4 comments about Best of Joe Bonamassa Guitar Vocal.

1. I ordered this item as a Christmas gift for my son, I think in Nov. It still has not shipped. What is the deal, is the guy typing it up for me personally? We keep receiving a shipping date but it is then moved back.
   If it does arrive, I will return with a rating on it, and not put into the equation how long it took to receive.



2. OK, I had to post this review to counter the person who gave it 1 star because it took a year to publish. That is inexcusable, but presumably not Joe's fault. I just got mine, and have not had a chance to look very closely, but hey, it's Joe, and it's "artist approved," so it HAS to be good. One word of warning, the song list IS NOT the same as listed above; Pain and Sorrow is not included, and for that I'm bummed.
   
   Here's the actual list:
   
   Blues Deluxe
   Faux Martini
   Had to Cry Today
   If Heartaches Were Nickels
   Miss You, Hat You
   My Mistake
   A New Day Yesterday
   Revenge of the 10 Gallon Hat
   The River
   So, It's Like That
   Woke UP Dreaming
   
   Maybe go with Hal Leonard next time, Joe.



3. The title says it all. How can producers leave out songs like Pain and Sorrow and call the album "BEST OF?" What a crock. This isn't a review of Bonamassa, but marketing practices by both Amazon and Bonamassa's producers. For example, Amazon is getting really shady with it's marketing. They post that Pain is on the album, but it's not, and I've seen this with their DVDs too: selling old "Lightscribe" DVDs right next to the new Lightscribe 1.2, and there is a big difference. So using the DVD example, an unknowing person sees that what appears equitable merchandise, but one is 29.00 and one is 13.00 dollars, they automatically choose the 13.00 choice--duh they're the same! And you can't blow the images up like on other products to look at the package label--as if that would matter anyway. Sleazy.



4. I've actually met this guy one time while he put on a show in Maryland. He is very very talented. This book is not for the faint of heart. I can't stop playing the first song Blues Deluxe which is one of the best guitar blues driven songs there is to learn. Joe really works his control over volume, muting, punchy expressive progressions, and control. This will add to your skills but it will take some time. Do not expect to play like him out of the box but you will learn a trick or two. The book is quite eclectic in taste and style and you may not love every song. Take it for what it is, something for everyone. Good luck.

5 comments about Bach Lute Suites For Guitar (Classical Guitar Series).

1. I recently attended a 40 hour session of master classes that focused on interpretation of Baroque music on the modern guitar. Most of the attendees were students at conservatories - the general consensus was that this edition is superb. There may be others as good, but this one is certainly up to standard. During the class, we often referred to this edition to correct errors in the other student's scores.

   Of course, any transcription for the guitar makes changes, drops some notes, looses some voices, etc. The maestro's opinion (a specialist in music of the period) was that the compromises in this edition are quite fine.

   Of course, one should always have as close to the original texts as possible for reference.




2. About the fingerings I must say that in some pieces I tend to alter them a lot, but this is most of the time a matter of personal taste and style. It's just in a few cases that they realy need to be changed, and this is perfectly normal in a book that covers all of Bach's works for lute.
   Concerning the musicall content, this is a very good edition. I also liked the "ottava bassa" indications on the basses. This way you get a clear picture of the original bassline, and anyone that has ever played this suites knows how important they are.
   Price is also very appealing.



3. I must first say that the only reason that I've given this book one star is because that's the lowest amount that I could give it and Bach's Lute Suites are in the book and the book didn't fall apart. This book gives you no real performance notes, no true historical perspective of the music and how it should be interpreted, and the fingerings are adequate at best. As a teacher,and performer I can only recommend this book if the Frank Koonce Bach book is out of print or you can't afford something else. Shame on you Ariel Publ. and Jerry Willard.



4. This is a great compilation! These transcriptions are very musical, given the limitations of transcribing for modern guitar from a 13 course baroque lute...of course it was necessary to drop a lot of bass notes and the bass lines and even mid-register voicing just can't be made to match the original pieces all that well. You may want to alter some of the fingering, but everyone except rank beginners do this as a matter of course. The one star review is harsh and unnecessary. Go for it! My 1980s copy is well-loved and well marked up!



5. I have to say that what Jerry Willard did in publishing his edition of J.S. Bach's Complete Works was to not inflict upon the music his musical conception, through over-fingering or ornamentation. It is perfect for the professional guitarist who wants a very reliable transcription in the accepted "guitar keys", as well as a great study version for any student of the guitar. Like his other publication of the Bach Inventions for the guitar by the same publisher, it is a diet staple both for me and my students.
   
   It is generally accepted that one must study these suites with a great teacher who has familiarity with the style, (which Jerry Willard is!)and to read alot about performance practice to determine for yourself what the best choices are. All this is possible if you own this edition. In the end, Willard leaves the choices to us.
   
