Tag: ear training

Day 86. Shitty scales

Today I completely messed up all the scales, but increased the speed of 1234s and the Kids solo.

1234 exercise

4123 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 130 bpm

4132 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 130 bpm

4213 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 130 bpm

Scales

Major scales

16th notes @ 90 bpm

Minor scales

16th notes @ 90 bpm

Strumming

Module 17 pattern [All of Me]

Open chords

120 bpm

Barre chords

120 bpm

Module 18 pattern [Autumn Leaves]

80 bpm

Songs

MGMT – Kids

130 bpm. I started increasing the speed. As soon as I play solo at the current speed without pauses I increase in by 2-3 bpm and play further. After the video I managed to increase it even more – to 135 bpm. But at that final speed I still haven’t played the solo yet.

Ear training

Finally. I’m back, baby! 8 intervals. Just hoping that it’s not the only time this week at which I get to this level.

Summary

I have some ups and downs today. But I think that the problem with the scales occurred because of the pick. It was really old and I’ve been using it for years. So I get myself a new one, a thicker one. Tomorrow I’ll be getting used to it.

Routines

4123 – 5th fret – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
4132 – 5th fret – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
4213 – 5th fret – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 90 bpm – 16th notes
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 90 bpm – 16th notes

Strumming – All of Me – Open chords – 120 bpm
Strumming – All of Me – Barre chords – 120 bpm

Strumming – Autumn Leaves – 80 bpm

Week 12. Summary

This week was quite successful. I got another six combinations of 1234 to the point of playing them as 8th notes at 150 bpm across the neck, increased my endurance in strumming with barre chords and substitutes, learned and played All of Me, watched Module 18 and started learning the solo of Kids by MGMT in order to make a cover of it with my friend.

So here is the video.

The goals for this week were:

  • [Done] 3124, 3142, 3214, 3241, 3412, 3421 as 8th notes at 150 bpm across the neck
  • Get to the level with 7 intervals on ear training at tonedear.com 5 times
  • [Done] All of Me consistently at 140 bpm (both open and barre chords versions)

My goals for the next week:

  • 4123, 4132, 4213 as 8th notes at 150 bpm on the 5th fret
  • Get to the level with 7 intervals on ear training at tonedear.com 3 times
  • All of Me consistently at 150 bpm (both open and barre chords versions)
  • Autumn Leaves at 120 bpm

1234 exercise

3124 – 8th notes @ 150 bpm (on the 5th fret → on the 1-12 frets)
3142 – 8th notes @ 150 bpm (on the 5th fret → on the 1-12 frets)
3214 – 8th notes @ 150 bpm (on the 5th fret → on the 1-12 frets)
3241 – 8th notes @ 150 bpm (on the 5th fret → on the 1-12 frets)
3412 – 8th notes @ 150 bpm (on the 5th fret → on the 1-12 frets)
3421 – 8th notes @ 150 bpm (on the 5th fret → on the 1-12 frets)

Scales

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 8th notes @ 170 bpm → 16th notes @ 90 bpm
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 8th notes @ 170 bpm → 16th notes @ 90 bpm

Strumming

Module 15 pattern – 140 bpm → 150 bpm
Module 17 pattern [All of Me] – 100 bpm → 150 bpm

Ear training

Intervals – 286 of 350 – 81.71% → 243 of 300 – 81.00%
Minor 2nd, Major 2nd, Minor 3rd, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, Octave

Day 83. Getting better

Today I finally semi-decently managed to play scales at the reached speed and increased the speed and consistency of All of Me playing.

1234 exercise

3124 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3142 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3214 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3241 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3412 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3421 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

Scales

Major scales

16th notes @ 90 bpm

Minor scales

16th notes @ 90 bpm

Strumming

Module 15 pattern

1 5 6 4 chords

150 bpm

1 5 6 4 substitutes

150 bpm

6 4 1 5 chords

150 bpm

6 4 1 5 substitutes

150 bpm

Module 17 pattern [All of Me]

Open chords

120 bpm

150 bpm

Barre chords

120 bpm

150 bpm

Ear training

Still can’t get back to the level with 7 intervals. Don’t know what to do. All is left is to practice more ??‍♂️

I accidentally stopped the practice in the beginning, but it’s a good chance to show how consistent I am in identifying simple intervals.

