7 string guitar
Saturday, September 22 2012 @ 05:17 PM CDT

George Van Eps would have been about 80 when this was recorded. I have enough trouble playing with six strings - seeing George work his way so smoothly around 7 is amazing. And Howard Alden is quite a player, too. The Youtube clip has this information:

From a concert in Schorndorf, Germany, October 1993, with Bob Haggart (the composer of "What's New") on bass and long-time Count Basie drummer Butch Miles.

You're never to old to play music!

Re:7 string guitar
Saturday, September 22 2012 @ 05:41 PM CDT

[QUOTE BY= Philip18] ...
You're never to old to play music!

I've been telling myself that for years ;-)

On a serious note (not sure if it's sharp or flat), why does his guitar have seven strings? and why do some basses have five? Presumably it gives you access to more notes (greater range) but why? You can't play them all at once anyway, and I've never noticed many/any guitarists seeming to be limited. Forgive my ignorance.

And Philip, you do VERY well with six, imho.

Re:7 string guitar
Saturday, September 22 2012 @ 06:26 PM CDT

Wow; sounds as if you gave those guys seven, six or even five strings they'd perform magic with them. Seven strings might make some things easier, but talent like that makes great music whatever.

Re:7 string guitar
Saturday, September 22 2012 @ 08:35 PM CDT

The best answer I've heard from 5 string bass players is that it allows access to low notes without changing position. For example, if playing in the key of B at the 7th fret on the E string, reaching to the B (5th) string allows one to play an F# at the 7th fret, without having to move down the neck, out of position. Also, dropping bombs on that low B is fun.

Re:7 string guitar
Saturday, September 22 2012 @ 08:57 PM CDT

I particularly like the way he seems to be singing every move he makes. No surprises; he's in complete control. Marvelous stuff!


MoM

Re:7 string guitar
Saturday, September 22 2012 @ 09:17 PM CDT

Quote by: karmicfreak The best answer I've heard from 5 string bass players is that it allows access to low notes without changing position.

Clearly those bass players don't play in jazz bands. I switched to 5-string bass when I was in a big band. Here's why.

The convenient keys for saxes and so are things like Eb or even Db. That means that the you want to hit a nice and low note on the final chord, and all you have is almost an octave higher than your low E. Enter the low B string.....

Victor.

Re:7 string guitar
Saturday, September 22 2012 @ 09:31 PM CDT

George developed an effective method for guitarists. If you need a system to get things done, try his. It's long on work and short on back alleys, if your fingers survive you can play anything you hear. The best part is George teaches you why things work.

Daug

Re:7 string guitar
Sunday, September 23 2012 @ 03:23 PM CDT

Quote by: richard13 ... and why do some basses have five? Presumably it gives you access to more notes (greater range) but why? You can't play them all at once anyway, and I've never noticed many/any guitarists seeming to be limited.

I bought a 5 string bass because it meant I could play a greater number of guitar-like arpeggios without having to re-learn where my fingers should go. This may explain why I am not really a bass player...