Acoustic Guitar Player

Steve Earle - The Latest Martin Signature Guitar

Mike — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:42:08 +0000

When I read that Steve Earle had worked with Matt Umanov, the owner of a guitar shop in Greenwich Village, to design a signature Martin acoustic guitar I was a little suprised. I always think of Steve Earl as a mandolin player and in particular think of Copperhead Road. Of course that is an old track, so I did a bit of searching around and found this much more recent video of him playing Tennesee Blues on acoustic guitar:

The Martin M-21 Steve Earle Custom Edition Signature Model will be signed by both designers. Naturally the M-21 is crafted from superb solid tonewoods. Respected for its clear rich tone, the top is Italian alpine spruce. Add to this 5/16” forward-shifted scalloped top bracing to enhance balance and responsiveness. The back and sides are East Indian rosewood for projection, and warmth. The neck is crafted from mahogany, has a low profile and is 1 11/16” at the nut. The headplate, fingerboard and bridge are also made from East Indian rosewood.

Like Martin Style 21s of the past, the M-21 Steve Earle Custom Edition tkaes from Style 18 and Style 28 appointments, and adds a few unique to Style 21. The Old Style gold C.F. Martin logo decal and butterbean buttons on the nickel Waverly tunering machines lend the headstock a classic look.

Understated top and back purfling and tortoise-color binding blend kindly with the rosette and checkerboard backstrip.

The fingerboard features Style 28 position markers that become smaller from the 5th to the 17th frets, and the “black with white dots” bridge pins and end pin also are classic Style 21.

For readers in the USA check out Steve Earle's website for details of his North American tour, which continues in Tucson, Arizona on June 27 and includes guest performances with Allison Moorer.

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Martin Simpson - Master of Celtic Aires

Mike — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 18:15:53 +0000

Martin Simpson's expressive playing of Celtic Aires is truly breathtaking. Even when he plays a single line with no accompaniment, he skillfully chooses the position of the notes to set the tone. And what tone and color he achieves from his Sobell guitar. If you havn't come across his playing I suggest getting some of CDs and listening to them over and over again. I recommed "Prodigal Son" if you want to find out what he is all about!

"Prodigal Son" won the Best Album award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2008 and he won Best Original Song at the same ceremony for, "Never Any Good". It reflects his live performances and showcases a collection of traditional and contemporary pieces that demonstrate his stunning writing skills. The album includes guests Danny Thompson (double bass), Andy Cutting (melodeaon), Barry Philips (cello), Alistair Anderson (Northumbrian Pipes and concertina), Jackson Browne (vocals), Kate Rusby (vocals) and Kellie While (vocals).

Here he is playing a medley of celtic aires.

If you are in the UK Martin Simpson's touring from June to November 2008. Check out MartinSimpson.com for a gig near you.

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Talking About Tuners

Mike — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:09:45 +0000

"Tune it or Die!", a great slogan I saw on a t-shirt at a session recently. If you are playing by yourself, as long as the guitar is in tune with itself it doesn't matter too much. Or does it? I find that by always keeping my guitars at concert pitch my ear improves. I am better at recognizing pitches, which helps when I try to transcribe music.

When you are playing with others it helps if you are all at the same pitch (and so avoid trouble from the guy with the t-shirt). Digital guitar tuners make it easy to be in pitch. I remember the pitch pipes I started with, blow a little too hard and the pitch would change. As a beginner this was a nightmare, I think my guitar was only really in tune when I was with my guitar teacher. With the digital tuners this is no longer an issue and even an absolute beginner can keep their guitar in tune.

I've used a number of digital tuners over the years but for the last 5 years or so I've used an Intellitouch PT1 , which clips onto the headstock. It has the advantage that you can retune even when there is a lot of noise around, something that you can't do with a tuner that has a microphone. It is also chromatic, so it's easy to get to DADGAD from standard. It's only real problem is with the low E-string which sometimes is slow to register. I can usually get to recognize E by playing the 12th fret harmonic, which is fine on my guitar as I know the intonation is perfect. I keep looking for an alternative clip on digital guitar tuner, but I've not found one yet as good as the Intellitouch.

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The Budget 15 Series Martins

Mike — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:33:35 +0000

The '15' series of all mahogany guitars are a great way to get a first Martin. They are plain, some say ugly, but are certainly distinctive and a definite conversation opener. They look back to the mahogany series first made by Martin in the early part of the 20th century and popular with the bluesmen. They sound great and play really well. There are eight basic models in the range: D-15 dreadnaught, DC-15E cutaway dreadnaught, D-15S 12-fret dreadnaught, J-15 Jumbo, 000-15 Auditorium, 000-15S slotted-head Auditorium, 00-15 Grand Concert, and the BC-15E acoustic bass. Each guitar has a black and gold herringbone rosette decal, and a tortoiseshell-colored pickguard. The seams of the body are a neat fit without bindings and the fingerboard and bridge are genuine East Indian rosewood. The tuning machines are an enclosed chrome type with chrome buttons. The satin finish gains an attractive patina from use, and the 'A-frame' cross-bracing brings out the rich sound inherent in mahogany.

