Mel Bay Finger Gymnastics: Warm-Up, Flexibility, Speed and Strength [Paperback]

Charles Chapman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2000

This book is for all levels and styles of guitarists. "Finger Gymnastics" is a term used for warm-ups, stretching, and any type of practice exercise that develops technique and stamina while preventing technique related injuries. The exercises in this book are time-tested and will keep your technique at its optimum while helping to ensure injury-free performance. The enclosed CD presents three versions of the exercises in chapters I and II, each version more advanced than the preceding one. In chapter III, bass and rhythm accompaniments are included for many of the examples. Matching the pitch and articulation with a rhythm background will not only assist in warming up, stretching, and building stamina, but will make your practice a more pleasurable experience.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Charles Chapman is a professor in the Guitar Department at Berklee College of Music where he has taught since 1972. He is a versatile jazz guitarist with extensive performing and recording experience. Charles holds a Bachelor's degree from Berklee College and a Master's of Education from Cambridge College. He performed four tunes on the Mel Bay's compilation CD "Anthology of Jazz Guitar Solos" and all nine solos on the CD that accompanies the text "Guitar Solos" by George Van Eps (MB94822BCD) and has just released a solo CD titled "Come Sunset".

Charles has published eight texts with Mel Bay Publications and now performs on a regular basis at guitar shows and jazz festivals internationally. As a music journalist he has interviewed many of the most prominent guitarists in the field and is a frequent contributor to Guitar Player, Acoustic Guitar, Fender Frontline, 20th Century Guitar, Mel Bay's Guitar Sessions®, All AboutJazz, Dowbeat and Just Jazz Guitar magazines with over 400 published articles and reviews. Charles has appeared in concert with such luminaries as: Martin Taylor, Kenny Burrell, Joe Negri Jimmy Bruno, Frank Vignola, John Pisano, Ted Greene, Carol Kaye, Jerry Jemmott and Dwane Dolphin. He is an Artist Endorser for Fender/Guild Corporation and Benedetto Guitars.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc. (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786653159
• ISBN-13: 978-0786653157
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,533,866 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a really really great warmup book, January 25, 2008

By 

Josh M. Martinez - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mel Bay Finger Gymnastics: Warm-Up, Flexibility, Speed and Strength (Paperback)

the material in this book is awesome. great warm-ups and I really like the stretching section at the beginning of the book. The exercises are not long but not too short. They get the job done in loosening those muscles up.