Video study diary (Marty Grosz tuning)

[DestinyT]

(Previously posted in the Marty Grosz thread.)

I wanted to share the first entry in my video study diary for the Marty Grosz repertoire.

This is a real-time snapshot of my learning process, showing voicings, phrasing and tone, and it also shows wrestling with the difficulties in real time, including a particularly uncomfortable section, a walk-up to a key change around halfway through that will take some practice to execute properly. I’ve deliberately left this unpolished so that the learning process can be seen as it actually happens.

I hope it demonstrates that it’s possible to achieve the Marty Grosz style without a vintage archtop. Laminate instruments have their own advantages in controlling feedback.

I’m now using lower-tension strings, which are easier on the fingers and allow for greater comfort while playing. I hope this might encourage anyone, like me, who’s been playing for many years, that it’s still possible to explore this style and enjoy it fully.

The recording focuses on the left hand and the fretboard, so you can study the voicings closely. The sound is captured through an AER amp and a condenser microphone, giving a natural and full tone.

I’ll continue adding more entries as I work through other tunes, and I hope this can serve as a helpful reference for anyone interested in studying this style.

Discussion welcome. Thanks for looking.

[dasein]

I remember your previous threads on the subject. I'm glad you've kept it up, because I think you have something very compelling going on.

The kind of sound you can get from this tuning just seems to fit this particular situation (accompanying a singer with just a guitar, where a full band may not be present). The extended range really helps fill everything in.

It's not a tuning I would personally use, or a kind of music I would play -- subjecting people to my singing in public would violate several city ordinances. But if you're unsure about whether it's for you, or whether it's worth going all-in on it, consider this a sign to keep going.

[DestinyT]

I remember your previous threads on the subject. I'm glad you've kept it up, because I think you have something very compelling going on.

The kind of sound you can get from this tuning just seems to fit this particular situation (accompanying a singer with just a guitar, where a full band may not be present). The extended range really helps fill everything in.

It's not a tuning I would personally use, or a kind of music I would play -- subjecting people to my singing in public would violate several city ordinances. But if you're unsure about whether it's for you, or whether it's worth going all-in on it, consider this a sign to keep going.

Thank you so much for your thoughtful message. I really appreciate the humour; it made me smile and landed beautifully. It reminded me of the way Marty himself would phrase things, and that alone makes it very enjoyable to read.

I’m also grateful for the specificity of your comments. It’s encouraging to hear that the tuning and extended range can work so well. Having confirmation that it fills the space effectively is invaluable.

Even if I were capable of doing so, I wouldn’t use this tuning for post-bop playing in standard ensemble settings, and I love playing a resonant archtop in standard tuning at home. The wonderful chord-melody playing of Jonathan Stout is something I deeply admire and return to frequently.

Right now, my focus is on preparing my part for a project built around my favourite songs recorded by Marty Grosz. We’re aiming for a fuller ensemble with strong soloists, horn players, and a tight rhythm section. I’m also keeping my own vocals in mind.

I feel very fortunate to have a few days off work to concentrate on the next video, which I intend to record tomorrow, starting with my favourite song, I’d Rather Be With You. I’ll share a version other than Marty’s now (a recording by Charles LaVere and his Chicagoans), and I'll return to my study of his treatment:

Once again, thank you very for taking the time to write. Your encouragement, insight, and humour are deeply appreciated.