The Complete Johnny Smith Approach to Guitar - Softcover

Johnny Smith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1562222392 ISBN 13: 9781562222390

Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc., 1980

Synopsis

Jazz virtuoso Johnny Smith presents his complete system of chord analysis, scale and arpeggio study, and practical theory application. This is one of the most useful books to be found in any jazz guitarist's library! Lessons include 2-octave scales, 6th chord forms, alterations of chords, resolution exercises, scales and arpeggios, upper extensions from 9th to 13th chords, suspended fourth chords, voicing major and minor chords with a 4th step melody, alterations of upper extended chords, and much more. In order to represent the guitar in the octave it actually sounds, the bass clef is used when appropriate. Book is in actual pitch notation/grand staff notation (treble and bass clefs) per the author's preferences.

About this title

About the Author

Johnny Smith, a self-taught guitarist greatly influenced by Andres Segovia and Django Reinhardt came to prominence in the 1950s with his recording of Moonlight in Vermont featuring saxophonist Stan Getz. From 1947 to 1953, Smith was staff guitarist at NBC's studio playing guitar and trumpet with both popular and symphonic groups, writing and performing for many shows, including the Fireside Theater and the Dave Garroway Show.

Aside from the dozen or more of his own recordings for Roost Records, Smith also recorded with Benny Goodman, Hnk Jones, and Ray Brown. In the 1960s Smith recorded an original composition "Walk, Don't Run," which the Ventures later transformed into an overnight rock and roll sensation. Striving for a better, unique guitar sound, Smith developed the Johnny Smith Guitar made by the Gibson Guitar Company. Since its introduction in 1960, it has been one of the most popular jazz archtop models.

In 1957, at th epeak of his influence and popularity as a leader, Smith walked out of the limelight as suddenly as he had entered it, preferring the trout streams of the Colorado mountains to the night club stage. In fact, Smith says that "the most beautiful sight I ever saw was the New York skyline disappearing in my rear view mirror as I headed west."

Edition details

• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
• Publication date: 1980
• ISBN 10: 1562222392
• ISBN 13: 9781562222390
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256