A New Journey
Thank you for this web site Jim. I have taken lessons in person, through the on line video sites, DVD’s and through my own study through TAB books. This is by far superior to anything I have done in the past. I discovered your music through Guitar Player Magazine which led me to the Fender Princeton video. After that I was hooked. I was a weekend warrior playing pop country and some classic rock. Basically three major chords with the occasional minor chord. I played this music but never really “listened” to it. I always listened to stuff like Danny Gatton, Arlen Roth, The Hellecasters, Albert Lee, Vince Gill, and now you. I always felt like the country-jazz style of playing was out of my reach until I started taking your lessons. After finding my band a replacement guitar player, I parted ways with them and now I am focusing on your lessons almost every day. I had never really played 13th chords or could do cascade riffs until now. Sometimes I don’t understand the theory part of what you are saying but I think it will come with time. I just concentrate on learning the chords and riffs and to be able to play along with the rhythm. I use a Boss Looper in my practice. I have read through this forum and the lesson index and have taken these lessons in this order. Playin the Blues, Playin the Blues Nailin the Changes, B# Blues, Country Lead in G, and Travis Picking. All great lessons. I want to tackle F Jazz but want to do a song or two first, maybe Chet Song or Panhandle Rag. I have read that it takes a little time before what you “practice” actually shows up in your “playing”. My goal is to immerse myself in your lessons and music and to become that country/jazz/rockabilly guitar player I always wanted to be. By the way, I traded/sold some equipment and now have a Fender Princeton Reverb Reissue. I play a Fender Squire 50’s vibe Tele that ain’t too shabby.
I want to end this with a couple of questions for you or the other Forum members:
How often do you change speakers/tubes?
What advice do you have for those of us from out of town that would like to come hear you live?
I want to end this with a couple of questions for you or the other Forum members:
How often do you change speakers/tubes?
What advice do you have for those of us from out of town that would like to come hear you live?
Comments
Speakers, I change when they blow or when they start sounding sloppy ... Tubes every 6 to 12 months...
Out of town gig requests... Although we appreciate the requests, keep in mind- gas, equipment rentals, hotel rooms, flights, overage fees, tolls etc etc etc are incredibly expensive and we need an "anchor date" that can help initiate and pay for the tour. Thanks for asking, we'd play everywhere if possible!
I 100% agree with CJG comment!! For years I feel stuck in my guitar playing. I try guitar pro tab, a lot of books, DVDs, etc. Looking for a Fender Princeton review in youtube I see for first time a video of a guitarist named Jim Campilongo:
WOW!!! Then the records and the lessons. After a year I have learn a lot stuff, changed my relation with the instrument, every day is a progress (NO STUCK!!)..............
My recomendations.....mmmm...... 1).- All Blues: clear and usefull lesson (chord melody, blues, modes, arpeggios). You can play your own version of this inmortal Miles standard!!
2).- Stardust: Chord melody is a incredible world to explore with Jim. Personally I love this song and the arregment is beatiful.
3.) Another recomendation is to elaborate a daily routine in concordation with your time posibilities.
Ok.....one more time sorry for my english (I am Chilean).
Adios.
JIG
Thank you so much for the replies! I have been reading your posts for several weeks now and feel like I know you guys. Jim is by far my favorite guitar player now and in addition to the lessons I am adding his music to my collection. You know, the Guitar DVD's are fun to watch, but looking at the screen it is sometimes hard to figure out what they are doing because the guitar is backward and upside down! If I am at a jam/gig and someone wants to show me a lick, I have to see it from their perspective, standing alongside them. Another thing, my wife tells me all the time that I am not a visual person, because I can never find anything. And I believe that Jim has said that is why he does audio lessons, because to learn music is to hear it.
Anyway, I am trying to get that last lick in Country Lead in G down pat, the steel guitar lick. The part toward the end where you use the pinky on the little E and B string, and you push up with the ring finger is very challenging. I have played that lick but not like that. But I have made a commitment to learn it that way because as Jim says, "You will be glad you did"!
1. Jim Campilongo has the heart of a teacher. He has an uncanny way of knowing what questions you are going to ask.
2. The lessons are portable. In less than 5 minutes from buying the lesson, I can download, transfer to IPOD, and print the PDF file.
3. Jazz, Country, Blues, Standards. Its all here. The only problem is deciding which lesson to purchase next!
What are your thoughts on Mystery Train? I want something to followup with the Travis lesson. Do you know anything about the Sleepwalk lesson? One of my favorite songs. I may order Buckaroo soon, that song has always kicked my rear end!
Thanks for all your advice. You have really got me interested in Chet Atkins and you turned me on to Freddie Green. Good luck with Backburner, I love that song.
It's remarkable how "easy" Chet Song is to play, but the part where Jim starts talking about thirds, and sixths and how to apply them to improvisation is really what makes the lesson so great. There's lots of joy to be had as we gain insight into the guitar, and Jim's approach to teaching is so user friendly. I'm glad you're enjoying the lesson!