Most of the model have a 25.4" scale length, 14 frets clear, and 1 11/16" nut. The exceptions being the D-15S and 000-15S, which have a wider 1 3/4" nut and 12 frets clear; great for fingerpicking or fingerstyle. The BC-15E acoustic bass has a 34.15" scale length and 1 37/64" nut. The E models have Fishman Prefix Pro electrics. All come with a hard case, so don't get charged extra if buying new!

And of course they are handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania...

My favorite model was the 000-15S, but I play fingerstyle. Each model has its place and its fans. You can usually find used 15 series guitars on EBay, here are the ones listed now:

Mahogany Martin d15 With Hard Case
US $399.00

Martin D15 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar w-Case D-15
US $759.00

Martin D15 Acoustic Guitar with Case12 SETS OF STRINGS
US $1,199.99

Martin D 15 Acoustic
US $499.00

Martin D-15 S
US $899.00

Martin D-15 Dreadnought Solid Mahogany Acoustic Guitar
US $899.99

Martin 00-15 Grand Concert Acoustic w- Hard Shell Case
US $949.00

Martin 00-15 Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar FREE SHIP
US $900.00

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Acoustic Guitar Magazine - Player’s Choice Awards

Mike — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:19:15 +0000

Acoustic Guitar Magazine has announced its annual player's choice awards. This is your chance to express your opinion. Which is the best dreadnaught? Who is your favorite fingerstyle player? What are the best accessories and who provides the most inspirational instruction materials?

Complete the online survey and you could win gift certificates from a selected music retailer to the value of $1,500 for first place. There are also two $500 prizes and five $100 prizes.

Acoustic Guitar Magazine Players Choice Awards

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Tommy Emmanuel - Center Stage

Mike — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:38:28 +0000

While I was adding the pages with tuition DVDs I listened to the new Tommy Emmanuel live CD, Center Stage. I really like seeing Tommy play live, or on DVDs and You Tube, but I wondered whether I would enjoy listening to a recording as so much of his performance is about connecting with his audience. However, I needn't have worried, his live recording is just as entertaining, with the audience reaction there to be heard. This recording was made at the last October at the Sierra Nevada Brewery in Chico, California and an HD DVD is promised for release later this year.

Center Stage has the following tracks: The Finger Lakes, Papa George, Train To Dusseldorf, I Go To Rio, Nine Pound Hammer, Old Town, And So It Goes, Jolly Swagman, Sukiyaki, Happy Hours, Ruby's Eyes, Beatles Medley, Mombasa, Workin' Man Blues, Georgia On My Mind, House of the Risin' Sun, Amazing Grace, Story of Little Boy, Tall Fiddler, Cowboy's Dream, Morning Aire, Initiation, Lenny Bro', and Questions.

Something there for everyone I think. The rythmic and blistering Inititiation is awe inspiring.

In case you've never seen or heard Tommy Emmanuel here he is playing Initiation live a couple of years ago.

Some Great Tommy Emmanuel CDs

Tommy Emmanual DVDs

Live at Sheldon Concert Hall (DVD)
Tommy's energy and the superb acoustics of the Sheldon Concert Hall make this a 2-hour concert to be cherished.

Tommy Emmanuel - Guitar Talk
This DVD is for beginners or professionals, Tommy's instruction is easy to follow. There are segments on rhythm guitar, melody playing and lead guitar. Watch Tommy in action, and see what it takes to make you a better guitar player.

Tommy Emmanuel - Up Close
Shows you how to play many of Tommy's songs, including Stevie's Blues, Precious Time, and The Hunt. He explains his stunning harmonic techniques, and shows you how to play thumb and finger styles.

Tommy Emmanuel Books

Tommy Emmanuel Fingerstyle Guitar Method
Tommy presents four fingerstyle exercises plus tabs for the classic tune Freight Train and two signature compositions- Mister Guitar and Dixie McGuire. Intermediate to Advanced.

Best of Tommy Emmanuel
144 pages of tablature showing transcriptions of Blue Moon, Can't Get Enough, Classical Gas, Countrywide, Determination, Guitar Boogie Shuffle, Hearts Grow Fonder, The Hunt, Initiation, The Journey, Stevie's Blues, and Up from down Under.

Tommy Emmanuel - Only
Transcribed solos in tablature from Tommy's album "Only". The performance notes help you past potential hurdles in the pieces. Includes: Those Who Wait, I've Always Thought Of You, Mombasa, Timberlake Road, Questions, Padre, Luttrell, Sonce We Met, DriveTime, The Robin, Train to Dusseldorf, Biskie, Stay Close to Me, and Ol Brother Hubbard. Intermediate-Advanced.

