Title: Progressive Funk and R&B Guitar MethodAuthor: Peter Gelling
First of all, this book shouldn't even be called Funk and R&B Guitar Method. It should be called Beginner Music Theory Supplemented by a Brief Overview of Funk and Blues Guitar. I guess that title is a bit long, but even Funk and Blues Guitar would've been a less misleading title.
As you may have already guessed, much of the book covers basic techniques and theory which you should already know if you're getting into stylistic playing. While there are some good Blues and Funk based examples to play along the way, some of them are introduced far too early - in terms of difficulty - for consumption. Although I am not saying that the examples are especially advanced (some are certainly more challenging than others), the author probably should have organized the exercises more systematically and methodically, especially with regards to difficulty. In fact, most of the book probably should have been organized in a more logical way (how about start with basic chords, scales, theory, and then move on to the riffs and licks?).
Alas, there are several other problems with the book. The concepts are not always explained clearly (i.e. the explanations feel a little bit patronizing and concepts are sometimes introduced after they've already been used in an example), or with respect for left hand players. The book really should've been put through a good spell check. Can anybody tell me what "fillowed" means (refer to page 16 or "Lesson Two")? In fact, the whole book could have benefited from a good editor. Some of the notation is conspicuously wrong, and some of the fret numbers in the tablature are wrong too. If you listen to the CD you'll also notice that the author has taken the liberty of improvising notes which aren't written in the tab.
While we're on the subject, I'm not really thrilled with the system they devised for the CD. In the book it indicates which track to play to hear the example, but the structure can be a bit confusing. If it says to play "2.0", then obviously you're supposed to play track 2, but when you see "2.1" that means that example 2.1 is also on track 2 following the first example. They did take the time to explain how this all works, but it still feels less intuitive and less user-friendly than it should be. I think there could have been a better way of organizing the tracks. To make matters worse, some of the tracks (in the late 50s, I believe) have been jumbled, so when you go to play a track as the book indicates, you're getting the wrong sound byte. Bad. All in all it's a plus that the book has a CD, and the tracks are well-produced, it's just that it could have been much better.
Recommended For...
People that have a good grasp of the basics of guitar theory and technique. If you're like me, you'll breeze through most of the book and skip some of the parts all together. I think you'd be frustrated if you went into this book a complete beginner, having to learn hammer-ons and pull-offs so close to the get-go. On the flip side, experienced players may not have a great deal to gain from the book, but it all depends on the amount of experience you have playing Blues, Jazz, and Funk.
Would I Buy It Again?
Would I buy the book again, knowing what I know now? The verdict is yes. There are enough good riffs and licks to make it worthwhile. Would I replace it if it was lost? No. If I could find it again I might (and I do mean might) copy out some of the examples for posterity.
Overall 3/5
The book can't really seem to decide whether it's supposed to be a theory/concept book or a riff/lick book. That wouldn’t be so bad if the book was better organized. I can only assume the book was written for intermediate level guitarists, but if that's the case, it shouldn't have to cover rudiments in as much detail as it does. I would have much preferred a book that had more examples to play and covered the Funk and R&B stylistic approach in more depth. I still give it a 3 out 5 on the merit of the cool riffs and licks contained within. This article was written by David Andrew Wiebe, web designer, graphic designer, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, songwriter, guitar instructor, and music expert. Interested in winning a free CD? Click here for more info! Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Recommendations? Email me.
Published on November 29, 2007