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DECEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER
At the passing of another year, perhaps you will find a quiet moment for contemplation.
I offer these thoughts:
New Material for December:
More New Video for you: Part 4 of the Musicians Institute Seminar (5/17/05)
 Lessons:
Baroque Counterpoint:
1. Focusing on 3rd's
2. Application of 1 to 1 (1 note against 1 note) and an introduction to 2 to 1
Chord Melody:
Moonlight in Vermont
From the Students
Paul Vachon’s compilation of:
Angel’s We Have Heard on High
Moonlight in Vermont
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“Neither our greatest fears nor our greatest hopes are beyond the limits of our strength – we are able in the end both to dominate the first and to achieve the second.” Marcel Proust (I know that Ted truly believed this - Barbara)
I wish everyone a Peaceful and Wonder-filled Holiday Season and Thank You all for the Love, Contributions and Participation on Ted’s behalf.
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 My Life with The Chord Chemist
A Memoir of Ted Greene, Apotheosis of Solo Guitar
By Barbara Franklin
Publication Date: Nov 24 2009
Page Count: 276
Trim Size: 8" x 10"
$24.00 U.S.
Available at amazon.com
I must apologize for the cost. I chose to use Amazon’s services because I simply cannot physically handle mailing out copies of this book. The books are 8” X 10” and not light in weight. Thanks.
All proceeds from the book go to TedGreene.com
ABOUT THE BOOK
A retrospective of Ted Greene, virtuoso solo guitarist, beloved music teacher, world-renowned author and innovator of unique music concepts for guitar. This book also includes an overview of Ted Greene's early life and musical development, plus an insightful narrative of the 13 years prior to his death
Six agonizing months after losing my beloved Ted, I slowly emerged from a state of profound disbelief, almost coma-like. At that time I didn’t know what to do with the remnants of my life; then a path began to unfold before me. This website was started and became a saving grace.
During the ensuing years, I organized and categorized Ted’s material and personal studies. Upon completion of that massive undertaking, once again, I didn’t know what to do, so I began writing.
I wrote pages, and then threw them away, until once again a path began to unfold. What I wrote is mostly a personal memoir. I suppose it was what I had to write first.
From the preface:
“The decision to reveal parts of our personal life was something I deliberated over for a long time. Because our lives became so inextricably bound, I included what I felt necessary, but not without a considerable amount of apprehension. This book illustrates the many parallels between Ted the musician and Ted the person. I felt it was important to convey how Ted was driven compulsively not just to pursue music, but so many other things he loved.”
With this in mind, here is our story. It IS very personal and I still have apprehensions about publishing it. My hope is that it brings you closer to Ted, as you begin to get to know and understand this unique and extraordinary man and musician.
Barbara Franklin
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NOVEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER
Greetings and salutations,
Once again the end of the year draws nigh.
When I think of all the exquisite colors of autumn, for me the subtleties in each leaf have the visual impact similar to the exquisite subtleties of color Ted used to create the beauty of his chord melody arrangements.
This month I have chosen two lesson pages that I think offer chord choices, which Ted intentionally wrote to bring awareness to those subtle distinctions. Autumn pages. Especially the minor add9s – poignant, bittersweet, melancholy, heart piercing beauty. Perhaps for some of you, also?
Also listen carefully to Ted’s chord choices of this month’s song. (sublime)
Paul Vachon & I have finally coordinated our efforts regarding the chord melody song choices so we can offer both versions together. Yea!
More New Video for you: Part III of the Musicians Institute Seminar (5/17/05)
NEW LESSONS:
Chord Studies:
Multi-Tonal Major Key Colors
Using Major add9’s and Minor add9’s
Tunes:
The Shadow of Your Smile by Johnny Mandel from the movie The Sandpiper
From the Students
The Shadow of Your Smile compilation by Paul Vachon
I wish for you all a gorgeous color-imbued and inspirational autumn, where ever you are, there is always somewhere, perhaps half hidden, at least a hint of it.
Barbara Franklin
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OCTOBER 2009 NEWSLETTER
Autumnal Greeting,
Although as of this writing there is not even a hint of autumn in So. Calif., it is my guess that a touch of cool weather would certainly be welcome. I’m sorry I have not the time for much of a newsletter this month, but at least I have an offering of new gems for your delight and possible experimentation.
