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Post by allthumbs on May 28, 2021 12:25:15 GMT -6
Good morning everyone,
I'm a new member to the forums -- I just ordered a copy of "Jazzin' The Blues" direct from Hal Leonard, but I have scoped out as many of the sample pages from Mr. Ganapes' work as I could, and it feels like it's going to be a good fit for me. I'll probably buy "Blues You Can Use" as well, and maybe that's the one I should have started with, but we'll see.
I see that there are occasional member challenges to share your version of specific pieces from the books. That's a ways off for me, I'm sure, but once I have a chance to work through some of the material (and to see how good the rest of you are), maybe I'll post something.
After many years of playing guitar non-seriously, I have spent the past couple of years really trying to improve. I've taken private lessons a couple of different times, but I'm back to self-study, books, YouTube, etc. I have seen at least one mention on these forums of Frank Vignola's TrueFire channel, and I have subscribed to that in the past (and probably will again). I have purchased several TrueFire courses (blues, jazz, country, and even rockabilly). If there are even just a few good ideas I can take from a book or an online course, I think it's worth it.
Feel free to reply if there is anything specific about the books or forums you think I should know.
Thanks!
Danny
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Post by Marc on May 28, 2021 14:48:14 GMT -6
Welcome to the forum Danny.
Everyone here is just trying to get better, you will fit right in. I have a lot of admiration for Turefire and Frank Vignola. In fact, I've been trying to work though a couple of his courses, along with all the BYCU books, and several others.
So every Sunday someone (not me) creates a post weekly update post. I find it a good way of holding my self accountable to my musical goals and checking in to see if I might need to pivit direction. I'll admit some weeks I'm a monster in the practice shed, some weeks I barely pick it up. It's all part of the process.
Welcome again,
Marc
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Post by jack1982 on May 28, 2021 15:14:45 GMT -6
Welcome Danny! I really enjoyed that jazz book - and I don't even like jazz lol. "Alone at Midnight" is just a wonderful song, and the rest are a lot of fun as well. I'm a bit like you, I started in 1984, practiced like a madman for about 5 years, then for about the next 25 years it was practice for a couple months, take a 5 year break, repeat repeat repeat. I joined the forum maybe 6 or 7 years ago and it's a great bunch of guys here, and they've kept me playing just because I don't want to admit I'm letting it slide or they'll get on my case  Anyhow welcome again! |
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Post by wannaplayblues on May 29, 2021 5:56:58 GMT -6
Hey Danny!
Welcome to the group. Everyone here is great!!!
Practice loads, record yourself to track progress and post in our weekly update to hold yourself accountable. It really works!!!
Most of all - have fun doing it!
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Seto
Junior Member
Posts: 55
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Post by Seto on Jun 7, 2021 8:34:55 GMT -6
Hi allthumbs, if you already have been practicing Jazz for a while now it is likely fine. However, I would like to mention that the first book, Blues You Can Use is intended as the core of the series. As such, Jazzin' the Blues is most accessible after completing Blues You Can Use, as Jazzin' the Blues begins at an advanced level of playing. The same could be said for More Blues You Can Use, the sequel to the first book. Really, all JohnG's books are linked to the first book, Blues You Can Use. There are some that work as great supplemental material, like Blues Rhythms You Can Use, Blues Licks You Can Use, etc while you work within the first book. I thought this may be important to mention as if you find any difficulties in Jazzin' the Blues, Blues You Can Use should be able to accommodate and prepare you. All the books of John's I have had the chance to study with have been very effective, so if you feel there are any 'holes' in your playing, one of his several methods may be the right 'cure'. Good luck with your playing dude, I wish you great success |
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Post by Phil on Jun 7, 2021 9:40:42 GMT -6
Hi allthumbs , if you already have been practicing Jazz for a while now it is likely fine. However, I would like to mention that the first book, Blues You Can Use is intended as the core of the series. As such, Jazzin' the Blues is most accessible after completing Blues You Can Use, as Jazzin' the Blues begins at an advanced level of playing. The same could be said for More Blues You Can Use, the sequel to the first book. Really, all JohnG's books are linked to the first book, Blues You Can Use. There are some that work as great supplemental material, like Blues Rhythms You Can Use, Blues Licks You Can Use, etc while you work within the first book. I thought this may be important to mention as if you find any difficulties in Jazzin' the Blues, Blues You Can Use should be able to accommodate and prepare you. All the books of John's I have had the chance to study with have been very effective, so if you feel there are any 'holes' in your playing, one of his several methods may be the right 'cure'. Good luck with your playing dude, I wish you great success Seto, I agree that BYCU is the core book in John's series. However, I have to disagree with you on the difficulty of "Jazzin' the Blues". Most of the single note lines in JtB are actually quite easy from a technique perspective. They're far easier than anything in "More Blues You Can Use" or some of the licks in the lick book that the guys have been recently uploading. I did JtB immediately after finishing MBYCU and it was a relief to be able to play a study without hours and hour of practice. Musically they might be a little tough to get your head rapped around at first since they go beyond the basic pentatonic scale and get into "playing the changes". But maybe you're referring to the chord changes and not the melody lines. Once you understand where those additional chords are coming from and why they work a whole new world is opened to you. |
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Seto
Junior Member
Posts: 55
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Post by Seto on Jun 7, 2021 16:07:53 GMT -6
Seto, I agree that BYCU is the core book in John's series. However, I have to disagree with you on the difficulty of "Jazzin' the Blues". Most of the single note lines in JtB are actually quite easy from a technique perspective. They're far easier than anything in "More Blues You Can Use" or some of the licks in the lick book that the guys have been recently uploading. I did JtB immediately after finishing MBYCU and it was a relief to be able to play a study without hours and hour of practice. Musically they might be a little tough to get your head rapped around at first since they go beyond the basic pentatonic scale and get into "playing the changes". But maybe you're referring to the chord changes and not the melody lines. Once you understand where those additional chords are coming from and why they work a whole new world is opened to you. Phil, I appreciate your informed correction on this matter. I have both More Blues and Jazzin', but I have not utilized either method yet. I am currently engaged with BYCU and Blues Rhythms, when my efforts and endeavours towards my blues training are called upon... however that is on slight hold for now as I pursue other more pressing interests. The description for the Jazzin' the Blues book on the main website indicates preference towards completing BYCU and being at an advanced level of playing, perhaps that is more in regards to harmonic theory and such though? In any case, I haven't begun any study in that book so I would say to allthumbs that @phil is likely a much better source of info on this topic. |
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Post by cunningr on Jun 8, 2021 9:59:10 GMT -6
Welcome to the forum Danny, lots of knowledge on here and good general discussions. I think we are all at varying levels, but the forum helps keep me focused. These days I am taking a combo course learning to interact with other musicians and a private lesson after that class.
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