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Country Blues => Performance Corner => Topic started by: Johnm on October 14, 2008, 02:17:50 PM

Title: John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on October 14, 2008, 02:17:50 PM
Hi all,
I have a new website up now, www.johnmillerguitar.com (http://www.johnmillerguitar.com).  Take a look, if you wish, and let me know what you think.  I'm trying to make an effort to move into the 20th century, now that we're in the 21st.  Thanks for your time.
all best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Slack on October 14, 2008, 09:08:15 PM
Johnm the website looks terrific - welcome to the 20th century!  :D

Gotta admit I'm a little embarrassed to see my name in your bio as there are so many folks who contribute to weeniecampbell, but I'm really glad weeniecampbell renewed your interest in country blues -- we have all benefited greatly from that stroke of luck, fate or serendipity!

Always your pal!
JohnD
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Bald Melon Jefferson on October 15, 2008, 08:17:07 AM
Very nice.


What Slack said, thanks.
Gary


It's the 21st century? Oh man....somebody shoulda woke me!
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Bob B on October 15, 2008, 01:48:05 PM
Great job, John.  It's good to see your well thought out, tasteful site.

Duck Baker's quote really gets to the crux of the matter.  It is what all Weenies and John's long time fans have known for years--this is a musician of great versatility, knowledge and deserves to be heard by a larger audience.

Mighty fine

Bob B
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on October 15, 2008, 10:16:32 PM
Thanks very much for your good words, John D.  I meant what I said about Weenie Campbell over at my website and also your role in it.  You're right, there have been so many people who have contributed so much to the site, but I think your vision for the site has consistently been so inclusive and welcoming and far-sighted with regard to possibilities for movement into new areas for the site.  I wish I could claim to have been as far-sighted, but it hasn't always been the case.  Weenie Campbell has been a strong positive aspect in my life for a number of years now, and the feeling of being part of this community means a lot to me, as does the idea of having friends I have never met in person.  I guess that's a 21st century phenomenon!  Always a pal sounds pretty great to me, and back at you on that one!
Thanks also, Gary and Bob for the good words.  I'm trying to conduct my professional life in such a way as to maximize opportunities.  It feels better to be more active and to try to develop some positive momentum.  Thanks for your encouragement.
All best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Coyote Slim on October 18, 2008, 02:35:19 PM
Nice looking website -- very simple, easy to navigate, and best of all, it didn't freeze my browser!
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on October 18, 2008, 03:55:12 PM
I'm glad the site worked as intended for you, Slim.  Sometimes I think it takes a while to get the glitches out.
All best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: frankie on October 18, 2008, 07:43:08 PM
Nice looking website, John - congratulations!
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 07, 2009, 03:29:53 PM
Hi all,
In the interest of building up the livelihood I make from playing and teaching music, I've expanded the "Teaching" section at my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com.  If you go there, you'll find a list of the Country Blues songs I've transcribed (not including the ones on the Stefan Grossman DVDs).  A procedure is outlined for doing lessons through the mail, with which you get TAB and a CD on which I talk through the playing of the piece in detail with right and left hand fingering tips, etc.  I also do transcriptions of songs that are not already on the list.  Cost of lessons and payment options are explained at the site.  Tunes that might be of interest to some Weenies are three Buddy Moss songs never transcribed before to my knowledge, "Unkind Woman", "Oh Lordy Mama" and "Insane Blues", and a raft of Bo Carter tunes.
I still intend to add to the list of "audio-only" lessons at the Weenie Site, but if you prefer working from TAB or have a special request or don't want to wait for a particular song to get posted here, the private mail order lesson may be an option that would work for you.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: blueshome on December 08, 2009, 03:44:28 AM
Nice site John.

No doubt when I've finished working on the Texas Blues dvd I'll be signing up for postal lessons, there are some great tunes there that I've "almost" nailed but still "almost".
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 08, 2009, 12:22:26 PM
Thanks for the good words, Phil.  I should add that I have to update the list of transcribed tunes fairly frequently to keep it up to date.  I've transcribed the following tunes recently but not had a chance to add them to the list yet:
   * "Crawlin' Black Snake"--Lightnin' Hopkins
   * "Going My Way"--Gabriel Brown (also available as a Weenie lesson)
   * "Trixie"--Curley Weaver
   * "Old Shoe Blues"--Bo Carter
   * "When We All Get Home/Ginny's Frolic", from "This Old Hammer"
I'm also transcribing my arrangements of Jazz Standards for anyone who might be interested.
all best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Richard on December 08, 2009, 12:43:19 PM
What a nice uncluttered site, one question what did you take at university you don't say?

And, the welsh name Byn Mawr (it means big hill) however did that get over the sea!
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: uncle bud on December 08, 2009, 01:23:22 PM
Impressive list of tunes, John. Nice addition to your website.
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 08, 2009, 03:44:56 PM
Hi all,
Thanks for the good words.  I ended up majoring in U. S. History, Richard.  As for Bryn Mawr, there's also Bala Cynwydd in the Philadephia area, so I reckon there must have been a good number of people from Wales among the early settlers there.  There's also a sort of foothill range of the Appalachians in Pennsylvania called the Welsh Mountains.  I wouldn't be surprised if some of the Welsh took their coal-mining experience with them to the New World.
all best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: jopoke on December 12, 2009, 01:05:45 PM
I have ordered a number of lessons fom John during the past six months.  It's been an excellent system for me.  John tabs out the tune and the walks through it, in great detail, on an audio track.  The Buddy Moss lessons are a lot of fun!

Thanks, Joe
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 12, 2009, 06:55:52 PM
Thanks to you too, Joe.  It's been great to have a reason to immerse myself in Buddy Moss's music.
All best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on February 16, 2010, 07:02:21 PM
Hi all,
For any of you who might be interested, I've added a number of transcriptions recently that are available for lessons and not yet listed on my website:
   * "Pretty Baby" and "Country Fool" from Bo Carter
   * "Greasy Greens" from Pink Anderson
   * "You Got To Move" from Rev. Davis
   * "Shorty George" and "Wonder where My Easy Rider Gone" from Mance Lipscomb
   * The version of "Rope Stretchin' Blues" from my "First Degree Blues" album on Blue Goose, "Cool, Baby, Cool" from "This Old Hammer" and for a Jazz Standard, "Hey There" from by CD of the same title.

For the complete list of tunes available for lessons and information on how to order lessons go to the teaching area of my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: eagle rockin daddy on February 17, 2010, 04:50:58 PM
Really nice stuff John, I missed this thread earlier, perhaps you could add the link to your signature so it shows up when you post?

I was the dishwasher at the caffe lena in the late 60's, and I always looked forward to the rare times when the Down City Ramblers would show up.  You were in that band?  I knew you as the bassist for Country Cookin, and when i first heard your solo album, especially your version of 'Rope Stretchin'
Blues' I was blown away.  I spent a lot of time with Blake, and thought that tune was unplayable.  You just nailed it, so I figured it could be done, and it inspired me to work harder.  Someday I'll get to Port Townsend and meet you.

Mike
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on February 17, 2010, 06:27:54 PM
Thanks for the good words, Mike.  I wasn't in the Down City Ramblers, though my friend Tony Trischka was.  I auditioned at Cafe Lena one time, it was kind of a hike from Ithaca, where I lived at the time.  I was well received and Lena said I needed to do it again since there weren't enough people there.  I thought, "I don't think so, one freebie is enough."  That evening, Tom Winslow, a very nice preacher who made a record for Biograph played some songs.  He was/is a great singer.  His little daughter who was there, Thomasina, now plays and sings sometimes with Nick Katzman, and she's a really nice singer and player.  Time goes by.
Thanks for the tip for putting a link to my website on my posts.  I will have to learn how to do that.  I do hope you make it to Port Townsend some time.  I think you'd have a great time.
All best,
Johnm
 
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Mr.OMuck on February 17, 2010, 06:30:20 PM
Head up to Bah Habah (I mean Bar Harbor) this summer Mike and Catch John teachin' up there.
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: frankie on February 17, 2010, 06:45:53 PM
perhaps you could add the link to your signature so it shows up when you post?

the site is linked from his profile:

(https://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdonegone.net%2Fimages%2Fwebsite-icon.jpg&hash=0618ea068c7bcde987207abca97ee747ca584afc)

if you see the little "world" icon below the name on someone's profile, it means they specified a website with their profile.  In John's case, it's linked to http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/ - in mine to http://donegone.net - in yours to http://www.myspace.com/eaglerockindaddy - in O'muck's to http://www.myspace.com/mromuck

It can't hurt to have a signature as well, but I thought I'd point this out because it may be that some of us aren't aware of that little "feature."

this nerd moment was brought to you by....  frankie  :)
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: eagle rockin daddy on February 18, 2010, 04:41:13 AM
I wonder if I was there that night, I remember Tom well, and of course Tomasina who I knew as a young child with pig-tails then.  Tom like my version of 'How Happy I Am' and I tabbed it out for him.  We saw him at Lena's a year or so ago, and he remembered those days.  He is a great singer, and Tomasina is wonderful.

I know I would love pt, I also would really like to get to Maine, also to meet Ernie, and  of course see my old friend Martin Grosswendt, who lived in town back then as well.  I don't think this year would work, but perhaps next year.  Oh yeah, Martin also recorded a killer version of 'Rope Strechin' Blues'

Mike

Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 08, 2010, 08:53:16 PM
Hi all,
For any of you who might be interested, I've recently transcribed the following tunes and have added them to the list of tunes available for lessons at my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com.  You can go to the "teaching" section of the website to see the whole list of tunes available for lessons and the lesson policy.  I'll also transcribe songs for you.  Here are the new ones:
   *  from Pink Anderson--"I Got Mine", "I'm Going To Walk through The Streets of the City", "Ain't Nobody Home But Me", and "Every Day of the Week"
   * from Bo Carter--"She's Gonna Crawl Back Home To You" and "She Keep On Spending My Change"
   * from Willie McTell--"Dark Night Blues", "Love Talking Blues" and "Razor Ball".
Unlike the lessons on the Weenie site, these lessons include TAB, as well as a detailed talk through on a compact disc.  I offer Skype consultations and trouble-shooting now, too.
All best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: uncle bud on April 09, 2010, 06:54:32 AM
   *  from Pink Anderson- "I'm Going To Walk through The Streets of the City",
   * from Bo Carter-- "She Keep On Spending My Change"

I really like Pink's version of I'm Going to Walk Through the Streets of the City. So relaxed and heavy at the same time. The Bo Carter tune is one of my favourites from him as well. I love how calm and humourless he is on it. Not a dull pencil or fruit basket in sight.
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 09, 2010, 07:49:38 AM
Hi uncle bud,
I agree with you about "She Keeps on Spending My Change".  It's also interesting for showing a marked Lonnie Johnson influence, though Bo maintains his own individuality much more in his playing than some players do when utilizing Lonnie's ideas.  The song has a couple of those epic solos by Bo where the scale of what he's expressing seems to exceed the possibilities implicit in the form.  What an imagination he had--whew!
I'd listened to Pink Anderson's music for years without ever really transcribing any of it, and it has been an ear-opening experience working out a number of his songs.  It has been interesting figuring out what he did in his approach to playing to achieve such a pronounced rhythmic "snap".
All best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: uncle bud on April 10, 2010, 09:24:19 AM
I agree with you about "She Keeps on Spending My Change".  It's also interesting for showing a marked Lonnie Johnson influence, though Bo maintains his own individuality much more in his playing than some players do when utilizing Lonnie's ideas.  The song has a couple of those epic solos by Bo where the scale of what he's expressing seems to exceed the possibilities implicit in the form.  What an imagination he had--whew!

I hadn't ever noticed the Lonnie Johnson style before, associating the song more with the Sheiks/Chatmon group of songs in D position like Overtime Blues or Church Bell Blues, but now that you point it out, I see what you mean. Interesting! I wouldn't have thought to put those two names together.
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 10, 2010, 11:46:48 AM
Hi uncle bud,
I should give Karl Guillard, for whom I've been doing the Bo transcriptions, credit for picking up on the Lonnie Johnson influence in "She's Gonna Crawl Back Home To You" and "She Keeps On Spending My Change".  I had heard neither of these tunes before he brought them to my attention.  I've always been of the opinion that the more a player recorded, the less important it was to hear everything he/she recorded, figuring on a fair amount of repetition (in some instances, a great deal) in the repertoire.  Bo's an interesting case, though, in that he was hugely prolific and had a long recording career, but continued to have so much variety in what he did.  Not that he didn't re-use ideas to a degree, but self-plagiarization is a pretty minor sin for a composer, and I keep hearing stuff from him that I missed on first involvement in his music.  I'm more and more feeling like I'm going to need to hear all his songs at least once.
All best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: frankie on April 11, 2010, 01:59:27 PM
I offer Skype consultations and trouble-shooting now, too.

Wow!!! that's super-ultra modern!!!!   :D :D
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on May 14, 2010, 09:15:37 AM
Hi all,
I have the language for Skype lessons up on my site now, at www.johnmillerguitar.com, in the "teaching" section, also over 100 Country Blues songs transcribed that I teach lessons on, as well as doing custom transcriptions.  Take a look if you'd like, and thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on June 30, 2012, 12:55:18 PM
Hi all,
For any of you who are interested in such things, I purchased a scanner yesterday and figured out how to use it this morning, so I will now be able to do the lessons from my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com (http://www.johnmillerguitar.com) over the internet altogether, sending a pdf of the TAB transcription and an mp3 of the talk-through.  This will allow those who go for this option to receive lessons sooner and avoid any problems with having lessons damaged in transit, lost in the post, etc.  I currently have close to 200 Country Blues songs transcribed in the "Teaching" section of the Website, and perform transcriptions of Country Blues and arrangements of Jazz Standards for interested parties.  If you're in the market for remote lessons, please visit my website.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Slack on June 30, 2012, 01:11:54 PM
Johnm, I updated the subject title for you.  There are lots of New Websites, but only one new John Miller website.  ;)
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Laura on June 30, 2012, 01:35:12 PM
As you know John, I think this is an excellent idea.  However much I love receiving international airmail, the impatient side of me wants to get started right away.

Having just received one of John's lessons by mp3 I must say I was very impressed by both quality and content - highly recommended.  Keep up the good work!
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on June 30, 2012, 01:40:38 PM
Thanks for changing the thread title, John D., I hadn't thought of that, and I appreciate it!

I thought you would like the change, Laura, and thanks for the good words.  One other nice aspect of the virtual lessons vs. the hard copy, is that the virtual lessons cost the same worldwide, at what was formerly the lower, U.S.-only rate.  And I hope you'll keep posting more tunes--you sound great!

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on July 22, 2012, 01:15:48 PM
Hi all,
I've been away for a week and returned to discover that there had apparently been a discussion centering around consternation that I do not have a performance calendar posted on my website.  Most of my performing in recent years has been close to home, and is more effectively promoted via emailing and facebook announcements.  I like my life at home and determined some time ago that I preferred spending the greater part of my time there, as opposed to living the life of a touring musician.  I make no apologies for my personal or professional choices--they are mine to make.  And if some people choose to make assumptions about the music I play or who I am without ever having heard the music or met me, based on the simple fact that my website does not have a performance calendar, I can live with that.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Slack on July 22, 2012, 02:20:32 PM
Hey folks, toput Johnm's post in context and as a follow-up, we got rid of the discussion that contained personal attacks and false accusations. No one is above criticism but the discussion was pointless and without merit. Who needs that.

Onward!
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 07, 2012, 10:25:02 AM
Hi all,
I've recently transcribed several tunes that some of you might find interesting, and they're all listed in the "Teaching" section at my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com (http://www.johnmillerguitar.com).  Included among them are:
   * Buddy Moss--"Baby, You're the One For Me", "Too Doggone Jealous" and "Let's Sit Here Tonight"
   * Little Hat Jones--"Rolled From Side to Side Blues" and "Corpus Blues"
   * Bob Campbell--"Starvation Farm Blues" and "Shotgun Blues"
   * J .T. "Funny Papa" Smith--"Wiskeyhead Blues"
   * George Torey--"Lonesome Man Blues
   * Lucious Curtis--"High Lonesome Hill
"Wiskeyhead Blues" is in cross-note tuning and "Lonesome Man Blues" is in EAEGBE tuning.  Lessons include TAB and a thorough talk-through of the playing of the piece, left and right hand economies, etc.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 20, 2013, 10:49:53 AM
Hi all,
I've recently transcribed a number of tunes that some of you may be interested in learning.  They're all listed in the "Teaching" section at my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com (http://www.johnmillerguitar.com), which tells how to order lessons, too.  The songs include:
   * "Casey Jones" by Mance Lipscomb.  This is in F, and Mance's entire performance is transcribed.
   * "Going Away To Wear You Off My Mind" and "How Long, How Long Blues" by Babe Stovall, both in G, "Going Away" is particularly strong and an original approach to playing in G.
   * "Tricks Ain't Walkin' No More"--Buddy Moss.  In C, Buddy's entire performance is transcribed.
   * "Rocks In My Pillow" by Roosevelt Holts.  In E
   * "Let Your Deal Go Down" by Joe Callicott.  Beautiful song in C with lots of subtleties.
   * "If I Call You Mama" by Luke Jordan.  Similar to his "Church Bells Blues", instrumentally, but if anything, better yet.
   * "I'm So Glad" and "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" by Skip James
   * "Guitar Blues" by Johnny St. Cyr.  A spectacular blues by Jelly Roll Morton's guitarist that modulates from A to D and back.  A downloadable .mp3 of it can be found in this thread:  http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=8305.msg67221#msg67221 (http://weeniecampbell.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=8305.msg67221#msg67221)

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on October 13, 2013, 10:06:48 AM
Hi folks,
For any of you who might be interested in internet lessons, I've added some new transcriptions my pre-transcribed list of tunes at my website.  Included among them are:
   * Robert Petway's "Catfish Blues", beginning to end
   * Herman E. Johnson's "Depression Blues"
   * Leadbelly's "Dancing With Tears In My Eyes" and "How Come You Do Me Like You Do"
   * Joe Callicot's "Roll and Tumble" and "Fare Thee Well Blues" (both from Fat Possum)
   * My own "New Cairo Blues"
   * The Carter Family's "I Ain't Gonna Work Tomorrow" and "Single Girl, Married Girl"
If you're interested, go to the Teaching section at www.johnmillerguitar.com (http://www.johnmillerguitar.com), and the various options for ordering lessons are outlined, as well as a master list of Country Blues songs I've transcribed.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on January 09, 2014, 11:04:38 AM
Hi all,
I recently had my website re-designed, and in the Recordings section, it is now possible to order any of the CDs I'm on direct, via Paypal, with incentives for multiple CD orders.  There are sound samples so you can get an idea of the different CDs.  Also, the updated list of Country Blues tunes I've transcribed and offer lessons on (with or without TAB) is now well over 200 songs and can be found in the Teaching section of the website.  Please check out www.johnmillerguitar.com (http://www.johnmillerguitar.com) if you are so inclined.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Rivers on January 09, 2014, 04:38:59 PM
Site is looking good John!
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Slack on January 09, 2014, 05:32:39 PM
Yes, it looks great John - your musical accomplishment is amazing, and very impressive!  Wow, 200 transcribed songs... and I was there at those humble beginnings! Heh...
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on January 09, 2014, 09:31:04 PM
Thanks, guys, I hope something comes of it.
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Mr.OMuck on January 09, 2014, 10:39:15 PM
Great John! :)
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on March 24, 2014, 11:57:16 AM
Hi all,
For any of you who might be interested in learning a song or songs in the EAEGBE tuning after the recent discussion of that tuning here on site, I offer lessons in the following songs that were played in that tuning:
   * "Cairo Blues"--Henry Spaulding
   * "California Desert Blues"--Lane Hardin
   * "Lonesome Man Blues"--George Torey
   * "Blues Without A Dime"--Clifford Gibson
   * "New Prison Blues"--Peg Leg Howell
   * "Mamlish Blues"--Ed Bell
   * "Jelly Roll Blues"--Furry Lewis
If you go to http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html (http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html) , you'll find all these songs and others I've transcribed that are available for lessons, along with instructions on how to go about ordering lessons.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: EddieD on April 07, 2015, 11:13:16 PM
Hi Johnm, I just visited your site for the first time. In the near future I would be interested in getting some of your transcribed songs/mp3 lessons. I was just wondering, are the transcriptions of the complete songs? There are some Blind Blake tunes I would be interested in. Also I have some ideas for a request or two for a new transcription for Blake and possible Willie McTell. But that is a conversation for future days when I have the funds set aside. My main questions is how complete are the transcritpions? or does it very with some complete and some with the main breaks and typical verse structure sort of deal?

