Mike Overly's 12 Tone Music News

The Latest Guitar and Bass News from around the World Wide Web . . .
May 10, 2018
In This Issue



Is there a remedy for the isolation of old age?

What about the jolly fraternity and competitiveness of an art college dorm, as envisioned by opera composer Giuseppe Verdi?

Shortly before his death, the composer donated all royalties from his operas to the construction and administration of a luxurious retreat for retired musicians, designed by his librettist's brother, architect Camillo Boito.

Completed in 1899, Casa Verdi still serves elderly musicians today--up to 60 at a time. Residents of Casa Verdi include alumnae of the Metropolitan Opera and the Royal Opera House. Guests have worked alongside such notables as Chet Baker and Maria Callas.

Competition for residential slots is stiff. To qualify, one must have been a professional musician or music teacher. Those selected enjoy room, board, and medical treatment in addition to, writes The New York Times, "access to concerts, music rooms, 15 pianos, a large organ, harps, drum sets and the company of their peers." Musical programming is as constant as the fine view of Verdi's grave.

Dining tables are named in honor of Verdi's works. Those inclined to worship do so in a chapel named for Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians.

Practice rooms are alive with the sound of music and criticism. As Casa Verdi's music therapist told the Financial Times, "They are very competitive: they are all prima donnas."

When memory fails, residents can tune in to such documentaries as actor Dustin Hoffman's Tosca's Kiss...


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With a research and development "brain trust" made up of friends like Jackson Guitars founder Grover Jackson, Abasi Guitars luthier Frank Falbo, and Bay Area maintenance guru Gary Brawer, Hü Tonelabs' main man Hugh Schick says he aims to craft "stunning instruments of superb quality and playability." 
IN THE BASSMENT 

Check out the top 10 favorite basses on Instagram this week...
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT  
 
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& Bass Fretboard Flashcards
 
Guitar Flashcards



"I walk my dog every day for an hour and multi-task with these flashcards. With due diligence, I have memorized the entire guitar fretboard. All 21 pitch letters and staff notes. By the way, author Mike Overly is a unique teacher and his Guitar EncycloMedia book is invaluable! Whether you're just starting out, or a seasoned veteran, Mike's products will help you reach your highest goals." - Raymond S.

Here are 7 ways Guitar Fretboard Flashcards will greatly improve your playing skills:

1. Complete Knowledge ~ all 21 letter names and staff notes on each string.
2. Makes You Smarter ~ uses both sides of your brain to learn and memorize.
3. No Hesitation ~ quickly locate a letter and staff note anywhere on the fretboard.
4. Simple and Clear ~ clarifies your understanding of the guitar fretboard.
5. New View ~ see the entire fretboard with a complete holistic understanding.
6. Many Applications ~ makes key signatures, scale spellings, chord inversions and circle of 4ths and 5ths simple and easy.
7. Bonus Benefits ~ accelerates all aspects of your musical knowledge and guitar fretboard playing skills.
 
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Fretboard Flashcards today! 
 
 

Order Guitar Fretboard Flashcards or Bass Fretboard Flashcardsnow through May 17, 2018 to receive 25% OFF. Only available from the 12 Tone Music store . No coupon code needed. Domestic orders only.

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www.guitartruth.com and www.basstruth.com are subsidiaries of 12 Tone Music Publishing, LLC.
WATCH THIS
 
Here's a video that's been burning up the internet-and a maple Tele fretboard-for awhile. It's jazz legend John Coltrane's "Giant Steps" played "cowboy style" by guitarist Lars Schurse. Lars packs all his fretwork fireworks into about a minute and a half. "Giant Steps" is the lead-off and title track off Coltrane's classic 1960 album. 
LEARN HERE 
11 Strategies for Learning Alien Scales

Do you know what the Byzantine Scale is? How about Double Harmonic Major? Gypsy Major? Well, after this episode of Talking Technique, you will. But this episode is about so much more than just a scale - in it, we'll cover 11 strategies to get a new scale under your fingers. The goal here is to embed the scale so firmly into your mind that you can freely use it all over the bass. You might be surprised how many ways there are to get fit with a fairly difficult scale like this.
GREAT GEAR
We know that choosing the right cable for the right device can sometimes be tricky. This Cable Buying Guide should demystify some of the confusion surrounding cables, how they work, and which ones connect to what. To maximize your sound quality and minimize noise, it is important to understand which cable is the appropriate choice for any given application.
ARTIST AWARENESS

Join us as we chat with Steven Bach, multi-instrumentalist and musical director for Cirque du Soleil's Crystal, and get a behind the scenes view of the soundcheck for one of their amazing shows! stevebach.com

Order Guitar Fretboard Flashcards or Bass  Fretboard Flashcards  
through May 17, 2018 to receive 25% OFF.
Available only from the 12tonemusic.com online store.
No coupon code needed. Domestic orders only. 
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  www.guitartruth.com and www.basstruth.com are subsidiaries of   
12 Tone Music Publishing, LLC.