Hey mate! This is your personal thread so...let's start using it shall we? Tell me please, which is your favorite most difficult rhythm lesson at GMC?

Hey Cosmin and thank you! There are so many, but I think I would like to try Slayer style by Lian Gerbino. It is a level 4 (and I am a level 2). However, it looks like something I could do with some work! BTW, I am done with school until March 19. Since work slowed down (stopped) I have volunteered to go up north with my church and help victims of the tornadoes that happened this week. Not sure if they will be able to send a team, but I'll let ya know if I go.
Sooo, for the time being, shall I work on that lesson or do you have something else in mind? Thanks again! Jon

Hey Jon I think we can start with that lesson and see how you fare with it can you record after learning it?

Gonna try to have my Jackson set-up today (if the guitar shop can fit it in their schedule). Should have the REC done before the week is over . Question about the Slayer-style lesson: Lian plays this with just downstrokes on the open E string. However, in the tab and the GP file, he shows E5 (I hope I said that correctly). Which way do you want me to do it?

Hehe E5 will provide more chunk so, I would suggest you try to insert it there instead of the open E (the later will provide more definition as it's only one string) let me know how it goes man!

Just submitted the REC. Let me know what ya think and be hard on me! Thanks Cosmin!

Hey Jon Cool trick with the nails wasn't it a bit hard to play like that?

Now, timing would be essential to focus on - try to listen and see how the guitar parts in Lian's version are blending in with the drums, then play them at a very slow tempo, paying attention to be as tight as possible then speed it up, by keeping a relaxed vibe how does this sound my friend?

Cosmin

Hey Cosmin! Yes, I'm going to back and work on this. I will re-submit it in a couple of days. If it was not beginner rhythm, I would be happy with 8's, but I think I need to nail this down to 9's and 10's. I wish I had caught the timing because it sounds really bad in some areas. I wish I could blame it on not aligning the tracks right in Audacity but that is not it. I will do the next REC minus the "nails" . This brings a question to mind: Except on this one, I always try to fret with the very tips of my fingers. I didn't do it on this one because, yes, my nails were in the way. Are the very tips of the fingers the correct way? I know that sounds like a stupid question but I figured I'd better go ahead and ask before I go any further. Thanks! Jon

Usually yes so, get rid of the nails my friend let's see the next one blazing

Hey Cosmin!
2nd REC submitted! I actually found part of my problem because I took the time the watch every part of the instruction.... I will make it a habit to do that from now on!

Also, Sinisa just put a new lesson up today. Is that a good one for me? Started messing with it and it is kicking me sideways

Hey Jon! Yes, Sinisa's lesson is tackle-able and it'll serve you good, as well as it'll serve me good as well

Now about the take - there's definitely improvement there, but you can do better, as Gabe said, if I am not mistaken, you should tap your foot to the ground in order to get better and better at working with your internal body clock

let me know how this feels man!

Cosmin

Hey Cosmin!
I'll be working on two things now. In regards to the timing on the Slayer lesson, Ben actually made a video just yesterday and sent me the link to it! It is dealing directly with the problem I am having. As far as moving my head or tapping my foot, I have tried it..it seems to mess me up even more. I've got such bad habits deeply ingrained that I must work my way out of.
Having a bear of a time on Sinisa's lesson.... have always had problems with changing barre chord shapes and also arpeggios, beyond the real simple stuff. When I watch my picking, I fret the wrong notes....when I watch where my fretting hand is, I pick the wrong strings. Starting to think I should do it blindfolded..
So, that's where I'm at today. Hope your day is good. Jon

hey Jon, all of us feel different at times regarding our personal progress and development when facing stuff we have never dealt with before, or too often I would like to add that, nothing as actually difficult. It's just new once you get used to it, it'll be normal

Now, tapping a foot is always helpful, so try and get used to it a little at a time find the parts which you feel confident when playing so that you may tap the foot without focusing on what you play. The idea is, that the foot should work independent of anything else - just like a metronome but built on your body

About the chords - try and practice each shape at a time like this:

1) hold each shape and exercise the picking pattern
2) connect the shapes against a metronome, by only playing with your fretting hand - shift the positions when the time comes but do not pick them
3) connect two shapes then 3, 4 and so on till you get them all flowing WHILE picking

tell me how it worked

Cosmin

Hi Cosmin!
This is what I have so far. Less than half of it but I'm plugging away! the barre arpeggios are really hard and just makes me realize how sloppily I was playing barre chords all this time!
Click to view attachment

Hey Jon, aside from not letting some notes ring out (a bit more practice on that and it will be ok) timing is good and the tone as well keep up the good work.

Tell me, did my approach help out?

