Is there a REAL Top-10 Guitar Solos?

Sunday July 11, 2010

I recently found a couple videos on Youtube that claimed to list the "Top 10" and "Top 25" Guitar solos in order of "topness".

The trouble was... I could never agree to them. MY LIST is different! My age (52), my experience as a songwriter, and of course my personal tastes demand of me that I engage in a "throw down" with these list makers, and present my own list.



Yes, I admit right now that when I think "great guitar solos", I don't think "most acrobatic solos" or "most famous guitar players' solos" or "fastest solos". Instead, I think "tastiest solos". By tastiest, I mean solos that scoop you up and take you someplace, with or without your cooperation. So...introducing...

MY OWN TOP-10 TASTIEST GUITAR SOLO LIST:


10. Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd, played by David Gilmour)


9. Satch Boogie (Joe Satriani)


8. Sweet Home Alabama (Skynard)


7. Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)


6. Carry On Wayward Son (Kansas--all 3 solos)


5. Reeling in the Years (Steely Dan)


4. China Girl (David Bowie, played by Stevie Ray Vaughan)


3. Walk This Way (Aerosmith)


2. Renegade (Styx)


1. Hotel California (Eagles, played by Joe Walsh)

OK, I have to admit that I was tempted to even put some guitar riffs (non-solos) in there because of their effect on me when they crank up (Things like "Back in Black" or "Baracuda"), but they had to be real solos to make this list. Let me hear what would have to be on your list. I showed you mine, now you show me yours.

Order your copy of Learn & Master Guitar Here!

Check Us Out On Youtube

Posted in Guitar Techniques , L&M Guitar News , Student Community , Uncategorized | Make a Comment

Legacy Days 2010 - Guitar Gathering

Sunday January 3, 2010


This is the “Big Event” for Learn & Master Guitar users!
Meet us in Nashville, TN, June 16 - 20, 2010 (Wednesday – Sunday)

Guitar players from all over the world will gather in Nashville,TN, June 16-20 to do what we love to do...play guitar! If you're looking for a chance to get "hands-on" with your technique, style, and performance then this event is for you. If you want to meet and connect with other guitarists who are on the same study program you're on, then this event is definitely for you.

Musical experiences are gained, guitar abilities are stretched, and lifelong friendships are formed in this one incredible event! Here's what the event offers:

Group Lessons and Masterclasses with Steve Krenz

     Learn & Master Guitar's author, Steve Krenz, will give group lessons in both acoustic and electric guitar technique and style—beginner and intermediate levels. Group lessons will be organized differently from past years. The group lessons will not be open to everyone. These will be intimate times of personal instruction and feedback with Steve. Each person will be allowed a time to play and receive instruction. The cost will be $20 per attendee and will be payable to Steve at the lesson. Each 90 minute group lesson will have Steve and 8 participants. Come prepared to play something. Slots will be filled on a first come/first served basis.

Master Classes with Guest Artists Phil Keaggy, Brent Mason, Russ Barenberg & Jack Pearson

     Fingerstyle guitar legend Phil Keaggy is going to be doing a rare Fingerstyle guitar masterclass and private concert. Master session guitarist and Grammy winner Brent Mason will be conducting a special guitar techniques masterclass. Grammy nominated Bluegrass guitarist Russ Barenberg will be conducting a Flatpicking Masterclass.

Private Concert with Phil Keaggy

     Phil Keaggy will give a private concert on Thursday evening. His concerts are filled with jaw-dropping guitar playing, humor, and passionate musicianship—he is a true craftsman on the guitar.

Blues Monster Jam

     Attendees will be encouraged to participate in the Friday afternoon Blues Monster Jam session with a full live blues band.

Guitar Setup Workshop with Greg Voros

     Learn from the best. Greg Voros, master guitar tech at Nashville's famous Gruhn Guitars and instructor for the Learn & Master Spotlight Series course - Guitar Setup & Maintenance, will give a workshop on how to set up your guitar. You'll know how to adjust the neck, the action, and other performance aspects of your instrument after this informative and entertaining workshop.