I purchased "Sleepwalk" concepts, and can say it's a real "meaty" lesson. Jim shows you tons of different ways to approach the classic melody, and follows his examples with tidbits of theory for those who want to go to the next level. For me it's made me want to learn more, and study/practice harder. Keep in mind it's more than "this finger goes there, then you bend...etc". Sometimes it's fun to go on autopilot and simply learn a song. This lesson doesn't serve that purpose. Have fun!
First, NerdDiamond is absolutely right about "Sleepwalk" - this is a great lick filled lesson, complete with steel guitar bends and multiple takes on each phrase of a classic song. A great song and a very comprehensive lesson that will keep you busy for awhile.
Also, I would have say that I HIGHLY recommend "Mystery Train" as a great follow up to Travis 101. Jim does a really fantastic job of breaking down each fingerpicking pattern in the tune. Its presented in a very clear and concise manner. And, to my surprise, it was really easy to to get the patterns down in a short amount of time. I may be biased tho because "Mystery Train" is one of my all time fave tunes. Its a great lesson to to take your fingerpicking to the next level in a true rockabilly context. The solo (which incorporates fingerpicking as well!) is a blast to play once you get it down. Also a great lesson if you are looking for another tune to throw into your repertoire. Turn up the reverb on this one and let the fun begin:)
Another one that you may want to consider (although I would probably tackle Mystery Train first) is "Twister." Twister incorporates some fingerpicking and will give you some great insight into Jerry Reed style playing. And talk about getting a few dozen new licks under your belt - look no further. Twister isn't quite as hard as it sounds. And even at a slower tempo Twister is a lot of fun to play. I wrote about this on a few other posts as well and always recommend this to anyone who wants to pick up a Jim song but not sure where to start.
Let me know how it goes and what you decide on. Sounds like you are making killer progress and just reading your post(s) really inspires me to dig back into my lessons. Keep up the great work!
I think I might hold off on Sleepwalk and order Mystery Train next followed by Twister. There are so many lessons to pick from. And the ones I have done I need to go back and refresh. I am rebuilding my repertoire from scratch and need to pick up some songs. I have even considered doing some solo stuff with the Looper.
What would you guys recommend as my first chord melody song? I have been thinking about Stardust and Wish Upon A Star. Are you guys into the Standards? I never was in the past but now I want to learn jazzy versions of songs like Georgia and Over the Rainbow. How about Cannonball Rag, you guys play that?
Jim Campilongo has changed the way I approach the guitar and IMO the greatest guitar player on the planet!
Telebilly
I would consider "Workin Man Blues" as a good follow up as well. Although it has Roy Nichol's lead, note for note, there is a funky fingerpicking pattern that might be a logical and fun next step...
Opinions?
As far as the chord melody, I'd recommend "Over the Rainbow". EVERYONE knows it and its doable...
As far as chord melody goes, Over the Rainbow is a must! This was my first intro to a chord melody (per Jim's recommendation) and I was not disappointed. This was also my first intro to some really "exotic" and very expressive jazz like chords. This is a perfect lesson for anyone who wants to expand their musical palette and add some nice color to their chords all while learning a classic melody. This is my favorite warm up song and my favorite song to play for my friends. I always get compliments when I bust this one out ...and my girlfriend always asks me to play this for her!
Thanks for the advice. I ordered Mystery Train and was very pleased with it. Not sure how I am going to do the 12th fret thumb on the bass string thing. Does Jim give a mulligan for that? I have small hands. If I put my left hand index finger on the end tip of the metal of the 5th fret, I can touch the 13th fret with my thumb. Maybe I just need to start stretching it more. I have always avoided thumb on the bass string riffs, time to cowboy up I guess.
BTY, I found out when Jim says note for note he means it. I compared other versions of Mystery Train and his is spot on.
My long list of Campy songs to purchase take up two columns on a large size legal pad, and I am adding to it. Here is my short list of songs to purchase next. Not necessarily in order. Maybe you guys can advise:
1. Working Man Blues
2. Over the Rainbow
3. Twister
4. Thats Allright Mama
5. Pan Handle Rag
Well, I think I will divide my practice time with Chet Song and Mystery Train. And I need to go back and review Country Lead in G and Bb Blues. Do you ever feel that your day job gets in the way of your practice time?
Telebilly
Thanks for ordering the lessons and for your positive presence here. I always look forward to reading your posts...
Anyway, in contrast to learning a tune, if I am working on a more technical type lesson (Arpeggios as exercises, Freddie Green Rhythm, Playing the Blues: Nailing the Changes etc) I will not try to necessarily do as much “up front” work. Instead, I will memorize as much as I feel comfortable with and then see how many different ways I can apply what I have learned. This is touch and go though and probably something that everyone develops differently. By example, I have been working on different aspects of the Arpeggio lesson for over a year. I had initially memorized more than I could really handle. I have spent the last two months focusing, however, on applying the Major 7th and the 7ths into my actual playing/improvising/band time etc. And the results have been really cool. For me this is a matter of quality over quantity. I too would like to take every lesson that Jim offers and someday I hope to get there! At the same time, I do want to maximize what I get from each lesson. And, I learned awhile back that some of these lessons hold months if not years if not a lifetime worth of information! Seriously, a lesson like “Chet Song” or any of the “Playing the Blues” lessons gives the student enough information to create albums worth of original material. But I know exactly where you are coming from, Telebilly, in wanting to acquire as much information as possible in a quick amount of time.
