Hey @alexj this was the only way I could figure out to share the image. I hope you don’t mind. It’s happening when I try to mark lesson 36 complete.

Just curious if it feels faster in the last few weeks than previously. Feel free to share any concerns as well!

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Ok. I might be crazy. Probably am. But the main riff in Natural Born Killer is bugging me because it sounds really similar to another riff that's NOT done by A7X. It's the main riff that comes in at around 27 seconds after the "ding". Anyone know what riff it sounds like? Or my ears just might be playing tricks on me.

Guess what's back back again shaft's back call your friends....oops wrong context but anyways it seemed like fun to bring the riff challenge back for funzies.

Basically, how this works is that you can challenge somebody to play a riff and when they learn it they can post a recording of them playing it (can be first minute, whole song whatever floats your boat really) and after you finished your challenge you can challenge somebody else

You can obviously also just come in here and scream 'CHALLENGE ME' so we can challenge you to learn through the fire and the flames or something

So who's first?

Uncle Ben just dropped a new video where he walks you through a set up of a new guitar. Gives a good overview of the stuff you can easily do yourself to get your guitar playing at it's best.

The difference in playability with a well setup guitar is huge, take a deep breath and give it a go!

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Ladies and Gentleman of Synner!

It's been a while, an eternity even, since our last big contest but I am DELIGHTED to announce a new contest for y'all!!!

This contest will be centred around lesson 10 - Just For Fun – Six Magic Notes For Soloing
The principle is simple: use the lesson to create a solo of your own with the backing track given using ONLY the 6 magic notes of the Am pentatonic (See the first example in the lesson). NO OCTAVES ALLOWED (If PG doesn't need them, neither do you)

RULES:

• All participants must use the provided backing track
• All entries must be within 2 backing track's length. 2 options will be offered to you: a 30 second one and a 1 minute long one. You are not obligated to make your entry as long, it can be shorter to your own discretion. However, it cannot be longer and the backing track cannot be modified.
• No plagiarism.
• Only one entry per participant. If you want to modify your entry because, for example, you've had a better idea, you can re-submit a new entry however your old one will be nullified.

All entry videos shall be received on this thread: https://synner.com/threads/submission-for-six-magic-notes-contest.5687/

The backing track is in the Key of C using the A minor pentatonic, which is the first pattern that PG shows in the lesson. 2 versions of the backing tracks have been included: 1 last 35 seconds and the other is 1min. Use whichever you want!
Backing track download link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D-Z-Ik3oEA4oeI5882h-_Wlbnx__Tz51?usp=sharing

LENGTH OF THE CONTEST:

• From Wednesday August 18th to September 8th 2021 (3 weeks in total)

THE BIG PRIZE:

• Synner merch curated by the one and only @Jamie London
• 20% off coupon code for the Synner Shop
• 3 months legend upgrade
• Winner Banner
• Special acheivment

Now that you guys have a good idea about what the contest looks like, I want to say a few quick things about participation. I understand that there are a lot of people here who feel like they aren't good enough or like they haven't been playing long enough for them to participate in this contest. And so to anyone who feels like this represents them, I have one thing to ask: participate.

Synner is all about growth, community, respect, learning and this is why the judges, which I will be one of, will judge with the following criteria:

• Performance (How much fun do you have performing your creation)
• Presentation (Be original with your video submission )
• Originality (How did you use the lesson? Did you create a unique composition that does not borrow from another source)

And so as you can see, the outcome of the contest does NOT rely on skills alone; gotta use all your assets and talents

In short, we aren't looking for the best technical guitar player. Instead, we want to get to know you through your music! So none of you have a reason to NOT participate, I shall not allow it! At the end of the day, I highly believe that you will learn a lot by just taking time to make your entry. You can all do it. I believe in all of you.

If anyone has any questions, don't hesitate to ask in this thread!

But enough of me talking. LET THE CONTEST BEGIN!!!

So I went to Guns n Roses in Phoenix last night, and overall it was a really good show. Axl's voice is nearly shot - he has trouble enunciating, and his middle register is just... GONE, but still a solid showman. It was a nearly three hour show featuring several extended guitar spotlights among music that already features a lot of guitar. It was excessive and indulgent, which - honestly - fits perfectly with the GnR brand, so - SPOT ON.

However, one of the things I was noticing, and it's something that comes up here a lot, when people are trying to find Syn's tone to sound like him. If you're watching a close-up of Slash's left-hand technique on a 30 foot screen, it looks like someone is randomly slapping four meaty, slightly burnt hot dogs against a fretboard. By all accounts, his left-hand technique would be considered ATROCIOUS.

