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Dave
Rubin
Editor in Chief of Playbluesguitar.com,
an interactive magazine for the blues enthusiast.
Playbluesguitar
is a truefire.com production
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Independent
Review of "Fingerstyle Blues" By Dave Rubin - PLAYBLUESGUITAR.COM
"This
48-page book from Englands respected Acoustic Guitar Workshop
is one of the best learning tools on the subject this blues guitar
author has had the pleasure of reviewing. Fingerstyle blues
specialist Rick Payne (See Paynes article on blues scales
in Bluesville) has wisely created a method that will appeal to beginning
and intermediate pickers. The 68 examples, each with accompanying
audio track, start quite basic with a steady quarter note bass pulse
and simple treble licks on the beat. Gradually and logically, syncopation
is introduced along with incrementally advanced bass patterns. Paynes
greatest strength as a teacher is that he makes it look and sound
easy (of course, its not), and then leaves you convinced that
it is!
All
of the examples are in standard tuning. Within this parameter Payne
manages to suggest the music of the giants of the genre, including
Charley Patton, Skip James, Son House, Honeyboy Edwards, Mississippi
John Hurt, Lightnin Hopkins and many others. In addition,
Robert Johnson, Big Bill Broonzy, Muddy Waters, Blind Lemon Jefferson
and even Doc Watson are singled out for special attention. Delta
stomps and shuffles, ragtime and boogie woogie are covered as well
as specific elements of blues guitar technique such as turnarounds,
string bending and slides (glissandos). Bonus tracks 69-74 feature
Payne singing and playing with authority on a selection of excellent
original blues numbers, including two sporting bottleneck guitar.
The
mastery of fingerstyle blues is a lifelong journey that takes dedication
and perseverance. With Rick Payne as your companion and mentor,
the trip will be made that much more enjoyable." Dave Rubin
- PLAYBLUESGUITAR.COM
...................................
Review
from AKUSTIK GITARRE.
(July/August
edition 2005)
Translated from the original German text written
by Thomas Rothenberger
Rick
Payne's "Fingerstyle Blues" is presented in two languages:
mirror German and English text stand in two columns, side by side,
on the pages. Before he gets down to business, the author gives
a brief and interesting account of Blues history and the role that
the acoustic guitar plays in it.
Right
from the opening exercises the emphasis is firmly placed on finger
independence and correct thumb technique for the all-important basslines.
Throughout the course of the book the exercises and pieces are carefully
graduated in order of difficulty. Fingerstyle Blues is, within a
framework, an improvisational art and so Payne guides the student
on an exploration of Blues scales, showing by example how they can
be incorporated for effective fingerstyle blues picking.
"Fingerstyle
Blues" is all about teaching how to play authentic acoustic
blues as developed and popularised by such legends as Blind Lemon
Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Blind Blake and Big Bill Broonzy. The
accompanying CD contains 75 tracks, covering every example and piece
in the book. The playing is professional, polished and well produced.
In places the playing strays slightly from the actual notation,
but perhaps this is done on purpose to highlight the strong improvisational
element that occurs in fingerstyle blues. The intelligent student
should have no difficulty following what's going on. A chord table
that shows all the chord shapes used in the book is a useful conclusion.
Rick
Payne's "Fingerstyle Blues" is a well conceived and thought
out workshop, which is not only a great introduction for the newcomer
to this style, but also an excellent stylistic reference for more
advanced players and teachers who want to brush up their Fingerstyle
and Ragtime Blues skills. Thorough and very good.
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