Guitar Noise

Welcome to the latest issue of Guitar Noise News.

In This Issue

• News and Announcements
• New Lessons and Articles
• Sunday Songwriters Sessions
• Reviews
• Thoughts and Feedback

News And Announcements

Greetings!

Welcome to Guitar Noise News!

I don’t know how these rumors start, but I guess it’s better to squash them early. Let me tell all of you that there is absolutely no truth to the gossip that our own Paul Hackett was China’s first man in space. He’s way too busy!

Speaking of busy, I got an email from Hans Fahling last week and he gave me some great news:

First, Hans announces the release of a newly revamped play-along/reference CD that comes with his book “Bebop Improv Concepts” (read our Guitar Noise review here). Upload is free for those that have already purchased the book. The new practice tracks sound great and are just that much more fun to play along with.

Secondly, Hans has started composing another instructional book especially for guitarists (with tab, diagrams, etc.): “Introductory Studies for the Improvising Guitarist.” It will also come with a reference/play-along CD and is due out by Christmas. He does take advance orders if you are already are looking for nifty presents for your friends (or want to drop a hint to your friends for yourself!).

Be sure to check out Hans’ latest offerings, not to mention keep updated on his latest workshops and gigs, at his site.

And to top it all off, Hans also is responsible for this week’s new lesson!

New Lessons And Articles

Blues Lines In Jazz III
by Hans Fahling

Our man in Berlin brings us the latest installment of his popular jazz guitar lessons. Here we learn how to apply the blues lines from Lessons I and II in tonal and modal situations.

Sunday Songwriters Group

The Sunday Songwriters Group is a Guitar Noise exclusive. Conceived by Ryan Spencer and Nick Torres, the idea is to give songwriters a weekly exercise in order to help develop their lyric-writing skills.

It’s open to everyone. Got an itch to write? Jump on in! Even if you don’t write, you should feel free to critique. After all, you probably have experience listening to songs, no?

For more info, visit the SSG FAQ.

And now that you all know what’s going on…

Sunday Songwriters Group – the Second Year!

52 weeks have come and gone. 3150 posts and replies. Some really great songs have been written and recorded. Some amazing improvement as songwriters has occurred. Don’t believe me? Check out my early stuff.

Or, better yet, take a look at Adam’s MP3 page, where many of our SSG participants have posted audio versions of their work. Listen to Portia’s “Dream”, Jamir’s “Desert Tears”, Alan Green’s “The Barman Speaks” or David and my collaboration on “One by One” (aka ssg27). There are many more here, as well as others scattered about various internet sites.

There must be some way of commemorating the event.

How about if we try something new?

I’d like to change the direction of the Sunday Songwriter’s group as it enters its second year.

We spent the last year working on lyrics. I don’t know about you but now I’ve got a folder full of lyrics looking for music.

What if we turn the direction towards the music?

We can work on song construction, chord choices, melody, musical hooks, key choices, key changes and many other things. Heck we may even be able to sneak in some painless theory.

If we do go with working on the music, perhaps we might think about changing the frequency of the assignments? I think we would need to, music takes longer for me.

What do you think?

Put your hints, desires, critiques, changes, suggestions here.

I’m looking forward to a great second year.

Nick

Reviews

Sounds Of Wood And Steel – A Windham Hill Collection
This album brings together top guitarists from a variety of styles including performances from top-tier artists such as Dave Matthews, Jars of Clay, Paul Rogers, Phil Keaggy, and Russ Freeman.

Music Theory For Guitarists – by Tom Serb
Music Theory for Guitarists is not your every day theory book. Tom Serb takes a fresh perspective of learning theory on the fretboard, without needing to read music. Almost every stanza of notation and scale in the book is accompanied by tab or chord charts.

Thoughts and Feedback

I’d like to thank everyone who written so far expressing interest in (and encouragement for) my proposed “Guitar Noise Seminars.” I hope to get back to each of you in the next week or so and try to nail down some specific dates and topics.

And I’d also like to say that, just judging by the email I’ve received, there’s a definite probability of me taking this on the road! Great – more details to figure out!

You’ll have to forgive me for making this a short newsletter this week, but I’m sure I’ll make up for it next time.

I hope you all have a grand week. Stay safe.

And, as always,

Peace

David