps. Also check the notes at 00:09 and 00:11. Besides that adjust the fast alternate picking passage and you'll get a very good solo.

Ok mate, I'll look into the scales and make adjustments. I'll try to post another revised take this weekend.

Excellent. Remember that there are two scales that work ok. E minor and E harmonic minor. The minor scales works good always excepting when the B chord appears, there you have to use E harmonic minor.

Hey mate, I put down a new version today using E harmonic minor and E minor.

http://soundcloud.com/degroot-2/neo-power.

Fantastic!! Now every note is in key! Well done! Try to add more variations in the first part and adjust the last lick and you will have an amazing take.

Thanks! I have changed up the first part to make it less predictable. Also going to tweak the last lick. I would think it will be good to go.