Mastering Guitar Technique: Process and Essence PDF Download

Author: Christopher Berg
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications
ISBN: 1610650581
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 145

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Book Description
This book assumes a modest music reading ability and some familiarity with basic classic guitar technique. A comprehensive, exploration of the requirements for developing effortless and musically sensitive guitar technique.

Author: William Bay
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications
ISBN: 1609743741
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 137

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Book Description
In this class guitar method, traditional fundamentals of playing guitar are presented using an innovative approach. Students are shown chords and accompaniment techniques as well as how to read music and play solo guitar. The carefully graded repertoire in this book is stylistically diverse and includes music from many cultures. A section is devoted to teaching students how to improvise over blues chord progressions and write original blues lyrics. A special feature of this class method is the inclusion of music written for guitar ensemble (2-5 guitars). Musical examples are provided with blend of standard notation and tab. Musical examples do not employ standard notation and tab at the same time. An accompanying audio and Teachers' Supplement are available. Includes access to online audio.

Author: Mark Kailana Nelson
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications
ISBN: 1610655966
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 161

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Book Description
Hawaiian slack key guitar (Ki Ho'alu) is one of the world's great acoustic guitar traditions. This tradition includes virtuoso guitar pieces, but the majority of songs played slack key are classic Hawaiian melodies either played as instrumentals or as accompaniment to vocals with instrumental breaks between the verses. the term slack key does not refer to a type of guitar, but rather to any guitar played in the slack key style, that is, in alternate tunings with slacked strings and fingerstyle technique. Acknowledged slack key master Keola Beamer is a member of a family known for its musical artistry for generations. We are fortunate to have him writing in conjunction with veteran Mel Bay author, educator and multi-instrumentalist Mark Nelson, who simply followed his love of the music to the Islands. Written in standard notation and tablature to accommodate numerous alternate tunings, this book is presented in four sections: 1) the most common tuning introduced by fairly easy songs; 2) Illustrations of how to build your own arrangements; 3) A presentation of various slack key tunings; and 4) A selection of duets in the slack key style. Historical and cultural insights are offered throughout in the spirit of aloha, producing an informative, musically enlightening book with soul and humor. the companion CD features tuning tracks and informal introductions of the audio content by the authors, plus some beautiful slack key music.

Author: Nori Kelley
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications
ISBN: 1610656466
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 41

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Book Description
This book equips the beginner with the basic techniques necessary to succeed in the modern world of music. Numerous strumming patterns are covered, as are several fingerpicking patterns. the student will also learn the basics of chord chart reading, something that will come in handy should they ever find themselves in semi-pro or professional playing situations. This book will benefit anyone who is interested in playing current popular music, including rock, alternative, folk-rock, country & contemporary worship. Also included is a full length 75-minute CD with all 51 exercises from the book, to help the student with areas such as timing and the concept of playing with other musicians. the goal for the student is to play the exercises along with the CD. A must for both beginners and those desiring to improve their basic strumming and fingerpicking skills.

Author: Miles Okazaki
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications
ISBN: 1619114860
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 173

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Book Description
This book is designed to be useful for guitarists at any skill level. Beginners can use it as an introduction to the foundational concepts of the instrument, intermediate players can use it for training and theoretical work, and advanced players can explore the sections on advanced theory, extended technique and the exhaustive tables of melodic and rhythmic possibilities. It is divided into two parts: pitch and rhythm. Part 1 (pitch) begins with the properties of string, harmonics, and tuning systems. It then moves methodically through pitch information, beginning with locating all versions of a single pitch, building pentatonic, heptatonic, and all possible symmetrical scales. This is followed by a study of intervals, with all possible locations of every two pitches, and a long study that moves through every possible fingering of three pitches, with a series of exercises to master triadic syntax. Part 1 closes with a study of four-pitch structures and complete tables that show all possible pitch sets in circular visual notation. Part 2 (rhythm) begins with a complete course in "Symmetrical Picking," a method based on drum rudiments that builds control in the picking hand through an exhaustive variety of movements. The focus of this section is building a strong rhythmic foundation, with a focus on efficiency, accuracy, speed, dynamics, and groove. It is followed by a study of legato playing, working with ornaments and slides. The study of playing with fingers on multiple strings takes up the remainder of the book. This begins with the study of pulse against pulse, playing two simultaneous tempos. The book concludes with a study of polyrhythm, playing one rhythm against another. Plain English is used as much as possible to describe theoretical concepts, and hundreds of illustrations were made for the book as an aid to those who either don't speak English or prefer to think visually. This approach is designed to be inclusive and to promote creative practice. The main idea of the book is described in this passage (page 154): "Even in this small area there is a lot of material, potentially a lifetime of study. The amount of information can feel overwhelming to students at any level. For this reason, the book is designed for self-directed practice, with an emphasis on what the player "could" do, rather than what the player "should" do. The principle is to develop your own learning process, rather than following someone else's. The ability to make choices is essential in finding a personal approach to the instrument. Pick and choose the studies that seem interesting - there should be enough variety to accommodate a wide range of personalities. If any particular concept or exercise has been useful as the starting point for a new creative direction, then the book has done its job. Its purpose is not to push any dogma, method, or style, but to open the door to options for guitarists of any background that are looking for new perspectives.