Thanks,
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 08, 2015, 06:21:49 AM
Hi Eddie,
There are some complete transcriptions--Robert Petway's "Catfish Blues", Reese Crenshaw's "Trouble", John Hurt's "Talking Casey", Mance Lipscomb's "Casey Jones", Buddy Moss's "Tricks Ain't Walkin' No More", Joe Harris's "Baton Rouge Rag" and a couple of others, but they are the exceptions.  For most songs, transcriptions include intros, outros, solos, and depending on how much the player varies the accompaniment over the course of the song, one to three verses.  Most accompaniments don't vary enough from one pass through the form to the next to justify complete transcriptions, and some players, like Tommy Johnson, played each verse accompaniment very, very close to all of the others, a real set piece.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Prof Scratchy on April 08, 2015, 08:30:58 AM
Eddie, I would just add that the transcriptions are meticulous, and the mp3 talk-throughs unsurpassed. Can't recommend them highly enough.
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: EddieD on April 08, 2015, 12:08:50 PM
Thanks for the quick reply Johnm. That sounds like more than enough is transcribed to me. I have been let down in the past by a few transcriptions that were only partial songs. They had complete sections missing. However, I do not need every verse transcribed if they hardly differ. I will be in contact hopefully in the near future Johnm. :)

Also, thanks for the recommendation Prof Scratchy.

Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 08, 2015, 08:54:32 PM
Thanks very much for the good words, Prof Scratchy, and I hope to do a lesson for you soon, Eddie.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 25, 2015, 12:34:19 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know about a new feature I've added to my website, at:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  It is a "Song of the Month", which I will be offering at a special introductory rate of $35.00 for a lesson, including TAB and detailed technical talk-throughs.  The first song, which I'll be offering from September 25 through October 31, 2015 at this special rate is Scrapper Blackwell's "E Blues", from his 1961 album, "Mr. Scrapper's Blues".  It is a terrific piece, and I have transcribed Scrapper's performance of it from beginning to end.  I'm relatively certain this song has never been made available this way before, and I wanted to offer interested folks a chance to learn it.  I intend to make the "Song of the Month" an ongoing feature at my website, and will offer a different song for November.  You can go to the link for more information on how to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Slack on September 25, 2015, 12:48:49 PM
Cool idea Johnm and a cool song to introduce "Song of the Month" (hmm, sounds familiar for some reason).  Dunno if this is the version you are working from, but this was on youtube, a terrific tune.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtNnfDMUqGM

Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 25, 2015, 12:59:07 PM
Yes, that's the tune, Slack.  I guess I didn't look hard enough for it!  Thanks for posting that.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Kadens on September 26, 2015, 06:47:58 AM
Good idea with song of the month!
So far, I have only spent a couple of hours with the E-blues tab + lesson.
Still, I dare to say that if you like Scrapper Blackwell this tab will indeed make you happy  :).
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on October 12, 2015, 09:45:35 AM
Hi all,
I just wanted to remind fans of Scrapper Blackwell that I'm offering his "E Blues", a video of which can be listened to a couple of posts back, as a "Song of the Month" at my website, at http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  The lesson is for a reduced rate of $35.00, and teaches the entire piece, with intro and seven passes through the form by Scrapper.  In addition to a TAB transcription of the piece, you receive detailed talk-throughs of the entire piece.  You can either do a virtual lesson, receiving the TAB as a .pdf attachment to an email and the talk-throughs as .mp3 attachments, or can get hard copy for the lesson, for $7.00 additional, to cover mailing and copying costs. 

As far as I know, this piece has never been made available elsewhere, and it will be offered at this rate only through the remainder of October.  In November, I'll offer a different Song of the Month, also at the reduced rate.  For folks who are interested in immersing themselves in one of Scrapper's really big post-rediscovery pieces and developing a greater familiarity with his style, I think this is a good opportunity.  If you go to the link above, it will tell you how to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: ScottN on October 12, 2015, 02:16:49 PM
Hi all,

I just wanted to give this a positive review. The level of detail in the transcription and in the playing lesson are fantastic - any regular readers of What Is This Musician Doing know the attention to detail John provides in his analysis and his ear and experience catch a lot of things that most people wouldn't pick up on their own.  Beyond the physical transcription, there are over 45 minutes of phrase by phrase talk through lessons that walk you through each pass with playing techniques and options, fingering suggestions, etc.

The song itself is also a great choice for lots of unique playing in an E blues. I personally have a couple of new favorite things that Scrapper does over the IV chord A that are really cool.

Anyway, if you've never tried one of John's lessons, this is a great one to try out and is, in my opinion, a great bargain for a full song transcription and incredibly high level instruction.

Thanks,
           Scott
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 01, 2015, 06:43:33 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know about the "Song of the Month" lesson which I am offering for the month of November at my website.  The song I'm offering for November, 2015 is Robert Petway's "Catfish Blues", recorded in Chicago in 1941. It is a terrific piece, certainly on many Country Blues fans' "Top 10" list of greatest blues ever recorded. I have transcribed Robert Petway's performance from beginning to end, intro and four verses. For this song, I have made indications on the TAB of where the vocal falls relative to the guitar accompaniment, too, and one of the talk-throughs you receive with the lesson deals specifically with the vocal and how each verse is phrased.  Here is Robert Petway's performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/E9z7eCCRAtY

For more information on the lesson and to find out how to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html . 
For $35.00, you receive complete TAB and a very thorough technical talk-through of the song.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Prof Scratchy on November 02, 2015, 03:02:14 AM
This is a great song and a great lesson. It's a performance everyone knows but very few people play in this arrangement. Highly recommended!
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Mr.OMuck on November 02, 2015, 06:44:35 PM
Great tune and not an easy one to figure out on one's own. Well worth $35.! Good luck with it John.
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 03, 2015, 10:44:53 AM
Thanks for the good words, Prof and Phil.  You're right, too, Phil, it was not easy to figure out--the way Robert Petway used his left hand makes perfect sense, but some of what he plays is counter-intuitive if gauged against what one is accustomed to playing.  Doing the song with the singing makes all the difference in the world.  It is one of the most fun songs to sing in the style that I've ever done.  Just recording the talk-throughs and doing the singing put me on a high for over an hour.  Something about the song just winds you up, it's so exciting.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: NotRevGDavis on November 03, 2015, 02:31:43 PM
Thanks John for doing the lesson. It has been extremely helpful.
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: NotRevGDavis on November 03, 2015, 02:33:11 PM
... fun and motivating.
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Slack on November 03, 2015, 03:10:14 PM
A great one to do Johnm -- and I like the fact that you spend some time with phrasing the vocal.  Even though you taught at PT, I've got to pop for it... and encourage you to do more!
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: jrn on November 03, 2015, 04:29:26 PM
Catfish blues is definitely one of my favorites! I actually got to see Honeyboy Edwards play it not long before he passed. Ill be ordering mine when the eagle flies Friday!
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: waxwing on November 04, 2015, 07:06:36 PM
I have to agree with you, Johnm, one helluva fun song to play. And it never fails to go over well with the audience, really gets them up dancing with that pulse. I usually mention the old adage of "playing more than three chords is just showin' off" and then point out that this is what you can do with one chord. Really a phenomenal arrangement. Both subtle and outrageous. And it takes a good right hand to drive it. For anyone who hasn't seen it there was a good thread about this song a year or so back.

Wax
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 13, 2015, 08:32:26 AM
Hi all,
Just a reminder for those who might be interested but missed the first announcement:  The Song of the Month lesson at my website, at http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , is Robert Petway's "Catfish Blues", transcribed in its entirety, and with indications where the singing falls relative to the accompaniment for all of the verses.  The lesson includes detailed talk-throughs of the intro and accompaniments to each verse, and a special work-through of the vocal phrasing for each verse.  Learning the vocals and accompaniment simultaneously makes sense out of the lengths Petway held his different licks, because the lengths are all driven by the vocal phrasing.  This is being offered, just for the month of November, at a special reduced rate of $35.00.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to the link above.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 27, 2015, 09:36:40 AM
Hi all,
Just a reminder that there are a couple of days left in November for the lesson on Robert Petway's "Catfish Blues" at a reduced rate.  See the immediate previous message in this thread for more information on the lesson and where to go to order it.  There will be a new Song of the Month lesson made available next Tuesday on December 1.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2015, 09:45:14 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson being offered at my website for the month of December, 2015.  It is Bo Carter's "Pretty Baby", and in Bo's long recording career, I think this song had his most exciting solo.  Even by Bo's very high standards, "Pretty Baby" shows an unusual degree of invention and imagination.  Here is Bo's performance of "Pretty Baby":

https://youtu.be/y75aruNKvRU

The lesson is offered at a special reduced rate of $35.00, and includes TAB and detailed talk-throughs of Bo's rendition of the song, with the TAB sent as a .pdf attachment to an email and the talk-throughs sent as .mp3s.  To get more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.

All best,
Johnm

Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: EddieD on December 07, 2015, 05:36:21 PM
Excellent John!  I just wanted to say on here that I recently purchased a lesson from Johnm for Blind Blake's Hard Road Blues and it is one of the best lessons I have ever purchased. John really made me understand how this song works. Great time and detail are put into his lessons. I recommend any of his lessons. If you really want to learn a song Johnm is the man to teach you! Well worth every penny spent. :)
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 08, 2015, 06:28:57 AM
Thanks very much for the good words, Eddie, I appreciate it.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 14, 2015, 06:45:06 AM
Hi all,
Just a reminder about the Song of the Month lesson for December, Bo Carter's "Pretty Baby".  Three posts back from this one in this thread you can listen to Bo's performance of the song, and you can go to:   http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , to find out more about the lesson, offered at a special rate of $35.00, or order the lesson.  Thanks for your time and Happy Holidays, everyone.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: book on December 31, 2015, 11:19:38 AM
NICE TO SEE YOU ARE ACTIVE AS EVER......GREAT WEBSITE.....KEEP ON........Long way from our Blue Goose Tour........
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 31, 2015, 12:51:19 PM
Thanks, Roy.  Nice to hear from you and great to hear that you're still touring so actively.  Blue Goose is getting to be a while ago!  Happy New Year!
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on January 01, 2016, 11:21:57 AM
Hi all,
Happy New Year!  In addition to it being a new year, it's also a new month and time for a new Song of the Month lesson.  For January, 2016, the Song of the Month will be Buddy Moss's "Baby, You're the One For Me".  Of all the great blues players who recorded in the '20s and '30s, Buddy might very possibly the one who has been least studied and played by present-day musicians.  That neglect is inexplicable when weighed against Buddy's terrific singing and phenomenal guitar-playing.  Here is  his performance of "Baby, You're the One For Me":

https://youtu.be/5Q1FC37JtkQ

The lesson includes a TAB transcription, sent as a .pdf, and very thorough talk-throughs of Buddy's passes through the form of the song, sent as .mp3s. It is offered at a reduced rate of $35.00 for the month of January (or $42.00 for U. S. residents who would like a hard copy version of the lesson).  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time, and I hope perhaps a few more people will begin to pick up on the remarkable music and playing of Buddy Moss.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on January 15, 2016, 06:22:30 AM
Hi all,
Just a reminder that the Song of the Month lesson is Buddy Moss's "Baby, You're The One For Me", which you can listen to in the previous post in this thread.  A lesson on the song is available at a reduced rate of $35.00 for the month of January only.  For more information on the lesson, or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on February 01, 2016, 06:17:36 AM
Hi all,
The Song of the Month lesson for February, 2016 is on Little Hat Jones' "Rolled From Side To Side Blues".  It is one of the most exciting pieces by that Texas musician.  Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/OwS1qDyAmVo

Included in the lesson are a TAB transcription, sent as a .pdf and thorough talk-throughs of Little Hat Jones' performance, sent as .mp3s.  This Song of the Month lesson is offered during February at the reduced rate of $35.00 (or $42.00 for a hard copy version of the lesson, to U. S. residents only).  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html  .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
 
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on February 15, 2016, 06:48:27 AM
Hi all,
This is a reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for February 2016 at my website is Little Hat Jones' "Rolled From Side To Side Blues", a video of which is in the immediate previous post in this thread.  The lesson will be offered at the special rate only for the month of February.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html  .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on March 01, 2016, 06:04:30 AM
Hi all,
The Song of the Month lesson for March at the John Miller website is on Furry Lewis' "Jelly Roll", which Furry played in the seldom-used EAEGBE tuning.  It is an absolutely ripping piece, with an infectious syncopated rhythm and a signature lick that will give your thumb a real work-out.  Here is Furry's performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/qYwY9crMx8w

The lesson includes, for the price of $35.00 ($42.00 to U. S. residents who want a hard copy version) a discussion of EAEGBE tuning, how you get around it and its musical possibilities, sent as an .mp3, a TAB transcription, sent as a .pdf file, and very thorough talk-throughs of Furry's intro and verse one, four and five accompaniments, sent as .mp3s.  It is available at the reduced price only for the month of March.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Slack on March 01, 2016, 10:33:20 AM
Hi Johnm,

It looks like you are going to have some stiff competition this month, or at least for the next two weeks from Stefan Grossman.


20% Discount on ALL
John Miller DVD Lessons
Coupon Code: MILLER2016
Applies to Downloads and Physical DVDs
(Offer valid from March 1st - 14th) (http://www.guitarvideos.com/Products/Instructors/john-miller-1)
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on March 01, 2016, 01:56:12 PM
Well, I'll be a blue-nosed gopher, Slack!  One important factor--none of those SGGW lessons have "Furry Lewis' "Jellyroll" on them.  Whatever happens, happens.  I think that sounds more musical in Italian.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Slack on March 01, 2016, 02:00:27 PM
Haha.... good luck with both endeavors!
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on March 15, 2016, 08:26:34 AM
Hi all,
Just a brief reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website is Furry Lewis' "Jellyroll", a terrific number in EAEGBE tuning that you can hear four posts back from this one, where a youtube video is embedded.  To find out more information on the lesson, or to order it, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 01, 2016, 01:12:56 PM
Hi all,
The Song of the Month lesson for April at my website is Belton's Sutherland's "Blues # 1", which is also posted on youtube as "Kill The Old Grey Mule".  It's an intense, trance-like Mississippi blues with one of the coolest signature licks you're ever likely to hear, and the way Belton Sutherland varied the lick over the course of the performance was masterful.  Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/ccn6_60NhJI

With the lesson you get a .pdf of a TAB transcription and a very thorough talk-through with guidance on the fingering and picking.  Price of the lesson is $35.00, just for the month of April (U.S. residents can get a hard copy version of the lesson for $42.00).  To find out more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm 



Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: jpeters609 on April 04, 2016, 01:54:41 PM
Great choice, John. This song caught my interest the first time I saw the Alan Lomax video.
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 06, 2016, 03:12:01 PM
Hi Jeff,
People are really liking the song so far, and no wonder--Belton Sutherland was so strong in what he did!
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 15, 2016, 08:32:59 AM
Hi all,
Just a brief reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for April is Belton Sutherland's "Blues # 1", or "Killed The Old Grey Mule", which you can see three posts back from this one in this thread.  To find out more about the lesson or order it, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html  .  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on May 01, 2016, 07:38:05 AM
Hi all,
The Song of the Month lesson for May 2016 is Bo Carter's "I Get The Blues".  The song is one of Bo's "Pop Blues", and has a 32-bar structure, along with one of Bo's prettiest melodies and an epic solo.  Here is Bo's performance of "I Get The Blues":

https://youtu.be/fAWn9k_gT7c

The price of the lesson is $35.00, and for that you get a TAB transcription of the song and very thorough talk-throughs of how to play the song, going over left hand fingering and economy of movement and the way to handle the picking in the right hand, all sent as attachments to emails, with the TAB as a .pdf and the talk-throughs a series of .mp3s.  U. S. residents have the option of ordering a hard copy version of the lesson for $42.00.  The lesson will only be available at this price for the month of May, 2016.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on May 15, 2016, 08:41:23 AM
Hi all,
This is by way of a brief reminder that the song of the Month lesson for May, 2016 at the my website is Bo Carter's "I Get The Blues", which can be listened to at the last post prior to this one in this thread.  To order the lesson, available for $35.00 only during this month, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on June 01, 2016, 06:11:21 AM
Hi all,
The Song of the Month lesson for June, 2016 at the John Miller website is Frank Evans' "French Blues".  Evans was a Mississippian who was recorded in the field by Alan Lomax, and "French Blues" must certainly be one of the strongest performances to come out of Mississippi.  Here it is:

https://youtu.be/qLFsicH3_a0

The lesson is available for the month of June only for $35.00 (a hard copy version can be ordered by U.S. residents for $42.00).  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on June 16, 2016, 08:38:41 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for June at my website is Frank Evans' "French Blues", which you can listen to at the post immediately prior to this one.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  This one's a sleeper, folks--don't judge it by the sound quality of the recording, it is a ripping tune!
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: EddieD on June 17, 2016, 02:09:28 PM
I noticed there is a 4 for the price of 3 on your website now John.  There is still many lessons I would like to get from you but I'm in the process of moving to a new city so my money is tied up but I look forward to when I can purchase some more lessons from you.
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on June 18, 2016, 08:05:56 AM
Thanks, Eddie.  The deal that Eddie alludes to is a "four lessons for the price of three" deal on the songs of your favorite musicians, including Baby Tate, Blind Boy Fuller, Bo Carter, Scrapper Blackwell, Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Libba Cotten, Joe Callicott, Willie Trice, Blind Willie McTell, Pink Anderson, Blind Blake, Buddy Moss and a host of others.  Go to http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html to check it out.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on July 01, 2016, 12:33:24 PM
Hi all,
It's July 1 and time for a new Song of the Month lesson at my website.  The Song of the Month lesson for July 2016 is on Johnny St. Cyr's "Guitar Blues", which was recorded by Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress.  Here it is:

https://youtu.be/5qF_vzT_lLo

Johnny was a New Orleans musician who played a lot with Jelly Roll Morton and other prominent New Orleans musicians like Louis Armstrong.  The piece shows a beautifully sophisticated chordal sense, and he ventures into some harmonic territory unexplored even by such stellar players as Blind Blake, Lonnie Johnson and Rev. Davis. 

