Swing Guitar Essentials Book/CD (String Letter Publishing) (Acoustic Guitar) (Acoustic Guitar Magazine's Private Lessons) [Paperback]

Hal Leonard Corp. (Creator)

Book Description

Series: Acoustic Guitar Magazine's Private Lessons | Publication Date: May 1, 1999

This comprehensive book/CD pack includes 5 full songs (including "Minor Swing" and "Avalon") and 10 in-depth lessons for players of all levels, taught and recorded (slowly and up to tempo) by the master teachers at Acoustic Guitar magazine. It introduces guitarists to swing's essential styles and pioneering players - from Eddie Lang to Count Basie's rhythm master Freddie Green to Hot Club virtuoso Django Reinhardt, and covers topics such as jazz chord basics, movable chord forms, swing soloing, and more. Instructors include Dix Bruce, Hal Glatzer, David Hamburger, John Jorgenson, John Lehmann-Haupt, Tony Marcus, Scott Nygaard and Michael Simmons.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Founded in 1947, Hal Leonard Corporation has become the worlds largest print music publisher, representing some of the greatest songwriters and artists of all time. We are proud to publish titles of interest to all musicians as well as music lovers, from songbooks and instructional titles to artist biographies and instrument price guides to books about the music industry and all the performing arts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: String Letter Publishing (May 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890490180
• ISBN-13: 978-1890490188
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #317,497 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for learning the basics of the style., August 8, 2003

By 

GB Guitars "gbroulet" (Colfax, Ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Swing Guitar Essentials Book/CD (String Letter Publishing) (Acoustic Guitar) (Acoustic Guitar Magazine's Private Lessons) (Paperback)

I've found that String Letter's "Essentials" books appear to be fairly light on information at first glance, but as you dig into them there's more and more there. In fact, the problem I have is that I'll study a lesson and it will inspire me to play and compose new and different things and my practice session turns into a composing session. Then I never finish the book because I'm writing instead of practicing. This book in particular is a bit deeper than the typical "Essentials" book. You probably won't learn everything in this book in a weekend (Although it would be a fun thing to try).

"Swing Guitar" encompasses such a broad variety of music. This book trys to touch on several of the swing styles. You'll learn the basics of Duke Ellington/Count Basie swing, Gypsy Jazz Swing (my favorite section) and even Texas Country Swing. But this is not a primer on how to play like Brian Setzer. It covers the traditional swing styles.

As with all of this publisher's CD this CD is excellent, if a bit over instructive. Every piece and every phrase is played slowly, and then up to tempo. But I could do without every teacher having a 30 second track to introduce themself. But as a practice and play-along tool the CD is excelent.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Swing Guitar Review, January 27, 2008

By 

David Renfrew (Bangor, Co. Down N.Ireland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swing Guitar Essentials Book/CD (String Letter Publishing) (Acoustic Guitar) (Acoustic Guitar Magazine's Private Lessons) (Paperback)

I found this to be an excellent introduction to the basics of Swing Guitar. It covered the areas of chord progressions and their corresponding scales, arpeggio's, licks etc very well. The chord voicings are quite different from the usual folk style voicings but are essential to give the desired sound of the Swing Guitar style. The theory of progressions is explained but not overwhelming. The areas on soloing provide a sound basis for the aspiring guitarist to develop from. There are also brief introductions to the various Swing Guitar styles and the personalities associated with them. All in all an excellent introduction to this style although the chord fingerings might be a challenge to those unfamiliar with them. But for those who persevere it is well worth the effort.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great and diverse book, December 20, 2009

By 

Zelie Nic (Pittsburgh) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Swing Guitar Essentials Book/CD (String Letter Publishing) (Acoustic Guitar) (Acoustic Guitar Magazine's Private Lessons) (Paperback)

I've really been working with this book a lot these past couple weeks. It is fun, often challenging, and rewarding. I have heard improvements in my sound and style, especially with regards to chord melody.

I'm not really well versed in musical theory, but this book breaks it down well. What I like most about this book is how diverse it is. Sure, it covers swing, but it goes through all the branches (gypsy, western, etc) speaks a bit about the development of the style, and gives a brief bio of principle players such as Freddy Green.

The lessons in this book range in skill level. They're not slope graded either, so you can feel free to jump around to what interests you. The books has notation, tab, and the cd. Really, I couldn't think of a better resource for someone who has heard swing styles, but doesn't know exactly where to begin to start.

Of course, you only get what you put in. I'd definatley recommend reading each article prior to going through the lesson.