   Excellent book!!

2 comments about Classic Guitar Construction.

1. Classic Guitar Construction takes you step by step through the construction of a fine classic guitar. The book contains complete plans for an instrument, although the information is scattered and the body is shown half scale. Sloane uses very few power tools, explaining how to make and use the special jigs and tools you will need. The author describes wood selection, choice of adhesives, and finishing methods. The relatively low price makes this an easy choice for anyone wanting to build classic guitars or study their construction.



2. This book is actually on $23.95 and still in print.
   
   Nicholas Clarke
   The Bold Strummer Ltd

3 comments about It's easy to Build Your Own Lap Steel Guitar.

1. As with is other book, Martin Koch tells you ALL you need to know to build a beautiful instrument.

   From building 2 types of lap steel's from A to Z, to making the case and even making your own pickups, this book as it all.

   This is my second book by Martin Koch and let me just say that his books are a gold mine of information from cover to cover.

   Martin Koch also as a website that compliments his books where you can ask questions, see other instruments people have built and there are also good tools such as Fret Calculator and stuff.

   Trust me......if you want to build your own instrument, you will not regret purchasing this book.




2. ..to build your first Lap Steel. The book is well laid out, clear, and well suited to a beginners approach. I had never done any musical woodworking projects, and this book (Along with the guidance of some skilled woodworking friends) walked me comfortably through the steps to completing a good looking and good sounding lap steel. Very rewarding purchase. Can't recommend it enough.



3. The book is easy reading and enjoyable. I am making a steel guitar that is a mix of the first and second example. The dimensions are very helpful as is the suggested parts list. I would purchase this book again.

2 comments about Blues: Guitar Play-Along Volume 38.

1. I have found it difficult to find good Tab of complete songs. I found this series of books to be just right. Challenging enough in for me ( I would rate myself an intermediate player ) but not so challenging that it is too overwhelming. After learning a song it is fun to play along with the CD. So far I have learned to play Killing Floor and am very happy with the arrangement.



2. An excellent tool for learning those famous blues licks. The additional 'slow down' software is a great tool for learning those more difficult licks. Equally the stand alone backing tracks allow you to either play along or improvise over. Great value for the money.

No comments about Martin Guitars: A Technical Reference: Book 2.

5 comments about While My Guitar Gently Weeps : The Music of George Harrison.

1. Finally, someone analyzes George's musical catologue with the scholarly insight it deserves. Simon Leng understands how to connect the events in George's life to his artistic endeavors. Mr. Leng ably demonstrates that he has pondered long & hard about George's majestic contributions to twentieth century arts and beyond. Bravo.



2. This is a pretty good book. Unlike it's competitor, or companion "here Comes the Sun", this book is coming from a primarily music-analysis point of view, rather than a spiritual hagiography/biography. The analysis is pretty much song by song and focuses mainly on his solo albums, not his Beatles work, so anyone who wants to read about the first and early forays into Indian music will not find it here- that said, he does go into detail about the people who worked closely with George in the production of all his work (including the introductions to Ravi Shankar and some of the faces behind the scenes).
   I liked this book- if I had to pick one or the other of the two competing
   "musical histories" I would choose this one, if only because while it recognizes George's spiritual quest could not be divorced from his music, it focuses on the mechanics of that music rather than the personalities of (and the followers of) the "spiritual masters" he encountered on the way.



3. The review title refers to the monumental critical analysis by Ian MacDonald, Revolution in the Head: The Beatles' Records and the Sixties, which this book closely resembles both in structure and style. I think it is, in a word, AWESOME that a solid critical appreciation of George Harrison's entire body of work has been issued. Simon Leng has done a truly commendable job of treating Harrison's solo discography with the respect and attention is deserves. There is, in fact, much more to George's post-Beatles ouput than "All Things Must Pass" (though that is certainly the peak of his accomplishments) and Mr. Leng offers opinions of it all, song by song.
   
   As with the Ian MacDonald work, this book is written by someone who is obviously a major fan - but not a fanboy. A clear-eyed objectivity is (more or less) maintained as Leng analyzes Harrison's music. I didn't agree with every single opinion of every single song - but it did inspire me to relisten to George's music from a different perspective. Ultimately, I believe that's exactly what this type of book should do. The focus is squarely on the music (though some biographical information is included in between discussing the albums, which is welcome - especially since George's career isn't as well known or documented as Lennon and McCartney's).
   
   If you're a longtime fan of Harrison's work, you're likely to find something new to listen for. If you're a newcomer, you're likely to want to immediately acquire any of music you aren't familiar with.