Author: Jon Finn
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications
ISBN: 1619116928
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 129

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Book Description
Renowned Berklee College of Music faculty guitarist Jon Finn, combines his experience, education, and stylistic versatility in this eclectic series of lessons for aspiring rock guitarists. Jon's innovative approach is unique, fun, and challenging. The book/audio set and video both offer a well researched original take on the use of pentatonic scales in rock improvisation. Using his "Warp Refraction Principle" which takes into account the major third tuning interval between the second and third strings, Jon presents a series of five vertical patterns applied in two-string increments throughout the fretboard. The philosophy behind this project is to present concepts and techniques as a thought process rather than simply providing a reference manual. Includes access to online audio and video.

Author: William Bay
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications
ISBN: 1609743288
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 137

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Book Description
Mastering the Guitar Class Method is a remarkably innovative new approach to teaching guitar in class settings. Special features of this method include: careful grading of all material; use of both standard notation and tablature; numerous guitar ensemble pieces; the combining of music with other disciplines such as history, math, English, etc.; presentation of varied musical styles as applied to theguitar; solo material from different musical periods; selections derived from variouscountries and cultures; graded lessons on improvising; and suggested guitarback-up and accompaniment styles. This new method meets current MENC national standards for music education. After completing this volume, students should proceed to Mastering the Guitar Class Method Level 2. Teacher Supplement and Lesson Plans available

Author: Mark Kailana Nelson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781513462851
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The Hawaiian word for slack key guitar, kī hō‛alu, means to "loosen the key" or retune some of the strings to create a harmonious sound with an open or alternate tuning. Slack key is a fingerpicking style characterized by strong alternating bass lines played with the thumb. While slack key can be played on any guitar, most players prefer a nylon- or steel-stringed acoustic instrument.This book presents 25 intermediate to advanced traditional and original tunes in the Hawaiian slack key style. Melodies are often harmonized in sixths or thirds played with or without double stops. Techniques like syncopated bass lines, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and harmonics are tastefully employed to evoke the images of ocean breezes, swaying palms, hula dancers and white sandy beaches. The author writes, "Unless you grew up playing slack key, it's hard to get from the material presented in most books and DVDs to a fluid, play-it-your-own-way style." This book seeks to reveal the insights the author has gleaned from studying and jamming with some of the giants of the slack key style, and help you develop a style all your own. Includes access to online audio tracks of all 25 relaxing but challenging Hawaiian slack key tunes.

Author: Mimi Fox
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Incorporated
ISBN: 9780786671991
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 40

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Book Description
An in-depth approach by Mimi Fox to mastering arpeggios for guitarists, beginning with simple arpeggio studies, this book progresses through simple concepts and tunes then proceeds to tackle some of the great standards that jazz musicians play. The lesson concludes with advanced arpeggio concepts including super-imposition of unusual arpeggios over various chord types to create startling tonal clusters. This is a must-have for all serious guitarists who want to achieve great technique while developing their sense of harmony. Companion CD included.

Author: Eduardo Fernández
Publisher: Mel Bay Publications
ISBN: 9780786647460
Category : Music
Languages : en
Pages : 80

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Book Description
Here is a book for guitar students who wish to develop their instrumental capabilities to the point of mastery. This book, while not a method, is an attempt to help students internalize the most important aspects of practicing and performing music: Mechanism, the set of acquired reflexes that makes playing the guitar possible; Technique, the procedures to follow in order to master a given passage or overcome a given difficulty; and Learning a Mechanism or Technique, the process of acquiring a reflex or of mastering a passage or overcoming a specific difficulty. The exercises strive to ingrain proper techniques and mechanisms both physically and mentally, making the interpretation of music as natural to the guitarist as walking. The author encourages the student to conquer musical difficulties through critical and intelligent analysis rather than mere repetition. These techniques are intended to return the indispensable feeling of creative playing to musical work, having freed the student from consciously focusing on the physical aspects of playing. Musical examples are in standard notation only.