Jazz Guitar | Fretterverse.com: Guitar Blog | guitar news & reviews, amps, effects, guitars, music theory, guitar lessons

The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Whenever you get into a new hobby, line of work, or general area of interest, there is always one book or resource of information that people in those circles dub “The Bible.” “Oh, you must get this book!” “This is the only book you’re going to need!” “Everyone usually recommends you start here first.” It’s [...]

Daily Exercises in the Melodic Minor and Harmonic Minor Modes by Barry Galbraith

Thursday, May 13, 2010

0 Comments

Barry Galbraith was a well-respected jazz guitarist who played with everyone from Miles Davis to Sarah Vaughan. Though he was generally not known outside of the jazz guitar community such as the likes of Wes or Metheny, he made an indelible mark on the instrument and has appreciated a wide range of great players who [...]

Terrence Brewer: Groovin’ Wes

Thursday, April 15, 2010

1 Comment

For any and all jazz guitarists releasing a CD, the decision to cover a song by the godfather — Wes Montgomery — is certainly not an easy one. I would liken it to a martial artist trying to do a remake of Bruce Lee‘s Enter the Dragon; you don’t just up and decide you’re going [...]

Interview with Nick Carver, No Idle Frets Podcast

Friday, March 26, 2010

4 Comments

It’s very hard to argue that the single, greatest benefit of the Internet is the seemingly endless (and complete) exposure one can get to whatever they may be interested in. As I was first getting interested in learning to play jazz, I completely immersed myself in whatever I could find. Every book, CD, magazine, and [...]

My 45-Year Quest for the Perfect Guitar

Friday, March 5, 2010

0 Comments

We’ve all been there: the endless quest for the perfect instrument. You know, the one that will make you a better player, that feels so comfortable in your hands that you never want to put it down. Like everyone else, I’ve been seduced by glossy magazine covers of the latest “must have” instruments. Over many [...]

Does Pointless Picks Have a Point?

Monday, March 1, 2010

1 Comment

Guitar picks are very much like strings. Most guitar players are die-hard loyalists that have been playing the same brand since the Dawn of Man. Personally, I’ve been using D’Addario strings exclusively for over 25 years now, and a Steve Clayton pick user for around five. I remember back in the late 80′s the Stylus [...]

Artist Spotlight: Doug Wamble, A Conversation on Songwriting

Friday, February 19, 2010

0 Comments

Artist Spotlight: Doug Wamble, A Conversation on Songwriting

Doug Wamble is well-known in the jazz guitar community. Having cut his teeth playing with Madeline Peyroux, Cassandra Wilson, Wynton Marsalis, and being signed to Branford Marsalis’ record label, Wamble has established himself as a true spokesperson not only for jazz guitar, but guitar in general. His compositions span a wide range of styles and [...]

George Van Eps’ Harmonic Mechanisms Series (Books)

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

0 Comments

George Van Eps’ Harmonic Mechanisms Series (Books)

If you read my interview with Steve Herberman, then no doubt you read about George Van Eps‘ influence on his playing. Often considered the pioneer of 7-string jazz guitar, Van Eps left behind a legacy and a legion of fans and players who consider him a major influence. He left behind the classic CD “Mellow [...]

Assaf Kehati Quartet – A View From My Window

Friday, February 5, 2010

0 Comments

Assaf Kehati Quartet – A View From My Window

Israeli/Bostonian jazz guitarist Assaf Kehati was kind enough to send us his latest CD - A View From My Window - to listen to and review. "Inspired by the daily and trivial, yet wonderful and significant experiences of life", Assaf's music is influenced by a wide range of composers and performers.

Artist Spotlight: Steve Herberman

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

2 Comments

In today's age where the world is much smaller thanks to the Internet and the ease of creating commercially-available music is widespread thanks to home recording and MP3 distribution, it seems much harder for jazz guitarists to stand out and make a name for themselves. There are just so many out there, how can you keep track?