NeilES335

@BR-549 Generally speaking with these songs (Hymns) you would play the melody as written in the chart, as Diane says. The rythym player would play the tonic (root ) chord. Is this the only option? Well, no ... Is there an intro? In "Silent Night", using your example, the last 2 bars are often played as an into to the hymn, in which case the the melody first two bars played would be those. (and he rythym player playing the appropriate chord). Or; Is the song/hymn being played as an improvisation? If so, then it's up to the player what melody line to play, using the chord tones of the song, perhaps with passing tones, as in jazz. IMHO... regars; Neil

@randyh1953 Although I've only taken about a month of private lessons collectively in my life from a guitar instructor, I think it's a good idea if you have the time and budget. I've heard it's not uncommon to try a couple (several?) for a month or so each to find the "right" one for you.. I've considered having some lessons to just assess were I am in the learning process after working on the LMG course for some years now. You'd be hard pressed to find better instruction I think. But there are dozens of different approaches to it, so I guess it's just a bit of trial and error .

@randyh1953 Hi Randy! Welcome back... Glad to hear you've re- commited to learning guitar. Having a good teacher live is a great idea. The LMG lessons should fit in very well with your private lessons. You could show this material to your teacher and he/she could support these lessons for later on when you a "self learning" ... As for "being old and all that..." well, hey there are plenty of us "mature teenagers" here learning guitar, and having a blast doing so! The more you stretch and exercise "the little grey cells" the younger you stay! It's a fact! So dive right in an dont be afraid of "working" on it ... it pays big dividends in personal growth and enjoyment too. All the Best! Neil

I recall seeing Tommy on YouTube for the first timea few years ago, performing an entire concert solo. He was in a smaller venue, and his interaction with the audience and his performace was remarkable. Apparently he never plays the same concert twice. @matonanjin its unfortunate you had an unfavorable 1st impression. I'd suggest you give it another go. I wouldnt say im a raving fan (yet) but Im looking forward to it🎸.

Well I finally got the chance to unbox and give the first run with the new Princeton, and I must say it surely does not disappoint! It's eveything I expected and hoped for, and much more. Crystal clear clean tones, warm and mellow, extremely touch sensitive, with virtually no background noise or hum. It will take a while to get used to dialing up exactly the tone I'm looking for, but a sampling with all 3 of my electrics showed the character of each of them, with a very impressive jazz tone available with my Godin 5th Ave archtop and P90 style pickup. In a head to head test in the store, Doug and I tested the "standard" Princeton 65 RI against this "Fender Special Run" model with the Eminence Cannabis Rex (Hemp) 12 " speaker, (no you dont smoke it!). The difference was obvious in seconds... this model is indeed "Special" ... warmer, cleaner, smoother across the board in all levlels and eq. My concern about getting good tone at low volume was quicky put aside, as this "practise amp" delivers superior tone at only about 3 or 4 on the Volume knob. Using the 335 with humbuckers on Input 2 (designed for higher output pickups) produces outstanding clarity, without being sharp or brittle. Using Input 1 increased the volume level and would be outstanding for a single coil equiped gutiar like a Strat or Tele, playing lead. If it's volume you want, then you'll surely get plenty for home use, recording or smallish stage performance or much larger venues mic'd up to a p.a. (I havent had it over 4 on the volume at home) I'm told you'll get some modest "break up " startint at around 5 or 6 on the dial. The internal reverb and vibrato with external foot switch, are very responsive, and all I will need in the way of effects (i think), so pedals for me won't likely be on my list. It also comes with a nice black nylon cover with Fender script logo... a nice touch to go with the outstanding "retro 60's " laquer tweed vibe. The perfect companion for my ES 335 ""63 historic ReIssue " ! I just put about 2 hours on it so far, but it was and is a treat to play... And the bonus... my wife loves it too. 🙂 (if I dont play too loud... )

@Eracer_Team-DougH. Well I didnt take too much convincing to go😉. Especially if you're a guitar fan, who wouldnt want to see / hear Tommy Emanuel, the Chet Atkins of our time. And up and coming star and friend of Guitar Gathering as well.. Looking forward to this one😊👍🎸.

Well, after much research, mulling over etc., I finally decided on the "Fender FSR Princeton "65 Re-issue in tweed with Eminence 12" CR speaker 😊. Picked it up today .... didnt have time to open the box yet! Thanks to @Mike Hoodenpylefor the advice and my guitar buddy @Eracer_Team-DougH for helping me select it in a head to head comparison with other amps. More to follow..

This is an excellent explaination..

Totally insane ... Over the Top Gear mania...does he actually need it ? Obviously not! Good publicity for Sweetwater and the pedal manufacturers.( $90,000 worth) And here I was thinking my pedalboard is too big... oh wait .....I don't even have one! ( just a ditto X2 Looper which really hasn't seen much use so far).

That was me... Linda Manser builds some outstanding instruments, including archtops. Sounds like this would will be a great event to attend. You're lucky to have it near you.

"lied" sounds a bit harsh... mistaken maybe... 😉 anyway... you can download the Spotify App on your cell phone and listen free (with commercials) there as I do often.

While 'm just as drawn to these beautiful instruments as anyone, I try to remind myself to focus on being a better guitarist and musician. A good guitarist can make even an average instrument sound good.

Spotify is a great place to discover new music and hear familiar artists. The account is free if you dont mind a commercial every 1/2 hour or small monthly fee. Its been great for me discovering the jazz guitar world of artists like Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Larry Carlton et al.

I'm trying to take my own advice by taking a 'crash course' in theory while on vacation. I know there's little chance I'll have the quiet time for serious study at other times. Studying this great little book "Music Theory 101" "A crash course...." by Brian Boone and Marc Schonbrun

A common affliction... analysis paralysis 😉... oh well there will be others...🎸