And here’s the full practice.

Summary

I’m not happy with ear training at all, but other stuff seem pretty decent for me, so I’ll continue the practice at the same manner.

Routines

3124 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3142 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3214 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3241 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3412 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3421 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 90 bpm – 16th notes
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 90 bpm – 16th notes

Strumming – Module 15 – 1 5 6 4 chords – 150 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 1 5 6 4 substitutes – 150 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 6 4 1 5 chords – 150 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 6 4 1 5 substitutes – 150 bpm – 3 min

Strumming – All of Me – Open chords – 120 bpm
Strumming – All of Me – Open chords – 150 bpm
Strumming – All of Me – Barre chords – 120 bpm
Strumming – All of Me – Barre chords – 150 bpm

Day 82. Finally some decent practice

Today I increased the speed of 1234s to the final 150 bpm, my goal speed for this week. Also I once again tried to play scales as 16th notes at 90 bpm, which didn’t go as well. And I returned to All of Me and played it at 120 bpm today.

1234 exercise

I’m really relaxed during these, which is great. But sometimes this approach leads to some dead notes, which I’ll be working on.

3124 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3142 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3214 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3241 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3412 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3421 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 150 bpm

Scales

Woah… Too fast 🙂 I’ll try for a few more days and hopefully get used to playing at that speed, but now it’s really rough.

Major scales

16th notes @ 90 bpm

Minor scales

16th notes @ 90 bpm

Strumming

Module 15 pattern

I think I’m not gonna play these after this week ends. Maybe later or someday when I’ll confront a musical situation in which I’ll need some of those.

1 5 6 4 chords

150 bpm

1 5 6 4 substitutes

150 bpm

6 4 1 5 chords

150 bpm

6 4 1 5 substitutes

150 bpm

Module 17 pattern [All of Me]

The chord progression is pretty much memorized by now, so I just need a bit more practice to maintain cleaner transitions and play all the chords correctly.

Open chords

100 bpm

120 bpm

Barre chords

100 bpm

120 bpm

Ear training

I became worse again… This level is so hard to pass for me. Major 2nd, Minor 3rd and Major 3rd are really close to each other and it’s hard for me to differentiate them… Today I practiced twice and never passed this level 🙁

Summary

It’s great to return to the solid practice after two days of only dexterity exercises. Today I’ll decide what to learn and play with my friend so it’s gonna be fun.

Routines

3124 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3142 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3214 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3241 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3412 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min
3421 – 1-12 frets – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 2 min

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 90 bpm – 16th notes
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 90 bpm – 16th notes

Strumming – Module 15 – 1 5 6 4 chords – 150 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 1 5 6 4 substitutes – 150 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 6 4 1 5 chords – 150 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 6 4 1 5 substitutes – 150 bpm – 3 min

Strumming – All of Me – Open chords – 100 bpm
Strumming – All of Me – Open chords – 120 bpm
Strumming – All of Me – Barre chords – 100 bpm
Strumming – All of Me – Barre chords – 120 bpm

Day 79. Ievan Polkka

Today I practiced after midnight so I just did 1234s and scales as they are quieter than strumming. Also I learned new melody by ear – Ievan Polkka. I’m not sure if it’s 100% correct so I’ll check myself with some tabs, but still learning and playing it was fun.

1234 exercise

3124 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 130 bpm

3142 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 130 bpm

3214 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 130 bpm

3241 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 130 bpm

3412 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 130 bpm

3421 on the 1-12 frets

8th notes @ 130 bpm

Scales

Major scales

8th notes @ 180 bpm

Minor scales

8th notes @ 180 bpm

Ear training

Finally I returned to getting to the level with 7 intervals again. Hopefully this tendency will remain for the rest of the week.

Songs

There is Ievan Polkka at 160 bpm. Still trying to perfect it.

