George M. Smith Book
Gerry
that there are a few tunes by George M. Smith. I only just encountered
him recently via the two CD volumes of Guitar Rarities. I notice in the
book they mention his book "George M. Smith Moder Guitar Chord
Techinique" and the fact that Mel Bay was reissuing it (seemingly
around 1995).
So I found a few ridiculously over-priced copies of it around. Does
anybody know the book, apparently re-titled "Mel Bay Modern Guitar
Chord Technique by George M. Smith"?
--
Dogmatism kills jazz. Iconoclasm kills rock. Rock dulls scissors.
paul s
I have a book called "The Book of Modern Chord Progressions For Jazz
and Classic Guitar " by George M Smith. Bought it many years ago (the
80's), it was published by Guitarists Publications.
Paul S
Gerry
>> So I found a few ridiculously over-priced copies of it around. �Does
>> anybody know the book, apparently re-titled "Mel Bay Modern Guitar
>> Chord Technique by George M. Smith"?
>
> I have a book called "The Book of Modern Chord Progressions For Jazz
> and Classic Guitar " by George M Smith. Bought it many years ago (the
> 80's), it was published by Guitarists Publications.
Your assessment?
paul s
Haven't looked at it in over 20 years... I bought it and worked
through it at the time because Barney Kessell mentioned/recommended it
several times in articles and interviews. It was part of my practice
routine for a while and there were things in it that were new to me at
the time. One thing I remember liking was that when a new chord (or
voicing) was introduced there were exercises that put it in a context,
so you'd resolve it into an appropriate chord/voicing. That just seems
like common sense now.
I would guess that the book was ahead of the pack when it came out
and a few generations of players considered it one of the better
systems for learning chords.
Paul S
Harry Avant
Rhythm and Chord Improvising" since the late 50's or early 60's. It
was published by Guitarist's Publications in Hollywood and sold for
the rather high price at the time of $3.50.
A portion of the Foreward gives some insight as to what Smith was
trying to do.
"In selecting the chords used in this method, several important points
have been considered namely;
1. A more effective chord-voicing, making it possible for
chords to "sound" or "cut through" when used for thythm or for
background accompaniments.
2. A uniform system of fingering, resulting in a more precise
execution of chord-progressions.
2. The elemination of objectionable tone doubling which has,
heretofore, resulted in weak-sounding chords. "
I have often felt the best page in the book is the one on moving
voices. A subject not well covered in far too many later "how to play"
books.
Harry