First I bring to your attention Part II of Ted’s 2005 seminar at Musician’s Institute, for your viewing pleasure in the Video section
Then there is J.S. Bach’s most “famous” Bouree from the 1st Lute Suite; my choice for October’s arrangement. I have a feeling most of you are familiar with this piece, which was originally written in the key of E minor. But look closely, Ted opted for G minor. Why? Ted indicates at the beginning that it works especially well in higher keys and also that the fingering is movable! Notice that there are no open strings. Hence, this beautiful little piece can be easily transferred to other keys! Clever?, yes!
NEW LESSONS FOR OCTOBER:
Single Note:
Locked Double Line Color
Tunes:
J.S. Bach’s Bouree (transposed to G minor)
From the Students
People - Paul Vachon'S compilation
Hope to have some news for all of you in November. In the meantime, there is much to stimulate your imagination, (and may that always be so). Enjoy.
Barbara Franklin
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SEPTEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER
Late Summer Greetings,
September was Ted’s birthday month, he would have completed 63 years of life on this Earth, on September 26th. My hope is that one day, Ted’s birthday will be commemorated worldwide. I know it’s a lofty aim but I want to believe that Ted will always be remembered for his exquisite playing, innovative music contributions and for his beautiful, indomitable spirit and optimism, which he willingly and passionately shared.
It is also my hope that his ideas of spreading beauty and goodness to mankind through music will be continued into the long reaches of the future. May he forever remain an inspiration to everyone.
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“Desire is the engine of life” Ted Greene 2004
For your viewing pleasure and interest there is New Video. We begin with Part I of Ted’s seminar given at Musician’s Institute in 2005.
The Harmonic Vocabulary Course is an 8-page study from which I’ve chosen one particularly pertinent lesson in reference to Fly Me to the Moon. On page 8, Ted gives an example of sequences. These sequences are all diatonic cycles of 4ths. Notice how Ted used this approach to harmonize sections of Fly Me to the Moon. In fact, perhaps you will now take notice of how often this progression occurs in so many pieces of music! (especially J.S. Bach)
I have also included a page of Jazz Tags, something useful and fun for many of you, there are lots to choose from. And perchance will inspire making up some of your own!
NEW LESSONS FOR SEPTEMBER:
Harmony:
Harmonic Vocabulary – Cycle of fourths
Jazz/Blues:
Jazz Tags
Tunes:
Fly me to the Moon - (all 4 versions) Previously a version in F had been posted and will now be joined by these other versions as well.
From the Students
Fly Me to the Moon - Paul Vachon'S compilations for 4 versions:
Fly me to the Moon - Eb Simple version
Fly me to the Moon – Eb Advanced version
Fly me to the Moon – Comping Study
Fly me to the Moon – Key of E
Fly me to the Moon – Key of F “Gradual Evolvement to Solo Guitar Texture”
I hope something here brings you many hours of inspiration and enjoyment!
Barbara Franklin
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AUGUST 2009 NEWSLETTER
Summer greetings!
During the sweltering month of July, while remaining indoors with the air conditioner blasting and probably accruing a huge electric bill, I took break from my work to peruse the Forums. In our never-ending quest to seek order in the Forum Section, you might notice a few small changes. For one, I had totally forgotten that Nick Stasinos had long ago posted Ted’s 1980 Wes article. The article was recently brought to my attention through a discussion in said forums.
Therefore, I asked Dan Sindel to please post the “Wes” article on the “actual” website in the Personal Section under Articles and Interviews. Of which he so kindly obliged.
Staying on that subject for a moment, you will find Ted’s hand written 1980 Guitar Player article under the same category on the website.
One of these days we hope the Forum Section will be organized, and that the information one may seek there is readily accessible (if that is at all possible).
For something wonderful: This month brings Part3 & Part4 of Adam Stark’s video compilation of Ted’s lessons!
And….. since there has been some interest generated regarding single line playing, I have chosen material of that nature for this months lessons. Even if you are not a single line player, the theoretical knowledge is always applicable, if one wishes to study these examples.
NEW LESSONS FOR AUGUST:
Single Note:
1. ii V7 I Single Line Runs
2. Minor 7th Colors for Single Line Playing
Tunes:
1. Single Line Solo based on “It Could Happen to You”
2. Chord Melody version of “The Look of Love”
From the Students
“The Look of Love” Paul Vachon’s compilation pages and comments
I hope something here brings you many hours of inspiration and enjoyment!
Barbara Franklin
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JULY 2009 NEWSLETTER
Summer greetings!