The Song of the Month lessons are available for $35.00, just for the months in which they are offered (a hard copy version, for $40.00 is available to U. S. residents only).  For more information and to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on July 24, 2016, 07:15:04 PM
Hi all,
Just a reminder that the Song of the Month lesson on Johnny St. Cyr's "Guitar Blues" is running out soon.  Listen to the tune on the last previous post, where it also tells how to order the lesson.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on August 08, 2016, 09:44:48 AM
Hi all,
I'm sorry to be posting the August Song of the Month lesson a little late, but I was away teaching at a music camp the first week this month.  The song I've chosen for the lesson is "Up and Down Buildin' the KC Line", a terrific field recorded blues played by "Little Brother".  It has many interesting and nifty touches that make it fun to sing and play.  Here is a link to the performance: 

https://youtu.be/Da5O6kcBOlc

Cost of the lesson, during the month of August, 2016 only, is $35.00 U. S. Dollars.  A hard copy version of the lesson is available to U.S. residents only, for $42.00.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  I hope many of you will be interested in this terrific piece. I know the sound quality is a little rough, but don't be put off by that; Little Brother did some really inventive playing on the piece.  I should say I'll be away part of the month, so if turn-around is not immediate, don't be alarmed, I will fill all orders as quickly as I can.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2016, 03:48:16 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that my Song of the Month lesson for September, 2016 will be on Robert Wilkins' "Nashville Stonewall Blues", a rhythmically driving prison blues.  Here it is:

 https://youtu.be/52mBruaAyhg . 

Robert Wilkins achieves a tremendous cumulative impact with his powerful signature lick.  Cost of the lesson, just for the month of September is $35.00.  For that you receive a TAB transcription sent as a .pdf file and thorough talk-throughs of the transcription, sent as .mp3 files.  Lesson purchasers from within the United States have the option of ordering a hard copy lesson for $42.00.  To place an order for the lesson, or to get more information, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar , in the Teaching section, at: http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , and it will tell you how to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 18, 2016, 06:59:11 AM
Hi all,
I just wanted to offer a brief reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website this month is Robert Wilkins' "Nashville Stonewall Blues", which you can listen to in the post immediately prior to this one.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on October 01, 2016, 12:42:56 PM
Hi all,
The Song of the Month lesson for October, 2016 at my website is Virgil Childers' "Dago Blues".  Here is Virgil Childers' performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/G-U6uY_C9Eo

Virgil Childers gets into a lot of territory not examined by other players in the style in "Dago Blues", especially in his use of harmonized lines, which he utilized masterfully on the song.  Cost of the lesson, just for the month of October is $35.00.  For that you receive a TAB transcription sent as a .pdf file and thorough talk-throughs of the transcription, sent as .mp3 files.  Lesson purchasers from within the United States have the option of ordering a hard copy lesson for $42.00.  To place an order for the lesson, or to get more information, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar , in the Teaching section, at: http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , and it will tell you how to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on October 15, 2016, 12:21:30 PM
Hi all,
Just a mid-month reminder that the song of the Month lesson at my website for October, 2016 is Virgil Childers' "Dago Blues".  To hear the piece and find how to order it, go to the last previous post in this thread.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 01, 2016, 06:04:55 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for November at my website is on Clifford Gibson's "Tired of Being Mistreated, Part One".  Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/qgFelIKAses

Clifford Gibson was one of the foremost stylists in Spanish tuning, and on "Tired of Being Mistreated, Part One" he really put the tuning through its paces, with syncopated bass-work, runs up and down the neck and a driving tempo.  Cost of the lesson, just for the month of November, is $35.00.  For that you receive a TAB transcription sent as a .pdf file and thorough talk-throughs of the transcription, sent as .mp3 files.  Lesson purchasers from within the United States have the option of ordering a hard copy lesson for $42.00.  To place an order for the lesson, or to get more information, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar , in the Teaching section, at: http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , and it will tell you how to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.

All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 15, 2016, 06:47:38 AM
Hi all,
This is just a brief reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website this month is Clifford Gibson's "Tired of Being Mistreated, Part One", in which I teach Clifford Gibson's intro, verse one and two accompaniments, both solos and the coda.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2016, 05:56:47 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for December, 2016 is on Blind Lemon Jefferson's "Right of Way Blues".  You can listen to it here: 

https://youtu.be/LQPzjYnlwUk . 

"Right of Way Blues" is one of Lemon's eeriest numbers, with a haunting signature lick, and it is closer to a set piece than is most of his repertoire.  Just for the month of December, the lesson will be available for a special price of $35.00. 
I'm also offering a Holiday Sale on any lesson from the pre-transcribed list in the Teaching section at my website. From now until the end of 2016, any lesson on a song from that list can be purchased for $45.00 per lesson.  The normal price is $55.00 per lesson.  Here's a chance to stock up for the new year.  For more information or to order a lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .
All best,
John
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on December 15, 2016, 06:21:48 AM
Hi all,
This is a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for December is Lemon Jefferson's "Right of Way Blues", which you can listen to in the immediate previous post to this one in this thread.  Cost of the lesson during December is $35.00.  Also, all pre-transcribed lessons from the list at my website are on sale during December, for $45.00.  The normal price is $55.00.  Go to http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html  to browse the more than two hundred songs available and place your order if you're so inclined.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Song of the Month lesson: "Keep Your Windows Pinned"--Clifford Gibson
Post by: Johnm on January 02, 2017, 09:14:32 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson I will be offering for January in 2017 is Clifford Gibson's song, "Keep Your Windows Pinned".  It's a beautiful performance that he played in the mysterious EAEGBE tuning, which combines elements of cross-note tuning (open E minor) and E position in standard tuning.  Clifford Gibson was one of the most accomplished practitioners of that tuning, and the transcription gives you a real cross section of his approach, with the intro, three verses accompaniments, his solo and the coda all included in the lesson.  Here is Clifford Gibson's performance:

https://youtu.be/c2FnGwcf5q4

The lesson is available at the special Song of the Month rate of $35.00 for the month of January only.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , and you'll receive guidance on how to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Song of the Month lesson--"Keep Your Windows Pinned"--Clifford Gibson
Post by: Johnm on January 15, 2017, 12:59:58 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website is on Clifford Gibson's "Keep Your Windows Pinned", a beautiful piece in the EAEGBE tuning and a great way to get acquainted with Clifford Gibson's way of getting around in that tuning.  Lesson includes Clifford Gibson's intro verse one, two and three accompaniments, solo and coda.  Cost is $35.00 when ordered during the month of January 2017.  You can listen to the cut on the last previous post in this thread.  To order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Song of the Month Lesson--Mance Lipscomb's "Ain't You Sorry"
Post by: Johnm on February 01, 2017, 06:39:36 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for February 2017 is on Mance Lipscomb's rocking 8-bar blues, "Ain't You Sorry?"  This is a tremendously funky number from Mance, with a lot of what Jelly Roll Morton called "the Spanish tinge"; it abounds in syncopated thumbwork, and with five passes through the form transcribed, you get a rich sampling of what Mance played on the song.  Here is Mance's performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/lkIrApyCwdI

The lesson is available at the special Song of the Month rate of $35.00 for the month of February only.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , and you'll receive guidance on how to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.

All best,
Johnm


Title: Re: "Ain't You Sorry?"--Song of the Month Lesson
Post by: Johnm on February 14, 2017, 06:43:32 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website is Mance Lipscomb's "Ain't You Sorry?", which can be listened to at the last previous post in this thread.  A lesson on the song is $35.00, just for this month.  Go to:http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html for more information or to order the lesson.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: John Hurt's "Hot Time In the Old Town Tonight"--Song of the Month lesson, March
Post by: Johnm on March 01, 2017, 06:35:38 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for March, 2017 is on Mississippi John Hurt's version of "Hot Time In the Old Town Tonight".  Here is a link to John Hurt's version:

https://youtu.be/JmU5ofKXZMw

As you can hear, it is an up-tempo dance number.  It's a great song to work on your picking and building speed, because the left hand for the song is very quiet, and doesn't have a lot of movement.  At the same time, it has some of the syncopations and surprises in the bass that we've come to expect from John Hurt.  Just for the month of March, price of the lesson is $35.00, and if you go to my website, at :http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , you'll find more information and see how to order the lesson.  You'll get TAB plus very thorough talk-throughs of the song with the lesson.  The song is very fun to play, as I hope you'll see for yourself.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: March, 2017 Song of the Month Lesson: "Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight"
Post by: Johnm on March 20, 2017, 01:50:27 PM
Hi all,
This is a reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for March, 2017 is John Hurt's "Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight", which you can listen to on the last previous post prior to this one in this thread.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .
All best,
Johnm 
Title: April, 2017 Song of the Month lesson: Charley Jordan's "Two Street Blues"
Post by: Johnm on April 02, 2017, 11:20:20 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for April, 2017 at my website is Charley Jordan's "Two Street Blues", a terrific St. Louis blues played out of E position in standard tuning.  Here it is:

https://youtu.be/Yl-Pj8fTI-U

Charley Jordan really outdid himself in playing grungy bends in this song, and the whole piece is put together with an attention to detail that makes it both challenging and really fun to play.  Just for the month of April, cost of the lesson is $35.00, and if you go to my website at http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html you can get more information and find how to order the lesson.  It includes TAB and very thorough talk-throughs. 

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: "Two Street Blues" by Charley Jordan--April Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on April 16, 2017, 09:40:53 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for April, 2017 is Charley Jordan's "Two Street Blues", which you can listen to in the last previous post prior to this one in this thread.  Price of the lesson is $35.00 during April, and for more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .
All best,
Johnm
Title: May, 2017 Song of the Month lesson: Mance Lipscomb's "Charlie James"
Post by: Johnm on May 01, 2017, 10:10:43 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that my Song of the Month lesson for May, 2017 is on Mance Lipscomb's spooky song, "Charlie James".  Here is a link to Mance's performance of it: 

https://youtu.be/DK6l3AyXnK4 . 

I have transcribed Mance's intro solo, his verse one, two and three accompaniments, his later solo and his coda.  The song is a beautiful Texas Blues, played (for the most part) with the monotonic bass for which Mance is so well known.  Price of the lesson, for the month of May only, is $35.00, and for more information or to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com, in the "Teaching" section.  I hope you'll enjoy learning to play "Charlie James" as much as I have over the years.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: May, 2017 Song of the Month Lesson: Mance Lipscomb's "Charlie James"
Post by: Johnm on May 15, 2017, 09:43:32 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for May, 2017 is Mance Lipscomb's "Charlie James".  You can hear the song at the last previous post in this thread.  The lesson can be purchased for $35.00 for this month only.  Go to:  www.johnmillerguitar.com , for more information or to order the lesson.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: June Song of the Month lesson: Fred McDowell's "I'm Goin' Over The Hill"
Post by: Johnm on June 02, 2017, 09:30:47 AM
Hi all,
I just wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for June, 2017 is Fred and Annie McDowell's version of "I'm Goin' Over The Hill".  Here is their performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/SxjHSV2gJaM

The lesson teaches Fred's guitar part on this rendition, from beginning to end, including the brief intro and all four verses.  Cost of the lesson, for the month of June only, is $35.00, and for that you receive a TAB transcription and very thorough talk-throughs of each verse, outlining fingering, economies of motion, etc.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to my website at:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html  .  Thanks for your time. 
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on June 16, 2017, 12:11:22 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for June, 2017 is Fred and Annie McDowell's "I'm Goin' Over The Hill", which you can listen to on the last previous post in this thread.  The lesson transcribes the song in its entirety and includes TAB and a very thorough talk-through of the piece, available for $35.00 only during this month.  Go to http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html for more information or to order the lesson.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Song of the Month lesson for July, 2017: "West Virginia Blues"--Edward Thompson
Post by: Johnm on July 03, 2017, 10:59:39 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson for July 2017 that I am offering this month.  It is Edward Thompson's "West Virginia Blues", a powerful 16-bar blues in dropped-D tuning with some neat syncopation in the bass.  Here is a link to Edward Thompson's performance of the song--it starts at 23:13 in the link, which was the only one I could find that would be viewable by non-U.S.A. residents.

https://youtu.be/5T6c2E8yHGc

For the month of July only, the lesson is available for $35.00, and it includes a transcription of Edward Thompson's verse one and verse three accompaniments (his variations are minimal) and very thorough talk-throughs of both verse accompaniments.  For more information, go to my website, at http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html.  Thanks for your time.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on July 18, 2017, 06:00:39 AM
Hi all,
I just wanted to post a reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website is Edward Thompson's "West Virginia Blues", which you can listen to at the last previous post to this one in this thread.  Cost of the lesson is $35.00, and you can get more information or order the lesson by going to my website at:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2017, 10:46:11 AM
Hi all,
After taking a month off in August, I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson for September, 2017.  I've selected William "Barber Bill" Moore's rendition of "Ragtime Millionaire" to teach this month.  As the title suggests, it has a raggy quality, and in its syncopation and nifty right hand moves I think it hearkens back to the parlor guitar era.  Price of the lesson, for this month only, is $35.00, and if you go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section you'll find instructions for making payments to me using www.paypal.com.  Here is a link to a youtube clip of William Moore performing "Ragtime Millionaire", just in case you've not heard it before:

https://youtu.be/qGEaZgWxycQ

Thanks for your time, and I hope you've had a good Summer with lots of guitar playing.
All best,
JohnM
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: eric on September 01, 2017, 03:40:22 PM
For whatever reason, the link to the song was blocked in Canada, but this one works.  Cool tune, John.  I really like William Moore's stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRrIbK0jY2w
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2017, 10:04:46 PM
Thanks for posting the other version, Eric.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 19, 2017, 01:04:49 PM
Hi all,
Just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for September at my website is on William Moore's "Ragtime Millionaire", which you can listen to two posts back in this thread.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on October 01, 2017, 01:07:24 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I've selected Sam Chatmon's "Brownskin Woman" for the Song of the Month lesson for October, 2017.  Here is Sam's performance of the song, which is in the "Big Road Blues"/"Stop And Listen" family:

https://youtu.be/4Vqv0HS_QBA

For the month of October, 2017 only, a virtual lesson is available for $35.00 (a hard copy version can be purchased by U. S. residents only for $42.00) from my website.  Go to www.johnmillerguitar.com, in the "Teaching" section for more information or to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 01, 2017, 12:36:41 PM
Hi all,
My Song of the Month lesson choice for November, 2017 is Babe Stovall's "Going Away to Wear You Off My Mind", an epic performance by Babe in G position, standard tuning (tuned about a whole step low in his recording).  Here is Babe's performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/vFqFVbtZjwY

It wasn't until I went to transcribe this song that I fully appreciated how many ideas Babe showcases in this rendition; he really has about enough material here for four or five normal songs.  Because Babe covers so much territory, the lesson covers a lot--his intro solo, verse one and verse three accompaniments and three solos.  His playing on this shows a lifetime's worth of exploration and playing.  For the month of November, 2017 only, I'm offering the lesson for $35.00.  You can go to my website, at http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , for more information or to order the lesson.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on November 15, 2017, 03:45:31 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for November, 20117 is Babe Stovall's "Going Away To Wear You Off My Mind", which you can listen to on the last post prior to this one in this thread.  For November only, I offer a lesson on the song for $35.00.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html  .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: December, 2017 John Miller Songs of the Month Lessons
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2017, 11:17:17 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to announce the Song of the Month lesson for December, 2017 at my website.  It is "Baton Rouge Rag", as played by Joe Harris, and field recorded by John Lomax in Louisiana in the late 1930s.  The piece is lovely, very sophisticated number that makes you wish Joe Harris had been more extensively recorded.  Here is Joe Harris's performance of "Baton Rouge Rag":

https://youtu.be/av9vEqY0K9c

For the month of December, 2017 only, I am am offering a lesson on "Baton Rouge Rag" which includes a TAB transcription and very thorough talk-throughs, for $35.00.  To find out more about the song or to order the lesson, go to http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .

I'm also offering a second Song of the Month lesson for December, 2017, my arrangement of Mel Torme's and Bob Wells' "Christmas Song".  Like "Baton Rouge Rag", a lesson on "Christmas Song" is available for $35.00 for December, 2017 only.  You can order the lesson from the same link shown in the previous paragraph.  Send me a personal message if you'd like me to send you an .mp3 of the arrangement.  Thanks for your time.

All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: December, 2017 Song of the Month lessons, "Baton Rouge Rag", "Christmas Song
Post by: Johnm on December 17, 2017, 02:01:28 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lessons for December, 2017 at my website are Joe Harris's "Baton Rouge Rag" and Mel Torme's "Christmas Song".  Lessons on either one of these songs are available for $35.00, just for this month.  You can listen to "Baton Rouge Rag" in the post immediately prior to this one in this thread, and if you'd like to hear my arrangement of "Christmas Song", just send me a personal message.  Information on how to order the lessons can be found at:   http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: January 2018 Song of the Month Lesson: Ishmon Bracey's "Saturday Blues"
Post by: Johnm on January 01, 2018, 10:17:20 AM
Hi all,
Happy New Year!  I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for January, 2018 will be on Ishmon Bracey's "Saturday Blues", a terrific Mississippi blues recorded in 1928.  Here is the piece:

https://youtu.be/rmk9SONAWS4

The original recording is a duet, with Ishmon Bracey being seconded by Charlie McCoy.  The lesson will focus on Bracey's guitar part, which sets up a tricky interior call-and-response between his bass and his treble.  Add the vocal in and you have a complex three-way dialogue that is great fun and very satisfying to put together. 

For the month of January, 2018 only, the lesson on "Saturday Blues" is being offered for $35.00 (after January, the price of the lesson will revert to $55.00).  For more information or to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the "Teaching" section. 

Thanks for your time, and best wishes for a healthy and happy new year in 2018 with plenty of guitar playing!

All best,
Johnm
Title: January Song of the Month lesson: Ishmon Bracey's "Saturday Blues"
Post by: Johnm on January 16, 2018, 01:50:55 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for January, 2018 is Ishmon Bracey's guitar part on his original recording of "Saturday Blues", which you can listen to on the post previous to this one in this thread.  For just this month, a virtual lesson on the song is available for $35.00.  Hard copy versions are available to U. S. residents only, for $42.00.  for more information or to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Song of the Month lesson, February 2018, Blind Blake's "One Time Blues"
Post by: Johnm on February 06, 2018, 11:52:56 AM
Hi all,
I'm sorry to be a little late announcing the Song of the Month lesson for February, 2018, but it is Blind Blake's "One Time Blues".  Considering what a wonderful guitarist Blake was, he has been a bit under-represented in the Song of the Month choices, but "One Time Blues" is a terrific number, and one of the few very pieces that he recorded in A position, standard tuning.  Here is his performance: 

https://youtu.be/WOlXr_Yq5GM

The lesson, which includes his intro and verse one, two and four accompaniments (he played no solo on the song) includes a TAB transcription and very thorough talk-throughs and is available for the month of February only for $35.00 U.S. (hard copy versions are available to U. S. residents only, for $42.50).  To find out more about the lesson, or to make payment, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar , in the Teaching section.  Thanks for your time.