Summary

Todays practice felt very undone after the time I put to the practice yesterday. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be able to spent more time playing.

Routines

3124 – 1-12 frets – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3142 – 1-12 frets – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3214 – 1-12 frets – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3241 – 1-12 frets – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3412 – 1-12 frets – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3421 – 1-12 frets – 130 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 180 bpm – 8th notes
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 180 bpm – 8th notes

Week 11. Summary

This week I mostly concentrated on strumming exercises in order to complete Modules 15-16. Also I got the next three 1234 combinations to 8th notes at 150 bpm.

I’m not feeling very good now and have a running nose, so I just want to upload my summary and finalize this week.

But I’ve still recorded a video though 🙂

The goals for this week were:

  • [Done] 3241, 3412, 3421 as 8th notes at 150 bpm on the 5th fret
  • Get to the level with 8 intervals on ear training at tonedear.com 3 times
  • [Done] Implement Modules 15-16 routines
  • Implement left hand fingers movement reducing routine

My goals for the next week:

  • 3124, 3142, 3214, 3241, 3412, 3421 as 8th notes at 150 bpm across the neck
  • Get to the level with 7 intervals on ear training at tonedear.com 5 times
  • All of Me consistently at 140 bpm (both open and barre chords versions)

1234 exercise

3241 on the 5th fret – 8th notes @ 120 bpm → 8th notes @ 150 bpm
3412 on the 5th fret – 8th notes @ 120 bpm → 8th notes @ 150 bpm
3421 on the 5th fret – 8th notes @ 120 bpm → 8th notes @ 150 bpm

Scales

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 8th notes @ 150 bpm → 8th notes @ 170 bpm
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 8th notes @ 150 bpm → 8th notes @ 170 bpm

Strumming

Module 15 pattern – 120 bpm → 140 bpm
Module 16 pattern – 120 bpm → 140 bpm

Ear training

Intervals – 255 of 300 – 85.00% → 286 of 350 – 81.71%
Minor 2nd, Major 2nd, Minor 3rd, Major 3rd, Perfect 5th, Octave

Day 77. Improving everything

I had running nose today so it was not so comfortable to play. Anyway I increased the speed for strumming exercises and left everything else pretty much the same as yesterday.

1234 exercise

3241 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3412 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3421 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

Scales

Major scales

8th notes @ 170 bpm

Minor scales

8th notes @ 170 bpm

Strumming

Module 15 pattern

1 5 6 4 chords

140 bpm

1 5 6 4 substitutes

140 bpm

6 4 1 5 chords

140 bpm

6 4 1 5 substitutes

140 bpm

Module 16 pattern

1 5 6 4 variations

140 bpm

2 6 5 1 2 6 5 6 variations

140 bpm

Ear training

Again – not even close to the goal…

Summary

Not much to say – let’s conclude the week in the next post.

Routines

3241 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3412 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3421 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 170 bpm – 8th notes
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 170 bpm – 8th notes

Strumming – Module 15 – 1 5 6 4 chords – 140 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 1 5 6 4 substitutes – 140 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 6 4 1 5 chords – 140 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 6 4 1 5 substitutes – 140 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 16 – 1 5 6 4 variations – 140 bpm
Strumming – Module 16 – 2 6 5 1 2 6 5 6 variations – 140 bpm

Day 76. My own chord progression

Today I had pretty much time for practice and finally tried to play something for the Module 16 routines. Not sure if this exercise was about that, but still I pretty much did it. Also I increased the speed of playing scales to 170 bpm.

1234 exercise

3241 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3412 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3421 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

Scales

Major scales

8th notes @ 170 bpm

Minor scales

8th notes @ 170 bpm

Strumming

Module 15 pattern

1 5 6 4 chords

130 bpm

1 5 6 4 substitutes

130 bpm

6 4 1 5 chords

130 bpm

6 4 1 5 substitutes

130 bpm

Module 16 pattern

1 5 6 4 variations

130 bpm

2 6 5 1 2 6 5 6 variations

120 bpm. I came up with this chord progression. It sounds pretty familiar but I don’t recognize it, so I’ll just say that it’s mine 🙂

Ear training

Again, didn’t manage to increase the level above the one with 6 intervals 🙁

Summary

Getting back on track. Now I consider my goal on implementing Modules 15-16 routines done.