But THAT is exactly why he ALWAYS sounds like Slash.

The amp and the guitar and the neck pickup, etc, are a tangible part of it (and they are how Slash gets INSPIRED to play his best), but the REAL reason Slash sounds like Slash is that his technique is sloppy, greasy, and ham-handed, and it's fucking glorious.

Keep that in mind when you're trying so hard to play something EXACTLY according to perfect technique - there's a time and place for that, but don't forget that the two biggest parts of sounding like YOU are right down at the end of your arms, and don't try to practice all that originality out of yourself.

Please, post your submissions in this thread.

Looking forward to see them!!!

Hallo guys, im a new student from indonesia, any people here who from indonesia? I love the way synyster gates playing guitar, he's masterpiece about modes, here I have difficulty in learning modes, I'm curious how Synyster Gates and all of you who master modes, are there any tips and tricks for me, if any please share

Hey, I'm looking for recommendations. I hoping to find some hidden gems I really like in the 80s era. I will list some examples.

Cutting Crew - (I Just) Died in your arms, Heart - Alone, Aha - Take on me, Michael Sembello - Maniac, Bryan Adams - Summer of 69, Simple minds - Don't you (forget about me), The Buggles - Video killed the radio star, UB40 - Red red wine, Eric Carmen - Hungry eyes, Billy idol - White wedding, Boy meets girl - Waiting for a star to fall.

Just some examples of songs I like from this era. I do watch a lot of Rick Beato he bashes music nowadays pop music nowadays, But he doesn't seem to analyze any let's say indie, underground artists that make music like these 80s eras. I just really wanted to see if there is an artist like the 80s era out now, today. I really hope there's something out here now.

So for a while I have been wanting to upgrade my guitar. The current guitar I have is a Glarry GTL and while it is good, I'm looking to upgrade a bit. Now the problem is that I dont have a whole lot of money, especially for like a high end guitar, so I was wondering if there were any good recommendations for fairly cheap guitars, like in the 100 to 200 dollar range? Just so I can compile a list of options. Thank you all in advance for your help

hi everyone, my name is michael, i'm from indonesia happy to join this class. I joined this class so we could learn to play guitar together. I'm a fan of metal, rock, hard rock and more....
I hope we can learn and enjoy music together
I'm sorry for my name


Terimakasih

Hey guys, hope you guys are doing well! I remember seeing a similar post a while ago and it had some awesome replies. The accomplishment can be anything. Have you dedicated some time in the past few weeks to music theory and you feel like you're making some progress? I'd like to hear about it! Finally gotten the hand of that awesome lick/riff that has been bugging you for a while? Have you dialed in a guitar tone that you really like and has been inspiring you to play more? Finally pick up your guitar for the first time in a while and you really enjoyed it? I'd like to hear about those too! Big or small, difficult or not, I'd like to hear about it and I'm sure there are others here who'd like to hear about it too.

Myself, I've been feeling like I've been in a plateau the last 2 or so months. I've found myself not attempting to learn anything new and I've been sticking with my go to riffs that I've got mostly memorized by this point. As well as just not picking the guitar up as much lately. That's absolutely fine if you're currently experiencing that. Everybody goes through it. But I've been kind of frustrated with it. That being said, recently Neural DSP released Tim Henson's (from Polyphia) own signature amp sims. I've recently been getting more into them lately. I've also been really fascinated by Tim's guitar tones and having a hard time emulating myself. Luckily Neural DSP has a 14 day free trial to try it out and I've been loving it so far. If you're not familiar with Polyphia, they're a progressive rock/math rock band that mixes jazz, prog, some metal, and most notably hip hop/trap into their own music. They don't regularly use hi gain amps for their work. Mostly relying on clean/crunch/vintage hi gain for their tones. That's been forcing me to play a bit more out of my element and inspiring me to pick up my guitar more. I also just had the pickups replaced in my first guitar on Tuesday along with a whole new wiring setup in it for different tones. More specifically split coil tones which are also pretty new to me and helping me try out new things.

Anyway, before I ramble on even further I'll cut it there. I hope you guys are having a good day/night! Thanks for reading.

