April 30, 2013

Going in a different learning direction. Instead of the book I've been using, I decided to use the DVD "Jazz Manuche Technique & Improvisation Volume 1" by Denis Chang. From now on in this blog, I'll refer to this DVD as simply "the first DVD." I think the book I was using was good, but I get the feeling that this DVD (the first in a series) will be easier to follow in terms of actual application of concepts into improvisation as well as minimizing mistakes I might make due to the visual allowed in a DVD. I much prefer a book over a DVD; going to probably just write out the concepts, patterns, etc.

April 29, 2013

Added another minor arpeggio pattern.

April 28, 2013

Ok so it's sinking in a bit. I'm not just learning the G and Am arpeggios in the "Getting into Gypsy Jazz" book, but rather I'm learning all the major and minor forms by utilizing the roots. I was thinking of using the Romane book, but I don't want to go looking around for the "magic bullet" or ultimate method of learning Gypsy Jazz; looking for the ultimate method of learning piano sure didn't work for me. Let's stick with one method and go for it.

April 25, 2013

Finished learning the G major arpeggio forms. May revisit the Romane book.

Oscar Aleman

Practicing my arpeggios in G major. Want to hear some absolutely beautiful music featuring Gypsy guitar? Play "Dolores" as performed by Oscar Aleman...Recently got his double disc set: "Swing Guitar Masterpieces 1938-1957." He was a contemporary of and friends with Django, but never reached the popularity attained by Django.

April 23, 2013

Short but sweet guitar practice of G major arpeggios.

April 22, 2013

So saddened to hear of the recent death of an old high school friend. What a nice guy. Smiling. I was dabbling with trumpet at the time while he was playing trombone. So so sad.

April 21, 2013

Spent time today learning closed and open arpeggios for the "G" chord from the Stephan Wrembel book. Getting there. Want to improvise!

April 18, 2013

Good Music Day. May do a rock and roll band, after all, with the guys I know already. Practiced some Gypsy Jazz...really really want to improvise...learned the three positions to three chords...this I believe will lead to some improv.

April 16, 2013

April 14, 2013

April 14, 2013

Working on those Gypsy Jazz chords (chapter 2). Decided that tomorrow I'm going to start paying an emphasis on improv (chapter 3), and maybe just do about five minutes of those chords a day.

April 13, 2013

I was going too fast in the Gypsy Jazz book, not taking the time to really internalize the material. Today worked on internalizing the Major and Minor Gypsy Jazz Chords.

April 11, 2013

Practiced some minor chords, Gypsy Jazz style: minor, two minor 6th chords, and a minor 6/9. Having a hard time holding two strings down with one finger. Using just the "Getting into Gypsy Jazz" guitar book. Besides quitting the rock and roll band, I'm not sure if I mentioned it already, but I also quit the pop band. Leaves me only with the Gypsy Jazz stuff, Conti stuff, and the Church band (that really is no big deal). Feels good to downsize.

April 10, 2013

Good day of Gypsy Jazz. Practiced (chords): Maj 6/9 chords, maj 7/3 chord; and with regards to improvisation, the three major chord shapes and three minor chord shapes. Listened to Django in car as well as while playing Scrabble with my youngest daughter. Will read more of Django biography tonight. Interesting guy.....could not read.....

April 9, 2013

Just quit the rock and roll band. I should spend more time at home.

April 7, 2013

Rock and roll band experiment went well. Looks like its a keeper. Quit the other band I generally have practiced with on Friday nights, and at least for now will stay with the rock and roll band and Gypsy Jazz stuff.
Didn't really love the sounds coming out if my guitar and amp...sounded dull to me...wish I still had my Hot Rod Deluxe, and my pedals. As much as I love my Casino, the lack of humbuckers resulted in an annoying hum. Dare to dream: Wabr my old Hot Rod Deluxe, my old pedals, and........let's see......a telecaster? ...my old Epiphone 60's Tribute Plus??? The Tribute Plus wins....but I still want to keep the Casino....or do I ? ? ?

April 7, 2013

Might be a deal breaker day. Playing with rock and roll guys in about an hour and a half....may lead to something or a return to emphasis on Gypsy Jazz....

April 6, 2013

Playing guitar at Mass tonite....playing with a couple of guys tomorrow (bassist and drummer) seeing if anything gels. I'll be singing "You Can't Do That," "Slow Down," "Peggy Sue;" we are also trying "Memphis," "Secret Agent Man," "Little Sister," and maybe something else I can't remember now.....learned the pentatonic scale all over the fretboard.....may soon be playing a couple of songs for a music night at Church. Will play the Casino tonite...