This month’s song, “ ‘Til There Was You” was a request from Chris in the forums. It is from the fabulous musical, “The Music Man” and coincidently (?), or appropriately the story in this musical culminates on the 4th of July! Ted and I especially loved this beautiful song and the entire musical as well. So I am thrilled that Chris made this request, and hope some of you will take the opportunity to enjoy watching “The Music Man”, which offers a lot of wonderful music (“76 Trombones”, you must have heard this!) and is also quite entertaining.
Also this month…… NEW VIDEO!!! Compliments of Adam Stark. The first half of a series of lessons, beginning with Ted’s depictions of Lenny Breau’s style of playing.
In the Lessons Section, I’ve included two more fundamental studies. Ted’s unique approach to learning scales is shown here. His suggestions for learning the scales, (as noted on the lesson sheets), make them interesting and actually (hopefully) fun!
NEW LESSONS FOR JULY:
Other - Fundamentals:
1. Learning the Fingerboard - Major Scales
2. Learning the Fingerboard - Mixolydian Scales
Tunes:
‘Til There Was You
From the Students
Paul Vachon’s compilation of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me”
Ted’s chord melody version of this song was initially posted in the forums, it can now also be found in the Tunes section.
I hope something here brings you many hours of inspiration and enjoyment!
Barbara Franklin
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JUNE 2009 NEWSLETTER
Sunny summer greetings to all!
First and foremost I want to thank everyone who sent in donations to the website for your support, generosity and goodwill. These seemingly rare qualities are so desperately needed in this world, perhaps more than ever now. Qualities that I hope are generated through Ted’s website and spread worldwide.
I have had many requests for fundamental guitar knowledge. Therefore this month I have dedicated the lesson material to that area. Ted realized how differently everyone assimilated information, so he formulated many ways to learn the fingerboard. I offer several in hopes that at least one of the choices will be found appealing and useful.
In the “Lessons with Ted” video section you will find “It Had To Be You” and “Just Friends”.
The song I selected for this month, ‘High Hopes’ is one that Ted and I liked a lot, and I wanted to share the version he wrote out for me (it’s fairly easy to play). The song itself is full of optimism (especially if you know the words). It’s from the 1959 movie “A Hole in the Head”. It wasn’t such a great movie but the song is wonderful and truly the best part of the movie. I hope it’s not too “corny” for most of you. When Ted played it, I guarantee it didn’t sound corny; in fact he played it with feeling and even poignancy, and still retained a strong sense of “bouncy” optimism. At least that’s how it felt to me.
NEW LESSONS FOR JUNE:
Other - Fundamentals:
1. Learning the names of the Notes on the Fingerboard
2. Fingerboard Layout: Learning the Fingerboard through Song Fragments
3. Developing Fingerboard Sense
4. Triad Diagonals: Learning the Fingerboard through the Three Triad Diagonals - 2 Pgs.
Tunes:
“High Hopes”
From the Students
Paul Vachon’s compilations of both:
Danny Boy (Londonderry Air)
Summertime
Once again, enjoy!
Barbara Franklin
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MAY 2009 NEWSLETTER
Greetings,
What a surprise! Almost over night, popping up like Spring flowers, the interest in the Forums has suddenly doubled from last month! Truly March had some of the lowest statistics in a long time, and come April the statistics are on the way to becoming the highest ever! An amazing 1,700 views per day. I was slightly concerned but now I am so pleased that the interest in Ted’s music and lessons are indeed continuing to increase.
This month in the Video Section you will find Ted experimenting with and suggesting chords for “It’s the Talk of the Town”. Paul Vachon has generously written this out for everyone. Paul, you are the best!
Also I must draw to your attention to a bit of terminology used for the Bass Enhanced Triads lesson. Ted couldn’t abide the name “slash chords” and was still seeking something synonymous to replace it with. Here he uses the term polychords, but for future reference, on other pages (to come) he makes reference to “slash chords” using different names.
NEW LESSONS FOR APRIL :
Chords:
Moving Lines for Added Beauty and Interest
Bass Enhanced Triads - I IV V w/consonant polychords (slash chords)
Tunes:
The Look of Love
From the Students
“It’s the Talk of the Town”
(Paul Vachon’s accompaniment as shown on the new Ted lesson video for May)
Wishing you inspiration, Enjoy,
Barbara Franklin
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APRIL 2009 NEWSLETTER
Mid - Spring Greetings,
We are pleased to bring you another “Lesson with Ted” Video this month. This is Part 4 and the final installment from this particular lesson DVD. But…. there will be other lessons on DVD to come in the following months.
