baffled's blog

The world of guitar video tutorials is definitely aimed at sighted folks. That makes sense because they are the most common consumers of those products. Nevertheless, if one is trying to learn from them and the teacher is showing a position on the neck of the guitar with no reference to where it is, it's very difficult to figure out what they are doing. I was listening to a Jimmy Bruno video tutorial where he does a very nice job of describing fret board positions and I could follow his 2v6 and 4v5 positions because it goes vertically across the neck but he has 2h6 and 4h6 which moves horizontally up the neck where I cannot figure what he's doing. He never gives those fret numbering or placements so it escapes me. Oh well! He is definitely not the only person guilty of just expecting someone to see what he's showing.

The whole thing started with an interview I was listening to this morning from Jazz Guitar Today with Frank Vignola and Jimmy Bruno. It was a really interesting interview talking about Bruno's retirement and plans. I really enjoy Vignola, so anytime I get to hear him I enjoy it. They were discussing how they met, who've they've played with and their various illnesses over the years. I thought Bruno was older than 70, hell, he's younger than I am.

We got about half way through Dave Freer's Storm Dragon book last evening. It's a lot of fun. His twist on the whole dragon theme is kind of refreshing.

We are back to dark and dreary for weather today. I think the high is suppose to be 5C with rain and snow to make things fun. It was raining earlier so I suspect it isn't a good day for going out and sitting on the swing. 'snort'

Hey! It was another 20, really 21, minute walk on the elliptical. It took six tunes to manage the feat. I'm reluctant to say anything but I may be getting back in the walking saddle again. By the time I finished I was exhausted and out of breath but I didn't feel like I was going to die.

Oh, today's dad joke was: "What do you call a bear with no teeth? Gummy Bear!