4. This book provides an insightful description and analysis of Harrison's music and his era. It's really an achievement. Leng is a mature, sensitive and intelligent writer: his knowledge of Harrison and his wonderful music is evident, as is his affection for the subject. Leng traces Harrison's solo work, how it evolved and why. He also places Harrison's work in context: Can you imagine a time when songs about peace, love and spiritual yearning topped the pop charts? And if you are just a bit too young to know why, say, Bob Dylan, was such a big deal, then read this book. Harrison's music and his spiritual growth were a big deal, too, and rightfully so - and Leng should be commended for recognizing and illuminating this.



5. If you're a Beatles fan, there are so many books that discuss their music that a newcomer could easily be paralyzed by the sheer volume of choices. If you are a GEORGE HARRISON fan, however, there are relatively few books available, and this is a good thing, because Simon Leng's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is all you need for critical analysis of his work. The book moves chronologically, skimming over the Beatles years and digging in around 1969, when George became a solo artist and producer-for-hire. Each album is discussed, track by track, and unreleased recordings and guest spots for other artists are also covered. The original hardcover first came out in 2001, so get the newer softcover, which received a considerable re-write and is updated for George's final album, "Brainwashed." Leng is clearly a George fan, and he does fawn and over-defend some lesser work, but the book is still an invaluable guide to the underrated solo career of the Quiet Beatle.

2 comments about Mel Bay's Complete Method for Classic Guitar.

1. This book is nice, but on its second half is very hard for you to go on alone... You will need a teacher and additional studies.



2. I've learned to play 5 different classical instruments in my lifetime, but guitar seems to be harder, maybe because I'm older now. I appreciate though that this book is thorough. I would have hated having to go through little lesson books that try to spend too much time on musical basics (like whole notes and scales.) I feel like if anything is going to help me get a grip on guitar, this one will (well, short of actually paying for lessons).

3 comments about The Natural Classical Guitar.

1. This is a wonderfully reassuring book. I won't say it leads to "effortless" playing, as the cover boasts, but it certainly broadens the routine of practicing. BTW, this book was reprinted in 1991 by The Bold Strummer, Ltd., of Westport, Connecticut. It was listed in Books in Print in 1995.



2. This book is an excellent resource for those wishing to improve their technical and musical mastery of the guitar. A lot of the information is not (or should not be) new to any serious guitarist, however the author presents it in such a simple and logical way that when you put it into practice, you should see almost immediate improvements in your playing. The book is really a "system" of playing, practicing and approach to the guitar (and yourself) which is almost exquisite in its simplicity. I'm not aware of the author as a well known classical guitarist, but I suspect he's an excellent teacher and communicator, and I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve his or her playing. Having said that, keep in mind that the other essential ingredients to making beautiful music come not from any book or teacher, but from within yourself - ie. disciplined goal directed practice, patience, and an unshakeable belief that you can do it.



3. This book has changed my guitar playing life. What Lee Ryan puts into words, so well, has helped me acheive better tone, I play much more effortlessly and presise, it's also given me the mental tools to rise above my speed, accuracy and hand strain issues. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

3 comments about Gig Bag Book of Picture Chords for all Guitarists (Gig Bag Books).

1. I love the unique size of this book and it being spiral format.It has been very well thought out with the guitarist in mind. It is easy to lay flat and look at while playing the guitar and the fingering photos are great alongside the chords. My only "downer" to a critique would be that I'd like to have a better quality wire spiral than what is used on the book but that is a minor complaint compared to the quality and ease in using the book. It is also a snap to pack along when you travel with your guitar. Fabulous refernce for the beginner or an old pro.



2. What do you want when you buy a chord book? How about 1000 guitar chords packed into a book about the same dimensions as a folded road map. The book is broken into C, C#, D, Eb, E... sections. There are chord diagrams with finger numbering and a photo of someone's hand demonstrating the chord. Under each string in the chord diagrams is the name of the note that you are making, and at the top of the page there is the chord written on the G cleft just incase you know how to read music. The chord diagrams are huge. Each chord and acompanying picture is about the size of a baseball card, so you arn't squinting trying to figure out what it says. Easily viewable on the ground. The spiral binding is cheap, but what else are you going to do to make the book lay flat on the ground?



3. this book is as complete as you will ever need.If your a true beginner, this book may seem overwhelming and perhaps, just might be. There are other books out there that start with the very basics, and I do recommend starting there first. If you have a fairly good understanding of the guitar, then this book is your next step.It's easy to read and the photos are great but, considering that most popular classic rock and pop songs consist of 4 to 5 chords only, are you sure you really want to know the other 995 ??If your answer is yes, then this book is for you. Look at it this way,with this book the odds of you not having a picture and diagram of any particular chord are 1000 to 1 For that reason alone, this book is a must. Now get out there and play your heart out.