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First-hand accounts of the Berklee experience

Author: Robin Stone (Page 1 of 2)

Jon Damian takes us on a trip to Harmonyville 01625

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On October 8, 2022

In Open Position Newsletter from the Berklee Guitar Department

Harmonyville 01625 by Jon Damian

Jon Damian’s fourth book takes the reader on a magical journey through the town of Harmonyville. Meet the main characters Gino Dominante and Dee Mineur Septieme and follow along as they travel and meet an assortment of musically inclined friends. Jon’s wit and humor shine in this tale which tells the story of the relationship between these two chord symbols and his illustrations help the reader find their way through the town of Harmonyville. Readers will enjoy the journey!

Professor Jon Damian retires after 45 years in the Guitar Department

Jon Damian plays his beloved Gibson Super 400

(This article and interview is reprinted from the Fall 2008 and first online edition of Open Position managed and edited by Robin Stone)

 

Jon Damian, has been a Professor in the Guitar Department since 1974…

In December 1987 Jon created the first published newsletter for the guitar department and named it “Open Position”. Containing interviews, transcriptions and articles written by fellow faculty, Open Position proved to be an informative publication for student and faculty alike. This December marks the 20th anniversary of Open Position. Jon talks with me about how the newsletter got started and what it’s been like to teach in the guitar department for the past 34 years. Jon has written numerous articles and has had two books published by Berklee Press. ”The Chord Factory” (2007) and “The Guitarists Guide to Composing and Improvising.” (2001) are available from the Berklee campus bookstore. Jon will soon release his first film documentary entitled “Heavy Rubber. 30 years in the life of an instrument: The Rubbertellie”. (2007) Filmed by his son Gene, this unique documentary details the making and history of the Rubbertellie, an instrument Jon created to “stretch the traditional boundaries of the instrument”.

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String Theory by Robin Stone / Chapter Four ~ The Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale

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On December 23, 2021

In Open Position Newsletter from the Berklee Guitar Department

String Theory is a bi-annual publication intended for guitarists who are interested in all aspects of music theory, specifically as it pertains to the guitar. 

String Theory: The Mixolydian Pentatonic Scale was originally published in the Fall 2018 edition of Open Position.

“My best songs come from making a lot of mistakes and playing a lot of garbage.”

~ Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson is a gifted and unique guitarist. Born on August 17th, 1954 in Austin Texas, Eric was influenced by guitarists Eric Clapton, Chet Atkins, Wes Montgomery and Jimi Hendrix to name a few. Johnson recorded two albums ‘Seven Worlds’ and ‘Tones’ before finally hitting the nail on the head with the album ‘Ah Via Musicom’ released in 1990.

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Lauren Passarelli ~ The new album ~ Night Vision

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On October 17, 2021

In Open Position Newsletter from the Berklee Guitar Department

http://https://youtu.be/j50egOPbY-0

 

Lauren Passarelli’s latest CD Night Vision

Lauren Passarelli’s latest release Night Vision is an album of great variety and texture. Recorded using 2″ tape Lauren’s compositions and arrangements once again showcase her multi faceted talents.

 

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String Theory by Robin Stone/Chapter Three ~The Lydian Pentatonic Scale

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On October 17, 2021

In Open Position Newsletter from the Berklee Guitar Department

String Theory by Robin Stone Chapter Two ~ The Lydian Pentatonic Scale was originally published in the Spring/Fall 2011 edition of OP

String Theory is a bi- annual publication intended for guitarists who are interested in all aspects of music theory, specifically as it pertains to the guitar.

Chapter Two
Atypical Pentatonic Scales:
The Allman Brothers, Lydian
and Mixolydian Pentatonic scales.

The Allman Brothers, Lydian, and Mixolydian Pentatonic scales; uniquely independent of one another, express three different signature sounds prevalent in rock improvisation.

String Theory: The Lydian Pentatonic Scale

“I don’t care about the rules. In fact, if I don’t break the rules at least 10 times in every song, then I’m not doing my job properly.”

~ Jeff Beck

Jeff Beck’s career as a guitarist has been a long and storied one. In 1965 he joined the Yardbirds, replacing Eric Clapton; two short years later he would form the Jeff Beck Group featuring a singer by the name of Rod Stewart as well as future Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood on bass. Aynsley Dunbar rounded out the band, he would later be ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the 27th greatest drummer of all time. Truth (1968) and Beck-ola (1969), the only two albums the band recorded, quickly established Jeff Beck as a substantial guitarist in his own right. In 1975 Beck released his signature album, the classic “Blow By Blow.” Produced by George Martin (who you may remember as having a hand in the Beatles success) the album remains a quintessential example of progressive rock and fusion, having significantly influenced most serious guitarists in some manner since then. The tune “Scatterbrain” from Blow by Blow showcases Beck’s technical finesse and his solo serves as an example of the way in which he uses pentatonic scales over a modulating modal progression. More specifically it is Beck’s use of D major and E major pentatonic scales over the chords D/C and E/D respectively from the tunes solo progression that demonstrates the use and sound of the Lydian Pentatonic scale.

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String Theory by Robin Stone/Chapter Two ~ Atypical Pentatonic Scales: The Allman Brothers, Lydian, and Mixolydian Pentatonic Scales

Posted by

On October 17, 2021

In Open Position Newsletter from the Berklee Guitar Department

String Theory by Robin Stone (originally published in the Fall 2009 edition of OP)

String Theory is a bi- annual publication intended for guitarists who are interested in all aspects of music theory, specifically as it pertains to the guitar.

Chapter Two
Atypical Pentatonic Scales:
The Allman Brothers, Lydian and Mixolydian Pentatonic scales.

The Allman Brothers, Lydian, and Mixolydian Pentatonic scales; uniquely independent of one another, express three different signature sounds prevalent in rock improvisation.

 

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