Personal Guitar Setups by Greg Voros

     Have your guitar personally setup by Greg Voros. This is a rare opportunity for you to have your guitar worked on by one of the best guitar techs in the nation. (Additional charges of $50/Acoustic $55/Electric paid to Greg at the event.)

Student Showcase

     Students will have the chance to get on stage and perform solo or with a group. The student showcase is always one of the highlights of the Guitar Gathering.

All Star Guitar Night at the Ryman Auditorium

     We'll top off the weekend at one of the nation's premier guitar events...Muriel Anderson's All Star Guitar Night at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

Sunday Cookout

     Relax and eat some great barbecue. This will be the 3rd Annual Learn & Master Guitar Cookout—held on Sunday.

 

Registration (Early Registration Discount ends, May 16!)

Registration for Legacy Days is $199 and must be completed and paid by midnight May 16, 2010. (Late registration--after May 16--will be $275.)

Children (age 17 or under) and spouses are welcome to attend at no additional charge!
A survey will be emailed to you in the days after you register where you will be able to sign up for group lessons, personal guitar setups with Greg Voros, and other individual events.

Speakers for Event:

Steve krenz

Steve Krenz

Author of Learn & Master Guitar, Steve draws from a vast experience in both performing and teaching.  He's done everything from play with a symphony orchestra, to jazz bands, to perform with Grammy winning artists, like Donna Summer, The Fifth Dimension, Bryan White, and Israel Houghton.  Not only is Steve an active guitarist playing and recording professionally in Music City USA, Nashville, Tennessee, but he also holds a deep personal commitment and passion for teaching and training other guitarists to excel in their talents. His teaching style is patient and positive.

Phil keaggy

Phil Keaggy

Phil Keaggy is perhaps one of the most admired guitarists in music today. He is a seven-time recipient of the GMA Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year. He was twice nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album and has frequently been listed as one of the world's top-3 "fingerstyle" as well as "fingerpicking" guitarists by Guitar Player Magazine readers' polls. Phil’s solo career has spanned more than 30 years, and has included over 50 solo albums, both vocal and instrumental, as well as 8 releases with his band, Glass Harp. One of the most sought after studio guitarists, Phil also continues to sell out concerts all over the United States, with his ever-changing style, ranging from rock-and-roll to fully orchestrated instrumental compositions.

www.philkeaggy.com

Brent mason

Brent Mason

Brent is one of the most recorded guitarists in history - he is a Grammy Award winning artist who is also a multiple winner of the Academy of Country Music and the CMA (sixteen awards), being nominated every year since 1991. In addition to playing on the majority of hit country music for over two decades, his diverse work ranging from jazz, rock and blues to R&B, classical and funk can be heard almost daily on movie soundtracks, television scores, and commercials. His technique and theory is studied in colleges and universities around the world, including the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

Articles about and interviews with Brent have appeared with regularity in every major guitar magazine in the US and internationally for more than two decades, and he was named in Guitar Player Magazine as one of the world's top ten "Masters of the Telecaster/Titans of the Tele."

www.BrentMason.com

Muriel anderson

Muriel Anderson

Muriel Anderson’s All Star Guitar Night is one of the nation's premier guitar events. Held in the historic Ryman Auditorium, the night will feature an eclectic line up of the world’s top acoustic and electric guitar players performing in one magical night. This is a fitting closing event to the conference. This years event will be televised.

www.MurielAnderson.com

Watch a Video

Greg voros

Greg Voros

Instructor for the Learn & Master Spotlight Series course - Guitar Setup & Maintenance. A Master Guitar Tech at world famous Gruhn Guitars—Greg began work at Gruhn Guitars in 2005. He came to Nashville from New York with a lengthy background in repair and setup of a broad range of electric and acoustic instruments. He also has extensive experience in customer service and fine-tuning instruments to personal taste.  He does guitar tech work for some of Nashville's most famous guitarists. His workshop at last year's event was one of the most well-received of all.  We look forward to having him back this year!