All best,
John Miller
Title: Re: New John Miller Website
Post by: OMpicker on February 15, 2018, 04:57:13 PM
Had been lost but now am found...

Been away for awhile, but like the prodigal, etc...  Amazed at the wealth of resources, information, joy in listening that has developed.  Love your new site John.  Very tasteful.
Title: Re: Song of the Month lesson, Blind Blake's "One Time Blues"
Post by: Johnm on February 16, 2018, 05:51:54 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for February, 2018 is Blind Blake's "One Time Blues", an A blues that you can listen to two posts back in this thread.  For the month of February, the lesson is available for $35.00.  To find out more about the lesson or to order it, go to my website at  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .

I'm glad you like the site, OMPicker, but I guess it's a while since it has been new, since it's been up since 2008.  Your post inspired me to change the name of this thread.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Robert Belfour's "Hill Stomp"--March 2018 Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on March 01, 2018, 08:51:19 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for March 2018 at my website is Robert Belfour's "Hill Stomp".  Here is a link to Robert Belfour performing "Hill Stomp" live: 

https://youtu.be/5Kmk1cBzCfw

Robert Belfour was one of the foremost practitioners of the Mississippi Hil Country style of blues, and his music has thus far been pretty much unobtainable in publicly-offered teaching materials.  Here is a chance to get acquainted with his trance-inducing sound via an exciting instrumental number.  Robert Belfour's way of getting around on the guitar was all his own, and becoming acquainted with his techniques will make the playing of other Hill Country material more readily accessible.

The price of the lesson, just for the month of March, is $35.00 U.S., with a hard copy version of the lesson also available to United States residents only, for $43.00.  The lesson includes a transcription in TAB, sent as a .pdf and thorough talk-throughs, sent as .mp3 files.  To order the lesson or obtain more information, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section. 

Thanks for your time, and I hope 2018 is going well for you thus far.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Song of the Month lesson for March, 2018: Robert Belfour's "Hill Stomp"
Post by: Johnm on March 15, 2018, 05:44:01 PM
Hi all,
Just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for March, 2018 at my website is Robert Belfour's "Hill Stomp", which you can listen to on the post previous to this one in this thread.  There is also information on the cost of the lesson and how to order it offered there.  This is such a great tune and it is such a crystallization of Robert Belfour's style and sound.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: April, 2018 Song of the Month lessons--2 for the price of 1 from Jessie Mae!
Post by: Johnm on April 01, 2018, 10:07:12 AM
Hi all,
The response to the March, 2017 Song of the Month lesson, Robert Belfour's "Hill Stomp" indicated a strong interest in Mississippi Hill Country Blues.  For that reason, I'm offering 2 Song of the Month lessons for the price of 1 lesson this month, with the two songs from Jessie Mae Hemphill.  These songs are not technically demanding, and should be accessible to anyone accustomed to fingerpicking blues.  They have a powerful, elemental quality that makes them real stand-outs, I think.  The first is "Go Back To Your Used-To-Be", and here is Jessie Mae's performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/vSf0Z0hYXvQ

The second song is her rendition of "Eagle Bird", and here is her performance of it:

https://youtu.be/XvN5XJ1hVD8

During the month of April, 2018 only, I am offering lessons on these two songs for $35.00.  The lessons include TAB and thorough talk-throughs of the songs, sent as a .pdf file and mp3 files, as attachments to emails.  Hard copy lessons will not be available for these lessons.  To order these lessons, or for more information, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, where instructions for making payment can be found.

Thanks, and I hope you'll want to take advantage of this special offer.

All best,
Johnm
Title: April Songs of the Month lessons: 2 from Jessie Mae Hemphill
Post by: Johnm on April 16, 2018, 09:22:49 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that for April, 2018 I'm offering two Song of the Month lessons for the price of one--$35.00 U.S.  The songs are Jessie Mae Hemphill's "Go Back To Your Used To Be" and "Eagle Bird", and you can listen to them on the post previous to this one in this thread.  Information on how to order the lessons is offered there, too.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Vermonter on April 20, 2018, 08:34:22 AM
I recently purchased one of John's audio/tab lessons, and the only better way to learn that I can imagine is having John sitting across the table, guitar in hand. I've learned a tune in record time that I was having trouble with thanks to the clarity of his explanations and his playing. Thanks for all the work you do, John.
Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on April 20, 2018, 11:58:53 AM
Thanks very much for the good words, Vermonter, and I'm glad to hear that you were able to pick up the tune quickly.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "That Won't Do", by Arthur Pettis, the May, 2018 Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on May 03, 2018, 02:46:57 PM
Hi all,
I'm sorry to be slow getting the Song of the Month lesson for May announced, but I had to re-up at paypal and didn't want to announce the new lesson until I had that in place.  The Song of the Month lesson for May, 2018 is "That Won't Do", a great, raggy C blues by Arthur Pettis, a very skillful but under-recorded musician born in Mississippi who re-located to Chicago as a young man.  Here is a link to his performance of "That Won't Do":

https://youtu.be/x2GAcOT8bi8

The lesson is available for the month of May, 2018 only for $35.00, U. S.  The transcription you'll receive with the lesson includes Arthur Pettis' introductory solo, his verse accompaniment, both of his later solos and his coda.  For more information on the lesson or to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section. I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn a great performance by one of the Country Blues' unsung heroes.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: "That Won't Do" by Arthur Pettis, the Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on May 16, 2018, 08:52:22 AM
Hi all,
This is just a reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for May at my website is on Arthur Pettis' "That Won't Do".  The lesson is available during May for $35.00 (or $42.00 to U. S. residents who want a hard copy lesson).  The lesson includes a transcription of Arthur Pettis' intro solo, his verse accompaniment, his two later solos and his coda.  You can listen to his performance of the song at the last previous post in this thread.  For more information or to order the lesson go to www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Faro", by Rosa Lee Hill, Song of the Month lesson for June, 2018
Post by: Johnm on June 01, 2018, 06:37:48 AM
Hi,
I wanted to let you know that I have selected "Faro", by Rosa Lee Hill, for my Song of the Month lesson for June, 2018. Rosa Lee Hill was one of the progenitors of the Mississippi Hill Country style of blues, and is my particular favorite. "Faro" is an eerie number that combines a haunting vocal accompaniment with a hypnotic instrumental response.  Here is Rosa Lee Hill's performance of "Faro":

https://youtu.be/1qAFXRIwna4

For the lesson, I have transcribed her intro and the first four verses of the song.  The lesson provides a TAB transcription and very thorough technical talk-throughs of the transcription, with fingering and picking suggestions.  For the month of June, 2018 only, I am offering the lesson on "Faro" for $35.00 (or for $42.00 to U.S. residents who would like a hard copy version of the lesson).  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  I hope you'll want to take advantage of this opportunity to learn a song from one of the greatest of the Mississippi blues guitarists.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Faro", by Rosa Lee Hill, the Song of the Month lesson for June, 2018
Post by: Johnm on June 16, 2018, 09:55:18 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website is "Faro", by Rosa Lee Hill, a hypnotic number you can listen to at the post previous to this one in this thread.  For the month of June, 2018 only, I am offering a lesson on "Faro" for $35.00.  For more information or to find out how to order the lesson, go to my website at:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Prof Scratchy on June 17, 2018, 01:28:50 AM
This is a wonderful song, for which you only need two fingers!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: "Charley Stone" by Larry Johnson: the July, 2018 Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on July 02, 2018, 06:14:00 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson I have selected for July, 2018 is Larry Johnson's "Charley Stone", taken from his break-through album "Fast and Funky", released in 1971 on the Blue Goose label.  Larry's exciting and original playing and song-writing created something of a sensation at that time, and for many listeners, "Charley Stone" was the high point of that album.  Here it is:

https://youtu.be/wQxpkYssbOk

As you can hear, "Charley Stone" is a raggy number with a catchy sound and distinctive ways of moving through the chord progression.  For the month of July, 2018 only, I am offering a lesson on "Charley Stone" for $35.00 (a hard copy version of th lesson is available to U. S. residents for $42.00).  The lesson includes a TAB transcription of the song's intro, and the accompaniments to both verses, as well as Larry's coda, and very thorough talk-throughs of the transcription, with fingering and picking tips.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to my website at:  www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn a song from one of the real innovators in the style.

All best,
John
Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on July 15, 2018, 08:45:01 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website is "Charley Stone", by Larry Johnson, a terrific raggy number you can listen to at the post previous to this one in this thread.  For the month of July, 2018 only, I am offering a lesson on "Charley Stone" for $35.00.  For more information or to find out how to order the lesson, go to my website at:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: J B Lenoir's "Alabama Blues", Song of the Month lesson for September, 2018
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2018, 09:46:55 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson that I am offering for September, 2018 is "Alabama Blues", by J B Lenoir.  It is a beautifully played piece for which J B accompanied himself out of E position in standard tuning, and the transcription includes his intro, verse accompaniment (which he played as a set piece) and his coda.  J B's right hand approach utilized the thumb in varied ways--runs, brush strokes, time-keeping on two strings, etc.  Here is a link to J B's performance:

https://youtu.be/hfRqTQyHMTM

For the month of September, 2018 only, I am offering this lesson for $35.00 for a virtual lesson, which includes TAB of the transcription and very through talk-throughs of the playing.  U. S. residents only have the option of ordering a hard copy lesson for $42.00.  After September, the song will be offered at the regular pre-transcribed rate of $55.00.  For more information, or to find out how to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: J B Lenoir's "Alabama Blues", Song of the Month lesson for September, 2018
Post by: Johnm on September 15, 2018, 03:02:47 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for September, 2018 at my website is on J B Lenoir's "Alabama Blues", which you can listen to on the post previous to this one in this thread.  For the month of September only, the cost of the lesson is $35.00, and after September, the price will revert to $55.00.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks!
All best,
Johnm
Title: Papa Eggshell's "Goin' Up the Country, Part 2, SotM lesson, October, 2018
Post by: Johnm on October 01, 2018, 08:00:43 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson I am offering for October, 2018.  It is "Goin' Up The Country, Part 2", by Lawrence "Papa Eggshell" Casey, a terrific St. Louis guitarist.  Papa Eggshell (so dubbed because of his bald pate) only recorded four solo titles, and this one is a souped-up version of "Kansas City Blues", with some really novel and original ways of getting around in E and some exciting thumb-popped bass runs.  Here is his performance (which is mislabeled in the video, it is Part 2):

https://youtu.be/TRAueiKTwK0

I'm offering the lesson on "Goin' Up The Country, Part 2" for "$35.00 U. S. for the month of October, 2018 only, after which the price will go up to the standard pre-transcribed rate of $55.00.  A hard copy version of the lesson can be purchased by U.S. residents only, for $42.00.  With the lesson, you get a TAB transcription that includes Papa Eggshell's intro, verse one accompaniment and solo, and very thorough talk-throughs, explaining left hand efficiencies and right hand picking.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section. Thanks, and I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn a song by one of the unfairly obscure Country Blues greats.
All best,
John
Title: Re: Papa Eggshell's "Goin' Up the Country, Part 2, SotM lesson, October, 2018
Post by: Johnm on October 15, 2018, 06:57:08 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson I'm offering at my website for October, 2018 is on Papa Eggshell's "Goin' Up The Country, Part 2", which you can listen to on the post immediately prior to this one in this thread.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Song of the Month lesson, November, 2018: "Bull Cow Blues" by Big Bill Broonzy
Post by: Johnm on November 02, 2018, 06:38:04 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson I'm offering at my website for November, 2018 is on "Bull Cow Blues", as recorded by Big Bill Broonzy in 1932.  It is played in G position in standard tuning and captures Big Bill's playing at the top of his game, with lots of great licks and syncopations in the bass.  Here is his performance:

https://youtu.be/jGUVKRZ5SEQ

For the month of November, 2018 only, I am offering a lesson on "Bull Cow Blues" that includes his intro and verse one and two accompaniments for $35.00, for which you'll receive a TAB transcription and very thorough talk-throughs detailing the most efficient fingering and picking.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com and look in the "Teaching" section and you'll find information on how to order the lesson. Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: "Bull Cow Blues", November Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on November 15, 2018, 06:04:35 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for November at my website is Big Bill Broonzy's "Bull Cow Blues", which you can listen to at the post immediately prior to this one in this thread.  Cost of the lesson, during the month of November only, is $35.00, for which you receive a transcription of Big Bill's intro and verse one and two accompaniments and very thorough talk-throughs.  Go to www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, to find out how to order the lesson.  Thanks, and I hope folks will be interested in this tune that paved the way for Buddy Moss's great 1934 solo sessions.
All best,
Johnm
Title: December Songs of the Month lessons: "Pocahontas" and "What Child Is This?"
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2018, 09:49:28 AM
Hi all,
I'm offering two Song of the Month lessons at my website for December, 2018.  The first is "Pocahontas", an exciting, slippery sort of instrumental by Bill Williams, that appeared on his first Blue Goose album, "Low And Lonesome".  Here it is:

https://youtu.be/86B6_nw2o7Q

The second song I'm offering is a Jazz waltz re-harmonization arrangement I did of "What Child Is This?" which I'll attach to this message for anyone who might be interested.  Each lesson is available during the month of December only for $35.00.  For more information, or to order either or both of the lessons, go to my website at www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: December Song of the Month lessons: "Pocahontas", "What Child Is This?"
Post by: Johnm on December 15, 2018, 03:08:42 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lessons at my website this month are Bill Williams' "Pocahontas" and my arrangement of "What Child Is This?" as a Jazz waltz.  You can listen to the two tunes in the post prior to this one is this thread.  For the month of December 2018 only, you can order each of these lessons for $35.00 apiece.  Go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section for more information or to order a lesson.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Song of the Month lesson, January, 2019: Black Mattie by Teddy Williams
Post by: Johnm on January 01, 2019, 12:28:27 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the song I've selected for the January, 2019 Song of the Month lesson at my website is "Black Mattie", as performed by Mississippian Teddy Williams, recorded by George Mitchell.  It has a drony, trance-inducing quality that anticipated a lot of later Hill Country blues.  Here is Teddy Williams' performance of "Black Mattie":

https://youtu.be/fBC5G58twxI

For the month of January, 2019 only, I'm offering a lesson on "Black Mattie" that includes Teddy Williams' intro, his verse one and two accompaniments and his coda, all for $35.00.  If you go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, you can find out more information on the lesson or place an order for the lesson.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re: Song of the Month lesson, January, 2019: Teddy Williams' "Black Mattie"
Post by: Johnm on January 15, 2019, 08:50:54 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for January, 2019 is "Black Mattie", as performed by Teddy Williams.  You can listen to the track on the post immediately prior to this one in this thread.  For this month only, I'm offering a lesson that includes the intro, verse one and two accompaniments and coda for $35.00.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Depression Blues" by Herman E. Johnson, Song of the Month lesson, February
Post by: Johnm on February 01, 2019, 09:30:58 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson I will be offering in February, 2019 is "Depression Blues", by Herman E. Johnson.  The song is an original composition, and Herman E. Johnson came up with a very strong set of lyrics as well as an imaginative call-and-response accompaniment to work in conjunction with his vocals.  The lesson transcribes his verse one and verse two accompaniments, his solo, and the very long coda, or ending phrase.  Here is Herman E. Johnson's "Depression Blues":

https://youtu.be/3IFJRCo7WLo

For the month of February, 2019 only, I am offering a lesson on "Depression Blues" for $35.00.  After February, the cost of the lesson will revert back to $55.00.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks, and I hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity to learn this piece, in which Herman E. Johnson took a really original approach to accompanying himself.  It's a great song for singing and playing, both.
All best,
John
Title: Re Song of the Month lesson on Herman E. Johnson's "Depression Blues"
Post by: Johnm on February 18, 2019, 08:36:16 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that my song of the Month lesson for February, 2019 is on Herman E. Johnson's "Depression Blues", which you can listen to at the post immediately prior to this one in this thread.  Cost for the lesson until the end of February is $35.00 U. S., for which you receive Herman E. Johnson's intro solo, verse one and two accompaniments, his long later solo and his coda.  To order the song or for more information, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks!
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Song of the Month lesson on Lil Son Jackson's "Gambler Blues", March 2019
Post by: Johnm on March 01, 2019, 09:18:22 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson that I am offering for March of 2019.  It is Lil Son Jackson's "Gambler Blues", taken from his Arhoolie rediscovery album, "Blues Come From Texas".  Here is his performance from that recording (if you are unable to view the link, and would like to hear the song, send me a message and I will send you an .mp3 of the performance):

https://youtu.be/RpBfPa0z0IU

As you can hear, Lil Son had a driving, slippery sound and terrific singing.  I have transcribed his intro, verse one and two accompaniments, solo and coda.  The lesson offers an unusual opportunity to learn his approach to playing in DGDGBE tuning, which was different than that of any other player who utilized that tuning.  For the month of March, 2019 only, I am offering a virtual lesson on "Gambler Blues" for $35.00, which includes the TAB transcription of the song, very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the song and the song's lyrics, all sent via email.  For U.S. residents only, a hard copy version of the lesson can be sent for an additional $8.00.  For more information, or to order the lesson go to the Teaching section at my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com .  I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn a song from one of the Post-War masters of the Country Blues.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Song of the Month lesson on Lil' Son Jackson's "Gambler Blues", March, 2019
Post by: Johnm on March 17, 2019, 09:17:24 AM
Hi all,
This is a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for March, 2019 is Lil' Son Jackson's "Gambler Blues", which you can listen to on the last previous post to this one in this thread.  Cost of the lesson during March is $35.00, for which you receive a transcription with Lil' Son's intro, verse one and two accompaniments, solo and coda, along with very thorough talk-throughs of the song.  To place an order, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Song of the Month lesson for April, 2019: Carolina Slim's "Sugaree"
Post by: Johnm on April 01, 2019, 10:10:28 AM
Hi all,
I've selected Carolina Slim's "Sugaree" for the Song of the Month lesson at my website for the month of April, 2019.  It is an exceptionally strong performance, one of the most striking I've heard in dropped-D tuning.  Here is Carolina Slim's performance of "Sugaree":

https://youtu.be/5hlzkeWWNoI

For the lesson, I have transcribed Carolina Slim's performance from beginning to end, with his intro, verse one and two accompaniments, solo and verse three accompaniment.  Cost of the lesson during the month of April is $35.00, and for that you receive the complete transcription and very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the song.  Here's an opportunity to add to your repertoire with a spectacular piece that everybody and his brother are not already playing.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Charley Jordan's "Hunkie Tunkie Blues": May Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on May 02, 2019, 06:14:55 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that my Song of the Month lesson for May, 2019 is Charley Jordan's "Hunkie Tunkie Blues", an exciting St. Louis blues from the early '30s with an exciting Latin rhythm that embodies the musical quality that Jelly Roll Morton dubbed "the Spanish tinge".  Here is Charley Jordan's performance:

https://youtu.be/A7oClf_s7Ac

The lesson includes Charley Jordan's intro solo, verse accompaniment, later solo and coda, and you'll receive the song's lyrics with the lesson, along with the TAB transcription and thorough talk-throughs of the different sections.  For May, 2019 only, I'm offering the lesson for $35.00.  If you go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section, you can find out how to order the lesson.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Charley Jordan's, "Hunkie Tunkie Blues", the May Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on May 18, 2019, 04:18:04 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for May is Charley Jordan's "Hunkie Tunkie Blues", which you can listen to on the post prior to this one in this thread.  Cost of the lesson for the month of May only is $35.00, for which you receive a transcription including Charley Jordan's intro solo, his verse accompaniment, his later solo and the coda to the song, as well as very thorough talk-throughs of the different sections.  To order, follow the instructions on the post previous to this one.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Eugene Powell's "How You Want Your Rolling Done?", Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on June 01, 2019, 01:13:58 PM
Hi all,
I have selected Eugene Powell's "How You Want Your Rolling Done?" for the June, 2019 Song of the Month.  Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/SbG1lBeAZ10

Eugene Powell, was a practitioner, along with Bo Carter and Hacksaw Harney, of a sub-genre of Mississippi Blues that emphasized chordal sophistication.  Don't let the relaxation of Eugene Powell's performance fool you--he's operating in a pretty rarefied realm, conceptually, and working with an enormous vocabulary of licks and nifty moves in A position standard tuning.  One of the forgiving things about his rendition is that is not fast, nor is it meant to be fast.  That relaxed tempo gives you time to make the moves in the left hand. 