Hey everyone! The sites been upgraded so if you see any bugs let us know and we can take a look

Hey gang,
Our very own Chris Greig and the Merchants just dropped a new video. As most of you know - I love pop and a great hook. This tune has it all.
I love the little 8th note anticipations in the chorus. Simple changes (D to Bm) - but by anticipating the downbeat on each chord it dresses it up and gives it some excitement. The breakdown at the end with the high guitar is brilliant. I hear a bit of a U2 vibe there (which is a huge compliment).
The chords in this song are simple - but the arrangement is not. The song builds perfectly from verse to chorus.
The groove is incredible. Bass and drums working like gears.
The vocal and melody are spot on. His voice is interesting and makes me want to listen to more of their stuff.
When A7X was on the Warped Tour back in the mid-2000s, I used to go from stage to stage and listen to some of the bands; My Chem, All American Rejects, Fallout Boy, Story of the Year, etc.
This song reminds of of that era. Just great pop music.
I hope this catches on because I would love to hear more of these guys.

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Hey guys! Like many of you, I was inspired by Syn to invest in his signature guitars and the fractal axe fx iii in hopes of replicating his tone. I have his cab packs but am struggling to dial in tones. What I am really looking for at the moment is how to replicate the tone for the Fermi Paradox solo, which Hector has done very nicely in his recent video. I know this is probably with The Stage cab and the 5153 red channel, but from there I have no idea how to get to that tone. In particular I have no idea what to do with the EQ to get there. Any tone gurus able to help me out?

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In this lesson we discuss alternate picking techniques and its importance to your playing.

i love pinkly smooth and syn n jimmy ... Hello my name is Zephora isebella Von Destroia and I'm new here just recently got married to my new husband Matt John Von Burns and I'm really excited to be here today! I'm an actress a singer a dancer a painter a model musician and a neuromuscular specialist I also enjoy making the jewelry and decorating. Here are some photos so you can get to know me. 5059076355 call me syn

Syn’s AOTM pick for July is “Ten Summoner’s Tales” by Sting. (Syn made the pick a while back, but was extraordinarily busy this past week and asked me to weigh in).
So I'm excited about this pick because I'm a huge Sting fan. His solo work is as impressive as his work with The Police (and that's saying a lot).

This was Sting’s 4th solo album after leaving The Police. The album that preceded this was “Soul Cages” which was a dark eulogy to his father who had just died. “Ten Summoner’s Tales” was a return to pop – albeit very sophisticated pop. Every song on this album has at least one incredible hook - and some have several.
The musicianship is stellar. As always, Sting hired the heaviest session cats available to play with him.
It was released in 1993 - but still holds up.

Most people are familiar with the nostalgic, melancholy of “Fields of Gold”, but every song on this album is a gem.

My favs are:

“Love is Stronger Than Justice” – It’s in 7/4 but somehow feels very natural.
“Seven Days” – This one is in 5/4 and Vinnie Coiauta’s drumming is nothing short of amazing.
Same with “Saint Augustine in Hell”. How they manage to make you forget they’re in 7/4 is a rare artform. Such a great groove. Always makes me smile.
Not every song is in an odd time. Lol
“Heavy Cloud, No Rain” has a simple strutting groove and “She’s too Good For Me” is just a great roadhouse shuffle.
For pure pop, it’s hard to beat “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You”.
“It’s Probably Me”- BEST. CHORD. CHANGES. EVER.

And if his remarkable melodies and complex chord changes aren’t enough for you - Sting is a deep thinker and even his pop lyrics manage to get one thinking about philosophy, existentialism., etc.

I could go on, but I’ll let you form your own conclusions. This is an adult album for sure, and the pinnacle of what happens when jazz meets pop in the hands of a master.

ENJOY! And if you dig this album, go back and check out “Dream of The Blue Turtles”, “Soul Cages” and (my personal favorite) “Nothing Like The Sun”.

Cheers!
PG

Hi so im somewhat new to this. i joined back in 2019 almost 2 years ago and have never actually interacted. so hi. here I am. I'm currently studying music theory at my local junior college and plan on becoming a math/music teacher in the future, to say if becoming a professional musician doesn't work out for me. I am in a heavy metal band that I'm the sole guitarist and singer of and we don't really have a sub genre yet but we have 2 full songs down and things are looking bright. atm I am 20 years old and have been playing guitar since late 8th grade and more seriously in mid freshman year so like 6 years now. Avenged sevenfold has been one of my top 3 favorite bands(other two are avatar and Hollywood undead) since I heard bat country in 6th grade when I started getting into music and I saw them in 2017 opening for Metallica. Syn is a major influence and im glad to be starting to learn under him and papa gates' videos more frequently!

Hi! I'm Dia and I'm from the Netherlands. I started playing guitar in January this year so I'm still pretty new to it all. Also still figuring out how exactly the site works haha. Really nice to be here though, already seen lots of awesome people

:syngates:Yo Family! For June’s #AOTM we are going with one of my fav records of all time and certainly my fav prog record of all time in Images and Words by the great Dream Theatre.

