Johnny Smith Chord Solo Book

[jayv999]

Thank you!

[edh]

I just noticed that the 6th string(low E) has to be tuned to D.

So is there a way to play these w/o tuning to D?

[Stanford J17]

So is there a way to play these w/o tuning to D?

I haven't checked, but two ways of doing this come to my mind:

1. Transpose everything up a whole step. Then you can use the open E string. This would be just a problem if there are also other voicings with open strings in the arrangement.
2. Play all the low D's one octave higher, either with the open 4th string or fingered on A or E string. Then you probably have to change the voicing and omit some of the notes (except the top not, of course).

The first way will stay pretty close to the original, while in the second way, you'll definitely loose quite a bit of the "character".

I would try the low D, because once you get used to the changed position of the notes on the 6th string, it's really fun. And the guitar sounds huge this way. Also quite a few solo guitar pieces are written that way.

BTW: Check out Jordi Farres. He did a transcription book from George van Eps recordings and placed all the notes from the 7th string on the 5th string and it sounds quite cool.

[Jazz_175]

I just noticed that the 6th string(low E) has to be tuned to D.

For all the tunes?

[edh]

For all the tunes?

...most.

[ksargent]

thank you!

[carulli]

I would note that there are significant differences in the tabbed version of the Debussy and the notated version. In some instances, the differences are things like octave-displacements (which, although not earth-shaking, do change the contour of the line).

The notated version seems to track the original (as written by Debussy himself) a little more closely. It may be found here:

http://imslp.org/wiki/Pr%C3%A9ludes_...ebussy,_Claude)

The "Fille aux Cheveux de Lin" is the particular prelude you are looking for.

[jadepalace]

Incredible !!! Thanks !!!

[pbguit]

Johnny Smith is amazing and this book is a gem.... Thanks for sharing !!

[jadepalace]

you can also do what I did
buy it burn it resell it so others can get their hands on it

[Cunamara]

For all the tunes?

Johnny Smith's standard tuning was with the 6th string tuned to D, according to published interviews. He played many songs in A, E, D (or their minors) to take advantage of the open strings.

I remember my jazz guitar teacher telling me it was more hip for guitarists to play in keys like Bb, Eb, Ab, Db than in the "guitar" keys... and here's Johnny Smith, one of the grand masters of the instrument and someone who Charlie Parker used to go hear in clubs in New York, playing in the guitar keys. Of course, Johnny could have played any song he knew in any key like many jazz musicians.

[Flyin' Brian]

Johnny Smith's standard tuning was with the 6th string tuned to D, according to published interviews. He played many songs in A, E, D (or their minors) to take advantage of the open strings.

I remember my jazz guitar teacher telling me it was more hip for guitarists to play in keys like Bb, Eb, Ab, Db than in the "guitar" keys... and here's Johnny Smith, one of the grand masters of the instrument and someone who Charlie Parker used to go hear in clubs in New York, playing in the guitar keys. Of course, Johnny could have played any song he knew in any key like many jazz musicians.

Johnny did transpose a lot of songs to take advantage of open strings. But like Barney Kessel once said during a "Great Guitars" interview, "If we know a song we know it in all keys".

To me, being able to transpose is one of the more important skills a player can have. I was playing a one off gig one night and the leader who also sang, called Ipanema in Db. It was interesting.

Back on topic, that Johnny Smith book is an absolute treasure.

[bodel]

thanks!!!!!!!!

[neilvmcc]

Thanks, jseaberry, it's like stepping back in time. I took guitar lessons back in the 50s and if I did my lesson well, the teacher gave me some Johnny Smith or Barney Kessel licks as a reward. Great Moments!

[RobbieAG]

It's great to find this here; I plan on working on a few of the arrangements. Five of them are on the CD below which I happen to have.

Amazon.com: Smith, Van Eps: Legends: Solo Guitar Performances: Music

[nickyboy]

awesome :-)
just what I was looking for!!!!

[MonsieurLeGretsch]

Hi,

I'm new to this wonderful site, how/where do I download this Johnny Smith Chord Solo Book you've put up?

[jfcx]

For those of you interested in transcriptions of Johnny Smith arrangements, there is a very nice compilation of more than a dozen tunes. You can find a PDF file here (in the comments section):

Al Owens has recorded several of these tunes and posted videos on YouTube. Definitely worth checking out.

[anthughes]

Just downloaded the Johnny Smith Chord Solo book fantastic! Thank you!

[ttchoubs]

Hey I don't see the download link did this get taken down?

[scrapking]

Hello, I just joined the forum, but don't see a link to any music form the post about Johnny Smith... it was a few yrs back, but thought I'd ask. - Jeff

[Hyppolyte Bergamotte]

Many many thanks Jseaberry!
I post my little contribution in tribute to his genius

HB

[TACKEY]

love johnny smith playing is this chord sole book available for to buy/ obtain /down load

[alltunes]

johnny smith chord solos - Google Search

[Litterick]

Does nobody care about copyright?