Of course, sticking with Jim’s “Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert” schedule will also pay off in spades!
That being said, I really like the list of lessons that you have picked out on the next part of your wish list. I would really like to see your complete Campy wish list (Or maybe the next 10 that you have picked out) and would like to see/hear the order that you are thinking of taking them. Last year I sent a list of 10 songs to Jim and he ranked them from “easiest” to “hardest” and it really helped me progress at what I felt was a really quick rate. Maybe a few of us on the forum can recommend the order of your lessons and you could have a course syllabus to follow for the next 3-6 months. Personally, I like to vary the types of lessons that I take back to back. For example, since you are just finishing up Mystery Train, I wouldn’t necessarily go after another fingerpicking lesson immediately until playing Mystery Train becomes second nature. I would, however, jump right into Over the Rainbow. I would then go for Working Man Blues, then Pan Handle Rag, then Twister, and then That’s All Right Mama. Again, this is just my 2 cents and based on the way that I learn. Obviously, like students in any discipline we will all have our own unique approaches and aptitudes. Go with your heart and what inspires you! But keep asking questions along the way. Just reading your post has me rethinking my next few weeks of practice and the next lessons that I will order.
Finally, regarding the thumb issue – I am in the same boat with you! I can’t get my thumb around the neck to save my life. On Mystery Train I “cheat.” I hit the open E and A strings (instead of fretting with the thumb on 12 fret) and kind of palm mute the open strings so that they don’t ring out too much. Maybe not ideal, but I don’t think that it sounds too bad that way.
Keep up the great work and let me know your thoughts on the next lesson!
CJG
Is that list of easiest to hardest ranked songs on the forum somewhere, or would you mind throwing it out there?
Like many around these parts, Jim's lessons have opened my mind and my playing, as well as taking me to a level of excitement about the instrument that I haven't felt in years. Thanks Jim!
Tony
I second Tonyw's request, about your list CJ. That would be cool to check out. I actually have 2 columns of lessons that I compiled by going through the Forum and Testimonials. I wrote down each lesson and how many times it occured in the
Forum and Testimonials. For instance, "Chet Song" got more marks than say, "All The Things You Are". I also annotated a lesson if Jim had something extra to say about it, like "Over the Rainbow". From this, I developed "The List". I also try to determine prerequisite lessons. That is why I started with the two Playin the Blues lessons. IMO, that is where the journey begins. I can provide that list but would probably need to put it in a spreadsheet. Can Excel files be attached here?
But here is the thing, a lesson like Freddie Green did not get much mention. In fact I had never heard of him until CJ mentioned him. I checked him out on youtube and was blown away. And I am sure that will be a great lesson. The more I know the more I don't know!
My Top 10 of future lessons would probably be APPA, Panhandle, F Jazz, WUWUAS, Prettiest Girl, Twister, Over the Rainbow, Stardust, All Blues, Mr Sandman, Working Man, Rockabilly Jazz, Freddie Green, Sleepwalf, and I could go on. But I am open to suggestions and in the order they should be taken.
My next lesson will be Over the Rainbow, maybe next week. I have never played a "chord melody" song but I have a feeling that is going to be a big part of my future guitar playing.
CJ, thanks for the advice about holding off on another Travis lesson. Mystery Train will keep me busy for a while.
By the way CJ, about hand size, I read that Merle Travis would use one finger on two strings. Amazing! But Danny Gatton had small hands. I wonder how he handled the thumb on the bass string thing.
Jim, Thanks for all you do!
Telebilly
I found "The List" that Jim had put together for me about a year and half ago. The list goes from Easiest to most difficult. It is worthwhile to note, however, that I had already taken the following lessons before "The List" was put together: 1)Playing the Blues, 2)Travis Picking & Beyond, 3)Playing the Blues Nailing the Changes
4)Over the Rainbow.
The List - (Easist to Hardest):
1) Lipton Tea
2) Buckaroo
3) Freddie Green Rhythm Style
4) Mystery Train
5) B Flat Blues
6) Steel Guitar Licks
7) Country Lead in G
8) American Hips
9) Panhandle Rag
10) F Jazz Blues
11) Rockabilly Jazz
12) That’s All Right Mamma
13) Steel Guitar B Flat Jazz Blues
Feel free to drop me a line with any questions and happy playing!
CJ
Is Over the Rainbow, pretty much the easiest chord melody in the bunch? Anyone know where Amazing Grace and Crazy fit on the difficulty scale?
Thanks,
Tony
then "Amazing..."
Although "Crazy" is more about steel guitar on guitar, then it is about chord melody...then last, but not least "Crazy".