This lesson is the second of a two part series which explains the scales and arpeggio choices Django used while improvising. This lesson demonstrates how Django used the “Dominant 13 Sound” and “Dominant b9 Sound” in his solos. 8 notated and MP3 audio examples are included. 5 of these are musical ideas transcribed from Django and other Gypsy guitarists. 5 pages of text.
For more info or to download go to: Lessons Online
Posted by Michael Horowitz on September 8, 2004 at 1:17 pm in News.Comment on this post.
An excellent method book by George Van Eps, one of the pioneers of solo jazz guitar.
This method focuses on developing a thorough harmonic knowledge of the guitar. 82 examples develop the students ability to create smooth voice leading, harmonize scales, and develop right hand picking technique. Incidentally, Van Eps recommends using a picking technique very similar to the Gypsy Picking style of Django Reinhardt. 40 pages with fingerings, pick stroke markings, and photos.
For more info or to buy: Click Here
Posted by Michael Horowitz on September 7, 2004 at 1:20 pm in News.Comment on this post.
Transcriptions of Charley (sic) Christian’s 1941 jam session at Minton’s Playhouse. This live jam session is revered by Charlie Christian fans as his best work ever recorded. This book contains the solos only, heads are not included.
The following 4 tunes are included:
Swing to Bop (Topsy)
Lips Flips (Stomopin’ at the Savoy)
Guy’s Got to Go (I Got Rhythm)
Up on Teddy’s Hill (Honeysuckle Rose)
17 pages.
For more info or to buy: Click Here
Posted by Michael Horowitz on August 25, 2004 at 1:09 pm in News.Comment on this post.
He’s here! Aidan David Horowitz, born on July 8th weighing 5lbs 14oz. Little guy heard my Favino guitar nearly every day in the womb….figured I’d start him early!

For those of you who ordered the week of July 5th, I apologize for the delay in mailing your orders. We were a little busy that week!
-Michael
Posted by Michael Horowitz on July 20, 2004 at 8:52 am in News.Comment on this post.
This is the second volume of the celebrated Bickford Mandolin Method. An excellent way to improve your rest stroke picking technique (i.e. Gypsy Picking) on the mandolin.
Table of Contents
Like the first volume, there is heavy emphasis on learning the rest stroke picking technique. Bickford has analyzed this technique in great detail. He explains many of the virtuosic techniques possible with rest strokes: Gliding (or sweep picking), various tremolo effects, alternate strokes, string crossing techniques, etc.
Mandolinists with a background in bluegrass and celtic music will be pleased to find numerous hornpipes, reels, and jigs throughout the book (with picking notation).
86 pages with over 100 examples
For more info or to buy: Click Here
Posted by Michael Horowitz on July 16, 2004 at 10:17 pm in News.Comment on this post.