To master a language, you need to find someone that speaks it well and have them demonstrate some phrases. You need to listen closely and strive to match not just the pronunciation, but the accent and cadence as well. Before you can freely express yourself, you need to copy what they say in order to build a toolbox of vocabulary and syntax that you can draw upon in order to say what you want to say. Music is no exception.

The eight transcriptions included in this collection span the years 1923 to 1951 and represent a wide variety of techniques, textures, harmonies, and overall feel. Some, like Blind Blake's ragtime number, are heavy in alternate bass and your thumb will get a workout. Others, like Teddy Bunn's jazzy tunes, feature extended single note passages that will take you up and down and all over the fretboard. Some are fast and rhythmic; some are free flowing musical meditations. All of them serve as examples of the highest quality of solo acoustic blues and roots guitar playing.

Meticulous note-for-note transcriptions of these numbers have been made so as to fully highlight the greatness of the seven artists represented, and to offer you an opportunity to learn from their genius. Before each instrumental is a short bio and suggestions for how to learn it. They're all wonderful tunes to add to your repertoire, and each provides such a wealth of material to learn from you're sure to return to these pages for many years to come.

The available downloads feature audio files presenting the original recordings. As well there are video clips of Ben Gateno performing each tune slowly and clearly showing both left and right hands.

Titles include: BLIND BLAKE West Coast Blues BIG BILL BROONZY House Rent Stomp TEDDY BUNN Guitar In High, King Porter Stomp SYLVESTER WEAVER Guitar Blues LONNIE JOHNSON To Do This, You Got To Know How TAMPA RED You Got To Reap What You Sow BLIND WILLIE JOHNSON Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground

Level 3/4 • 96 pages • Direct download link to audio & video files