The Sound Hounds

Django Reinhardt was a jazz guitarist who became one of the first important soloists in the genre.

Watch the video and do some research. Then, during your next lesson, tell me something about Django. Or, better yet, post your comments below if you like.

For example:
1. Where was he born?
2. Where did he perform?
3. What kind of guitar did he use?
4. What obstacles or handicaps did he overcome?
5. Who were his influences? Chords
6. Who did he influence?
7. What songs did he perform?
8. What is your favorite song by

Great Guitarists is a series of posts on my blog, Guitar Talk.  It is my intention to present influential guitarists in chronological order giving the student a historical  perspective of the musicians that made history. Five guitarists from each decade, beginning in 1930, and ending with our contemporaries, will be discussed. Please feel free to post comments.

Thanks,

Brian Turner

Dear Student,

Watch this video and tell me sometghing about Tommy Emmanuel during your next lesson. Or, better yet, post it in the comments below to share with others.

I visited my family in Puerto Rico this summer and had a wonderful time. Several friends also visited. I tought it would be a good idea to share some driving tips for my friends wanting to visit the wonderful island Puerto Rico. (I may exaggerate a little. I’m just having fun).

1. A stop sign is like our yield sign. If you stop you may get rear ended!
2. A red light is like our stop sign. You may want to stop, but, if there is no traffic, you can keep going.
3. When driving on narrow roads in the mountains, your only responsibility at curves is to blast your horn as a warning. It is everyone elses responsibility to clear the path.
4. If you park at a curb painted yellow there is a good chance you will not be ticketed. Most Puerto Ricans feel the risk is worth it.
5. There are two passing lanes on the highways. The left lane and the shoulder of the road.
6. If a policeman is behind you with flashing lights, do not be alarmed. You do not need to pull over. He is just reminding everyone he is a policeman, and he has cool flashing lights on top of his car.
7. If you have something you want to tell everyone, it is perfectly fine to mount a 2000 watt PA system on top of your car and drive around the neighborhood broadcasting to everyone in a five mile radius.
8. If you need directions, everyone is very eager to help you. But, you may want to bring a pen and paper to write down all the details. If they don’t know the directions, they will find someone who does.
9. If you have car trouble, don’t panic. It’s not a big deal.
10. Wave at everyone you see while driving. It’s the nice thing to do.

The essence of lead, melody, and improvisation can be reduced to three elements: the major scale, the arpeggio, and the blues scale. Within these three elements, we find countless variations. The other essential scales can be found within them. When learning these elements, not only will you be playing great sounding riffs but also we will be examining what is occurring theoretically, exploring such concepts as scale and chord construction, intervals, and other essential elements for mastering the guitar.

What do I need? A guitar and a pick. BE IN TUNE before class. if you do not know how to tune, ask someone to help you before the class begins.

What do I need to know? You should know a few chords at least. If you are a total beginner you are welcome to watch.

How long is the class? One hour.

What is provided? The material will be pages from the instructors book. You are not required to buy the book. He will provide a web page where you can access the materials for free. However, the book will be available if you want to purchase it. For workshop students, the discount price is $15. The regular price is $25.

How To Play Guitar By Brian Turner