http://www.gruhn.com/

Russ barenberg

Russ Barenberg

In a series of beautifully crafted albums, acoustic guitarist, composer and GRAMMY nominee Russ Barenberg has created an "exquisitely original" and enduring body of work that joyously integrates bluegrass, jazz, and American/Celtic fiddle and dance traditions. His latest release, When at Last, which also features Russ's sparkling mandolin playing, was nominated for a GRAMMY for "Best Country Instrumental Performance" and for he International Bluegrass Music Association "Instrumental Album of the Year" award. Along with millions of other viewers, you were likely moved by Russ's emotional rendering of "Ashokan Farewell," the main soundtrack theme in Ken Burns' masterpiece, The Civil War. And viewers in the UK and Europe have gotten to know Russ over the last 15 years as both a member of he house band and a featured artist on the acclaimed BBC Television music programs, The Transatlantic Sessions. Russ will be conducting a Bluegrass flatpicking masterclass for the Guitar Gathering.

http://www.russbarenberg.com/

Jack pearson

Jack Pearson

Jack Pearson was the guitar player for the Allman Brothers Band for many years. He has played with everyone from Jimmy Buffett to Faith Hill, from Delbert McClinton to Ronnie Milsap. According to the Nashville Scene, he has “quietly earned a national reputation as the guitarist of choice when someone needs a mature, tasteful picker with a broad knowledge of blues, jazz, and soulful rock.” Blues Revue calls him a “world-class guitarist...Nashville’s most unassuming musician.” Rolling Stone Magazine brags on his “light touch and fluid, jazzy style...and dynamic slide playing.” And Real Blues Magazine hails him as “one of the best blues/rock guitarists on the scene today."

http://www.jackpearson.com/

Check out photos from last year's Gathering!

Tentative Itinerary:  Click here for a more detailed itinerary

(as of Jan. 15, 2010)

Wednesday June 16, 2010

  • 8:00am Registration

  • 9:00am Begin Group Guitar Lessons with Steve Krenz

  • 9:00am Begin Group Piano Lessons with Will Barrow

  • 2:30pm Guitar Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

  • 4:00pm Get to Know You Reception

Thursday June 17, 2010

  • 7:00am Registration

  • 8:00am Morning Guitar Workout

  • 9:00am Personal Guitar Setups with Greg Voros (by appointment only)

  • 9:00am Begin Group Guitar Lessons with Steve Krenz

  • 10:30am Guitar Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal

  • 1:00pm Fingerstyle Masterclass with Phil Keaggy

  • 2:30pm Begin Group Guitar Lessons with Steve Krenz

  • 4:30pm Jazz Concert w/Steve Krenz & Guests

  • 7:00pm Concert with Phil Keaggy

Friday June 18, 2010

  • 8:00am Morning Guitar Workout

  • 9:00am Guitar Set Up & Maintenance Workshop with Greg Voros

  • 10:30am Personal Guitar Setups with Greg Voros (by appointment only)

  • 10:30am Improvisation Masterclass with Steve Krenz & Guests

  • 1:30pm Blues Guitar Masterclass with Jack Pearson

  • 3:30pm Blues Monster Jam with Live Band

Saturday June 19, 2010

  • 8:00am Morning Guitar Workout

  • 9:00am Flatpicking Masterclass with Russ Barenberg

  • 9:00am Personal Guitar Setups with Greg Voros (by appointment only)

  • 10:30am Guitar Techniques Masterclass with Brent Mason

  • 1:30pm Student Showcase

  • 4:00pm Special Event

  • 7:00pm Muriel Anderson's All Star Guitar Night

Sunday June 20, 2010

  • 11:00am 3rd Annual Learn & Master Guitar Cookout

  • 1:00pm Workshop 1

  • 2:00pm Workshop 2

Event Location:

Radisson Hotel at Opryland


2401 Music Valley Drive
Nashville, TN 37214

www.radisson.com/nashvilletn

You are free to book rooms through the hotel's website or through another website. We have contracted a rate of $99/night with the hotel when you mention that you are with LEGACY DAYS.

It is helpful to us if you please make all reservations no later than May 15, 2010.

Reservations: (888) 201-1718
Telephone: (615) 889-0800
Fax: (615) 889-6328

 

Airport

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Hotel offers shuttle service from the airport starting at $28.
Rental Car Stations and Cab transportation are also offered at the airport.

Children (age 17 or under) and spouses are welcome to attend at no additional charge!
A survey will be emailed to you in the days after you register where you will be able to sign up for group lessons, personal guitar setups with Greg Voros, and other individual events.