This was another band introduced to me by Jimmy. He used to sneak a Walkman(look it up kids) to school and play me ridiculous shit in the bathroom. This one stood out as having the most incredible musicianship I had ever heard. I was 13 when he played this record for me and it changed the way I looked at guitar. I had no idea that what I was hearing could be accomplished on the instrument I had already spent years working on.

Dream Theatre is a progressive rock band that formed in 1985 in the halls of Berklee School of Music in Boston. There have been multiple lineups but the Images and Words cast comprise Mike Portnoy on drums, John Petrucci on guitar, James LaBrie on vocals, John Myung on bass, and Kevin Moore on keyboards.

John Petrucci has been one of my favorite guitarists rotating in my top 3 since the very day I heard this light show of a record way back in middle school. He certainly epitomizes my way of approaching the guitar more than any other player besides maybe my father - with an endless pursuit of technique and harmony only to facilitate a melody and composition first approach to solos and songwriting.

This motif and melody first approach has yielded some of my favorite solos of all time and couple that with the pyrotechnics weaving in and around these flawless melodies and motifs make for a perfect combination of music and cinema.

As a student of percussion as well, I was moved by how Mike Portnoy seamlessly and so fluidly supported all of these incredible riffs and time signatures in such a musical and cinematic way. And as smooth as this cat could play, he still managed to make the music heavy as fuck. Listen to Under a Glass Moon for one of the greatest grooves of all time. The entire record is a clinic on how a drummer can steal the show at no cost to his co stars and director.

If there was a dude that I would’ve done unspeakable things to sing like, it would be James LaBrie. The range, the soul, the technique, the texture, the everything. This dudes got it in spades. It’s such a slippery slope to not take these songs and turn them into overly dramatic novelty uber dramas. James does no such thing. Flawless victory.

John Myung is as gifted as the aforementioned. He doesn’t just support the band, he comes bearing gifts. I’ve transcribed thousands of difficult musical passages in my life and I still have no clue wtf he’s doing in Metropolis, part 1 at 5:40

And last but certainly not least, Kevin Moore on keys. Total stud and one of my favorite songwriters of all time. He wrote a lot of my favorite songs on this record. They’re all great songwriters but Kevin speaks to me on this record.

Lastly, some or many of you know that Mike helped us out when Jimmy passed in late ‘09. We were putting the final touches on Nightmare when our world was shattered. For a couple of weeks we had decided to not move forward as it wouldn’t be right without Jimmy. Two main components quickly changed our minds. The first was The Sullivan’s. Jimmy’s parents and sisters were like our parents and sisters. We grew up with them. We love them dearly. They told us we had no choice in the matter because Jimmy would’ve demanded that we continue on. The second was Mike Portnoy. I’m sure somebody spoke of it before me but I know that the choice was clear to everyone when the decision was made to move forward. We needed one of Jimmy’s favorites to lift us up and realize the dream of putting out Jimmy’s final work.

Much like Petrucci is the influence that speaks the loudest on my sleeve, Mike is arguably that for Jimmy and certainly the best contender to have executed Jimmy’s unique and brilliant vision for the record. Mike walked in, hung is ego at the door and spent countless hours copying meticulous kick patterns and fills without complaint.

Of all musical elements, style is by far the most difficult to emulate. He hung in there and didn’t stop until we were all beyond satisfied with the performance. Of course we had him do his thing across many of Jimmy’s unfinished drum demos and then fully unleashed the beast on the closer, Save Me. Mike absolutely shines on that track, to say the least.

Well I hope that you enjoy this record even a fraction of the amount that I do, it would be enough to change your life.

A runner up and probably Shadows’ favorite Dream Theatre record is Metropolis Part 2. It’s definitely very cinematic and has a touch of Elfman throughout.

Lemme know your thoughts in the comments, can’t wait to connect with you all on this beast



All my love,

SYN
:syngates:
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We had some students on here that were interested in seeing some actual pieces of gear that Avenged Sevenfold used on some of their albums. I paid a visit to their longtime friend/engineer/producer Fred Archambault and he showed me some gear that he still had that was used by them. Fred worked on A7X albums such as Waking the Fallen, City of Evil, Self Titled, Diamonds in the Rough, and Nightmare along with albums from many other bands. Fred was the last person to record The Rev (for Jeff Dunham's 2008 Christmas Album, also featuring PG) and the ONLY person to record him professionally.

Fred also expressed that he would be open to possibly doing a Q&A or maybe livestream here on the site since his name comes up from time to time and many students have questions.

The gear will be posted in the comments here. One piece of gear will be posted on its own thread. Here is that other thread