The lesson combines a pretty thorough transcription which includes his three opening solo passes through the form, his verse one and two accompaniments and a later solo, along with detailed talk-throughs of each of his passes through the form.  For the month of June, 2019 only, the lesson is available for $35.00, after which the price will be $55.00 for the lesson.  (A hard copy version of the lesson is available to U. S. residents only, for $42.00.)  For more information or to find out how to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com and look in the Teaching section.  I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a great guitarist.
Here are Eugene Powell's lyrics to the song:

All this Fall, baby, you ain't hauled your pay
All this Fall, baby, you ain't hauled a day
I believe to my soul, I said, you been stealin' out on me

Ain't it lonesome, ain't it lonesome, sleepin' in a big bed by yourself?
Ain't it lonesome, sleepin' in a big bed by yourself?
When you can't be with the one you love, and, she lovin' someone else

I hate to leave my babe, and look 'way upside the wall
Hate to leave my babe, and look 'way upside the wall
Make me, my mind, makes me want to go

I said, tell me now, sweet mama, gal, how you want your rolling done?
Tell me, sweet mama, gal, how you want your rolling done?
She says, "Slow and easy, like my old-time rider done."

Roll my belly, mama, roll it like you roll my dough
Want you to roll my belly, gal, like you roll my dough
I want you tor all me, sweet mama, 'til I tell you I don't want no more

Now little girl, little girl, gal, where did you get your sugar from?
Little girl, little girl, where di you get your sugar from?
You must've been down in Lou'siana, and got it right off that sugar farm

Tell me who's that, who's that knocking' on your door last night?
Oh, when I walked in, your hair wasn't straighten you right
But I hear the bedsprings poppin', and I heard my woman cryin'

All best,
Johnm
Title: Eugene Powell's "How You Want Your Rolling Done?", Song of the Month lesson
Post by: Johnm on June 18, 2019, 09:26:46 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at www.johnmillerguitar.com is Eugene Powell's "How You Want Your Rolling Done?", a performance of which can be viewed at the post immediately prior to this one in this thread.  The lesson costs $35.00 during the month of June, 2019 only, and the transcription includes five solo passes and the accompaniments to verses one and two.  To order the lesson, go to www.johnmillerguitar in the "Teaching" section, where instructions are presented.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Willie Reed's "Texas Blues": Song of the Month lesson for July, 2019
Post by: Johnm on July 01, 2019, 09:31:18 AM
Hi all,
I have selected Willie Reed's "Texas Blues" for the July, 2019 Song of the Month lesson at my website.  The song came from a two-song session Willie Reed did in 1928 (the other song from the session was "Dreaming Blues"), and both of those songs are among the greatest blues ever recorded by a Texas player.  "Texas Blues" was played in E position in standard tuning and the level of excitement and invention that Willie Reed brought to the tune has to be heard to be believed.  Here is Willie Reed's "Texas Blues":

https://youtu.be/uE3hcLUX8Hs

The TAB transcription that accompanies the lesson includes Willie Reed's intro, verse one, two and five accompaniments and his coda, and the lyrics for "Texas Blues" will be provided, as well.  Along with the TAB, you'll receive very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription.  For the month of July, 2019 only, I'm offering the lesson on "Texas Blues" for $35.00.  To find out how to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com, in the "Teaching" section, and you will find instructions.  I hope folks will take advantage of the opportunity to learn this terrific song.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Willie Reed's "Texas Blues": Song of the Month lesson for July, 2019
Post by: Johnm on July 16, 2019, 09:43:12 AM
Hi all,
This is just a reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for July is Willie Reed's "Texas Blues", an especially exciting blues in E position, standard tuning.  You can listen to the song in the post immediately prior to this one in this thread.  The transcription that accompanies the lesson includes Willie Reed's intro, verse one, two and five accompaniments and his coda, and you receive very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription with the lesson as well. The lesson costs $35.00 during this month only.  For more information, or to order the lesson, got to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks.
all best,
Johnm 
Title: Fred McDowell's "Let Me Lay Down In Your Cool Iron Bed", SotM lesson, August
Post by: Johnm on August 05, 2019, 10:25:57 AM
Hi all,
I have selected Fred McDowell's "Let Me Lay Down In Your Cool Iron Bed", originally released on the Testament album, "Levee Camp Blues" for the Song of the Month lesson for August, 2019 at my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com.  Here is Fred's performance:

https://youtu.be/dG1zUFjSh5I

INTRO

Please let me lay down, darlin', let me lay down in your cool iron bed
Well, let me lay down, baby, let me lay down in your cool iron bed
Lord, I been drinkin' white lightnin', yes, it done gone to my head

Well, I been drinkin' white lightnin', darling, it's done gone to my head
Well, I believe to my soul, this old whiskey gonna kill me dead
Lord, I believe to my soul, baby, this old whiskey gonna kill me dead

SOLO

Lord, I ain't got nobody, baby, hold my worried head
Lord, I ain't got nobody, baby, to hold my worried head
I want you tell me, baby, what have I done wrong?
Tell me, baby, honey, what have I done wrong?

SOLO

Lord, bring me a Christmas present, darling, baby, I'm in jail again
Lord, bring me a Christmas present, baby, baby, I'm in jail again 
 
The lesson includes a transcription which has his intro, verse one and two accompaniments, and his solo.  In addition to the TAB transcription, you will receive very thorough talk-throughs of the piece.  Cost of the lesson, for the month of August, 2019 only, is $35.00 U.S.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com in the Teaching section.  I hope folks will be interested in learning this song from one of the greatest of Country Blues singers and players in the post-War era.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: "Let Me Lay Down In Your Cool Iron Bed"--Song of the Month lesson for 8/19
Post by: Johnm on August 17, 2019, 06:34:59 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that Fred McDowell's "Let Me Lay Down In Your Cool Iron Bed" is the Song of the Month lesson for August, 2019 at www.johnmillerguitar.com .  For the month of August, 2019 only, a lesson teaching Fred McDowell's intro, verse one and two accompaniments and solo costs $35.00.  To hear the song, go to the post immediately prior to this one in this thread.  For more information, or to order the lesson, go to the Teaching section at my website.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Roosevelt Holts' "She Put Me Outdoors", Song of the Month lesson, 9/19
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2019, 09:49:38 AM
Hi all,
Happy Labor Day!  I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson for September, 2019 at my website: Roosevelt Holts' "She Put Me Outdoors".  Roosevelt Holts was a Mississippian who was recorded for the first time in the 1960s, and he was an expert and versatile musician.  I've attached an .mp3 of the song, because it is not available on youtube.  It is a terrific, driving blues in A position in standard tuning, and the lesson transcription includes his intro, verse one and two accompaniments and the coda.  I believe the song to be one of the very strongest blues in A ever to come out of Mississippi.
For the month of September, 2019 only, I am offering a lesson on "She Put Me Outdoors", for $35.00, for which you'll receive the TAB transcription, sent as a .pdf, and very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription, sent as .mp3s.  Lyrics for the song will be provided, too. Hard copy versions of the lesson are available to U. S. residents only, for $43.00, with the additional cost paying for Priority Mail, a CD, the copy of the transcription and a padded mailing envelope.  To order the lesson, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com, and follow the instructions for making lesson payment presented in the "Teaching" section there.  Thanks for your time, and I hope you'll be interested in learning this very strong piece .

INTRO

Well, she put me outdoor, baby, through the sleet and snow
Yes, put me outdoor, through the sleet and snow
Well, I was stone barefooted, I didn't have nowhere to go

Well, I got one in the 'bama, two out on that hill
Well, got one in the 'bama, I got two out on that hill
Says, they ain't never sweet, like that little old [?]

Cryin', Lord have mercy, baby, on my bad luck soul
Cryin', Lord have mercy, baby, on my bad luck soul
Says, the Good Book teach you, gonna reap just what you sow

Well, I'm goin' up the country, baby, don't you want to go?
Lord, I'm goin' up the country, baby, don't you want to go?
Well, I'm goin' to a place, never been before

Well, she put me outdoors, Lord, I didn't have nowhere to go
Well, she put me outdoors, I didn't have nowhere to go
Well, I was poor and lonely, running' from door to door
 
All best,
John
Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Suzy T on September 01, 2019, 04:15:39 PM
Wow, what a great piece!!  Thank you John.
Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2019, 09:19:34 PM
I'm glad you like it, Suzy!  That's a ripping piece, isn't it?
Title: Re: Roosevelt Holts' "She Put Me Outdoors", Song of the Month lesson, 9/19
Post by: Johnm on September 15, 2019, 10:34:00 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for September is Roosevelt Holts' "She Put Me Outdoors", a terrific Mississippi blues played out of A position in standard tuning that you can download and listen to at the post three prior to this one in this thread.  For $35.00, you get a transcription which has Roosevelt Holts' intro, verse one, two and four accompaniments and coda, along with very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the song.  To order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, and follow the instructions there.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: Mance Lipscomb's "One Thin Dime"--Song of the Month lesson for 10/19
Post by: Johnm on October 01, 2019, 03:00:08 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for October, 2019 at my website is Mance Lipscomb's "One Thin Dime", a hard-driving 16-bar blues that Mance played out of E position in standard tuning.  As was usually the case with Mance, the song abounds with interesting ideas, licks and ways of getting around on the guitar.  The TAB transcription that accompanies the lesson includes Mance's verse one and two accompaniments and the solo that concludes his rendition.  Here is Mance's performance of "One Thin Dime":

https://youtu.be/WZ-1Nm5PUS4

Walked all the way from, East St. Louis
Didn't have but the one thin dime
Didn't have but the one thin dime
Didn't have but the one thin dime

'Fore I would spend it for, my own use
Saved it for the girl of mine
Saved it for the girl of mine
Saved it for the girl of mine

When I was sick, couldn't hardly creep
I was sick and couldn't hardly creep
Sick and could not hardly creep
You'd pass by me, wouldn't hardly speak

Tell me, baby, tell me now
Where you been so long?
Where you been so long?
Where you been so long?

All I've got is done gone
All I've got is gone
All I got is gone
Something keep a-tellin' you I won't be here long

Standin' on Decatur Street one day
One dime was all that I had
One dime was all I had
Did not have but the one thin dime

'Fore I would spend it for, my own use
Saved it for the lady friend of mine
Saved it for the lady friend of mine
Saved it for the lady friend of mine

Followed my baby, fur as I could go
Down to the jailhouse door
Down to the jailhouse door
Down to the jailhouse door

I stayed and I heard the papers read
And I heard the papers read
And I heard the papers read
Stayed and I heard what the judge gon' say

SOLO

For the month of October, 2019 only, the lesson is available for $35.00 (U.S. residents only can order a hard copy version of the lesson for $43.00).  You will receive the TAB transcription, very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the song and the song's lyrics transcribed.  To order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , and follow the instructions for ordering the lesson presented in the Teaching section of my website.  Thanks, and I hope you'll take this opportunity to learn Mance Lipscomb's great performance of "One Thin Dime".

All best,
John
Title: Mance Lipscomb's "One Thin Dime", Song of the Month lesson for 10/19
Post by: Johnm on October 16, 2019, 05:33:53 PM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for October, 2019 is Mance Lipscomb's "One Thin Dime".  During October, you can order a lesson which includes a TAB transcription and very thorough talk-throughs of Mance's verse one and two accompaniments and his concluding solo.  For more information or to order the lesson go to www.johnmillerguitar.com in the Teaching section.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Robert Belfour's "Pushin' My Luck", Song of the Month lesson for 11/19
Post by: Johnm on November 04, 2019, 06:37:58 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for November, 2019 is Robert Belfour's "Pushin' My Luck", the title track from his second Fat Possum CD.  It is an exciting piece in Spanish tuning (Open G) in the Mississippi Hill Country style.  I've transcribed Robert Belfour's intro and verse one accompaniment, and in that portion of the song (which runs to three pages), he comes up with an exciting variety of licks and mines Spanish tuning for all it's worth.  Here is "Pushin' My Luck":

https://youtu.be/l6dOLBsxjeA

INTRO

I'm pushin' my luck, seem like my luck want to change
I'm pushin' my luck, seem like my luck want to change
I been pushin' my luck, seem like my luck want to change

I'm pushin' my luck, people, seem like my luck want to change
I said I'm pushin' my luck, people, seem like my luck want to change

I been pushin' my luck, seem like my luck want to change
I'm pushin' my luck, seem like my luck want to change

Cost of the lesson, during the month of November only is $35.00, for which you'll receive a Tab transcription of the intro and verse and very thorough talk-throughs of them.  U. S. residents wanting a hard copy version of the lesson can purchase one for $43.00.  Instructions for making payment can be found at my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the "Teaching" section.  I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the strongest players in the Hill Country style.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: "Pushin' My Luck" by Robert Belfour, Song of the Month lesson for 11/19
Post by: Johnm on November 19, 2019, 07:58:41 AM
Hi all,
This is just a late mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for November, 2019 at my website is Robert Belfour's "Pushin' My Luck", an intense piece in Spanish tuning.  Cost of the lesson during the month of November only is $35.00.  You can listen to the song and pick up the particulars of what is included in the lesson and how to order it in the post immediately prior to this one in this thread.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: "Trouble In Blues" by Bo Carter: Song of the Month lesson for 12/19
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2019, 08:26:26 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for December, 2019 is Bo Carter's "Trouble In Blues", a tough 8-bar blues in Bo's favorite DGDGBE tuning.  The transcription that accompanies the lesson includes Bo's intro, verse one and two accompaniments, his solo and the song's lengthy coda, and the lesson includes thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription as well.  Here is Bo's performance of "Trouble In Blues":



For the month of December, 2019 only, the lesson is available for $35.00.  Hard copy lessons are available to U. S. residents only for $43.00.  For more information and to find out about how to make payment for the lesson, go to:  http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html .  Thanks, and I hope folks will take advantage of the opportunity to learn this terrific song from Bo Carter.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Trouble In Blues" by Bo Carter, Song of the Month lesson for December, 2019
Post by: Johnm on December 15, 2019, 11:03:30 AM
Hi all,
This is just a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website this month is Bo Carter's "Trouble In Blues", which you can listen to at the message immediately prior to this one in this thread, which also supplies information of the lesson and how to order it.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Fare Thee Well Blues" by Joe Callicott, SotM lesson for January, 2020
Post by: Johnm on January 02, 2020, 01:18:33 PM
Hi all,
Happy New Year!  I hope you had a safe and enjoyable holiday season.  I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson I have selected for January, 2020 is Joe Callicott's 1930 recording of "Fare Thee Well Blues", a driving performance that he played out of D position in standard tuning.  Joe was to re-record the song for George Mitchell in the 1960s in an excellent, but much simpler version.  Here is Joe's 1930 recording:

https://youtu.be/CLLFngUIne0

The lesson is available this month only for $35.00, and includes a transcription with Joe's intro, verse one and two accompaniments and solo, and very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to my website at: www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  I hope you'll want to learn this one--it's one of only two solo titles that Joe recorded prior to the '60s.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Bad Feeling Blues" by Blind Blake, SotM lesson for February, 2020
Post by: Johnm on February 01, 2020, 06:02:44 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for February, 2020 will be on Blind Blake's "Bad Feeling Blues", a beautifully elegant piece that he played out of Dropped-D tuning.  Here is Blind Blake's performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/MYKhRgT9SWY

The transcription that accompanies the lesson includes Blake's intro, and verse one, two and five accompaniments (he did not take any solos on the song).  I think the song delivers some real insights on how to get around in dropped-D and access some ideas you might not previously played in that tuning.

During the month of February only, the lesson will be available for $35.00, and will include thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription, in addition to the transcription itself.  For more information on how to place an order, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, and directions are presented there.  I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to learn one of the most striking pieces recorded in Dropped-D tuning.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: "Bad Feeling Blues" by Blind Blake, Song of the Month Lesson, 2/20
Post by: Johnm on February 19, 2020, 09:34:40 AM
Hi all,
This is just a late mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for February is Blind Blake's
"Bad Feeling Blues", which you can listen to at the post previous to this one in this thread.  Price of the lesson during February is $35.00, for which you get a TAB transcription of Blake's intro and three verse accompaniments and very thorough talk-throughs.  To place an order, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, for instructions.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Edward Thompson's "Seven Sisters Blues": Song of the Month lesson, 3/20
Post by: Johnm on March 03, 2020, 08:57:07 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for March, 2020 is Edward Thompson's "Seven Sisters Blues", and exciting and varied piece played out of A position in standard tuning.  Here is "Seven Sisters Blues":

https://youtu.be/Pyx73I_awlM 

Despite only recording six titles, Edward Thompson showed a great deal of variety and individuality in his playing.  The TAB transcription that accompanies the lesson includes his intro, verse one and two accompaniments and solo.  In addition to receiving the transcription when you order the lesson, you'll also receive thorough talk-throughs of each section of the song describing left hand positioning, picking, etc.
For the month of March, 2020 only, the lesson is available for $35.00 U. S.  U. S. residents only can also order a hard copy version of the lesson for $42.00.  To place an order, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section and follow the instructions there.  I hope folks will take advantage of the opportunity to learn an innovative piece by an unjustly obscure musician.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Jesse Wadley's "Alabama Prison Blues", Song of the Month lesson for April, 2020
Post by: Johnm on April 01, 2020, 06:56:40 AM
Hi,
I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson I'm offering for April, 2020:  Jesse Wadley's "Alabama Prison Blues", a song he played in Spanish tuning (Open G) that has a particularly pretty melody.  Wadley did some neat harmonized moving lines in the treble in the course of his rendition.  Here is a link to his performance:

https://youtu.be/BrCq7J6IQoA

For the month of April, I'm offering a lesson on "Alabama Prison Blues" for $35.00, for which you receive a transcription which includes his verse one and two accompaniments, a play-through of the transcription and very thorough talk-throughs of each verse accompaniment, with the transcription sent as a .pdf file and the talk-throughs sent as .mp3 files, all sent as attachments to email messages.  I won't be offering any hard copy version of this lesson this month. For more information and to see how to make payment for the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.