Cosmin

Hi Cosmin,
Yes, it certainly seems to be helping! This approach is actually helping in several different areas: (1) It is teaching me some patience. At 43, that is a skill I have not learned so this might just be a breakthrough! (2) I can concentrate on one thing at a time. I have always just strummed any barre chords I have played. Playing them as arpeggios is a different ball game for me because I have to make every note right. This approach is letting me work on the trouble areas without thinking "uh-oh..I hope I can switch to the next chord in time!" I believe it is teaching me accuracy, which every player I have ever spoken to has said is way more important than speed. (3) I have not spent a lot of time doing the chord changes without picking but, just from the little bit I have done, I think those will improve the accuracy / timing.
I also sent my file to Sinisa and he liked it! He gave some good advice on things to work on. He also mentioned my cutting some notes off. That is something I have seen also but I'm not really sure how to fix it. I'll definitely be working on it though! Jon

Hi Cosmin!
It has been suggested that the closer the guitar is to my body, the easier it is to barre a chord. Taking that into consideration, I experimented with this and decided to try the guitar on my right leg (I have always had it on the left). Besides the foreign feeling of it resting on a different leg, I think it might be giving me a little more leverage. I'll have more time to experiment with it tomorrow and will let you know. I am curious of your opinion on this? Jon

Hey Jon! Glad to hear you're making progress indeed, accuracy is a great skill to master, high and low speed so keep up the good work!

Regarding the guitar position - I used to play in the classical position a lot before but since 2010 I think, the side saddle position has been my favorite just because it feels more comfy Now, regarding the barre - yes, the side saddle position helps and as a plus, your left leg can be used for tapping on the ground for tempo this is how I'm doing it and it feels incredibly good and fun.

I was thinking that it would be great if you could film yourself playing Sinisa's lesson and post it here so we can discuss further and take it to the REC once it's perfected - what do you say?

all the best

Cosmin

[quote name='Cosmin Lupu' date='Mar 15 2012, 07:09 AM' post='574526']

I was thinking that it would be great if you could film yourself playing Sinisa's lesson and post it here so we can discuss further and take it to the REC once it's perfected - what do you say?

Definitely! I'll be working on that! When I do, I'll let you know how I am doing the sound. Since I upgraded my guitar and multi-effects, I am not getting a warm sound when I play clean. Sinisa has had experience with Jackson's and has been helping me with it. It sounds fine when running through my amp but, when I run through the line-in on the computer, it tends to give me a sound like "plink" when I pick the notes. The ME-25 is supposed to be able to run through a computer just fine, but I don't like the way it sounds at all. I had better luck with my little Digitech RP-80, but I gave that to my nephew when I bought the Boss .

Hey Cosmin!
I traded my Jackson on this today. I wanted something more versatile because the Jackson just didn't give a warm sound. This LTD is giving great tone with clean and distortion!

Click to view attachment

Oh oh this one looks nice mate, but isn't it a metal oriented guitar?

To be honest, I am not really sure. I know it has great, clean, warm sound. Though stock, the neck pickup tone is awesome! I'm getting the feel for the whole guitar now and will, hopefully, get the video done in the next couple of days. The bridge pickup gives as much crunch as my Jackson did. As my interests range everywhere from Christian to metal, it is certainly more fitting for me.

Well, it's good to know you found a good choice let's see those vids

Hey Cosmin!
Just letting you know, I haven't forgotten this! I am still practicing Sinisa's lesson. However, it got to the point where I was getting burnt out on it so I have also been practicing Marcus Siepien's "Basic Metal Rhythm." Hope that's a good one... I just don't want to get so frustrated that I end up putting my guitar down altogether. Hope you're doing good and I'll be in touch!

Alright man! No problemmo I am just fine and dandy If we can say that

Okay Cos, here it (finally) is. I have done over 100 takes of this. Except for screwing it up when switching from G to D, I had thought this was pretty good. Then I listened to Sinisa's take again....... Wow, is all I can say. If you don't mind, I'm also gonna have Sinisa give input. What score would you be giving this on a REC? Thanks!
Click to view attachment

Hi Cosmin!
I went ahead and submitted a REC of the lesson. I figured it might help get me over the "recording fever"

Hey Jon! Just graded this mate The idea is that you need more flow and precision in this take, I bet you'll blow everyone away if you practice it perfectly with a backing track at 50% the speed for only 5 times in a row but they need to be perfect and in a row

what do you say - up to the challenge?

Cosmin

PS: what else have you been up to man?

! OUCH!
So, to be honest, that idea does not excite me at all . However, (as I probably already told you) I bought my first guitar in 1988. If I had stuck with it and did what I was told to do, I would be very good now! So, since you are the instructor, I will do what you think I should.
I already have a problem though, when I download the 90bpm track, then slow it down to 45bpm, there is a ton of garble in the background. Not sure if there is a way to fix it?
In answer to the PS, I am still not working, which is actually okay for now. God is seeing me and my wife and son through and we are doing great! School is taking a LOT of time and I will be glad for the summer break!

Also, would it be possible to work on another lesson at the same time? I just don't want to burnt out on one lesson . If so, which rhythm lesson should I do?

Hey man! If the backing sounds nasty, just use a metronome until you can reach the desirable speed to use one of the available backing tracks

As for another lesson, we can use this one: http://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/Hard-R...hords-Beginner/ it may seem a bit tricky but, it involves some new elements which will be developed under the same rhythmic formula. Plus a little vibrato and voicings this is a step forward, so what do you think?