Posted in Expert Help , Guitar Techniques , L&M Guitar News , Student Community , Uncategorized | Make a Comment (1)

Learn & Master Painting

Monday September 28, 2009

We launched our latest instructional dvd course last month, Learn & Master Painting.

So far, the response has been great! The comments and testimonials have started coming in!
Today I got an email that pointed me to a thread on the Learn and Master Painting Forum in which the first students shared their first works of art!

Already, as our CEO Gabe said today, “New dreams [are] rapidly coming with reach!” Here are two of the pieces of artwork shared with us today:

Learn & master painting

Learn & master painting

We also received this wonderful message from one of our recent Learn & Master Painting customers via snail mail. It is truly awesome the way we are impacting the loves of people who purchase our products!

Learn & master painting

Keep up the Great work! If you have not seen it yet, Check out Learn & Master Painting Today!

Posted in Expert Help , L&M Painting , Student Community , Uncategorized | Make a Comment

NASCAR's Kyle Busch Donates Guitars to Students

Tuesday September 1, 2009

NASCAR's Kyle Busch created quite a scene at this year's Nationwide Series Federated Auto Parts 300 at Nashville Superspeedway when he smashed to coveted Gibson Les Paul trophy guitar. Busch said that he had promised his crew that if he won, he would smash the guitar in Pete Townshend fashion, then give each team member a piece of the prize. He did exactly what he promised. However, not everyone was pleased with the act. Busch was quick to state that there was no disrespect intended, but you could see in the eyes of the designer, Sam Bass, and the track vp/general manager, Cliff Hawks, that it did not sit well.

Everyone smiled, even Gibson President Dave Berryman, shown here posing with Busch right after the incident. But the news resonated around the world of racing. Guitar fans cringed, Kyle Busch haters had more fuel for their fire and in general most people just thought it was the wrong thing to do.

NASCAR's kyle busch donates guitars to students


If nothing else, it made the news. For weeks that is all anyone involved in racing could talk about. I doubt anyone can even name the winner of the Sprint Cup race the next day. Poor Tony Stewart, won his first race as a driver/owner, and he was second page news.

Well Kyle has decided to make-up for his actions. I did not say 'apologize,' he is quick to say...or should I say, 'not say' he is sorry. He has decided to join car owner Mike Curb of Curb Records and donate $30,000 to purchase 150 guitars for Nashville area school. Kyle knows how to get press, both bad and good. As an aspiring guitarist and fan of Gibson guitars, it was hard to watch, but it is nice to see him make up for it...and make more news!

Watch the Smashing Incident here!

Posted in L&M Guitar News , Uncategorized | Make a Comment

Bid on Learn & Master Courses for Charity

Wednesday August 26, 2009

AffiliateMarketersGiveBack.comAffiliate Marketers Give Back, www.AffiliateMarketersGiveBack.com, is raising moeny for Not-So-Silent, Silent Auction for Breast Cancer Awareness. You can bid on the Learn & Master Course of your choice and the proceeds will go to this fund raising effort. Simply click here, place your bid in the Comments section and keep checking it to make sure you are not out-bid. The Silent auction ends this Friday, so don't miss out on this chance.

AffiliateMarketersGiveBack.com is also auctioning many other items. You can bid on a "Date at the Eiffel Tower!" Please check it out and bid high for this important charity. The winning bidder will be able to choose the Learn & Master Course they want.

Choice of One Legacy Learning Systems Multi-Media Course

Details:

The winner of this auction will chose one from the four course options below:

Learn & Master Ballroom Dance is the most extensive video instruction anywhere, from two of the nation’s top instructors. It has 13 DVDs of beautiful choreography and easy to learn dance figures, 6 CDs of music, and a 75+ pg workbook outlining the dances.

Learn and Master Guitar is the best instruction course anywhere. It has 20 DVDs, 5 Jam-Along CDs, and a 100+ page lesson book. Winner of the Acoustic Guitar Magazine Players’ Choice Award, 2 Telly Awards and an AEGIS Award for Excellence in Education.