Endless Road - Tommy Emmanuel
Tommy's music incorporates a wide range of techniques from thumbpicking to jazzy single lines. This book explores his chord-melody arrangements and use of harmonics and more. Includes tablature for: (The Man With The) Green Thumb Tommy Emmanuel, Angelina, Bella Soave, Chet's Ramble, Christmas Memories/Wheels, Endless Road, La Visita, Mona Lisa, Morning Aire, Old Town, Sanitarium Shuffle, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, Son Of A Gun, Tall Fiddler, and Windy and Warm.

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Updates to Guitar Listings

Mike — Sat, 10 May 2008 19:49:50 +0000

The guitar listings are working pretty much as expected now except for a problem with the paging for the handmade and custom guitar listings. Hopefully, I can get that fixed soon. I've also added listings of tuition DVDs in various styles.

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Paul Brady - Arthur McBride and the Sergeant

Mike — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:07:37 +0000

Paul Brady owns the traditional song, 'Arthur McBride and the Sergeant'. His Lowden accompaniment sounds effortless, but shows great dexterity and passion. Although first recorded in the mid 1970's, his versions of 'Arthur McBride' and 'The Lakes Of Pontchartrain' are still being asked for by audiences today. In many folk clubs Arthur McBride is on the list of songs never to be played, like 'Wild Rover', but that is just because no one can perform the song as well as Paul Brady.

His songs have been covered by an impressive list of artists: Tina Turner, Cher, Carlos Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Phil Collins, Trisha Yearwood, David Crosby, and Art Garfunkel to name a few. You may know more Paul Brady songs than you thought.

He also plays piano and his song 'The Island' is a beatiful and poignant protest song about the troubles in Northern Ireland and Lebanon that were prominent in the mid 1980s, but still seem relevant today.

Here he is playing 'Arthur McBride and the Sergeant':

Paul Brady CDs

Paul Brady DVD

The Guitar of Paul Brady
In this Homespun Tapes DVD, Paul Brady teaches how he plays traditional and contemporary Irish Songs. Paul explains how each time he plays the guitar accompaniment will be different. An excellent way to learn Celtic song accompaniment.

Paul Brady Songbook

The Paul Brady Songbook
Arranged for Piano, Voice and Guitar, Pauls songbook has the following songs: Crazy Dreams, Dancer In The Fire, Follow On, Helpless Heart, I Believe In Magic, I Will Be There, Nobody Knows, Not The Only One, Nothing But The Same Old Story, Oh What A World, Paradise Is Here, Steal Your Heart Away, The Hawana Way, The Homes Of Donegal, The Island, The Long Goodbye, The World Is What You Make It, and You're The One.

You can also find tab for Arthur McBride and the Sergeant and Lakes of Pontchartrain on the official Paul Brady website: www.paulbrady.com

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Gordon Giltrap Playing Heart’s Song

Mike — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:47:40 +0000

I've been a fan of British guitarist Gordon Giltrap for many years. Heart's Song was the first thing I heard him play as it was used as theme music for the BBC's Holiday program in the 1970's. It went on to be nominated for an Ivor Novello award.

Over the years, Gordon has worked with an amazingly broad range of artists, from rock musicians such as Brian May, Rick Wakeman and Midge Ure to the jazz virtuoso Martin Taylor, the classical guitarist Raymond Burley and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Gordon plays holding a pick between his thumb and first finger, and then fingerpicks with his remaining fingers including his pinky. Heart's Song is more about strumming though.

Here's Heart's Song:

Gordon has a number of CD's worth checking out including:

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Learning Acoustic Guitar With Jamorama Acoustic

Mike — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:06:35 +0000

Ben Edwards has created some great guitar courses and Jamorama Acoustic is his latest. Jamorama Acoustic is Ben's acoustic version of the very popular Jamorama! Guitar course that has lead the online learning guitar market for several years now.

Jamorama Acoustic has no less than 153 video lessons and is packed with tips and tricks to help you with learning acoustic guitar in the shortest possible time. I really like the way that Jamorama Acoustic is a complete learning kit with lessons, games and practice “jam tracks” that together get tangible results very fast. Everything from the way you can download the books and videos, to the Jam Tracks that help you practice each lesson in context helps make this the most fun and easy-to-follow online course I have found.

Jamorama Acoustic isn't full of boring theory, but it does teach you what's really needed. It's a very practical course that will give you the skills you need, like being able to read and play tablature and to play along with others.

I highly recommend Jamorama Acoustic if you are learning acoustic guitar and are looking at an online course. It is the most user-friendly and information packed course available anywhere, and it is exceptional value for money.

Get more information from Jamorama Acoustic

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