Cosmin

I like it! It's not as easy as it looks! You know, when I get discouraged about this, I have to remember something: I joined in December and started everything over. When I did my first level 2 lesson, I had no idea how I was going to do it and I did not pass the first REC. But, here I am, 4 months later, doing mostly Level 3's! Thanks!

That's it mate! Axe up and pick down! the pleasure is all mine

"When I watch my picking, I fret the wrong notes....when I watch where my fretting hand is, I pick the wrong strings."
This is a part of a post I sent to you on March 12, regarding The "Harmonic Key Changes " lesson. Although not 100% perfect, I just played this at full tempo without looking at either of my hands . Really happy I can see the progress on here!

Great to hear man - it's a bit tricky NOT to watch the hands I usually watch the left mostly, as the right is somehow going by itself I think I have developed this over the years and I almost never watch the right hand

My advice here, in order to build up confidence, is to check out the positions in the lesson and while focusing on the right hand, try to 'feel' the patterns executed by your right hand playing slowly while doing this will help A LOT!

Cosmin

Hey Cos!
Just to keep you updated, I am still practicing. I'm helping a friend of mine this week so I have not been able to practice much, but I am still working on both of Sinisa's lessons that you have assigned me. I think the Harmonic Key Changes was the first REC I have done where I was told my timing was good! That is improvement in itself! Have a great day! Jon

Hey Jon! Great to hear you are having a good time practicing man looking forward to another take from you and of course, let me know if there's anything else you feel like working on. I wouldn't want you to get bored on things

Cosmin

Hey Cos!
Just to let you know, the VH lesson by Alex is going pretty good. Having trouble with the chicken-picking part... my ring (finger closest to pinky on right hand) seems to get hung up in the strings when plucking. Playing slower, in an effort to control that finger and not let it control me. Other than that, it's going pretty good.

Alright Jon, you let me know when it's done and you think I can take a look over it now, tell me did you grow your right hand nails a bit for the chicken pickin?

No! That is funny because I was thinking about it and was going to ask you but I thought it would be a stupid question! So, I need to? Also, I am finding it easier with my middle finger to pluck the B string.

It helped me a ton man I have my grown nails since 2007 and I won't give em up it's gonna offer the same consistency as the pick when you attack the strings

Hi Cos!
Hope you're enjoying Warsaw! I FINALLY posted a REC of the Van Halen Lesson by Alex. I can play it quite well...... until the "RECORD" button is pushed!

Hey Jon I listened and graded! What I think you need is to get in touch with the inner clock a little better. Rigidity in rhythm playing is not desirable, so try and tap your foot to the ground at let's say 75% of the tempo and play each part of the song, relying on your foot as a rhythmical base Can you do that for me?

Cosmin

Hey Cos! I have slowed down the backing track for Ben's "Time to Gallop" from 120bpm to 100bpm. It looks like I will be breaking it down into several parts. Not sure if I need to slow it down more? Also, should I master one section at slower speed, build it up to full speed and then move on to the next, or master the whole piece at a slower tempo and build up the speed from there? Thanks for any advice you can give!

Oops! I accidentally had my track muted. Okay, hopefully it is fixed now.

Hey Jon!

I think that you should approach things like this:

- master each part at a slow tempo
- bring all the parts together and play them against the metronome at first and then, in perfect sync with the backing track at a slow tempo
- gradually raise the tempo while keeping the quality of the playing

I think that at this point, you have issues with timing and syncing with the backing track. You need to focus on these two aspects and why not, when you are ready - record against the original recording. If things will not sound muddy and crowded, it means you are clean and precise in playing the piece.

I would say - let's hear each part recorded slow against a metronome click posted right here in this thread It's gonna be a bit tedious at first, but once you get the hang of it, it'll go smooth and fast!

Cosmin

Sounds good! I will use the metronome only at 80bpm and start with 0:00 to 0:13. When I feel it is good, I will submit that section twice: once with just the metronome and once with the backing track (both will be played at 80 bpm). I'm a very impatient person Cosmin. Maybe this will help me to work on it . I won't rush, so don't be surprised if it is several days before I get anything back on here. Thank you for the advice and I hope you have a great weekend!
LOL! I'm glad I proofread this. I had accidentally typed that I would use the metronome at 870bpm!!!!

Sounds like a plan Jon! If you will focus, the guitar will teach you how to be patient

Looking forward to the takes and don't rush, no one is chasing you, ok?

Hey Cosmin! Okay, I'm pretty comfortable with the way these sound. I have done one with the metronome only at 80 and one with the BT at 80. I chose a different distortion setting for the take I did with the BT, and I hope it sounds better. Only recorded the first 15 seconds or so. You be the judge and, if you think I'm ready, I will work on the next 15 seconds. If not, I'll keep working on the first section. Thank you!
Click to view attachment Click to view attachment

Hey Jon! In what regards timing, this is good and both takes are ok, but indeed the one that has been recorded against the metronome is better sounding, because of the tone.

What I'd suggest here, is for you to try and play the gallop palm muting without separating the notes with the left hand (I can hear the notes being separated by the raising of the fingers from the fretboard). Try to give the riffs definition just by palm muting tight enough for them to be nicely separated and still ring a bit Focus on this and then, move to the next bit Deal?