Learn & Master Piano is the most complete piano instruction course and the only instruction you’ll ever need. It has 14 DVDs, 5 play-along CDs and a 100+ page lesson book with step-by-step lessons, clear demonstrations, and popular songs.

Learn & Master Drums is by far the most complete instruction course anywhere. It’s the only instruction you’ll ever need. It has 12 DVDs, 5 play-along CDs and a 100+ page lesson book with step-by-step lessons, clear demonstrations, and popular songs.

Retail Value: $249-$299 depending on course selected.

To bid on this item, please supply your name and bid amount in the comment section below. Please be sure to use a valid email address so that we may contact you if you are the winner. Auction ends at 11:59pm EST on Friday, August 28, 2009.

Posted in L&M Guitar News , Student Community , Uncategorized | Make a Comment

The Music Industry Praises Legacy Learning Systems Award-Winning Learn & Master Series

Monday June 29, 2009

Legacy Learning Systems Learn & Master Series, an award-winning series of comprehensive courses in guitar, piano, drum and ballroom dance instruction, has the music industry buzzing. “I can think of no better comprehensive, instructive tool for budding songwriters than Legacy Learning Systems Learn & Master series,” says ASCAP Assistant VP Herky Williams. “The program is also great for professional musicians striving to be their best and improve their game."

Legacy Learning Systems produces truly comprehensive multimedia training courses, bringing personal dreams within reach for its consumers. Legacy’s programs have received several honors including a Telly Award for Excellence in Education, Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s Player’s Choice Award, an AEGIS Award and a Pegasus Award in the Education category. Founded in 2005 by entrepreneur Gabriel Smith, Legacy Learning Systems currently offers educational courses on guitar, drum, piano and ballroom dance with photography and painting to be unveiled later this year.

“We started getting a lot of inquiries from songwriters that were looking to excel their abilities,” says Gabriel Smith, CEO and founder of Legacy Learning Systems. “We are excited at the recent acknowledgement from recording industry organizations and successful leaders in the songwriting and grassroots music fields. We hope to become the go-to series for songwriters and artists across all genres that are looking for a program to further their musical abilities.”

Every Learn & Master program enables customers to teach themselves within the comfort of their own homes and most importantly at their own pace. “As a songwriter for many years, I have discovered the importance of knowing how to play an instrument,” says Sandy Mason, songwriter on Garth Brooks’ #1 Two Pina Coladas and Crystal Gayle’s When I Dream. “After viewing the videos and reading the book that’s included in the Learn & Master Guitar course, I quickly learned that this is a must for any artist or songwriter. I would highly recommend this product. It’s first class.”

“As instructive programs this gets the gold ribbon!” says SESAC Executive VP Dennis Lord. “This is as good, no better than being face to face with a live teacher because it's 24/7. Steve Krenz is so engaging, non threatening and easy to follow.”

The Legacy Learning team has developed programs that not only work for the individual, but find placements in home and public school systems. “We are living in an age of declining art and music in schools,” says Michael Johnathon folksinger, creator, producer and host of WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour. “We are being introduced to the first generation in human history that absorbs music and art almost exclusively as a two-dimensional experience. It is all ear buds, iPods, computers, car speakers and flat screen TVs. Yet, music and art remain one of the most passionate needs of people lost in this two-dimensional world. Legacy Learning Systems is the key that can open that door for families nationwide and for generations to come.”

Posted in L&M Guitar News , Uncategorized | Make a Comment

Learn & Master Extra Materials

Wednesday March 18, 2009

Are you a current Learn & Master Guitar student? If so, do you know about the course resources that are available to you? There are some fantastic supplemental areas of the website to help you further along with your lessons and allow you to get more from them. Of course there is a student community and discussion board for you to interact with other folks doing the program as well, but there are also printable materials to help you out as much as possible with the lessons. Included with the Learn & Master Guitar DVD set is a lesson book, but be sure and check out these great individual chord charts for you to print out and either take with you in your guitar case or you can even post them around your house where you practice. The most fun? The coolest chords you need to know. The name says it all! So if you are a student in the Learn & Master Guitar world, be sure and check out these awesome tools to help you further along in your quest to master the guitar.

Posted in Guitar Techniques , L&M Guitar News , Student Community , Uncategorized | Make a Comment