Just a note, sort of a curiosity, but I’ve noticed that since the “Toolbox” server had problems, the statistics for the forums dropped by about 200 views per day. Coincidence? Faulty software? Correction, as reflected by Wall Street? General depression and malaise due to the state of the world? One never knows. Jeff Stocks where are you? Well, there’s not much else to discuss, relate or amuse you this month, so I hope the new lessons and video provide something beneficial for all.
NEW LESSONS FOR APRIL :
Harmony:
Diatonic Harmonization as derived from Bass Lines - 1 Pg.
Stepwise Diatonic Bass Harmonization - 1 Pg.
Tunes:
Theme from E.T. - (Chord Melody Arrangement)
Our Love is Here to Stay - (version 2)
From the Students
Love is Here to Stay - version 1 and 2 - (compilation by Paul Vachon)
Wishing you inspiration, Enjoy,
Barbara Franklin
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MARCH 2009 NEWSLETTER
Late Winter Greetings,
Spring is just a wink away, and brings to mind J.S. Bach’s 324th Birthday. If the world lasts another three hundred years, hopefully Ted’s birthday will usher in some kind of Autumnal celebration. One never knows how one will be viewed in the far future, if at all, or to what degree time and distance will have altered the initial perception. Just take a look back into world history to grasp this concept. (which is rather Proustian)
I am trying to remain confident that Ted’s memory and music will sustain through the ages, just as Ted and I celebrated Bach’s birthday every year, paying homage to this incredible musician, by listening from our three hundred year vantage point and still finding so much inspiration.
Also this month, something to brighten a cloudy Spring day, you will discover yet another Video installment of a Lesson with Ted, once again compliments of Brian Totten.
NEW LESSONS FOR MARCH :
Chords:
New Secondary Dominants (V7’s) - 2 Pgs
Tunes:
Stella By Starlight - (Chord Melody Arrangement)
Single Note
8 Note Dominant Scale – Area 3 - 2 pgs.
From the Students
Stella By Starlight - (compilation by Paul Vachon)
Enjoy,
Barbara Franklin
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FEBRUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER
Warm Greetings in the midst of Winter,
There is a new “Lessons from Ted” video, Blues this time!!! Compliments of Brian Totten! (Thanks so very much Brian) This is the beginning of a six-part compilation, to be continued in the ensuing months. I am so pleased to be able to present these “live” lessons to everyone
Regarding the lesson material on learning the 8-note Dominant scale; Ted wrote a very thorough and in-depth explanation on this subject. You will notice that this month’s Single Line lesson material is similar to last months. These pages are a further exploration of the same concept using another area of the guitar, which Ted refers to as “Area 2”. Next month will be the 3rd and final installment on this subject and will include application.
There is much lesson material that Ted chose to elaborate on more extensively.
These lessons are all divided into several parts in order to first lay a foundation and then build upon that to gain a more thorough understanding of the concept. I believe it was Ted’s intention to present the material in this manner, in smaller doses, if you will. With respect to Ted, this is what I’ve done, and will continue to do when appropriate.
NEW LESSONS FOR JANUARY:
Harmony
Old Counterpoint Converted into Baroque Counterpoint
Tunes:
People - (Chord Melody Arrangement)
Single Note
8 Note Dominant Scale Ascending & Descending Melodic Fragments – Area 2 2 pgs.
Enjoy,
Barbara Franklin
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JANUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER
Warm Greetings for the New Year,
Towards the very end of December ’08 (for those who haven’t visited recently) some much treasured video and audio lessons were added to the website. This year we plan to have a lot more of this type of material available to everyone.
I must again express my gratitude to all of you; this is one phenomenal on-going amazing collective endeavor.
I raise my glass in praise of your efforts! Cheers!
NEW LESSONS FOR JANUARY:
Harmony
I and IV Small Triads with 2 to 1 Decoration (this may prove useful for Baroque Improvisation)
Tunes:
Our Love is Here to Stay - Gershwin
Single Note
Ascending & Descending Melodic Fragments for learning the 8 note Dominant Scale 2 pgs. (The “actual” beginning of a series I began last month with the Last Page! (oops).
Happy New Year,
Barbara Franklin
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