"Creative Ragtime Guitar" by John Tapella

[Rocky Dijohn]

I play finger style. Looking for more material, I found this book at my library.
I know the maxim "your mileage may vary" applies, but my impression is that these ragtime arrangements are well nigh impossible to play --- even for an intermediate player.

The author seems to be an accomplished musician, especially in rock. Well, I guess HE can play his own arrangements.

Another problem is there are no recordings of these arrangements to help me understand how they might sound. I know I am free to sort out my own interpretation, but it is helpful for comparison. Also, the book offers zero commentary e.g. guidance on how to navigate difficult measures, fingering tips, etc.

Has anyone worked with this material? If so, which pieces did you find the most playable?

[TBman]

This one is worth the money. There are also videos of people playing most of the tunes on youtube.

http://acoustictruth.com/the-art-of-ragtime-guitar/

Order info:
https://www.amazon.com/New-Art-Ragti.../dp/0983290911

[DavyM]

John James was the man in the seventies, he is still active now, plenty of his stuff available on U Tube.

[Mr. Jelly]

FYI - Hey TBman that book you have there is down loadable on pdf for free off the net. Google it.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jelly

FYI - Hey TBman that book you have there is down loadable on pdf for free off the net. Google it.

Lol, a bunch of us bought it a while ago.

[scriv58]

http://bobbynapier.com/yahoo_site_ad...ll.4461233.pdf

http://acoustictruth.com/download/522/

Here is a free pdf and accompanying sound files which will get you well on the way toward becoming a proficient finger picker- challenging and enjoyable.

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by TBman

Lol, a bunch of us bought it a while ago.

My copy is dated 1974 :-) Great book. The plastic record that came with it is long lost, tho.

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by Rocky Dijohn

I know the maxim "your mileage may vary" applies, but my impression is that these ragtime arrangements are well nigh impossible to play --- even for an intermediate player.

Interesting, in the one hands on review I found of this book the person complained that the arrangements are too simple and not interesting.
Anyway there are several other good books out there (as already posted above).

[RodB]

Plenty of material available with the ability to hear the version scored / tabbed.

I started on ragtime back in the ‘70s with ‘How to Play Ragtime Guitar’ by Stefan Grossman and Ton van Bergeyk (I think!). Now available with CD.

[JonPR]

Originally Posted by DavyM

John James was the man in the seventies, he is still active now, plenty of his stuff available on U Tube.

I remember John James! Saw him back in 1968 in London, brilliant player, and a lovely guy too. Definitely up there with Stefan Grossman (who I saw at the same time), and I actually preferred James's sound and style.

[JonPR]

I'd never go for a book where the author writes all the tunes. Saslow's book looks good on the techniques, but the titles all seem to be his compositions.

That's where Stefan Grossman's stuff wins out - he tabs out pieces by the original guys like Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Gary Davis.
Why not go to the source(s) if you can?

[rick-slo]

Originally Posted by JonPR

I'd never go for a book where the author writes all the tunes. Saslow's book looks good on the techniques, but the titles all seem to be his compositions.

Actually there are some pretty good tunes in this book. Also in principle how is that different from a book of tabbed out tunes all composed by say Leo Kottke or a book of tunes all composed by Michael Hedges? It's a case by case call.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by JonPR

I'd never go for a book where the author writes all the tunes. Saslow's book looks good on the techniques, but the titles all seem to be his compositions.

That's where Stefan Grossman's stuff wins out - he tabs out pieces by the original guys like Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller, Gary Davis.
Why not go to the source(s) if you can?

Saslow's stuff is fun to play too though.

[Mr. Jelly]

I swear there needs to be a country ragtime blues sector in the guitar world. I mean there is in a way but not what it deserves. Too me this stuff is awesome guitar playing. You can play blues, rags, country and jazz playing this stuff. Other guitar sects have their Johnny Cash, Jimi H., James Taylor, Charlie Monroe, C,S & N and Chuck Berry. Country ragtime blues doesn't have a point man. What about one of you guys stepping on out?

[JonPR]

Originally Posted by rick-slo

Actually there are some pretty good tunes in this book. Also in principle how is that different from a book of tabbed out tunes all composed by say Leo Kottke or a book of tunes all composed by Michael Hedges? It's a case by case call.

Sure. If you're fans of those guys, that's what you want. If I'd heard Saslow's music and wanted to learn it, I'd buy his book.
Personally, when I want to play ragtime, I want tunes dating from that era (early 20th century). They're not hard to find, after all - in sheet music if not in recordings. I'm a fan of Blind Blake and Blind Boy Fuller, so it's their music I want.
I might well adapt them in my own way, but I'd rather do that than play someone else's adaptation. Maybe that's just me.

I'm the same with blues. I'll go back to Big Bill Broonzy, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, etc, rather than (say) Eric Clapton, SRV, etc. That's no criticism of the later guys.