All best,
John
Title: Shirley Griffith's "River Line Blues": Song of the Month lesson for May, 2020
Post by: Johnm on May 01, 2020, 06:29:03 AM
Hi all,
I hope that you are staying careful, safe and healthy in the current public health crisis.  I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for May, 2020 is Shirley Griffith's "River Line", a unique 8-bar blues in E position, standard tuning with an arresting chordal dissonance I've not encountered elsewhere in the music that gives the song a rare intensity.  Here is Shirley Griffith's performance of "River Line Blues":

https://youtu.be/40c-7t5QAYI

For the month of May, 2020 only, I"m offering a lesson on "River Line Blues" for $35.00, which will include a TAB transcription with Shirley's intro, two verse accompaniments and coda, along with very thorough talk-throughs of each section and the song's lyrics.  To order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, and follow the instructions there for making payment.  I hope that folks will take advantage of this opportunity to learn this striking, but very playable piece.

I still have copies of all four of my books, "John Miller's Country Blues Guitar Collection", "The Guitar of Mississippi John Hurt--The Rediscovery Years", "East Coast Fingerstyle Blues Guitar" and "Texas Fingerstyle Blues Guitar" for sale.  U. S. residents can purchase a signed copy of any of the books for $30.00 postpaid, and signed copies of any two of the books for $55.00.  Payment can be made in accordance with the procedure outlined at my website.

Thanks for your time and I wish you well in these trying times.

All best,
John
Title: Smoky Babe's "If I Had Listened to What My Mama Say", Hidden Treasure Lesson
Post by: Johnm on May 11, 2020, 09:40:55 AM
Hi all,
I've started a new feature at my website called "Hidden Treasures" lessons.  These lessons feature songs which I feel have been insufficiently recognized or celebrated.  For the past several months I've had Bob Campbell's "Starvation Farm Blues" posted as the first Hidden Treasures lesson.  Today I posted Smoky Babe's "If I Had Listened To What My Mama Say", his unique version of "Catfish Blues" which he played in the virtually unheard of EADF#BE tuning (relatively speaking--he was tuned low).  The lesson includes a transcription of his recorded performance from beginning to end and thorough talk-throughs of each of his passes through the form.  Here is Smoky Babe's performance of "If I Had Listened To What My Mama Say":

https://youtu.be/RzFMC13gwbU

Cost of the Hidden Treasures lessons is $40.00.  For more information or to see how to make payment, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com in the Teaching section.  I hope folks will take advantage of the opportunity to learn how to play this striking piece.  The special offer will remain available indefinitely.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Re:Shirley Griffith's "River Line Blues": Song of the Month lesson for May, 2020
Post by: Johnm on May 16, 2020, 06:30:19 AM
Hi all,
Just a mid-month reminder that Shirley Griffith's "River Line Blues" is the Song of the Month lesson at my website.  For more information on the lesson or to listen to the song, go two posts back in this thread.  Thanks for your time.
all best,
Johnm
Title: Ed Bell's "Mamlish Blues", Song of the Month lesson, June, 2020
Post by: Johnm on June 01, 2020, 10:00:18 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for June, 2020 is Ed Bell's "Mamlish Blues", a beautifully conceived piece by that Alabama musician played in EAEGBE tuning.  Ed Bell's piece is put together like a Swiss watch, and is particularly fun to play.  Here is Ed Bell's rendition of "Mamlish Blues":

https://youtu.be/gT5z51guJ-4

The lesson includes his intro, verse accompaniments and coda.  For the month of June, 2020, I am offering the lesson for $35.00, for which you'll receive the TAB transcription, saved as a .pdf, and separate talk-throughs of each section, saved as .mp3 files.  For more information on the lesson or to order it, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.  Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Frank Hovington's "90 Going North", Song of the Month lesson for July, 2020
Post by: Johnm on July 01, 2020, 10:05:43 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for July, 2020 at my website is Frank Hovington's "90 Going North", a terrific instrumental which he played in dropped-D tuning.  Frank Hovington lived much of his adult life in downstate Delaware, and was discovered there by John Fahey in the early '50s, when Fahey, who was on a fishing trip, saw Hovington playing guitar on his front porch and stopped by to hear him play.  Fahey was inspired to play guitar after hearing him, and after you hear this tune, I think you'll know why.  Here it is:

https://youtu.be/LIsVWPAIgN4

I have transcribed Frank Hovington's first three passes through his form, though the form is extremely variable in length, with the first pass fairly short and the second and third passes much longer.  For the month of July only, I am offering a lesson on "90 Gong North" which includes a TAB transcription and very thorough talk-throughs of the three passes on the transcription.  For more information or to order the lesson, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.

Thanks for your time, and I hope you are staying careful, safe and healthy in our current situation.

All best,
Johnm
Title: "90 Going North" by Frank Hovington, Song of the Month Lesson for July, 2020
Post by: Johnm on July 19, 2020, 08:26:18 AM
Hi all,
I just wanted to offer a mid-month reminder that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for July 2020 is Frank Hovington's dropped-D instrumental, "90 Going North".  To hear the tune and get more information on how to order the lesson, go to the post immediately above this one in this thread.  Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Goin' Down South" and "Mellow Peaches", a Song of the Month twofer
Post by: Johnm on August 01, 2020, 07:01:07 AM
Hi all,
I hope that you are doing well and staying careful and healthy in our current situation.  I wanted to let you know that I am doing a Song of the Month "two-for-the-price-of-one" offering this month with lessons on R. L. Burnside's "Goin' Down South" and "Mellow Peaches" both for the normal Song of the Month lesson price of $35.00.  Both song versions come from Burnside's early acoustic recordings and each exemplifies the hypnotic sound and rhythm of Mississippi Hill Country Blues.  Here are Burnside's renditions that I will be teaching:

https://youtu.be/22Kx8A4Y0Rg

https://youtu.be/vcx1lr9YXJA

For the price of the lesson you'll receive TAB transcriptions and thorough talk-throughs of each song.  For more information or information on how to make payment, go to my website, www.johnmillerguitar.com , and look in the Teaching section.  Thanks and stay well.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Sluefoot Joe and Clifford Gibson's "House Top Blues", SotM lesson for 9/20
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2020, 10:15:45 AM
Hi all,
The Song of the Month lesson at my website this month is Sluefoot Joe (Ed Bell) and Clifford Gibson's collaboration on "House Top Blues", for which Clifford Gibson provided some of the most remarkable playing in Spanish tuning (Open G) ever recorded. Here is "House Top Blues":

https://youtu.be/9dq5gY3AnHg

The lesson's TAB transcription includes Clifford Gibson's intro, his verse one and verse two accompaniments, his solo, his verse three accompaniment and his coda. ( He was playing so much great stuff that I wanted to get just about all of it.) The lesson will include thorough talk-throughs of each section of the song. For the month of September, 2020 only, the price of the lesson will be $35.00. Payment can be made in accordance with the procedure set forth at my website, johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section.

Thanks for your time, and I hope folks will take advantage of the opportunity to learn some of spectacular playing Clifford Gibson did on "House Top Blues".

All best,
Johnm
Title: New "Hidden Treasure" lesson: Jack Owens' "Jack Ain't Had No Water"
Post by: Johnm on September 15, 2020, 09:53:03 AM
Hi all,
I've had the Hidden Treasure lesson on Smoky Babe's "If I Had Listened To What My Mama Say" up at my website for a while, and decided it was time to feature a new song. I've selected "Jack Ain't Had No Water", a beautiful number by Jack Owens, a Bentonia, Mississippi resident who played the song in cross-note tuning. The song is definitely not treading the same ground as Skip James' playing in that tuning, as you will be able to tell by listening to it:

https://youtu.be/zg_6Zi1jtws

Jack Owens' use of syncopation and surprising accents in the bass, have a way of making the accompaniment sound like it must be more than one guitar playing, at times. And the song has an inward sort of ruminative quality that is all its own. I've transcribed Jack's performance from beginning to end, and the lesson includes thorough talk-throughs of each pass through the form, in addition to the transcription. Cost of the lesson is $40.00, and I'll leave it up at the website until I feel like enough folks have discovered it. To find out how to order the lesson, go to:http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html . Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Down The Highway" by Charlie Pickett: Song of the Month lesson for 10/20
Post by: Johnm on October 01, 2020, 06:57:19 AM
Hi all,
I hope you are doing well and staying careful, safe and healthy. I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson I have selected for October, 2020 is Charlie Pickett's "Down The Highway", a remarkable performance in E in standard tuning for which the over-used phrase "one of a kind" may, for once, aptly be used, for neither Charlie Pickett himself, nor any other blues musician I'm aware of ever recorded another piece like it. The guitar part tracks the melody in a way that is very unusual, and the flamenco-like signature lick is a shocker, even when you've heard it before. Here is "Down The Highway":

https://youtu.be/A8_5jTOWefw

For the month of October, 2020 only, I am offering a lesson on "Down The Highway" for $35.00, which includes a TAB transcription of the intro and first and last verse accompaniments (the song has no solo), as well as thorough talk-throughs of each section. of the song. To order the lesson, go to paypal.com and make a deposit to my account there, which is the same as my email address: john@johnmillerguitar.com

Thanks for your time, and I hope that you'll take advantage of the opportunity to learn this strikingly original song.

All best,
John
Title: Charlie Pickett's "Down The Highway", Song of the Month lesson for 10/20
Post by: Johnm on October 17, 2020, 06:26:57 AM
Hi all,
I just wanted to post a reminder that the Song of the Month lesson for October, 2020 is Charlie Pickett's "Down The Highway", which you can listen to at the post previous to this one in this thread. The lesson will be available for $35.00 during the month of October, 2020 only. Go to johnmillerguitar.com in the Teaching section to place your order. Thanks, and I hope you're staying careful, safe and healthy.
All best,
Johnm
Title: "Hattie Green" by Mance Lipscomb--Song of the Month lesson, November, 2020
Post by: Johnm on November 01, 2020, 07:45:26 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I have selected Mance Lipscomb's driving 8-bar blues "Hattie Green, played in A position in dropped-D tuning, for the November Song of the Month lesson. As was most often the case with Mance's songs, he played a tremendous amount of material over the course of the tune, changing as he went along, rather than playing the same pass over and over. The lesson includes transcription of his intro solo, three verse accompaniments, and three later solos. Here is Mance performing "Hattie Green":

https://youtu.be/R3KuVIVPSg8

For the month of November only, the lesson is offered for $35.00. Go to johnmillerguitar.com in the Teaching section to see how to place an order. I hope you'll take advantage of the chance to learn this exciting piece. And I hope that you're staying careful, safe and healthy.
All best,
John
Title: Larry Johnson's "Keep It Clean", Song of the Month lesson for December 2020
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2020, 07:35:19 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the song I've selected for the Song of the Month lesson at my website for December, 2020 is Larry Johnson's version of "Keep It Clean" from his 1970 release, "Fast And Funky". It's a remarkable performance which Larry completely re-worked from Charley Jordan's early recording of the song. Charley's version was played in E position in standard tuning, but Larry chose to arrange the song in A position in standard tuning. It's both spectacular playing and spectacular arranging. Here is Larry's version of "Keep It Clean":

https://youtu.be/WSOEfILM1bo

The lesson includes Larry's intro, his verse accompaniment and his interlude, and since the song is pretty much of a set piece, that about covers it. Cost of the lesson during the month of December only is $35.00, and for that you'll receive a TAB transcription and thorough talk-throughs of each section of the song, sent as attachments to emails. To place an order for the lesson, go to my website, johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section and follow the instructions there. I hope that you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn a perfectly ripping song.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Floyd Council's "Poor Boy And Ain't Got A Dime", Song of the Month lesson, 1/21
Post by: Johnm on January 02, 2021, 12:10:29 PM
Hi all,
Happy New Year! I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for January, 2021 is Floyd "Dipper Boy" Council's "Poor Boy And Ain't Got A Dime", a terrific Carolina blues that he played out of G position in standard tuning. Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/zO5wAZawzm0

The transcription included in the lesson has his intro solo, verse one and two accompaniments and his coda. Price of the lesson, during January, 2021 only, is $35.00, for which you receive a TAB transcription saved as a .pdf, the song's lyrics, and very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the song, saved as .mp3s, with the entire lesson sent as attachments to emails. Hard copy versions of the lesson are available to US residents only, for $45.00, to cover the cost of a padded envelope and USPS Priority Mail. To order the lesson, go to johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section, and follow the payment instructions there. I hope folks will take advantage of this chance to learn a song from a very strong and original guitarist.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Memphis Minnie's "Drunken Barrelhouse Blues", Song of the Month lesson, 2/21
Post by: Johnm on February 01, 2021, 06:21:15 AM
Hi all,
I hope that you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson fro February, 2021 at my website is Memphis Minnie's "Drunken Barrelhouse Blues", a driving piece she played in G position in standard tuning. It's one of the relatively few solo numbers she recorded and really showcases her stellar guitar playing. The lesson includes her intro solo, verse one accompaniment and later solo. Here is Memphis Minnie's performance of "Drunken Barrelhouse Blues":

https://youtu.be/J4CE_H5DHKw

For the month of February, the lesson can be ordered for $35.00, for which you receive a TAB transcription, sent as a .pdf, and separate talk-throughs of each section of the transcription, sent as .mp3s. To order the lesson, go to: http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html , and follow the instructions for making payment via www.paypal.com. I hope you'll take the opportunity to learn this exciting piece.

All best,
Johnm
Title: March 2021 Song of the Month Lesson--"Joliet Bound"
Post by: Johnm on March 01, 2021, 08:09:21 AM
Hi all,
The Song of the Month lesson for March, 2021 at my website is Joe McCoy and Memphis Minnie's song, "Joliet Bound". The lesson focuses on Minnie's lead guitar part, played in Spanish tuning. This is a ripping piece, with interesting and unusual phrasing. The lesson teaches the song's intro and verse accompaniment, which is the subtotal of the rendition, instrumentally, for it is a set piece after the intro, confining itself to the same verse accompaniment for the remainder of the rendition. Here is "Joliet Bound":

https://youtu.be/zB5PNy9u9yY

Cost of the lesson is $35.00, during March 2021, for which you receive a .pdf of the transcription and a very thorough talk-through of the intro and verse accompaniment. Payment can be made in accord with the procedures outlined at:
http://www.johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html . I hope folks will take advantage of the opportunity to learn this tremendous piece.
All best,
Johnm
Title: George Torey's "Married Woman Blues"--Song of the Month lesson, April, 2021
Post by: Johnm on April 01, 2021, 06:26:04 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for April, 2021 is George Torey's "Married Woman Blues", one of the most exciting 8-bar blues (with tag) ever recorded. George Torey, who only ever had two titles released, accompanied himself out of E position in standard tuning for the song. I've long intended to figure it out properly, and yesterday did so. Here is George Torey's "Married Woman Blues":

https://youtu.be/8_eKlmrdnSE

For the lesson, I have transcribed his extended intro, his verse one and two accompaniments and his coda. For the month of April, 2021 only, a lesson will be offered for $35.00, for which you'll receive the transcription in TAB plus thoroough talk-throughs of the piece. To place an order, follow the instructions in the Teaching section at my website, johnmillerguitar.com .

I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn this terrific number..

All best,
John
Title: Honeyboy Edwards' "Spread My Raincoat Down" May, 2021 SotM lesson
Post by: Johnm on May 03, 2021, 10:31:27 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for May, 2021 at my website will be Honeyboy Edwards' version of "Spread My Raincoat Down", an exciting blues in E position, standard tuning that he recorded for the Library of Congress in July of 1942. Here is his performance:

https://youtu.be/R2WMmRTHX9M

The lesson has Honeyboy Edwards' rendition transcribed from beginning to end, with intro, three solos, and five verse accompaniments. The song is an unusual mix of exciting, flashy playing and a realy "country" approach, in that Honeyboy did not maintain a consistent structure in his different passes through the form, choosing instead to play the song however he was feeling it in the moment, an approach he was to maintain throughout his very long playing life. Transcriptions of his songs are quite rare, and I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to pick up on some of his ways of playing an E blues.

As is usual with the Song of the Month lessons, in addition to the transcription itself, you'll receive very thorough talk-throughs of each pass through the form, and the lyrics to the song. Cost of the lesson during May, 2021 is $35.00, and after May, the price will go to the normal $55.00 price for a lesson on the song. Payment for the lesson should be made in accordance with the procedures outlined at johnmillerguitar.com in the Teaching section.

Thanks for your time and I hope all is going well for you.

All best,
JohnM
Title: "Mississippi Water" by Kid Prince Moore, Song of the Month lesson, July, 2021
Post by: Johnm on July 01, 2021, 11:45:25 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for July, 2021 at my website is Kid Prince Moore's "Mississippi Water", a really nice, raggy tune which the obscure Carolina musician played out of C position in standard tuning. Here is Kid Prince Moore's rendition of "Mississippi Water":

https://youtu.be/hqo_WjeewLU

For the month of July, 2021 only I'm offering a lesson on "Mississippi Water" for $35.00 U. S. The lesson includes a TAB transcription of his intro, verse one and two accompaniments and his solo, along with very thorough talk-throughs of the transcription and the lyrics to the song. You can make payment in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Teaching section of my website, johnmillerguitar.com.

I hope that you're doing well and will take advantage of this chance to learn a song that very few people play, despite its considerable charm.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Larry Johnson's Ragged And Dirty, Song of the Month lesson, August, 2021
Post by: Johnm on August 01, 2021, 04:17:29 PM
Hi all,
For the Song of the Month lesson in August, 2021 at my website, johnmillerguitar.com, I have selected Larry Johnson's version of "Ragged And Dirty", which he played out of D in standard tuning. One of the hallmarks of Larry's style was that even when playing Blues warhorses like "Ragged And Dirty" or "Two White Horses", and never played a recreation of another musician's earlier version of the song--he always came up with his own way of playing the song. Here is Larry's arrangement of "Ragged And Dirty":

https://youtu.be/1FqQYIqpTeM

Because Larry played the song (at least in this recorded version) very much as a set piece with minimal variations, the transcription that accompanies this lesson is relatively short, with his intro and verse one accompaniment. The verse is a long form, by the way, with 23 bars. If you order the lesson, you'll receive the TAB transcription and very thorough talk-throughs of Larry's intro and verse one accompaniment. For the month of August, 2021 only, I'm offering this lesson for $35.00. To order it, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, and follow the instructions for placing a lesson order. I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to learn this strikingly original arrangement of "Ragged And Dirty".