Routines

3241 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3412 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3421 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 170 bpm – 8th notes
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 170 bpm – 8th notes

Strumming – Module 15 – 1 5 6 4 chords – 130 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 1 5 6 4 substitutes – 130 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 6 4 1 5 chords – 130 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 15 – 6 4 1 5 substitutes – 130 bpm – 3 min
Strumming – Module 16 – 1 5 6 4 variations – 130 bpm
Strumming – Module 16 – 2 6 5 1 2 6 5 6 variations – 120 bpm

Day 75. Quick practice

There were a lot of plans for today so I just quickly practiced the easy routines which are also not loud.

1234 exercise

3241 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3412 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

3421 on the 5th fret

8th notes @ 150 bpm

Scales

Major scales

8th notes @ 160 bpm

Minor scales

8th notes @ 160 bpm

Ear training

Didn’t manage to get to required level… Just six intervals.

Summary

Another day without any major progress, but it’s okay. Tomorrow I’ll take my time to do everything right.

Routines

3241 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3412 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min
3421 – 5th fret – 150 bpm – 8th notes – 3 min

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 160 bpm – 8th notes
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 160 bpm – 8th notes

Week 10. Summary

Black Friday got me busy for almost 3 full days. So I’ve still been practicing daily but the amount of time and willing to do it was not the best. So I sticked to the same routines I did last week in order to increase their consistency and get the better sound.

All went as usual – three more 1234 combinations are now played as 8th notes at 150 bpm, I practiced scales dexterity and a bit of note pronunciation, also kept trying to play the barre chord progression for longer period of time without the left hand fatigue. Also I’ve been practicing ear training almost every day in the bed before sleep.

I succeeded in almost every goal, which is great, but haven’t managed to proceed further through course. So that’s what I’ll focus at the next week – Module 16 and chord construction routines.

As always, here’s the video. I think I’m getting better at editing and it takes me less time to edit these summaries. So as long as I have at least some time I’ll try to keep them like this.

The goals for this week were:

  • [Done] 3124, 3142, 3214 as 8th notes at 150 bpm on the 5th fret
  • [Done] Scales pronouncing notes using the random scale machine [under 5 min per string]
  • [Done] Consistently get to the level with 7 intervals on ear training at tonedear.com [4 of 6 times]
  • Implement Modules 15-16 routines

My goals for the next week:

  • 3241, 3412, 3421 as 8th notes at 150 bpm on the 5th fret
  • Get to the level with 8 intervals on ear training at tonedear.com 3 times
  • Implement Modules 15-16 routines
  • Implement left hand fingers movement reducing routine

1234 exercise

3124 on the 5th fret – 8th notes @ 120 bpm → 8th notes @ 150 bpm
3142 on the 5th fret – 8th notes @ 120 bpm → 8th notes @ 150 bpm
3214 on the 5th fret – 8th notes @ 120 bpm → 8th notes @ 150 bpm

Scales

Major scales – 1-12 frets – EADG strings – 8th notes @ 150 bpm (increasing consistency)
Minor scales – 1-12 frets – EA strings – 8th notes @ 150 bpm (increasing consistency)

Major scales – E string – Pronouncing notes – 3:44 → 3:35
Major scales – A string – Pronouncing notes – 4:21 → 4:18
Major scales – D string – Pronouncing notes – 5:20 → 4:36
Major scales – G string – Pronouncing notes – 5:47 → 4:38

Minor scales – E string – Pronouncing notes – 4:55 → 4:33
Minor scales – A string – Pronouncing notes – 5:49 → 3:54

Strumming

Module 15 pattern – 120 bpm (increasing consistency)

Ear training

Intervals – 207 of 250 – 82.80% → 255 of 300 – 85.00%
Minor 2nd, Major 2nd, Minor 3rd, Major 3rd, Perfect 4th, Tritone, Perfect 5th, Octave