I have started learning the string bending technique - and a lick or two

[DavidP]

@mari

@mari

What a great idea, David, I’m going to steal it from you although the videos will likely be just for me to watch and see progress.

Thanks, Mari. I was hesitant to post this video in AVOYP, given the nature of it, but I think sharing such progress videos, which reflect the learning journey rather than what has been learned could have more of a place in the Community. So a small part of me wants to start a trend. So if you are working on something where such videos would be appropriate, please do share. All the normal reasons apply.

@mari

you are sometimes hitting the note and sometimes not. That’s what you would expect since you are just starting out. It will be nice to see your progression over a series of posts

Do you think I did better than in the first video?

@mari

Have you tried practicing over a backing track

Part of my practice time is spent playing over a BT. Who knows, I may post up a AVOYP noodle in the near future. The intention here is to record technique practice, to receive technique feedback, the good old Community encouragement, and perhaps encourage others who may be struggling with the same.

@mari

Where to Post, here or in your Learning Log, I think it would get more exposure in your Learning Log.

Yeah we had quite a conversation about that after I posted the first video (this is the second). I see the rationale for posting in LL but also thought it made sense to post in this Category “What Are You Learning”. To repeat myself. This being a Category means that each person’s current learning focus stands as a Topic (rather than a Reply to a Topic as it was on the Forum). And in time I will post up my typical LL entry, which tend to be more retrospective reflecting on activity/progress over a period of time.

And I do think this Category may fit better in the Community Hub, than in Social. @Richard_close2u , I made this suggestion before but don’t recall seeing a response?

@mari

how did you (and anyone else if others have input) decide on learning blues licks vs the major scale module

I have dabbled with improv using both the Major and Minor Pentatonic scales, using the first position patterns picked up already (without following Major Scale Maestro). My aspiration is to be able to not just have some noodling fun, but also to sound bluesy. Hence I made my choice. This following on from the Simple Blues Lead study

@mari

So what I’m planning to do is try different settings every time I practice, then I can experiment a bit with tone while I am practicing learning to solo.

I’m doing the same. And if I ever hit upon a “golden” tone for Blues Lead then maybe I’ll figure out how to use the amp software and replace one of the 12 presets that can be dialled in at the push of a button.

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

Great stuff David letting it all hang out. Chappeau !

Thanks Toby. As I said in reply to Mari. I think it is good for us to share this sort of thing, good for learning and encouragement.

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

Keep it held and on the string below fret 2 frets back, its the same note

I do try this. But public confession … my ear still needs significant schooling. To me even when a tuner or meter says the tones are matching, they still don’t sound the same to me. I think I am getting better in this, but would benefit from deliberate practice to train my ear.

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

but working each lick over a backing track really cements how it fits in. It may sound boring but over a 12BB its weird but the same lick sounds different over the 4 and 5 even though its the same notes. That will make you think about how to use the lick.

I need to do more of this in the play portion of my practice.

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

So working the minor pent and blues scales was a given. BUT when I learnt the minor scale (pent or full) was relative to the Major scale and I could use (most of the time) the Major and its relative minor on the same track, was an epiphany moment.

I have enough theory to appreciate that this will come in time, and eventually the “M” word. Happy with baby steps.

@TheMadman_tobyjenner

As for tone ? Use pre-sets or twiddle knobs until you find the boat floater. Simples.

Tone can be a little bit like wine tasting, in the way in which people use adjectives. Maybe at some point I’ll be more specific on refining the tone to be able to dial in something that sounds more Peter Green/Gary Moore.

Noting of course that tone is hugely influenced by the fingers and playing, before considering the instrument, amp, and effects.

I enjoyed Justin’s first lesson on tone (in a nutshell, remember to make use of guitar volume and tone controls) and look forward to future lessons.

@DarrellW

@DarrellW

I was just going to mention about soloing using pentatonic scales - this tells about it

Thanks for the video, Darrell. I’ll check it out.

@Beatup6String

@Beatup6String

Very helpful video, thank you!

Thanks Ashu. I am glad it was.

@adi_mrok

@adi_mrok

That’s cool report back David, I am happy to see you working on bends and a bit of vibrato. My beginnings were exactly like yours, after few weeks of about 5-10mins a day (depending on your calluses strength) you will be able to keep the bend for a while in tone. Will be interesting to follow this thread so I change settings to be notified about new posts.

Good job David!

Thanks Adrian. Appreciate you “watching” the Topic. The challenge for me will be to keep up the regular deliberate practice once I return to work. Then I am also curious and eager to see what I can achieve as I explore this path.