All best,
Johnm
Title: Lonnie Johnson's Life Saver Blues--Song of the Month lesson, September, 2021
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2021, 11:20:46 AM
Hi all,
For the Song of the Month lesson for September, 2021 at my website, johnmillerguitar.com, I have chosen Lonnie Johnsons's "Life Saver Blues", one of his songs that he accompanied himself out of D position in DGDGBE tuning. Lonnie's performance showcased his always-beautiful tone and a lot of interesting ideas for chord voicing. Here is his performance of "Life Saver Blues":

https://youtu.be/cKp4hjDOcxs

The transcription you'll receive if you order the lesson includes his intro, verse one, two and four accompaniments, his solo and his coda, as well as thorough talk-throughs of each of those parts of the transcription. For the month of September, 2021 only, I'm offering the lesson for $35.00. To order the lesson, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, and follow the instructions for placing a lesson order. I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to learn a song by one of the most influential of the early Blues guitarists.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: Maxwell Street Jimmy's "Two Trains Running", SotM lesson for October, 2021
Post by: Johnm on October 01, 2021, 08:07:33 AM
Hi all,
For the Song of the Month lesson of October, 2021 I have chosen Maxwell Street Jimmy Davis' version of "Two Trains Running", a hypnotic piece for which he accompanied himself out of E position in standard tuning. It's a performance that perfectly exemplifies the call-and-response of voice being answered by guitar that is at the heart of the blues sound. Here is his performance:

https://youtu.be/k_63zVcz9Dw

INTRO

But I love, love my baby, woman, then I tell all, world I do,
Baby, and I try so hard, little girl, gon', try to get along

I said, baby, two train a-runnin', babe, ain't nar' one,  goin' my way
Baby, there the one run at midnight, other one,
(guitar) sure 'nough it do (guitar) go where my (guitar) sure 'nough I'll

I say how, how her love, somebody help me, with those blue',
'Cause I'm in love with a little married woman, but, but now, woman, I hate to (guitar)

I been a crazy, child, I been a fool, I been a-grievin', whoa, all of my life
Baby that I fell, fell in love with, (guitar) sure 'nough I do (guitar) I love her

I say, oh, oh, she don't talk, but she can weep now, willow tree
But I love, love that woman, but it's, Lord (guitar) sure 'nough it do (guitar) uh, oooo (guitar) ow (guitar) ow (guitar (ow) 

 For the month of October only, I am offering a virtual lesson for $35.00 which includes a TAB transcription of his intro and verse one and two accompaniments, and very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription. To order the lesson, go to www.johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section and follow the instructions there for making payment. U. S. residents also have the option of ordering a hard copy version of the lesson for $45.00. I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to learn this exciting piece.
All best,
Johnm

Title: William Harris' Keep Your Man Out of Birmingham, SotM lesson, November, 2021
Post by: Johnm on November 01, 2021, 08:28:37 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I have selected William Harris' "Keep Your Man Out of Birmingham" for the Song of the Month lesson at my website. The song is a striking one, played out of Spanish tuning, capoed up. Here it is:

https://youtu.be/uGB65LZ-pbU

The transcription that accompanies the lesson has William Harris' intro and verse one and two accompaniments. Each section of the transcription includes a thorough talk-through describing fretting hand economies of motion, the picking attacks, etc. Lyrics of the song are sent as well. Cost of a virtual lesson, sent as attachments to emails, is $35.00 during the month of November, 2021 only. U S. residents may order a hard copy version of the lesson for $45.00. To order the lesson, go to my website, johnmillerguitar.com, and follow the instructions in the "Teaching" section for making payment.

Thanks for your time, and I hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity to learn this exciting song.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Special SotM lesson: Rowdy Blues for solo guitar by John Miller
Post by: Johnm on November 05, 2021, 12:19:50 PM
Hi all,
I've decided to add a special Song of the Month lesson for November, and it is on my own arrangement of Kid Bailey's "Rowdy Blues". "Rowdy Blues" was recorded as a duet, and I wanted to do a solo arrangement that captured all of the movement in both the treble and the bass of the original performance, and I believe I succeeded. The song is played out of E position in standard tuning, and the arrangement is just one time through the form, matching the set piece arrangement of the original recording, which you can hear here:

https://youtu.be/Rx_9-meFYJM

Price for the lesson during the month of November is $35.00. You'll receive a TAB transcription of the arrangement and a very thorough talk-through of it when you order the lesson. To order the lesson, go to johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section and follow the instructions there for making payment.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: County Farm Blues by Bo Carter--Song of the Month lesson, December, 2021
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2021, 06:25:11 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson for December, 2021. It is Bo Carter's "County Farm Blues", an exciting tune that he played in his favorite DGDGBE tuning. And the tune provides a primer in understanding how Bo worked in this tuning, and will make countless others of his performances in that tuning available to you as well. Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/6UyAKCItQtY

The County Farm Blues
Provided to YouTube by The Orchard EnterprisesThe County Farm Blues · Bo CarterBo Carter, Vol. 5 (1938-1940)℗ 1991 Document RecordsReleased on: 2014-01-06Mus...
youtu.be

For the first time, I will be offering the lesson in two different formats. As in the past you can do a virtual lesson for $35.00, for which you receive the TAB transcription, which has Bo's intro, verse one and three accompaniments, solo and coda, sent as a .pdf and thorough talk-throughs of each section, sent as .mp3s.. For the first time, and for the same $35.00 cost, you can choose instead to get the lesson in a Zoom lesson presentation by me. The Zoom lesson will be offered once only, at 10:00 AM, PST on Saturday, December 11. At the lesson, I'll demonstrate the song and walk through the TAB, indicating the best fretting and picking options, and working on timing. The lesson is scheduled to run for one half-hour.
When you make payment for the lesson, please indicate whether you would like the virtual format or would prefer the Zoom lesson. For persons choosing the Zoom lesson option, I will send the link to get into the lesson after I receive payment and will send out the TAB the day before the lesson. In either case, payment should be made by making a deposit of $35.00 to my account at paypal.com, which is the same as my email address, john@johnmillerguitar.com .
Thanks for your time, and I hope that all is going well for you.
All best,
John
Title: Pink Anderson's Sugar Babe: Song of the Month lesson for January, 2022
Post by: Johnm on January 01, 2022, 09:39:13 AM
Hi all,
Happy New Year! I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for January, 2022 is Pink Anderson's song, "Sugar Babe", a one-of-a-kind 16-bar blues that he played out of E position in standard tuning (tuned a whole step low). Here is Pink's performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/IIrxPztGRp4

INTRO

Take your arm from 'round my neck, Sugar Babe
Take your wing from 'round my neck, Sugar Babe
Take your arm from 'round my neck, you just only a Georgia fake
I'm gon' send you right back to Georgia (guitar finishes line)

I bought you clothes in the latest style (guitar finishes line) (Spoken: Yeah, I did!)
I bought you clothes in the latest style, Sugar Babe
I bought you clothes in the latest style, here you is, just runnin' wild
I'm gon' send you right back to Georgia (guitar finishes line)

I've got enough of your baby talk (guitar finishes line) (Spoken: I have)
I've got enough of your baby talk, Sugar Babe
I've got enough of your baby talk, here's your fare, and you don't have to walk
I'm gon send you right (guitar finishes line)

You runnin' 'round here, your head's so hard (guitar finishes line) (Spoken: Sugar Babe!)
You runnin' 'round here with your head so hard, Sugar Babe
You runnin' 'round here, your head's so hard, b'lieve I'm gon have to use my rod
I'm gon' send you right back to Geor', Sugar Babe

CODA

The transcription that accompanies the lesson includes Pink's intro, his verse one and two accompaniments and his coda. In addition, I supply very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription and a play-through as well, along with the lyrics to the song. Payment can be made by making a deposit of $35.00 to my account at paypal.com , which is the same as my email address: john@johnmillerguitar.com .

I realized when deciding on what Song of the Month to feature in a lesson as we begin 2022 that I have under-represented Pink Anderson in my Song of the Month selections. He was a terrific player, with a lot of original ideas and ways of getting around, so I welcome finally giving him his due, and I hope folks will take advantage of the opportunity to learn one of his outstanding songs.
All best,
Johnm   
Title: Big Bill Broonzy's Long Tall Mama, Song of the Month lesson, February 2022
Post by: Johnm on February 01, 2022, 08:30:23 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I have selected Big Bill Broonzy's "Long Tall Mama" for the Song of the Month lesson for February, 2022. This is one of the greatest performances ever in C position in standard tuning by a Country Blues guitarist. Judge for yourself:

https://youtu.be/hFJRtMLJ1f8

For the lesson, I have transcribed Big Bill's intro solo, verse one accompaniment, and all four of his later solos, so you'll receive a host of ideas and licks to play in C. In addition to the transcription, you'll receive thorough talk-throughs of each pass through the form. Cost of the lesson is $35.00 during February, and U.S. residents can order a hard copy version of the lesson for $45.00. Payment can be made by making a deposit of $35.00 to my account at paypal.com, which is the same as my email address: john@johnmillerguitar.com .  I hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity to learn this incredibly infectious number.
All best,
John
Title: Blind Boy Fuller--Big Leg Woman Gets My Pay, Song of the Month lesson, March '22
Post by: Johnm on March 01, 2022, 08:22:36 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I've selected Blind Boy Fuller's "Big Leg Woman Gets My Pay" for the March 2022 Song of the Month lesson at my website. Fuller really outdid himself for this lively tune in E position, standard tuning--it must be one of the most exciting and lively East Coast blues ever recorded. Here is his rendition:

https://youtu.be/zikrTZvk8qA

The transcription that accompanies the lesson includes his intro solo, verse one and two accompaniments and the "Lord, Lord" sections that follow verses one and two (he took no solos on the piece after the intro). In addition to the transcription, you'll receive thorough talk-throughs of how to play each section of the transcription. Price of the lesson during the month of March, 2022 is $35.00. To order the lesson deposit to my account at PayPal, which is the same as my email address: john@johnmillerguitar.com . I hope that you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn this terrific number.
All best,
Johnm
Title: First Degree Blues lesson feature at John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on March 21, 2022, 10:00:56 AM
Hi all,
I realized that I've never made a point of featuring my own arrangements and compositions in the lessons I offer at my website. Apropos of that, I decided to feature my arrangements that I've transcribed from my first album, "First Degree Blues". The arrangements that are featured, along with the playing position/tuning for each of the songs, are a follows:
   * I Never Cried--Spanish tuning
   * Spanish Breakdown--Spanish tuning
   * Mistake In Life--Cross-note tuning
   * Shady Lane--Spanish tuning
   * Dirty Deeds--A position, standard tuning
   * Who's Been Here--Spanish tuning
   * Rope Stretching Blues--A minor and C positions, standard tuning
   * Titanic--Dropped-D tuning
   * Chester County--Open G minor tuning
If you've never heard these performances and are curious, they've all been posted on youtube and can be found via a search there. For more information or to order lessons, go to the Teaching section of my website, johnmillerguitar.com . Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: John Miller Titanic--Song of the Month lesson for April, 2022
Post by: Johnm on April 01, 2022, 08:20:49 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for April, 2022 will be my own version of "Titanic", from my first album, "First Degree Blues". I played the song in D in Dropped- D tuning, using Leadbelly's version for the melody, but making up my own guitar part. Here is the performance:

https://youtu.be/Os0yfC5f3zI

For the lesson I've transcribed the intro solo, verse accompaniment and the complete long solo later in the rendition, which goes five times through the form. IN addition to the transcription, you'll receive very thorough talk-throughs of each section of the piece. Cost of the lesson in April, 2022 only is $35.00, and you can make payment at paypal.com by making a deposit to my account, which is the same as my email address, john@johnmillerguitar.com . I hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity to learn this driving rendition, which is hugely fun to play.
All best,
John
Title: Penal Farm Blues by Scrapper Blackwell--Song of the Month lesson, May, 2022
Post by: Johnm on May 01, 2022, 10:29:56 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I have selected Scrapper Blackwell's "Penal Farm Blues" as the Song of the Month lesson for the month of May, 2022 at my website, johnmillerguitar.com . Scrapper recorded the song at his first solo session, in 1928, and the approach he took to playing in E position in standard tuning was very unusual at that time, almost orchestral-sounding, with big moving chords. Here is his "Penal Farm Blues":

https://youtu.be/IuOj2elHipY

For the lesson, I have transcribed Scrapper's intro and verse one, two and five accompaniments (he took no solos on the song). In addition to receiving the TAB transcription, if you order the lesson you'll receive thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription. Cost of the lesson during the month of May only is $35.00, with U.S. residents having the option of purchasing a hard copy version for $45.00. To place an order, go to johnmillerguitar.com , in the Teaching section, and the method for making payment is described there. I hope folks will take advantage of the chance to learn a trail-blazing performance in E that was to prove to be very influential on later players in the style.

All best,
Johnm
Title: John Hurt's Ain't No Tellin', 1928 version, Song of the Month lesson, 6/2022
Post by: Johnm on June 02, 2022, 01:18:08 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for June 2022 is John Hurt's 1928 version of "Ain't No Tellin'", which he was to record as "Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor" in the 1960s. The '28 version is one of the most stellar recordings of a Country Blues in C position, standard tuning that has ever been done. Here is his performance:

https://youtu.be/QyTwkiMJp0M

The TAB transcription that comes with the lesson has his intro, verse one and two accompaniments, a solo, the verse three accompaniment and another solo. In addition to receiving the transcription, if you order the lesson, you'll receive thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription, with fingering and picking tips. Cost of the lesson during June, 2022 is $35.00. To order the lesson, go to johnmillerguitar.com in the "Teaching" section and follow the instructions there for making payment. I hope folks will take advantage of the opportunity to learn to play this version, for it has many fascinating licks that John Hurt would never record again in his later versions.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Bo Carter's "My Little Mind", Song of the Month lesson, July, 2022
Post by: Johnm on July 01, 2022, 06:44:36 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for July, 2022 will be Bo Carter's "My Little Mind", Bo's version of the song more commonly known as "You Don't Know My Mind". Bo played the song in E position in standard tuning, which he seemed to reserve for his most low-down accompaniments. Here is "My Little Mind".

https://youtu.be/AAP9AaY73nY

The TAB transcription that comes with the lesson includes Bo's intro, verse one and two accompaniments, solo and coda. In addition the lesson includes thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription. It is available for the month of July only for $35.00. To order the lesson, go to johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section, and follow the instructions for making payment there. Thanks for your attention and I hope you'll take advantage of the opportunity to learn this terrific Bo Carter number.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Bo Carter's Advice--Song of the Month Lesson for September, 2022
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2022, 07:20:09 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for September, 2022 is Bo Carter's terrific tune in A in standard tuning, "Bo Carter's Advice". Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/x1hisUPocWU

In the lesson, you'll receive a TAB transcription with his intro, verse accompaniment, solo and coda, as well as through talk-throughs of each section describing his fingering in the fretting hand and picking. Cost of the lesson during the month of September only is $35.00. To order the lesson, go to my website, johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section and follow the instructions for making payment shown there. I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn yet another stellar song from Bo Carter.

Incidentally, I was surprised to see that we did not have the lyrics for "Bo Carter's Advice" transcribed and entered in Weeniepedia, so here they are:


INTRO

Now just listen here, men, what Bo Carter say for you to do, mmmmm
Eh just listen here now, men, what Bo Carter say for you to do
Say don't you never let none of these old triflin' women, man, never worry you

I mean, they'll keep you worryin', they'll bother you all the time, mmmmm
I mean, they'll keep you worryin', they'll bother you all the time
Say they'll take some other man and leave you, after you give them your last dime

I mean, they'll fuss, they'll squabble, man, the whole night through, mmmmm
I mean, they'll fuss, they'll squabble, man, the whole night through
Just let you know they want some other man now, oh in the bed in the place of you

SOLO

Says when you say you're gonna leave 'em, they'll beg you the whole night long, mmmmm
Says when you say you're gonna leave 'em, they'll beg you the whole night long
Say they'll tell you that they're gonna do better, they'll swear they're gonna stay at home

Now just listen here, men, won't you take Bo Carter's egvice [sic], mmmmm
Now just listen here now, men, won't you take Bo Carter's egvice [sic]
Just learn to live a bachelor, and you'll play safety first

CODA

Edited 9/1 to pick up correction from Blues Vintage

All best,
Johnm
Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Blues Vintage on September 01, 2022, 11:45:53 AM
The sound quality is beautiful, especially from this time period.


One minor thing for the lyrics,

I think it's worryin' instead of "worried" in the 2nd verse.

Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Johnm on September 01, 2022, 12:41:49 PM
I'll make the change, Blues Vintage--I just thought Bo had a cold.
Title: Re: John Miller Website
Post by: Stuart on September 01, 2022, 01:11:47 PM
Excellent choice, John. But it's a lot easier to play "Bo Carter's Advice" than it is to always heed it.
Title: Son House's "Depot Blues", Song of the Month lesson, October, 2022
Post by: Johnm on October 01, 2022, 08:25:05 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website for the month of October, 2022 is Son House's "Depot Blues", recorded for the Library of Congress in 1941. This is one of the truly seminal blues in E position, standard tuning to come out of Mississippi. Here it is:

https://youtu.be/H8d8c5G9B2I

The lesson includes a TAB transcription of Son House's intro solo and his verse accompaniment, and thorough talk-throughs describing fingering, picking, etc. It is available from my website for $35.00 during October, 2022. If you'd like to order the lesson, follow the instructions for making payment outlined at johnmillerguitarcom in the Teaching section.
All best,
Johnm 
Title: John Lee Hooker twofer, Song of the Month lessons, November, 2022
Post by: Johnm on November 01, 2022, 08:56:30 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I'm offering two Song of the Month lessons for the price of one in November. Both songs are by John Lee Hooker, and are ones that he played in Spanish tuning. They come from his great acoustic album, "Jack o' Diamonds". Here is "Rabbit In A Log":

https://youtu.be/vZAA3jizHA4

The second song is "Six Little Puppies And Twelve Shaggy Hounds", and here that is:

https://youtu.be/YB4y38uJ-qA

The TAB transcriptions that accompany the lessons include intros, solo and verse accompaniments for several verses. Included in the lessons are thorough talk-throughs describing fingering and picking. The combined cost for the two lessons is $35.00, the normal Song of the Month cost for one song. To order the lessons and make payment, follow the procedure outlined in the Teaching section of my website, johnmillerguitar.com.

I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the masters of Spanish tuning and Post-War blues, John Lee Hooker.

