[distressed_romeo]

Does anyone else do this?

I do a lot of repetitive methodical practicing to build technique, but I really hate practicing stuff that doesn't sound musical, so I'll often construct riffs or phrases that accentuate a particular technical difficulty I'm having.

Anyone else do the same?

[Nik]

I don't quite do that, but I also hate practicing stuff that doesn't sound musical.

For that reason, if I want to focus on something, I just learn a song that incorporates that something.

For example, if I want to practice finger-stretches, I play "Stream of Consciousness." If I want to practice fast-picking accuracy, I practice "Ytse Jam." If I want to work on sweeps, I'd probably try and learn some Jason Becker (Although I'm not good enough to attempt that yet).

[distressed_romeo]

Originally Posted by Nik

I don't quite do that, but I also hate practicing stuff that doesn't sound musical.

For that reason, if I want to focus on something, I just learn a song that incorporates that something.

For example, if I want to practice finger-stretches, I play "Stream of Consciousness." If I want to practice fast-picking accuracy, I practice "Ytse Jam." If I want to work on sweeps, I'd probably try and learn some Jason Becker (Although I'm not good enough to attempt that yet).

That's similar to what I'm talking about. I'm not crazy about devoting lots of time to other people's music though.
Incidentally, if you want a song to practice sweeping, the opening riff to 'Touch the Sky' by Mike Campese would be a good one. It's a great song too!

I often try to jazz them up, so the exorcises have some rhythm and swing to them.

[Nik]

Originally Posted by distressed_romeo

That's similar to what I'm talking about. I'm not crazy about devoting lots of time to other people's music though.
Incidentally, if you want a song to practice sweeping, the opening riff to 'Touch the Sky' by Mike Campese would be a good one. It's a great song too!

Cool man, I'll look into it

Yeah, I'm not too keen on doing covers anymore, either. That's one way I think I've improved my technique this last few months--I write music based on the music, and worry about how easy it is to play later. This way I constantly challenge myself.

I don't isolate any specific techniques in doing this, though.

I don't care that much anymore about a lot of techniques, though. I'm not interested in shredding anymore--I'd rather just write a good song. As long as my technique doesn't limit my imagination, I'll be content.

[Loserchief]

well, i actually have it happening the other way round, but i don't aim for that.
I start of playing something and form a riff or solo out of it. Then i somehow make it a bit more complicated and more technical(the stuff i'm writing atm turns out to be really progressive and not just full out metal). Sometimes there's a song evolving from that, and sometimes i get myself lost in technicalities. And on rare occasions i end up with something that won't make a good song, but a really good warm up exercise or something along those lines.

[All_¥our_Bass]

I tend to do this on a lot, mostly on accident. Once I made an exercise for playign in 13/8, and it ended up becoming a really cool riff that was later used for a song.

[abyssalservant]

Originally Posted by Nik

If I want to work on sweeps, I'd probably try and learn some Jason Becker (Although I'm not good enough to attempt that yet).

Hey, go for Serrana! Nice, straightforward sweeps with a I-IV-V . . .

We in KHAZM have a slightly warped view of what sounds musical . . . but I like doing exercises and warping them so that they have a weird feel or tricky rhythm, whatever.