All best,
Johnm 
Title: Robert Belfour's "Black Mattie"--Song of the Month lesson, December, 2022
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2022, 07:08:06 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I have selected Robert Belfour's version of "Black Mattie" for the Song of the Month lesson for December, 2022 at my website, johnmillerguitar.com. Robert Belfour played the song in Spanish tuning, and it was one of his strongest numbers. Here it is:

https://youtu.be/IIitxhFC7VI

The transcription that accompanies the lesson includes his intro solo and verse one accompaniment, which come to almost three pages. The lesson includes thorough talk-throughs of the transcription, describing fingerings and economies of motion in the fretting hand. Cost of the lesson during the month of December is $35.00. To place an order, follow the instructions for making payment in the "Teaching" section of johnmillerguitar.com.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Indian Squaw Blues by Freezone--Song of the Month lesson, January, 2023
Post by: Johnm on January 02, 2023, 07:43:52 AM
Happy New Year!
I wanted to let you know about the Song of the Month lesson I'm offering for January, 2023. It is "Indian Squaw Blues" by Freezone, one of the real mysteries of Country Blues guitar, who only recorded this one song. It's an excellent blues in E position, standard tuning, and the lesson transcription has Freezone's intro solo, verse one and two accompaniments and his later solo. Here is a link to his performance of "Indian Squaw Blues":

https://youtu.be/7YvzeCNICYk

For the month of January, 2023, I'm offering a lesson on "Indian Squaw Blues" for $35.00. In addition to the TAB transcription, you'll receive thorough talk-throughs of each pass through the form of the song. To order the lesson, go to johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section, and follow the instructions there for making payment via paypal. Thanks for your time, and I hope that you'll want to learn this terrific piece.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Clifford Gibson's "Keep Your Windows Pinned" Song of the Month lesson, 2/23
Post by: Johnm on February 01, 2023, 07:20:52 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson at my website this month is Clifford Gibson's "Keep Your Windows Pinned", a beautiful piece in EAEGBE tuning. Here is his performance of "Keep Your Windows Pinned":

https://youtu.be/rS0F_Ehnl1o

Clifford Gibson was one of the major stylists in EAEGBE tuning, and this song really showcases his imagination and sound. The transcription that comes with the lesson includes his intro, verse one, two and three accompaniments, solo and coda. Also included in the lesson are thorough talk-throughs of each section of the transcription and the lyrics. During the month of February, 2023 only, I'm offering the lesson for $35.00. To order the lesson, go to my website, johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section, and follow the procedure for making payment outlined there. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to learn this beautiful piece by one of the masters of EAEGBE tuning.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Larry Johnson's "Seaboard Train Blues", Song of the Month lesson, March, 2023
Post by: Johnm on March 01, 2023, 09:30:47 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I have selected Larry Johnson's "Seaboard Train Blues", a terrific East Coast blues in A position, standard tuning for my Song of the Month lesson for March, 2023. Here is Larry Johnson's performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/g6asYkuZrko

The TAB transcription that comes with the lesson has Larry's intro, his one-line verse that opens the song, his verse one accompaniment, solo and coda. Each section will have a thorough talk-through describing fingering, picking, etc. Price of the lesson during the month of March, 2023 is $35.00. The TAB transcription will be sent as a .pdf and the talk-throughs as .mp3s. To order the lesson, go to my website, johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section, and follow the instructions for making payment that are presented there.

I hope that folks will take advantage of the chance to learn this song by one of the last of the great East Coast Blues players.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Zoom session: Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary--April 8, 2023
Post by: Johnm on April 01, 2023, 09:25:56 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I am offering a series of Zoom group classes, “Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary”.  The sessions will each be one hour  long, and I will be offering the first session at 10:00 AM PDT on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

So much of what the historic Country Blues guitarists played tended to be key or position-specific, and was played in only one place or in one key on the neck, where it sat very naturally and might be considered “low-hanging fruit”. But there is always the potential to move licks or chordal positions around, to different keys and places on the neck, if you know how to do that. That is precisely what the first lesson will be focusing on: how to move chordal positions and licks across and up and down the neck. Understanding how to do that is hugely liberating, and equips you to play licks or re-arrange tunes, putting them in keys or places on the neck that they were never played previously on recordings. The musical result: you can end up having your own sound, rather than always playing a recreation of someone else’s sound.

Cost of these group lessons will be $40.00 per one-hour session. Payment can be made by making a deposit to my account at paypal.com, which is the same as my email address: john@johnmillerguitar.com. When I receive notification that a payment has been made, I will send a link that will provide admission to the Zoom session. Attendees will not be visible, and will be muted. The last ten minutes of each session will be devoted to questions and answers, which will be operated via the chat function. Attendees should be comfortable playing fingerstyle blues with alternating and monotonic bass, and be open to thinking about understanding how and what to play, rather than focusing solely on where to put your fingers. At the session, I will be using a whiteboard occasionally to communicate important points. I will be recording the sessions as well, for attendees who would like to be able to review the session later.

If this sounds like something you’d like to pursue, I look forward to offering you the first lesson next Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM PDT. Thanks for your time.

All best,
John Miller
Title: Zoom session: Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary--April 8, 2023
Post by: Johnm on April 02, 2023, 06:55:10 AM
Hi all,
I realized that I did not make clear in my announcement of the Zoom session that I've scheduled for next Saturday, "Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary", that the session will be very "hands-on", and will involve the participants in playing their guitars, trying out new ideas and moving chord shapes and licks around. I believe that the quickest way to incorporate new concepts and sounds into your playing is to get your hands using those concepts and making those sounds. The hands on the guitar bring the ideas to life. So if you sign up for the session, have your guitar ready to go, in standard tuning.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary, Part 2: Turn-Arounds, May 6, 10:00 AM PDT
Post by: Johnm on May 01, 2023, 03:25:47 PM
Hi,
I wanted to let you know that I am offering the second in a series of Zoom groups classes, “Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary”, and the class will be given this coming Saturday, May 6, at 10:00 AM PDT.

This session will focus on turn-arounds, the phrases that conclude so many blues progressions, and that send you back to the beginning of the form. Almost everyone who has played blues for even a little while knows how to play at least a couple of turn-arounds in different keys or playing positions. In the class, we’ll be looking at how turn-arounds are structured and how they accomplish their musical goal. We’ll then see how to create your own turn-arounds, for any key in which you might wish to play, and how you can come up with turn-arounds you’ve never heard anyone play previously but which are squarely and comfortably in the language of the blues. The session will be very hands-on, so have your guitar ready and in tune in standard tuning.

Cost of the group lesson will be $40.00. Payment can be made by making a deposit to my account at paypal.com, which is the same as my email address: john@johnmillerguitar.com. When I receive notification that a payment has been made, I will send a link that will provide admission to the Zoom session. Attendees will not be visible, and will be muted. The last ten minutes of each session will be devoted to questions and answers, which will be operated via the chat function. Attendees should be comfortable playing fingerstyle blues with alternating and monotonic bass, and be open to thinking about understanding how and what to play, rather than focusing solely on where to put your fingers. At the session, I will be using a whiteboard occasionally to communicate important points. I will be recording the sessions as well, for attendees who would like to be able to review the session later.

If this sounds like something you would like to learn, I look forward to working with you on turn-arounds this coming Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM PDT. Thanks for your time.

All best,
John Miller
Title: Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary, Pt. 3: Open Tunings, June 10, 10:00 AM PDT
Post by: Johnm on June 06, 2023, 10:51:14 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that I am offering the third in a series of Zoom group classes, “Expanding Your Blues Vocabulary”, and the one-hour session will be given this coming Saturday, June 10, starting at 10:00 AM PDT.

This session will focus on open tunings, and most especially Spanish tuning (Open G), Vestapol tuning (Open D) and Open Bb tuning. The thrust of the class will be to show how to understand chord voicing across these open tunings and to show you how to come up with voicings you’ve not used previously or heard used, but which are nonetheless speaking in the musical language of the blues. We’ll also see how you can move ideas and licks from one tuning to another. We’ll conclude by seeing how altering these tunings slightly can make possible a whole new range of sounds. The session will be hands-on, so have your guitar ready and be equipped to re-tune a couple of times over the course of the session.

Cost of the group lesson will be $40.00. Payment can be made by making a deposit to my account at paypal.com, which is the same as my email address: john@johnmillerguitar.com. When I receive notification that a payment has been made, I will send a link that will provide admission to the Zoom session. Attendees will not be visible, and will be muted. The last ten minutes of each session will be devoted to questions and answers, which will be operated via the chat function. Attendees should be comfortable playing fingerstyle blues with alternating and monotonic bass, and be open to thinking about understanding how and what to play, rather than focusing solely on where to put your fingers. At the session, I will be using a whiteboard occasionally to communicate important points. I will be recording the sessions as well, for attendees who would like to be able to review the session later, or for those of you who want the class but will be unable to attend this coming Saturday.

If this sounds like something you would like to learn, I look forward to working with you on open tunings this coming Saturday, June 10th, 2023 at 10:00 AM PDT. Thanks for your  time.

All best,
John Miller
Title: John Miller Zoom class on Open Tunings, Saturday, June 10 at 10:00 AM PDT
Post by: Johnm on June 08, 2023, 09:30:04 PM
Hi all,
I just wanted to bump the announcement of the Zoom class I'll be doing this Saturday at 10:00 AM PDT on "Open Tunings". If you're a guitar player in this style and would like to know more about open tunings and how to approach them, understand them better and find your own ideas in them I think you'll find it really helpful. Read the previous post in this thread for more information and to find out how to sign up for the class.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Goin' Back To Florida-Lightnin' Hopkins, Song of the Month lesson, 9/23
Post by: Johnm on September 02, 2023, 02:24:47 PM
Hi,
I wanted to let you know that after a several-month hiatus, I'm offering a Song of the Month lesson for September, 2023 on Lightnin' Hopkins' song, "Goin' Back To Florida", a terrific blues played in E position in standard tuning. Here is Lightnin's performance:

https://youtu.be/JbuhFvMbdUs

For just $35.00 during the month of September, 2023, you'll receive the lesson, which has a TAB transcription, sent as a .pdf file, of Lightnin's intro, verse one and two accompaniments and solo, and thorough talk-throughs of each section of the piece, sent as .mp3s. To place an order for the lesson and make payment, follow the instructions outlined in the Teaching section of my website, johnmillerguitar.com. I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn this classic song of Lighnin's.
All best,
Johnm
Title: I'm Nuts About That Gal-Lonnie Johnson, Song of the Month lesson, 10/23
Post by: Johnm on October 01, 2023, 03:19:26 PM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for October, 2023 at my website is Lonnie Johnson's "I'm Nuts About That Gal", a terrific performance in which Lonnie moved beyond his usual vocabulary of licks. Here is his performance:

https://youtu.be/E1-2gzBR3t8

For $35.00 during the month of October, 2023 you will receive a TAB transcription that has Lonnie Johnson's intro, verse one accompaniment, solo and coda, and very thorough talk-throughs of each section of his performance. To place a lesson order, go to johnmillerguitar.com, in the Teaching section, and follow the instructions for making a deposit to my account at paypal.com. I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity to learn this piece by one of the most influential blues guitarists.

All best,
Johnm
Title: Babe Stovall's "Worried Blues"--Song of the Month lesson, December, 2023
Post by: Johnm on December 01, 2023, 08:39:13 AM
Hi all,
I'm offering a lesson on Babe Stovall's beautiful version of "Worried Blues" for December 2023's Song of the Month. Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/e5hgFRffbac

The transcription that accompanies the lesson has his intro solo, verse accompaniment and later solo with a thorough play/talk-through of each section explaining fingering and picking choices. During the Month of December, 2023 only, I'm offering the lesson for $35.00.

In addition, I'm offering my arrangement of the Holiday standard, "Silver Bell", also for $35.00, during the month of December, 2023. To order either or both lessons, go to johnmillerguitar.com in the "Teaching" section and follow the instructions for making payment that are presented there. Thanks for your time.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Tom Dickson's "Labor Blues": Song of the Month lesson, January, 2024
Post by: Johnm on January 01, 2024, 10:00:22 AM
Hi all,
Happy New Year! I wanted to let you know that I'm offering a lesson on Tom Dickson's "Labor Blues", a terrific Memphis blues played in E position in standard tuning, as the Song of the Month lesson for January, 2024. Here is his performance of the song:

https://youtu.be/keHZinajl2U

The TAB transcription that accompanies the lesson includes his intro solo, verse one accompaniment and later solo. In addition to the transcription, you'll receive thorough talk-throughs of the different passes through the form. Cost of the lesson during the month of January, 2024 only, is $35.00. To order the lesson, go to my website, johnmillerguitar.com and follow the instructions in the Teaching section for making a payment to my paypal account. I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to learn a song by one of the unsung masters of Country Blues guitar.
All best,
Johnm
 
Title: Zoom Classes: Learning Fingerstyle Blues Guitar by Ear
Post by: Johnm on January 15, 2024, 08:57:36 AM
Hi all,
A Series of Zoom Classes: Fingerstyle Blues Guitar By Ear

As the title of the series implies, these classes on going to be working on building your ability to play fingerstyle blues guitar by ear, without the use of written notation of any sort. If this seems a daunting prospect, consider—up until the relatively recent past, everyone who played blues guitar learned by ear and watching other players, including all of our Country Blues heroes of the ‘20s and ‘30s. Playing by ear is a learned and learnable skill, not some sort of mysterious gift that you either have or you don’t. It just needs to be developed, and that’s what these classes are designed to do.

There will be four classes in the series and they are:
   * Hearing and Playing Blues Guitar Licks in E position, standard tuning
   * Blues Jamming—Strategies for Keeping It Musical
   * Figuring out a Recorded Performance by Ear, in Class
   * Re-Arranging a Recorded Blues Performance

The first class will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time. Here is the class description and sign-up information:

Hearing and Playing Blues Guitar Licks in E position, Standard Tuning

This one-hour Zoom class will focus on building your vocabulary of Blues licks in E position in standard tuning. Class will be very hands-on, so you’ll need your guitar tuned up and ready to go. The presentation will focus on playing licks that E position makes easily available on the first five frets; both licks that you’ve heard before and new ones that we’ll make up in class, with a goal of hearing in your head what you want to play before you play it, and knowing where to go on the neck to find the lick.

The class will be recorded and sent to all participants so you’ll be able to review the lesson content. Persons interested in a class who are unable to attend the day it is offered may purchase it later. Cost of the class is $40.00. To sign up, make a payment to my account at paypal.com as per the instructions at https://johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html . Once I’ve been notified that payment has been made, I’ll send you an invitation. I hope to see you there!

All best,
Johnm
Title: Zoom Class: Blues Jamming--Keeping It Musical
Post by: Johnm on January 29, 2024, 08:26:07 AM
Hi all,
Blues Jamming—Keeping It Musical
This one-hour Zoom class will be presented at 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, February 3, and will focus on building skills that will equip you to participate in blues jams and add something to the musical mix. Topics will include:
   * Listening and responding
   * Knowing the I, IV and V chords in different keys
   * Recognizing the groove—shuffle or not?
   * Recognizing the form
   * Creating musical space,
and other related topics. There will be a question-and-answer session at the end of the presentation, and I will provide an additional film with a variety of blues in different keys and rhythms for participants to practice jamming with and accompanying.

The class will be recorded and sent to all participants along with the jamming practice film. Cost of the class is $40.00, and it is not necessary to attend when the class is presented to sign up. To sign up, make a payment to my account at paypal.com as per the instructions at https://johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html . Please send me an email at john@johnmillerguitar when you sign up, so that I’ll be able to send you the Zoom invitation. Once I’ve been notified that payment has been made, I’ll send you an invitation. I hope to see you there!
All best,
Johnm
Title: Lightnin' Hopkins' "Penitentiary Blues"-Song of the Month lesson, February, 2024
Post by: Johnm on February 05, 2024, 07:54:37 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson for February, 2024 is Lightnin' Hopkins' powerful "Penitentiary Blues". Here it is:

https://youtu.be/VlW2n-mk-c4

The lesson will include a lesson that has his intro, verse one and two accompaniments and solo, as well as thorough play/talk-throughs of each of those sections of the song. Lightnin's performance showcases his playing in A in standard tuning. Cost of the lesson is $35.00 during the month of February and to order a lesson, follow the procedure outlined at johnmillerguitar.com in the Teaching section. Thanks.
All best,
Johnm
Title: Figuring Out A Fingerstyle Blues By Ear-Zoom class, 2/17/24, 10:00 AM, PST
Post by: Johnm on February 12, 2024, 07:04:52 AM
Hi all,
Figuring Out a Fingerstyle Blues by Ear
One of the most liberating and confidence-building skills you can develop is the ability to figure out, by ear, a song that you’d like to play. In this one-hour class, which will be presented at 10:00 AM, Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, February 17, I will be doing that in the class, in real time, with the song (or songs) chosen by the attendees. Focus of the presentation will be on providing a process that will outline what to concentrate on and listen for at each step of the way. At the conclusion of the class, I’ll offer a number of suggestions for songs that would be good ones to figure out, based on the musical tastes of the attendees.

The class will be recorded and sent to all participants. Cost of the class is $40.00, and it is not necessary to attend when the class is presented to enroll in it. To sign up, make a payment to my account at paypal.com as per the instructions at https://johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html . Please send me an email at john@johnmillerguitar.com when you sign up, so that I’ll be able to send you the Zoom invitation. Once I’ve been notified by PayPal that payment has been made, I’ll send you an invitation. I hope to see you there!
All best,
Johnm
Title: Re-Arranging Fingerstyle Blues Classics-Zoom class, 3/2/24 at 10:00 AM PST
Post by: Johnm on February 26, 2024, 06:35:01 AM
Hi all,
Re-Arranging Fingerstyle Blues Classics
One way to keep the Blues evolving and moving forward is to create your own arrangements of the songs your models played. In this Zoom class, which will be presented on Saturday, March 2 at 10:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, we’ll be looking at a number of different strategies for re-arranging fingerstyle blues, among them:
   * Transposing the song to a different playing position or tuning;
   * Giving the song a different rhythmic feel;
   * Coming up with a new signature lick
We’ll take a couple of songs and I’ll demonstrate how you can use a few relatively simple concepts to create your own arrangements of fingerstyle blues classics. Opportunities to ask questions will be made at intervals during the presentation.

The class will be recorded and sent to all participants. Cost of the class is $40.00, and it is not necessary to attend when the class is presented to enroll in it. To sign up, make a payment to my account at paypal.com as per the instructions at https://johnmillerguitar.com/teaching.html . Please send me an email at john@johnmillerguitar.com when you sign up, so that I’ll be able to send you the Zoom invitation. Once I’ve been notified by PayPal that payment has been made, I’ll send you an invitation. I hope to see you there!

All best,
Johnm
Title: Arthur Pettis' "Good Boy Blues", Song of the Month lesson, March, 2024
Post by: Johnm on March 06, 2024, 07:05:00 AM
Hi all,
I wanted to let you know that the Song of the Month lesson I'm offering for March, 2024 is "Good Boy Blues" by Arthur Pettis, a terrific and extremely varied piece that he played out of C position in standard tuning. Here is Arthur Pettis' performance of "Good Boy Blues":

https://youtu.be/oFB0eCzGQ6A

During the month of March, 2024 you can purchase a lesson on "Good Boy Blues" for $35.00. The lesson includes a TAB transcription which has Pettis' intro solo, verse one and four accompaniments and his concluding solo, along with very thorough play/talk-throughs of each of those passes through the song's form. To order the lesson, go to my website, johnmillerguitar.com and follow the instructions in the Teaching section for making a payment to my paypal account. I hope folks will take advantage of this opportunity to learn one of the really outstanding performances in C in early blues recordings.

All best,
Johnm
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